VALKYRIE - Somerville Public School District
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Somerville
VALKYRIE
High
School
November 2021
Volume 116, Issue 1
In Loving Memory of Vincent Gagliardi (March 23, 2004 - October 8, 2021)
Kaitlyn Brooks ‘22, Lily Murphy ‘22, Alanna Hadley ‘22, Domenick Noto '22
On the night of October eighth, our Somerville High School community lost a member of the senior class to a tragic car
accident. Vincent Gagliardi was a brother, son, and friend who lit up our halls with his contagious smile and uplifting energy. Our school
will never be the same without the fun-loving spirit and kind nature he brought into all areas of his life. Those who had the pleasure of
knowing Vincent described him as selfless towards all, positive in any situation, and always having a good time.
The class of 2022 is committed to keeping the memory of Vincent alive, so that he, too, can experience some of life's milestones
with his friends. In a coordinated effort, the SHS varsity soccer team wore shirts with Vincent’s photo on it and the phrase “The Class of
2022 Misses You” to their senior night game on October twelfth. The stands were packed as Ville took on North Plainfield; a sign of
solidarity in a time of grief. After ninety minutes of battling, Ville emerged victorious, dedicating the win to Vincent. The same shirt was
also used to honor him when his closest friends wore the shirt in the senior class photo including his memory in this senior tradition.
Additionally, Vincent’s parking spot has been decorated with flowers, candles, and some of his favorite things to honor his life and pay
homage to his beautiful personality. Although Vincent will never get to experience the many joys of senior year, the class of 2022 is
committed to keeping his memory alive and honoring him throughout the school year and the rest of their lives. The hearts and prayers of
the graduating class remain with Vincent’s family and friends today, tomorrow, and every day.
Page 2
the
VALKYRIE
Farewell Mr.Underwood
Alanna Hadley ‘22 & Lily Murphy ’22
After a long thirty years at Somerville High School, Mr. Underwood, our beloved Custodial Supervisor for the
District of Somerville, retired. Mr.Underwood says that his favorite part of the job, and the part he will miss the most
is the relationships he has made with his coworkers and the students at SHS. In his retirement, Mr.Underwood looks
forward to not having to wake up at 4am every morning to open the school, and being able to spend more time with
his family. With this being said, he also knows that it is the right time for him to retire, and he is looking forward to
the future. Mentally it was very hard to make the decision to retire, but physically he knows he is ready for more rest,
and a less physically demanding lifestyle.
One lesson he has learned through working at SHS is that it is easier to carry on your day being happy, and it
is important to have patience while working with students. Working at SHS has allowed Mr. Underwood to develop
truly special relationships with the people in this building, that he will cherish forever. Specifically, getting extra help
in the summer from students and staff has been one of his favorite memories in addition to seeing Mr. Foley become
the principal. Mr.Underwood started working at SHS after having his own business doing similar work with his wife.
Choosing to switch from being self employed to working at SHS was one of the best decisions he made. His wife,
Dora, also came to work at SHS before being transferred to Vanderveer Elementary School, where she is also loved by
all the students and staff. They look forward to being retired together. He is glad that all students are in person for his
last few months of working, because working during quarantine felt isolated, and he missed having conversations with
everyone in person.
Photos from the Photography Club:
Jordyn Jones
Ava Coppola
Banissa Erickson
Emily Pamplona
Lindsy Cox Lauren Westermann
Tiareth Lopez-Cruz Sofia Schmeltz
Page 3
the
VALKYRIE
Welcome New Staff
Welcome Mrs.Vornlocker!
Madi Tozzi ‘22 Stern, he studied Finance and Economics. Mr. Corrgan was taught by
many brilliant professors, many of whom were Nobel Laureates, and
I would like to give a proper introduction to one of the newest studied with bright classmates. In addition to playing high school and
SHS instructional assistants Dawn Vornlocker! Mrs. Vornlocker is college basketball, Mr. Corrigan played professional basketball in
working with Mrs. Spencer this year in the Life Skills class. Mrs. Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Ecuador.
Vornlocker is a New Jersey native and alumni of Fairleigh Dickinson He is the head girls varsity basketball coach at Watchung
University, where she earned both her undergraduate degree and Hills and owns and operates an AAU basketball program that includes
master’s degree; she also graduated Summa Cum Laude. Mrs. about sixty boys and girls grades three to twelve.
Vornlocker currently lives in Manville with her husband and three Mr. Corrigan has been to nineteen countries and forty-three states,
children, along with two dogs. In her free time, she enjoys playing including; Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Utah. He also loves to visit
softball in her all-female recreation league, as well as watching her Ireland where he has lots of family. He also has two Goldendoodle
own children’s sports. She enjoys traveling to places such as St. John, dogs!
U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Outer Banks. Mrs. Vornlocker is very Before teaching business classes in Somerville, Mr. Corrigan
artistic, which has helped inspire her home improvement projects. spent eighteen years in financial services in New York. He feels that
Before entering into education, Mrs. Vornlocker assisted teaching here is much more fulfilling than his previous career, and
people with mental illnesses locally in Somerset County at Somerset chose SHS because of the amazing administration, teachers, and
County Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services (PESS) and students! Thank you for choosing Somerville, we hope you love it!
Richard Hall Community Mental Health in Bridgewater. She still had
an interest in education that only grew when she was helping her
children with their own school work and participating as a class mom Welcome Mr. Quintero
for many years. To gain more educational experience, she Ava Coppola ‘24
student-taught in college while working as a teaching assistant in her
graduate program. Mrs. Vornlocker is still deciding on her journey in Mr. Quintero is a new teacher at SHS. He was born in
education and hopes in the future to gain her teaching certification or Paterson, NJ, and has two older siblings. Mr. Quintero attended Passaic
provide school counseling! Wherever life takes Mrs. Vornlocker, we Valley Regional High School, and later Fairleigh Dickinson University
are so excited to have her as part of our Ville Community! at the Florham Campus. During college, he studied abroad in England
for a semester — he considers this the highlight of his college experi-
ence.
Welcome to SHS, Mr. Corrigan! Mr. Quintero enjoys animals, history, and working with high
Ava Coppola ‘24 school students, which is one reason he decided to become a teacher.
He has two dogs, an American Bulldog and a Chihuahua. When
studying abroad, Mr. Quintero traveled to Scotland for a short trip, and
Among the several new teachers this year is Mr. Corrigan. Mr.
shares, “It was an amazing experience. There is so much amazing
Corrigan was born in Edison, New Jersey, and has five siblings. He
history there.”
went to St. Joe’s High School in Metuchen, followed by Kean Univer-
Mr. Quintero teaches Freshman Seminar/Financial Lit and US
sity for undergraduate, and NYU Stern School of Business for graduate
1 CP. He chose to work at SHS because the environment is very
school. Mr. Corrigan enjoyed both colleges he attended. At Kean, he
positive and supportive. We are excited to have Mr. Quintero as a new
played basketball for four years and majored in History, and at
teacher here, and hope he enjoys it!
Serving Somerville High School
Since 1905
VALKYRIE
Editors
Alanna Hadley ‘22
Lily Murphy ’22
Domenick Noto ‘22
Writers Julianna Pitucco ‘23
Alanna Hadley ‘22 Emma Gehring ‘23
Lily Murphy ‘22 Alexander Phelps ’23
Domenck Noto ’22 Ava Coppola ‘24
Juliet Andrade ‘22 Ronon Turbidy ’24
Kaitlyn Brooks ‘22 A’Hnaiye Hobbs ‘24
Taliyah Bailey ’22
Josie Ricci ‘22
Madi Tozzi ’22
Staff Advisor: Ms. Reeves
the
The Valkyrie is a student-produced, student-managed, and non-profit newspaper produced by the students of Somervile High School. Printed approximately four times a year, The
Valkyrie intends to inform and entertain the Somerville High School community. Although The Valkyrie does everything within its power to keep the publication free of errors, mistakes do
occur. If you find an error regarding any of the material in The Valkyrie, please contact the staff. The Valkyrie is not responsible for any errors and reserves the right to have the final
decision regarding an error.
VALKYRIE Page 4
the
Welcome New Staff
Welcome, Dr. King!
Ava Coppola ‘24 Mr. Damaschke, Welcome to SHS!
Ava Coppola ’24
The new curriculum supervisor this year is Dr. King.
She was born in Dover, New Jersey, and has two younger Mr. Damaschke was born in New Brunswick and has
sisters with whom she is very close. Dr. King went to Mount two sisters and two brothers-in-law. He went to Immaculata
Olive High School, and later attended Rutgers majoring in High School, but graduated from Providence High School in
Literacy Education. She enjoyed Rutgers so much that she Charlotte, NC. Mr. Damaschke went to college at Virginia
decided to also get her doctorate from there. Tech, RVCC, and Rutgers. He shares that his college experi-
Dr. King loves being outdoors. She enjoys skiing, ence was both challenging and rewarding.
snowboarding, hiking, and camping. She also has two cats, Mr. Damascke enjoys spending time with his family,
Willow and Harry, whom she loves very much. Dr. King has particularly his two sons. He likes to go on hikes at Round
three children, one in elementary, one in middle, and one in Valley and plays anything competitive, including golf,
high school. basketball, football, and chess. Mr. Damascke has a dog,
Dr. King appreciates Somerville High School Brownie, and three cats; Freddie, Barney, and Nikkie.
because it embraces diversity. She wants to improve teaching Mr. Damaschke chose to work at Somerville because
and learning in this district, especially in English and Social he had formerly served as a substitute teacher here at SHS
Studies. We are happy that Dr. King is here to help us during his student teaching days. Afterward, he decided to
improve our education, and we hope she enjoys it. teach here for eight years, and now helps students and the
school community as the Supervisor of Student Affairs and
SHS welcomes Ms. Felice! Instruction. We welcome Mr. Damaschke to his new role at
Ava Coppola ‘24 SHS!
Ms. Felice is a new math teacher here in SHS! She Welcome, Ms. Phibbs!
was born in Hackensack, but was raised in Oakland, NJ. She Ava Coppola ‘24
is also very close with her younger sister. Ms. Felice attended
Indian Hills High School, where she ran cross country, Ms. Phibbs, who works in the Special Education
winter track, and spring track. Afterward, she went to TCNJ Department, was born in New Brunswick. She has lived in
and received a Bachelor's in Secondary Math Education. Ms. Branchburg all her life and has a twin sister. Ms. Phibbs
Felice highly recommends going to TCNJ to everyone! She graduated from Somerville High School in 2009; post-High
also obtained her Master's in Educational Technology from School graduation she attended RVCC, Montclair State
Ramapo College of New Jersey. University, TCNJ, and Rutgers. Each of the colleges she
Ms. Felice once traveled to Italy during college; attended brought her different experiences and atmospheres,
while there, she visited Rome, Florence, the Amalfi Coast, and she loved getting involved in the several campuses.
and Capri. She took cooking classes with the finest Italian Ms. Phibbs taught herself how to play piano at a
chefs and toured olive oil and mozzarella-making factories. young age. She also loved visiting the Grand Canyon.
In addition, Ms. Felice is a trainer at Max Challenge and Ms. Phibbs started working in Van Derveer and enjoyed their
plans different types of exercise classes. She also has a cat sense of community among the staff and students. Now,
named Luna, whom she loves very much! working at SHS, she loves working in the Special Education
Ms. Felice feels that the students and staff at SHS are Department! We are so glad Ms. Phibbs can work in our
a strong community, which is a very important aspect of school and hope she has a great year!
school that isn’t found everywhere. Although she enjoyed
working at her last district, she thinks she will love Somer-
ville even more! Ms. Felice, we hope you love SHS, and we
are very happy to have you here!
Page 5
the
VALKYRIE
Mr. Mairagas, Welcome to SHS!
Lorem ipsum
MBA in Personnel Management, and before taking a break
Ava Coppola ‘24 from education, earned the title of best employee in 2001. She
has since returned to education in the last six years, working to
Another new teacher at SHS is Mr. Mairagas. He help her husband in his business, and also working as an
was born in Belleville, New Jersey, and has two siblings. He instructional assistant for the last three.
attended Montville High School, and after graduating, went Mrs. Padhy was born in April, and grew up in India.
to Rutgers for a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and a Mas- She is married, with a son in highschool and a daughter in
ter's in Political Science. Mr. Mairagas also obtained a middle school. Her two best friends are Sheetal K. and Supriya
Master's in Teaching at Montclair. D., aides from work. Mrs. Padhy enjoys hobbies such as
Mr. Mairagas is interested in day trading and reading, embroidery, and cooking. She also enjoys traveling
finance. In addition, he has traveled to Greece and New very much, as well as swimming and playing badminton. Mrs.
Orleans. Mr. Mairagas played football, baseball, basketball, Padhy is proud to help students enjoy learning, by making
and learned Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. math and science fun, and to have developed good relation-
Mr. Mairagas enjoys teaching at Somerville because ships with the students she’s mentored in her first year at SHS.
of the great Special Education program and the kindness of Although working in high school education is a new experi-
his fellow teachers and other staff members. He also appre- ence, Mrs. Padhy has the goal of working with teachers to give
ciates the fairly quick commute! We are so glad Mr. Maira- students the best type of support that they need.
gas can teach here and hope he enjoys it!
Welcome to the English Department, Mrs. Russo!
Welcome Dr. Dana Marrocco! Juliet Andrade ‘22
Ronan Tubridy ‘24
Mrs. Russo was born on March 28 in the Bronx, New
Dr. Dana Marrocco is Somerville’s new school York. She has a large Italian family! She got her BA at Ford-
psychologist. Dr. Marrocco chose Somerville to help ham University and furthered her education at Columbia
motivate others who in turn motivate her. She is also proud University and the Teachers College, where she earned her
that Somerville values mental health in their schools and Master's. Some of Mrs. Russo’s accomplishments include
among their students. Dr. Marrocco earned her Ph.D. in graduating with honors and receiving a scholarship to study in
Educational Psychology from Purdue University. Her Italy. She enjoys theatre, yoga, and traveling. During the
numerous other accomplishments include publishing her interview, she mentioned that she enjoys baseball and is “a
own self-help book, having a song she wrote be played on a devoted Yankees fan.” She traveled extensively through
TV show, and being awarded a research grant for her Europe, studying in Italy and England, traveled to Egypt,
dissertation in graduate school. India, Brazil, Argentina, and Asia—she even taught in Korea!
Dr. Marrocco grew up in rural Minnesota. She is the During her career, she has taught all grades, from kindergarten
oldest of three siblings and now has two children of her to college freshmen. Her biggest accomplishment is balancing
own. Outside of work, Dr. Marrocco likes karaoke, used to motherhood and work.
ride in rodeos, and did cheerleading in high school. Her She hopes to soon return to school and earn her
favorite travel experience was a safari in Kenya, and her doctorate; as well as continuing to travel the world. Her reason
best friend is her mom. She is proud to be part of the team at for choosing SHS was that “Somerville is a neighborhood
SHS. She has the goal of bringing more awareness to mental similar to the one in which I grew up.”
health and self-care.
Homecoming 2021
Welcome Mrs. Padhy! A‘haniye Hobbs ‘24
Ronan Turbridy ‘24
Homecoming is full of traditions, such as football
Mrs. Padhy is a new member of Somerville’s staff, games and dances.The reason behind homecoming is so
helping freshmen by working with them one-on-one. Mrs. alumnus can come to visit their old schools. It means celebra-
Padhy chose Somerville because everyone gets equal tion in some ways.It all began in 1911 in Missouri, and it just
opportunities, and everyone is very respectful to each other. spread all over the world.It’s another reason to rep your school
Mrs. Padhy worked for two years at Vanderveer Elementary pride and show some spirit because that's what Homecoming
School, starting work as a substitute. While working, she is all about. Last year we didn't have homecoming, but now
always saw teachers dedicating themselves towards their that we’re back, we are ready to reunite with friends and
work and their passion. Among many teachers, one of their celebrate.
simplest goals is to inspire their students to love learning,
and that inspired her to choose this field. She earned her
Page 6
the
VALKYRIE
Welcome, Mrs. Ramos! Upon graduating from Rowan University in 2012,
Juliet Andrade ‘22 Mr. Henry worked in construction. After being a member of
the cleanup efforts down the shore following Hurricane
Mrs. Ramos was born on September 1 in Brooklyn, Sandy, Mr. Henry would leave construction and go on to
New York. Despite this, she has spent the majority of her life work for insurance company Chubb for six years before
in New Jersey. She is part of a family of six consisting of her beginning his teaching career. Mr. Henry first taught as a
mother, father, and three brothers. She states, “My parents are substitute and leave teacher at Warren Middle School before
my heroes, and my brothers are truly my best friends.” She being hired onto the MAPS program here in Somerville. Mr.
received both her Bachelor's (in English/Secondary Educa- Henry says he has always loved Somerville and feels teach-
tion) and Master's Degrees (in Education and concentration ing here can “right wrongs” from his Spartan past.
in Teacher Leadership) from Villanova University. One of her We welcome Mr. Henry into the Somerville commu-
greatest accomplishments is attending Villanova University nity and wish him the best of luck!
on the Presidential Scholarship, a full, merit-based scholar-
ship. She enjoys reading, watching television shows, movies, Welcome our new librarian Mrs. Caporale!
listening to music, and sewing. Mrs. Ramos says, “I also Julianna Pitucco ‘23
LOVE doing seasonal activities such as picking and carving
pumpkins, watching Halloween/holiday movies, taking trips This school year, Somerville High School welcomes
to Philly to walk through the Christmas Village, ice skating, a new librarian, Mrs. Caporale! Mrs. Caporale is so excited
watching fireworks, etc.” She enjoys traveling but is unable to be working at Somerville High School, and she has great
to do it as much as she would like. She has been working plans to make our library a safe and welcoming space for all
since she was thirteen years old. She hopes that this year she students.
will get to know the Somerville community, including Mrs. Caporale is a mother to three boys, ages nine,
students and staff. Her reason for choosing Somerville is, “I thirteen, and eighteen. When she is not here at Somerville
felt particularly welcomed by the teachers and administrators High School, she enjoys watching her son’s sports games,
that I met during the hiring process.” reading, walking her dog, and spending time outdoors. This
past May, she earned her Master's degree at Rutgers Univer-
sity.
Welcome Mr. Henry! Mrs. Caporale chose to work at Somerville High
Sasha Phelps ‘23 School because she enjoyed meeting Mr. Foley, the other
administrators, and she felt that Somerville offered a
Earlier this school year, I had the pleasure of inter- welcoming and close-knit environment. She decided to
viewing newly hired teacher Mr. Thomas Henry. Mr. Henry become a librarian because she has always loved to volunteer
is a part of the MAPS program, where he teaches students of at her children's school libraries. She enjoys learning new
all grades in classes such as World History, US History 1, US things and having access to a variety of stories and resources
History 2, and Civics, as well as a Sociology course starting to gain knowledge on various topics. She hopes to take her
next marking period. knowledge and share it with the students at Somerville High
Mr. Henry was born in Plainfield, NJ, and would School.
spend his childhood in Branchburg along with his sister and Mrs. Caporale plans on creating an open and inviting
two brothers. Mr. Henry attended Immaculata High School in space for all students to come in and explore. “I hope to
Somerville, NJ despite wanting to attend SHS. At Immacula- create a twenty-first-century media center with new and
ta, Mr. Henry would swim and play lacrosse, as well as spend innovative technology for the students.” She intends to make
time volunteering outside of school. Mr. Henry then attended the library a safe spot for all students to come for a "brain
Rowan University, where his membership in the school’s break, to pick out a new book, or to study quietly."
International Club would open doors to life-changing experi- We are so excited to welcome Mrs. Caporale into our
ences and opportunities. As a member of the International Pioneer family! Students are already visiting the media center
Club, Mr. Henry studied abroad in Ireland, also taking trips often throughout the school day to study, pick out new books,
to European destinations, such as Italy, England, and Poland and take a brain break from the stresses of high school.
along the way. Mr. Henry holds that Ireland is one of his
favorite travel destinations to this day (in addition to Costa
Rica and Scotland), and says the country has a “special
place” in his heart.
Page 7
the
VALKYRIE
Manifest Show Review notable tracks include “Off the Grid” (an aggressively upbeat
Emma Gehring ‘24 song with features from big names such as Playboi Carti and
Fivio Foreign), “Hurricane” (with Lil Baby and The
Manifest, which first aired on NBC in 2018, is the Weeknd), “Believe What I Say”, “Moon” (with Don Toliver
story of Flight 828. In the show, a US-Bound plane takes off and Kid Cudi), and “No Child Left Behind”.
from Jamaica, and even though for the passengers, it had The album as a whole is laden with features from
only been a few hours, for the rest of the world, five years major artists across multiple genres, including rapper Lil
have passed. It follows the journey of a family that was on Baby and pop artist The Weeknd on the same track. While
the flight and shows how their lives have changed following some might think these features could not possibly mesh on a
the event. The passengers are not the same people they were single album, West’s elite production makes it work and
before that flight, and they must do whatever it takes to find plays to every artist’s best attributes. Donda also feels a bit
out the truth. raw and unrefined, especially with a plain black square as the
When the show was canceled after only three cover art and multiple “pt 2”s thrown in at the end of the
seasons, fans were disappointed; however, after the show album, which are simply copies of previous songs, only with
arrived on Netflix in June of 2021, its views and fanbase different features. This setup is not ideal but oddly adds to the
skyrocketed. With a larger audience and a cliffhanger after theme of Donda being a perfect reflection of West’s creative
the season 3 finale, Netflix recently decided to renew the process. Despite all the faults, on the surface, and lack of
show for a fourth season. touch-ups, the album only gets better with every listen, as the
listener begins to notice the deeper meaning and details of
Dancing with the Stars Recap each and every song.
Emma Gehring ‘24 Overall, I rate this album a 9/10. While it is messy on
the surface, West’s unique production, features, and artistic
The first episode of season 30 of Dancing with the purpose with every song on the album will make Donda a
Stars aired this September. Although the series has been generational classic.
following the same pattern since it first aired, this season sets
itself apart because of its inclusion of the show's first Fashion Trends Fall 2021
same-sex dance couple. Jojo Siwa, best known for being on Josie Ricci ‘22
the reality show Dance Moms, is partnered with Jenna
Johnson who has been on DWTS since season 18. The couple The last few months of every year never fail to be the
wowed the crowd with their first dance, getting the highest best time for all sorts of fashion and creativity. This year, the
score out of all 15 couples during the first episode. The upcoming trends vary in many ways, but, one thing you can
inclusion of this couple is a tremendous step forward for the learn is how to layer. It’s pretty easy to mess up layering, but
history and representation of the LGBTQ+ community in the once you get the hang of it, it’s simple. I have always been a
media. fan of flannels, and fall is the perfect time for them. Just wear
a t-shirt, flannel, and an oversized jacket. Another way could
Music Review: Donda simply be wearing a black vest over a hoodie. Layering is
Sasha Phelps ‘23 great for the fall not only because it looks cute, but also
because it’s great for keeping you warm.
After many months of waiting, several listening Bottoms are pretty simple for the fall, especially
events, and multiple supposed release dates which proved to since there is not really an option for shorts or skirts while
be false, fans of rapper and producer Kanye West were living in New Jersey. You can never go wrong with a pair of
pleasantly surprised when his 10th studio album Donda was baggy jeans or cargo pants. Match those with your layered
released on August 29th of this year. The long-awaited album tops and a pair of black chunky boots, and you’re all set!
is the first for West since Jesus is King was released in 2019 Shoes like the monolith Prada boots are great for this season
and honors West’s late mother Donda West. (but they are expensive, so don’t be afraid to look for dupes).
Donda opens with “Donda Chant”, a 52-second track Moving past the outfits - I love fashion and watching
intended to capture the grief Kanye has felt over the loss of trends, but I feel like something should be discussed. One of
his mother. Although the listen is awkward, understanding its the most damaging parts of the fashion industry is the
symbolic significance and ties to the rest of the album makes overconsumption of clothing. Following every single trend
“Donda Chant” an adequate precursor to the following 26 that you see on TikTok or Instagram is honestly more than
songs. “Donda Chant” seamlessly transitions into “Jail”, just damaging to your wallet.
featuring rap icon Jay-Z. The song’s unique beats and mixing (continued on the next page)
make it a listening experience like no other. Following “Jail”,
the
VALKYRIE
It is horrible for the environment. Make sure that in your The Floods
Page 8
attempts to dress well, you are also attempting to shop smart. Julianna Pitucco ‘23
There is nothing wrong with having a timeless wardrobe - I
honestly recommend it. Remember you don’t need to follow Hurricane Ida first made landfall in Louisiana on
every trend that you see. August 29, 2021; the storm would then rage on to our home
state of New Jersey. On September 1, 2021, tropical storm
Guinean Coup Ida hit the tristate area; a storm that initially felt as though it
Ronan Tubridy ‘24 was just another rainstorm, became much more deadly than
anyone could have predicted. The expectation being laid out
In a television address on September 5th, soldiers of was that the worst of the storm was left deep in the heart of
Guinea’s military claimed to have successfully overtaken the the South, but our unpreparedness opened the door for more
government. Former-President Alpha Conde had been damage. At the end of the day, however, no amount of
re-elected for a third term, despite violent protests throughout awareness could have prevented the tragedy that ensued.
the country due to “rampant corruption, mismanagement, and The storm surge occurred quickly, not giving
poverty.” Elite forces led by Lieutenant Colonel Mamady officials enough time to react to control the flooding that was
Doumbouya, a former French Legionnaire, spearheaded the taking place. The night of September 1, several tornado
coup. Officials from the Presidential Guard and the Defense warnings were going off to Southern New Jersey residents
Ministry claim the coup attempt was thwarted; however, after specifically. Tragic stories quickly emerged of individuals not
gunfire in the capital of Conakry, the militants broadcasted being able to get home from work and not being able to drive
their message in the captured Presidential Palace, with home because of the influx of flooding. Tragically, many
several prisoners in their possession, President Alpha Conde residents died from being stuck in cars that submerged
among them. underwater.
Up until the coup, a US Army Special Forces team Local parks such as Duke Island Park, Exchange
had been conducting a Foreign Internal Defense mission with Field, and TD Bank Ballpark (Patriots’ Stadium), were all
the Guinean special operations, whose US-trained officers sunken in water by the following morning. TD Bank Ballpark
would later launch the revolt on their day off from training. was completely filled with water as if the stadium were a
Since the coup, the US has suspended military assistance to swimming pool. Many satellite views showed images of
Guinea, and Pentagon spokesman John Kirby did confirm towns before and after the floods, and the lagoons of brown
that no US troops were directly involved in the coup itself. floodwater filling them was disturbing. Locally, in Somer-
This is the fourth coup or coup attempt in West ville, a house near Mercer Street blew up, destroying the
Africa since 2020, others including two coups in Mali and whole house and damaging many surrounding homes.
one failed coup attempt in Niger. The new government, Thankfully, no one was injured, but many lives were forever
calling itself the National Committee for Reconciliation and altered.
Development, has vowed to reconstruct a better constitution. Lining the sidewalks of nearly every Somerville
Additionally, they have closed their border for at least a neighborhood were remains of furniture, toys, appliances, and
week, and the only bridge that connects the Kaloum peninsu- home goods, all destroyed in the floods. A temporary shelter
la, housing the presidential palace and ministry buildings, to was set up at Somerville Middle School and later moved to
mainland Guinea, has been “sealed off” by heavily armed Somerville High School. Somerville school’s first day of
soldiers. Further revelations include the postponement of the school was supposed to be September 3, but it was postponed
Morocco vs. Guinea FIFA world cup qualifying game, as the to September 8 because of the effects the storm had on our
Moroccan soccer team was trapped inside their embassy as community. Brookside Apartments were all sadly evacuated
the coup unfolded. International opinion has swayed against to temporary shelters because of the dangerous state that the
the rogue militants. Many have called for the release of these apartments were in as a result of the flooding. People began
prisoners, along with allowing Alpha Conde to leave Guinea. to donate countless items to the temporary shelters, such as
food, clothing, games, and toiletries. Local businesses on
Main Street opened up their shops to anyone who needed
food and water. The overwhelming support that poured out of
our community was moving; the aid helped countless fami-
lies that had lost their belongings or homes in the floods.
Tropical Storm Ida left the Somerville community utterly
damaged, but as a whole, we came together to lean on each
other, no matter the cost. Overall, our community was able to
do what “The Ville” does best: rebuild.
Page 9
the
VALKYRIE
Lorem ipsum
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak;
courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
-Winston Churchill-
We love our neighbors!
Best wishes,
the Redelico Family
Operating Hours
Mon-Fri 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sat 8 AM - 5 PM
Closed Sunday as always
You can also read
