Asbury Park Press from Asbury Park, New Jersey • Page 71

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF HOWELL HIGH SCHOOL WWWAPRCOAVWHATEVER OCT 25, 2005 5 I 1 MEET JOHN: Senior John Ryan, 17, is known for his positive GOOD MORNING, HOWELL HIGH SCHOOL; Sopan Deb (left), 1 7, of Howell recites the Pledge of Allegiance during the morning announcements. Lisa DiBenedetto, 1 8, and Susan David, 1 7, both of Howell listen. (PHOTO: Tanya breenSTAFF photographer) DS off UU 4 A trio of enthusiastic seniors has the inside scoop at Howell High School By Joe Garaffa and Brian Mayer attitude. (PHOTO: PHILLIP VAZQUEZ 14, A FRESHMAN FROM HOWELL) Hi, Mr. Positive John Ryan travels on life's high road By fenny Sturman Senior John Ryan, 17, of Howell, is known throughout Howell High School.

John's aide, Howard Graham, 48, of Brick described John as "very vibrant Very determined. He has the type of personality that makes you smile; he has a lot to give." Anyone who knows John finds it easy to agree with Graham. John shows no sign of negativity. "PBople are always willing to help me and make me happy the best way they can," said John, who has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair 'It's been good." John, known for his positive attitude, is active in the Muscular Dystrophy Association and participates in telethons by making announcements after commercial breaks. One time, he met singer Tony Orlando, who was popular during the 1970s.

But John doesn't want people to just know him as the kid with MD. He enjoys watch ing sports, especially the Mets, his favorite baseball team. He likes music, including today's country music as well as music from the 1960s and 1970s. Kenny Sturman, 17, of Howell is a junior. Shirts, Hats, Etc $4 OFF with coupon Expires 112105 APP HELLO, STUDENTS: Senior Sue David, 1 7, reports the morning announcements.

(PHOTO: joe garaffa, 1 7, A SENIOR FROM HOWELL) dents on the effects of discrimination and sexism. Sue and Lisa both were selected as alternates for the Anytown program. Anytown is a camp that students attend during the summer to learn to prevent racism and bigotry Seniors Joe Garaffa and Brian Mayer both are 1 7 and from Howell. Jackets, T-shirts, Sweat nil owell High School has IjvI three excited and en-U thusiastic teenagers to handle the morning announcements. Seniors Lisa Dibenedetto, 18; Sopan Deb, 17; and Sue David, 17, all of Howell, are the voices at the microphone morning after morning.

The trio was selected by the school's administration to represent the student body to deliver school news, sports and class information. "Knowing what goes on before everyone else does, it's probably the best part of the job," Sopan said. "We like to keep it energetic and upbeat, 0 JERSEYS, ALL SCHOOL innmnrnu considering most of the students are just rolling out of bed and coming to school. We like to get them started right." And the students agree. "The morning announcements are always very informative, and they always seem so energetic," says senior Roxanne Tave, 17, of Howell.

"They are always very detailed and very descriptive; they keep on top of things," says senior Dan Marsicano, 1 7, of Howell. Dan and Roxanne both said they welcome the liveliness of the group and the break from monotony. But just doing the Man Reasonable Prices I lira morning announcements is not all that this trio is involved in. Sopan has been selected as Student of the Month and is very active in the music department and the senior class. Lisa is a Family Career and Community Leaders of America officer and the recording secretary for the senior class.

Sue has been recognized for her artistic ability and is involved in the National Honor Society and the What You Can Do club, part of the Anytowners group. The club's main goal is to break down social barriers in school while educating stu- ORGANIZATIONS Nylon Ooen Man. Sat 10:00 AM 5:00 PM BANNERS FOR SCHOOLS AND 1 li ri ir-rnt i r- I ALL STYLE LETTERING FOR GARMENTS Jr Oualltv Work- No Middle 81 5 Hooper Unit 5, Toms River (Located on the RL 37 Jughandle) 732-557-9990.