Eastside: December 2017

www.eastside-online.org

Vol. 51 No. 4

Cherry Hill High School East: 1750 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

December 2017

Forgot to buy a holiday card or wrap your gifts?

Cut out our cards above and see pages 23 and 24 for wrapping paper.

Cards (clockwise from top left) by Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director, Sophia Liang (‘19)/ Eastside Community Editor, Chelsea Stern (‘18)/ Eastside Community Editor, Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director and Ali Koenig (‘20)/ Eastside News/ Features Editor. Page 23 wrapping paper by David Le (‘18)/ Eastside Underground Editor.

Page 24 wrapping paper by Jared Fisch (‘18)/ Eastside Managing Editor.

Greeting Cards (continued) Spice up your holiday season!

Have snow much fun this holiday Thinking of you a season! choc-a-lot this holiday season!

I hope your holiday guacs!

Forgot to buy a holiday card or wrap your gifts?

Cut out our cards above and see pages 23 and 24 for wrapping paper.

Cards (clockwise from top left) by Sophia Liang (‘19)/ Eastside Community Editor, Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director, Ali Koenig (‘20)/ Eastside News/Features Editor, Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director and Chelsea Stern (‘18)/ Eastside Community Editor.

Wishing you the beary best!

www.eastside-online.org

Vol. 51 No. 4

Cherry Hill High School East: 1750 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

December 2017

East clubs succeed with ingenious fundraisers

■ By Ali Koenig (‘20) and Sophia Sitnick (‘20)

Eastside News/Features Editor and Eastside Staff

It’s a saying you’ve heard from friends, family and Financial Lit teachers: money doesn’t grow on trees. Many clubs at Cherry Hill East are filled with creative students that have big dreams and a can-do attitude but non-existent budgets.

As clubs at East are required to be self-supporting, both the advisers and members all have one thing in common: their resourcefulness. Unlike athletic teams that receive some funding from the district budget, clubs at East need to raise funds to buy supplies, support club activities and subsidize trips.

The Robotics Club has the daunting task of raising enough money to support East’s award-winning, 150-members-and-counting club. The club has 15 teams, all of which require various parts to build robots for competitions. Parts for each robot cost about 2,500 dollars. So, what do you do when your club’s expenses exceed 40,000 dollars but your club’s school funding is zero? You fundraise. And then you fundraise some more.

Sponsorships are one of the various ways the Robotics Club raises money to pay for equipment and competition expenses. According to club officer Dimitrios Fifis (‘19), last year the Robotics Club obtained several sponsors, including

Bradford White, Pepsi and Shoprite, among others.

In June of 2016, to comply with revisions to federal regulations under The Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 (“HHFKA”), the Cherry Hill School District adopted a new policy to help prevent obesity: District Policy 8505, also known as the “Wellness Policy.”

A downside to the Wellness Policy is that it eliminated lucrative fundraisers during school hours, such as bake sales and candy sales that clubs had relied on for years to generate funds.

As their old Krispy Kreme fundraiser was no longer permitted, the Robotics Club had to revamp its fundraising. Thinking outside the box, in 2016, the Robotics Club embarked on a Thanksgiving pie sale that took place outside of school hours. A tradition it has continued this year, it receives 100% of the profits from sales due to a donation of the pies by Ponzio’s Diner, which is owned by the Fifis family.

“The pie sale has been extremely successful. Baked goods have always been the best seller,” said Fifis.

In addition, sales of Robotics Club merchandise, such as shirts and coffee mugs,

are part of its fundraising repertoire.

When compared to the costs of materials and competition fees, the relatively low 50-dollar membership fee required to be paid by each member is a credit to the Robotics Club’s fundraising acumen.

But clubs at East fundraise for more than just equipment and competitions.

The Thespian Society, for example, puts most of the money earned from various fundraising events towards different charitable causes.

“We will occasionally do a fundraiser… or sell some type of product, like shirts. But generally speaking, we don’t fundraise that much for the Thespian Society,” said adviser Mr. Tom Weaver.

“We usually do it for a cause.”

From the Coffee House to the Halloween Dance, members of the Thespian Society use their theatrical abilities to raise money for causes dear to their hearts, such as Equity Fights AIDS or adrenal cancer, while the proceeds from events such as Lab Theatre go into the Thespian Society’s own funds to pay for two schol-

arships each year.

The Thespian Society also works to make East’s Theatre Department a central part of their fundraising. A plot point of the fall play, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” involved a check for eight-thousand dollars. The members of the Thespian Society set out to raise this amount of money exactly during the show and donate to direct relief for hurricane victims in both Houston and Puerto Rico.

“If we can help out two or three charitable causes every year, it makes us feel really good,” said Weaver.

“It makes our little corner of the world a bit better.”

Weaver believes that the fundraisers utilized by the Thespian Society stand out not because of the causes that members select, but because they showcase the singing, dancing and acting skills that the club is known and recognized for.

“Whether we had one fundraiser or six, I think our theatre program would be just as successful… Our success is from kids who are really well-trained, work really hard and are willing to make that commitment,” he said.

Whether for competitions or charities, the members of East’s different clubs have one thing in common: their determination to raise money to continue to better both their club and the world around them.

party’s planning and orchestration. Students are now in charge of decorating a room where kids can go and sit on Santa’s lap.

“The [students] are always responsible for coming up with the themes of their own Santa rooms,” said Brooks.

After the Recession of 2008, many of the featured guests who previously volunteered demanded pay, which the FOP declined.

With nowhere else to turn, Brooks turned to the students, and they delivered.

“As the years went on, a lot of people hit financial... difficulties and we just don’t want to spend the money on paying for groups to come so now we have...[students] dress up in the costumes,”

said Brooks. “The high schoolers have definitely taken a more center role.”

An East graduate who was a member of FOP during his time as a student also dresses up as the Phillie Phanatic and comes to the party.

Though, as the roles of East students have changed, the spirit of the FOP Club has not, according to Mr. CJ Davis, the adviser of the FOP club and a former student member in the mid-1990s.

“We’ve always seen it as an opportunity to provide a fun time to kids who have some real life challenges and I don’t think there’s a single person who walks out of that party not changed in some way,” said Davis.

Infographic by Ali Koenig (‘20)/ Eastside News/Features Editor

Students lead FOP to success across the years ■ By Joshua Pipe (‘20)

Eastside News/Features Editor

Once every year, specialneeds and disabled students from schools all over South Jersey are given an opportunity to celebrate the holidays: The Fraternal Order of Police’s (FOP) Christmas party. For the first months of the school year, East’s FOP Club creates decorations and plans the party. While the party and club itself are quite known among East students, its history is not as widely recognized.

The Christmas party tradition started over 50 years ago with an effort by two police officers to help a family with a special needs child who had trouble deal-

Inside This Issue

ing with various aspects of the winter holidays, according to Mrs. Stephanie Brooks, who organizes the party for the FOP. “It started very small, just bringing them to a restaurant and... giving them presents,” said Brooks.

“And then it blew up.”

From its humble beginnings, the tradition only grew in size. A simple night out at a restaurant transformed into a party with appearances from classic holiday figures, like Santa Claus, to regional icons, such as the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders and Philadelphia’s Mummers.

In the mid-1980s, as the party evolved, students from Cherry Hill East and West began to help out,

though in limited roles.

One of the major student projects was to create giant posters that covered the walls of the party room.

After the Crowne Plaza, the current party venue, was renovated, the hotel no longer allowed posters to be hung, so students now create centerpieces and other decorations for the party.

“At our meetings we make a lot of table decorations,” said Maggie Hallinan (‘18), the overall chairperson of the FOP Club at East. “We kind of use them as placemats. If [the kids] want to take them home, they get to keep them.”

As the years went on, however, East students began to take on roles of higher responsibility in the

Santa tradition is on fire Community, Pg. 6

Gift giving is a piece of cake Underground, Pg. 20

That’s a wrap Special, Pg. 23

NEWS/FEATURES The downside of the holidays: Seasonal anxiety at East

Page 4

EASTSIDE

■ By Ilana Arougheti (‘19)

Eastside News/Features Editor

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – time to put up festive lights, pour a cup of hot chocolate, gather with friends and loved ones and look forward to a few precious days off from school. But does the holiday season truly raise good spirits universally?

A survey of East students revealed that 33 percent of the student body actually reports feeling more stressed out during the November and December holidays.

“You want everything to be perfect for everyone,” wrote Mary Kate McCurdy (’21).

So what contributes to students’ seasonal stress and anxiety? The Holmes and Rahe stress scale, used by the psychological community to assess an individual’s long-term stress levels, lists the winter holidays as an inevitable annual stressor of the same caliber as being prosecuted for a minor legal violation. Psychologically, any change in a person’s routine, be it positive or negative, has the potential to cause stress. Eastside examined several elements of the holiday season, such as travel, the homecoming of older siblings and number of holiday gatherings attended, to evaluate the impact on students’ stress levels. Overall, students who reported increased general stress throughout the holidays faced greater exposure to these stressors as a whole. On average, stressed students had about 0.5 more siblings returning home for the holidays and attended about two more holiday gatherings than their unstressed counterparts.

As one junior female put it, “Everything is happening all at once.”

Students’ travel plans followed the same pattern; 53.6 percent of stressed students will travel out of New Jersey this year to attend a holiday gathering, as opposed to 49.1 percent of unstressed students, and twice as many stressed students will leave the country for a holiday gathering this year as unstressed students.

One element of holiday happenstance that did not seem to be a factor in East students’ wintertime stress levels were the size of their gatherings. Students who did not report seasonal stress attended small holiday gatherings (10 people or fewer) and large holiday gatherings (40 people or more). And as for political clashes, of the 32 percent of respondents who reported

that their political views differed from those of their relatives, only about 33 percent cited the disparity as a source of active conflict.

As one might expect f r o m participants i n

However, perhaps the strongest conclusion visible throughout participants’ responses was an evident belief that increased

a season commonly criticized for its overemphasis of consumerism – especially given the popularity of

“You want everything to be perfect for everyone.”

-Mary Kate McCurdy (‘21) Cherry Hill’s gargantuan mall – students most frequently cited shopping and gift-giving as their greatest holiday stressors when given a list of common factors from which to choose.

“I have to get gifts and make sure people are happy,” said Defne Alpdogan (’20), while Ali Armendinger (’19) said that the value ascribed to holiday gift-giving these days can incite financial stress.

Another commonly marked stressor was seeing relatives, as 95 percent of respondents typically spend their holidays with close family members, extended family members or both.

overload may be due in part to the progression of a greater academic process, rather than just East coursework.

“As of now, the first round of college [acceptances] come out,” Aaron Finkelstein (’18) pointed out.

In addition, seasonal stress can be motivated just as much by mental and emotional conflict as by the unique physical demands of the season. Thirty-three percent of all students reported a history of symptoms consistent with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), such as irrational anxiety and depression. SAD is a type of mild to moderate depression associated with a change in seasons.

It typically begins in late fall, persists throughout winter and fades in the springtime.

Natalie Hay (’19) explained that she has come Rose Ni (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director to recognize the effect that seasonal deschool work toward the end pression can have on one’s of the calendar year is a mood, and encourages sufgreat contributor to seasonfering students to “breathe al stress and anxiety. and eat chocolate.”

As one junior exIt’s important to rememplained, “More work is ber, though, that while all given right before the of these stressful factors holidays, so it is difficult to exist, not all students are enjoy the holiday season.” affected by them, and many Sixty-nine percent of find the holidays to be a peall respondents agreed or riod of unusual joy rather strongly agreed that their than unusual nerves. school workloads intensify “I actually feel happier during the weeks leading than normal because of the up to winter break. Befeel of the season,” wrote cause the break will keep Brigid Edwards (’20), while students out of school for Ali Shakir (’20) said that he a week or more, teachers “need[s] holidays to relax.” may hurry to finish units Students also had a and squeeze in tests to variety of advice to offer avoid a weird break in the for dealing with seasonal material, which leads to stress, both physically and piled-up homework for stumentally. Jess Paritsky (’20) encourages others to plan ahead so they don’t get overwhelmed, while Ben Ciechon (’19) believes that Christmas music has a cheering effect.

As one junior wrote, “Try and find something dents. Moreover, this conthat brings you joy.” clusion specifically inspired Overall, the results are agreement among 85 perin: the holiday season can cent of those students who be a complex time, with reported that the holiday plenty of seasonal stressseason generally stressed ors, but it can also be a fun them out more than usual. time to celebrate with loved However, this academic ones and kick back to relax.

“Try and find something that brings you joy.”

-Anonymous (‘19)

December 2017

PRO REPUBLICA ■ By Joshua Pipe (‘20) Eastside News/Features Editor

If Betsy DeVos, the US Secretary of Education, has a happy dance, she’s probably dancing it right about now. In fact, she probably hasn’t stopped dancing since Republicans passed their once-in-a-generation tax reform bill, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, earlier this month.

Things to bear in mind: Secretary DeVos is no friend of the public school system. She’s a firm believer in the classic Conservative talking point of school choice, an educational philosophy under which each family would get a certain amount of public money to send their kids to a private or religious school, which would eliminate the need for public education.

The GOP’s tax plan, released last month, would allow parents to draw money from federal accounts to pay for private or religious education. Not a cent of this money, which comes chiefly from taxes, would go to public education. Score one for Betsy DeVos. The tax plan also eradicates taxpayers’ ability to deduct state and local taxes from their federal bill, which would detract from the ability of local school boards and state Departments of Education to fund.

The National Education Association estimates that 250,000 jobs in the field of education would be at risk nationwide because of this.

Closer to home, the Cherry Hill School District is currently underfunded by millions of dollars; without local funding, the district would be in worse shape funding-wise.

Furthermore, East’s teachers will take a hit from the new tax plan, as teachers will no longer be able to deduct classroom supply purchases from their taxes.

Underfunding public education and underfunding teachers, and feeding more money into private schools?

Score three for our illustrious Secretary of Education.

What I’m saying is this: the Republican tax plan will derail the public education system, for better or for worse (spoiler alert: for worse). Everyone can talk about tax hikes on the poor, tax cuts for the rich, or Obamacare mandate repeals all they want, but where this bill truly hurts the working class is public education, a system many parents count on to educate their children. It’s important to note that even school choice experts have criticized this plan for its failure to account for persons living in poverty.

As that describes one of every twenty Cherry Hill residents, pro republica, the protection of our public education is paramount.

Logo by Rose Ni (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director

December 2017

NEWS/FEATURES EASTSIDE

Page 5

Lack of bus drivers leads to missing buses

Andrew Maier (‘20)/ Eastside Staff

Many bus companies, such as Hillman’s, are plagued with shortages of staff, which impedes their ability to stay on schedule. them a fee to do that,” said resulted in E20’s pickup by said Papa. “That works, “There [are] one or two ■ By Samantha Roehl (‘20) Barbara Wilson, Public InHillman’s as well, said Wilas long as all the students [buses] that have been haEastside Staff formation Officer for Cherson. Bus E22 also lacked a [fit] on the bus. I’d imagbitually late,” said Papa. ry Hill Schools. “The issue steady driver and route at ine there’ll be a time when “You get a pink pass if your As the 2:30 bell rings, is, the bus companies are the beginning of the year, sports aren’t running or bus is late so your teacher hundreds of students pour lacking drivers. So many of but this was resolved withweather’s really bad where knows to mark you presout of East and scramble them were not picking up in the first month of school. there might be an issue ent, and not absent at all, onto their buses. The inour routes because they did However, there still are with an overcrowded bus, because it’s not your fault. tersections are packed as not have drivers to drive and will continue to be days and we’ll find that out the You shouldn’t have a late the students hurry on their those routes.” when some buses do not hard way.” on your record… It’s hapway home. But some stuThe lack of bus drivers is show up to pick up students But bussing does not only pening two to four times a dents cannot count on their due to a federal change in due to the lack of bus drivaffect students on their way week, sometimes multiple bus showing up to take the Commercial Driver’s Liers. home. Some buses have buses, but generally there’s them home. cense (CDL) requirements.

“The bus companies are been late in the mornings usually a bus late every Over the past several Potential bus drivers now still really strapped for picking up students from other day.” years, there have been ismust show they can repair drivers. So if they have their homes.

The lack of bus drivers is sues with some buses not an engine in addition to even one driver go out sick, “[Students] can’t be on not just a Cherry Hill East running on time or showing passing a standard road and certainly if they have the bus at 7:05 and get [to problem. Due to the federal up. test. multiple drivers go out sick school] 10 minutes after. requirements, what is hapAt East, around seven “A lot of people who on any given day, they ofThat’s impossible,” said pening at East is happening different bus companies would normally apply for ten won’t have coverage for Susan Gates, mother of a all over the United States. supply the buses that their CDL, whether they’re that particular route and sophomore at East.

“It’s not just a Cherry take students to and from stay-at-home parents or reagain they have to split the According to Gates, her Hill East problem, it’s a school. Coordinators are at tirees just looking for some routes,” said Wilson. daughter had four different Cherry Hill Public Schools the mercy of the bus compaextra money, are not necesSome of the bus compadrivers during the first five problem. And larger than nies, according to Assistant sarily interested in passing nies utilized by the district weeks of school, and though that, it really is a problem Principal Mr. Lou Papa, a test,” said Wilson. are still weathering longher bus’s pick-up time is nationwide,” said Papa. who is the liaison between That was the case with term shortages in employsupposed to be 7:09, the bus Although there may conthe Transportation Departbuses E11 and E20, whose ment interest; First Stuhas been coming at 7:04, a tinue to be some problems ment and the school. routes had to be split among dent Berlin, for example, circumstance that led to with the buses, Wilson said “We contract with bus other buses for a while unwas 20 drivers short at her almost missing the bus that no matter the situcompanies, several of them, til the bus companies could the beginning of the school multiple times. ation, East students will throughout the school find drivers and take the year, while Hillman’s is Although the district atalways be provided with year… the Board of [Educabids. They were both placed still advertising for needed tempts to keep district famtransportation to get them tion] approves the contracts out for bid on October 3, drivers in the Cherry Hill ilies informed about casehome. for the busing [and] the with E11 picked up by HillSun and The Courier-Post. by-case latenesses through “The bottom line is… school district puts out bids, man’s (a New Jersey bus When buses do not show, robo-calls and social media, we’re carting around the [which is] another word for company) and E20’s route “[students are] being put widespread student latedistrict’s most precious caran invitation to the bus continuing to be split. A onto other buses [and] ness proves to be a daily go: all the children,” said companies, to take on our second bid on November 20 routes are being combined,” struggle.

Papa. routes and we would pay

Head Custodian Joe Sutton strives to keep East clean ■ By Louis Zimmermann (‘18) Eastside Opinions Editor

“A lot of my time is spent here, but I love every second of it,” said Joe Sutton, Cherry Hill East’s Head Custodian.

Sutton has a job that does not simply aid a small sector of a huge high school.

Rather, his work affects a majority of the school’s population, including East staff, teachers, the kitchen services staff and most importantly to him, the students.

“My responsibility is to oversee all operations,” said Sutton. “I provide a clean and healthy environment for all of us. Whenever we have a problem with health and safety, it comes to me.”

Sutton first came to the Cherry Hill School District 10 years ago. He started out as a custodian at Woodcrest Elementary School, then moved to Beck Middle School, and has been at East for four years now.

“It’s funny because the high school is so much different from the two other levels I have been at,” said Sutton. “It is almost like a city. We see each other, we

Although the school’s size may seem to be an impediment to some, Sutton believes it makes his job more enjoyable. He insists that the best parts of of his

Jiseon Lee (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Sutton is known for completing necessary tasks such as replacing light bulbs. may not know each other, we may give a quick ‘hello,’ but then we may not see each other for weeks because the school is so insanely large.”

job is working with the public: being able to socialize with the students and faculty, hold a new, interesting conversion and meet a new face along the hallways

of East each and every day brings him immense joy.

Prior to being employed

by Cherry Hill, Sutton attended Overbrook High School, where he played both baseball and basketball.

Afterward, S u t t o n began to major in Finance at Camden County College. Sutton was and currently is an avid fisher and hunter. As a student, Sutton was also employed by a construction and materials company.

Now, Sutton works fulltime at East.

“Being East’s Head Custodian plays a big role in my life because it takes up a lot of my time. I find myself not getting out on time every day… sometimes even way past my original time that I am supposed

to be here until,” said Sutton. “And I understand that because that’s what’s required. If this school is run the way it’s supposed to be run, obviously, eight hours may not be enough.”

Although Sutton’s responsibilities may limit him from passing on his duty to the evening crew, such as when working with contractors or inspectors, most of his overtime work is completely voluntary. Sutton has frequently been known to spend countless extra hours setting up for events that occur at East during the night, such as fundraisers, plays or dances.

“I always said work is work, but I even tell the people that work… for me, we are here to have fun and perform our job,” said Sutton. “I am here and this is and stays my home base.”

Logo by Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director

COMMUNITY The Men Behind the Red Suit

Page 6

EASTSIDE

December 2017

An inside look at Cherry Hill’s beloved fire truck Santas ■ By Joshua Pipe (‘20)

Eastside News/Features Editor

They come when the wind freezes morning dew into frost, when November’s chill hardens into December’s bitter ice. They come when the air teems with anticipation and lights glimmer in the silent night. They come bearing candy canes to brighten the holiday season for children of all ages and all religions.

They are firefighters, for whom rushing into burning buildings and saving lives is a daily job. But for a few magical nights in midDecember, they are more —they are Santa Claus, the festive and portly Saint Nicholas himself.

“I kind of fit the part. I’m a jolly old fat man,” said Brian Appleman, a firefighter EMT a t t h e

to see Santa Claus, and they love firemen and fire trucks, too.”

It was over 60 years ago when the CHFD decided to replace the bells of Santa’s sleigh with the blaring sirens of its trucks and Dasher and Dancer with the tried-and-true red fire engine. The earliest recorded instance of a Cherry Hill fireman dressing up as Santa and touring the town was in 1950, when Harry Truman was the U.S. President and Cherry Hill was still named Delaware Township. The tradition has continued

ever since, as firefighters young and old have shed their normal uniforms in exchange for the unmistakable red ensemble of Saint Nick. For over half a century, they have been bringing joy to little children from every part of town and finding a greater purpose in what they do.

“I like seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces,” said Appleman. “The kids love Santa, obviously, but just to see their little hearts warm and [to see them] jump up and down… and they think it’s the greatest thing… I’m very happy to do that.”

Each year, the CHFD, with input from every one of Cherry Hill’s six fire

stations, creates a schedule that divides the town into

ers simply go to enjoy the nostalgia that a visit from a certain North Pole resident brings.

According to a recent poll of 94 East students representing nine different religious or nonreligious backgrounds, approximately 56 percent of East students have encountered fire truck Santa from the CHFD around their neighborhoods.

“It has become something many kids and adults both love and enjoy,” wrote Alexi a

“It [gives] children hope, it gives them joy and [it is] something to look forward to.”

However, riding through the streets in costume is not the only aspect of being one of the CHFD’s Santas. Occasionally, family members of children who are suffering from illnesses will file requests with the CHFD for personal visits from Santa, which the department is happy to entertain. One such instance involved a little girl with cancer.

“We went in there. She was on a respirator… as soon as we walked in, her eyes [lit] up,” said Lieutenant Ken Stackhouse, a 20year veteran of the Santa program and the Fire Department.

Another instance of the Fire Department Santas bringing joy to children with disabilities or illnesses came when Appleman visited a boy who could not

zones and asChers i g n s ry Hill various stations Fire Deto those zones partment for Santa duty.

(CHFD) “The whole and one of township does the many particiget covered and pants in the dewe do different partment’s Santa zones…each Ride program. day,” said ArEvery year cari. around Christmas, When the firemen dressed as Santa trucks roll ride around town in a fire around, sirens truck to distribute candy wailing, the canes and holiday cheer to Santas atop casthe children of Cherry Hill. cading candy Beneath the Santa costume canes down and is a fireman who has a true shouting “Ho, understanding of holiday ho, ho!” for the spirit. whole block to “[The most rewarding hear, there are Courtesy of Bill Arcari part is] just seeing the kids East students George Stein, a CHFD firefighter, prepares for the very first ride smile, actually,” said Lieuout in the neightenant Bill Arcari, a former borhoods an- around the town as Santa Claus in 1950.

Santa and a 31-year vetticipating their eran of the CHFD. “[I love] arrival. Some wait with Stewart (‘21) of the promove or speak. seeing how happy they are their younger siblings; othgram. “I remember running “My favorite memory outside many years to get a was…[when] a family had candy cane from Santa.” requested that we stop by Although 24 percent of the house because their East students stopped bekid was bed-ridden, paralieving in Santa Claus at lyzed for the most part… he or after the age of 10, two couldn’t speak…” said Appercent have never stopped pleman. “When I came in believing in the magic of and he saw me, he got a reSaint Nicholas. Thirtyally big grin, he just started three percent of East stuto moan… just to acknowldents did not grow up beedge that I was there.” lieving in Santa Claus. Of Children are not the only those who believed past age people who benefit from the ten, approximately 70 perSanta program. Stepping cent have seen a fire truck into Santa’s shoes teaches Santa at some point, as opCherry Hill firemen valuposed to 63 percent of stuable lessons about remaindents who stopped believing optimistic despite life’s ing prior to age 10. About challenges.

39 percent of students who “I learned... life is too did not grow up believing short to be angry all the in Santa Claus have seen a time. I’d rather be a pleasfire truck Santa. ant person for the most “[Fire Department Sanpart… when I deal with tas are] important to the people and I show them kids who still believe,” said smiles… I show them that Colleen Merkel (‘21).

I do listen to them…” said Regardless of their beAppleman. “When you’re liefs, East students cerwearing pounds of gear… tainly appreciate the Fire it’s easy to get angry and Department’s mission of frustrated, I find... Let’s bringing joy and hope to take a minute…[and] be the community. happy.”

“I think it’s important to actually see Santa,” Courtesy of Bill Arcari Art by Carmen DeCosmo (‘18)/ said Samira Garrick (‘20).

Eastside Staff Cherry Hill firefighters pose in 1996 before their “sleigh ride” around the town.

COMMUNITY

December 2017

EASTSIDE

Dive into Adventure Aquarium’s holiday exhibit ■ By Nashita Ali (‘19)

Eastside Business Manager

Onlookers stare with confoundment at the assortment of aquatic animals such as the African Cichlid, Chocolate Chip Sea Star and Great Hammerhead Shark through the glass tanks at Camden’s Adventure Aquarium.

But don’t be fooled— these animals are not the best part of the aquarium during this time of year.

Instead, children squeal with elation as a man with a long, white beard dressed in a red suit emerges from the depths of the water.

Found wandering around the Ocean Realm exhibit, Scuba Santa stops to take selfies with children, and adults too.

Famous for its unique array of sea creatures, 3D theatre and family-friendly atmosphere, the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey, brings the holiday spirit to its visitors in its annual Christmas Underwater Exhibit, open from December 2 to December

30. This year, Christmas Underwater is better than ever, and the aquarium hopes to bring in even more children, adults and families to its holiday-themed event.

The festive attractions at the Adventure Aquarium include exhibits and events such as the World’s Largest Underwater Christmas Tree, “Dry-Side” Holiday Photos with Santa Claus, “I Believe in Scuba Santa” live show, Merry Elfish Storytime and Snow Shower Dance Party.

Daily admission for the Adventure Aquarium ranges from 21 dollars for children from 2 to 12 years of age to 29 dollars for people over the age of 13. Additionally, for 35 dollars, guests can experience milk and cookies with Santa, along with exclusive access to the aquarium and photos with Santa.

In the Ocean Realm, visitors can find a cluster of eager children hoping to spot Santa. Volunteer scuba diving teams along with the

■ By Chelsea Stern (‘18) Eastside Community Editor

Courtesy of Bryan Eichen

Scuba Santa poses with one of his elves, Ed Eichen aquarium’s staff rotate shifts playing Scuba Santa and the elf, who is responsible for Santa’s safety, on a weekly basis.

“The most rewarding part of working as Scuba Santa and an elf is watching the kids light up, and just making them smile.

It’s great,” said Ed Eichen, a member of the volunteer diving staff at the Adventure Aquarium.

Attendees can also visit the largest underwater Christmas tree in the world, which is found among the sharks. The enchanted tree weighs

in at 2,000 pounds and is approximately 18 feet in height. With the help of Scuba Santa’s elves, the aquarium staff was able to adorn the tree with 1,500 LED lights and close to 400 hand-crafted corals.

Featuring everything from a glimmering underwater Christmas tree to Scuba Santa stories told by elves, the Adventure Aquarium is bringing together people of all ages to experience the magic of the aquatic North Pole this holiday season.

working on the tree lighting since 2012, and she notes that each year the trees are donated after each holiday season.

“We donate all of the trees then to the Boys and Girls Club of Camden County,” said Quinn.

Francesca Crawley (‘20) has been attending the tree lighting event and participating in the holiday party activities for as long as Quinn has been lighting the tree.

Crawley has gone for the past five years

with her family and friends.

“I go with my mom and dad, and some years my parents let... my sister [and I] each bring a friend,” said Crawley.

Nicole Benson (‘20) accompanied Crawley to the TD Bank holiday party one year and has attended almost every year since with her family, too.

“The first year I went with them I got a TD elf hat and I still have it,” said Benson.

In addition to the snacks and activities, TD elf hats are just another component that keep people coming back year after year.

However, the focal point of the bank’s outdoor winter wonderland transformation has to be the tinseltrimmed tree that towers over the crowd.

“My favorite part is the tree lighting at the end,” said Crawley. “It really puts me in the Christmas spirit.”

For everyone from the youngest Cherry Hill residents to parents worrying about how to prepare for the holidays, TD Bank turns a financial institution into a holiday event that the whole family can enjoy.

Art by Jaehoon Kim (‘19)/ For Eastside

TD Bank throws unique holiday party

■ By Giana Maccarella (‘20)

Eastside Staff

If you are tired of traditional Santa meet-andgreets and want to findsomething different to do during the holiday season, look no further. TD Bank on Route 70 is the place to go for a festive celebration this holiday season. That’s right: a bank.

Most likely, when thinking of a bank, the holidays do not exactly come to mind at first, but as of December 2, that may all change for South Jersey residents.

On December 2, from 2 to 5 p.m., TD Bank held its twenty-eighth annual holiday party and tree lighting for the public to restore the joyous spirit in Cherry Hill as the town prepares for the chilly winter of snowstorms.

The bank’s holiday tradition started 28 years ago as a way to unite the South Jersey area according to Heather Quinn, the Vice President of Marketing and Field Marketing Manager for South Jersey.

“We wanted to have a tradition for a holiday tree lighting that can bring the community together,” said Quinn. “We wanted to have some fun, light the tree and offer some nice holiday activities for our community.”

Some of the festive additions offered for the holiday season have included pictures, snacks and even some friendly wildlife.

“We [did] free photos with Santa, hot chocolate, cookies, games, and a craft,” said Quinn. “Adventure Aquarium join[ed] us.

They [brought] some of their starfish [and] a penguin.”

TD Bank also strives to incorporate some philanthropy into the party, as it is such a large public event for the South J e r s e y community.

Quinn has been

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Art by Rose Ni (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director

As the winter holidays approach, the hunt for Cherry Hill’s best seasonal activities commences.

Cherry Hill, a suburb of Philadelphia and just a few train stops from New York City, is arguably the ideal location to stay during the holiday season.

While snuggling up under the covers to watch Freeform’s “25 Days of Christmas” may not be everyone’s cup of tea, East students venture out in South Jersey and across the bridge to find the destination that can add some spice to their holiday. With respect to the various cultures and traditions of East students, this poses the question: How do East students take a different approach to celebrating the holidays?

Just as Hollywood suggests, New York City sets a beautiful winter scene in which to spend a holiday weekend. Trimmed with twinkling lights and scattered with decorative window displays, the city never fails to make a road trip worthwhile, and East students seem to agree. “[We] go ice skating in Rockefeller Center and we go by this cafe for hot chocolate,” said Farvah Hassan (‘20).

Within a closer vicinity sits Philadelphia, a more convenient alternative to the Big Apple with the same festive magic that big cities offer. The City of Brotherly Love spreads its holiday cheer to Cherry Hill residents as they gather for their annual family traditions throughout the season. Well known to Cherry Hill residents for its many seasonal attractions, Philly expands horizons for holiday activities for those who feel stuck in the suburbs.

“For a couple years with my cousins, I [have gone] to the Macy’s Village in Philadelphia to enjoy the holidays,” said Anthony Frasca (‘18).

Some even turn city restaurants into an annual holiday dining experience.

For Claire Huynh (‘18), Philadelphia offers the authentic cuisine her family looks for to turn a city visit into a tradition.

“I go to Dim Sum next to Thai Lake in Philly every year,” said Huynh.

Students like Arianna Mount (‘19) don’t even need to travel very far to cozy up to some comfort food on those biting winter nights.

“I go to Chinese restaurants on Christmas Eve [at] Sakura Springs on [Route] 70,” said Mount.

Whether it be an extravagant New York City outing or a Philadelphia family tradition, the South Jersey area is bursting with holiday celebrations.

Logo by Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director

COMMUNITY

Light shows brighten the season EASTSIDE

December 2017

■ By Julia Benedetto (‘19) Eastside Community Editor

For a winter wonderland that’s right around the corner, look no further than Mercer Street, a block in Cherry Hill with big holiday spirit.

For over 20 years, the Croge family at 821 Mercer Street has been decorating its home with an array of lights that has attracted thousands of spectators.

Jason Croge spends the month of November putting up over 2,000 strands of lights on his father’s house. His father, David, sits out front as Santa Claus. He takes pictures and talks with visitors every night from December 10 until Christmas Eve. “There are kids out there that won’t go to the mall and sit on Santa’s lap but will sit on Santa here,” said Jason Croge.

In the past, the Croges’ neighbors have also contributed to making Mercer Street a festive paradise. The street used to have some friendly competition, but the Croges don’t see it as a contest anymore.

“It used to be one [house] versus the other… but it’s not a battle,” said Jason Croge. “You do it for the kids.

That’s what it’s for.”

This year, the lights are already up at Mercer Street, so be sure to drive by this holiday extravaganza.

■ By Julia Benedetto (‘19) Eastside Community Editor

Coming to you live from the Comcast building in Philadelphia is the elaborate light show known as The Comcast Holiday Spectacular. In its lobby lies a 2,000-square-foot LED screen that projects a 15-minute video show for all to see.

The show has made quite a name for itself; over 1.6 million people have experienced the holiday display since its debut in 2008. The whimsical light show starts at 10 a.m and runs until 5 p.m. on weekdays and 8 p.m. on weekends.

The show takes its viewers on an exciting musical journey by featuring many classic holiday songs and a clip from The Nutcracker performed by the Pennsylvania Ballet. The display even includes a realistic-looking sleigh ride that winds from the Philadelphia countryside to high above the glimmering city skyline.

“My family and I go there every year to watch the show, and it has become a really special tradition for us during the holiday season,” said Mary Gray (‘19).

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular will continue playing until January 1, 2018. Filled with all of the sights and sounds of the holiday season, it will be sure to put you in a festive spirit.

■ By Chelsea Stern (‘18) Eastside Community Editor

Nothing says holiday cheer quite like untangling knots from an endless string of lights, but you can leave it to the experts this holiday.

Peddler’s Village in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, hosts a light show to welcome in the holidays. Kicking off its Season of Lights with its annual Grand Illumination Celebration in mid-November, Peddler’s Village makes every weekend a special event.

“Our festivals... bring tons of people, [which] has a lot to do with the food tents, outdoor shopping and over 60 shops in the village,” said Hospitality Representative Dan Charlton.

Families gather to see the Victorian-style village transform with festive wreaths, carolling choirs and twinkling colored lights.

“We have had a bit more lights than last [year], but it’s kind of hard to compare because there are millions of them,” said Charlton.

As the winter progresses, Peddler’s Village holds gingerbread housebuilding competitions, parades and shopping sales.

Who said you have to go to the North Pole to see a winter wonderland? It’s right over the bridge.

Is y o the ur ho pic holi use d tur d es t ays? ecora o @ Tw ted Eas eet f #CH tsid you or EDe eOn r ckT line heH alls

Page 8

Art by Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director

December 2017

EASTSIDE

Page 9

856-488-7868

Page 10

COMICS EASTSIDE

December 2017

Talents of East Students by Ilana Arougheti (‘19)/ Eastside News/Features Editor

Cover Girl by Jonathan Calabrese (‘18)/ Eastside Video Editor

Netflix by Esther Levine (‘21)/ For Eastside

Winter Break by Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director

Math Help

Math Enrichment

Test Prep

Homework Help

NING WAR UR CHILD YO COULD BECOME

Crazy about math

Mathnasium of Cherry Hill

(856) 874-0050 mathnasium.com/cherryhill 1892 Marlton Pike East Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

EDITORIAL

December 2017

EASTSIDE

Editorials represent the views and opinions of the Eastside Editorial Board.

Security improvements bode well at East After schools nationwide increased their security measures in response to break-ins and a general feeling of unsafety throughout their buildings, students have wondered what the next steps would be at East. For the first time in several years, the administration increased security systems in the hallways and in the A-wing offices like Guidance, the Nurses’ Office and Grade Level; Eastside commends this proactivity.

The new Chromebook and pass system is more efficient than last year’s protocol.

“It’s a much easier way… [Students] stamp their name and move on.

It’s much quicker,” said grade level secretary, Ms. Cecilia Eilola.

It also prevents students from changing the times on their pass so they could potentially skip or miss more class time. The information goes straight into the system when a student checks in, and the time is stamped on, which improves efficiency and allows students to miss less class.

Before the new software, teachers often marked their students absent if they were with a nurse because they were not aware of students’ locations.

Now, students are no longer marked late for being sick or injured, as the Chromebooks account for the student’s location. The nurses are also able to look out for health patterns because the students must enter their reasoning for their visit when they enter the office. This helps the nurses solve health problems and, ultimately, it helps faculty keep better tabs on students’ whereabouts. However, Eastside recommends that the sign-in system alerts nurses as well as guid-

ance counselors when students arrive at the respective office to avoid excess time away from class.

Moreover, Eastside believes the placement of teachers on hall duty during periods when they do not have a class scheduled has improved security and discipline throughout the schools.

Eastside would like to commend the administration for improving this system. Teachers who regularly have hall duty have seen a noticeable decrease in wandering students without passes.

Jiseon Lee (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Students use Chromebooks in Guidance to sign-in.

Additionally, there have been suspicions of smoking in the bathrooms and students exiting the building. Teachers on duty are now able to accurately report and catch this suspicious activity, although not all the time and often after the fact. Without teachers being placed in the hallways to be watchful for this type of behavior, the school’s environment may not feel as secure.

Despite its benefits on security, hall duties sometimes cause students

to suffer consequences academically. While teachers are positioned at their designated hallway duty, they are unable to help students in study halls who need to meet for extra help or make up work. Eastside foresees a speedy installment of more advanced technology, like monitored security cameras, as a possible solution since the implemented technology, such as Chromebooks, seems to be making a significant improvement in place of adult monitors. Additionally, Eastside thinks the number of teachers positioned in the hallways is excessive, as certain students may be stopped multiple times on their way to the bathroom.

Furthermore, Eastside recognizes benefits of the new system of distributing open parking passes in lieu of fixed parking spots, as it makes the issue of parking easier for both students and security. Whereas previously a student who was absent would retain his or her spot and, by extension, restrict its use by others, Eastside believes the parking pass system makes parking at East much simpler and the parking lot more open and accessible to student drivers.

Eastside conclusively commends the updated security measures for making East feel like a safer environment for students and teachers. While some scoff at the updated security, schools especially should not wait until illegal activity occurs before taking further steps toward safety. By no means is the security system perfect, yet East has definitely stepped in the right direction. There are still improvements that should continue to be made this year.

Page 11

Cherry Hill High School East 1750 Kresson Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 Phone: (856) 424-2222, ext. 2087

Eastside Online

http://www.eastsideonline.org

Publisher

School Paper Express Wappingers Falls, NY

Letters to the Editor

Submit signed letters to F087 CLARIFICATION: The November issue stated that the district’s 2020 Plan includes full-day kindergarten at some Cherry Hill Schools. Dr. Meloche would like to clarify that the intent is to implement it at all schools.

Also, the BOE meetings took place on May 2 and May 23, not the two dates listed in the timeline.

At the National High School Journalism Convention in Dallas, Texas, Eastside had four teams (more than any other school) qualify for the live buzzer round of the National High School Journalism Quiz Bowl. Only the top 16 teams based on qualifying test scores moved onto the tournament-style finale.

Of the four Eaststside teams to qualify, a team of sophomores -- Harry Green (‘20), Jacob Kernis (‘20), Jiseon Lee (‘20) and Joshua Pipe (‘20) -- qualified as the #2 seed for earning the second-highest score on the test. This is the best seed ever for an Eastside team.

At the National Scholastic Press Association Awards ceremony, Eastside won two of the top ten awards in the National Multimedia Feature of the Year category. “Planet of the Vapes” took an Honorable Mention (placed somewhere between 6th thru 10th) and “Behind the Scenes of Ragtime” took third place. Both multimedia features can still be accessed at eastside-online.org.

Also at the NSPA Awards, Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18), Eastside Art Director this year and last year, was named Fourth Place in the National Cartoonist of the Year Competition. The award is based on her comic strips published last school year.

Eastside editors won ten awards from the Journalism Education Association from the Write-Off Competitions that took place at the convention: Sari Cohen (‘18) -- Superior (top distinction) in Broadcast Newswriting Claire Joanson (‘19) -- Excellent in Commentary Writing Hope Rosenblatt (‘18) -- Excellent in Review Writing Ilana Arougheti (‘19) -- Honorable Mention in Poetry Elissa Cohen (‘18) -- Honorable Mention in Sports Writing Platinum The Rothkoff Family Sam and Debbie First Matt and Cheri Cohen Andrea Cohen and Dave Samuel Sherri and Ken Hoffman Deluxe Packaging Fran and Sid Fisch The Duffy Family Lois and Mitch Cohen The Fisch Family Jared Fisch

The Sodicoff Family Anne and Jerrold Fleisher Michael and Donna Koenig Melissa Gagliardi Michael Fleisher Linda Ross Lonnie Propass and Susan Ogul Ed and Lynne Cohen Marilyn DiCiurcio Silver

Rochelle Dashevsky

Adam Dashevsky (‘19) -- Honorable Mention in Magazine Photography Drew Hoffman (‘18) -- Honorable Mention in Caption Writing (Clubs) Sophie Levine (‘19) -- Honorable Mention in Caption Writing (Sports) Joshua Pipe (‘20) -- Honorable Mention in Press Law & Ethics Chelsea Stern (‘18) -- Honorable Mention in Editorial Writing

Friends of Eastside Greg Rouen Sari Cohen Marilyn Koenig Sy and Florence Jerome Heidi Silverberg Bernice and Irving Kernis Kaitlyn Valladares Louis Zimmermann Christine Benedetto Ali Family Abbie Levine Elaine Yang Ben Zemele

Jingli Cai Jazz Unlimited Tanziyah Mugeem Eric First Nancy & Ron Stearn Regina Green Harry Calabrese

Bronze

Dana Swain Bill Eccles Keenan Rosen Susan Rosen

Ann Le Anthony Brocco Marc Pierlott Brian Connolly Lillian Halden Tim Hunter Dean Kenny Harel Tillinger Yash Menta Jacob Sokoloff Reid Hardowottam Erin, Neil, Sophie & Alex Levine Christine Lind

Eastside 2017-2018 Editorial Board

Managing Editor: Jared Fisch Editors-in-Chief: Elissa Cohen, Sari Cohen, Hope Rosenblatt Adviser: Mr. Greg Gagliardi Photo Editors News/Features Editors Community Editors Ilana Arougheti Julia Benedetto Jiseon Lee Ali Koenig Sophia Liang Dakota Rosen Joshua Pipe Chelsea Stern Sports Editors Adam Dashevsky Jacob Kernis Sophie Levine Opinions Editors Eric First Joshua Sodicoff Louis Zimmermann

Contact the Board: Art Directors Sabrina DeAbreu Rose Ni

Video Editors

Webmasters

Multimedia Directors Adiel Davis Drew Hoffman

Business Managers Nashita Ali Abigail Richman

Entertainment Editors Jonathan Calabrese Nafessa Jaigirdar Harry Green Eli Weitzman Luke Shin Gregory Rothkoff Underground Editors Claire Joanson David Le

To contact a member of the Eastside Editorial Board via email, type the person’s first name followed by a period, then his or her last name followed by “@eastside-online. org,” ie: eli. weitzman@eastsideonline.org.

(Note: There is a dash between “eastside” and “online”)

Page 12

EASTSIDE

Shooting for

SPORTS

December 2017

December 2017

EASTSIDE

Page 13

Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball attempt to complete winning success: seasons in the Olympic Conference with young talent

Head Coach: Mr. Dave Allen (7th Year)

Head Coach: Mr. Chris Corey (1st Year)

Ryan Greene (‘20)

Dienye Peterside (‘18)

Maya Drayton (‘19)

Height: 5’9” Position: PG Greene, a second-year varsity player, will use his intelligence, passing skills and shot to help the Cougars.

Greene said, “I’m a smart player. I’m not very athletic, so I make up for that with my intelligence on the court.”

With a constant building of team chemistry and hours of practice soon to come, Greene hopes to help lead his team to a successful season.

Height: 6’3” Position: PF, C Peterside, a second-year varsity player, credited his defense and ability to rebound as his greatest assets. He also mentioned he has a reliable three-point shot if he is open.

He wants to continue to get stronger in order to help his post game and his rebounding.

“I would say I am a pretty versatile player. I can shoot it from the outside, I can drive and I’m decently athletic,” said Peterside.

Peterside will use his senior presence this season to help lead his team.

Height: 5’4” Position: PG, SG Drayton, a second-year varsity starter, will be expanding her leadership role. With a younger team, her experience is crucial as well as her style of play. Her aggressive game sets her apart from the competition.

“My biggest strengths [on the court] are driving, but I can work on my shooting,” said Drayton.

Drayton is looking forward to the intensity of new head coach Mr. Christopher Corey.

She hopes it results in winning games.

Height: 6’5” Position: PF, C Prendergast, a transfer from Eastern Regional High School, is a firstyear varsity player for the Cougars.

He will add height and a high basketball IQ to the team.

“I can help the team in more ways than one,” said Prendergast.

Prendergast hopes to use his array of talent to help produce a winning season this winter.

Height: 6’3” Position: SF Serata, a third-year varsity player, hopes to achieve his status as a leader. This year he plans to be an overall offensive option using his size, not just a shooter.

“Last year I played around 22 minutes a game and [Carl and I] were the only two sophomores on the team. Our role was just to be shooters,” said Serata.

Serata, a more experienced player, wants to help lead the Cougars to a successful season.

Blurbs written by Adam Dashevsky (‘19), Jacob Kernis (‘20) and Sophie Levine (‘19)/ Eastside Sports Editors

Height: 5’4” Position: SG Balderstone, a second-year varsity player, looks to use her aggressive nature to help out the team. Her hustle will not go unnoticed, as she is always diving for loose balls.

“I am more of a hustle and grit type of player. I don’t really like to be very flashy,” said Balderstone.

Balderstone will focus on the little things that will help the team as a whole.

Kiara Bell (‘18)

Colin Prendergast (‘19)

Sam Serata (‘19)

Maggie Balderstone (‘20)

Carl Gibson (‘19)

Jake Bernstein (‘18)

Height: 6’0” Position: SF Bernstein, a first-year varsity player, has worked hard for years on JV. Bernstein hopes to be a reliable option on the court this season, using his IQ to help the team.

“At this point in my career, I am a role player. You can count on me to make the open jump shot or run the plays right,” said Bernstein.

Bernstein knows how important leadership will be on such a young team. He wants each person to step up and play their roles in order to win games.

Boys photos by Andrew Maier (‘20)/ Eastside Staff Girls photos by Jiseon Lee (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Height: 6’2” Position: PG, SG Gibson, a third-year varsity player, will use his offensive prowess as one of the top options for the Cougars. He wants to be an offensive playmaker as well as the main ball handler.

“Last year I was more of a catch-and-shoot guy. This year I’m the main guy on the team,” said Gibson.

Gibson sees the team shocking the school community this season.

Photo Ilustration by David Le (‘18)/ Eastside Underground Editor

Height: 6’1” Position: PF, C Bell, a four-year varsity player, will be forced to express her leadership qualities as the lone senior on the team. The quiet yet aggressive rebounder will fight for every board, averaging 12 last season.

“It is kind of deceiving because people think of me [as] being so quiet and so timid that [they] don’t expect for me to go after the ball and push [them] down,” said Bell.

Bell will use her experience to lead the Cougars to victory this season.

Yanelli Villegas (‘20)

Height: 5’5” Position: PG Villegas, a second-year varsity player, is looking for a bounce-back season after what she considers a disappointing freshman year. The sharpshooter will use her touch to knock down shots for the team “My biggest strengths on the court are shooting and working together as a team,” said Villegas.

Villegas hopes to impress her basketball-filled family with a winning season and improved play.

Olivia Pincus (‘19)

Height: 5’5” Position: PG, SG Pincus, a second-year varsity player, will look to get her teammates involved. This elegant passer always looks for the open hands: the definition of a team player.

“I think we are going to be good this year, we are going to work well together. It’s a closer group,” said Pincus.

Pincus will use her expanded role on the team to help secure some wins.

Erica Brunson (‘19)

Height: 5’7.5” Position: SF, PF Growing up around basketball, Brunson knows she possesses a high basketball IQ, which helps her ability to pass the ball around the court.

“I would describe myself as selfless. I’m always looking to pass to my teammates. I have great vision up the court and find my open teammates,” said Brunson.

Brunson hopes for a successful season personally and as a team.

Read full stories about the players on eastside-online.org

Page 14

SPECIAL EASTSIDE

December 2017

Fall Dodgeball brings action and laughs to East

Jiseon Lee (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor

The Winfrey Worshippers display their team pride prior to playing.

Jiseon Lee (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Mother Duckers get set for an intense battle.

Jiseon Lee (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Ellis Schwartz (19), Steven Lombardi (‘19), Joey Wright (‘19), Mark Basehore (‘19), Sean McKenna (‘19) and Justin Cain (‘18) pose with their trophies after winning their second dodgeball tournament on December 13.

Final Standings:

1. Ball Don’t Lie 2. The “Challah”-teral Damage 3. Mother Duckers 4. Locker Room Talk 5. Daj Mabal Jiseon Lee (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Justin Tobolsky (‘18) and Jacob Singer (‘18) celebrate a win.

OPINIONS Greek life should remain at colleges December 2017

■ By Eric First (‘18)

Eastside Opinions Editor

For nearly two centuries, Greek life has been cemented within the foundations of many college campuses.

Fraternities and sororities alike have provided college students and alumni with a platform to connect and grow closer, creating valuable l i f e long bonds.

Greek life is a positive system that must remain at colleges.

With the recent suspensions of Greek life at numerous universities including Florida State University, Indiana University, Louisiana State University, Ohio State University, Penn State University, Texas State University and the University of Michigan, a negative connotation has become associated with all fraternities and sororities.

While the violations by specific chapters at these schools should be condemned, these violations are isolated incidents that in no way should reflect all of Greek life.

Many international fraternity and sorority headquarters look harshly down upon merciless pledging processes and maintain a zero-tolerance policy for hazing. In fact, Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) International prides itself on being the first fraternity to completely abolish pledging. As a result, only the specific chapters of fraternities and sororities with violations should be held accountable for their wrongful acts and kicked off of their respec-

tive campuses.

On the North-American Interfraternity Conference’s (the largest umbrella organization for fraternities) website, the Conference wrote that it “holds members accountable… [for men] with true

EASTSIDE

dents. Abolishing Greek life on campuses throughout the country will not stop underage drinking.

Rather, it will only encourage more off-campus parties, which can result in neighborhood disruptions, fines and police activity.

It will also force underage students to obtain fake IDs so that they can socialize and drink at bars. In fraternities and sororities, students are knowingly held to specific standards in order to keep their chapters on campus. By suspending

integrity, leadership and service.” Greek life as a whole cannot be punished for acts undertaken by a few rogue individuals or chapters.

Much of the concern about the dangers of Greek life comes as a result of the notoriously heavy alcohol consumption amongst stu-

or eliminating Greek life, students have absolutely no guidelines, placing these students, who are just getting their first taste of freedom, under even more dangerous circumstances where they are individually liable for any mistakes. While people tend to highlight the countless parties within Greek life, there is much more to being a part of a fraternity or sorority that benefits society.

University of Georgia’s Interfraternity Council wrote on its website that its “fraternities strive to develop their members’ in-

dent is admitted, he or she must attend the school.

While the decisions are not legally binding, the school will most likely notify the other colleges applied to by the student, which may affect admissions decisions.

Each applicant c a n apply to one college early decision, a n d t h e o n l y way to avoid committing to an “ED school” is if a student can prove that the financial package given is not right for the student’s

family, or in some cases, if a family member is sick. The system is definitely not perfect. Yet, the biggest problem does not arise when students choose not to commit to their ED school; it arises w h e n i n d i viduals choose to commit, but do not pull their applications from the other colleges applied to under the regular decision regulations.

Students who are accepted into an early decision school are required to withdraw their applications to other colleges once a deposit is made.

Understandably, most applicants want to await all admissions decisions. A ridiculous amount of time and money goes into each and every application, and not waiting to hear back can make it feel like it was all for nothing.

Page 15

dividual talents and skills to better prepare them for life after graduation.” One of the most valuable lessons that students learn from Greek life is the duty of giving back to those in need.

The North-

Ameri c a n Interfraternity Conference reported that over the course of one year, fraternities served a total of 3.8 million hours in local communities and raised over $20.3 million. The National Panhellenic Conference (the largest umbrella organization for sororities) reported that sororities served nearly 2.5 million hours and raised over $34 million. This large amount of philanthropic

work undoubtedly improves the lives of countless citizens and should not be disrupted by suspensions of Greek life. Another reason why Greek life must remain on college campuses is the strong network that is created amongst participants.

Currently, there are over 380,400 undergraduates in fraternities and 418,700 undergraduates in sororities.

Worldwide, there are 4.2 mill i o n fraternity alumni and 3 . 6 million s o r o r ity alumni.

Utilizing Greek life connections can be a great way to advance i n one’s desired field of work. By removing Greek life from campuses, it will also offend many of the universities’ major donors, leading to a decrease in cash flow for the schools.

A study by Nicole Glass of USA Today shows that 85 percent of Fortune 500 executives were a part of Greek life and that college graduation rates are 20 percent higher among students who participated in Greek life.

Despite the negative opinions constantly presented about Greek life, it is a positive aspect on college campuses. Greek life provides numerous benefits both to its participants as well as those in need throughout the world.

The incidents that have occurred are isolated, and as a result, only the specific chapters in violation should be reprimanded.

Art by Chelsea Stern (‘18)/ Eastside Community Editor

Accepted ED students must pull applications ■ By Hope Rosenblatt (‘18)

Eastside Editor-in-Chief

For many, December signifies the beginning of the holiday season, a time for joy, reflection and unity.

Families come together and gifts are exchanged in the hopes of bringing happiness to loved ones. All in all, December represents a break from the everyday worries of school and work. That is, unless you are a high school senior and only days away from determining whether you are admitted to your early decision school.

Early decision applications are binding; if a stu-

Yet, other students are negatively impacted every single time a peer waits for an admission decision from a school he or she will never be able to attend.

Imagine getting rejected from a dream university and finding out that the only person admitted from your school is already committed elsewhere.

That infuriating scenar-

io is the reality of students all around the country each year when it comes to the

college admissions process.

This is referred to as “application ethics” and there is an entire page dedicated to the practice on the College Board’s website.

“It’s unfair to other applicants… another student will instead be put on a waiting list or turned down,” wrote College Board on its website referring to students who put down more than one deposit, or fail to withdraw applications.

Early decision schools should always be the applicant’s first choice; therefore, there is no reason to hear back from other colleges except for the sake of boosting one’s own ego.

This holiday season, remember to be thankful for your college acceptance and honor your school of choice by withdrawing your other applications, as you promised to do so when you hit submit. Be proud of what you have instead of thinking about what may be.

Art by Noah Kaminer (‘18)/ Eastside Staff

OPINIONS

Page 16

EASTSIDE

December 2017

Holiday greetings provoke controversy ■ By Louis Zimmermann (‘18)

Eastside Opinions Editor

The ‘war on Christmas’ is an annual one, especially at the start of December when the holiday season commences. Each year, as bright lights drape around every gaping inch of one’s house and the stockings are hung over the fireplace, people recycle the righteous arguments concerning whether others should say “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas” to one another. In today’s day and age, “Happy Holidays” can and should be the only acceptable option.

To look at the concept of this argument, one must first look at the demographics of what we call home, the United States. Evidently, the country as a whole has become more culturally and religiously diverse and richer than ever before noted. Along with this, many immigrants have entered the country without feeling affiliated with any specific religious tradition.

Ultimately, this causes for a culturally diverse nation, one with a completely new cultural landscape. Yes, some Christians may feel surprised to see America deviating from being simply a Christian-dominated country; however, we must

realize that our country is evolving, becoming more diverse. For people to conform to Christianity upon entrance to America is way tougher than others changing just two words in their vocabulary around the holidays. Ignorance of people’s different religious affiliations cannot be a scapegoat in a country that is so rapidly developing.

The holiday season is not defined simply

by Christmas; rather, it is shared with Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and many more.

Like Christmas, these holidays deserve recognition, not to be ignored by the simple mistake of saying “Merry Christmas.” By stating the

two aforementioned words, one is auto-

ders. When you go to a family member’s house for Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas decorations are everywhere, the spirit of feeling thankful is overtaken by a wintry theme.

Religious and cultural aspects aside, the true spir-

making your house look pretty and festive.

Not only does decorating for Christmas early overshadow the spirit of giving away your time and possessions to help others, but it can also dampen the simple excitement of Christ-

matically assuming that he/she is Christian, that he/she could not possibly be Hindu, Jewish,

Muslim or Pagan. To live as a politically correct citizen in a pluralistic society, one must have the courtesy to avoid discriminating against one religion over another. All it takes is two words: “Happy Holidays.”

Yes, there are exceptions to this rule. If one knows that the person he/she is speaking to is Christian, then he/she may use “Merry Christmas” as a clear holiday salutation. Similarly, if one knows that the person he/she is speaking to is Jewish, then he/she may assume the use of “Happy Hanukkah.”

Otherwise, “Happy Holidays” will be the best possible option; it is an inclusive salutation recognizing that multiple holidays are celebrated during the winter.

In accordance to this, most, if not all, commercial

businesses make sure to promote the phrase “Happy Holidays” as an inclusion of all buyers. A poll by the Public Religion Research Institute found that 58 percent of people preferred a secular holiday greeting in 2010, such as “Happy Holidays.” This number grew to 67 percent of people preferring a secular holiday greeting in 2016.

In a poll conducted of 100 East students, 68 percent said that they use “Happy Holidays” over “Merry Christmas” during the holiday season. Of polled students, 78 percent of males use “Happy Holidays” whereas 58 percent of females use “Happy Holidays.”

Just as we all refrain from calling winter break “Christmas break,” people need to refrain from using “Merry Christmas” as a holiday greeting. The society we live in is too diverse to assume and discriminate against other religions or customs. And, it will only become even more diverse as time progresses. “Happy Holidays” is the perfect solution. It is time for our generation to stop one of the wars we can have control over; it is time to end the ‘war on Christmas.’

Art by Rose Ni (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director

Christmas lights dim the holiday season ■ By Mia Colclasure (‘20)

Eastside Staff

The first day of November is commonly known as the day to officially ‘get into the Christmas spirit’ despite the holiday being nearly two months in

Emily Saidel (‘19)/ Eastside Staff

Certain residents of Country Club Drive embellish their houses with Christmas decor before Thanksgiving. the future. Cherry Hill residents take down their Halloween decorations and immediately fill their yards with giant blow-up snowmen, embellish their houses with bright, colorful lights and seem to forget entirely about the existence of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving, often compared to the middle child of fall and winter holidays, slips right through the cracks and is rarely acknowledged through decorations; Halloween and Christmas, two much more commercialized holidays, loom over its shoul-

its of Thanksgiving and Christmas are very similar. They are about feeling thankful for what you have and doing deeds to help the less fortunate, such as volunteering at a soup kitchen or giving to the homeless. When Christmas decorations are put up two months early, it drowns the spirit of Thanksgiving and makes the spirit of Christmas seem superficial.

Waiting until after Thanksgiving to decorate your house shows that you care about what Christmas and Thanksgiving truly mean rather than about

mas morning for kids and adults. By decorating two months early, as Christmas finally comes around, many people are sick of seeing lights and advertisements for the holidays.

On Christmas morning, many are ready to stop feeling metaphorically punched in the face by fake Santa Clauses and plastic icicles everywhere they turn.

Keeping decorations plugged in for almost two months straight also has a negative impact on the environment. Strands of lights on houses plugged in for an average of 10 hours

a day for two months straight use a surplus of energy.

Y o u w o u l d not leave the lights on in a r o o m for two months, a n d k e e p ing up Christm a s lights for that long is just as pointless.

A l o n g with a lack of environmental friendliness, it will also r a i s e your energy bill significantly.

Decorating for Christmas early may initially put everyone in Infographic by Louis Zimmermann (‘18)/ Eastside a positive Opinions Editor Christmas the Christmas spirit will mood, but last longer and not die out it ultimately causes peobefore December 25. This ple to lose the true spirit will create a more festive of both Thanksgiving and atmosphere throughout the Christmas. entirety of the holiday seaIf you wait until after son.

Thanksgiving to decorate,

December 2017

EASTSIDE

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EASTSIDE

December 2017

Stores now utilize preemptive advertising ■ By Arya Amaro (‘19)

Eastside Staff

When stepping into a retail store, one is quickly met with displays of green and red and scents of warm gingerbread and crisp evergreen. The holiday shopping season has begun.

Retailers have created a feeling of urgency in order to get holiday shoppers to spend money. Marketing experts work to create buzz for their products and, in recent years, have started advertising for the holiday season much earlier than usual.

Several stores this year, such as Best Buy, Lowe’s and Kohl’s, were decked out in holiday glam just a day after Halloween.

“Stores start advertising too early, but the reason may be to increase the amount of sales of the store,” said Winnie Chen (‘19).

This hypothesis remains true for many vendors.

Companies like to adverthe brain’s reward cen“FOMO: the fear of misstise early with the hopes ter, therefore triggering a ing out, that sounds like of making “buzz words;” “shopping high.” This can me. See, I hate to be the one phrases like “Top Ten” are cause a desire to indulge missing out on a good barmeant to stick in the puband overspend. gain,” said Dr. Leon Rosenlic’s mind. These are placed Certain brands use psyberg, the Medical Director strategically so that when chological manipulation at the Center for Emotional a consumer looks to buy Fitness in a product later, they reCherry Hill, member that phrase. in reference “It’s never too early to to how sales start advertising for the can influence holidays. Every person people’s decihas a choice for when sions. they are going to buy Many peotheir holiday gifts,” said ple live in fear Mari Kimenker (‘20). of having reEarly advertising grets, which seems to be working pretcan lead to ty well for a lot of retailthem makers; a total of 678.75 biling expensive lion dollars was spent by purchases for Courtesy of Timeout.com items consumers in 2016’s holithey The always popular Macy’s store scene is a don’t day season alone. truly Taking a proactive ap- holiday trademark. need, solely proach in targeting holibecause the day-shopping customers deal looked is aiding advertisers in atto influence customer detoo tempting. taining a maximum profit. cisions by catering to the When stuck in the midst When shopping for deals, stimulation of the brain’s of the shopping frenzy: studies show that looking dopamine, also known as Stick to a list; it’s easy to at festive windows or find“the feel good hormone,” remake superfluous purchasing a rare toy activates ceptors. es when one’s surrounded

by products. Utilize a list to make sure that only the necessities are bought.

Use the internet to its full potential; research the best deals on the products by easily checking their prices online.

Be cautious of sales; beware of getting swept up in thinking that the word “sale” entails big savings and thus purchasing items that aren’t needed.

Use cash or a debit card when paying; being cognizant of exactly how much money one is spending at all times is crucial to staying under budget.

Don’t be afraid to regift; even though it may not be looked upon highly by modern society, it is better to give an item to someone who will use it than have the item waste away in the back corners of your linen closet.

Stay safe, stay sane, stay warm and let the holiday shopping psychological games continue.

Social media impacts gift-giving ■ By Jared Garfinkle (‘19)

For Eastside

Social media has become the ultimate influence on today’s society: people consistently voice their opinions, ideas, achievements and findings on different internet-based platforms. Whether it be Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat or online blogs, these social media databases have greatly impacted day-to-day activity, including gift giving.

According to Digiday, an online media company, a 357 percent increase has been seen since just last year in social traffic sales. As

social media develops, the effect it has on gift giving will surely continue to grow. Digiday reports that approximately 74 percent of everyday consumers rely exclusively on social media databases, such as those cited before, for “gift purchasing” decisions.

Only recently has social media become an extremely significant influence on the population, and this is due to a broad number of factors. Authoritative figures are constantly promoting certain products which, in turn, may ultimately be having an impact on gift giving. However,

there are several other components to this recent occurrence. Many people feel compelled to purchase pricey gifts for family or friends not only to impress, but also to upstage gifts given from others. Today more than ever, people feel the need to beat each other while completely disregarding what the recipient wants, and social media is a major cause.

Social media has driven a surprising number of sales, both in-store and online, from its many platforms. Digiday also collected data showing that 40 percent of social media users pur-

chase gifts after liking or sharing them on social media platforms.

This further shows the increasing effect social media has on gift giving. In fact, a survey of East students shows that approximately 73 percent of students have either purchased or received gifts based on social media influence. This could include ads on social media platforms or celebrity advertisements.

Social media platforms may also be manipulated by searches made on electronic devices. These ads significantly influence what one may purchase because they are strictly

based on items that the viewer has previously shown interest in.

Social media has recently impacted gift giving, and this trend will only continue to increase. Vision Critical, an online media company affiliated with Digiday, reports an estimated 268 percent increase in social traffic sales, the result of frequent ads and promotions.

Regardless of the predicted increase, social media platforms have already transformed the act of gift giving forever.

Border by Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director

Students share their desired holiday specials

■ By Henry Nolan (‘19)

Eastside Staff

The holiday season is already here, evident by the gift-prepping deals and discounts, the lights on front lawns across the town and the constant call of Mariah Carey in department stores. All of this holiday spirit is brought to you by a commercialized society.

But one factor of the season that says “cash-grab” more than any other: the holiday special.

Television series will go out of their way to incorporate Christmas into their stories; production companies will spit out endless family movies to see with your family; all this to capitalize on the rising sensation of making money off the good feelings and festivities that grow, like the heart of the Grinch, inside

each of us during this time.

One thing consistently desired among East students is something that is light-hearted. Many students enjoy fun characters, simple problems and songs – think Home Alone, Polar Express, etc.

Brendan Casuscelli (‘21) described the ideal holiday special as having “a simple, ‘no turkey’ sort of problem, that was fueled by crazy antics and energetic children.”

Casuscelli added that good examples are “The Office” Christmas specials.

Nam Vu (‘19) said that it should be a story about a regular person saving Christmas, like the everpopular Elf, with “a happy ending and a zoom out of the fire place for the finale.”

Aditi Diophode (‘20) said that she enjoys a story that is cliché, corny and not at

all serious, again, like the aforementioned examples.

Overall, Diophode described the ideal special as one that is “just mindless fun, and you don’t have to think.” However, by contrast, Diophode said that her favorite Christmas special was that of the British Netflix-original anthology series “Black Mirror,” titled “White Christmas.”

The occasional holiday movie has this dark tone, such as the most notable, The Nightmare Before Christmas, which has become somewhat of a cult classic, and more recent films, like Krampus. Some of the more depressing of television’s drama and dark comedy series have their own holiday special, like the previously mentioned “Black Mirror.” This includes hits such as “American Horror Story” and “Bo-

jack Horseman.”

Alex Newcomb (‘19) said he feels that holiday specials seem to get better the more you watch them, such as his favorite: the “Drake and Josh” holiday special.

A few students voiced concern about representation in holiday specials.

Blake Weiss (‘19) said he “wants to see more Jewish representation during the holiday season, not all Christian.”

Other students commented on how they prefer when a holiday special takes a non-denominational viewpoint over one specifically referring to Christmas. Another common concern is how a TV special fits into its respective show as a whole.

Sam Hershman (‘20) said a holiday special “should not lose the spirit of the show while trying to incor-

porate the season.” He cited “How I Met Your Mother” as a show with good holiday specials, which he said was heartwarming, maintains the spirit of the show and “has Christmas as part of the story, but not the story.”

Liam Reilly (‘20) shared these views, saying he feels a holiday special should “show the meaning of the holiday, but not force it and lose what the show is deep down.”

Reilly said that his favorite holiday special, and a prime example of this, is A Charlie Brown Christmas.

So, if you’re looking for something to watch this holiday season, take any of the titles mentioned, and you are sure to have a great time. If none of these take your interest, ask someone at East. Everyone has something to suggest.

ENTERTAINMENT Technology appliances rule this year’s holiday gift ideas December 2017

EASTSIDE

■ By Sam Grossman (‘19)

Eastside Staff

Whether it be Transformers, Hatchimals, Zhu Zhu pets, Furbies, the Wii, Beanie Babies or a remote-control BB8, every holiday season has its hot toys. While many students might still enjoy raising their Hatchimals, there are plenty of shelves lined with recent products that more teenagers are likely to enjoy: “Hot Teenager Toys,” if you will. This does not mean you have to be physically attractive to buy one of the products on this list, although you might have a better chance at receiving one if you are.

Wireless Earbuds Ranging from as little as 20 dollars to as much as 600 dollars, Bluetooth earbuds are a relatively expensive gift for cell phone owners.

Considering that iPhones and many Android devices are now being produced without headphone jacks, Bluetooth earbuds are becoming more practical and widespread. If you don’t mind the price tag, Apple Airpods are a great way to

listen to music during class without the teacher noticing. That is, if you are ready to risk losing a tiny piece of plastic that costs you more than 150 dollars, and you are fully aware that if you drop your phone, it will not be caught by your earbuds and dangle from your ears.

Xbox One X On November 7, Microsoft released the Xbox One X, the most powerful video game console ever built.

Priced at 500 dollars, it delivers better graphics, faster loading times and many more general advantages to its users. Additionally, games such as Star Wars Battlefront II and Assassin’s Creed: Origins have all been enhanced for the Xbox One X. Many games tend to go on sale after Black Friday, so if you keep your eye out, you may find some brand new games on sale for much less than the standard 60 dollars.Want a cheaper console? Check out the Xbox One S. PopSocket Those round, extendable things on the back of cool people’s phones are

not suction cups. They are phone stands/grips called PopSockets, and they retail for around 10 dollars.

Using a strong adhesive, a PopSocket will attach to the back of your phone or phone case. It will not stick to waterproof coating, rough textures, grooves or silicone. According to the PopSocket website, it is good for 12,000 expansions and collapses. The PopSockets website also allows you to choose a design and whatever colors you would like. For an additional five dollars, you can choose your own picture for the disc, making your gift even more unique. If you want to give a gift that is simultaneously cheap, useful and thoughtful, the PopSocket is right for you.

Drones For filmmakers, spies, aviation enthusiasts, people who want to annoy everybody around them and most importantly, hip young teenagers like yourself, a drone is a great, popular gift. Most toy drones go for around 30 to 60 dollars while more professional drones can go upwards of

one thousand dollars. The DROCON Scouter Foldable Mini RC Drone costs around 40 dollars. It can fold to less than the size of a phone, allowing the user to take it anywhere.

Nintendo Switch The Nintendo switch is a unique and portable video game console. It comes with two attached wireless controllers. These controllers can be detached and reattached to the screen. The user can either hold it like a tablet and play alone using both controllers or detach the controllers and play with friends. The Switch can easily connect to a television for play. Additional controllers are for sale, allowing up to four people to play together. Fortunately, you can fit the Switch in your bookbag. Unfortunately, it is more difficult to hide in class, but you’ll be the most popular kid in Caf 1 when a crowd of people are huddled around your table, watching you beat everyone else in Mario Kart. Currently, the Switch sells for about 300 dollars, and additional controllers cost 80 dollars for a pair.

Gifts of the past incite nostalgia ■ By Hope Seybold (‘19)

Eastside Staff

2002: Bratz Doll Bratz Dolls are fashion dolls designed to resemble teenagers. The stylish toys were first released in 2001 and quickly became a popular item. Their increasing popularity even allowed them to outsell Barbie dolls that year. New lines of Bratz Dolls debuted in 2004, 2006 and 2007, although their fame has decreased in recent years.

2003: Beyblades Beyblades are Japanese spinning-top toys based off of the anime television show “Beyblade.” The toys featured interchangeable parts, allowing players to customize them as they pleased. Players also competed with each other to see whose toy spun the longest.

Beyblades began selling internationally in 2002 and quickly became one of the most popular toys in the world, selling over 100 million a year.

2004: Robosapien Robosapien is a toy humanoid robot that was released by the company WowWee toys in 2004. The robot is about a foot tall and can perform a variety of actions, including walking, grasping and throwing objects and dancing. The Robosapien is capable of performing over 60 unique actions. They were a very popular holiday gift that year; over 1.5 million Robosapiens were sold.

2005: Xbox 360 The Xbox 360 is a video game console made by Microsoft that came out in December of 2005. The Xbox

360 was different from the was seen as a smaller, more a big hit come Christmas original Xbox because it portable computer, which 2013 and became one of the featured “Xbox live,” which allowed people to easily most popular toys sold that allowed for online multiwork and travel. Various holiday. media services including games and apps could be 2014: Frozen merchanmusic streaming, television downloaded on the iPad, dise programs and game demos. which made it an effective Disney’s animated movie Microsoft sold 1.5 million gift for many age groups.

Frozen was released in NoXbox 360 units by the end 2013: Furby vember of 2013. The film of the year.

Furbies are American tells the story of a queen 2007: Nintendo DS robotic toys that resemble named Elsa (Idina Menzel) The Nintendo DS was a an owl-like creature with who accidentally casts an popular gift in 2007. It feadifferent games built into icy storm surrounding her tured a dual-screen kingdom. Her sistouch display and ter Anna (Kristen offered a wide variBell) works with ety of games to play.

Kristoff (Jonathan It quickly became a Groff) to reverse top-selling device the spell and bring that winter. Joyce her family back toPark (‘19) said,“I gether. It became was seven years the ninth-highestold at the time, and grossing film and I remember being its success has so happy when my skyrocketed from mom got me a Ninthe sale of mertendo DS with a chandise.

Mario Kart game 2016: Fitbit for Christmas.”

Charge 2 2008: Wii Americans have In 2008, Nintenalways looked for do released a video ways to help them game console called live a healthy lifethe Wii. The Wii style. The first Fitconnects to a TV bit was released in and detects the mo2013 and featured tion of controllers, a heartbeat monitorrevolutionary teching as well as step nology at the time tracking capabiliof its release. Ayties; however, the noor Terzi (‘19) said Fitbit Charge 2 that she received was released in Gregory Rothkoff (‘19)/ Eastside Entertainment Editor 2016, boasting a a Wii for Christmas as a child. “It Student wears the Fitbit Charge 2 in school longer battery life. was a great gift for to keep track of more than just time.

It is waterproof me and my sister. and offers many Although we were new features such different ages, there were them. The first Furby was as automatic sleep trackgames for each of us... on released in 1998 by Tiger ing, reminders to move and the Wii,” she said.

Electronics, and it has since automatic exercise recogni2010: iPad released 12 new lines of tion. Grace Yoon (‘20) said The first iPad was reFurbies. In 2012, a new edithat she received a Fitbit leased in April of 2010. So, tion of Furbies featured exfor Christmas in 2016. “I once December arrived, pressive eyes, new motions, liked it for a while because people lined up to purchase personalities and a mobile I was able to use it on my the new gadget. The iPad app. This installment was runs,” she said.

Page 19

■ By Eli Weitzman (‘20) Eastside Webmaster

T h e world of technology is an everchanging p l a c e .

New innovations are developed daily. With these innovations come changes in industry.

Throughout the next few months, I hope to educate you on these changes and how to safely assess their impact.

The first subject I would like to discuss is the new iPhone X. Apple announced it in September of this year, promising it to be a new and revolutionary phone that would attempt to finally compete with other manufacturers, including Samsung, Google and LG. The only drawback appears to be the price: 1,000 dollars.

Despite costing almost as much as high-end computers, it costs Apple shockingly less to manufacture. According to a recent study published by the Susquehanna International Group, the manufacturing cost of an iPhone X is estimated to be less than 600 dollars.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I think that an amount of money like that seems a bit excessive. Nowadays, one can purchase a smartphone with all of the same features, but for half the price. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S8 is listed at 700 dollars but can be purchased for as low as 500 dollars at some stores, such as Best Buy. The S8 possesses a display composed entirely of a touch screen. It also supports wireless charging, like the iPhone X. However, the S8 also has a larger battery, more computing power, a fingerprint, iris and facial scanner, as well as a lighter design.

So here is the question that needs to be answered: Is the iPhone X worth the one thousand dollars? Perhaps unsurprisingly, no.

To be put simply, the new device costs too much and provides too few advancements to be considered anything special. Say hello to the future… a world where Apple bankrupts you just so you can have the newest iPhone without the newest features.

Logo by Samantha Dayton (‘19)/ Eastside Staff Photo Courtesy of Apple

UNDERGROUND

As nutty as a fruitcake Page 20

■ By David Le (‘18)

Eastside Underground Editor

At this time of year, there are many beloved traditions that are widely adored and celebrated.

However, there is one tradition that time and time again has a reputation for being one of the most hated icons of the holiday season.

The fruitcake.

To the untrained ear, fruitcake sounds delicious in the name alone. Fruit is great. Cake is delicious.

The outcome should be something close to spectacular. Yet, somewhere along the line of combination, this seasonal baked good becomes one of the most hated holiday foods in America.

The reasons behind this tradition of disdain are questionable at best. Out of all the perfectly good– or rather, bad– cakes out there, why fruitcake?

The answer does not seem to be in the recipe.

By definition, fruitcake is a cake made with chopped candied or dried fruit, nuts, spices and is occasionally soaked in alcohol. Out of all the ingredients, nothing stands out as particularly hate-worthy.

So what is fueling the anti-fruitcake sentiment?

Some argue that the fruitcake has long been an enemy of society and baked goods everywhere. However, throughout its history, whether it be in ancient Rome, the American Colonies or the mail-orders of the 1900s, fruitcakes were actually popular.

It wasn’t until the 1960s

EASTSIDE

that television programs began ridiculing the baked good. Many claim that Johnny Carson was the cause of the trend, with his famous joke on “the Tonight Show” that “the worst Christmas gift is a fruitcake. There is only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it

think I would try it because everyone says so many bad things about it.”

Saurabh Shah (‘19) said, “I don’t think I’ve ever had fruitcake, but I do know of the stereotype. It’s like a brick, I think that’s the reason that no one makes it, which is the reason I’ve

to each other.”

Soon, other TV shows and films took up the call to make fun of fruitcake, to the point where the fruitcake’s bad reputation was integrated into society Pop culture taught Americans that fruitcake was awful, and many took it for granted. Today, many still follow the tradition of fruitcake dislike. Some have never tasted a fruitcake, yet rely on common belief and avoid it.

“Tradition says that fruitcake is terrible,” Brett Friedman (‘19) said. “I’ve never tried it, so I wouldn’t know personally, but I don’t

never had it.”

However, not everyone shares the same sentiments of this tradition.

David Cheng (‘18) thinks the common belief about fruitcake is a little exaggerated.

“I’ve had fruitcake before, it isn’t bad at all. It’s definitely not as bad as people say it is,” Cheng said.

Others simply like the taste.

Iris Kim (‘19) said, “I personally like it. I think that the fruit and the cake go well together.”

Despite the differing opinions, questions remain as to why fruitcake is still despised today.

Critics of the fruitcake have established multiple theories as to why the infamous baked good is as bad as many people think it is.

Some argue that the appearance is simply unappealing, claiming that the fluorescent candied fruit seem to look radioactive, and are scattered haphazardly throughout the cake.

Others blame the density of the fruitcake and the aging process it undergoes for its unpopularity.

However, fans of the fruitcake say that, like fine wines, the quality improves over time. The aging is due to the vigorously preserved fruits in the cake.

Scientists have claimed that a wellstored one is able to remain edible for up to 25 years. The oldest fruitcake ever found was discovered in an Antarctican hut and dates back 100 years; oddly enough it’s still as fresh as ever. The fruitcake’s resistance to age has earned itself a reputation for being indestructible.

In opposition to the mainstream idea of “fruitcake hate,” some fruitcake enthusiasts assert that the bad fruitcake tradition refers to the generic and lowquality fruitcake that is mass-produced, which has tarnished the reputation of the “real fruitcake.”

As the holiday season continues, keep in mind that this is a season of love for every tradition. Even for the fruitcake, a tradition that we love to hate.

Art by Carmen DeCosmo (‘18)/ Eastside Staff

December 2017

Unknown holidays this month

■ By David Le (‘18)

Eastside Underground Editor

Take it in the Ear Day (December 8) promotes listening and understanding others.

National Chocolate Covered Anything Day (December 16) celebrates by dipping every food in the delicious coating.

Go Caroling Day (December 20) is a day dedicated to the memory-filled experience of carolling.

Humbug Day (December 21), in a description by its founders, on Wellcat. com, “allows everyone preparing for the holidays to vent frustrations.”

National Flashlight Day (December 21) occurs on Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year.

Festivus (December 23) is a non-denominational holiday, created by “Seinfeld” scriptwriter Daniel O’Keefe. Traditions include an aluminum pole, meatloaf, “Feats of Strength,” “Airing of Grievances” and “Festivus Miracles.”

National Eggnog Day (December 24) celebrates the seasonal holiday drink.

The day occurs when eggnog consumption peaks.

National Fruitcake Day (December 27) celebrates the time-honored tradition of eating and/or passing along fruitcake.

Make Up Your Mind Day (December 31) is a day where all delayed decisions are resolved.

Art by Jon Calabrese (‘18)/ Eastside Video Editor and Rose Ni (‘18)/ Eastside Art Editor

Drop it like it’s a New Year’s celebration ■ By David Le (‘18)

In the United States, many of us recognize the iconic tradition of dropping a giant ball in Times Square, New York City, to ring in the New Year. Millions of people from around the world watch this famous event take place. With this popularity, many towns and cities in America have created public “New Year’s Drops” of their own, which imitate the one in Times Square. But of course, not everyone has a 700-lb ball decorated with hundreds of lights. Many have used other objects of significance, all of which are tailored specifically to their own towns. Here are 15 of these unique traditions. For more, visit eastside-online.org.

Eastside Underground Editor

An 18ft, 500-pound steel and foam Watermelon Ball is raised, then drops 11 real watermelons.

10. Wetumpka, Alabama A meteorite is dropped at the Old Courthouse in honor of the meteorite that hit the River City.

11. Plymouth, Wisconsin An 80-pound decorated cheese wedge is dropped.

12. Manhattan, Kansas “The Little Apple,” an appleshaped aluminum ball (a replica of the 1980s era Times Square Ball).

13. Houston, Texas A star representing the Lone Star State is dropped.

1. Seaside Heights, New Jersey Snooki from MTV’s reality series “the Jersey Shore” was lowered inside a ball in 2011 for the network’s New Year’s Eve special.

of Francis Scott Key. 4. Fredericksburg, Virginia An illuminated pear is dropped.

2. Dillsburg, Pennsylvania Two pickles, “Lil’ Dill” and “Mr. Pickle,” are dropped.

5. Brasstown, North Carolina A plexiglas pyramid containing a living possum is lowered. The possum is turned loose at the end of the celebration.

3. Frederick, Maryland A giant key is dropped in honor

6. Atlanta, Georgia An 800lb peach is dropped. In

2011, Michael J a c k son’s family issued the official countdown.

7. Sarasota, Florida An illuminated pineapple dropped.

is

8. Cincinnati, Ohio A flying pig is “flown,” not dropped.

9. Vincennes, Indiana

14. Show Low, Arizona A deuce of clubs (2♣) is dropped.

The town’s founders allegedly derived the name “show low” from a game of poker where the winner showed a deuce of clubs, the lowest card in the deck.

15. Boise, Idaho A giant foam, illuminated potato has been dropped from the Idaho State Capitol building. It is dubbed “The Glowtato”.

Art by David Chen (‘18), Jeffrey Kaminer (‘21), Noah Kaminer (‘18)/ Eastside Staff

December 2017

UNDERGROUND

EASTSIDE

Holidays aren’t just for family: East students get into the holiday spirit with “Friendsgiving” and “Friendsmas” ■ By Sari Cohen (‘18) Eastside Editor-in-Chief

Ever since the Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth and came together with the Native Americans to celebrate a harvest festival in the New World, Americans have recognized Thanksgiving as a holiday of togetherness, giving thanks and family.

However, this narrow definition of Thanksgiving does not hold true for all Americans.

Some say the TV show “Friends” coined the term Friendsgiving with its Thanksgiving episodes representing a gathering of friends, as opposed to family, for the holiday. Even before these episodes, however, friend groups across the nation have congregated to celebrate an early Thanksgiving together.

At East, Debbie Goldberg (’20) and Julia Udell (’19) hold a Friendsgiving celebration the Wednesday before Thanksgiving with about 20 friends from East and surrounding schools.

They do a potluck dinner at someone’s house, listen to music and catch up.

“We wanted to all celebrate Thanksgiving together,” said Udell. “But, obviously, it’s a family holiday, so we weren’t going to do it

actually on Thanksgiving.

So, we all brought in different foods and celebrated together and hung out and had fun.”

to share. They wanted to get together and have a nice meal.

“It was a nice way to… do something before a holi-

Courtesy of Julia Udell (‘19)

East students enjoy a “Friendsgiving” meal.

Madison Costello (’20) and her friends also participated in a similar tradition, yet they did so in a different way.

Costello chooses to take an easier, less traditional route for the holiday. She and her friends sat at a big table in the mall food court and ordered a bunch of food

day everybody celebrates, and do something fun that made us seem more like a family because we love each other that much,” said Costello.

Friendsgiving, for these two groups, allows high schoolers to take a break from their families and make memories with

stir in chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Steep the liquid for three minutes. The pepper is what really adds a kick to the drink, but feel free to add kosher salt or nutmeg based on your preference.

“To me, this recipe is a family tradition and a huge part of my culture. It takes time to prepare, and during this time I am able to connect with my mother a n d grandmother,” she said.

And for those of you

before instant hot chocolate existed. My mother would make us hot chocolate in the kitchen,” said Dilba.

The recipe called for just three ingredients: Unsweetened cocoa powder, milk and sugar. First, you would mix the cocoa powder with a dash of milk to create a paste. Since cocoa powder is very difficult to mix, it is crucial you create a paste prior to adding it to the remainder of the milk.

Once the milk and paste are combined, add sugar to taste.

“And none of them particularly enjoyed it as they are not used to it,” said Dilba.

Though Dilba’s recipe is certainly a change from the sweet hot chocolate we are all accustomed to, it is, for her, a part of her childhood. For her, this is the hot chocolate she grew up loving.

Hot chocolate is for many families a winter tradition, Vidhya Sundar (‘19) agrees.

Every holiday season, her family gathers to enjoy a household favorite, a warm cup of orange white hot chocolate. To get a taste for it, simply pour 3 ½ cups of whole milk into a saucepan over medium heat. Once the milk starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and gradually pour 8 ounces of white chocolate chips into the mix. With the chocolate dissolved in the milk, add one teaspoon of orange extract. Altogether this will

friends. They have transformed a family custom to one that friends celebrate.

Goldberg said, “It was a way for us to come together as a group and really appreciate the friendships that we’ve created.”

Friendsgiving is not the only holiday these girls celebrate like family. Goldberg and Udell organize a Secret Santa for their group of friends at school.

Costello coordinates a comparable gift exchange with a smaller group.

“It’s a good way to get together and celebrate something as if you are more like a family,” said Costello. “You don’t have to spend that much money… but it’s just a nice way to get out there and do something that families do.”

Both groups choose names out of a hat, or something similar, and are given a budget of about 20 dollars to spend on a gift for the person they chose.

Udell said, “It doesn’t have to be expensive, it just has to be thoughtful.”

Over the years, friend groups like these at East have made holidays matter to more than family. After all, friends are considered the family that we can choose, so why not appreciate them for all they do?

How East “mixes up” traditional hot chocolate recipes ■ By Nafessa Jaigirdar (‘19)

Eastside Webmaster

For me, the holidays mean oversized sweaters, spending time with friends and family and the annual “25 Days of Christmas” special on TV. But what would the holiday season be without a cup of piping hot chocolate? My personal favorite is the decadent white fudge Oreo hot chocolate.

Made with ½ cup of chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons of water, 1½ cups of milk, 3 white fudge Oreos and a spoonful of cookie butter, this recipe requires only five minutes to prepare. In a pan, add the water and chocolate chips. Stir frequently to avoid burning the chocolate. While the chocolate is melting, finely crush the Oreos in a blender. Once fully melted, slowly stir in the crushed Oreos, the milk and the cookie butter. Serve the drink warm with whipped cream.

In my family, white fudge Oreo hot chocolate has always been a staple.

But this year, I wanted to try something new, and so I scoured the school to get a taste of what other students enjoy around the holidays.

For many Latin-Americans like Cindi Sanchez (‘18), Mexican hot chocolate is a childhood favorite.

Though there are many variations to this recipe, Sanchez recommends you first place milk and sugar in a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil. Next, you turn off the heat and slowly

w h o prefer instant hot chocolate, Sanchez suggests you try Abuelita’s Hot Chocolate Mix, her personal favorite.

As is the case for Sanchez, hot chocolate, for many, triggers nostalgic memories of childhood and of long evenings spent with loved ones. Cooking teacher Ms. Patricia Dilba agrees, as she fondly recalls the days when her mother would make her original hot chocolate recipe.

“This was way back, long before Nestle came out with their recipes and long

make around 6 servings.

Top off each cup with a dollop of whipped cream and some grated orange rinds and coconut flakes for a more tropical feel.

Anthea Zhang (‘20) opts for a more classic taste with her Fluffy Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe.

Yielding four servings, the recipe calls for 8 teaspoons of granulated white sugar, 8-10 teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa, 4 cups of organic whole milk, 1½ cups of mini marshmallows, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1½ teaspoons of peppermint extract. According to Zhang, the measurements can be adjusted based on desired intensity of flavor. Next, combine the first four ingredients and stir them over medium heat until the marshmallows are melted.This will take about 8 minutes. Once completed, remove the mixture from heat and slowly stir in the vanilla and peppermint extract. Garnish the hot chocolate with whipped cream and crushed candy cane.

Like Zhang, baking connoisseur Isabella Valentino (‘19) prefers a classic recipe. Using 2 cups of milk, 2/3 cup bittersweet chocolate, ½ cup milk chocolate, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, her recipe yields 2 servings.

First, heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and stir occasionally. When steaming, remove the pan from heat and add the vanilla extract, chocolate and the sugar.

Whisk the mixture until everything is combined and then, enjoy!

Art by Jeffrey Kaminer (‘21)/ Eastside Staff

Page 21

Sticking it to the man:

I got companies to send me free stickers; here’s how you can, too: ■ By Claire Joanson (‘19)

Eastside Underground Editor

A few weeks ago, I decided to go on a quest. Not for fame or riches; something much more noble. I wanted to see how much free stuff I could get from companies by emailing them.

It was shocking to find out how much they would send (primarily stickers) with a simple request.

Here’s what I did: I started by emailing a bunch of companies online. These included Chipotle, Pancheros, Coca Cola and a bunch of hiking/outdoor sports stores such as Patagonia and L.L. Bean. In the email, I gave my name and told the company that I was a huge fan of their product and wanted to be able to show off my appreciation with a memento, like a sticker, and asked if they could possibly send me some. Basically, I tried to make it sound like I wasn’t just asking for free stuff while heavily implying that all I wanted was free stuff.

Some company websites, such as Billabong, already have sticker forms online, where I was able to put my email and address to be placed on a mailing list for free stickers. As a side note with this, always be careful to double-check that the company is a legitimate business before giving out personal information such as an address. I made sure to go on the official corporate website and looked to find the customer service email, usually under “Contact Us.” Some companies, like Moosejaw, a hiking company, require nothing else but a slightly awkward email for them to send you stickers. Others, however, required a little more effort on my part. When I emailed Chipotle, I was quickly answered in my request by a Customer Support Guide by the name of Patrick who told me I had to give a “little more” if I wanted some exclusive “burritoful” Chipotle stickers. He then told me that if I “compose something creative about Chipotle, like a song, poem, rap or interpretive dance video,” he could pass the stickers along. I was not scared away by his challenge, and so I composed a poem titled “Ode to Burritos” that swayed him to send me not one, but two stickers.

Other companies require that a mailing envelope with an address and a stamp be sent to them to receive sticker, so they do not have to spend the money on postage to deliver the goods.

If this all seems like too much effort for a couple of plastic stickers, I understand. However, for those interested in receiving free stickers from companies, all you have to do is ask. Or at least write a poem.

SPORTS

East swim teams look to make a splash

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EASTSIDE

Eastside Staff

year for the team after losing a strong senior class.

“Identifying the right events for the right kids is going to be the focus for the entire year,” said Cucinotti. “[States] will always be our expectation.”

Practice for both teams

December 2017

be successful wherever he wants to be.”

Watson knows that, however, teamwork and Among the fluctuating good spirit will help return reputations of Cherry Hill the boys’ team to greatness East’s sports teams, boys’ this year. and girls’ swimming al“We are all such close ways seem to provide glowfriends and I really think ing records. that’s what…

Last season, made us state East’s swim teams [champions] last flourished under year,” said Watthe coaching of son.

Mrs. Anita Bowser On the girls (in her sixteenth side, some star year coaching) and athletes to watch Mr. Joe Cucinotti this year are Mary (in his twelfth), Gray (‘19), Karowith the girls winlyn Merch (‘20) ning at sectional and Grace Yoon finals and the boys (‘20).

Outstandbecoming 2017 ing swimmers in State Champions. the senior class “[The] girls just include Carissa kind of came toCampbell (‘18), gether as a unit,” Nicole Harms (‘18) said Bowser on the and Carolyn Wang possible reasons (‘18). for the girls’ sucAs a freshman cess last season. “I last year, Yoon bethink, for the most came the New Jerpart, a lot of the sey State Champi[swimming] just on in the 100-yard got better from the breaststroke. It is previous year.” unheard-of for a Cucinotti even freshman to beat attributes some such fierce compeof the boys’ previtition. ous success to the Both the boys’ consistency in the and girls’ swim strength of the seteams are countniors of 2017. ing on intense ded“I think the ication and rigordevelopment of ous practice from last year’s seniors their athletes to throughout [the pave the road for year] for them was a state championunexpected,” said Andrew Maier (‘20)/ Eastside Staff ship in 2018.

Cucinotti.

“The Jack Watson (‘19) swims for Wexford Leas in the summer to train for the East season in the winter.

If they mainteam kind of hit tain the strength their stride at the right ics. includes not only as much Jackson Brookover (‘20). shown last year, anything time… replacing them is On the boys’ team, Cuciwater training as possible, “[Watson] will have a big seems possible for the swim not gonna be easy.” notti is looking for another but also a dryland aspect to year in whatever he decides teams’ upcoming season.

This upcoming season, state championship while cross-train the athletes. to have a big year in,” said Each team was excited to both Bowser and Cucinotti acknowledging that this “[The girls] have dryland Cucinotti. “He’s talented to finally jump into the pool are expecting big things for may be a “transitional” every day before practice,” the point where he can… after a long offseason.

■ By Maddy Cicha (‘19)

their teams, and are excited to build upon their previous outstanding season.

For the girls, Bowser is focused on keeping her swimmers hard-working; she emphasizes healthy eating, team-bonding and maintaining solid academ-

Serata and Gibson teach basketball to special needs teens

■ By Jakob Silvert (‘20)

Eastside Staff

Three years ago, Sam Serata (‘19) added something to his weekly routine: volunteering for those with special needs at the Katz JCC. Serata is the starting small forward for the East basketball team and has been playing ball since he was six. Serata heard of a program called the ACHaD Special Needs Department through his parents and has been one of many teen volunteers for it ever since.

The ACHaD (Achieving Community Hopes and Dreams) Department has been providing those with special needs with a number of recreational programs, including basketball, since 1998.

The ACHaD Department works with a variety of different special needs individuals ranging from those who suffer from autism to cerebral palsy.

Its founder, Eric Newman, birthed the idea in the hopes of making the life of his son, Max, age 24, who is on the autistic spectrum, a little more normal.

“He [has] learned basketball skills, he [has] made friendships, the camaraderie is amazing,” said Newman.

Serata, despite having a full schedule and playing a varsity sport, manages to find time nearly every Monday night to volunteer.

“It’s good to give back, I like helping them out,” said Serata.

Serata arrives at the JCC at 5 p.m. on Mondays and begins teaching dur-

ing the thirty-minute practice period before the games.

“It’s kind of like a flip-flop, everyone’s always telling me what to do… do this, run this, do this, shoot like this, and now I can kind of take what I’ve learned and give it to kids who aren’t as fortunate,” said Serata.

Serata helps members of the program do drills, and eventually they get into games playing volunteers v.

ACHaD. As they play, Serata and the other teens help vocalize to the members of the program on what to do in certain situations.

“You don’t have to be a basketball player to help out, but it’s good to be one,” said Serata.

This year Serata encouraged one of his good friends, Carl Gibson (‘19), to volunteer with him. Gibson plays with Serata as the starting point guard of the East basketball team.

“I like basketball, so… anything to do with basketball, it interests me,” said Gibson. “I like to help people out or just help in general, so that’s just combining two things I like to do, it was a no-brainer.”

If interested in joining East basketball players in volunteering, go to the Katz JCC on Mondays at 5 p.m. to help out with ACHaD. It is a great way to help out around the community that requires little to no athletic ability.

The ACHaD staff is always looking for volunteers to help improve the program and make it more fun for the teens.

said Bowser. “[It’s] just trying to mix it up, keep them in shape, strengthen them for swimming.”

In the upcoming season, look out for the key boys’ swimmers like Justin Anderson (‘18), Anthony Moon (‘18), Jack Watson (‘19) and

A Kickin’ College Tip: If you have a word count, make your words count!

When writing your college essays remember to Go Big, Go Bold or Go Home.

Now go kick those apps into gear!

December 2017

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December 2017

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