This was our third issue of the Knightly News for the 2010-2011 school year. See your name in print. Don’t forget to send material for the next issue to RPrywes@mtvernoncsd.org.

Mount Vernon Central School District, N. Y.

Angela Addesso, Sylvia Allen, Andrene Bonner, Jeff Corsello, Desiree Grand, Ted Jenkins,

Jason Pritchett, Robin Prywes, Editor

Knightly NewsCommunications & Media Arts CommitteeMVTV + Knightly News + MVNet

Rebuilding the Future of Mount Vernon High School

Issue #7- April 2011

by having a Black History Month assembly while recognizing the honor roll called “On a Roll” back in

February. He was introduced to the parents on Parent-Teacher Conference night.

“I want to celebrate everybody, and by doing this I will unify the school,” says Mr. Gonzalez. Origi-nally a New York City school teacher, campus dean, and assistant principal,

Mr. Gonzalez hopes to establish a foundation, starting from

the high school, which will revolutionize the academic system of not only Mount Ver-non High School but New York and the United States.

Another part of his “Re-Beautification”

(continued on page 3)

Three months after becoming the principal of Mount Vernon High School, it seems that Mr. Ronald Gonzalez is fully aware of the mission he wants to pursue and the future he wants to build for not only the student body, but the entire district. To many, it seems strange that he is the first principal who chooses not to address the students by grade level. This is part of his “Re-Beautification” plan for the school.

“I want to get to know the students inside and out by personally meeting with groups of students,” Mr. Gonzalez says. “This interaction will cause the students to act positively in the school.” No doubt, that extra interaction will create a positive vibe in the student body. This is only one part of his multi step plan. He was first introduced to the student body of the high school

Chemical Engineer and MIT Grad Presents to MVHS Science Club

The Mount Vernon High School Science Club Go Green Gang was fortunate enough to have chemi-cal engineer and MIT graduate, Robert D. Jones, give a presentation to the Green Gang on Tuesday February 8th. Mr. Jones is married to proud Mount Vernon High School and MIT graduate D’Juanna White. That afternoon, in Mr. Calhoun’s chemistry class, people munched on an array of snacks as Mr. Jones spoke to the science club and faculty guests. He was extremely enlightening and motivational. Mr. Jones was kind enough to answer questions re-garding his experiences as an MIT student and what it really takes to be an engineer. Mr. Jones met his best friend, Robert Satcher, at MIT many years ago. Mr. Satcher just happens to be one of the astronauts who participated in a November 16th launch at the International Space Station. Mr. Jones made his own documentary counting down to the launch date, including the time Mr. Satcher spent in space. The documentary also included NASA foot-age, illustrating the intricate repairs that were done on the Space Station, the daunting take-off and land-ing, and some of the reactions of Mr. Satcher’s fam-ily and close friends. Everyone was captivated by the video. Even those who were not considering a career in engineering were interested in the video. Student Daniel McCarthy wants to be an engineer and said that the presentation and video taught him that he has

to work much harder and excel in his studies to fulfill his dreams. He feels it is very possible, considering a scientist like Mr. Jones and his wife had similar challenges and aspirations. “They’ve all reached for the stars, and then he got to actually be among them. I don’t know. I mean if he did it, then I definitely can.”The science club continues to branch into the diverse areas of science as we continue to expose ourselves to new things. A world of possibilities continues to open up for those of us in the science club. It is still open to any willing student who is enthusiastic about science. Our Shredathon took place this March to help jump start our attempt to save the Earth with our recycling program. A recycling program at MVHS is coming soon! The science club would also like to thank Ms. Fantini for introducing Mr. Jones to us.

Anne-Marcelle Ngabirano, reporter

Sacrifice

A wish upon death is one’s life banished Never returning but to the depths of hell When one is sacrificed the one who proposed The wish goes with them with no regret.

Having revenge on the poor soul that had mercy And light gets blame for becoming the weak or Helpless bringing upon pain and suffering To them and those around them with no Chance of proving their innocence.

When one’s soul is filled with insanity, hatred, jealousy, Greed and above all else no forgive-ness they send one The one they love or hate to the darkness with the untying Of a red string their life and the life of their love is gone Leaving an empty shell symbolizing their body behind Just cold and breathless swallowed in dark-ness…isn’t that sad?

Will Benitez, poet

Rebuilding the Future of Mount Vernon High School (cont.)

plan is his hope to give examples of leadership and encouragement so that students may work harder and do their best. He also wants to re-establish many extra curricular activities, such as the music and art programs, and they will be celebrated throughout the school.

But the question left asking is: How will the tyranny of specific student groups stop? Mr. Gonzales plans to reorganize staff members who may overlook the tyranny as well as hire a second dean to handle half the school to help keep order. He also has a watch-ful eye over the school, which gives him the abil-ity to check up on each and every student through an organized system he has established. “If I find a problem with a student on my system (such as low grade average) I will personally address the student and the teacher to find the problem, no matter what the cause.”

R.T.Foster, Reporter

The Story of A StoryInterviewer: Abigail Haughton

Fascinating things are happening around our school but they fail to be highlighted. Many students have extraordinary talents that are not acknowledged on a daily basis. One such student is Cailen Jimenez, a 12th grader who enjoys writing and is in the process of publishing her first novel. I guess many of you were not aware of this because scholastic achieve-ment is underrated. I had the opportunity to speak with Cailen about her passion for reading and writ-ing. Now you will have an insight into some of the positive things that are happening in our school community. This interview will take you on an incredible journey into the mind of this passionate young writer.

Abigail: Do you specialize in writing in a particular genre?

Cailen: Writing unusual fantasies are a passion of mine but I’ve been told that my stories take very odd turns into the imaginary.

Abigail: At what point did you know you wanted to become an author and when did you start writing?

Cailen: From the first grade, I knew I liked writing but it took me 5 years to realize that it was truly my calling. From writing my first story in the 6th grade, I couldn’t stop.

Abigail: Tell us about this program. How did you get involved? How can others become involved in this program?

Cailen: NaNoWriMo is a radical challenge that I decided to do on a whim. It’s very simple for one to get started. All you have to do is register on the site and update your word count everyday.

Abigail: How has your community influenced your writing?

Cailen: To my luck, I was able to come across the “undercover artists” in Mt.Vernon. Many teachers also offered their support and also gave me feedback. They’ve inspired me to become a writing teacher where I can also share that inspiration.

Abigail: When do you write? Do you have any rituals?

Cailen: While writing, I became somewhat obsessive. Although it was bad, it was also funny at the same time. I had to have tea out of a certain cup and also sit at my computer in a particular way.

Abigail: What are the main themes in this story?

Cailen: Finding yourself and believing in the unbe-lievable. As Pablo Picasso said, “Everything you can imagine is real.” This quote gives a perfect descriptionof the story as well as my life.

Abigail: Can you give a brief description of the characters and your feelings towards them?

Cailen: Oh! I absolutely fell in love with them. They were like my children. Their growth throughout the novel was beautiful yet painful. I cried for hours when the story ended. Their personalities contrast in the funniest, loveliest ways. One certain character is a total brat but she’s also cute which makes it okay.

Another one is completely silent, very wise, but passively funny. The most familiar character is a typical teen to which the most unexpected things happen.

Abigail: Do you plan to pursue writing as a career?

Cailen: Absolutely. For me, it’s unimaginable to have a cubical job. I have to surround myself with what I love.

Abigail: Do you have family support in this field?

Cailen: Yes. My parents were surprisingly support-ive. I expected them to be skeptics or worry that I was wasting my time but it actually turned out to be the total opposite.

Abigail: Do you have any anxieties about publish-ing your story? How do you feel about sharing your characters with the world?

Cailen: To be completely honest, it was intimidating. This story was initially written for me but I love my ideas and work no matter what anybody else says. It will be published as soon as my best friend gives me her “final judgment.”

Abigail: Who are your influences?

Cailen: Neil Gaiman-he is perpetually dreaming. Laurie Halse Anderson - she speaks without fear. Most of all, Francesca Lia Block- she is a winged creature. The stories that consume me are the whim-sical, dark twisted ones.

Abigail: What advice would you give to a student who is interested in writing?

Cailen: I believe that this mantra I made for myself will be very helpful: “A goodwriter has something to say, and a great writer says it.” Interviewer: Abigail Haughton is an 11th grade honor student who plans to study law. She enjoys reading, writing, and listening to music.

French Class NewsThe French classes were involved in the National French Competition on March 2, 2011. About 100,000 students across the U.S competed in the competition. Sixteen students from Mount Vernon High School, levels 1, 2, and 3, competed. For eight of the last nine years, Mount Vernon has had someone in the top 10. All students receive a certificate for participating and the top 10 winners receive prizes. Results for this year will be announced towards the end of April.

Recently, the French classes had a bake sale to send money to Japan and Haiti to help with relief after the devastating tragedies which struck those places. Money raised ($170) will be sent to aid these countries.

On April 15th there will be a trip for 30 students to see a new French film and have lunch at a French café. In English, this film is titled “5 Brothers.” It has just been released in France.

Akera Bennett, reporter

Rebuilding the Future of Mount Vernon High School (cont.)

plan is his hope to give examples of leadership and encouragement so that students may work harder and do their best. He also wants to re-establish many extra curricular activities, such as the music and art programs, and they will be celebrated throughout the school.

But the question left asking is: How will the tyranny of specific student groups stop? Mr. Gonzalez plans to reorganize staff members who may overlook the tyranny as well as hire a second dean to handle half the school to help keep order. He also has a watch-ful eye over the school, which gives him the abil-ity to check up on each and every student through an organized system he has established. “If I find a problem with a student on my system (such as low grade average) I will personally address the student and the teacher to find the problem, no matter what the cause.”

R.T.Foster, Reporter

The Story of A StoryInterviewer: Abigail Haughton

Fascinating things are happening around our school but they fail to be highlighted. Many students have extraordinary talents that are not acknowledged on a daily basis. One such student is Cailen Jimenez, a 12th grader who enjoys writing and is in the process of publishing her first novel. I guess many of you were not aware of this because scholastic achieve-ment is underrated. I had the opportunity to speak with Cailen about her passion for reading and writ-ing. Now you will have an insight into some of the positive things that are happening in our school community. This interview will take you on an incredible journey into the mind of this passionate young writer.

Abigail: Do you specialize in writing in a particular genre?

Cailen: Writing unusual fantasies are a passion of mine but I’ve been told that my stories take very odd turns into the imaginary.

Abigail: At what point did you know you wanted to become an author and when did you start writing?

Cailen: From the first grade, I knew I liked writing but it took me 5 years to realize that it was truly my calling. From writing my first story in the 6th grade, I couldn’t stop.

Abigail: Tell us about this program. How did you get involved? How can others become involved in this program?

Cailen: NaNoWriMo is a radical challenge that I decided to do on a whim. It’s very simple for one to get started. All you have to do is register on the site and update your word count everyday.

Abigail: How has your community influenced your writing?

Cailen: To my luck, I was able to come across the “undercover artists” in Mt.Vernon. Many teachers also offered their support and also gave me feedback. They’ve inspired me to become a writing teacher where I can also share that inspiration.

Abigail: When do you write? Do you have any rituals?

Cailen: While writing, I became somewhat obsessive. Although it was bad, it was also funny at the same time. I had to have tea out of a certain cup and also sit at my computer in a particular way.

Abigail: What are the main themes in this story?

Cailen: Finding yourself and believing in the unbe-lievable. As Pablo Picasso said, “Everything you can imagine is real.” This quote gives a perfect descriptionof the story as well as my life.

Abigail: Can you give a brief description of the characters and your feelings towards them?

Cailen: Oh! I absolutely fell in love with them. They were like my children. Their growth throughout the novel was beautiful yet painful. I cried for hours when the story ended. Their personalities contrast in the funniest, loveliest ways. One certain character is a total brat but she’s also cute which makes it okay.

Another one is completely silent, very wise, but passively funny. The most familiar character is a typical teen to which the most unexpected things happen.

Abigail: Do you plan to pursue writing as a career?

Cailen: Absolutely. For me, it’s unimaginable to have a cubical job. I have to surround myself with what I love.

Abigail: Do you have family support in this field?

Cailen: Yes. My parents were surprisingly support-ive. I expected them to be skeptics or worry that I was wasting my time but it actually turned out to be the total opposite.

Abigail: Do you have any anxieties about publish-ing your story? How do you feel about sharing your characters with the world?

Cailen: To be completely honest, it was intimidating. This story was initially written for me but I love my ideas and work no matter what anybody else says. It will be published as soon as my best friend gives me her “final judgment.”

Abigail: Who are your influences?

Cailen: Neil Gaiman-he is perpetually dreaming. Laurie Halse Anderson - she speaks without fear. Most of all, Francesca Lia Block- she is a winged creature. The stories that consume me are the whim-sical, dark twisted ones.

Abigail: What advice would you give to a student who is interested in writing?

Cailen: I believe that this mantra I made for myself will be very helpful: “A goodwriter has something to say, and a great writer says it.” Interviewer: Abigail Haughton is an 11th grade honor student who plans to study law. She enjoys reading, writing, and listening to music.

French Class NewsThe French classes were involved in the National French Competition on March 2, 2011. About 100,000 students across the U.S competed in the competition. Sixteen students from Mount Vernon High School, levels 1, 2, and 3, competed. For eight of the last nine years, Mount Vernon has had someone in the top 10. All students receive a certificate for participating and the top 10 winners receive prizes. Results for this year will be announced towards the end of April.

Recently, the French classes had a bake sale to send money to Japan and Haiti to help with relief after the devastating tragedies which struck those places. Money raised ($170) will be sent to aid these countries.

On April 15th there will be a trip for 30 students to see a new French film and have lunch at a French café. In English, this film is titled “5 Brothers.” It has just been released in France.

Akera Bennett, reporter

This was our third issue of the Knightly News for the 2010-2011 school year. See your name in print. Don’t forget to send material for the next issue to RPrywes@mtvernoncsd.org.

Mount Vernon Central School District, N. Y.

Angela Addesso, Sylvia Allen, Andrene Bonner, Jeff Corsello, Desiree Grand, Ted Jenkins,

Jason Pritchett, Robin Prywes, Editor

Knightly NewsCommunications & Media Arts CommitteeMVTV + Knightly News + MVNet

Rebuilding the Future of Mount Vernon High School

Issue #7- April 2011

by having a Black History Month assembly while recognizing the honor roll called “On a Roll” back in

February. He was introduced to the parents on Parent-Teacher Conference night.

“I want to celebrate everybody, and by doing this I will unify the school,” says Mr. Gonzales. Origi-nally a New York City school teacher, campus dean, and assistant principal,

Mr. Gonzales hopes to establish a foundation, starting from

the high school, which will revolutionize the academic system of not only Mount Ver-non High School but New York and the United States.

Another part of his “Re-Beautification”

(continued on page 3)

Three months after becoming the principal of Mount Vernon High School, it seems that Mr. Ronald Gonzales is fully aware of the mission he wants to pursue and the future he wants to build for not only the student body, but the entire district. To many, it seems strange that he is the first principal who chooses not to address the students by grade level. This is part of his “Re-Beautification” plan for the school.

“I want to get to know the students inside and out by personally meeting with groups of students,” Mr. Gonzales says. “This interaction will cause the students to act positively in the school.” No doubt, that extra interaction will create a positive vibe in the student body. This is only one part of his multi step plan. He was first introduced to the student body of the high school

Chemical Engineer and MIT Grad Presents to MVHS Science Club

The Mount Vernon High School Science Club Go Green Gang was fortunate enough to have chemi-cal engineer and MIT graduate, Robert D. Jones, give a presentation to the Green Gang on Tuesday February 8th. Mr. Jones is married to proud Mount Vernon High School and MIT graduate D’Juanna White. That afternoon, in Mr. Calhoun’s chemistry class, people munched on an array of snacks as Mr. Jones spoke to the science club and faculty guests. He was extremely enlightening and motivational. Mr. Jones was kind enough to answer questions re-garding his experiences as an MIT student and what it really takes to be an engineer. Mr. Jones met his best friend, Robert Satcher, at MIT many years ago. Mr. Satcher just happens to be one of the astronauts who participated in a November 16th launch at the International Space Station. Mr. Jones made his own documentary counting down to the launch date, including the time Mr. Satcher spent in space. The documentary also included NASA foot-age, illustrating the intricate repairs that were done on the Space Station, the daunting take-off and land-ing, and some of the reactions of Mr. Satcher’s fam-ily and close friends. Everyone was captivated by the video. Even those who were not considering a career in engineering were interested in the video. Student Daniel McCarthy wants to be an engineer and said that the presentation and video taught him that he has

to work much harder and excel in his studies to fulfill his dreams. He feels it is very possible, considering a scientist like Mr. Jones and his wife had similar challenges and aspirations. “They’ve all reached for the stars, and then he got to actually be among them. I don’t know. I mean if he did it, then I definitely can.”The science club continues to branch into the diverse areas of science as we continue to expose ourselves to new things. A world of possibilities continues to open up for those of us in the science club. It is still open to any willing student who is enthusiastic about science. Our Shredathon took place this March to help jump start our attempt to save the Earth with our recycling program. A recycling program at MVHS is coming soon! The science club would also like to thank Ms. Fantini for introducing Mr. Jones to us.

Anne-Marcelle Ngabirano, reporter

Sacrifice

A wish upon death is one’s life banished Never returning but to the depths of hell When one is sacrificed the one who proposed The wish goes with them with no regret.

Having revenge on the poor soul that had mercy And light gets blame for becoming the weak or Helpless bringing upon pain and suffering To them and those around them with no Chance of proving their innocence.

When one’s soul is filled with insanity, hatred, jealousy, Greed and above all else no forgive-ness they send one The one they love or hate to the darkness with the untying Of a red string their life and the life of their love is gone Leaving an empty shell symbolizing their body behind Just cold and breathless swallowed in dark-ness…isn’t that sad?

Will Benitez, poet