High School

2011 ECHS Graduation Photos

Eastern Christian Honor’s Choir

ECHS

Eastern Christian Honor's Choir

Thank you to all who auditioned.

Alto

• Taylor Mincey
• Francesca Quintero
• Ke-Shya Byrd
• Uchena Oksoa
• Jessie Shultz

Soprano II

• Skyler Van Valkenburgh
• Kasi Howes
• Rebecca Girimonte
• Cassie Chambers

Soprano I

• Samantha Clark
• Diana Kleinmanns
• Kathryn Post
• Krystal Rodriquez

Tenor

• Jesse Ojeda
• Dan Gorter

Baritone

• Josh Davidson
• Josh Ashkinazi
• Tyler Albies

Bass

• Bobby Peretti
• Andrew Fiedler

Entry was based on the following, in no particular order:

• Sight Reading
• Reason for Joining
• Voice Part
• Seniority
• Scheduling Interest
• Vocal tone/quality in terms of CHORAL singing
• Nerves in performance
• Interest Responses
• Audition

The Challenge

written by Faith Schmitt

We are all familiar with Eastern Christian's athletic competitions, but are you familiar with the academic ones? On November 18th, a group of high school students went to MSGVarsity's studio in New York City to compete in the network's show, The Challenge.

Along with the competitors, a group of fans and parents attended the filming. When we arrived at the studio we were seated in the audience section facing the bright and colorful set. The names of our team members were displayed across the dais with our school's name underneath. There were crew members scattering around and a panel of judges in the corner. Cameras, lights, and monitors were all over the place; this was TV production.

Both teams came out and for the first time we saw our competitors, Oak Bridge High School. Each team took their place and the pictures began. Cameras were being held by the studio's employees, by friends, by mothers; they were all snapping away. I took this chance to ask our team how they were feeling. Jacob Shotmeyer eagerly stated, "I've been drinking green tea all day. I'm pumped!" Overall the team said they were a little nervous, but in a good way. When energetic host Jared Cotter came out, he went to go take more pictures with the teams.

At last we began. First, the show's producers took three shots of the audience. One of us looking at the podium, one where we clapped lightly, and one where we were cheering loudly. Then there was a rehearsal round when Jared asked a practice question. The two girls on either side of the crowd were instructing us how to react to everything. When I walked into the studio as a fan, I had no idea I'd have to become an actor.

Then the first round started, the categories: Military Leaders, Math Lingo, and Dickens. The first point went to Jordan of Oak Bridge with the answer "William Harrison." Questions two and three also went to Oak Bridge, but then freshman Bobby Peretti gave EC it's first point on question four. After that, the round was pretty even with both teams giving correct answers, and both struggling with the Math Lingo category. The round ended with a tied score of 135-135.

Then there was Round Two, the lightening round. Each team would get a category and answer as many questions as possible in sixty seconds. Oak Bridge got to choose what category they got, they chose "Landmarks" leaving us with "Cartoon Voiceovers." This round was our downfall. While the other team got questions like "Where is the Golden Gate Bridge?", we got questions like "Who voices the character Sid in the movie Ice Age?" Ending score: EC-150 to Oak Bridge-175.

There were two more rounds after that. Both teams were giving great answers. Round Three's score was 210-245. Round Four was intense the score was close and the audience was on the edge of their seats. It looked like EC might be able to win, but alas they did not. Final score: 245-290.

After the final question had been answered and Jared signed off, the crowd was filmed cheering for about 90 seconds. Then Jared had to re-film asking a question because he pronounced "Tajikistan" wrong. We were escorted out and received a complimentary MSGVarsity magazine.

When asked about his win, team captain Neal Sukhia of Oak Ridge said, "I'm feeling pretty good. The other team was a good competitor, but ultimately we came out on top." Eastern Christian did a great job and hopefully next year we get to compete again and bring home a win.

Seton Hall Math Competition

Nine Eastern Christian High School students attended the Seton Hall University 25th Annual Joseph W. Andrushkiw Mathematics Competition on Saturday, November 20.

The 90-minute exam consisted of 16 questions weighted with respect to their difficulty. Questions involved Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Theory of Equations, Combinatorics, Probability and other basis topics all answered without using a calculator.

Monetary awards were given for the three highest individuals: First Prize: $200; Second Prize: $100; Third Prize: $50. Plaques were awarded for the five highest team scores. The team score was based on the total of the three highest scores of the participants. Every contestant received a certificate of participation.

The ECHS team consisted of Seniors: Jake Choi , David Kang, Katherine Kim, Dawn Wang, and Marina Youssef; and Juniors: Luke Everson, Philip Jang, and Jacob Shotmeyer. The only Sophomore member of the team was Daniel Gorter.

The EC team performed very well, especially since it was their first time competing. They came very close to the fifth place team. They scored 30 points and the fifth place team had 36 points. The individual who took fifth place had a score of 16. Three of our team members: Jake Choi, Katherine Kim & Daniel Gorter had a score of 10.

Mrs. Deborah Andrews and Miss Julie Brink were the co-sponsors of the team and were there to cheer them on, as was our bus driver and Director of Admissions, Jerry Cantalupo. We are proud of them! Next year, team!!!