Expansion of Longtime Extracurricular
By: Nicole Reese
After countless years of “Tapestry”, chorus teacher Ms. Stephens decides on a change that not only affects the name, but also the contents of this extracurricular. This was a personal decision Stephens made to appeal to all students, rather than a small majority.
Tapestry - a treble group, only open to higher/female voices - has been a way for students to come together after school and sing more challenging music. The group was Comsewogue’s go-to whenever music would be needed at events, like singing the Star Spangled Banner at the Homecoming Game and winter carols around the holidays. This year, Tapestry has been upgraded to house students of every voice part - something that hasn’t been possible for the past few years.
“When you work in a small group … you really get to test your abilities and work as a team,” Stephens says. “I’m hoping it's just another opportunity for you guys to enjoy making music and give back to the community.” The formation of Spartan Singers brings in the ability to add lower voices to each song and create a fuller sound overall.
Many students see this as beneficial, one of whom is junior Madelyn McCormick. Others like her have decided to return to the rebranded extracurricular, taking a liking to such change and seeing this as positive for the group. Not only does Spartan Singers provide students with ways to continue with a personal interest, but the group also impacts students on personal levels.
“I’ve been [a part of the] chorus since I was in 4th grade, and music has been there through everything,” McCormick stated. “It’s really cool that we get lower voices because we were definitely limited to the songs we could sing,”
The singers with lower voices who fall into the Tenor/Bass section are greatly impacted by the changed group. After many years of lacking a way to continue singing once the final bell rings, they are now able to join students with higher voices. Among the students who find this helpful is junior Ryan Callahan.
“I’ve been in chorus since 7th grade, and I've stuck with it ever since because I love it so much.” Callahan began. When asked how he felt about the Spartan Singers forming, Callahan replied, “I actually really like it because [the Spartan Singers is going to] help me become a stronger singer.”
The chorus teacher who used to teach in the high school was able to host “Montage,” - a club like Tapestry for lower voices. However, the lack of interest in students had called for its removal. Years later, more students have shown interest in Chorus and singing, making a creation like Spartan Singers possible.
“I feel like it’s more inclusive to all voice parts [while also] respecting what the previous teacher wanted,” Said Sophomore Michael Rotundo. “Y’know it’s just about the style.”
(Video produced by Nicole Reese)
(Photo property of Nicole Reese)
(Video produced by Nico Davis)
(Photo property of Nico Davis)
BUsiness honor society is back in business
BUsiness honor society is back in business
By: Nico Davis
With school back in session, Comsewogue’s Business Honor Society, led by Mr. Rovello, is starting back up, preparing students for college and their future with necessary business skills.
Of the many aspects concerning this honor society, arguably the most important is the fact that BHS prepares students for their college education and future employment. Wishing the best for his students, Mr. Rovello teaches students the best skills that will help them in the work force.
“Business Honor Society can help students prepare for future college careers, or afterwards by giving them the useful skills such as public speaking, the ability to think critically, come up with innovative product ideas, as well as work with their peers and communicate with others,” said Mr. Rovello.
Guidance Counselor Mr. Tremblay weighed in, explaining how getting into college is easier due to the preparation and experience of members.
“It gives you a track to move down,” says Mr. Tremblay. “You can join the Business Academy or the Business Honor Society in high school and realize, that’s not what I want to do, or it reaffirms, ‘that’s exactly what I want to do.’’
Hannah Montoya, a student heavily involved in this, tells us how it has helped her in preparation for her collegiate future. “Business Honor Society has helped me prepare for public speaking and improve my communication skills with others,” Montoya said. “It has also helped me with my organization skills and getting things together on time.”
Another attribute of Comsewogue’s Business Honor Society is its uniqueness. BHS is very involved in the community, looking to give back to others and prepare young students for the rest of their lives. Hannah Montoya reveals one of the many events that BHS hosts.
“We went to the middle school and had a career fair for the 7th graders. We showed them a lot about what the future can be like and how you can start thinking about what you want to do,” said Hannah. Mr. Rovello agrees and confirms the things that BHS does. “We are heavily involved in our community,” states Rovello. “One of my favorite things to do is that we do a book drive at the elementary school, and we actually have our Business Honor Society members drop off the books and then read the books to the elementary schoolers, which is a very cool experience.”
Business Honor Society may be one of the newer Honor Societies, but that does not mean that it isn’t already one of the most impactful societies here. “It can sort things out in your own brain. It will get you outside to do volunteering, working with others in terms of bettering them. Not where you get anything out of it other than the fact of helping someone.”
(Video Produced by Daniel Cordero)
(Photo property of Virtual Enterprise INC. )
Virtual Enterprise: Growing Leaders
By: Daniel Cordero
This year's story begins with two student CEOs, leaders of the VE firms Replenish and Tracer, who spoke about their journeys and the responsibility of guiding their classmates. Before sharing their insights, they explained how last year's experiences prepared them for the challenge ahead. Their reflections revealed how Virtual Enterprise pushes students beyond traditional classroom learning and immerses them in real-world business decision-making.
When asked what inspired him to take on the CEO role, Replenish CEO Jovanny Diaz emphasized the power of collective effort within the VE environment. ” There are levels to this; everyone in the department is contributing, from even the role that you call the “smallest” to even the biggest role, CEO, everybody in the department is contributing,” Diaz said. His perspective highlights one of the program's most important lessons: leadership depends on collaboration, not hierarchy.
As discussions continued, both CEOs reflected on the challenges their teams had faced, everything from early setbacks in planning to the pressure of preparing financials, marketing materials, and investor pitches. These obstacles taught students how much every detail matters in a company's success, helping shape them into thoughtful leaders ready to guide them through the competitive VE season.
Tracer CEO Anjali Sooknanan described this idea best when talking about her team's biggest challenge. “Even the smallest roles can do the biggest jobs because if one little thing doesn't get done, it's a snowball effect,” Sooknanan explained. Her words underscored how the program mirrors real business operations: every department relies on the others, and communication is key.
Beyond the CEOs’ insights, the Virtual Enterprise program at Comsewogue has a history of excellence. Business teacher Mr. Rovello, who oversees the firms, reminded students of last year's success story: Pickletek, the VE company that placed top eight internationally, a milestone that brought pride to both the school and the program. He also emphasized the broader skills students gain through the experience, especially when preparing for competitions, monthly trade shows, and live presentations to judges.
As students gear up for another year of trade fairs, business plans, and investor pitches, Rovello explained how VE develops practical, lifelong skills. “Public speaking is another skill that is developed and sculpted through the course,” stated Rovello, noting that students often finish the year more confident, articulate, and prepared for professional opportunities.
In the end, Comsewogue’s Virtual Enterprise program continues to build more than businesses; it builds leaders. Whether students dream of careers in finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, or simply want to learn how to collaborate and communicate, VE gives them a place to grow. As the new student firms begin their journey, one message echoes through the classroom: the real world is waiting, and these students are ready to meet it.
(Photo property of Comsewouge Highschool)
(Photo property of Giana Reyes)
Wasp Infestations
Wasp Infestations
By Giana Reyes
What's the buzz from the summer? With the schools unoccupied over the summer, new tenants moved in. With all the commotion going on in early September, new classes, getting ready for homecoming, trick or treat street, and getting in the swing of things, there have been a few overlooked issues.
Wasps infest the classroom, the halls, and even the courtyard. These commonly disliked insects in crowded areas were known to cause havoc. They've been overtaking art classrooms and areas by the courtyard for the most part.
Athena Lioudaki, a student who attends a class in Mrs Verdisco's room, has explained how she was stung by a wasp. “...It was weird because it got stuck in my shirt, " she stated. “That was happening a lot. One of my friends also got it stuck in her hood.” This was just one of many incidents to be told.
Other than the fact that there have been several cases of teachers and students being stung by these wasps, so many of the students have been struggling to stay focused in class.
“It's very distracting,” said Mrs. Verdisco, whose class has been overtaken by wasps. There'll be anywhere from 4-10 bees flying around the room throughout the day… They can be aggressive. So, you know, everything stops when there's a bee in here…”
Other than the classrooms, the courtyard is filled with wasps, which get close to students, their food, and their trash. Improper discarding of food can be a big factor contributing to this.
“They don't actually sting you. They kind of just go near your food,” indicated Wendy Salvaco Garcia, one of the many students who eat in the courtyard. “But if you just leave them alone and try not to hit them, I don't think they'll get aggressive...”
Late fall, all the buzz is slowing down. Wasps haven't been seen and are the least of Comsewogue’s concerns right now. We are now going into winter without any concerning distractions.
(Video Produced by Giana Reyes)
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