e White House Marauder on the Move Who will win the election?

The Dedham Mirror
Volume 30, Number 1 JEA, NESPA, and Yankee Pen Award Winning Newspaper Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Freshman Academy open for business Dedham rocks MCAS
By Sarah Mosca
Mirror Staff
teachers and students,” said Algebra
II instructor Erika Eisenhut.
“It’s a team approach to teaching
cause we’re still assessing the
program. It’s new to everyone
and it’s still only been a month,”
On September 3rd, rather than individual. Having the said Vice Principal John Mur-
thirty-fi ve selected freshmen same students in each of the acadray. “However, we know that
began their high school experiemy classes makes it a lot easier there is not going to be a so
ence as members of the newly
called ‘Sophomore Academy’
formed Freshman Academy.
next year or in any of the years
The program was de-
following.”
veloped to provide high achiev-
Aside from
ing students the opportunity to
questions about the lifespan
experience a more rigorous cur-
of the academy, there has been
riculum that would further bring
some concern that the program’s
out the best of their abilities.
heavy academic workload could
Academy members
prove overwhelming for incom-
were invited to participate in the
ing freshmen.
program while still in eighth-
“I don’t think that the
grade based on standardized
challenge is a negative thing,”
test scores and teacher recommendations.
said Freshman Academy member
Will Weeks. “True, the hard-
Left to Right: John Rouhana, Jonathan Aleman, Wilson Barrera, Matt Mariano,
and Dan Dwan acheived perfect scores on sections of the Grade 10 MCAS Exam.
Academy courses consist
of the core subjects English,
science, history, and math.
Members are required to take
all four academy courses. They
are not allowed to take a core
class outside the academy. For
example, if a student is strong
in English but weak in math,
that student would not be allowed
to take a lower-leveled
math class.
Sabrina Fahy (front center) takes notes
along with the rest of her Academy team
in Erika Eisenhut’s Algebra II class.
to identify the students when conferencing
with the other teachers
about lesson approach and concerns.”
The Academy instrucest
thing about [the academy]
is the workload. But that’s just
something that any other honors
student in the other grades have
to deal with too. We have a lot
of work, but we also have a lot
more divided attention on each
of us individually.”
With an average class
size of 17 students, Academy
members do have a slight advantage
over most mainstream
Recently released Grade 10 Science, classes are weighted with 5.0, hon-
Technology/Engineering MCAS reors 4.5 and so on. This change only
sults ranked Dedham tied for 7th in affects the class of 2012. AP classes
the state of Massachusetts. Three are also weighted more than an hon-
students, juniors Wilson Barrera, ors class.
Jonathan Aleman and John Rouhana,
DHS’s own John Murray will be
achieved perfect scores. Congratula-
participating in the Dancing with
tions to last year’s sophomore class
the Dedham Stars Fundraising Gala
and the entire Science Department,
to benefi t the Dedham Educational
especially Biology teachers Laura
Partnership and DPS. Similar to the
McFarland and Fred Springer.
popular television show, six Ded-
The program has adopted
a team-style approach,
where all four Academy instructors
meet regularly (three
times per seven-day cycle) to
tors are as follows: Dr. John classes that average just fewer
LaFlamme (English), Laura Mc- than 20 students per class.
Farland (Biology), Erika Eisenhut When asked to com-
(Algebra II), and Rachel Dudley ment on the merits of the pro-
(World History).
gram, Murray said, “Personally,
In related news, juniors Matt Mariano
and Dan Dwan scored perfect on
the Grade 10 Math MCAS. Way to
go!
ham Community Stars accepted
the challenge to train with a professional
dancer and compete in front
of a live audience and distinguished
panel of judges for the title of 2008
plan and discuss the development
of the program.
“Teaching in the Freshman
Academy differentiates
from any other style of teach-
Will there be a Freshman
Academy next year?
“We can’t say right now
whether this is going to be something
that we will follow through
I think that any attempt to promote
achievement, regardless of
the level, is a positive thing. We
want to encourage students to
take the most rigorous courses
A new grading policy has been implemented.
GPA is now based on a
5.0 scale, much different than the
usual 4.0 scale. Advanced Placement
Champion. The gala will be held on
Friday, November 14 at Moseley’s
on the Charles. Tickets are $25 and
are available at dedhamstars@aol.
com.
ing and is new to all of us, both with in the next few years be- they can handle.”
Security, technology upgraded Advisory comes to DHS
sion topics in the groups will
By Andrea Hage
Mirror Staff
Dedham High School
has recently installed several new
means of security in and around
the building to ensure safety for
all students and staff.
A network of security
cameras and a new phone system
were approved and paid for out
of the town budget. The purpose
of these new gadgets around the
building is essentially for precautionary
reasons.
There are eleven cameras
strategically placed at every
entry way and in the parking lots.
They are accompanied by several
screens that show the different areas
and allow for rewinding back
to a certain date.
These cameras are able
to “buzz in” visitors or students
from doors other than the main
entrance. As a result, all of the
doors around the school will be
locked at all times, but staff members
will be able to enter with just
a swipe of their ID card.
The Safety Committee,
which includes the Principal,
custodians, police, and other
public safety offi cials thought up
these safety innovations at all of
the schools in Dedham.
Principal Jake Santamaria
said, “I am very excited to use
the new system, from a security
standpoint.”
Along with the video
cameras, a new paging system has
been installed in order to yield
easier and more effective communication
from one side of the
building to the other.
Teachers now have their
own telephone lines with a distinct
extension number so that the main
offi ce can instantly transfer parents
or any outside callers to the teacher’s
line. However, the phones do
not ring when an outside number
is calling them directly to ensure
that classes are not interrupted
during the school day.
Santamaria describes the
new phone system as “vital”, as
every teacher can now contact the
nurse immediately from their own
phone in the classroom rather than
having to ask the main offi ce to
transfer them to the nurse’s offi ce.
Not only can a teacher reach the
nurse in a matter of seconds, but
there is also access to 911 from
every room. For perhaps less
urgent situations, there is roomto-room
calling, from teacher to
teacher.
Presently, the athletic department,
nurse’s offi ce, guidance
department, and SPED department
all have their own telephone
lines for easy access. There is
even an attendance line for parents
to call if their child will not
be in school on a particular day.
At night when there are no staff
members in the school building,
the telephone service switches to
a night menu which conveniently
accommodates any callers.
Although these new security
programs might take a little
getting used to, they will certainly
help maintain a feeling of safety
on school property.
“It’s good to know that
DHS is stepping up and making
sure that everyone is safe at all
times,” said senior Jamie Lionetto.
“I think the new cameras and
paging system will defi nitely
work to our advantage in the future.”
By Lindsay MacDonald vary from goal setting, choice
Mirror Staff
making, bullying and harassing,
Yesterday marked the and diffi cult situations,” Murray
beginning of DHS’s new advi- explained.
sory program.
Advisory will meet
While new to us, advi- twice a month, for approxisories
are commonplace in many mately half an hour. Instead of
school districts. Schools state the time coming out from home-
wide have implemented the proroom, long block will be shortgram
in order to promote student ened by to accommodate advi-
and teacher relationships. sory meetings.
“Advisory is meant to DHS students had
make students feel a connection varying reactions to the concept
with teachers within the school, of advisory.
which will help implement a pos- “I like the idea of stuitive
school culture,” said Vice dents to being able to talk to
Principal John Murray.
teachers about non-school relat-
Murray continued by ed subjects, said senior Melissa
saying that studies have shown Hallisey.”
that students who have strong A classmate of Hal-
teacher connections are inspired lisey’s, who wishes to remain
to succeed in the school commu- anonymous, felt differently:
nity.
“Some teachers are not ap-
Groups will consist of proachable. That is, some are
ten students accompanied by one simply not equipped to bond
teacher advisor. The emphasis with teenagers on a social level.
will not be placed on academics, It could be very awkward for
rather, on different aspects of ev- students and teachers alike. With
eryday life. The motive is to gen- all due respect, I think teachers
erate a comfortable atmosphere, should stick to teaching.”
one where students are relaxed Despite varying opin-
and are willing to communicate ions, the advisory program will
with other students and teachers. get a chance to prove its value
“Examples of discus- over the course of the schoolyear.

2
Mark Norrman
Science
Teaching Experience: 4 years
Previous Jobs: Valet parking,
tutor, pizza delivery man
College Attended: Roger
Williams University
Favorite Aspect of Teaching:
Interacting with students
Least Favorite Aspect of Teaching:
Prep-work
Courses Currently Teaching:
Biology CP-1 and Chemistry
CP-1
Jason Mastrogiacomo
Math
Teaching Experience: 6
years tutoring
Previous Jobs: Acturial assistant
for Liberty Mutual,
DJ, Tutor
College Attended: Bridgewater
State College
Favorite Aspect of Teaching:
“Making math easier
for kids.”
Least Favorite Aspect of
Teaching: “When kids are
Meggin Ball
Alternative Education
Teaching Experience: First year
teaching
Previous Jobs: Tutor, Residential
worker in group homes for
adults with mental illnesses, substitute
teacher
Colleges Attended: Boston University,
University of South
Maine
Favorite Aspect of Teaching:
Sharing what she loves with students
Opinions of Dedham thus far: “Everyone
is nice, supportive, and welcoming.”
Originally from: Braintree, MA
Hobbies: Soccer, volleyball, pool, poker,
scuba diving, and traveling
Goals for this year: Survival and getting
students to pass Biology MCAS
Why Dedham?: “I wanted to teach in a
high school setting, and Dedham seemed
to provide everything I was looking
for.”
Advice for Aspiriring Teachers: “Learn
to be organized.”
Inspiration for Becoming a Teacher: “I
wanted a job that made a difference in
the world, but not one that would make
some CEO more money.”
Favorite Movie: Rounders
Last Music Purchase: Foo Fighters
Other Interested Subjects: Creative
Writing
Suggestions for Change: Layout of the
building
Extracurricular Activities: “If possible,
I’d love to.”
The Dedham Mirror • Tuesday October 7, 2008
Say hello to the new staff...
talking too much, I have to keep things
going in class, so I have to give detentions
or send them to Mr. Murray’s office.
I hate it but I have to do it.”
Courses Currently Teaching: Algebra I
Part 2, Geometry
Opinions of Dedham thus far: Loves it
Hobbies: Being a DJ, tutoring, and playing
hockey
Goals for this year: Have kids leave feeling
better about math, get to know kids
better, and get involved
Why Dedham?: “Seemed like a great
school.”
Inspiration for Becoming a Teacher: tutoring
Favorite Movie: Grandma’s Boy
Last Music Purchase: Casting Crowns
Other Subjects Interested in Teaching:
Calculus, Probability
Suggestions for Change: Nothing
Distinguishing Quality: “I’m a little less
experienced but still just as enthusiastic.”
Extracurricular Activities: “Hopefully
I’ll be DJing the Senior all-night party.”
Courses Currently Teaching: English, World
History, US History, Contemporary Issues
Opinions of Dedham thus far: “I love it.”
Birthplace: A small town in Maine
Hobbies: Reading, singing, knitting, spending
time with family and friends
Goals for this year: To become a larger part of
the school community and visit a bunch of historic
sights around Massachusetts
Why Dedham?: Thoroughly enjoyed her student
teaching experience here at DHS and wanted to
remain in a school with such great students and
supportive colleagues
Favorite Movie: Dead Poet’s Society
Advice for Aspiring Teachers: “Don’t waste
your time trying to be like other teachers; instead
spend time fi guring your style and what
you have to offer to students.”
Inspiration for Becoming a Teacher: “I had
fabulous teachers in high school that transformed
my life by sharing their passion for their
subject and education; after that I knew I had to
teach.”
Other Subjects of Interest: Humanities
Extracurricular Activities: Class of 2012 adviser
Teaching Experience: First year teaching; graduated
from college in spring 2008
College Attended: College of Holy Cross in
Worchester, MA
Favorite Aspect of Teaching: Sharing passion, enthusiasm,
and knowledge of Spanish culture, language
and customs with students
Least Favorite Aspect of Teaching: “Waking up so
early.”
Courses Currently Teaching: Spanish CP-1 and
CP-2
Opinions of Dedham thus far: “Everyone is great,
the faculty is welcoming, friendly, and fun.”
Originally from: Milton, MA
Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends,
playing sports, going to the gym, reading and cooking
Inspirations for Becoming a Teacher: “My mother.
She is a Spanish teacher as well, and growing up I
always admired her occupation. I always wanted to
hear about her school days and her students, and to
help grade papers.”
Favorite Movie: The Goonies
Last Music Purchase: The Juanes CD “La vida es
un ratico”
Other Interested Subjects: French
Teaching Experience: 5 years
Previous Teaching Posts: Somerville, Wellesley, a
private school in Newton
Previous Jobs: Chinese food waitress, coffee barista,
hotel maid
Colleges Attended: UMass Boston, Simmons College
Favorite Aspect of Teaching: “I love the fact that
no day is ever the same! At least once a day, a student
says something that makes the class curious,
amused, surprised, or intrigued. I love those moments!”
Advice for Aspiring Teachers: Get lots of sleep and
make good friends with the people at Starbucks or
Dunkin’ Donuts.”
Courses Currently Teaching: English 1 and 2
Opinions of Dedham thus far: “Love it! Everyone
here is so friendly, supporting, and down to earth.”
Birthplace: Framingham, MA
Hobbies: Making jewelry, running, hiking, rock
climbing, and reading
Goals for this year: “I’m looking forward to helping
the sophomores feel confi dent about the MCAS.
A big part of that involves teaching them how to be
critical thinkers and to support their ideas with evidence
from the text.”
New Teachers
Katelyn O’Regan
Foreign Language
Suggestions for Change:
“Nothing. Everything here is
really positive.”
Extracurricular Activities:
“I would love to get involved
in different clubs and sports
as opportunities arise. Also, I
just decided to take on the responsibility
of Freshman Class
Advisor and am excited to start
working with the students.”
The Dedham Mirror
Editorial Editor
Rani Aljondi
News Editor
Katrina Fahy
A & E Editor
Jessica Robinson
Fashion Editor
Alexia Marmanides
Editor-in-Chief
Gabriella Iarrobino
Adviser
Jeff Nilsen
Copy Editors
Chrissy Conway
Joe Mahoney
Chris Dolan
Erin McNamara
Billy Loftus
Erica <strong>White</strong>
Kristin Penta
English
Favorite Movie: Many favorites,
everything from Out of Africa to
The Departed
Last Music Purchase: The newest
Coldplay album and Radiohead’s
“In Rainbows”
Other Subjects of Interest: Environmental
Conservation, Physical
Education
Distinguishing Quality: “I hug
trees, literally, when I’m hiking.”
Managing Editor
Sarah Mosca
Features Editors
Andrea Hage
Lindsay MacDonald
Sports Editor
Rory O’Hanlon
Photographers
Erin Briscoe
Kelli Timmins
Staff: Joe McIsaac, Jill Moses, Danielle Santora, Chris Tullos

The Dedham Mirror • Tuesday October 7, 2008
New Teachers 3
Rebecca Backmender
Foreign Language
Teaching Experience: 9 years
Previous Teaching Posts: Belmont
and Dorchester
Previous Jobs: “Everything
from scrubbing pots to working
at Harvard!”
Colleges Attended: University
of Connecticut, Université de
Rouen: France, Simmons College
Favorite Aspect of Teaching:
“I’m passionate about teaching
Keith Comeau
Social Studies
Teaching Experience: 4 years
Previous Teaching Post: Salem
High School
Previous Jobs: Football coach
College Attended: St. Anselm’s
College
Courses Currently Teaching:
World History
Opinions of Dedham thus far:
“So far, so good.”
Birthplace: Marblehead, MA
Hobbies: Coaching
Brendan Hughes
Special Education
Teaching Experience: First
year teaching
Previous Jobs: Fidelity Investments
in Boston
College Attended: University
of Massachusetts: Amherst
Favorite Aspect of Teaching:
Working with young adults and
the school environment
Least Favorite Aspect of
Teaching: Patience is tested
daily
Welcome to Dedham High!
Foreign Languages because we can discuss all
parts of life: art, music, history, philosophy,
food, politics, and human relations. I always
learn new ideas from my students.”
Least Favorite Aspect of Teaching: Getting
up at 5 AM
Courses Currently Teaching: Spanish 1 and
2
Opinions of Dedham thus far: “I like that it is
becoming more and more diverse.”
Birthplace: Connecticut
Hobbies: Cooking, foreign fi lms, and making
bad art
Goals for this year: Time lessons better and
spend more time with her dog
Why Dedham?: Wanted a school that was a
mix of urban and suburban environments
Inspiration for Becoming a Teacher: “My favorite
class in high school was World Cultures.
The teacher taught from her life experiences
rather than only from the book. I thought there
should be more teachers like that, so I strive to
do the same.”
Last Music Purchase: All Mixed Up by the
Cure
Why Dedham?: Opportunity to be head football
coach
Inspiration for Becoming a Teacher: To observe
daily progress in students
Favorite Movie: Anything with Will Ferrel
Last Music Purchase: Doesn’t listen to music,
prefers talk radio
Other Subjects Interested in Teaching: Physical
Education
Distinguishing Quality: His height
Extracurricular Activities: Head football coach
and faculty manager
“Coach Comeau is exactly what
we need this year. Right from the
start he has had a huge impact on
the program...[He]has been behind
us through all of the struggles and
tough games. We have needed a
big change to the football program
throughout the past couple of years
and Coach Comeau is a a great
start.”~Senior Captain Rob Zarthar
Opinions of Dedham thus far: “It’s great, but
strange working where I went to high school.”
Birthplace: Dedham, MA
Hobbies: Music and reading
Goals for this year: To obtain a good relationship
with students and fellow faculty members
Decision to come to Dedham: “It’s within
walking distance of my house.”
Advice for Aspriring Teachers: “If you have
any interest in teaching, don’t hesitate to do
so.”
Inspiration for Becoming a Teacher: Family
Last Music Purchase: Animal Collective’s
Strawberry Jam
Favorite Movies: Reservoir Dogs or Life
Aquatic
Other Subject Interested in Teaching: English
Suggestions for Change: “Bring back the old
<strong>Marauder</strong> logo!”
Distinguishing Quality: “I am relatively
young and went to Dedham High school, so I
have a good understanding of what the DHS
students are going through.”
Extracurricular Activities: Helping out with
Boy’s Cross Country; also seeking to help the
Varsity baseball team
Teaching Experience: 1 year
Previous Jobs: Camp director, clerk at college
bookstore, camp counselor, waitress at
Ruby Tuesday
College Attended: University of Connecticut
Favorite Aspect of Teaching: “Everything -
especially interacting with students.”
Least Favorite Aspect of Teaching: Meetings
Courses Currently Teaching: Pyschology AP,
Psychology CP-1, World History CP-2
Opinions of Dedham thus far: “I love it! Everyone
has been so welcoming!”
Birthplace: Small town in Connecticut
Hobbies: Cheering on the UConn Huskies,
photography, wedding planning, and country
music
Goals for this year: To have a great, successful
year, and to help AP students achieve a
high score on the AP exam
Advice for Aspiring Teachers: “Be prepared,
be organized and have fun!”
Inspiration for Becoming a Teacher: Biology
teacher/soccer coach
Favorite Movie: “Too many to count.”
Last Music Purchase: Sugarland’s Love on
the Inside
Teaching Experience: First year teaching
Previous Jobs: Quality Engineer in Medical Device
Industry
College Attended: Worchester Polytechnic Institute
Favorite Aspect of Teaching: Seeing students succeed
Least Favorite Aspect of Teaching: Waking up early
Courses Currently Teaching: Physics and Introductory
Physical Science
Opinions of Dedham thus far: “Great, so far.”
Birthplace: Walpole, MA
Hobbies: Skiing, tennis
Why Dedham?: Great opportunity, close to home
Advice for Aspiring Teachers: “Plan to be a life-long
learner.”
Inspiration to Become a Teacher: Love of science
Favorite Movie: The Waterboy
Last Music Purchase: Lifeline by Ben Harper
Other Subjects Interested in Teaching: AP Physics
Teaching Experience: 12 years
Previous Teaching Posts: Dedham Middle
School, Ashland High School
Previous Jobs: Cross Country Coach, Track
Coach, Waiter
Colleges Attended: University of Massachusetts:
Dartmouth, Simmons College
Favorite Aspect of Teaching: “Teaching
strategies to students that will help them become
independent learners. I want students
to be successful!”
Least Favorite Aspect of Teaching: Paperwork
Courses Currently Teaching: Strategies for
Success
Opinions of Dedham thus far: “I enjoy
working here.”
Birthplace: Dedham, MA (Riverdale)
Hobbies: Track, Cross Country, Skiing
Goals for this year: To help students be successful
in all of their classes
Advice for Aspiring Teachers: Try to get involved
in extracurricular activities
Inspiration for Becoming a Teacher: “Both
my sisters were teachers. I started out in
business but then went back to school to get
Laura Britt
Social Studies
Other Subjects Interested
in Teaching: Sociology, US
History, Physical Education
Distinguishing Qualities:
“That I can be quirky and
that no one else was the
mascot at UConn!”
Extracurricular Activities:
“Not likely this year but
hopefully in the future.”
Patrick Devlin
Science
“Mr. Devlin is a
nice guy. He makes
learning science
interesting.”~Freshman
Vinny Iarrobino, Intro
to Physical Science
William Weschrob
Special Education
my master’s in education.”
Last Music Purchase:
Nickelback
Favorite Movie: The Natural
Other Subjects Interested
in Teaching: Science
Extracurricular Activities:
Cross Country Coach, Assistant
Spring Track Coach

4
Democrats
Barack Obama
Date of Birth: August 4th,
1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii
Education: Occidental College,
Columbia University,
and Harvard University
Where he stands:
War in Iraq: War was
flawed from the start, the
$12 billion per month spent
in Iraq is better spent in the
United States; opposed invasion
from the beginning;
opposed troop increase;
withdraw one or two brigades
a month to finish
within 16 months.
Immigration: Supports a
path to legalization for illegal
immigrants that includes
learning English
and paying fines; toughen
penalties for hiring illegal
immigrants; voted for fence
along Mexican border.
Economy: Said his plan
for tax relief to middle and
working classes would help
stabilize the economy; repeal
the Bush tax cuts for
households earning more
than $250,000.
Environment/Alternative
Energy: Drilling is a stopgap
measure, not a long
term solution, opposes gas
tax holiday; supports taxing
windfall profits; opposes
drilling in the Arctic and
offshore; supports ethanol
subsidies; not a “proponent”
of expanding nuclear
power.
Abortion: Supports woman’s
right to choose, believes
government has no
place in private lives.
“Obama. Um, yeah
Obama.”-Seniors Matt Carney
and Kevin Hutchinson
Joe Biden
Joseph Robinette “Joe”
Biden, Jr. was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania
on November 20, 1945.
Biden first took office as Senator of
Delaware, as the fifth youngest Senator
in Congress, on January 3, 1973. As
Senator, Biden chairs the Congressional
Committee on Foreign Relations,
and chaired the Committee on the Judiciary.
He is currently the sixth-longest
serving Senator in Congress.
As Chairman on the Committee
on the Judiciary, Biden presided
over the two controversial Supreme
Court confirmation hearings: Robert
Bork in 1987 and Clarence Thomas
in 1991. He helped draft the Violent
Crime Control and Law Enforcement
Act in 1994 (also known as the “Biden
crime law”) and the landmark Violence
Against Women Act that same
year, among other significant domestic
accomplishments. He also created
legislation that would permit families
to deduct on their annual income tax
returns up to $10,000 per year in higher
education expenses.
As Chairman on the Foreign
Relations Committee, Biden played a
critical role in defining President Bill
Clinton’s foreign policy. His 1993 “liftand-strike”
resolution influenced Clinton’s
later decision to decisively bomb
the Serbian Army.
On August 22, 2008, Barack
Obama announced that Biden
would be his running mate. Biden has
followed liberal policies consistently.
He supports many of his candidate’s
positions, but he opposes abortion
rights. He is against the privatization
of Social Security. He also opposes
oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife
Refuge and strongly believes that
American policies should pursue alternative
sources of energy, citing energy
costs as being one of the two major
threats to the American economy (the
second being health care costs).
The Dedham Mirror • Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Special Election Coverage
Battle for the
<strong>Marauder</strong> on the Move
Who will win the election?
“McCain”-
Senior Allie Treanor
Obama ready to put country back on track
By Rani Aljondi
Mirror Staff
It is time, I think, to face
facts.
The eight years of Republican
misadministration has brought the
nation nothing but grief, terror, impoverishment,
and frightening excesses of
Presidential power, in a country whose
premises have been the opposite of
these.
Within the course of the recent
Republican presidency, the United
States has accumulated a greater
national debt than that of its entire history
combined, become embroiled in
an occupation whose initial premises
are lies, and whose immense death toll
can be traced directly to the administration’s
many mistakes; restricted the
liberties and privacy of the American
citizen through legislation that runs
against the grain of the Constitution.
Gas prices have soared more
in the past four years than they have in
an entire half-century, while the Oil
companies responsible for setting
those exorbitant prices have continued
to rip off the American public without
incurring a single iota of suspicion. The
American middle-class, the bulwark of
American democracy, has found itself
under a squeeze of commodity prices,
By Joe McIsaac
Mirror Staff
One of the biggest issues in
this historic presidential election is
the War in Iraq.
Both candidates have very
different views on the war. John Mc-
Cain wants to stay in Iraq until victory
is reached, even if it takes “100
years”. The Democratic nominee
Barack Obama plans to start removing
troops from Iraq, as soon as he
takes offi ce.
The War has been going
on for over fi ve years. Over 3,000
American men and women have
perished, and we have spent an exorbitant
amount funding the war. Most
Americans do not support this war.
“McCain”-Sophomore
Giovanna Guzman
a housing meltdown, and a collapsing
economy; while the super rich have enjoyed
tax-breaks, government pandering,
and now, a recent Federal bailout
that does nothing to address the issues
of a starving, bankrupt, debt-ridden
American people. In two months, we
must replace the administration that did
all this, with a new one. A better one.
There is the story of a successor,
who had gone from Party rebel to
Party tool within the course of a fortnight
of his campaign. He began with
the masthead of “Straight Talk”, was
once heralded as a political maverick,
but has publicly confessed now to have
a great deal in common with his potential
predecessor.
There is the story of an alternative.
While Barack Obama cannot
sympathize with those of us who cannot
remember what it was like to have
been held in a POW camp, to have
owned multiple houses, or to have married
into money, he has concrete solutions
that his detractors seem to ignore,
with an almost religious determination,
time and time again. He will suspend
the ethanol subsidy that has helped in
driving domestic food prices to an alltime
high.
He will put a new focus on
the American effort in Afghanistan,
where Al-Qaeda and the Taliban have
They are fed up with the constant
deployment of men and women and
the enormous amounts of money that
has been feeding the war.
The public’s despair has
been a major advantage to the Democrats.
The Obama campaign has
been working hard to try to correlate
McCain to President George W.
Bush. (And we know George is such
a fan favorite.)
This makes sense. Both
McCain and Bush support staying
in Iraq until victory is reached. Both
have stated that they will never give
up in Iraq. McCain has even volunteered
to follow Osama Bin Laden
“to the gates of hell.” Translation: If
McCain is elected we will remain in
“Obama”-Freshmen James
Moses
regrouped anew, while pursuing a
more realistic foreign policy that does
not assume that the entire world revolves
around North America and Europe.
He will reasonably and seriously
confront Iran over its nuclear program,
and entrench Hamid Karzai’s regime
in Afghanistan against a resurgent fundamentalist
movement there that could
make our seven year war on terror a
complete waste of blood and money.
Fiscally, his platform
sounds more rational than the competition’s:
He will roll back the Bush
administration’s tax-cuts and cut taxes
for the other, neglected, 95 percent of
the population - the middle and lower
classes on whose domestic spending a
substantial amount of the United States
GNP depends. He will make a special
effort to keep American jobs from being
outsourced by removing George
Bush’s subsidies for such companies.
The crux of his fi scal theory is Iraq:
we lose over $10 billion fi ghting a war
that has been neither well funded nor
executed-valid, considering that most
government programs, including social
security, are being bled dry by this
diversion of federal revenues.
Essentially, the American
economy, society, and country rests on
the backs of its people: Barack Obama
understands this.
Straight talk on War in Iraq
Iraq for at least another four years.
The Republicans like to
spotlight that the casualties in Iraq
have decreased in recent months.
However it cannot be ignored that
over 30,662 American men and
woman have either died or have
been wounded since the war began
on March 19, 2003. Not to mention
the 1,267,401 Iraqi deaths, many of
which have been innocent civilians
including women and children.
Republicans need to get off
their capital high horses and realize
that this war is not winnable. In order
to withdraw and put this war behind
us, the only logical approach would
be to elect Obama. Let’s face it:
we’ve given the Republicans enough
unwarranted chances.
“Obama all the way.”-Junior
Jamir Benitez

Special Election Coverage
<strong>White</strong> <strong>House</strong>
The Dedham Mirror • Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Palin’s wardrobe: her most decisive stance
By Gabriella Iarrobino
Mirror Staff
With the nation slipping
faster and faster into a recession, a
seemingly unwinnable war raging
on in the Middle East, and the polar
ice caps turning into water, the lead
story on ABC News is how possible
future fi rst lady Michelle Obama’s
style is shockingly similar to that of
Jackie Kennedy.
“Not since a fresh-faced
Jackie Kennedy entered the <strong>White</strong>
<strong>House</strong> has so much attention been
paid to a potential fi rst lady's fashions,”
reported ABC News.
In a historical race for that
prized seat in the Oval Offi ce, the
media is focusing more and more
on the price of Sarah Palin’s pantsuits
than they are on her position on
the war. I could care less that Sarah
Palin and comedian Tina Fey have
the same eyeglasses or how Cindy
McCain is sporting a new Chanel
watch.
“I’m voting for McCain
because Cindy’s [fashion] style is
way better than Michelle’s!” exclaimed
one blogger.
<strong>Marauder</strong> on the Move
Who will win the election?
“Obama, hands
down.”-English
teacher Kathy Carten
It’s a sad day in America
when people are voting based on
whose wife has fashion sense.
We see commercials urging
people to go out and vote but many
people won’t because they are apathetic.
They are apathetic because they
don’t know much about the candidate’s
political stances. This is because
the media, mostly on television isn’t
discussing the issues at hand. If they
fully understand the candidate’s political
ideals maybe more people will
stand up and support one of them.
Now I understand that to be
proactive in politics one must go out
and research it for themselves. I hate
to break it to you ABC News, but average
people aren’t going to do that.
Give me a story about Obama and
McCain’s opinions on gay marriage
(Did you know both do not support
it?) or their stance on poverty. Any
average American will be interested in
those stories.
Another story plaguing our
media is the mud being thrown around
Washington. Ever since the start of
politics, mud slinging has been an issue,
but is it necessary to report on it
“Obama.”-Sophomores
Marie DiGiandomenico and
Miranda Bendoni
twice in one hour of Fox 25 News at
10?
I am a self-proclaimed liberal
and fervent Obama supporter, so
when Obama famously proclaimed,
“You can put lipstick on a pig…” I
found it hilarious. I see why this could
upset conservatives, as it was unprofessional.
But it’s not like the slams
are one-sided. One or two stories
about it would have suffi ced, but it’s
all I heard about for a week straight!
I heard it on KISS 108 FM driving to
school, on the local news, on World
News Tonight, enough people! We
get it. Obama made fun of Sarah Palin’s
ridiculous “the only difference
between a pit bull and a hockey mom
is lipstick” comment.
The media needs to step
back and focus on the real issues and
Sarah Palin’s infamous red pant suit
isn’t one of them. I’m all for a human
interest piece here and there but the
media has taken it too far.
The next time I see a story
on how Michelle Obama and Jackie
O have the same hairstyle I’m going
to throw my “Vote for Obama” mug
at the television set.
McCain: change we can truly believe in
By Melissa Caissy
Mirror Correspondent
In the age where the specter of
Global Warming is looming over a world
lacking in resources, John McCain has a
plan.
Indeed, he intends to boost
an economy dragged down by limited
job opportunities by a “job creation program
with alternate energy and nuclear
power.” He intends to address the “very
real issue of climate change” by using
nuclear power, while “supporting alternative
fuels and emission controls.” He
was the first Republican to desire to “reduce
greenhouse gases,” and, for those
who point to McCain as a continuation
of “these last eight years,” rest your fears,
for McCain did not support Bush’s withdrawal
from Kyoto.
His voting record confirms
his beliefs: he voted yes “on banning drilling
in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge,”
he agreed with a bill that “target[ed]
100,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles by
2010,” and he voted yes on a bill that “includes
oil & gas smokestacks in mercury
regulations.”
The state of our planet is not the
only issue that rests heavy on our hearts,
for our economy is lying starving at our
feet, begging for sustenance. John McCain
will provide nourishment for the millions
by “keeping taxes low,” and “impos[ing]
some fiscal discipline to keep the costs
low” while at the same time “reduc[ing]
war costs while maintaining peace in the
Middle East” and “reform[ing] insurance
to cover violent weather patterns.” As for
his record—it speaks for itself.
He voted yes to “reduce federal
overall spending by $40B,” as well
as agreeing with a bill that established a
“balanced-budget constitutional amendment.”
With money in the hands of the
people due to tax-cuts, money will flow
back into the market through spending,
and as the companies receive more money,
costs will go down, and excess money
will be created.
With this surplus, small businesses
will be created, and with that jobs
will be created, and even more money
will flow through the land, which can be
spent on charities to help the economically
disadvantaged. With McCain’s plan to
create jobs through nuclear power plants
and tax cuts, the U.S. economy could
well be on the upswing again.
I would encourage all to mine
for the precious jewels locked inside the
rocky issues, which are what truly define
election politics.
“Unfortunately, McCain.”-
TV/Video Teacher Sue
Scully
Republicans
Sarah Palin
Sarah Palin, born on February
11, 1964, is the governor of
Alaska and the Republican Vice-
Presidential pick in the 2008 Presidential
election.
She started her political
career as a member of the Wasilla
City Council for four years from
1992-96 and then was elected mayor
from 1996-2002. She was elected
governor of Alaska in 2006, becoming
the fi rst woman to hold the position
in Alaska. As Governor, Alaska
invested $5 billion in state savings,
overhauled education funding, and
enforced the Senior Benefi ts Program
that provides support for lowincome
older Alaskans.
Palin is chair of the Interstate
Oil and Gas Compact Commission,
a government agency that
promotes the conservation and effi
cient recovery of domestic oil and
natural gas resources while protecting
health, safety, and the environment.
The Governer is antiabortion,
approving of abortion only
if the mother’s life is threatened. Palin
is a strong believer in free market
capitalism. She also tried to lower
general fund spending by $150 million.
Palin is against same sex
marriage. One of her top priorities
includes retaining defi nition of marriage.
She is also on record saying
that if legislation would to pass the
death penalty that she would sign it.
The Govenor also feels that adults
who murder children should get the
death penalty. She opposes more of
own oil and gas for national security.
“Obama.”-Senior Nick
Terzian
5
John McCain
Date of Birth: August 29,
1936, in the Panama Canal
Zone
Education: United States
Naval Academy in Annapolis
Where he stands:
War in Iraq: Voted in 2002
to authorize invasion, still
supportive; in favor of troop
increase; against a timetable
for troop withdrawal,
but projected he would
have most U.S. forces home
by 2013; However, he has
stated that if the goal is not
met he will stay in Iraq for
“100 more years,” and will
follow Osama Bin Laden
“to the gates of hell.”
Immigration: Supports
amnesty for illegal immigrants
and says undocumented
workers should be
put on the path to U.S. citizenship.
Economy: Would get rid of
the Alternative Minimum
tax; keep Bush tax cuts and
reform social security.
Environment: Supports a
global coalition, including
China and India, to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions;
believes that Clean Water
Act and Clean Air Act
should be enforced.
Abortion: Overturn Roe
vs. Wade; support state aid
to boost adoption; believes
abortion is okay in cases of
incest, rape, or when the
mother’s life is in danger.
“Obama”-Junior Alyssa
Hoffman

The new sheriff in town
By Katrina Fahy
Mirror Staff
Editor’s note: On July 1st, Jacob A.
Santamaria, Jr. replaced Alan Winrow
as principal of Dedham High School.
The Mirror recently caught up with the
new skipper for a little Q&A session.
Can you tell us a bit about your educational
background?
I went to Catholic Memorial High
School, then to Boston State College
for my undergraduate degree. I received
my master’s degree at Bridgewater
State College, and I received my principal’s
certificate at Boston College.
How long have you worked in Dedham?
I worked as a physical education and
health/biology teacher at the Dedham
Junior High School from 1977 to 1985.
I was the varsity boys soccer, tennis and
lacrosse coach. In 1985, I became the
Director of Athletics of the High School
for thirteen years, and became Assistant
Principal in 1997.
How have your experiences as principal
been so far?
They’ve been fantastic. I took over on
July 1st, so my summer was very busy.
I don’t feel very different; there haven’t
been any drastic changes or discipline
issues. It’s been a smooth transition
thanks to Mrs. Roche, who guided me
through it.
What’s your favorite part of being
principal?
I like being able to be involved with recommending
new staff members as a final
decision member. I also like dealing
with many issues on a daily basis; every
day is different.
Do you have any ideas to improve
our school?
I would like more student and staff input
on certain issues. I want kids to take pride
in our school, their academics, and athletics.
I hope my leadership will rub off
on students. The advisory program will
start soon, which will give students and
staff the opportunity to give their ideas
on things. I would also like to review the
daily schedule in the future.
Are there any pressing issues at DHS
that need to be addressed?
I want students to be held accountable
and to act more responsibly. I would like
to continually improve and have a positive
school culture. We should strive to
provide the safest place for students and
staff. We need to figure out how to move
forward despite budget restraints.
Do you have any advice for seniors going
to college? Do you have any tips to
help them succede?
They need to be organized. Get everything
done early and use the advice your
guidance counselors and teachers give
you. Try not to get too overwhelmed, it’s
an exciting process, so enjoy the process.
Be happy with the schools you’re applying
to, and go to a school you like. Most
importantly, do your best academically
until the last day; finish strongly.
Is there anything else you would like us
to know?
Students can come and talk to me anytime
with concerns or questions. My role
is different, but my personality is not.
Seniors salted
By the Class of 2009
Dedham High seniors have
lost a rite of passage – literally. For
the past couple of years, the lower Awing
has been reserved for the senior
class. As it should be. The A-wing is
prime locker space due to its central
location in the school. It is also the
only wing large enough to fi t an entire
class. And that’s a good thing if
you want to keep a class united for its
last year together.
It was assumed at the end
of last year that this year’s seniors
would inherit the A-wing. But at the
end of August, when schedules were
mailed home, every member of the
senior class was given a slap in the
face. Not only did we not get the
A-wing, we were spread over three
wings. A majority of the class has
even been sentenced to the E-wing,
which hasn’t been used in years.
One less privilege is an aggravating
thing for students who are
celebrating their fi nal year of public
education. In a school that gives almost
no senior privileges, every one
counts. Soon we will lose our only
privilege (eating outside) when the
cold weather arrives. So from now
until springtime, the class of 2009
will have no advantages over the rest
the student body. No senior lounge.
No eating outside. No A-wing.
Perhaps the most irritating
thing is who did get-wing: the freshman.
These rookies are the least entitled.
Doesn’t seniority mean a thing
around here?
Not only are they unqualifi
ed, but they are fairly inexperienced
in hallway traffi c. Their lack of understanding
of the unwritten rules, including
“Use Two Doors”, “Stay To The
Right”, and just plain “Walk” causes
an obstacle to all students who are eager
to get to class on time.
Most seniors are upset because
our separation of lockers does
not allow us to grow together as a class
this last year of high school. Our class
in particular has never had the chance
to retain one single wing all together.
We’ve been split up into at least two
different wings all throughout high
school.
Unfortunately, the seniors
have lost this battle. It appears we’re
destined to be spread over three wings.
Juniors can only hope that the administration
will see our point of view and
grant them the A-wing next year.
Advice: Don’t hold your
breath.
The Dedham Mirror • Tuesday, October 7, 2008
6 Feature/Opinion
Grubbing with Joe
By Joe Mahoney
Pizzadoro’s or Riverside?
Which is better, and why? What sets
these two pizza shops apart from
one another? Both are very popular
amongst the people of Dedham. But in
a head-to-head match-up, who comes
out on top?
Both shops make pizza,
subs, calzones, pasta, dinner plates,
and all the side orders. However, they
are on two completely different levels.
The quality of the food is no where
near the same, and they have their own
distinct tastes.
Pizzadoro’s, a fairly new
restaurant to Dedham, having only
been around for a few years, has had
some serious success. Located in East
Dedham, it has grown to be known
as one of the favorite pizza shops in
town.
The fi rst item I sampled
from Pizzadoro’s was the pizza, which
Meet Nelson Rivera
By Sarah Mosca
Mirror Staff
Editor’s note: Nelson Rivera was
recently hired to work alongside
John Murray as the newest DHS
Vice Principal. He will be interacting
mostly with grade 11 and
12 students.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a town called Hamden
in Connecticut.
Can you tell us a bit about your
educational background?
I got my bachelor’s degree at
Southern Connecticut State
University. I then attended Sacred
Heart, where I earned a
master’s degree. I am currently
at Boston University writing
my dissertation.
How long were you a teacher?
Eight years.
Where did you teach?
I taught for two years at Holliston
High School as a social
studies teacher. Before Holliston,
I taught at a high school in
North Haven, Connecticut.
What distinguishes Dedham
from other high schools that
you have worked at?
I don’t know if I can really say
there are any differences. Kids
are kids wherever you go, and
it’s always enjoyable to me to
interact with them no matter
what school I’m at. Also, the
staff here is just as dedicated
toward improving young minds
as any other school I’ve worked
for.
A column dedicated to evaluating local food establishments
has a very interesting taste. It seems
to combine Italian and Greek fl avors.
Unlike most pizza places in Dedham,
Pizzadoro’s does not have that distinct
style and taste of Greek pizza. Although
I wouldn’t quite say that it has an Italian
taste, it’s somewhere in the middle, but
still very good.
Their specialty pizzas are
also very tasty. My personal favorite
is the buffalo chicken pizza. It contains
just the right amount of buffalo sauce,
mozzarella cheese, and chicken.
The calzones, too, are worth
a try. I wouldn’t say they’re excellent,
but they are just as good as anywhere
else in town.
My personal favorite item on
the menu at Pizzadoro’s is the chicken
parm sub. No other restaurant in the area
can compete with its exquisiteness.
Riverside, located across
town in Riverdale, has been around for
quite some time. And though it’s a local
favorite, there are very few items on
their menu that I am impressed with.
For example, their pizza is
mediocre. It has that familiar and plain
Greek style and taste. The cheese isn’t
very good, and the sauce has no zest.
The quality of their sand-
Do you have any ideas to improve
the atmosphere here at
DHS?
We have recently come up with
the idea of the Advisory Program.
The program is going to consist
of a group of about ten people
(of all different grades) that will
be assigned to a certain teacher
where they can talk about things
going on in the school and their
views on certain events. I think it
will make our school a little more
personable by creating a way for
teachers and students to build an
“outside of the classroom” relationship
where concerns can be
addressed.
What’s your favorite thing about
DHS, so far?
Interacting with the kids is defi -
wiches is also rather poor. Some were
so bad I couldn’t even fi nish them. I
recommend staying away from their
steak and cheese. If anything, go with
a classic Greek sub. It’s a satisfying
sandwich, basically consisting of all
the items found in a Greek salad.
Riverside has built up a
reputation on having the greatest buffalo
chicken calzone. However, there
is nothing out of the ordinary about
it. Don’t get me wrong – it’s good,
but only good, nothing spectacular.
I would highly recommend trying a
buffalo chicken calzone from Pizzadoro’s,
and then decide for yourself
if Riverside’s is really as good as you
think.
Although the food may not
be so great, the service almost makes
up for it. They are very polite and always
on time with your order.
After months of conducting
research for this review, I have come
to the conclusion that Pizzadoro’s is
the better restaurant. They seem to put
more time and effort into the quality of
their food.
Riverside: two out of fi ve stars
Pizzadoro’s: three and a half
New veep Nelson Rivera sits behind his desk in the newly
constructed Vice Principal offi ces.
nitely my favorite thing. Things
like seeing kids in the hall and
talking to them. The fi rst day of
school was probably the best
day because it was interesting
to see everyone intermingling
after the summer. I also enjoyed
meeting everybody.
Do you have any hobbies that
keep you occupied in your
spare time?
Between school and work, I really
don’t really have a lot of
free time. I do have two puppies,
however, that I enjoy taking
care of during what leisure
time I have.
Lastly, who is your favorite
band?
Weezer.

The Dedham Mirror • Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Sports 7
Field Hockey comes out strong
By Jessica Robinson
Mirror Staff
After fi nishing with a record
of 13-6-1 in the 2007 season,
the girls fi eld hockey team hopes
to repeat, if not improve, on last
year’s success in the upcoming
season.
Led by a group of veteran
players, the team’s consistency
is a characteristic that will help
make hopes of advancing to the
state tournament a reality. Senior
Captains Lindsay MacDonald
(GK), Meg MacDonald(MF/F),
and Michelle Totino(MF) bring
leadership and experience to a
team that, at present, already has
an impressive record of 5-2-2.
Although seven seniors,
including Transcript All-Star Jenny
Boudrow, have graduated, the
girls fi eld hockey team plans to
rely on their strengths of athleticism
and goalkeeping.
By Kelli Timmins
Mirror Staff
The DHS golf team has
had a great start to their season.
With a record of 5-4 (press time),
the team is more than halfway to
making tournament.
The team had no losses
to graduation and came back
stronger and more experienced.
Senior captains Kevin
Hutchinson, Erik Doldt, and Joe
Quinn hope to lead the team to
a victorious season. All three
captains have been part of the
starting eight for the past three
years.
The golf team’s goal
of making tournament becomes
more possible after their last fi ve
victories, three of which being
against Milton, Framingham,
and Norwood, some of the better
teams in the Bay State League.
“We have a lot of experience
and we work well as a
team. We need to work on consistency
and fi nding the fairway.
The <strong>Marauder</strong>s will also
have to depend on their returners;
seniors Rachel Nash and Kelli
Timmins; juniors Kelly Celata,
Julia Hasenfuss, Sarah Mosca,
and Becky Cormack; and sophomore
Meghan Dwan. New players
have also been added to the
roster, including seniors Courtney
Noris, Erin Briscoe, Tyla Goyette,
Melissa Wadman, Kayla Matta,
junior Christina Moccia, sophomore
Taylor Donovan, and freshman
Tara Celata.
After enduring a hamstring
injury in the preseason,
Lindsay MacDonald returned
from a two-game absence to split
time with junior Sarah Mosca,
adding to the defensive strength
of the team.
Key victories include Needham
(2-1), Milton (3-2), and Framingham
(3-2).
After falling behind early
Golf on the upswing
If we can work on these weaknesses
I can see us having a good
rest of the season” said Hutchinson.
Players that are expected
to step up this season for the team
are juniors Bobby Sennott and
Dan Riley as well as sophomores
Walker Macon and Mike Rkiwuak.
Sennot and Walker
proved themselves as superior
golfers when they won the last
hole 3-0 to Norwood to take the
match for their team.
Quinn had his chance to
shine when he shot an even par
against Natick at home.
Despite the team’s loss
to Wellesley, Doldt shot one under
par in a solid effort to win the
match.
“Even after a rough start
to the season nobody gave up. Everyone
came to every match with
double the intensity of the opposing
squad. This was a key factor
to our triumph. We really proved
the doubters wrong. This team
has so much passion
for the game,” said
senior Matt Carney.
With a
squad full of experience
the team
is looking to fi nish
out the season
strong, and continue
to do damage in the
league.
in both matches against Milton
and Framingham, the Dedham
girls rallied, scoring quick goals
to pull the <strong>Marauder</strong>s ahead. Senior
player Rachel Nash, junior
Kelly Celata, and Capt. Michelle
Totino were important factors in
these games, and especially in
their victory against Framingham,
scoring goals to tie it up and
clinch another <strong>Marauder</strong> victory.
Captain Lindsay Mac-
Donald commented on the season,
saying, “Our performance in
upcoming games is really important;
games against Norwood and
Walpole will be tough but if we
work hard they should be good
wins for us.”
After a streak of tounament
qualifying teams, the DHS
fi eld hockey team hopes to keep
their consistency from past years.
“At the beginning of
the season, making tournament
seemed farther out of reach than
it does now,” commented junior,
Sarah Mosca. “We don’t need a
signifi cant amount of points to
make it and it’s defi nitely an attainable
goal for our team.”
Upcoming home games
include Walpole on October 10th,
Milton on October 14th, and
Braintree on October 16th.
By Erica <strong>White</strong>
Mirror Staff
After a devastating loss
of six senior swimmers to graduation
last year, the Dedham High
swim team is taking this year
to rebuild. With all four juniors
and one sophomore returning,
the squad had a small but strong
foundation they could only build
upon. Luckily, many new freshmen
have gone out for the team
and have already proven their
strengths in relays and stroke
events.
Junior Mike McCormick,
also new to the team this
year, has dominated in his back-
By Chris Dolan
Mirror Staff
Coming off of a tough fall
season last year, the Dedham
High boys cross country team
looks to rebound and come
away with a couple of wins this
autumn.
Victories will not be
easy to come by for this young
team as they have lost a group of
seniors from last year that helped
make up the core of the squad.
John Howard, Tim O’Connor,
and Transcript All-Star Dan
Hernon were all great runners
that were lost to graduation.
With a difficult season
in terms of wins and losses
ahead of the team, Coach Rob
Weschrob has reasonable expectations.
“[My expectations
are] for students to improve their
times individually throughout
Girls XC hangs on
By Lindsay MacDonald
Mirror Staff
Veteran runners will
help the girl’s cross country
team overcome from last
year’s record of 0-11. The trio
captains all have many years
of experience on the track.
Senior Melissa Hallisey
has been a member of the team
since eighth grade. Melissa
Conklin joined her freshman
year, with Kelsie Driscoll
joining sophomore year. They
will be looked upon to lead
the team with success.
“Our captains are
great leaders. They have a lot
of talent and will definitely
help us earn a victory,” said
senior teammate Erin McNamara.
The team graduated a
core group of runners including
Katie McCarthy, Candice
Radloff, Lauren Catinella,
and Samantha Quinn. Despite
the loss, the girls are hopeful
about the season and feel
they have the experience and
strength to prevail.
Driscoll and Hallisey
were the team’s top finishers
against Natick and hope to im-
stroke and freestyle events.
“The freshmen are working
hard and have scored points
in every meet. They are now able
to compete in the stroke events
such as the Backstroke, Breaststroke
and Butterfl y as well as the
distance freestyle events,” said
Coach Kathy Megan.
Juniors Jasmin Byrd,
Mariah Coughlin, Mike McCormick,
Nicolle Stracqualursi and
sophomore Kelly St. Cyr stay
strong.
“They continue to be
competitive in every event always
looking for the fi rst place spot
in the event they are swimming.
They are a very versatile bunch.
the season,” said Weschrob. “So
far, we’ve been running some
faster times each time we go
out.”
Leading the team this fall
will be juniors Ryan Welch,
Billy Loftus, and Ryan Duane.
Providing solid leadership will
be senior captains Milo Carpenter,
out for the season, Nick
Valentino, who at the moment is
battling a popped knee, and Jeff
Pezzone, who is also injured.
Junior Ryan Welch has
led every race for the young
team, with his personal best of
18:07, on a 2.85 mile course.
Juniors Ryan Duane, with a
top time of 19:37 on a 2.9 mile
course, and Billy Loftus, with a
top time of 19:35 on a three mile
course, are close behind Welch.
Sophomore Jeff Hammersley
has also stepped up for the
prove from last year, as both
suffered from injuries during
the season. Conklin and Mc-
Namara will be looked upon
to provide points as well.
Returning underclassmen
Staci Hurst, Stephanie
Warjas, and Erica Micciche,
all sophomores, have
looked strong in the first half
of the season.
“Our sophomore
class is a core group of girls
and they have been running
strong so far,” said Conklin.
The team welcomed
three new runners: senior
Lindsey Kelley and sophomores
Choe Hallion and Tylah
Haskell. Kelley is an experienced
runner from track
and will help provide a boost
to the team. Underclassmen
Hallion and Haskell present
an optimistic vision for the
future.
The team’s record
of 0-5 (press time) doesn’t
illustrate how hard the team
has worked in pre-season
and daily practices. The
girl’s hope to rally as the
season goes on and earn their
first victory in two years.
A rebuilding year for Swim
Many of them are improving
their times with their goal of
making the post-season,” Megan
raved.
With the incoming
freshman recruits, Dedham
has also gained a diver. Freshman
Kelly Gilmore joins junior
Coughlin on the board this year,
and proving diving as a real asset
to the team. “The divers are
defi nitely one of our strengths
this year as they have the ability
to get the fi rst and second spot
in any given meet,” added Megan.
With that being said,
the team is looking forward to
their upcoming meet at Marshfi
eld this Tuesday at 4 p.m.
Boys XC in search of victory
squad with a top time of 19:44
on a 2.9 mile course.
Sophomores, Joey Connolley,
Chris Dempsey, and
Jimmy Fahy make up the rest
of the squad, along with Freshman
Manuel Troncoso. Many
members of the team have prior
experience running for the <strong>Marauder</strong>
cross country team except
Manuel Troncoso and Joey Connelly
who are newcomers to the
sport.
The team is 0-5 (press
time) and hopes that their first
win comes soon.
“Our best chance to win
probably comes against Milton,
and possibly Braintree,” said
junior Billy Loftus.
Here’s to hoping that the
boys cross country team wins
both of those possible victories
this season.

The Dedham Mirror • Tuesday October 7, 2008
8 Sports
Football re-energized by new coach
By Rory O’Hanlon
Mirror Staff
Despite coming off
two tough seasons and a 0-4
start to the 2008 campaign
the <strong>Marauder</strong>s are thinking
positively. The <strong>Marauder</strong>s
are down but not out.
Taking the reigns
this season is Coach Keith
Comeau. With previous
coaching experience at Salem
High and college football
experience under his belt, he
brings a strong football background
to the program.
“I hope to bring a
change in attitude here and
add more intensity to the
program and start to move
in a positive direction,” said
Comeau.
With losses to Needham,
Wellesley, Braintree,
and Natick the boys have got
off to a bumpy start.
“We have had a rough
start but we are getting better
every week,” said senior
captain and quarterback John
O’Connell.
The <strong>Marauder</strong>s are putting
their losses behind them and
looking forward. Unfortunately,
many of the powerhouses
like Walpole, Weymouth, and
Norwood are ahead of them.
While John O’Connell
will be under center leading
the offense at quarterback,
senior Joe Mahoney and senior
captain Robbie Zarthar
will be handling the running
back duties. Both backs are
extremely strong which suites
their power running style.
Senior captain Paul Sullivan
is O’Connell’s main target
downfield at wide receiver.
With Sullivan’s height and
good hands look for the Sullivan-O’Connell
combo often.
The defense is led by
a handful of seniors including
Zarthar, Sullivan, Ma-
honey, Nick Tannetta, Billy
Grenham, and Mike Carilli.
The defense, built around
seasoned veterans, will definitely
hold its own against
the run.
Unfortunately, the
<strong>Marauder</strong>s suffered a big loss
in the first game of the season
when Senior Jeff Sweeney
went down with a severe
ankle injury. Sweeney was
the starting nose tackle and
brought energy to the “D”.
Many underclassmen
also have big roles in
the 3-5-3 defense including
Frankie Mahoney and Glenn
Ghizzoni at linebacker and
Nick Walsh at safety. There is
no question that the defense
is one of its stronger assets.
This solid core of
experienced seniors is very
familiar with how tough this
league is.
“The Baystate League
is one of the hardest leagues
in Massachusetts. Every
game is competitive because
there aren’t any teams far behind
the others. With so many
great teams in the league it’s
tough for us when only a little
over 30 kids come out for
the team,” said Sullivan.
With a majority of the
season left there isn’t any reason
why the <strong>Marauder</strong>s can’t
catch someone off guard and
pull off an upset. The <strong>Marauder</strong>s
have no where to go
but up. They are hungry for a
few wins so it is only a matter
of time before this team
clicks.
Boys Soccer hits the ground running
By Sarah Mosca
Mirror Staff
The boys soccer team
started off fantastically, beginning
the second half of
their season with a record of
5-3-1.
Doing better than expected,
the boys have had
crucial wins against Norwood
(twice), Milton, Randolph,
and a tremendous, 1-0 upset
against Weymouth.
“It was a great win,”
said senior captain Rory
O’Hanlon, “Nobody really expected
us to win. We went out
there and worked really hard
and were able to pull off a
great win for the program and
shock Weymouth.”
The boys’ strengths
consist mainly of the midfield
and defense. The team has
only three returning starters
from last year’s squad: senior
captains Brian Chin and Rory
O’Hanlon at midfield, along
with second year starter, junior
Jeffrey Farrell.
The team suffered a
huge deficit from the parting
of last year’s seniors. They lost
their two starting forwards, Phil
Weltman and Giovanni Castro-
Byrd. Along with midfielders
Mike Zazzara and Ryan Murray,
and also the heavily experienced
play of Joe Weltman.
Alvaro Delapuente (junior),
Brian Boggie (junior)
and Mike McFarland (freshman)
have taken the place of
Weltman and Castro-Byrd at
forward and have had creditable
success so far. The team
plays with a two forwards,
with McFarland, Boggie and
Delapuente rotating to head the
<strong>Marauder</strong>s attack.
The team was also affected
when senior Dan Driscoll
graduated. With no other experienced
goaltenders, the coaches
looked to anybody to fill the
position. Their search came to
an end when junior Scott Murphy
tried it out. After not only
his first year on varsity, but his
first year in the goaltending
position, he’s showed no butterflies
between the posts.
“Watching him play,
you wouldn’t even know that
it was his first year playing
goalie,” said O’Hanlon, “He’s
really stepped up and all of our
confidence in him has grown
as the season has progressed.”
The worst circumstance
that the team has faced
is a little bit of inexperience
and uncertainty amongst the
younger players of the team.
However, that’s nothing that
can be improved as the season
moves along.
Other seniors Nick
Terzian, David Delendeck and
Ryan Birchall are three new senior
additions to the team who
have come off the bench during
games as reinforcements.
With tournament close
in reach, the boys are eager
to get those next few wins to
solidify their amount of qualification
points to accomplish
their goal. Although they only
need a small amount of wins to
achieve what they’re striving
for, the boys are still trying
hard and fighting it out until
the end of their season.
Girls soccer
ready to get back on track
By Sarah Mosca
Mirror Staff
Due to a lack of experience
and a somewhat young
team comparable to years past,
the DHS girls soccer team started
their season with a bit of turbulence.
However, room to improve
is an upside as the team’s development
has gotten more consistent
as the season has progressed
so far.
The losses of last year’s
seniors hit the team hard. Erin
McGaffi gan, Krista Bradbury,
Madison Farrell, Amanda Shay
and Kayla Cammaratta were fi ve
strong players whose college
departures made an irreparable
dent in the team atmosphere and
playing chemistry, but is something
that the remaining players
strongly aspire to overcome.
Although Kayla Cammaratta
will be missed by the
team, Jess Robinson (capt.) has
been doing an outstanding job
fi lling her space between the
pipes and impressing everybody
on the sidelines.
“Goaltending is defi -
nitely one of our biggest strengths
on the team this year,” said four
year starter, junior Patrice Vettori,
“I’m defi nitely comfortable
with [Robinson] back there in the
net and she is doing a great job. I
have confi dence in her when she
takes shots from the other teams
and I know everybody else feels
the same way.”
Undoubtedly, experience
is what is holding the team
back. The talent is there, but the
age and familiarity isn’t. Unlike
last year, the team has very few
four and fi ve year starters.
The only fi ve year member
of the team is senior captain
Nicole Savi. So far, she’s been
a strong leader in the midfi eld
and one of her highlights of the
season was her two goal score
performance in the game against
By Erin Briscoe
Mirror Staff
The girls volleyball
team has had a tough start to
the season with an unexpected
record of 1-6 (press time). With
the addition of fi ve new players,
including sophomore Tori Wood,
as setter, they have yet to really
show the talent they have.
The team’s toughest
games this season were against
the always competitive Natick
and Walpole. Dedham lost both
games, 3-0 but did not go down
without a fi ght.
The team had high expectations
of making tournament
this year but came up short due
to two injuries this season. Seniors
Jackie Chen (outside hitter)
and Caitlin Driscoll (setter) have
been in and out of the lineup with
Milton. The only two four year
members are Vettori and Robinson,
leaving Vettori as the only
fi ve year starter to lead the team
next year.
Sarah Maki, senior captain,
is a three year member of
the team contributing to the midfi
eld. She’s another one of the
players that will be looked to for
the remainder of the season for
her experience on the fi eld and
leadership.
The team has six new
players that will be fulfi lling
their fi rst year on the varsity
team. Of those six are seniors
Amy Munchbach and Stephanie
Lloyd, who are looking to get
some playing time in the midfi
eld. Two new freshmen additions
have also been placed on
the team, Jenna Savi and Sarah
Warjas. With plenty of observation
of the team over the past
few years, the two freshmen
were eager to hear the news that
they would be starting their fi rst
year on the team.
“[Warjas and Savi] have
really stepped it up so far,” said
Robinson “Although newcomers
to the varsity level of play, they
don’t seem to be phased by their
age and inexperience.”
With tournament rapidly
approaching, the team is determined
to win their upcoming
games and with the look of their
schedule and the statistics of the
other teams, the goal of making
tournament is looking within
reach for the girls.
“At the beginning of the
season we were hoping to take
the Herget,” said Robinson, “but
now we’re mostly focusing on
making tournament. The hardest
part of our season is over and
now we know that with a more
evenly leveled match-up, we can
defi nitely show the other teams
how much we’ve improved and
how good we can really perform
on the fi eld.”
Volleyball setting up
injuries.
“Our goals for this season
would have to be to work on
our upcoming setters,” Senior
Jill Moses (outside hitter).
Jill has played as starting
outside hitter for the past
three years. With a team made up
of four senior starters, preparing
for next year is also a big concern
for Coach Margery Bohan.
The starting lineup this
year includes Jill Moses (outside
hitter); Vivian Daley (middle hitter);
Julia Berkey (middle hitter);
Jackie Chen (Outside hitter);
Caitlin Driscoll (setter); and Tori
Wood (setter).
The <strong>Marauder</strong>s have
had a tough start but will continue
to battle down the stretch. The
underclassman will certainly use
this season to build for the future,
which looks bright.