This week we Take Five with Michael Chirichella, a senior at West Milford High School. Michael likes to run and act, even if he didn't intend to do either of them. He's got big inspiration and has fun even when he's not busy. Be sure to go to our Web site, westmilfordmessenger.com, to read our bonus five with Michael.
1. How did you get involved with cross country?
I did football as a freshmen and decided it wasnt for me so my friend Joe Barry suggested that I do cross country with him so I did and it was fun and I was good at it. I auditioned for the play sophomore year, really as a joke. I saw a bunch of people and my friend Brandon told me to audition, I dont think he really believed I would because I didnt know any of the music or even the show but I made it and I loved it so I kept doing it each year.
2. Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is without a doubt Moses. I remember when I was going through a tough time and I watched The Ten Commandments and read the stories about Moses in my book of Bible stories as well as in The Bible and it really changed my life. It showed me that even though things were going bad, God had my back and even if I mess up, he will forgive me, just like he did Moses and the Hebrews. It also showed me that God had a plan for me.
3. Who is your favorite teacher of all time and why?
I dont have a favorite teacher. I have had some amazing teachers so I really cant decide. Each one has their own special something that makes them great. I do know that there are a few teachers I didnt like but thats a totally different story.
4. What do you do with your time when you are not running?
When I have free time, I like to read (Im currently reading Lord of the Rings Return of the King), watch TV, go on the computer, listen to music, and hang out with my friends. Sometimes I do a few of these at the same time. I also do a lot of stuff in my church and I do Peer Ministry at St. Josephs.
5. What is your favorite movie, book or character and why?
My favorite movie/book character is hard to pick (If you havent noticed by now Im bad at picking favorites) but I am going to say Scar from The Lion King because despite being a villain, hes suave and is one of the few villains I know to be successful in their attempts to kill and/or dethrone the main characters. Plus he has a great song.
Moses and Scar...interesting choices, Michael. Just like cross country and acting. You're not predictable. And we're sure there are many wonderful plans for you in the future.
Do you know someone who should be featured in a future Take Five? Send us their name and email address. We want to show the entire township what great kids we have, just like Michael. Email us at njoffice@strausnews.com. We'll see you next week for our next Take Five.
Bonus Five 6. Name three things you would bring with you if you were on a deserted island.
I would bring a big box of waterproof matches because fire can do so many things like cooking, sterilizing and providing warmth. A big knife because I can use the knife to cut wood, carve tools, skin animals and do many of other things. Finally I would bring a friend because as long as Im not alone on an island for the rest of my life I can happily live on an island.
7. Share a favorite moment with your group/club/team.
I have had SO many great moments with my team and cast that I cant pick a favorite but I remember the cross country bus ride to a practice run at Garret Mountain with Cross Country and we basically just told jokes and funny stories the whole ride. In the play I loved during the long rehearsals, in between scenes I would talk to all of my fellow cast members and again tell jokes and do all around bonding types of things.
8. What does being a Highlander mean to you?
To me, being a highlander means representing your school in its fullest, good and bad. If you lose, then you lose as a highlander and if you win, you win as a highlander. Either way, thats who you are so you should be the best you can be.
9. What would most people be surprised to know about running and acting?
People would be surprised to know that distance running is fun once you get good at it. There is nothing better than going on a 6-mile run with a bunch of people who can easily do it because you can have some hilarious conversations. People would also be surprised at how physically taxing the musical is. When you have been rehearsing for 5 or 6 straight hours for two weeks, you get tired. Its a lot tougher than it seems.
10. Share something no one knows about you.
Honestly I can think of nothing that no one knows about me. Im basically an open book so if someone asks me something about myself I give them an honest answer pretty much regardless of the question and I have no secrets that my friends dont know.