TRICK OR TREAT GIVE ME SOMEWHERE TO GET SWEETS

An Editorial By BROGAN JOHNSON

Every year,  students of all ages roam about Washingtonville on Halloween night scouting  out the best houses to feed their candy cravings.  This year, there is a 7 pm curfew put into place to keep all trick or treaters and residents in Washingtonville safe.  To some, this curfew seems excessively early, leading to the question: how will it be possible to hit every house? 

BROGAN JOHNSON FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

While it may be impossible to hit every house in the Village of Washingtonville, there are many ways students can make the most out of the time they have.  

For years, there have been three main areas students make it a priority to visit while on their hunt for candy.  Depending on where you live, you probably go trick-or treating on Decker Drive, in Rural Ridge, or in Worley Heights.    If I can give you some advice as an experienced trick or treater, a student’s best bet to get the most candy possible in a short amount of time is to go to Rural Ridge or go up and down Decker Drive numerous times.  

Megan Geary, a senior at Washingtonville High School, claimed that her “favorite spot to go trick or treating was in [her] neighborhood" of Rural Ridge.  This development has 82 houses, giving students a wide range of homes to choose from.  Rural Ridge is also an ideal location for parents “because it’s an enclosed neighborhood not on main roads,” Megan assures.  This should give parents peace of mind that their children will be safe.  

Alexa Kraiza, a resident of Decker Drive and senior at WHS, “goes trick or treating in my own neighborhood because it is a big development with all the houses close to each other.”  Living on Decker Drive since childhood, Alexa learned at a young age which of her neighbors gave the best and the most candy.  Washingtonville does an amazing job of making Decker suitable for trick or treaters by “setting up lights along the road every year.”  

Although it seems that as students get older the less likely they are to go trick or treating, there are still ways to be involved in the immense Halloween spirit in Washingtonville.  This year, Megan will be taking the little boys she babysits trick or treating, while Alexa plans to stay in and hand out candy.  Even if you think you’re “too old” for trick or treating, it is important to give the younger residents of our town the opportunity to make the same spooky and tasty memories as did we.  

THE BEGINNING OF THE END

By NICOLETTE SMITH 

Senior athletes at Washingtonville High School will eventually have to shoot their final goal, score their last touchdown, or throw up their last serve as a Wizard. All senior athletes must eventually say goodbye to their blue and gold uniforms and hello to their futures, but what exactly does their future hold?  What comes next for these all-star athletes once high school ends? The fact of the matter is that some will continue their athletic careers in college, but for others, Washingtonville is where it ends. 

NICOLETTE SMITH FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Miguel Dela Cruz, a senior at WHS, has been a part of the Wizard's football program since youth and has played through D2, D3, JV.  He is proud to be able to say that he is now the captain of the varsity team.  Miguel is an athlete deciding to leave his helmet and pads in Washingtonville when he moves on to college.  Dela Cruz confesses, “Unfortunately, I am not continuing my athletic career in college.  There comes a time where you need to focus on your academic future and my future doesn’t include football.” 

Even though Miguel’s football career ends in Washingtonville, the memories he has made with his teammates are irreplaceable. Dela Cruz added, “Most of the varsity team has been playing together since youth football, so it was nice to grow up with each other.  I always loved going to a stay away camp with the guys because it always brings us closer as a team.” 

On the other hand, athletes like Dylan Turcott, will continue their athletic journey in college. Dylan has been involved in the Washingtonville soccer program since recreational soccer, and continued to play through modified, JV, and now varsity as a captain.  Turcott expressed, “I hope to continue my soccer career at any division 3 school that offers my major.  As of right now, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is at the top of my list, and I am hoping that I will be able to play soccer there after being in contact with their coach.” 

Although Turcott will no longer be a part of Wizard's soccer after this year, he feels he has made memories and developed relationships with his fellow teammates that will last a lifetime.  Dylan voiced, “I have played with the same people for almost six years and over that time, strong friendships have been created, brother-like for some.”  Dylan is unable to “imagine playing soccer with anyone else.  Playing in college means playing with new people and that will obviously create new relationships, but one can never replace the people I have played high school soccer with.” 

Senior athletes must make the conscious choice to either end their athletic careers after high school, or continue to thrive in college.  However, no matter what these athletes choose, they will always hold the memories and relationships made at Washingtonville High School close to their hearts.  Once a Wizard, Always a Wizard.  

WILLPOWER SERVES WIZARD'S VOLLEYBALL WELL

By TUCKER CERGOL

TUCKER CERGOL FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Unfortunately, the Wizard's volleyball team had their senior game and final match of their regular season against the Minisink Valley Warriors on Monday, October 23rd.  Throughout the entire season, the team had their ups and downs. This resulted in them being on the verge of playoff contention.  Beating the Warriors was crucial in order for the girls  to solidify a spot in the playoffs, thus continuing their season. 

In previous matches, it was evident some players stood out from the rest, one being captain, Sabrina Livolsi.  Livolsi has also been nominated for athlete of the month due to her phenomenal performances during the games and her leadership skills throughout the year.  Although the results aren’t in, Sabrina has a fair shot at winning  this honorable award.  Livolsi will continue her volleyball career at Scranton University in the fall of 2018.

Another honorable senior, Dilara Aslan, has been on varsity for two years and is also involved in the JROTC program at Washingtonville.  Dilara is one of the most high spirited people on the team and will make sure fans and players alike know that she is there with her presence always being a bright spot on the team. 

Sydney Fernandez has also been on the varsity team for two years and had a solid year on the court.  She is one of the team’s top servers as well as an excellent setter.  Sydney could also be labeled as one of the assistant leaders on the team.  When asked if there was anything to pass down to all the juniors and sophomores Sydney replied, “I believe they can keep the history going and make sections again to show how much our program has prospered over the years.”

Ariana Lajqi can be described as a very upbeat athlete, both on and off the floor.  She, not unlike Dilara,  makes her presence known when she’s on the court, which is evident in her statistics.  Although she is currently battling knee injuries, she is one of the top players on the team when it comes to blocking spikes along with being a great saver, saving balls that most players could not. 

Captain Alexa Kraiza has stepped up to the plate since coming back from injury early on in the season.  Coming into the season with a broken arm had her feeling down and distraught; however, with a speedy recover, she has come back stronger than ever.  Alexa is arguably the best setter on the team, especially when she is setting up for her best friend and co-captain, Sabrina.

A junior on the team, Celine Lewandowski, expressed, “I’m upset the seniors are leaving because they are all girls I’ve played with ever since middle school, and our team just has a close relationship as a whole."  When asked if underclassmen can fill the seniors shoes next season, she exclaimed, “I definitely think we have the potential to fill what they are leaving behind.  It’s our turn to step up and keep the skill level up.”

On Monday, all of the seniors were honored and recognized for their hardwork and dedication towards the Wizards volleyball program.  Afterwards, the Wizards played a fantastic game, unfortunately, ending in a heartbreaking fashion.

After losing 2-0 in the first two sets, the Wizards fought back and made it 2-2 going into the final set.  With an early 16-11 lead, momentum was completely on Washingtonville’s side and it looked good for the Zards to pull out a victory.  However, the Warriors began to rack up some points eventually taking the lead 18-17.  With a tough fight back, the Wizards were able to tie it up. 

Unfortunately, the Wizards couldn’t complete the comeback.  Losing by two brought some players to tears as they thought their season had just ended. Washingtonville put up a phenomenal fight and had tremendous pride until the final point, giving their fans an entertaining game.  A win would have resulted in the team making sections for the first time in years, but they thought their season had come to an end. 

Even though this brought the players to tears, they were later notified that they had made the section playoff and will, in fact, have a chance to compete for the championship. 

When senior Sydney Fernandez was asked to give Wizard nation a playoff outlook, she responded by saying, “We are going to go out there and give it our all against Monroe.  Not only because we want to go further in the playoffs but also because we have played them in the past and know their strengths and weaknesses.” 

For the first time in 29 years, the girl's Washingtonville volleyball team has made the section playoffs. Hopefully they can continue to play well and make history one serve at a time.

THE END OF AN ERA

By DEVIN LEWIS

For high school athletes, each game is worth much more than the final score.  These are the moments that student athletes will take with them as they grow into adults. From the time students started to walk, sports have been a huge part of their lives, shaping them into who they are today.  The Washingtonville girl’s soccer program is a great example of this.

Last Thursday, the Washingtonville girls soccer team lost to Goshen with a score of 4-2.  Even though the they lost, the girls were not phased by the final score. As much as they wanted to end their careers on their home field with a win, playing alongside one another was all they needed. Senior captain, Megan Geary, stated, “I wouldn't trade any of my teammates for the world.” This was the last game the senior Wizards would ever play on their home field, and the girl’s cherished each moment while enjoying the experience. 

DEVIN LEWIS FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

The Wizards fell behind early 0-2, but never gave up as they scored 2 straight goals within a few minutes of each other. One of those goals was scored by senior Abigail Abbott who was electrified after scoring, tieing up the game.  “I felt a lot of energy from the team after that and being the last time playing on that field felt amazing.” 

Goshen took back control as the game wound down, but the smiles and emotions of the Washingtonville girls did not go away.  As the clock hit zero, the senior girls were barraged by family and friends for all their dedication to the Washingtonville program over the years.  At the end of the game, the underclassmen gave speeches to the seniors on how they've impacted this team and the players around them.

These young athletes have been through numerous ups and downs over the course of their careers. Senior captain Morgan Creeden has had her dreams of becoming section champs shattered year after year as they have lost in three straight semi-finals. Creeden, along with the other seniors, have used this as motivation this season. “This has really pushed me and my teammates to work hard this season so we can win.”

Once again, the Wizards were back in the semi finals, matched up against a tough Monroe team.  It was a rough day for the Wizards as they lost 4-0.  The team, especially the seniors, should be proud of themselves as they have played exceptionally well, not only this season, but throughout the entirety of their careers.  

What is so amazing about this group of seniors is that they've made a special bond with the underclassmen and will, for sure, leave an impact on the future of Washingtonville soccer. Megan Geary is one of the leaders of this team and made sure the younger girls are ready for the big stage.  “I'm always pushing the younger girls to try and understand drive and motivation.”

This is far from the end of soccer for some of the seniors.  Both captains, Morgan Creeden and Megan Geary, plan on playing soccer at the next level.  The senior girls have made incredible memories as Wizard athletes and will make great representations for Washingtonville in the next chapter of their lives.

ONE BOOK, A WHOLE YEAR OF MEMORIES

By KAITLYN METICHECCHIA 

Every year, the Yearbook Club is hard at work creating a book that truly captures the memories created at Washingtonville High School.  This year is no different.  The students are aiming to create a book that everyone is going to want. 

This year’s Editor in Chief, Brendon Pardo, explained, “This year's yearbook is something different than what was done before.  As a club, we are all trying to think bigger and bolder by coming up with ideas to interact with our Wizards more than ever.” 

Another way to make the yearbook more personal is with advertisements.  Ads are a way for friends and family to create a personalized dedication to individual students and will be located in the back of the yearbook.  To purchase an ad, visit yearbookordercenter.com, enter our school's code, and click “buy a yearbook ad”. 

KAITLYN METICHECCHIA FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

For students who wish to have more to do with the yearbook other than just owning it,  the Yearbook Club is still currently accepting members.  Meetings are held Thursdays after school in room 227.  Head Journalistic Editor, Rebecca Flood, shared, “I've been in Yearbook Club for only a year, but wanted to join because it seemed like a great way to get involved with my class.”  Flood’s plans for this year include “lots of fun interactive pages that I'm excited to get started on.” 

Pardo also expressed, “I think people should join not only to have a voice in our book of memories, but as a way to get out there.  Never in my life have I gone to so many different sports’ meets and events, and needless to say, I love every second of it.” 

There is no doubt that this year's yearbook is going to be spectacular, especially with the hard work and dedication that the yearbook staff is putting in this year.  Whether you wish to take part in creating it or just can not wait to see it, everyone should definitely consider ordering this book that will be a lasting memory of an unbelievable year. 

To reiterate, anyone interested in purchasing a yearbook this year is encouraged to do so as soon as possible.  Yearbooks can be ordered from yearbookordercenter.com using our school's code: 13419. Yearbooks start off at eighty eight dollars, but have different accessories such as blank autograph supplements or one-line name stamps that can be added.

WITCHINGTONVILLE GETS SPOOKY

By ANDREW FITZPATRICK

ANDREW FITZPATRICK FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Close your eyes.  Picture walking a mile down the road, when all of a sudden you hear  laughter, chatter and festive music being played.  You can smell the aroma of delicious food.  Open your eyes.  BOOM.  You are at Washingtonville’s Vern Allen Park for Witchingtonville.

Witchingtonville took place on Saturday, October 21st, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Vern Allen Park.  This event was the talk of the town, accumulating over 2,000 people from the community.  Due to the enormous crowd, event parking stretched all around Washingtonville. Unfortunately, many people had to parallel park to get a spot relatively close to the event, which was still about a mile away. 

At this event, there were many local vendors including: Walden Savings Bank, Betty’s Country Kitchen, The Ice Mother, Hudson Heritage Bank and many more set up booths and activities to for the community.  These vendors brought in food, games, music, and even a movie was showed when it got dark.  The money raised at these events went towards those local vendors, or was donated to the town of Washingtonville. 

Douglas Rocke, a 6th grader in Washingtonville Middle School, thought, “Witchingtonville is fun because there is a whole bunch of space here to do whatever,”  He took the time to go to this event and have fun with some of his friends. “They should continue to do this and they should come up with bigger and better ideas for the future.”

What was the reasoning behind Witchingtonville?  How will this event help Washingtonville in the future?  Mr. Bucco, the newly elected mayor and teacher at Washingtonville High School, has lived in Washingtonville for many years.  He weighed in, “The goal of Witchingtonville was to bring the people of Washingtonville together.  We are finally able to become a community again.  I’m trying to bring people together with events like this.”

In addition to Witchingtonville, the town is also taking multiple steps to improve community life in Washingtonville.   This past Sunday, the town took steps towards creating a town park by planting trees and shrubs around the area where they plan to open the park.  Mayor Bucco also has plans for the lot across from Betty’s Country Kitchen.  He plans to open it to juniors and seniors to park before school, and the town will collect a small fee from each student that parks there.  This money will go towards the town, which benefits both the students who drive to school, as well as the town.

Since Joe Bucco became the Mayor, Washingtonville continues to grow as a community.  As mayor, he has been actively involved in numerous community events, such as Witchingtonville, bringing the people of Washingtonville closer than ever.

NAHS IN THE CITY

By CLAUDIAN FRANCIS

CLAUDIAN FRANCIS FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

On Saturday, October 21st, members of the National Art Honor Society took a trip to Central Park and the Museum of Modern Art.  The members truly enjoyed themselves last weekend because the trip encapsulated everything that makes New York City iconic to both its residents and tourists.  While this was not the first time in the city for many members, the majority agreed that the trip ran smoothly and was very inspiring to these highly talented art students.

The National Art Honor Society is an exclusive society for intellectual students who are interested in the Arts.  The Society was established in the United States in 1978, with the core purpose of “inspiring and recognizing those students who have an outstanding ability in art.”  Members of the society are responsible for creating a wide variety of fundraisers that help fund these types of outings.  This allows members to save towards fashion shows, museum trips, and other exciting art-based festivities for those involved.

While in Central Park, students enjoyed a relaxing lunch by the Conservatory Water with a view of the city skyline and the nearby ice skating rink.  Students also enjoyed the meadows, gardens, lakes, monuments and spectacular architecture of the city.  

Some students spent the time sketching the city skyline or taking pictures with friends.  While walking on the streets of the upper east side of Manhattan, students admired the surplus of high-end shops in the area, such as Barney’s and Alexander Wang, urging students to windowshop the surrounding area.  

Once at the museum, students dispersed into groups of their choice to explore all that  MoMA has to offer.  The exhibits were lively and abundant, but a favorite amongst many NAHS students was the fashion exhibit.  This exhibit, entitled Items: Is Fashion Modern?, explored the past and present 111 items of clothing and accessories that had a strong impact on the world in the 20th and 21st century.  This visual study of influential pieces consisted of items that invoked cultural awareness and historical significance of a variety of social and ethnic groups around the globe.  

Rebecca Flood, WHS senior and NAHS president stated, “The fashion exhibit of the 111 most influential pieces of the last century plus the list of the seventeen goals of the United Nations that were in it was my favorite exhibit.  I honestly can’t pick a favorite part; each experience offered up a new memory and an enjoyable moment.”

The exhibit featured elaborate clothing from around the globe as well as some pieces we see on a day to day basis, such as the classic white tee, headscarf or Little Black Dress.  No matter how small, each item represented a strong cultural significance.  

Ms. Held, the society’s official advisor, exclaimed, “It was a fantastic trip!” and made sure to let all students know to “stay tuned” for upcoming NYC trips that students will surely be excited about.  

Overall, the trip to Central Park and MoMA was an excellent experience for NAHS members.  Students spent the full day in the city, from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening.  Ultimately, the city skyline, the liveliness of Central Park, the exhibits from the museum, and the warm sunny weather all made the trip truly unforgettable.   

RIVERDALE TAKES WASHINGTONVILLE BY STORM

An Editorial By BROGAN JOHNSON

Last Thursday, the halls of Washingtonville High School were abuzz with chatter about the shocking events that occurred in the season premiere of Riverdale.  Viewers fell off their chairs as the show took twist after turn from the first to last moments of the episode.

Riverdale is a TV show with characters based on those originally found in the Archie comic book series.  This program follows the life of Archie Andrews in his small hometown of Riverdale, and the mysterious events that occur regardless of its “picture perfect” image.  

BROGAN JOHNSON FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

This show has been all the rave since its second season premiere last Wednesday on the CW.  For many, like myself, students binge-watched the first season of Riverdale on Netflix this past summer.  As if waiting for the new season wasn’t hard enough, viewers can no longer watch the whole season in one night.  Being left with a cliff-hanger every week leaves Riverdale fans itching to see what happens to their favorite characters.  

I was introduced to Riverdale this summer and have been obsessed with it ever since.  This resonated with me because it elucidates that anything can happen and one can never predict a character’s next move.  One minute I am in love with Veronica Lodge and the next I loathe her.  

The setting of Riverdale reminds me a great deal of Washingtonville due to its small town vibes.  Whenever Sweetwater River is mentioned or when Betty and Jughead go to Pop’s for milkshakes, I instantly think of the Moodna Creek and students getting pizza from Brother Bruno’s. Although the storyline often consists of events that could never happen in Washingtonville, the writers make it easy to imagine a murder mystery occurring in our very own town. 

The day after the season two premiere of Riverdale, senior Rebecca Flood exclaimed, “Every class I walked into I could overhear people talking about it; it was the talk of the town.”  To her, the show is a must watch for all students because “it's a thriller that combines the perfect amount of crazy scandal with relatable drama and romance” for teen viewers.  

Like many at WHS, senior, Lauren Merchant, originally thought Riverdale “was a little weird.”  With the intense plot and dramatic lines, it's hard not to be skeptical, but as viewers continue to watch they soon realize it “is not like other Netflix shows and it's definitely one of the best!”  Lauren’s favorite part of the show was “how they incorporated a murder mystery in the first season and now onto another [mystery] in the second.”  Clearly, the writers of Riverdale know how to keep the audience on their toes and wanting more!

If you have not watched Riverdale or don't see what the hype is about, I highly encourage you check it out.  You will be surprised how badly you will want to take the road trip to Riverdale every week to determine what happens next!

YOU HAVE A FRIEND IN WASHINGTONVILLE

By NICOLETTE SMITH 

On Thursday mornings before school, the cafeteria is filled with the vibrant faces of students from Washingtonville High School making new friends due to the amazing program known as Best Buddies.  Each person that volunteers in this club is provided with the opportunity to get to know kids that are full of life in the high school’s Aspire class. 

NICOLETTE SMITH FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Most people realize that the the students that volunteer for Washingtonville High School’s Best Buddies Program positively impact the lives of the students in the Aspire class.  What many might not realize, however,  is that the children with special needs make an even bigger impact on the students running the Best Buddies Club. 

Best Buddies is a school organization that pairs students with special needs and students from the general population to get to know each other over breakfast.  According to bestbuddies.org, “The program was founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver.  Best Buddies is an international organization that has grown from one chapter to  more than 1,500 college, high school, and middle school campuses across the United States and internationally.”   

At Washingtonville, members of the club eat breakfast, play games, and have conversations with each other.  During the holidays, they lend each other a helping hand to decorate gingerbread houses.   This club helps children with special needs interact and be social with other students in the school, thus creating new buddies. 

Mrs. Angelillo, Best Buddies coordinator and one of the Aspire teachers, exclaims, “For me, I get to also meet more kids in the general population during our club events, and it makes me happy.  We’re a small class, so it makes us feel more involved with the general population and the school itself.”  Best Buddies makes all the students involved feel like one.

Best Buddies helps everyone that is immersed in the club get to know each other on a more personal level.  Caitlin Golden shares, “Best Buddies has introduced me to some of the best people I know.  This club has affected me by making me realize what I want to do with my life.  I want to be a special education teacher because the people who have changed my life in the best way possible, have special needs and have shown me what kindness really is.  I hope to do that for someone one day.”  

This program helps create memories that will last a lifetime. Washingtonville High School senior, Darcy Doelger, expressed, “My favorite memory of working with the Aspire kids is when one of them, Morgan, asked me what my dog's name was.  I told her it was Lil.   She asked me in September. In December as she was running through her usual list of everyone in my family, and when I say everyone it is everyone: aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, siblings, etcetera.  She all of a sudden said, ‘how is Lilo’ and I asked, ‘who?’ And she said, ‘Lilo, your dog.’  She was too precious  to correct, so ever since sophomore year she asks me every day, ‘How’s Lilo Darc?’” 

Best Buddies was created so children with special needs could interact and create relationships with students who aren’t in their everyday classes.  Little did anyone know how much of an impact the club would actually have on the members running the program.  It has opened their hearts and has helped everyone involved realize that people can find their best buddies  anywhere. 

ONE LAST RIDE FOR WIZARD SOCCER

By DEVIN LEWIS

On Monday evening, the Washingtonville  boys’ soccer team hosted Valley Central in a game that meant much more than just the final score.  This was the most emotional game of the year, not because it was a big divisional game, but because it was senior night.  

Traditionally on senior night, senior players are celebrated for their hard work and devotion to the  Washingtonville soccer program.  This is a moment these seniors have been looking forward to for years and one they will remember and cherish forever.

DEVIN LEWIS FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Washingtonville students and volunteers put in a tremendous amount of work to create a memorable day for the boys.  As fans walked up the hill towards the game, cut out soccer balls with the names of each player were displayed with blue and gold balloons attached.   There were also posters made by the girls’ team  which were held up in the student section.

The scoring started early as junior, Liam McDermott, put on a show for Wizard Nation.   McDermott ended up with a hat trick, but he was not the only producer offensively.  Senior captains, Dylan Turcott and James Maltes, each had one goal a piece in route to a 5-3 victory over the Vikings.

Dylan Turcott expressed his feelings on his senior game.  “Sadly it was one of the last times to play on our home field. It's definitely been a great season and ending with a game like that, nothing is better.”  Turcott scored a clutch goal with the clock ticking down to put the Wizards up two goals which ultimately sealed the game.  Dylan has been a key asset to this team with his skill on the field, along with having a lot of responsibility off the field.

The Wizards promoted their new head coach this year who has been coaching them since their freshman year.  Turcott believes that having coach Lubrano as a part of this team really played an essential role in the team’s chemistry and success.

Another impact player for the Wizards has been senior captain James Maltes.  Maltes is one of the most talented players in the section and produces big numbers year after year.  After the game, Maltes noted, “When all the seniors were on the field performing in front of all our fans, we felt very confident in our ability to control the game.”

James has been a significant player for the team.  There are also many upcoming Wizards in the program and he expressed how they should handle next year and beyond.  “Continue working on their own as well as with their club teams and other kids that will be joining the team next year. Just keep up the effort and just practice and play as much as possible.”  Maltes has 16 goals this season and will look to be a key contributor to the team’s success down the road in the playoffs.

The team’s success on senior night didn't just come offensively, the Wizard’s defense held their own and played a great game.  A big part of their success on Monday and the season as a whole, stems from senior starter, Brendan Hogan.  In Hogan's career as a varsity member, he asserts that his favorite memory was beating Monroe for the first time in seven years his junior year.  As for the future varsity players, Hogan gave advice from his own experience as a soccer player. “If you aren't playing as much as you want, keep your head up and work hard to earn your minutes.”  Hogan will be missed greatly by the rest of the team along with the seven other members of the team.

As the seniors finished the game, they were greeted by the rest of the team on the sidelines and each senior was given a speech by another teammate.  The Wizards are 10-5-1 on the season and will look to make some serious noise in the playoffs behind their seniors.

WIZARDS AIM TO BOUNCE BACK AFTER BRUTAL LOSS

By TUCKER CERGOL

TUCKER CERGOL FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

On Friday, October 13th, the 3-3 Wizards faced off against a 1-5 Minisink team that has had it tough throughout the season. Losing many tight games, the Minisink Warriors have been on the bad end of the spectrum. However, their spirit was still on full display as they played in their homecoming game against the Wizards.

In a nutshell, this game did not bode well for Washingtonville. At first, the Wizards were stunned with how stellar the Warrior’s defense was. Play after play, Minisink had a formula that outperformed the Wizards offense. It wasn’t just Minisink’s defense that was detrimental.  Time after time the Zards missed wide open receivers and made constant mistakes throughout the entire game.

Even though the Warrior’s offense is not spectacular, with a fantastic defense backing them up, they were able to put up more than enough points to beat the Wizards. The only bright spot in the game was our special teams. With the Wizards stopping their superstar returners and Washingtonville taking a kick return back for a touchdown, Ryan Johnson, wide receiver/cornerback, was able to score for the Wizards. 

Now, it’s time to get down to business. The playoffs have begun, which is a completely different animal. 

Since the Wizards lost to Minisink last Friday night, they finished the season as the 6 seed and will travel to NFA, who finished the season as the 3 seed.  They will face off against the Goldbacks in a game that could result in a huge upset with your the Wizards winning.  NFA has had a better year than the Wizards, and respectively is one of the higher seeds heading into the playoffs.  It is going to take willpower and fight, but Washingtonville can beat this team.

Even though the Wizards lost in the game last Friday night, Ryan Johnson was one of the only players that excelled. Johnson gave some words on what he expects in this upcoming game against the Goldbacks. “I expect this to be a tough, but winnable game.  If we are disruptive in stopping their strong run game on the defensive side of the ball, that will give the offense hope, which should open up plays as long as we are crisp.  If we do this, we will win this game. If not, it’s the end of our season.” 

Ryan is not not wrong, but in recent years, Newburgh has been faster, bigger, and stronger than they are right now.  These factors have been exposed as they have lost to Monroe Woodbury and Cornwall.  If Washingtonville plans well and works hard, they could come out of this game on top.

We saw this first hand last year, as in a game that went back and forth, the Wizards came out victorious. That was due to pure heart and will for the game. Washingtonville is going to have to leave it all out on the field if they want to keep their season alive. 

Junior Quarterback Vinny Martello is going to have to step up in a big way as he must play more efficiently than he did last Friday night. He had a of couple things to say prior to the game.  “It’s going to be a tough game. They are filled with fast athletes and we will have to play a perfect game in order for our season to continue.”  As Martello said,  if the Wizards lose this game, their season is over. 

On Friday, October 20th, the Wizard’s season will be on the line as they travel to NFA to face off against the gritty Goldbacks.  Lose, and their season will come to an end. Win, and move on.  Let’s hope for the latter.

SAFE SPACE FOR ALL

By KAITLYN METICHECCHIA 

If you're looking for a safe space, or just want to make lasting impacts on the community, then  the Gay-Straight Alliance, otherwise known as GSA, may just be the place for you.  

The Gay-Straight Alliance is a club dedicated to improving the school and community as well as being a safe space for all students regardless of sexuality or gender expression/identity.  Club treasurer, Renée Cedeño, stated the club’s goal perfectly.  “We try to provide a safe space for our LGBTQ+ youth while also educating those not in the community.  Many people believe you can only join GSA if you are gay, which is completely false.  I am an ally.  This is my third year being in the club, and second year as an officer.  This club helps struggling LGBTQ+ youth find a supportive environment while also working towards educating the school and the community.”

KAITLYN METICHECCHIA FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Throughout the year, GSA takes part in organizing many different events for occasions such as No Name Calling Week, Day of Silence, and National Pride Month.  Perhaps the most notable event GSA has organized thus far was the Fourth Annual LGBTQAI+ Youth Conference entitled, “Who am I Anyway?”  This was a county-wide conference held in the high school to educate people on LGBTQ+ stereotyping.  Unfortunately, the club often gets disrespected, which is one of the reasons many members find these events so necessary.  They provide a voice for the LGBTQ+ community.

By joining GSA, not only do members get to take part in these events, they also get to work with the dedicated students already involved.  Current advisor, Mrs. Andretta, expressed her feelings towards these students.  “I think they are very concerned, very aware and they would like the school to be aware of who they are.  They are very accepting, and a very nice group of students that I am looking forward to working with.”  These students are dedicated and excited to see new members come aboard.

GSA is an overall welcoming environment here in the school for all students.  Meetings are held every Wednesday after school in room 204.  The club is open to all students and anyone interested is encouraged to join.