Despite the 14-1 losing streak during the ‘08 softball season, the girls worked hard this season to show what they are really made of.

“I feel we have a strong young team, and we play more experienced teams, but we came together and became closer than friends, which helps make a stronger team,” said freshmen outfielder Jamie Lepard.

With impeccable comradery, the girls have made an enormous comeback this year. Heading into the playoffs, the Dragons were tied for 4th place, out of eight Staten Island public schools, with nine wins and eight losses .

On April 27th, the Dragons put up a fight against the Tottenville Pirates.

Although the Pirates scored two runs in the first inning, the Dragons didn’t give up. Antoinette Galbo ripped an RBI triple in the third inning to get the girls on the move for an 8-2 trail after Tottenville. Although Galbo’s hit got the girls going, they lost 18-2.

With a loss on their shoulders the Dragons still gave it their all in their next game against MSIT.

Third basemen, junior Briana Kohm hit a blast over the left field fence for a three run homer. Unfortunately, the girls still walked away with a loss. But the girls didn’t stop there.

The Dragons gave Tottenville another run for their money. However, this plan back fired when the girls h a experineced a tragic loss with a score of 9-0 in their second game against Tottenville.

“Not that the team is lacking in either, but defense is always the struggle because I believe defense is the most important part of the game. Defense wins games. When your opponent can’t score, you can’t lose. We will face a variety of good pitchers, and I believe our offense will score runs, but the challenge, I believe, is always making the right plays and shutting down the other Staten Island teams,” stated coach Rosario Miano.

After hitting a little speed bump in their defense, the girls put on their game faces in their game against Petrides on May 5th. The Dragons exhaled fire for an outstanding victory over the Panthers, 20-0.

“This entire year has been such huge improvement, and our team spirit is so strong, especially since we’re looking at a spot in the playoffs.

The 20-0 victory over Petrides is just one game, but it shows how powerful we can be in the field and on the bench supporting each other and working towards our goals,” explained Captain Kristina Sanzone.

After several rainy days, the girls were back in action on May 8th against New Dorp. New Dorp scored three runs in the first inning. Although there were still 6 innings left, that’s all New Dorp Needed. The Dragons lost 3-1.

Picking themselves up from another downfall, the girls walked away with stunning victories their next two games against Petrides 18-6 and New Utrecht 20-16.

Next, two more losses against Port Richmond, and it was time for the biggest game of the season, the game that would determine the future of the team.

After all the anticipation, it seemed that Captain Sazone knew what her team was capable of doing.

Scoring an amazing nine runs, the girls went on to defeat Curtis 12-11 and advance into the playoffs, their first ever.

“I believe the difference in any game, especially when we play these tough Staten Island teams is making plays. The teams that win this time of the year are the teams that believe they can make plays, and then get on the field and get it done. I believe that we’ll make those plays,” continued Mr. Miano.

On May 28th, the Dragons versed Stuyvesant High School in their first ‘09 playoff game.

The girls started off with a fantastic lead in the first inning, scoring 2 runs against Stuyvesant. The mood in the air was intense, as the girls didn’t allow Stuyvesant to score a run until the third inning.

Putting the ball to the barrel, short stop Antoinette Galbo, captain and pitcher Corinne Fairlie and third baseman Briana Kohm all hit triples, giving the Dragons an astonishing victory with a score of 10-5.

In the second round of playoffs, the Dragons made their way to Brooklyn to play James Madison High School.

Holding the second seeded team until the fifth inning 0-0, the game ended with a 11-0 win for Madison.

Although the girls lost, they made hitory by being the first CSI/McCown team to make it to playoffs

Hopefully next season, the team will take the title as New York City Champions.

The Dragons continue to put their best claw forward in climbing the ladder to being one of the best teams on Staten Island.

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As a young team this season was as positive as it could be. All freshman and sophomores with the exception of one senior, and one junior the Lady Dragons’ are the youngest varsity team on the Island and are a force to be reckoned with in the near future.

The girls’ finished the season with a record of 1-11-0 and played exceptionally hard in all of their games. Senior, Briana Kohm, was a key player in the girls success this year, not only on the scoreboard, but with her varsity playing experience as a source of advice for many of the girls’ .

“Being the only senior, I was able to offer knowledge to the team, while gaining knowledge from the team as well,” said Kohm.

One of the sound traits of the Lady Dragons was their phenomenal defense. When the girls faced Petrides, one of the best shooting teams on the Island, they held them to only 52 points as the Panthers average 66 points per game and a high score of 75. The girls lost by eight in their efforts against Petrides but gained more than any win could on their season record, it gained them the knowledge and experience of playing sound team defense and the outcome and power of what it can do.

Likewise, on January 11, the girls’ versed New Dorp for the second time this season and made drastic improvements on the scoreboard. With great offense the girls’ were able to place their second highest score total at 38 points and keep the point spread at 21.

Yet, on January 21, the girls were determined to get their first win of the season. As soon as the Raiders stepped into the gym, the Lady Dragons’ knew it was time for business.

With a blow out first quarter at 11-5 in favor of the Dragons, the girls’ showed more heart and attentiveness then they did the whole season.

Sophomore Jennifer Carullo paired with Erin Kohm to make four three point shots in the first half. Freshmen Taylor Briggs and Danielle Kearney of McCown paired for six quick 2nd quarter points, which led the Dragons Briana Kohm to a quick 4 point 4 rebound surge late in the 2nd.

Sophomore Erin Kohm led the Dragons at half with 11 points, as the Dragons were up 25-16. The Dragons cruised through the rest of the night to win with a final score of 48-44.

The Lady Dragons’ will all return next year for another season of play with the exception of one player, Briana Kohm. Unlike every other team on the Island, the Dragons will have had a season to “themselves” and will return with a better, smarter team next season.

“My girls are working hard each and every day. We are getting better as a team, and we are looking forward to making a name for ourselves in the near future,” said Coach Nicole Stefanski.

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Three restaurants that are sure to make all couples fall in love are Buddha Lounge, Angelina’s, and Bistro. All located here on Staten Island, these three locations were chosen because of their food, atmosphere and elegance.

Buddha Lounge is filled with romantic and exotic décor. The lighting is dim and the seating is comfortable, but to make it more romantic, there is a balcony for you and your lover to sit under the stars and eat your meals. This Japanese restaurant has a Manhattan feel and a fun atmosphere for everyone.

“The atmosphere was very nice. It was a nice change in pace from what’s normally on Staten Island,” said Mathematics teacher Ms. Lillliana Vendra.

Along with many delicious meals, fresh sushi is one of the top choices on the menu, but this Valentine’s Day there is a special four course meal you are sure to enjoy. Since most entrées start at around $25, if you are looking for a nice fancy, expensive experience this is definitely the restaurant for you. Located at 2945 Veterans Rd. in West Charleston Buddha Lounge has both the atmosphere and food to set the mood.

If you don’t want sushi, Bistro, an Italian style restaurant might be the place. The restaurant sets the mood for couples looking to take a load off their feet and relax. Soft coloring of the walls, a beautiful setting, and a candle light dinner makes this restaurant special and romantic.

“The way we cater is special and romantic. We have dancing, corner tables away from others, and entertainment. We also have a special band playing romantic music for Valentines Day and a special menu,” said owner Anthony Figuccio.

This restaurant is always a full house on Valentine’s Day, and a good reason may be the specialty dish, lobster. With their special A La Carte menu for Valentine’s Day entrée prices usually start at about $21. Located at 2561 Hylan Blvd. this restaurant will be sure to start some sparks.

The third restaurant, Angelina’s, has an extraordinary ambiance, wonderful atmosphere and live music. The most romantic part of this restaurant is that it’s right on the water and is a perfect spot to watch the sunset with your loved one. This vivacious restaurant has a special four course meal Valentine’s Day special which includes veal chop risotto with porcini mushrooms for $59. Angelina’s is located at 399 Ellis Street and is an outstanding spot for you and your date to enjoy some peaceful romance.

“Angelina’s is a fun place infused with exceptional food,” said owner Angelina.

We all want this Valentine’s Day to be special for the ones we love, so why not take them to one of these special places.

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Sonia Rykiel, the “Queen of Knits,” began designing in 1962 when she was pregnant and unable to find any soft sweaters. Rykiel, who recently made an appearance on NYCTV’s, Video Fashion Daily, explained how her knitted approach is both fresh and elegant. Her style is depicted throughout her numerous embellished studded and sequin belts, wrapped over tailored knitted cardigans and dresses.

According to The Fashion Book, published by Phaidon Book Company, Rykiel states how she loves knit because it is “very magical, and sophisticated enough for the evening.” A shimmering Sonia Rykiel dress was worn by Kate Bosworth at the Grand Palais in Paris, celebrating Rykiel’s new lingerie collection for H&M. February 20, 2010, will mark the release of a second collection featuring an iconic knitwear collection for women and girls as well as playful accessories. After all, frivolity is a major theme this season. According to Nathalie Rykiel, president and artistic director of Sonia Rykiel, “The world is tough and you just have to have fun. Play around with your clothes in a way that’s different.”

Bright stripes, colorful scarves, 70’s style frizzy hair, and neon heels are also crucial to this coming season. According to style.com, Rykiel also hit the current idea of the big soft fun fur as a huge bubble of color; in her case, baby pink, purple knitted fox or teal-blue Mongolian lamb. During Paris Fashion Week, Sonia Rykiel showed her own collection for next spring.

There, she displayed gorgeous ruffled dresses in vintage floral and polka dot prints. By the time three models vamped their way down the elevated runway in metallic silver-and-black striped sweaters and skirts, it was inevitable that this seasons clothing was boisterous yet couture. Rykiel’s smocked dresses had a 70’s vibe, while crystal-strewn knit dresses mirrored the embellishment on her popular Domino bag. The seasons slogan read garçon manqué, which means tomboy, which was inspired by Rykiel’s tree climbing youth.

“Sonia Rykiel’s dresses are unique, but some girls are able to pull off her designs better than others,”said junior Danielle Ianazzi.

However, Ennio Capasa, the “mix of couture and the street,” is very different from Rykiel. His elegance is depicted throughout his use of toned down colors and sheer fabrics. His moment in fashion is used to open minds, and create fashion diversity in the future. According to Capasa, “Open backs, royal blue and black, and the mixture of dresses and high boots” is very important to him. Ennio Capasa is the creator of Costume National, the Italian fashion house he founded in 1986. He is now an internationally renowned designer label, famous for his subtle shapes, dark tones and sartorial detail.

“Capasa and Rykiel are both very different, but they both have a style in which I enjoy. I would wear Sonia Rykiel if I were going to a party or a club, but I would wear Capasa if I were going to a white tie affair, or an elegant event,” said senior Samantha Wong.

Both elegance and fun are essential to the fashion industry. So remember ladies, peace, love, Sonia Rykiel and Ennio Capasa.

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The team has faced many obstacles, but they always gave it their best effort and now they are fighting to be first place.

As of now the Dragon wrestling team is tied for first with Forest Hills High School. Even though they lost to Forest Hills they still have a chance to take the division title.

With the loss against Forest Hills High School the team was pushed to defeat anyone who stood in their way.

First up was a grapple with Erasmus High School. And the Dragons went back to business earning their sixth win.

“I’m very excited about their win. It was important to get a win after having our first loss.” said Coach Miano, who leads a strenuous practice with our wrestlers everyday.

The team shows up to every meet with only one thing in mind: winning.

“Our team works hard as usual and it shows. I am proud that I won because I go to practice everyday just like my teammates, that’s why we win, because we work hard,” said sophomore Sher Mohammad.

The wins did not stop at the meet against Erasmus. The team went on to win against Boys and Girls High School 24-12, and Benjamin N. Cardozo High School 30- 18.

As is often the case, when things are going well, they tend to keep going that way. Winning breeds confidence.

“In the ring when a wrestler is in his zone, all other sounds are blocked out. We showed them that skill beats strength,” said freshman Matthew Vainshtein. “Pain is temporary, pride is forever,”.

Come support our Dragons as they continue to wrestle their way to the top.

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Being an international school, we have many people that celebrate fun holidays, but we mostly acknowledge Christmas. But what about the other holidays such as Hanukkah or Kwanzaa?

Have they been pushed aside? Definitely not. The tree outside the main office will be decorated to represent each.

The school is also starting a new tradition. The Recycled Dragon Ornament Contest, held between the advisories, began at the end of November and ended December 18th.

“It would be cool to decorate all the holidays. And we want to incorporate international symbols of peace because our school is international,” said Principal, Ms. Aimee Horowitz.

In keeping with our green mission, every advisory competed in the ornament contest. The ornaments are made completely from recycled materials, such as empty Snapple cans or scraps of paper. During E-Block lunch, recently many girls went from table to table, asking for empty milk cartons.

Some advisories have very intricate designs. The Barrett Advisory’s design was said to be made entirely of metal material and could possibly be mobile.

Other advisories, like Ms Guo’s, used what was lying around their advisory or brought in materials.

Students around the school enjoyed themselves while competing.

“I liked it because we didn’t have independent reading,” said freshman Travis Dove.

Not only were the students enthusiastic about the competition, the advisors were just as thrilled.

“We’re in it to win!” said senior advisor, Ms. Garcia, who refused to show her G-block class what her advisory made before the competition.

But why a dragon of all things? Since our school first opened, the dragon has always been the mascot, so the hope was to show off school pride.

The winning advisories were, Mr. Barret’s senior advisory, Mrs. Emerson’s junior advisory, Ms. Guo’s sophomore advisory, and the Stefanski and Packowski advisories for the freshmen.

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With a new coach and a new team, many are hopeful the girls’ basketball team will find success this season and improve upon last season’s 4-10 record.

“We have been working hard for two months and know what we need to do. It is just the matter of if we come to the game mentally prepared. I have faith in my girls, and they need to believe in themselves,” said head coach Nicole Stefanski.

After the first few quarters of their game, despite their best efforts, the girls were behind. The final score was New Dorp 63-31. Despite the loss there were many bright points during the game.

Things looked up when Erin Kohm, Jen Carullo and Victoria Prevosti combined to make four three-point shots in the first four minutes of the fourth quarter. Adding to their total of fourteen points in the quarter, this made it the highest scoring quarter of the game. Although the offensive struggled, the girls’ defense was a step up from last season.

The team was very confident going into their next game against McKee/Staten Island Tech. Although the girls’ lost 72-35, they matched their opponent from the three-point line. Due to their efforts, the girls are now tied for second best (on the Island) in the three-point shooting category. If the girls continue to shoot this well, they should have an outstanding season.

The next game was the girls first away game, held at Port Richmond High School. The girls efforts were impressive, and although the scoreboard didn’t show it, they outplayed Port Richmond.

After being away from their home court, the girls came back to play against Tottenville High School. Although the team lost 59-22, Danielle Kearney drove to the boards to make a layup, while Samantha DiMarco was two for two from the foul line.

Their most recent game was at Susan Wagner High School.

“So far I think we have been playing well. We know what we are doing out there, so we are not losing because of any lack of talent. We lost a lot of starters with the beginning of a new season. We are just now warming up to each other, and with a few good games, we’ll be right back in it,” said sophomore starter Victoria Prevosti.

The girls still have a good chance at improving last years’ record, and after their pre-season jitters are out of the picture, they will be a force to be reckoned with.

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Since indoor track season began, muddy shoes and drenched shirts are a thing of the past for our school. Now, the muddy field of Essex Drive has been replaced with the hardwood floor of the New Balance Track and Field Center at the Armory, located in Manhattan on 168th Street. There, our indoor track team competes with schools from all five boroughs.

Cross Country offically came to a close last Thursday, December 10, at the Staten Island High School Track and Field Association where freshman MVP awards were given to Angela Guarino and Joseph Rodriguez.  Varsity honors were also given to Shawn Cybulska and Shivanna Duncan.

At the recent indoor meets, new school records were set on December 7th by Diana Estrada who ran the 300 meter in 53.98 seconds.  At another meet on December 11th, Diana Estrada medaled in the girls’freshmen 1000 meter run.

Joseph Rodriguez ran in the boys’divison 300 meter dash in 46.96 seconds and came in a very respectable 29th.

The team’s next meet will be at the Armory on December 26th.

“We’re training just as hard as we did for cross country, but I’m more excited to try shotput events this season,” said sophomore Samantha Bruno.

The indoor season is on, so let the races begin.

Wrestling

The boys are starting off their season well, but many fans know that they have more potential than they are showing.

On Thanksgiving Eve the boys went up against Bard High School and won 82-45. The top shooter of the game was sophomore Christopher Frank, scoring a total of 22 points.

The second game of the season was against Port Richmond where the boys gave it their best, but in the end were defeated 61-36.

The boys third game of the season on December 6th was against Curtis; the boys lost 77-29. Newcomer Quamaine Tomlin put 10 points on the board, while veteran Jamier Archer battled to add seven points to Quamaine’s efforts.

The boys fourth game took place at New Dorp High school. They lost 71-59 despite an outstanding effort. Quamaine Tomlin led with a total of 23 points.

The boys fifth game took place on our home court against MSIT. The boys caught up in the second period with a score of 37-32, but their efforts fell short. Jamier Archer was the top scorer with 19 points in the 87-61 loss.

The boys won their sixth game against Petrides in overtime 56-48.

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at the Charles Glass Tournament.

Fans sat in seats that lined the small gymnasium of the Erasmus Campus where six schools are housed in Flatbush Brooklyn, the location of our school’s co-ed developmental PSAL wrestling team’s second match.  Team members and fans traveled early to meet the Brooklyn wrestlers, including one female.

“Hip! Hip! Turn in! Half! Half! And drive the leg!”yelled coach Rosario Miano.

Teammates and fans, sitting, jumping, and yelling experienced the intensity of the first match, as sophomore Joseph Raguso used various techniques to put  his opponent on the mat.

The hip toss, arm bar, cross face, and the ankle pick are moves used in a wrestling match to bring an opponent to the mat for the required two minute pin, where the winning wrestler holds his opponent’s shoulders to the mat.

At their first match, Raguso and his other team mates used the same techniques to pin their opponents in the tournament against Port Richmond High School.

Against Port, freshman Eduardo Ramirez used these techniques to wrestle his opponent, and grabbed the win in the first few minutes of his match. Ian Urcinoli and Nicholas Martucci also claimed two more wins, putting our school in the lead with a score of 43 to 28.

At their second match, where the Dragons competed against Erasmus Hall, similar techniques were used to secure another victory.

“The arm bar is when you get your opponent’s arm in the back of their neck and turn him into a choke hold. To chokehold you must stand behind your opponent and wrap your arm around their neck, like stopping blood flow. The cross face is when you make your opponent eat his own arm. When you ankle pick your opponent, you start off using the arm bar then grab the ankle. Then you use your arms and shoulder to take your opponent to the ground,” said Raguso.

Sophomore Sher Mohammad was next up to verse Kevin Sheperd. He walked to the mat with a determined look on his face ready to win his match. Circling one another they grabbed each others heads, slapping at their ear protectors.

As they were circling, Sher  flipped Sheperd onto the mat, then flipped him onto his backside and pinned him down to the floor for three seconds. The winner, Mohammad added another victory for our team.

“My technique was first to just go back and fourth. When you’re up, it’s more of power and technique, more like a fight. That’s how I won my match in the last three seconds,” said Mohammad.

Freshman Benjamin Wasserman was up next to face his opponent,  Mohammed Callahan. They stepped onto the mat, took their positions, and began. Ben head locked his opponent, grabbed him by his stomach, pulling him onto the mat, and rolling him over so quickly that he brought down Callahan in only 56 seconds.

“First, I let him do whatever he wanted. Second, I pushed him with all of my muscle and looked for an opening. I used my shoulder and rolled him over. He made the match easier because he made a mistake by letting loose and stopped using all of his force.  That’s how I won the match,” said Wasserman.

Although the majority of the matches were between boys, wrestling isn’t just for them.  This year, due to Title 9 rules, girls are permitted to participate. Matched by weight class, boys and girls can wrestle each other.

During the first match of the season, sophomore Nick Martucci went up against two girls from Port Richmond and New Dorp High School, and won both matches.

“Versing a girl is hard because it seems messed up, kind of like a double standard because if you beat the girl people think you’re mean, and if you get beat by a girl people make fun of you. I went up against girls and won, and I felt bad because they’re girls. When you go up against a guy, it’s a friendly competition, and it’s cool to beat them because they’re harder then the girls,” said Martucci.

Despite the two recent wins, Coach Miano expects more.  At the end of the second match, he was critical of the fact that the team did not execute the moves they had recently practiced.

“I’m not completely happy with the way this match turned out, but I am happy that Ben won his match, because if he didn’t win, then we would be tied,” said Miano.

At their next match, the dragons wrestled to their third win. Sophomore Sher Mohammad versed Max Rivera, pinning him in 27 seconds. Mohammad Mousa also pinned Khalil Gibbons in another quick match. Chris Cordero won his match by a tech fall, when the wrestler wins with a 15 point lead. With the wins and five forfeits, our team took the match easily.

“I am very happy with the result of the match, but extremely happy with the amount of people that came out to support us. Our wrestlers fed off of the crowd,” said Coach Miano.

After winning on Saturday, December 19 against Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn, our wrestling team currently holds 1st Place citywide for the PSAL Developmental Division.

If you haven’t been to a match yet, get to the next one on January 16 to see our undefeated team take another win.

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Diane Von Furstenberg (DVF,) who has been known for her phenomenon, the seed of what is today a full fashion house, the classic wrap dress, is truly the stylista role model for 2010. Her designs celebrate women’s strength, courage, and prosperity.

As designer queen of the fashion house, Von Furstenberg has created a line inspiring to both the public and other fashion icons. Her clothes emphasize femininity and spirit with timeless bright colored prints.

“The wrap dress is very Diane Keaton. It looks like it’s made for older women to wear, but it’s so feminine that if you add some neon accessories and John Lennon glasses, younger girls can pull it off too,” said senior Alexandra Crimmins.

The overall effect of the wrap dress was sparked by pure optimism. All fashionistas can use a hefty dose of that, and while the Belgium born designer continues her independence by designing clothes, fall/winter 2010 is approaching. Having sold fine jewelry, shoes, and clothing in over 56 different countries, Von Furstenberg is helping to lead the runway for fashion week 2010.

Fortunately, this feminine inspiration is the key to all up and coming fashion weeks for the New Year.

“I am excited for fashion week 2010, because I was traumatized by fashion week 2009. The styles for girls, and even guys were just too weird. I’m hoping 2010 will be a better year for the fashion industry,” said sophomore Nasir Kujenya.

Over the years, drama has come into play with some of the most feminine and couture ensembles. In previous years, this “dramatic,” goth-type feel would not have captivated audiences. This year, it’s different, and all about the drama.

According to omiru.com, this dramatic goth style is over the top, experimenting with some extreme silhouettes (harem pants, sharp shoulders), severely attention-grabbing details (sequins, knotted details), and bold colors like red, yellow, and black.

“Black is a great color that can work for any body type and skin-tone. Paired with red, black is given the right amount of edge and boldness to complete a look,” said senior Amanda Cipollone.

In winter, there’s no fashion without fun. Ladies, thank goodness you’re a woman, for fall/winter 2010 catwalks are being heavily influenced by the 1940’s style.

Trends come and go, and fashion repeats itself. Could you ever imagine the original classic wrap dress worn runway again? There’s a question to ask yourself in the morning when you wake up. So remember ladies, peace, love, and Diane Von Furstenberg.

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