By Shelby Cohen

April 1, 1933 marked one of the most historic days for the worldwide Jewish community. That date marked the beginning of discriminatory legislation against Jews in Germany. In the following years, a massive genocide happened and killed 6,000,000 Jews -- an event known today as the Holocaust. One strong brave man survived those harsh years: his name is Joseph Engel. He now lives in Charleston and goes around to different schools to talk with students about his story through the Holocaust.

Joe was just a 13-year-old boy living in Poland when the war against Jews started. In 1939, the Nazis occupied Poland and made all the Jews wear yellow Stars of David on their arms. Joe came from a family of nine kids and an extended family of 150, and out of those 150 members, only four survived the war. He is now the last one alive today.

The day the Nazis attacked his town, they separated all the Jews into groups, and Joe was separated from his family so fast he doesn't even remember their last words. All he remembers is everyone crying and a lot of chaos. After he was separated from his family, he was sent to a death camp. Before entering the camp, the Nazis would again separate the Jews into who went into the gas chamber and who went to the death camp, Auschwitz. He was chosen to go to Auschwitz in 1942.

All Jews who were sent to death camps or concentration camps had numbers tattooed on their right forearms as their new "name"; this was how the Nazi soldiers kept track of them. The first moment he stepped into that camp, his entire life was just hanging on a thin string. He had been separated from his whole family, and he was just a teenager. At Auschwitz, his job was just to be occupied every minute of the day. At the death camp seven people had to share one bunk bed since there wasn't enough room in the cabins for everyone to lie down all at once. Somehow, Joe kept a very positive, calm mindset, with the goal just to survive. He would have done anything to survive at that time. Most people at the camp struggled with their faith in G-d, because they would all pray for a miracle, but no miracle would happen. Yet Joe never let his head down; he became very independent and matured quickly.

One day the Nazi soldiers gathered all the Jews in Auschwitz and loaded them into a train heading to the gas chambers. Joe said to one of his friends on the train, "I can't do this anymore. I'm going to escape. I have nothing to lose if I jump, but I have many things to gain." When he jumped he ran as fast as he could, thinking of freedom ahead of him. The train was in Czechoslovakia when he made his escape. For four weeks he lived in a foxhole he had made, and every night he would steal food from local farmers near his hideout. He was in the Resistance for a few years while living in the hole. In his foxhole, he would ask himself every day and night, "Why me? Why a genocide against millions of innocent people?"

Finally, in 1945, he was liberated by the Soviet Union while fighting in the Resistance. He was just 19 years old. A CCS student asked how he felt when he found out he was getting liberated. Engel said excitedly, "I felt like I was a bunch of monkeys getting let out free from the zoo!" The Soviet Union put him in jail at first because they didn't know who he was; they thought he was some straggler. The next day they interrogated him and let him go.

After the Soviet Union liberated him, they shipped him to the United States, where the government sent him to New Orleans on March 13, 1949. He was in New Orleans for a night before he was shipped to Charleston, where he had some family. When he got settled in the States, he had a chance to go back to Poland after the war and find anyone in his family who might have survived. He went back and looked for six months, but no one was there. Sometime after the war, he did reunite with his sister who was living in the U.S. although she has since passed away.

Joe for a long time and close friend of his went around and talked to many different schools and clubs about the tragic story of their struggles through the Holocaust. They did this together for 20 long years, sharing their stories with everyone. Last year, his great friend passed away. Since then, Joe Engel has still been going around talking to schools. May 8, 2009 marked 64 years, since Joe Engel -- a wonderful, brave Holocaust survivor -- was liberated by the Soviet Union. He still is as strong of a man he was when he was just a young teenager going through the horrors of World War II.

By Mackenzie Drury

The end of the year is right around the corner with less than two weeks of classes left before exams. Students are already taking AP exams and finalizing their grades. The end of the year is of course exciting but also very stressful and chaotic. Seniors have to plan for college, and juniors have to finish SAT's and start applying for schools. The end of the year is time for final decisions and last evaluations.

This is the second year Charleston Collegiate has set up the Senior Exhibition program. The seniors have the opportunity to use everything they have gained from CCS and work it into a project of their choice. Each student has a peer and an adult or teacher that guides them in the right direction. The 12^th grade students have the whole year to prepare their projects that they then present at the end of the year. They are required to have a paper, the presentation and the process. Students, parents, and teachers are all welcome to attend the presentations where the seniors are graded on their performance and knowledge of the topic. This year, the students will present May 19-20. With the support of their peers and teachers, they have all been successful and are well prepared to present.

For the rest of the students, exams are the number one priority. The seniors take exams starting May 14th. The Middle and Upper school do not start until May 26th. Everyone has a week of preparation and study time. Students with an A average for the years are allowed to exempt their exams and get out of classes earlier. The rest of the year is mostly study halls and long breaks with prom, yearbooks, and graduation.

Prom is May 15th, the same day as the yearbook distribution. The juniors and seniors only have a half day that Friday so everyone can leave school and have plenty of time to get ready. Before the early dismissal, the yearbook classes will present the yearbook and the seniors will show their senior video. The students will have time to sign each others yearbooks before they leave. Before we get out of school for summer, the seniors will have their graduation and their last goodbyes. The end of the year is near with less than two weeks left. The students are all excited to summer and anticipating freedom.

By Kate Miller

Using less energy is the best means to create energy efficiency. It is guaranteed to reduce pollution. The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the United States Chamber of Commerce, and even the National Petroleum Council have been vocally supporting tools for energy reduction in the past few years. A McKinsey study confirmed that an all-around decrease in energy use could result in 20% less energy use in America by 2020.

Buildings consume two-thirds of all energy consumption. There are several ways to reduce consumption within buildings. They include using fluorescent bulbs that use 75% less power. Ducts and pipes can also be insulated in order to reduce the escape of energy. Caulking doors and windows is another strategy to reduce the escape of energy. Reducing energy in other aspects of our lives can include simple techniques such as keeping the air in car tires full in order to avoid motor fatigue and emissions of carbon dioxide.

There has definitely been recent concern about energy consumption in this country. Ian Bowles, a secretary of the corporation Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs, stated that, "We've hit rock bottom in our addiction to fossil fuels. We need an intervention, and energy efficiency is it"

The Obama administration is putting special emphasis on energy efficiency. President Obama stated that energy reduction is, "the cheapest, cleanest, fastest energy source". Obama has vowed to cut 15% of energy consumption in federal buildings.

"A lot of simple answers are just sitting around waiting for us to execute," said Tom Reddoch, an efficiency expert at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Many would argue that the U.S. is not as efficient as it should be. United States power plants waste enough energy to power the entire country of Japan. If the trend of energy consumption continues, America could use 30% more power by the year 2030 reports the U.S. Department of Energy.

Businesses throughout the country have jumped on the energy-saving wagon. The company Honeywell devotes roughly half of its financial budget to energy efficiency. With simple measures such as heating and lighting with built-in sensors to turn down the energy or easily incorporated to reduce energy consumption. The corporation EnerNOC based out of Boston, provides funds to businesses such as hotels and supermarkets who take extra measures to reduce the use of energy.

Energy efficiency is a new concept that may be difficult for some people, but with a few small changes across the board, major changes can be made to reduce environmental impact. The new administration is looking for answers to the rising problem of energy overload. Either America becomes more efficient or increased resources must be used to obtain more of the same energy. Finding alternative means of fuel, such as wind and solar, would help both the economy and the environment. Renewable energy is the way of the future.

-- Grunwald, Micheal. "America's Untapped Energy Resource: Boosting Effieiency. 31  December 2008. <http://www.time.com>.

By Shelby Cohen and Mackenzie Drury

For more than eight years Fine Arts Week has been a great experience for all the students at CCS. Each day a new type of art is presented. Fine Arts Week is at the end of each school year for all the students in drawing, painting, choir, drama, and film classes to show off all their hard work starting from the beginning of the school year. Mr. Neale, director of the Fine Arts program, puts a lot of his time and effort to make Fine Arts Week spectacular. He not only sets everything up and organizes the whole week, but he is also going through the final lines and dress rehearsals for the Spring Play. The preschool through Upper School students displayed their clay pieces, and drawings, films, and music. Middle and Upper School students also performed in the big Spring play that happens every year. The week was filled with shortened classes and total entertainment for all students and families to enjoy.

The week started off on Monday with The Writers Forum. Several authors came to the school to talk to the students about their different styles of writings and their paths to success. Ken Burger, writer for The Post and Courier, began writing in eighth grade then later realized he wanted to focus on poetry. He became a reporter and now writes his own general interest columns, where he can express his ideas freely. On top of writing 200 columns a year he wrote his first novel, Swallow Savannah. John Thompson, full time novelist, started writing his junior year of high school with his first poem. He became a poet in college and realized writing novels was more his style. Towards his road to success as many people he had to learn many things along the way. He learned to deal with rejections, and critical comments. His writing helps him bring out his emotions and inspires others. Jonathon Miller, artist and author, wrote his first book in December. He started his own Publishing Company and now enjoys writing children's books. Monday he shared his book The Adventures of Sammy the Wonder Dachshund with all the Lower School classes. He uses his art as an inspiration to reach out to younger age groups. Jonathon advises young writers to just write and not to worry about right and wrong.

Tuesday was filled with music and dancing. The Adande Dancers and Drummers came to the school to perform and teach dances of their culture and different sounds of the drums. The performers spent most of the day with the art classes teaching them routines to perform in front of the whole student body. Junior, Jessica Wood, participated in the dancing. "It was amazing! I had so much fun dancing with them. They have been coming for the past few years and it always gets everyone excited." After performing the dances they interacted with other students by letting them come out and dance. The Adande dancers really added a kick to the week.

On Wednesday, the Upper and Middle school chorus classes sang for the school. The concert was directed by Rebecca Knox, the school's music director,and featured Laura Ball, pianist, and Robbi Kenney, pianist and violinist. Students performed songs they had been working on all year. To start the show, the 6th grade girls belted out some old tunes. They showed no signs of being nervous and did a great job. Then the middle school performed with soloists: Caitlyn Berl, Taylor Searcy, Carlos Rodriquez, Chris Smalls, and Peter Lazich. To top the show, CCS's brilliant high school students performed an amazing show. During the song "Blackbird" by Lennon and McCartney, Senior Remi Kosian stepped out with a solo. "I was nervous, but I did it anyway because I realized in the end it would be a great experience," Said Remi. Some of the other high school students picked for a solo agreed with Remi. They all enjoyed performing for the last time this year.

The Art Happening took place on Thursday. Grades 1-12 broke out into their old Renaissance Fair teams to build a person out of PVC pipes, paper, and cardboard. Each team had one hour to build the best and most creative piece of art using any materials they needed. Jessica Wood and Thomas Stutts' group won first place and were awarded ice cream and a dress down day. Some groups made people while others made abstract art. Everyone had fun splattering paint and creating these artistic pieces. The Art Happening was something new that the students could enjoy again next year.

The week ended with the Lower School concert and the play, You Can't Take It With You. The Lower School, instructed by Ms. Knox and Mr. O'Donnell, sang Friday for friends and family. The audience enjoyed watching the kids sing and dance. Ms. Knox was very impressed with her classes, "The Lower School did an excellent job learning music in a short rehearsal time. I am very proud and looking forward to next year." Middle and Upper School students performed in the Spring Play on Friday and Saturday night for their friends and family. The play was a great success. It was filled with laughter, sadness, and honesty. The students had been practicing for months and were well prepared. Sophomore, Aria Maloney attended the play on Saturday night, "The play was really good. Everyone seemed excited and they all knew their lines." To others the performance was a great success and everyone has been speaking positively about it.

Fine Arts Week was a great and fun-filled week. All the students seemed to really enjoy each day's activity. Fine Arts Week is the best way to show off everyone's hard work and artistic skills from the year, while incorporating interactive performances. Mr. Neale, Ms. Knox, Mrs. Shears, Mr. O'Donnell, and everyone else who helped put the whole week together did a fantastic job, and all the students and families really appreciate all the work they had to put into the week. Students are already looking forward to next year's Fine Arts Week and what new happenings are yet to come.

By Mackenzie Drury

The movie Twilight is based off of Stephenie Meyer's best-selling book. The book was a huge hit, and the movie was just as good. The story is about a teenager, Bella Swan, moving away from her mother in Phoenix to live with her father in a small town in Washington. Just as she thought it could not get any worse with the school and the terrible rainy weather, she falls in love with classmate, Edward Cullen, the most beautiful thing she has ever seen. However, the reason for his beauty turns him into a monster. He is a vampire who can barely restrain from sucking the life out of his first true love. Edward, along with the rest of his family, has a pale, beautiful complexion and stone cold skin. They live in a house in the woods isolated from others, but they are not what most people think of when it comes to vampires, they are good guys who drink the blood of animals instead of people.

Edward at first cannot stand to be around Bella and then, after saving her life, realizes he can't stand to be without her. They spend every moment together when she discovers her true destiny, which is revealed in the book. Bella loves Edward and the Cullen family and does not want to live without them. She continues to age while they all stay young.

The movie Twilight is exhilarating. It is about more than just blood- drinking vampires and monsters; it is about love and family relationships. The book is slightly different with more action and detail. There are four books in the series, each one as good as the next. The movie, however, is one of the most popular in the Fall with $191,449,475  coming into the box office. (rottentomatoes.com) Everyone from young teenagers to adults is reading the books and watching the movie. Some people hated the movie but loved the books. I think both are fantastic but of course the book is always better than the movie. Junior Shelby Cohen has read the book and seen the movie. "I loved the book. It always kept me wanting to know what comes next. I just couldn't put it down. The movie was not as good because it didn't have as much detail, but both were good."

By Kate Miller

Since the swine (H1N1) flu epidemic first took full effect roughly a week ago, the entire world has been in turmoil over the disease. When the swine flu spread out of Mexico last week, with reported cases in Switzerland and Peru, governments and health officials throughout the world went into high alert. Not since the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-19 has there been a worldwide pandemic. During that flu outbreak, 20 million people died worldwide. In the U.S. alone, 500,000 people were killed. With those striking numbers, health officials are worried about the modern day global flu outbreak. In Mexico (the source of the flu), offices, restaurants, schools, and soccer stadiums have closed in rapid succession. Mexican President Felipe Calderon explained that the closing were only temporary, but necessary in keeping the virus at bay.

 As public places, including churches, empty out throughout Mexico, the world waits in anticipation for what will come next. Fear has been spread across the globe. Hong Kong's Chief Executive Donald Tsang announced that the "pandemic flu will continue to spread and Hong Kong is very likely to be affected." The world anticipates a full-fledged pandemic. European health leaders met in Luxembourg this week to discuss the pandemic. The issue is that the latest flu vaccine, Tamaflu does not provide protection from this strain of flu. With sixteen dead in Mexico, health officials are consumed with the spread of the virus. Hundreds of schools throughout the country have closed temporarily. School closings span from Texas to Arizona, New Mexico, and New York. The Centers for Disease Control reported that school closings should last up to two weeks in order to provide enough time for proper sterilization.

Drugstores throughout America have revealed that they have sold out of surgical masks. Family Care Physicians across the globe admit to having consistently busy offices. With over 200 cases in the United States alone, caution over the flu has taken full effect. "They're coming without any symptoms; they just want to be checked," Ana Marengo, the spokeswoman of the Health and Hospitals Corporation said of clinic patients. The American government has already started taking preventative action in order to avoid the spread of the flu. Obama's administration has provided $1.5 billion dollars to prevent the further spread of the virus within the United States. When the outbreak began, the U.S. lacked a Secretary of Health and Human Services. Due to the fact that there was no official in this position, Kathleen Sebelius was hastily assigned to this role. These are just some of many actions the American government is taking to prevent the spread of the virus. In other areas of the world, the preventative action is a bit more extreme. Cuba has banned flights to and from Mexico. In Egypt, the government has called for a country-wide slaughter of all pigs (more than 400,000).

The "pandemic" is currently at a level 5, just one level lower than a full on pandemic. Researchers throughout the world have been looking into the root of the virus. It has been traced back to a small village in Mexico called Perote, where the U.S. company Smithfield Foods owns a massive hog farm. The swine flu is actually a swine/avian/human flu mix. It developed in a process called reassortment in which various genes are combined and in some cases new genes are created in order to form a new strain of a virus. Peter Daszak, the president of the Wildlife Trust and a leading scientific expert in preventing the spread of potential pandemics stated that, "When you get a large concentration of pig farms, people, wild birds and poultry, these things do happen."

Although panic over the flu has spread faster than the flu itself, there are encouraging signs that the disease is waning. Dr. Richard Besser of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that, "So far, the severity of illness we're seeing in this country is similar to what we're seeing with seasonal flu. While we are not out of the woods, we are seeing some encouraging signs."

 

For More Information:

Times Topics. "Swine Flu (AH1N1 Virus)". 22 May 2009. <www.nytimes.com>.

The Real Clear Politics Blog. "Good Thing They Don't Still Call It ‘Spanish Flu'". 29 April 2009. < http://www.time.com>.

 

By Shelby Cohen and Mackenzie Drury

Everyone has a different view on the American Dream and what it should be. For the past few years, people have seen the American Dream as a peaceful and safe environment. People have traveled from all over the world to fulfill their own dreams in America, also know as "the land of hopes and dreams." With the decline in the economy for the past year and a half, people are out of control wanting nothing but money and success. Employees are being laid off, making less money and working harder, while prices on fuel, food, and anything else we buy is rising drastically.

The Journalism Team interviewed students and teachers that have varied opinions; however, they want similar results. Most students see their American Dreams as just being happy and enjoying life, whereas many adults see the big picture and the faults in the economy. This week The Journalism team questioned a variety of age groups about their views on the American Dream. The team was very successful in finding a wide range of opinions.

Dr. Garland was very confident in her response: "The American Dream is Barack Obama." Dr. Garland believes Obama has been an inspiration to all in America. She stated that Barack Obama grew up with nothing, and now he has accomplished a great deal, so much that he is the first African American President of the United States. Mrs. Boyd's idea of the American Dream comes from the movie The Great Gatsby. The movie shows every aspect of people's wishes on the American Dream, but now people's dreams of America are more corrupt. When asked, some students did not really have big American Dreams which is understandable. Students had to think a little before answering. Junior Aaron Brown said that money is his American Dream. "Money is all you need nowadays," he said. Sixth-grade student Serena Kafka said, "My American Dream is that there will be no more crime, no debts, and a better more stable economy."

People now see the difference in American Dreams from a variety of age groups. Most adults think about the big stuff in life while most students focus on the little things in life because that's all they care about right now. Adults are thinking about how they will be able to have a gallon of milk every week for their family, or when they need to pay the next water or electricity bill. Students are thinking what they are doing after school and when they need to buy the next cool thing to fit in with a crowd. Even though many Americans are seeing the decline in the economy, they still keep their faith in America and what is yet to come.

By Shelby Cohen

Every spring and fall, hundreds to thousands of people from diverse cultures and ages come and celebrate a bi-annual arts festival in Charleston. This festival is known as Kulture Klash, and it brings peoples' attention to the new contemporary modern designs of today. Kulture Klash's goals are to attract people to a new wave of local art, and to combine music and dancing with new artistic techniques. Some of CCS's students attended the event. "There was a lot of really cool artwork that I wanted to buy. The experience was so cool because there was live music, amazing art, and a diverse group of people," says Senior Erica Metts. Kulture Klash celebrated its fourth year with an innovative and bigger venue. Hosts of the Klash were overwhelmed by the number of attendees this year reaching over 3,000 people. The affair coincides with Earth Day every spring, so this year Kulture Klash 4 incorporated Earth Day Themes by only using reusable materials and using recycled/recyclable plates for all food dishes.

The fourth annual festival began on April 18 at a 40,000 square foot venue at North Charleston's Navy Yard. The huge space had boundless room available for hanging artwork and installing small rooms for performances, personal music, and poetry. Live performances included ice sculpture demos, a recycled clothing fashion show, and Brazilian percussion dances. The fenced in 30,000 square foot area outside offered guest a chance to enjoy the beautiful outdoor surroundings and relax in the garden during any of the six performances on the main outdoor stage. CCS Junior Will Northcut said, "This year was much bigger, but I think I liked last year more. KK4 was too disorganized and chaotic, and the sponsors were not as good as years past. With all that said - the music was sick, and the art improved tremendously." After reading many articles and quotes from the festival, I would have to say it was another successful year of Kulture Klash.

By Kate Miller

On Tuesday, April 21, President Barack Obama spoke to the Seed School of Washington, D.C. in a call for community volunteers. In attendance were former president, Bill Clinton, Senator Edward Kennedy, and Caroline Kennedy. A call for nationwide community service originated when President John F. Kennedy gave his famous "What You Can Do for Your Country" speech in his 1961 inaugural address. Bill Clinton continued J.F.K.'s original message when he formed the AmeriCorps in 1993 while in office. Now, continuing that legacy, President Obama has just signed a measure to triple the size of the AmeriCorps.

"We need your service right now, at this moment in history," President Obama said in reference to the American people. A bill supported by President Obama is currently awaiting a pass through Congress. The bill asks for $1.1 billion to improve AmeriCorps. "I'm asking you to help change history's course," said President Obama in support of his plan. The president calls for volunteers to participate in organizations such as AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps to help improve parks, become tutors, and assist in areas destroyed by natural disasters, or even protest China's effect on the genocide in Darfur.

After speaking at the Seed School, current president, Obama, and former president, Clinton, went to the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens in Washington, D.C. to plant trees. By putting so much public pressure on community service, these politicians are looking for a positive change in communities across America. President Obama is even asking for the American people to donate one year of their life to community service. Although our country is facing troubles, chief among them the economy, the hope is for some change to come from community involvement. Senator Edward Kennedy stated his support for the current policy, "Today another young president has challenged another generation to give back to this nation."

By Kate Miller

With the school year drawing to a close, every student will need to find an interesting way to spend their summer. For some students, deciding on summer plans can be a daunting task. Luckily, there are various options. One option is to see the world with a vacation. Students may also better their communities with the benefits of community service. Another option, a summer job, is available to teenagers hoping to raise money to further their education or make some extra pocket change. Whatever students do during the summer, the important thing is that they have a worthwhile way to spend time. No one wants to return to school in the fall thinking they have just wasted the last three months of their life. There are no required subjects to study, so students are basically allowed to choose their own subjects in which to further themselves.

Community service opportunities for the summer are all around us. Habitat for Humanity is always a good option if you are looking to assist your community. With widespread foreclosures, the need to provide homes for those in need is more important than ever. With a small contribution on the part of each person involved, a new home can be built for someone who is struggling. Also, food pantries and food banks are community institutions that are always in need of volunteers. Volunteering at a food pantry or food bank can help to feed our communities.

Because of the free time available during the summer, this is a great time for travel. I personally am traveling with a student group called People to People International. This organization offers students a chance to travel around the world. Some of the vacations offered include a two-and-a-half week European excursion to Italy, France, and England or a vacation to Australia. Students are either nominated as a student or an athlete. Those students who are traveling under an academic realm obtain a social studies credit for their travels. If students work hard at either their school work or the sport they play, they too can be nominated for one of these travel programs. For students who wish to learn a foreign language, options are available to submerge themselves into a total immersion foreign language program. For example, the organization Global Works provides summer volunteer programs for teenagers. Some of these programs are conducted in foreign language-speaking countries as a means for total immersion. This opportunity allows for better understanding of a foreign culture, as well as more options for international communication in a student's future.

Another option that older students tend to look into is a summer job. Summer jobs have always been considered important as a means to gain extra money for college, as well as a strong work ethic. Although not every student is completely thrilled with having a grocery store job, there are still plenty of other options. For example, students can choose an option that is on point with their interests. Students with an interest in culinary arts, for example, can always find work as a bus boy or a cashier at a deli or bakery, or any other institution that serves food. It may not be as special as being a chef, or a waiter for that matter, but it is a significant way for a teenager to gradually learn the ropes of the work environment they are interested in. Not to mention, a summer job can assist a high school student in learning appropriate money management. Savings for a higher education can be made with a little extra work in our free time.

Even if students currently have no idea what they plan to do this summer, at least they have options. An open mind is sometimes even better when searching for opportunities. The important thing about summer is that it is a time to complete productive work, while also relaxing at the same time. There is enough time to experiment and develop your interests. A break from school work is always exciting to students. They are given a chance to expand their minds. The summer can be the best time of a student's life. It is a time to demonstrate how free time is spent when there are no requirements at all.