By Anthony Parker ‘14This spring break, RFA’s

show choir, Rhapsody, traveled to Orlando, Florida. Under the direction of Mr. Meiss with vocal direction from Ms. Rush-ford, the choir took part in the World Strides Heritage Festival held at Universal Studios. They received two very high honors for their performance. This remarkable feat is even more impressive, as this is the first time RFA had participated in this event. In fact, this is only the second year of the group’s existence.

Rhapsody members began their journey to Florida on Wednesday April 11 at eight in the morning. After that they experienced a daylong bus ride to Florida. On that bus ride, according to senior Dan Goewey, “We really learned a lot about each other.” Once in Florida, the group stayed at the Double Tree Hotel.

When the time came to perform, the Rhapsody group presented the songs “Califor-nia Girls”, “Just the Way You Are”, “Crazy”, and “Some-body to Love”. When they weren’t performing, Rhapsody went to Adventure Island, the Wizarding World of Harry Pot-ter, Coco Beach, and Universal Studios, as well as other places.

Senior Jake Loson said that

it was “one of the best trips I’ve ever taken.” He explains: “Being with thirty of your best friends in a great state like Flor-ida doing what we love- that’s just awesome.”

Then, the time came to recieve their awards.

“Last year, we had a good year,” said Mr. Meiss in regard to Rhapsody’s success and award potential, “I thought that this year’s group could carry

that success over.”And carry over it did. Rhap-

sody was awarded a gold rat-ing for their performance, the highest award that a show choir could get in the competition.

Also, another honor was bestowed upon one Rhapsody member in particular. Junior Quiana Holmes won the Mae-stro Award, which is given to the best female soloists in the entire competition. “I was

speechless,” she said, “I just got on stage and received my award. It didn’t hit me until I got home what I had won.”

Sophomore David Deeley didn’t expect the level of suc-cess that the group received. “I knew we would win something, but I didn’t expect us to earn their highest award.”

The group returned to New York on Sunday April 15 after another daylong bus ride.

Rhapsody wrapped up their year on Sunday, April 29 by performing at the Capital The-ater for the Rome Arts Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

The members of Rhapsody this year were: Andrea Barrios, Carly Bovi, Rebecca Coffman, Quiana Holmes, Krista Mac-Donald, Linda Martin, Jasmine Millner, Jordan Willson, Devyn Arredondo, Emily Canarelli, Nicolette Darois, Sarah Fleck,

Lauren Impicciatore, Anna Morris, Gracie O’ Connor, Taylor Uvanni, Kylee Weiss-muller, Connor Butters, Aaron Hernandez, Callahan Hughes, Jake Loson, Alex Martin, Joey Mastraccio, Joe Trips, Ryan Vinci, Kyle Coia, Xavier Cruz, David Deeley, Dan Goewey, Evan Griffith, Devin Kilpat-rick, Jake Pohl, Kobie Reed, and Kevin Utter.

The award winning…

SPORTSSOCIAL ACTION JUNIOR PROM 2012BULAWA BACKPage 2 — RFA students win at regional science fair!

Page 2 — An RFA clubdonates to the Humane Society!

Page 3 — Photos from the 2012 Junior Prom!

Page 4 — Mariah Maysperforms nationally!

Volume 34, Issue 3 http://www.rfakt.com Rome, NY April/May 2012

Rhapsody takes gold in FloridaHolmes wins prestigious Maestro Award

By Brooke Cole ‘12Debuting next year at RFA is

a brand new class that essential-ly prepares and trains students to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Personal to their own needs in order to achieve their own goals, this proposed wellness class will be a combination of health and physical fitness and will be an alternative choice to traditional physical education class. The class will be a full year class, ½ credit for physi-cal education and ½ credit as an elective. The class will be every day, alternating between classroom and “lab” settings, where the students will meet in the gym area. As a prereq-uisite, students will have to take the standard health class before entering this wellness class. The aim of the class is to make health and fitness more specific to each individual student.

Mr. Britton, one of the constructors of the class says, “We’re trying to personalize health.”

Too often, students do not take away what they should from both health and physical education classes. There is a disconnect between the class-room setting and the student’s life when it comes to the objec-tives taught in health class such as nutrition, exercise, and main-taining one’s body. General les-sons about wellness and the human body taught in health class become more arbitrary than useful in the traditional classroom setting. Students are not being directly taught how to apply these concepts to their every-day lives. With this wellness class, former Physical Education and Health instruc-tor Mr. Britton and current physical education instructor Coach Gaesser have solved this problem by devising a plan for this class that will incorporate physical activity and classroom activity to achieve one result from students- wellness educa-tion and lifetime fitness.

The class will first provide

students with education on what is a healthy perspective of their bodies with lessons on mental health, self-image and managing stress. Each student will then be required to create a healthy and achievable goal for themselves, one that they will be working to achieve for the rest of the year. So if stu-dents want to lose weight, gain weight, get faster, build muscle, etc., this class will help them achieve those goals in a healthy way. Other elements of well-ness which are incorporated into the course, such as infor-mation about nutrition for spe-cific needs, incorporating more in depth lessons on how the body works, and family health history.

In addition to connect-ing classroom lessons to life-style choices, this class will also improve the failing rates for physical education classes. Britton and Gaesser acknowl-edge that the traditional physi-cal education setting is not for

everyone. They are certain that this class will accommodate that by providing credit-worthy physical activity in a more per-sonal and relaxing setting. This class will improve graduation rates with more opportunities for struggling seniors to gain credits, and add more variety for the choice of P.E. options for all students.

This idea is not entirely new. Although the class has just been approved for next year, Britton and Gaesser have been forming ideas for a while.

“I’ve been wanting a well-ness program for about 6 years,” says Gaesser, P.E. instructor and girls’ basketball coach.

Using techniques like jour-naling and incorporating tech-niques to bring into every-day life, Gaesser has been coming up with ideas for a while. Mr. Britton has also had his share of experiences that brought ideas for this class to the table. While still teaching physical educa-

tion, Britton had the pleasure of teaching a majority of the same students who alternated from health to physical education class every other day. He found he was able to more effectively teach and reinforce what they were learning in health class in the gym setting. Both Gaesser and Britton finally teamed up and collaborated on ideas.

Students at RFA are already signing up to take this course next year. When asked if they were ready for the amount of work and adventure ahead of them, Britton says “It’s going to make a very challenging year. I’m up for it though. Bring it on.” Gaesser comments, “I will be, when fall comes. I’ll get my boxing gloves on.”

Gaesser, Britton to start new wellness class

By Brianna Moselle ‘15Every year middle schools

and high schools give kids who don’t have jobs a chance to earn money in the Summer Youth Employment Program.

The program lasts five weeks; however, students are only required to work for ten days during this time period. To participate in this program, students have to be at least four-teen years of age, and will need documents such as proof of

identity, residency, income, and work eligibility.

The work sites of this pro-gram are located in all parts of Oneida County. There is a wide variety of jobs for students to participate in at all locations of the program. Students will earn $7.25 per hour.

One of the most important aspects of the Summer Youth Employment Program is that it provides young men and wom-en with a summer-long adven-

ture that is more than just a job, but a true learning experi-ence. While on the job, students will learn lessons about how to obtain a job, how to keep a job, and how to turn any job into an investment of time and effort for the future.

Applications for the Sum-mer Youth Employment Pro-gram are now available for students outside of Mr. Fister’s office, near the entrance to the 2200 wing of the building.

Summer Youth Employment Program information available

RHAPSODY MAKES GREAT “STRIDES”— The Rhapsody crew gathers around their award for their performance at the World Strides Heritage Festival at Universal Studios. Quiana Holmes was recognized as one of the best female soloists during the competition and was awarded the Maestro Award.

— Photo by Kirsten Impicciatore

CLASS OF 2012 TOP TEN — New signs around Rome Free Academy showcase RFA’s top ten students of the Class of 2012. The top ten include Valedictorian Randy Linderman, Salutatorian Mike Verostek, and alphabetically, Carly Bovi, Nicole Campbell, Emily Closinski, Steve Eychner, Luke Parzych, Sam Shields, Elizabeth Sylvester, and Mike Tamburrino.

—Photo by Brooke Cole ‘12

HEALTH NUTS — Coach Gaesser and Mr. Britton are preparing to start a new Wellness Class at RFA starting in 2013. —Photo by Brooke Cole ’12

Top Ten Announced at RFA

Page 2 April/May 2012 RFA Knight TimesNEWS

By Mike Verostek ‘12Mohawk Valley Commu-

nity College welcomed its new Dean, Dr. Richard Quest, on February 27, 2012. RFA stu-dents will be happy to hear that Dean Quest hopes to continue MVCC’s longstanding tradition of providing a superb educa-tion to students of all ages at an affordable price.

Dean Quest attended Bing-hamton University where he studied anthropology. In fact, he originally intended to become an archaeologist. However, after graduating from Binghamton University, Quest changed paths and went to SUNY Cortland to obtain a teaching certificate.

Dean Quest started his career at Candor Central Schools as a high school social studies teacher. However, he eventually realized his desire to go into administration. He went back to Binghamton Uni-versity and received a Master’s Degree in Social Sciences and also received an administrator certificate from SUNY Cort-land.

Quest returned to Candor as a high school principal and then as the elementary princi-pal/assistant superintendent. However, after experiencing every level of education K-12, he again changed paths and set his sights on higher education. Quest then applied and was

accepted at the University of Pennsylvania.

He was afforded many unique opportunities at UPenn including a trip to New Zea-land, where Quest was able to start working for Duffy Books in Homes, a non-profit com-pany dedicated to providing free books to underprivileged youths.

Over the course of four years, Quest has worked to provide sixteen school districts in the United States with over 120,000 books. He is currently researching the possibility of bringing this program to the Utica/Rome area.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Quest was hired at Corn-ing Community College as an associate dean where he supervised the honor and dual credit programs. Then, after a three year stint at Keuka Col-lege as Associate Vice President for the Center of Professional Studies, in November of 2011 Quest applied for the position of Dean of the MVCC Rome Campus and officially began his new duties in February.

“I’m so thrilled to be Dean of the Rome Campus. There is an outstanding staff/faculty here, and I am still getting to know the students. There are some unique programs that we offer here such as our Airframe and Power plant program,”

said Quest. He then went on to state

what an honor it is to work at the first community college in New York State. He feels that MVCC continues to lead the state in providing accessible education, and he is excited to be a part of that.

He has called the commu-nity college system “the most democratic form of higher edu-cation in the country... [it] pro-vides high quality, accessible, affordable education. Anybody can be here.”

When asked if he had a message for the RFA student body, Quest responded by say-ing “You have a great edu-cational opportunity in your backyard at a very affordable price, unmatched anywhere, which gives you college credits that will transfer to any SUNY school and to most private insti-tutions across the country. Why not take advantage of it? Why not take dual credit MVCC classes in high school? Com-munity college educations offer the same benefits as every other college. English 101 is the same everywhere, whether you’re at MVCC, UPenn, or Bingham-ton. Take those classes at a place that’s affordable. If stu-dents want to feel like they’re away from their parents, there are residence halls in Utica. If students want to save on gas, they can stay in Rome. It makes

economic sense.”Furthermore, Quest wel-

comes any RFA students or parents who would like to learn more about MVCC to contact him and he would be happy to personally give tours and infor-mation about the campus. He also encourages prospective students to come to one of the college’s many cultural series events.

Dr. Quest is extremely enthusiastic about his new posi-tion at MVCC.

“We already do a great job, but we want to do an exempla-ry job,” states Quest.

Meet the Dean: Dr. Quest joins MVCC

By Mike Tamburrino ‘12 When it comes to sopho-

more scientific partners Mary-Ann Bulawa and Ben Olney, one can certainly say that sci-entific success has started to grow on them. After winning this year’s annual Rome Sci-

ence Fair, the pair’s acclaimed project has now emerged as the winner of the New York State Regional Science Fair.

Their project “Optimizing Algae Growth” has achieved both local and statewide acclaim for its possible applica-

tions to the processes of water purification and the produc-tion of bio-fuels. The project’s aim was to use a mechanical device to “grow the algae to a thicker density,” and create a large number of algae cells per sample.

Bulawa and Olney came up with the idea after a lifelong fascination with the process of water purification. “My first science project ever was involv-ing water purification,” Bulawa said, “and I really wanted to create bio-fuel… The project evolved from that.”

Together with her partner, sophomore Ben Olney, who handled much of the technical construction of the apparatus that would produce the algae, the pair began the experiment. “I wanted [the apparatus] to look very cool,” she said, “but it also had to be very efficient.”

“We pretty much shared responsibilities during the proj-ect,” Olney said. “Neither one of us did really one thing in my opinion.”

The duo produced the algae substance for seven months, resulting in a sample of algae that “burned with just a single match in about 20 minutes.”

They took their findings to the annual Rome Science Fair, where they took first place in

the “Partner’s Division.” This gave one person in the duo the opportunity to take the project, and his/her findings, to the Regional Science Fair. Olney graciously offered for Bulawa to present their findings there.

Olney said, “We decided she should go because she is able to really explain the project to people much better than I can.”

One of the youngest of about 50 participating pre-senters, Bulawa was at first intimidated by the competition, especially when many of her competitors were high school seniors presenting computer science and engineering proj-ects. But Bulawa was well pre-pared.

“Sometimes it isn’t about what you’re doing, it’s about how you do it. After a couple years of going [to visit Region-al’s], looking at the projects, and seeing what they really wanted, I was able to isolate what the best process would be.”

Ultimately, Bulawa won second place in her division,

but first place in the overall regional science fair. Each indi-vidual division and category is typically overseen by different judges, which leads differences in division and overall standing.

“I was shocked,” she said. “When I went up there, I was shaking… I had no idea!”

Bulawa credits her mom with inspiring her to her level of scientific success.

“When I was in sixth grade, [we] always did small proj-ects… I didn’t like it originally, I thought it was annoying, time consuming.” Once she realized that she could formulate the projects herself and reach her fullest potential, science proj-ects took on an entirely new meaning for her.

Bulawa believes that anyone can achieve success in science if they are willing to put in the time and effort.

“Go out and do it! Make sure you find something you’re interested in. Don’t just do a project to win something; make sure you really love it.”

Bulawa and Olney create winning Regional Science Fair project

By Josie Emmanuele ‘14You hear about C.E.A.L.

Leadership all the time, but you might not know what it is. C.E.A.L. stands for Character Education through ‘Adventure Learning.’ C.E.A.L. Leader-ship students learn about life skills. They apply these skills in class and teach others what they have learned.

C.E.A.L. students get assigned different elementary schools to go to. The schools they go to are Denti, Gansevort, and Bellamy. For example, C.E.A.L. Leadership students will take elementary school stu-dents to Lake Delta and teach

them how to put up a tent, how to mountain climb, how to bike, and how to “geocache.” Geo-caching is using a GPS to find different objects.

C.E.A.L. Leadership stu-dents get evaluated by their teachers. They are evaluated by how well they teach the elemen-tary students and how effective-ly they work together. Wherever the field trip is, there is always a teacher there to supervise C.E.A.L. students to make sure they are teaching the right techniques. Other than that, C.E.A.L. students have lots of freedom teaching the students.

C.E.A.L. Leadership is

also known as Camp C.E.A.L. C.E.A.L. has two big field trips. They go to Lake Delta and hik-ing. They take forth graders and teach them all of the skills they know.

C.E.A.L. Leadership meets every other day first, second, and ninth period in the caf-eteria to learn leadership skills and plan their leadings at the elementary schools. They also stay after school sometimes on Mondays and Wednesdays.

If you like the outdoors, teaching others, and being a leader, then C.E.A.L. Leader-ship can fulfill your interests!

CEAL Leadership offers education on teamwork

PROUD DONORS — Social Action Corps. members, from left to right, Amanda Nouvong ‘13, Kadeem Joseph ‘13, Gabe Filipini ‘13, Stephanie Dibert ‘12, Emily Beach ‘15, Kevin Cross ‘13, Brooke Cole ‘12, Jen Decker ‘12. Kelsey Beach ‘12, Mike Martino ‘12, and Ashley Armstrong ‘12 give a check to the Rome Humane Society. —Photo by Rome Humane Society

YOUNG INNOVATORS — Sophomores Ben Olney and MaryAnn Bulawa stand proud in front of their award-winning science fair project on algae growth.

—Photo by Lindsay D’Aiuto ‘12

By Brooke Cole ‘12RFA’s club Social Action

Corps. gave a generous dona-tion of $300 to the Rome Humane Society on April 19.

The club raised the money by holding a morning conces-sion stand on Wednesday’s this winter. The club of about fifteen students sold hot choco-late, donuts, and iced tea to hungry students before class started.

SAC also gathered dona-tions of pet supplies such as food, toys, and old blankets and towels from faculty and staff of RFA. The club then visited the Humane Society to present the supplies and money they had gathered. Members played with all of the cats and walked the dogs during their visit.

With permission from the club, the $300 will be going towards much needed medical

funding for the animals. When asked what her favorite part of the trip was, club member Amanda Nouvong says “Defi-nitely walking the dogs and seeing that all of our hard work paid off.”

Social Action Corps. officers are president Brooke Cole ‘12, secretary Kelsey Beach ‘12, and treasurer Jennifer Decker ‘12. Club advisors are Mrs. Neiley and Mrs. Pugliano.

Humane Society receives large donation from small club

NEW DEAN IN TOWN — Dr. Richard Quest stands outside of his new office at the MVCC Rome Campus.

—Photo by Mike Verostek ‘12

By Emily Mumpton ‘12Mr. Shields’ ninth period

Algebra class is doing some-thing that has never been done before at RFA by integrating math and technology. With a 40-day trial that started on April 16, students are using iPads and Macbooks to do work on different math apps.

Mrs. Mazzafero the Direc-tor of Information Technol-ogy started working with Mr. Shields on a grant that would help students test apps. Using

iPads and Macbooks these apps would help students understand certain subjects. The Tech Department includes: Mrs. Manti and Mr. Magnaro who also work with Mrs. Mazzafero and Mr. Shields. With teach-ing the students on how to use the apps for their own learning, and for the benefit of future students.

Brianna Parks, a student from Mr. Shields’ Algebra class, thinks that being able to work with the laptops and iPads

“makes math more fun and easier. It helps with studying for quizzes it’s easy to use.”

While working, students are able to listen to music on the laptops and the iPads, as long as they turn off the music and pull off the headphones.

As participants of a pilot program, this class has been selected to develop ideas for future Math classes. They are 21st Century developers who are molding technology into our Common Core.

Math class integrates with new technology

WORKING HARD— (From left to right) Freshman Josh bates, sophomore Steve Marasco, freshmen Tristian Robinson, Courtney Stone, and Eli Edwards, working hard in Mr. Shields’ ninth period class.

—Photo by Emily Mumpton ‘12

JUNIOR PROM 2012/JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

SHOUT IT OUT — Judas, played by junior Quiana Holmes, belts out her solo in the climactic number, “Superstar.”

—Photo by Mike Verostek ‘12

Juniors Krista Anken, Kayli Smith, Pat Giardino, McKenzie Guy, Zach Warren, Jordan General, Alex Singletary, and Erik Winberg

THIS JESUS MUST DIE!— (From left to right) Priests Elizabeth Sylvester ‘12, Aaron Hernandez ‘13, and Tom Draper ‘13, plan to bring the rebellious Jesus to justice.

—Photo by Mike Verostek ‘12

SENIOR ACTORS — (Left) Mary Magdalene, played by Carly Bovi, shares a moment with Jesus, played by Dan Goewey. (Right) Alex Martin as King Herod, and Connor Butters as one of Herod’s dancers, bring down the house with an extravagant tap dance number.

—Photo by Mike Verostek ‘12

THE LAST SUPPER — Jesus, played by senior Dan Goewey, holds his last supper sorounded by his apostles. Because of this year’s gender blind casting, the apostles are played by both boys and girls.

—Photo by Mike Verostek ‘12

Scan this QR Code

to see more Junior

Prom pictures!

THREE TIER CIRCUS — In lieu of the traditional prom cake the juniors opted for a three tier cupcake display.

Benjamen Salloum ‘13, Linda Martin ‘14, Nicolas Cheri ‘13, Sarah Fleck ‘14, and Spencer Kahler ‘13

Juniors Kenny Adams and Andrew Ross

Sophomore Allie Hawkins and Juniors Lexi Bravo, Sarah Canarelli,Teira Hawkins, and Alyxandra DursoJuniors Josh Metzger and Jessica Gallagher

THE COURT — The 2012 prom court Jake Pohl, Alicia Madonia, Michael Mellace, Epiphany Storey, Maya Nelson, Aaron Hernandez, Queen Abbie Nickles, King Nic Gonzalez, Kenny Adams, Quiana Holmes, Kyle Dombrowski, and Tanya Lombardo.

—Photo by Melissa Carrier

Photos by Lindsay D’Aiuto ‘12

March 29-31

Page 3 April/May 2012 RFA Knight Times

Page 4 XXX 2012 RFA Knight TimesSPORTS/OPINIONPage 4 April/May 2012

By Yakira Hutchinson’15If you like mysterious and

addicting stories, then Cryer’s

Cross by Lisa McMann is the perfect book for you. Lisa McMann is also the author of the New York Times bestselling Wake trilogy. If you have read the Wake trilogy and you want more from Lisa McMann, this is a great read for you.

Cryer’s Cross is a small town that is stricken with terror after a quiet freshman girl goes miss-ing without a trace. Kendall Fletcher, who wasn’t the closest to the girl, is still shaken, and it only adds to the stress of her OCD-addled brain.

Later, a second student goes missing, someone extremely close to Kendall. The town is filled with angst and fear in the search for the second missing person in only a year. As Ken-dall starts to hear whispers from her lost friend, she only feels

more lost and starts to wonder if she’s lost grip with reality.

When she finds messages carved on to a desk, messages that could have only been from the missing student that once sat there, she realizes that she would never forgive herself if she didn’t act on her suspicions, crazy or not. Kendall’s on a search for the truth and is deter-mined to get some answers.

Cryer’s Cross is a thrilling sto-ry with a jaw dropping ending

that will leave you haunted for days.

You can find it in the RFA library. I would read it over and over again. I give it four out of five stars.

By Mike Verostek ‘12Bioware’s final installment

of the Mass Effect videogame trilogy is a masterpiece. Its elegant storytelling mixed with pulse-pounding combat situ-ations make this RPG a truly revolutionary gaming experi-ence. Although I felt that Mass Effect 2 had strayed away from the RPG genre which the first Mass Effect had encapsulated so well, several of Mass Effect 3’s in-game elements such as collecting weapon modifica-tions make it a nearly perfect role playing experience while simultaneously providing play-ers with fantastic combat mechanics.

When players first turn on Mass Effect 3, longtime fans are met with familiar menu sounds and graphics. When a new game is started, players are given the option to create a brand new character or to import a Mass Effect or Mass Effect 2 character. I was able to import my Mass Effect/Mass Effect 2 character when I began the game, which offered me an innovative experience unlike any other. It was fun to see some of the decisions made in the first game impact the sec-ond game, but many of the visi-ble changes to the second game seemed minor. In Mass Effect 3 however, shockwaves from deci-sions made in the first and sec-ond games are felt throughout the story. Former squad mates and other recognizable charac-ters are constantly reconnecting with Shepard,

The storyline of Mass Effect 3 is fairly simple: the Reapers, an ancient race of machines capable of extinguishing all organic life in the galaxy, are invading and they have to be stopped. However, as the open-ing cinematic so vividly illus-

trates, this task will be very dif-ficult.

The story of Mass Effect 3 is consistently dark, and a theme of despair is palpable through-out. Despite the fact that the Reapers are quickly disman-tling the universe, Commander Shepard still finds the time to complete various tasks familiar to veteran players such as shop-ping on the citadel, changing

the colors of his armor, and conversing with squad mates on the Normandy.

Regardless of what Shepard is doing, he (or she), looks great doing it. The graphics are phe-nomenal in both cut scenes and normal gameplay, although one of very few complaints I have about the game is that some facial animations look awkward. As far as sound goes, the voice acting is probably some of the best I have ever heard in a videogame and the sound effects are fantastic. The bass produced by the Reapers is literally enough to shake the foundation of your house.

The combat remains largely unchanged from Mass Effect 2 which is definitely not a bad thing. Still, some controls feel somewhat clunky such as when vaulting over objects or taking cover. However, the combat of Mass Effect 3 remains at the top of the list for RPGs and is even better than some shooters.

The leveling system has also been modified in this game so instead of simply choosing a skill to level up, Shepard is able to pick between specific benefits that he will gain with each new level of that skill. Instead of simply leveling up Armor Pierc-ing Rounds from level 4 to level 5, players can now choose to

either receive Armor Piercing Rounds which do extra damage or to receive Armor Piercing Rounds which give extra ammo capacity.

Perhaps the most prevalent addition to Mass Effect 3 is its multiplayer mode. This co-op mode is a fantastic addition to the game and coexists with the single player campaign. Players work online to collect war assets which are used to defeat the Reapers. Although the online mode, which bears a striking resemblance to the Horde mode in Gears, does not allow players to directly share the Mass Effect 3 story with a friend, it is very helpful when players try to get the “best” Mass Effect 3 ending.

Although it is sad for me to conclude the Mass Effect tril-ogy after putting in hundreds of hours crafting Commander Shepard’s story to my liking, I am glad that it ended with a game as awesome as Mass Effect 3. The Reapers, who went from being a myth in the first game to a potential threat in the second to a full-fledged army in the third, offered one of the most beautifully crafted enemies in videogame history. Bioware’s series has revolu-tionized the landscape of Role Playing Games forever, and I’m very excited to see what the fan-tastic developer has in store for us next.

Mass Effect 3

-Rating: 10/10

-Concept: Bioware concludes

the Mass Effect trilogy with

one final, epic gameplay

experience.

-Controls: The controls of

Mass Effect 3 are terrific. Some

combat is a bit clunky, but

for the most part controls are

smooth as silk.

-Graphics/Sound: Amazing.

-Creativity: Mass Effect 3 offers

players a unique gameplay

experience unlike any other.

By Lindsay D’Aiuto ‘12Like many senior Rome

Free Academy students, Jenna Gillen was enthusiastic about her first week back to school. However, she had no idea of what that week actually held waiting for her.

Gillen has been a member of the RFA Varsity girl’s soccer team since her sophomore year. On the morning of September 10, 2011 Gillen participated in her soccer team’s bottle and can drive.

That afternoon the Lady Knights faced Whitesboro. During a race for the ball between Gillen and a Whites-boro player, Gillen’s leg was broken.

Gillen was rushed to St. Luke’s hospital in Utica, where she was told that her leg had been broken in two places.

“The hospital was terrible. I was in hysterics and kept slip-

ping in and out of conscious-ness,” Gillen said.

Ten days later after her break Gillen was told that her leg had not set the way her doc-tors would have liked. Gillen was scheduled for surgery 11 days after her injury.

Gillen was repaired with a rod stretching from her ankle to her knee that was supported by four screws.

“The surgery was a blessing in disguise, going from a full leg cast to a simple splint and ace bandage that I stayed in for 2 more months”

Gillen was required to stay

off of her leg for ten weeks. She attended physical therapy three times a week for six weeks.

“In the beginning it seemed like the end of the world, but I came to realize that it was only a temporary setback.”

She is now successfully walk-ing on her own through the halls of RFA. While the recov-ery process was long and gruel-ing, Gillen said, “It made other stresses in my life pale in com-parison.”

Gillen will be attending Itha-ca College in the fall to study health sciences and human per-formance.

The road to recovery

By Josie Emmanuele ‘14Freshman Mariah Mays has

recently qualified for nation-als for outdoor track in discus. This is her first year qualifying for Nationals in outdoor track. Earlier this year, Mays attended the indoor Nationals track meet in New York City.

Mariah Mays has been doing track for two years now. She started in eighth grade, and made the Varsity team that same year. She explained that at first, she didn’t want to do track, but her father and Coach Swavely convinced her. In the beginning, Mays didn’t want anything to do with track, but now she can’t live without it!

When Mays started throw-

ing, her distance was farther than was typical of someone who had just picked up the sport. She explained that she worked very hard to get where she is today. She would stay after with her coaches and teammates to learn the proper techniques and how to improve her throwing distance.

Mays explained that that she was a visual learner. Whenever her coach showed her the right way to throw, she would try to copy his movements.

Mays said, “I would never be here today if it wasn’t for Coach Swavely!”

A big part of her learning also came from other sports she has played. Mays said that

soccer helped her a lot with her footwork.

Mariah Mays prepares year-round to improve her throw-ing distance. She does this by conditioning, agility, and lift-ing weights. She explained that she’s always in the weight room over the summer preparing for her next season. Mariah bench-es 145lbs and squats 275lbs. Mays said that her life revolves around working out, soccer, and mainly track! She feels as though she has improved “120%” from when she started in eighth grade.

Mays has her expectations set and her main goal for this year is to beat the overall school record. Currently the record

is held by Kayli Williams who threw 125 feet. This year, Mays has thrown 120 feet, only five feet off of the school record! By senior year, she explained that she wants to throw as far as the guys throw. She wants to throw 150 feet or higher by the end of her senior year. Mays’ last goal for track is to try and receive the prestigious Black R.

From outdoor Varsity track in eighth grade, to indoor Var-sity track as a freshman, Mays has earned various awards. She has received “Outstand-ing Rookie of the Year Award,” two “Sectional Track Patches,” her “Varsity R,” one “Service Bar,” two “Runners Shoes,” a “Nationals Emblem,” four

First Place ribbons, one Sec-ond place ribbon, three Third Place ribbons, one Sixth Place ribbon, one First Place medal, one Third Place medal, indoor “Most Improved Performer Award,” and “Copper City Classic David Washington Dis-cus Champion.”

As well as discus, Mariah Mays also competes in shot put and weight throws. Her favorite events are weight throws and definitely discus!

Mays will be competing in this year’s National Track Meet in North Carolina on June 13th, 14th, and 15th. Finals for the Nationals track meet will be held on the 15th of June. Mays said that she was very excited to

be qualified and compete with the best in the nation.

Track star Mays makes Nationals at age 14

TRACK STAR — Mariah Mays ‘15 attended the Nationals track meet after only her sec-ond year on the RFA track team.

—Photo by Brooke Cole ‘12

BEFORE AND AFTER — (Above) Jenna Gillen sits in her wheel-chair as the 2012 Homecoming Queen. (Below) Jenna has made a full recovery from her broken leg, which she suffered while playing soccer, and now happily walks the halls of RFA.—Photos by Mike Madonia ‘12 (Left) and Lindsay D’Aiuto ‘12 (Right)

By Alexa Sanzone ‘13Both the RFA girls and

boys track teams have been having fantastic seasons with 6-0 records. The girls’ team, coached by Coach Couchman, has a tremendous amount of talent this year.

From senior standouts like sprinters Nicole Anken and Megan O’Connell to under-classmen like junior high-jump-er Dana Husband and sopho-more sprinter Mariah Johnson, the team is diverse in age and in ability.

The boys’ team is led by Coach Mays. It also boasts an elevated skill level encompassed by many ages. Some senior all-stars from the boys’ squad include sprinter/distance run-

ner Jeff Brown, shot putter Sonny Caruso and distance runner Connor Butters. Like the girls’ team, there is also a remarkable amount of talented underclassmen including junior sprinter/long jumper George

Brown, junior distance runner Eric Winberg and sophomore sprinter/long jumper Leroy Brown.

Running home with the W’s!

KT Opinion: Videogame and Book Reviews

By Jessica Fazio ‘13Before I Die by Jenny Down-

ham is an outstanding novel that will keep you coming back for more. Sixteen year-old Tessa is suffering from leuke-mia and isn’t denying the fact that she will be facing death soon. Despite her weak body and family’s wishes, she plans on completing everything and anything she has ever wanted to do. In order to ensure that everything is completed, she generates a list of adventurous and risky things to do before she dies.

Tessa embarks on the jour-ney of a lifetime accompanied by her best friend Zoey. Both learn more about life in a few short months than they had ever imagined possible. When Zoey becomes pregnant and Tess’s absentee mother decides to make an appearance in her life once again, she realizes how challenging losing her loved ones may be. She eventually falls in love with her next door neighbor Adam who has his own share of complications in life as well.

Adam ignites strength in Tess that carries her through her final days. His presence gives her confidence to com-plete everything on her list. Without his participation, her number one and most impor-

tant goal would not have been accomplished. But when Tessa grasps the fact that Adam will be excelling at life while hers is ending, the reality triggers a rush of passionate emotions she can’t bare the thought of deal-ing with.

Tess’s remarkable journey of love and strength is compel-ling and inspiring. Dying is tru-ly a character-defining moment that presents obstacles and heartache and the way some-one copes with it determines the memory of them that will be left behind. Tessa’s moving story earns a well-deserved four out of five stars.

Before I Die

Cryer’s Cross

Principal - Mark BensonFaculty Advisers

Editor-in-Chief

Michael Tamburrino

Layout and Sports Editor

Michael Verostek

Website Editor

Emily Mumpton

KT Staff

Journalism Class Writers

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Published by Rome Free Academy High School, 95 Dart Circle, Rome, NY 13441, courtesy of the Rome Sentinel Company.

E-Mail: editor@rfakt.com Website: http://www.rfakt.com

Hand off — Nicole Anken ‘12 hands off the baton to Jessica Gal-lagher ‘13 during a meet.

—Photo by Betsy Bamford ‘15

By Lindsay D’Aiuto ‘12 The RFA Boys Lacrosse

team is currently ranked 19th in the state with a current record of 11-5.

“Overall we have done pret-ty well! We have all just really been connecting on the field and it’s been working” said senior Drew Hinman

The Black Knights senior night was held May 11 at the RFA turf. The team gradu-

ated ten players, RJ Ferruci, Jake Gulla, Randy Linderman, Mike Perkarski, Drew Hinman, Corey Hanson, Dylan Sbarglia, Conner Richie, Lloyd Park-mond, and Rich Stapleton.

“We’ve come really far but we’re still not there. We need to keep clicking on offense. We couldn’t have done this good this year with out our defense there the backbone of our team,” said senior Jake Gulla.

The team currently has four players who plan on play-ing lacrosse in college. Rich Stapleton plans on attending Canisus College (DI) in Buffalo NY. Dylan Sbarglia will play for Stony Brook University (DI) in the fall. Jake Gulla will attend Brockport to play Division III lacrosse. RJ Ferruci plans on attending Utica College, as a goalkeeper for the D3 Pioneers.

RFA Lacrosse honors 10 seniors“The surgery

was a blessing

in disguise...”

Rating:

10/10