The Challenge of GPA Calculation

As it stands, Mamaroneck High School uses an unweighted grade-point average (GPA) on a 100-point scale to represent students’ grades for transcripts and class rankings. Unweighted means that there is no distinction given to grades in an Honors or Advanced Placement (AP) course, while a weighted GPA would add points for advanced courses. Although colleges often look past a school’s GPA system, the rankings do factor into valedictorian and salutatorian decisions at the end of senior year. Weighting students’ grades seems like it would even the playing field, but it can complicate things further. Students should be rewarded for taking challenging courses like APs and Honors, but weighting GPAs isn’t the way to do it.

Farewell Globe Seniors

Thank you to all of the graduating Globe staff for making this year’s paper possible

Farewell Globe Seniors

Thank you to all of the graduating Globe staff for making this year’s paper possible

Retiring Members of the MHS Community

 

Mr. Frasene

The 2016-2017 school year marks the last at Mamaroneck High School for a very special member of our community. Mr. Frasene has truly embraced his role as Assistant Principal, though he’s so much more than that. Often found amidst the bustling overpass, Mr. Frasene never fails to deliver a warm greeting to each and every student. His light-hearted humor and active involvement match a friendly and familiar face to his title.

The Rise of Ziggy Stardust Remembered

On June 6, 1972, Ziggy Stardust was born. In “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars”, arguably the best of David Bowie’s 25 albums, Ziggy Stardust, the androgynous, glamorous, and just overall weird alien was introduced. He was a big part of what drove so many to David Bowie. After the romantic, flowery idealism of 60’s music, 70’s rock introduced a darker, lavish, debauched period of both music and stars, David Bowie being one of the characters at the helm. Ziggy was someone that both all and none could relate to. He represented the very meaning of being an outcast, of not being able to find your place in society, a big theme in that times youth. He characterized this glittery, untouchable character, an alien, who dressed in clothes that weren’t at all in accordance with the traditional view of masculinity, but also weren’t quite feminine. He was bisexual, inspiring a very bicurious generation. He was not afraid to be himself, or so it appeared. Of course, keeping up a flawless character is never easy. David Bowie was said to live on “milk, peppers and cocaine” and weighed just 95 pounds.

And naturally, it wasn’t just the character that attracted people to Bowie. The music was the first of its kind, that of “glam-rock”. It was more about the feeling of the music than the music itself. Even Bowie himself said that he was never an outstandingly good singer, but lucky for him, audiences saw behind that into the emotions of the songs and the lyrics. David Bowie also has some really beautiful lyrics, such as, “Oh no, love! You’re not alone /You’re watching yourself, but you’re too unfair /You got your head all tangled up, but if I could only make you care” from “Rock ‘n Roll Suicide” and “And lady stardust sang his songs/Of darkness and disgrace” from “Lady Stardust” (and those are only examples from “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars”!). The album was one of those rare albums that really captured the feel of the time. The hope and desire for more in “Star”, and the anger and passion of “Rock ‘n Roll Suicide” really give you a look into the early ’70’s. Many songs spoke eloquently about the social and global issues of that time. In “Suffragette City”, Bowie sang about the rise of feminism, and how there was no going back on it now (in a positive way, of course). “Five Years” is about the ending of our planet (eerily foretelling the worries about global warming of today), saying “News guy wept and told us/Earth, was really dying”, and using this to emphasize that life is short, so you have to be impulsive!

My personal favorite on the album is “Starman,” which talks about Bowie’s belief that there is a God out there, and that we do have a plan in life. A lot of songs during this time were steeped in existential crisis, so this provides a refreshing change. It also has a beautiful, sweeping chorus that is easy to sing along to.

This album and the character of Ziggy Stardust really embodied the early seventies, and the fact that weird can be cool, untraditional can be hip, and that the best thing to be is yourself.

Twin peaks Returns In Triumph

Twin Peaks was one of the most iconic shows of the late 20th century. Running for two seasons in the early 90s, it redefined the boundaries of artistic surrealism in television. David Lynch and Mark Frost, the creators and writers of Twin Peaks, created a beautiful world of mystery and drama, unlike any television show before it. The show was beloved by many, but its original run was sadly cut short. Much of the show’s devoted fanbase craved a resolution to the original run’s open ending, and rumors of the show’s return were constant. The show’s return was finally announced in 2014, and after a long period of casting, filming, and marketing, Twin Peaks: The Return aired on May 21, 2017.

PWR BTTM Bottoms Out

On May 12, 2017, the increasingly popular band PWR BTTM was slated to release their sophomore album, Pagaent. Glowing reviews were already pouring in, from reputable sources such as the New York Times and other publications. Founded by Liv Bruce and Ben Hopkins, the band seemed certain to break out. All of this changed, however, when allegations of sexual assault surfaced online.

College Commencement Speeches

On May 22nd Vice-President Mike Pence was scheduled to give a commencement speech for the graduating class of 2017 of University of Notre Dame. He was a reasonable choice to address the South Bend University, as he was the former governor of Indiana. While his high-ranking position commands a certain amount of authority and credibility, some graduates decided to walk out during his speech as a protest for some of his polarizing views. The students were not disruptive to the ceremony as they walked out quietly and quickly, but this powerful protest still made news headlines. The graduation ceremony is an event that is coveted in the world of higher education, so to walk out during such a momentous time was an act of courage.

“Smorgasburg” Comes to Mamaroneck High School

On Monday June 5, Mamaroneck High School students were surprised by the presence of food trucks in the senior lot. Students came running out of their classes to get in line for the fries from Fryborg and the fried Oreos and mac and cheese from the 3 Li’l Little BBQ trucks. The same happened on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, with trucks from Mac Truck NYC, Crazy Taco-Mex, Superlicious NYC, Chicken Joes, and Kona Ice pulling into the parking lot. Since banning bake sales in 2014, this was the first time Mamaroneck High School has been allowed to sell food to raise money. Ali James, Vice President of the current sophomore class, proposed this idea as a way to fundraise for future proms and other school events. So far, it has been very successful, raising over $…. in just the first week. The Globe interviewed Ali about the project and goals.

The Globe Bids Farewell to Outgoing Editors-in-Chief Renner and Mollin

 

        The Globe staff of 2016-2017 excelled under the leadership of Emily Renner and Jack Mollin, two of the three Editors-in-Chief for this school year. Their dedication to the paper was shown through their conscientious attitudes and time commitment, both of which made a strong impression on the entire Globe staff.

Original Science Researchers Novick and Katz Excel in Graduating Class

Rebecca Novick and Andrew Katz, this year’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian, have completed their high school careers with great successes both inside and outside of academics.

Ms. Cannavo is New Assistant Principal

Next fall, Mamaroneck High School will be welcoming Lina Cannavò as the school’s newest Assistant Principal. She is set to begin the position on July 1, 2017. The decision was announced at the May 3rd Board of Education meeting by Assistant Superintendent Carol Priore, who noted that “the hiring committee was struck by [Ms. Cannavò’s] positive energy and warmth.”

Gym Renovations Start: Widescale Construction on Locker Rooms and Weight Room

The white barricade walls started popping up in May, with locked, windowless doors reading “KEEP OUT”. Wire fences bearing the same message were erected around parts of the building, and PE classes were relocated entirely. The process of renovation may appear secretive, but in an expedition with the Globe, Project Manager Stephen Brugge shared the inside story behind those construction walls.

Second Time Around: The Revival Of Classic Disney Movies

Photo courtesy of Enwikipedia

No matter where you are from, chances are the magical fantasy worlds of Disney movies are some of your earliest childhood memories. From princesses to lovable talking animals, these “classics” are a staple in America’s storytelling culture. They are the epitome of childhood, our first inauguration into the realm of fantasy.

DAMN, The Powerful Fourth Album By Kendrick Lamar

Photo courtesy of Rolling Stone

The release of a Kendrick Lamar album is truly a monumental moment in the music world. Over multiple albums, Kendrick Lamar has defined himself as the greatest rapper of his generation, and potentially his generation’s greatest artist. He broke onto the mainstream with 2012’s Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City, a concept album about his childhood, with an overarching theme of his home town, Compton.

Coachella Lights Up The Festival Scene

Photo courtesy of Billboard

Coachella is the premiere music festival in America, boasting an eclectic lineup across a multitude of genres with unique artists that don’t normally tour in festival settings, impeccable organization from the staff, and not to mention the in-your-face culture of being at the festival of the year. This year, headliners included Radiohead, Lady Gaga, and Kendrick Lamar, as well as Lorde, Travis Scott, and Mac Miller.

Varsity Softball Eyes Section Title

Photo courtesy of Mamaroneck Softball: The varsity softball team is having a remarkable season.

Building upon a successful end to last season, with the team making the section semifinals before losing, Mamaroneck Varsity Softball has sprung to a hot start to their season. With their new coach, Susan Hannon, the Tigers were going into this season unaware of what to expect.

Boys Track Sets New Record in Relay

Photo courtesy of Mamaroneck Schools: Mamaroneck track celebrates their victory

Records, as the common proverb says, are meant to be shattered. This past week, one of the fastest records at Mamaroneck High School was shattered. Sam Morton, Papa Diop, Jack Spiridellis, and Will Young (all ’17) set a brand new school record for the 4x800m relay.

Sergio Garcia Wins the Masters

The Taylormade golf ball with a little “10” on it moves with the grains of the green and starts to break to the left. Jim Nantz, the CBS commentator quietly whispers,“ And after so many years…” The ball continues to break to the left and finally, with the screams and sounds of excitement rising in the background, it sneaks in the hole on the very left side for Sergio’s birdie and win on the 73rd hole of the Masters. “Once and for all for Sergio!” shouts Jim Nantz into the microphone.

Web Exclusive: Meet the Candidates!

Student council elections are Monday through Wednesday this week! Check out The Globe’s first-ever “Meet the Candidates” lineup to know what each candidate is all about. Note: this is not the final list of candidates. Only candidates whom we received information from are included in this. Ballots on the day of election may differ.