Eastside: December 2014

www.eastside-online.org

Vol. 49 No. 2

Inside This Issue

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

December 2014

All HOCHE logos by Jacob Borowsky (‘16)/ Eastside Underground Editor Photo by Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Senior transforms into a flower News/Features, Pg. 4

Mayor Cahn leads an atypical schedule Community, Pg. 5

Keuny rows his way to success Underground, Pg. 18

NEWS/FEATURES

Page 2

EASTSIDE

December 2014

Ritz takes East to the tropics every Wednesday ■ By Jenna Wilson (‘15) Eastside Editor-in-Chief

It might not be typical to associate a student with an article of clothing, but Noah Ritz (‘15) has become synonymous with Hawaiian shirts. Ritz, a witty and outgoing senior, is the closest thing to the human embodiment of a Hawaiian shirt. Like the fantastic array of patterns on a Hawaiian shirt, Ritz is frequently noticed the moment he steps into a room. The complexity and diversity of pictures on the shirt easily translate to Ritz’s multitude of talents. Musically, he splits his time between Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and Jazz Standards, but also finds time to participate in the Breakdancing Club and the Chemistry Club.

Some may think that Hawaiian shirts are typically reserved for embarrassing fathers at family barbeques or the cover of bad romance novels, but Ritz is trying to change that mentality. One Wednesday a month, Ritz and a variety of other students choose to don a Hawaiian shirt to school.

Ritz said, “Hawaiian shirts are a lifestyle choice. They say, ‘I like to relax, and look good doing it.’ I feel

like when people see someone a high school. In the process, Ritz day brings everyone together bewearing a Hawaiian shirt, was able to unwittingly unite a cause anyone can participate in it. they think ‘Here’s a guy student body.

We all get to share our appreciation or gal who doesn’t take “Hawaiian Shirt Wednesfor Hawaiian shirts while unifying himself or herself too the student body at seriously.’ Yes, naythe same time,” said sayers may call you Phil Chehet (’15), a tourist, but what’s who has participatwrong with lying ed in past Hawaiian back taking in the Shirt Wednesdays. sights every once in a The unwavering while?” enthusiasm Ritz That lifestyle choice is feels towards someone that Ritz makes daily. thing as minute as Ritz, who certainly doesn’t take a Hawaiian shirt himself too seriously, can often is what differentibe found juggling or breakdancates him from his ing. He’s the student who creates fellow classmates. humorous math puns on the spot Ritz was confident to light up a dull calculus class. enough to delve into He’s so committed to his Hawaian idea and stick to ian shirts that he wore one to the it.

Guggenheim Museum in New “I don’t know York. how it happened,” Ritz said, “It was during the Ritz admitted, “but very first Hawaiian Shirt Wednesthe idea must have day and a pretty great experience. been out there subWe got a lot of quizzical expresliminally, and I sions, a lot of turned heads, and a picked it up and lot of questions—it was great!” brought it to East.

By introducing it to East, Ritz This might sound Miku Fujita (‘16)/ Eastside Staff was able to bring the relaxing Ritz poses in his Hawaiian shirt for his newly coined weird, but it’s one mentality of a beach to the some- East holiday: Hawaiian Shirt Wednesday. of those ideas whose what stressful environment of time has come.”

Mission trips benefit students, low income families ■ By Kaitlyn Boyle (‘17)

Eastside News/Features Editor

To some, spending the summer in a sleeping bag on the floor of a church for a week would not sound very appealing. Certain East students, however, are willing to endure this inconvenience in order to make a difference in another’s life.

This summer, Emily Dehart (‘17) traveled to Webster Springs, WV, on a mission trip with her church youth group. Approximately 30 to 35 people from the Trinity Presbyterian Church youth group attended the trip. The high school students drove eight hours to the run-down town filled with consignment shops and windy roads.

“It’s one of the poorer areas in West Virginia,” said Dehart. “There were a lot of farms, and it was kind of beat up because it wasn’t nearly as nice as what we have here, so it really opened our eyes.”

Each morning, the youth group woke up at 6 a.m. and split into five worksites, where the members aided in the construction of houses for lower income citizens.

At Dehart’s worksite, she helped construct an addition to a house for a woman named Patty. She explained that at the start of the trip, the house looked worn down and dirty, with trash strewn across the lawn. The group worked tirelessly to construct and install the electrics for a new addition.

Dehart is not the only East student to make a change in our world this summer. Sofia Benedetto (’17) and Sydni Simmons (’18) each traveled to impoverished areas of the country through their youth group at HOPE United Methodist Church. Benedetto stayed right outside of Nashville, TN, with over fifty high school students from her

church, and Simmons visitschool. Benedetto hopes periences taught her to apDehart. ed Wheeling, WV, with the to extend her support globpreciate her own life.

Benedetto also recounted younger age group. ally.

“I learned to be more experiences in Tennessee.

In Tennes“A woman, when see, Benewe were pulling up to detto worked the church one night alongside her for dinner, came out of team of about her car and shook evten students ery one of our hands, to transform and with tears in her the basement eyes, thanked us for of a Salvation ‘saving her communiArmy food ty’,” said Benedetto. bank into a Mission trips edudance studio cate teenagers from for less forwealthier areas about tunate kids. the suffering going The purpose on in other parts of of the studio the counrty and the was to proworld. Students ofvide a safe ten return from these environment trips with better where kids knowledge of what could get off they can do to help of the streets. the less fortunate and Upon coma greater appreciation pleting the for everything they project, the have. Students often students felt continue their charity a major sense work throughout the Courtesy of Emily Dehart (‘17) of accom- Dehart and other members of her church’s youth group traveled to Webyear due to the implishment in ster Springs to help build houses for the less fortunate. pact that these trips helping those had on them. With the less fortunate holidays approaching, than them. they have chosen to “I think my most memo“I plan on traveling with grateful. They didn’t have focus on the most imporrable experience was laying HOPE to Haiti, where the anything, but acted like tant aspect of the holiday the last bit of floor down,” ongoing process of rebuildthey had everything,” said season: giving. said Benedetto. “I had the ing librarhonors of hammering it in, ies and and after that my team just schools went nuts. It was a hard is taking six days, but seeing the place,” said finished product and knowBenedetto. ing that we did that was all In adworth it.” dition to Simmons worked in the constructown of Wheeling, where tion skills, similar to Dehart, she mission helped to repair run-down trips teach houses.

Cherry Hill Throughout the process, students students learned a lot about important construction, a useful skill life lessons for future trips. Dehart’s “I learned church offers two trips each to trust myyear to locations including self and othMaine and West Virginia. ers more.

At HOPE United MethodI had to ist Church, Benedetto and depend on Simmons have the opportumy groupnity to participate in a mismates,” said sion trip each summer. All Simmons. three girls mentioned their Dehart desire to continue with simexplained ilar trips throughout high that her ex-

December 2014

NEWS/FEATURES EASTSIDE

Page 3

Meet the lady behind the cart ECHO makes an ■ By Rachel Cohen (‘15)

Eastside Editor-in-Chief

Hidden behind an array of snacks on the cart in front of the East auditorium is Ms. Dawn Ingrassia, one of the friendly Aramark employees who mans the snack cart. Ingrassia has worked at East for six years now, supplying thousands of students and staff members with delicious— and now healthier—treats.

Her openly warm demeanor is quite hard to forget. She finds that the East students and faculty reciprocate this kindness that she consistently shows to the East community.

“Everybody is always very nice—everybody likes the lunch lady I guess…the lady with the cookies,” said Ingrassia.

With over 2,000 students and faculty members in the school, she surely meets lots of welcoming faces each day.

This, in fact, is her favorite aspect of her job at East.

Ingrassia said, “Every day I get to see a bunch of kids and a bunch of teachers. I get to see a little bit of everybody every day.”

During the down times when students are not bombarding the cart for food during their lunchbreak periods or in between classes, Ingrassia is usually still working. When class is in session, she restocks the food and drink supplies and

also fills out paperwork for the Aramark offices. She finds herself busiest on the first four days of the schedule because there are more class changes within the day, which means more time to buy food.

“The days that you only have four classes, it’s a little bit slower because kids aren’t walking around the hallway,” said Ingrassia.

However, the real work starts, she said, when she gets home from a busy day at school.

“I’m usually driving kids to places. I have three kids and three dogs that

I love,” said Ingrassia.

Besides spending her time chauffeuring her children around, she loves to spend time with her family by watching hockey games together, relaxing and traveling. As a stay-at-home mom for fifteen years prior to getting her job at East, she greatly values her large family and loves to hang out with its members.

Although bags of chips or a crowd of eager East members may sometimes block her smile, Ingrassia will always be found in a cheery mood as students and faculty stop by to visit her snack cart.

Jen Trieu (‘16)/ Eastside Staff

Student purchases snacks from Ms. Dawn Ingrassia.

PARCC introduced this year

■ By Steve Mirsen (‘16) Eastside News/Features Editor

The 2014-2015 school year is the first year that all students in grades three through eleven will be required to take the PARCC exam, which will now replace the HSPA and NJASK. PARCC stands for Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, and is based on the Common Core State Standards implemnted in NJ schools. The exam is meant to evaluate students’ knowledge of the Common Core standards, which differ between grades.

The exam tests students’ knowledge of the Common Core standards by using various tasks in mathematics and English.

According to English teacher Mrs. Susan Fox, “the complexity of the tasks [is] higher than the HSPA expectations.”

This increased complexity, along with the newly adopted Common Core Standards, has led to curriculum changes.

For example, the Cherry Hill Math Curriculum Committee has “revamped, reorganized, [and] reconstructed” class curriculum in Geometry, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2, which are the three tested areas on the PARCC test, said math teacher Ms. Susan Nicolazzo.

The test is planned to be taken on computers and will go beyond analyzing written passages. The computerized test will also look at students’ interpretations of pictures, audio and video, testing the students on “a common topic across multimedia,” Fox said.

Although the ‘R’ in PARCC stands f o r “readiness,” a key

issue this year is the schools’ readiness for the exam. Teachers have not been provided with a large amount of specific details about what exactly is on the exam.

“We’re nervous about it,” Nicolazzo said of her own and other teachers’ feelings. “It’s something new. I think there’s a heightened expectation that we’ll prepare the students to pass, but we don’t know [much] about the test.”

The math portion will

consist of three task types: “concept skills and procedures, expressing mathematical reasoning, [and] assessing modeling and application,” said Nicolazzo.

Although these task types have been provided to teachers, certain details are still left open. What exactly each task consists of, and what types of problems they contain, have not been told to teachers, even though they are the ones who must prepare the students.

For the English section, especially, computerized tests present many issues. Problems occurred on practice tests last spring, and while they are being addressed, there is still room for error with the computer programs. This could cause major problems in the testing, specifically in the audio and video analysis parts. If done on paper, these segments would be very hard to manage and could end up being left out.

Although there are many unanswered questions about PARCC right now, Nicolazzo said a lot of information is still on the way, which will hopefully clear up details for teachers and students. Knowledge will also be gained during the first year of PARCC throughout the state.

“We’re all in it together ultimately,” said Nicolazzo.

“Experience it together and we’ll grow from there.”

Art by Lia Yamamoto (‘17)/ For Eastside

impact on world

■ By Sari Cohen (‘18)

Eastside Staff

East Community Helping Others (ECHO) Club, founded by history teacher Mrs. Susan McKee in May 2014, aims to increase East students’ interest in global issues.

Ethan Tinkelman (’16) and Emma Wooten (’17) are Co-Presidents of ECHO. “I wanted to do some kind of community service and something that would benefit the kids at East and help them to help others,” said Tinkelman.

So far, ECHO has raised funds in different ways.

Its first fundraiser was a Rita’s Night that was promoted within the club.

This new addition to East’s many clubs is growing every day.

McKee said, “It seems like every meeting [there are] new people.”

ECHO member Sofia Benedetto (’17) said, “ECHO is a really great and charitable club. I have such a fun time every meeting because I’m not only with my friends, but [we are] also helping people in need.”

ECHO adopted Domeabra, a small, very poor village in Ghana consisting mostly of cocoa farmers. ECHO plans to make its village independently sustainable.

“They don’t have to just get food from us, they can grow food. They don’t have to receive clean water, they can manufacture it in a sense,” said McKee. ECHO officially became an Adopt-a-Village club through Free The Children, a foundation that operates out of Toronto, Canada.

It has people working in eight different villages in various countries around the world. Ninety percent of the money collected from ECHO goes directly to help the village and the other ten percent goes to Free the Children.

“It started with child labor, that’s how Free the Children [came about],” Tinkelman said.

The five main pillars of helping the village to thrive on its own, without outside

help, are clean water and sanitation, education, agriculture, food security and health, and alternative income and liveliness, McKee said.

“A big important idea is that it doesn’t just give it to them, [Free the Children] helps them to be able to produce it and be sustainable… so that they can do this on their own,” said McKee. Although ECHO shares Domeabra with other schools, the club makes a big impact on East and the Cherry Hill community as it plans to help throughout Cherry Hill.

Within the three committees of ECHO, Tinkelman is head of the publicity committee which works with advertisements and announcements.

Gwen Kramer (’17) and Rachel Lim (’17), Co-Vice Presidents of ECHO, are in charge of projects to create fundraisers. Wooten is president of the education committee, which notifies people in ECHO about Free the Children’s focus as well as concentrates on what the club plans to do with its village in Ghana.

“Just the name ‘East Community Helping Others,’ it doesn’t have to be just that, but this is our start,” said McKee. Tinkelman said, “We may look to get involved and work with other clubs to support a cause… there is a new one, Community Smiles… there is Habitat [for Humanity].”

ECHO is different from these clubs because they are part of a large, international project. ECHO does not help the people immediately as the other clubs do, it helps them to become sustainable over time.

“It’s more about telling everybody and educating everybody on what we are able to do,” Wooten said.

New ECHO members are always welcome in Lecture Hall Two during Lunch Break Two on Thursdays.

For more information, go to Mrs. McKee’s eBoard and find the ECHOtab, or email cherryhillecho@ gmail.com.

The Domeabra village in Ghana.

Courtesy of Kyminghana

NEWS/FEATURES “Our Town” comes to life on our stage Page 4

EASTSIDE

December 2014

■ By Jenn Pacitti (‘17)

Eastside Staff

The 2014 Fall Play “Our Town,” written by American playwright Thornton Wilder, follows the everyday lives of the citizens of the fictitious town of Grover’s Cove. Set in the early 1900’s, the play emphasizes the importance of appreciating the little things in life.

This play, which was once taught as part of the common curriculum at East, is the most performed play in America—it is also a favorite of Cherry Hill East’s director, Mr. Tom Weaver.

Preparations for the play began before the school year started. The first steps of preparing for this play were breaking the show down to the vocabulary used in the script and the interactions between the characters.

Mr. Peter Gambino, Film and Projection Designer, said, “Mr. Weaver spends much of his summer analyzing scripts and designing sets. Rehearsals have already started, sets have already been designed and construction [began] November 1. Students put in hundreds of hours memorizing lines, blocking scenes and of course, performing.

A week before we open we enjoy “Hell Week,” which sees us performing full dress rehearsals each night in an effort to fine-tune the show and provide our audiences with the best shows possible.”

When casting for roles, believability and truthful-

Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Our town cast prepares for opening weekend on December 5. ness are the two key factors, said Weaver. “‘Our Town’ is loaded with unusual characters who must be believable in order for the play to be enjoyed by the audience.

I was looking for people who could make it believable. One of the characters is 40 years old and I have to believe that a 14- to 18 -year-old kid can play a 40-

year- old...the same can be said about all of these characters,” said Weaver.

Students have their own techniques to fulfill the factors that Weaver looks for when casting characters.

Jackie Orlando (‘17), cast as Mrs. Webb, said, “To prepare for auditions I read the entire play and analyzed the character I was auditioning for. I used personal

things from my own life to connect with the character’s feelings and situations to emotionally prepare and understand the piece.”

After auditions, the next stage was to block the show.

In association with stage blocking, the actors learned their lines.

“After the first blocking, I [ran] the scenes again and we [started] working

Feldman took Flora even more seriously when she introduced Becky. Most students might see Becky as a baby doll, but to Feldman, Becky is her child. She brings Becky with her to school on special occasions.

“I drive around with her in my backseat in a carseat,” said Feldman, smiling.

Flora also brought out notable changes in Feldman’s personality.

“It feels weird to hear people call her Amanda now,” said friend Daryn Stevens (’15). “She wore all of the mainstream clothing and listened to all of the mainstream music. It wasn’t until she changed her name that she truly stepped out of her shell.”

Feldman explains that as Flora, she became more kind, caring and positive Her older brother, Alex Feldman (’11), said, “Flora is love and acceptance in a world of hatred and judgment.”

Joanna Feldman (’09), Amanda’s older sister, also expressed her approval.

“At first I was a little confused with the transition to Flora… As time went on I saw how happy and complete my sister was. She was able to express herself in a way that I had never seen before. My sister inspires me every day to never settle for what is in front of you but to challenge [your-

self] constantly and live a more interesting and fulfilling life,” she said.

Feldman has dealt with many classmates who do not understand Flora, including her close friends.

“At first I didn’t like the idea of Flora at all,” said Stevens. “I thought it was weird and it was just a phase. I mocked her in the beginning, but it grew on me and now I don’t ever say ‘Amanda.’ Flora is fun, innovative and carefree.”

Other students have even ridiculed Feldman in the past for her unique personality.

“They [think] I’m just really weird, but I don’t really care. I find normal people weird,” she said. “That’s one of the things I have learned from this whole thing. I’m just being myself and doing what I want, and not really listening to what others want me to be like.”

Feldman’s friends continue to support her no matter what people may say.

“I’m not afraid to jump in and stick up for her. They just don’t understand what self-expression is and need to spend some time figuring out who they are outside of their little high school cliques. And that is what Flora has done,” said Lindsay Gorsen (’15).

Feldman believes that for the time being she will remain Flora as she continues on to college.

“I don’t know why I wouldn’t,” she said. “That’s just who I am. There’s nothing in my mind, or in myself, that’s telling me it’s supposed to go back to Amanda.”

on what the actors [did] together. There is no scenery in this show, it is all mimery, which is very unusual,” said Weaver.

The show was put together throughout 16-hour weeks in which the students worked on blocking, sound effects and memorizing lines.

During rehearsals, the stage crew was busy preparing sound, lighting, costumes and sets.

Jack Tremper (‘16), cast as Mr.Webb, said, “Our stage crew is exceptional and they are equally responsible for the success of any production that we put on. Rehearsals are always the highlight of the fall show experience.”

“Our Town” portrays the theme of appreciating life, which has become a very inspirational message for many of the cast members throughout rehearsals.

“I love the play... It has taught me to appreciate the little nuances of every day life, and I feel as though it has made me a better person,” said Orlando.

Weaver looked forward to other students recognizing the outstanding message that the play portrays and hoped that everyone got something out of it.

Weaver said, “It’s a beautiful play with a beautiful message... we take life for granted and ‘Our Town’ teaches us not to take life for granted but to take in every moment... This play explores that theme and that’s one of the reasons I [was] so excited about it.”

She’s not your everyday Flower ■ By Kaitlyn Boyle (‘17)

Eastside News/Features Editor

As Amanda Feldman (’15) walks into the library, a girl greets her by calling out her name. No, not “Amanda Feldman,” the name found on her birth certificate, but the name that embodies her transformation from an ordinary girl to a unique flower.

In the beginning of ninth grade, Feldman began to refer to herself as Flora Flower.

“There wasn’t really a specific reason,” said Feldman. “I changed my name, and then I was like, ‘Oh, this is fun.’ ” What started as an entertaining nickname soon grew into something much bigger. Once people began calling her Flora, Feldman realized that she could take the name even further by changing her appearance and personality to go along with the name.

“I was one of my last friends to call her Flora. I started doing so when I realized Flora was more than a nickname to her,” said Sofia Gracias (’15), a friend of Feldman. “When she was Amanda she preferred dark clothing and was really into fashion. Flora is a completely different person.

Not better, but different.

She loves flowers… and bright colors.”

Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Flora Flower poses with her baby, Becky.

COMMUNITY

December 2014

EASTSIDE

Page 5

No “typical” day exists for Mayor Chuck Cahn ■ By Ashley Cooper (‘17)

Eastside Community Editor

The majority of occupations call for a standard 9-to-5 schedule that workers follow indefinitely, yet no such schedule exists, or could ever exist, for Mayor Chuck Cahn to adhere to. For the mayor, every day is full of different tasks, plans and goals to improve the Cherry Hill community, which could never follow a daily routine.

“Being a mayor of a town like this requires reaching out into all different areas of the town… every day means that we do whatever is required in this town,” said Cahn.

“There is no typical day.”

Upon being elected mayor of Cherry Hill in 2012, Cahn has preceded to fufill multiple objectives including the enhancement of the overall conditions of the community as well as bolstering the town’s economical standing.

“We’ve accomplished a lot of goals already and one of the goals was to make sure that we were friendly to the businesses, and to make sure more businesses wanted to open in Cherry Hill to give our economy more stability,” said Cahn, “because when the economy is more stable, the burden on the residents, in terms of taxes, becomes less.”

Despite already attaining a variety of his goals, Cahn still persists to implement change within the community. Cahn also encourages himself to establish new goals within the entire township. His attitude represents one of hope, leading to an even brighter future for Cherry Hill.

“I think my goals evolve all the time. In terms of being mayor, you’re always looking at new projects to start,” said Cahn.

One new project Cahn is involved in spreads creativity throughout the community. Cahn noted his strong

desire for a more artistically inThe Mayor’s Director of Comclined town for children and adults. munications, Bridget Palmer, said, “We do a lot of arts and culture in “[Cahn] is very energetic and drivthis town and I think more people en. It’s nice to work for somebody need to become aware of these opwho sets a goal and works toward portunies, so we’re always promotthat goal with a persistent phiing the arts, and I think that’s a losophy of reaching ‘yes.’ very high priority,” said Cahn.

It’s a really positive C a h n also indicated his desire to intertwine himself with the future generations of the Cherry Hill School District, specifically during the month of March.

M a r c h serves as the month of Read A c r o s s America Day. The nationwide event, which celebrates litarure, occurs on Dr. Seuss’s birthday, Ashley Cooper (‘17)/ Eastside Community Editor March 2.

Mayor Chuck Cahn sits at his desk.

“I do try to make it a point to make it to as many school administration to work in, which events as I can,” said Cahn, “I like leads to an effective working envito go to the elementary schools, esronment.” pecially, and read to the children. I Cahn assumes responsibility for do make that a priority.” the welfare of all Cherry Hill resiCahn only has a year left in his dents, regarding his municipal aufour-year term. Nevertheless, Cahn thority with extreme devotion and is determined to achieve his goals fervor. and make the most of his remain“It takes a lot of effort to cataing year as mayor of Cherry Hill. log our environmental efforts, our

sustainability efforts, our wellness efforts, our economic revitalization efforts… so it’s a full-time job and it’s a 24/7 lifestyle, and I don’t think many people can do it with the amount of vigor and energy that he brings to the job,” said Palmer.

Though this job can be quite tasking and extensive, Cahn utilizes his position in the community as a way to maintain and improve Cherry Hill.

“Given the opportunity to be mayor was one of the best opportunities I have ever encountered in my life.

Now I can give back to my community,” said Cahn.

Cahn identifies himself as more of an activist than a devout politician, regardless of the job’s criteria.

“I never thought I would be in politics…I consider myself being a business person who believes in community service,” commented Cahn, “I think community service is really important. Giving back to your community is the most important thing one can do. Growing up and spending my entire life in Cherry Hill, I have always felt that giving back to the community is one of the best things we can all do.”

When asked to describe himself in one phrase, Cahn gave a simple, yet telling response.

“I am passionate about my town,” said Cahn.

The Mayor: A Father. A Husband. An Activist. A Volunteer. Undoubtedly, Mayor Chuck Cahn is much more than simply the head of Cherry Hill municipality. Not only is Cahn the leader of Cherry Hill — he is an altruist, generously and selflessly impacting the lives of all who inhabit the ever progressive community.

Sustainable Cherry Hill aims for conservation

ate a plan to treat several ecological woes of the schools. Throughout the last year, thirty teachers, students and administrators, headed by Superintendent Dr. Maureen Reusche, worked Cherry Hill is like many other sprawling subtogether to remedy these problems. urbs in America. Students have high standards For about nine months, these meetto meet; professionals work hard to attain a ings occurred. The conclusion of the better position; and, people constantly stay upmeetings resulted in Cherry Hill dated on culture and gossip. Cherry Hill has School District’s very own green plan, also started becoming similar to these suburbs which will be officially enacted into in yet another way, by progressively becoming the school district during this school more ecologically sound. year, according to Braunstein.

The signs have been apparent for years.

Currently in the works is a proFirst, recycling bins appeared at the homes of gram that would bring together peoall citizens. Then, hybrid cars began flying out ple of varying faiths, and aid them in of the dealerships. However, one of the most indiscovering a spiritual reason behind teresting, and perhaps most striking, changes an inclination of valuing the Earth. the community has utilized is the budding field Nonetheless, changing the habits of a of solar power. population is not a simple task.

Back in 1876, scientists recorded findings reSonia Cohen, a Cherry Hill local, lating to the effect of light on Selenium, enactand an avid supporter of environing the basis for all research in the solar panel mentally sound laws, knows this betfield. Due to the effects of the Cold War, solar ter than others. Within the last year, panels were improved to a point where they she leased an array of solar panels for were affordable and light enough to be used for her roof to provide sustainable power. aero-space projects. From that point on, techNow, as a “Solar Ambassador,” she nology has continued developing at a great advocates for the industry. extent, which makes solar panels much more There is a distinct difference both accessible. Today, solar panels are appearing financially as well as morally between everywhere—on street-sides, businesses, housthe blue-tinted solar panels and a es and even City Hall. typical roof, according to Cohen.

In the local Cherry Hill area, a sole group According to Cohen, America could holds responsibility for a lion’s share of the ongain independence from dirty and going projects to reduce humanity’s footprint. wasteful energy sources obtained from Sustainable Cherry Hill (SCH), headed by Lori Dani Roth (‘15)/ Eastside Community Editor unstable, and sometimes undemoBraunstein, has inspired change in Cherry Hill, even extending its influence throughout Cherry Hill houses encourage sustainability by using solar cratic, parts of the world, through the ever-growing solar industry. panels. the county.

Thanks to the work of Sustainable Sustainable Cherry Hill has headed various Cherry Hill, and of residents such as projects since its inception in 2007. It began as tival. At these such events, schools throughout Cohen, several changes can be anticipated in the a group of Cherry Hill residents who felt a need to the Cherry Hill School District present projects future of the local community’s conservation prochange the community. With the motto “Bringing on conservation. grams. people together to build a sustainable South JerEast students will soon be feeling the effects of “We help people gain a sustainable lifestyle,” sey,” members of the environmentally concious this powerful non-profit organization. Last year, said Braunstein. group boldly set forward to aid municipalities, Sustainable Cherry Hill was commissioned to aid Indeed, it seems as through continued efforts businesses and organizations in creating green the school board in making the district more enthroughout Cherry Hill to become environmenaction plans. This organization sets a guide for vironmentally friendly. tall friendly, a renewable and clean future might one to increase conservation, as opposed to abusA collaborative effort was made to find and crebe just around the corner. ing and evenutally depleting the environment’s ■ By Joshua Sodicoff (‘18)

Eastside Staff

natural resources.

Braunstein’s organization works through educational programs, in addition to various social events, most prominently the annual Earth Fes-

COMMUNITY

Cherry Hill adds safer bike routes as part of the new “Complete the Streets” initiative

Page 6

EASTSIDE

December 2014

■ By Ashley Cooper(‘17) Eastside Community Edcitor

In March 2013, the Council for the Township of Cherry Hill decided that safer bike routes are a necessary precaution for all bike riders in the area. Thererfore, the Council adopted the plan in late 2013. In the later months of 2014, the effects of the plan can clearly be seen. As a direct result of this adoption, re-construction and renovation of roads are occuring all throughout the community.

In late October and early November, the township began implementing safer bike paths into Springdale Road, a main

road used to get to East.

This road serves as the hub of traffic for various motorists throughout the Cherry Hill Community and needed to be safer for those who choose to travel it on bike.

Mayor Chuck Cahn strongly promotes the new Complete the Streets Mission, as it relates to one of his largest personal missions: to make Cherry Hill a sustainable community.

“Complete the Streets is a holistic approach to promoting joint use of our roadways by all users,” said Cahn.

Through Complete the Streets, the Cherry Hill Community is further depicted as an environmentally and ecologically knowledgeable community.

“Complete the Streets adds a lot to the sustainability plan,” said Cahn. “They maximize transportation and allow convenient access to other portions of the community.”

While Complete the Streets is a national goal throughout the entire country, the Cherry Hill Community has its own distinct

and unique attempt at approaching Complete the Streets, according

to Cahn.

“The Complete the Streets mission for Cherry Hill is unique in the way that it is a town-wide mission,” said Cahn. “The new policy is being implemented in every main road in the community.”

Ultimately, the Complete the Streets plan will cause a safer, securer and more comfortable Cherry Hill.

Ashley Cooper (‘17)/ Eastside Community Editor

A new bike lane on Springdale Road implemented as a part of “Complete the Streets.”

Ashley Cooper (‘17)/ Eastside Community Editor

Sign indicates the new bike lanes.

Art by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

Ashley Cooper (‘17)/ Eastside Community Editor

Oncoming traffic adheres to bike lane.

December 2014

COMMUNITY EASTSIDE

Page 7

Dr. Reusche: Improving the district one day at a time ■ By Dani Roth (‘15) Eastside Community Editor

Although most students refer to her as “the person who controls snow days,” Superintendent Dr. Maureen Reusche does much more than cancel school in case of inclement weather.

Since July 2011, Reusche has had the responsibility of leading the 1,700 employees and 11,400 students in the district. She builds systems for growth, alters the curriculum and attends meetings daily to maintain a proper educational system. As a leader, Reusche sculpts and revitalizes the classroom as she searches for growth opportunities among students, staff and herself.

Starting her day at 7:15 a.m. in the Malberg Alternative High School, Reusche does not leave her office until 6 p.m. Meetings typically fill her schedule as she conferences with several committees.

Reusche said, “Each week, I meet Elizabeth Hallinan (‘17)/ Eastside Staff with a group referred to as ‘SuperDr. Reusche sits at her desk at Malberg Alternative High School. intendent’s Council,’ and those individuals [in the group] have responsibilities for various departments ation of the 19 building principals, improve the district through new in the district. I meet with the so I spend time conducting observacurriculum, instruction and assesspresident of the Teacher’s Associations of these principals. While at ment. She continues to re-evaluate tion twice a month. I meet with all the schools, I end up visiting classes different aspects of the classroom building principals and administrawith the principal to learn about the and attempts to design new protors across the district monthly.” class instruction and the implemengrams.

When she does not attend meettation of it,” said Reusche.

Reusche said, “While meeting ings, Reusche finds herself at one of With three years of experience with building principals, I dedicate the schools evaluating teachers and as Cherry Hill Public Schools’ Sumy time to talk about any curricuthe curriculum. perintendent, Reusche continulum changes, PARCC testing and “I am responsible for the evalually searches for opportunities to its effects, and the different learn-

ing techniques teachers should utilize to compensate for different mindsets in the classroom.”

While Reusche visits schools and takes part in meetings, the administrative assistant to the Superintendent, Janet Cohen, not only handles the paperwork, but also acts as Reusche’s aide.

“Reusche has her hands and pulse on everything that is going on in the district. She really gets to know students and staff members, which is a great asset of hers,” Cohen said.

With the immense size of the district, Reusche has learned over the years that her agenda and the amount of work she has vary daily, as she cannot foresee the upcoming day and the situations she will have to confront.

“My job has the most exciting, and yet most emotionally upsetting work. By the time I hear of a student issue, this issue has become a serious matter. I unfortunately have to cope with it and handle the circumstances,” said Resuche, “Aside from that, my job allows me to make an impact on the district, and act as a person for the organization to count on. I have a fast-paced moving job, and I get to attend diverse meetings on curriculum, character building and school climates.”

Reusche appreciates the Cherry Hill Public School District as she now has the opportunity to strengthen her profession, design and implement new programs, work with respectable people and experience the learning process through the eyes of the community.

Marlton welcomes “Cake Boss” Carlo’s Bakery

Carlo’s Bakery Marlton employee.

More lo“When we first opened, we had a cations are Eastside Community Editor six-and-a-half-hour wait, and even expected now business is still booming... we to open in Since 1910, Carlo’s Bakery has still have an hour wait outside.” the greater been providing delectable pastries South Jersey is also a likeable loCherry Hill to the public. Originally owned by cation for the “Cake Boss” himself. community, Carlo Guastaferro, Carlo’s Bakery “We opened in Marlton because according to was purchased by Bartolo “Buddy” the other locations were a little too Kuhnlein.

Valastro, Sr. in 1964. On Novemfar up [north] and Buddy wants to “We are ber 15, 2014, almost fifty years afcome to where it all started in South expecting to ter Valastro, Sr.’s initial purchase, Jersey,” said Wunschel. open up anBuddy Valastro, Jr. welcomed the Carlo’s Bakery, with its technoother new eclectic bakery to South Jersey with logically savvy marketing, is far location in a brand-new Marlton location. more advanced than other bakeries.

Philadelphia Carlo’s Bakery, featured on the Using a nearly paperless system, in the early TLC show “Cake Boss,” has risen Carlo’s Bakery staffers are able to stages of next to national prominence, and concomplete their jobs quickly and efyear,” said tinues to progressively increase in ficiently.

Kuhnlein. popularity since the show’s 2009 “We use the POS [Point of Sale] According premiere. Evidently, several fans system… you basically get your orto Kuhnlein, of the show live in the community, der taken off of an iPad and the only “Cake Boss” proven by the extremely positive rething we have as a paper system, plans to travsponse given to the Marlton Bakery are the tickets distributed outside,” el to more of opening. With the vast amount of said Wunschel. its locations Cherry Hill inhabitants, many have Ashley Cooper (‘17)/ Eastside Community Editor Carlo’s Bakery is located in over than simply flocked to the new business within seven locations including stores in Kuhnlein talks with employee at Marlton location. the original such a short timespan.

Las Vegas, New York, New Jersey Hoboken loare actually closing the Hoboken “The business is great; it’s been and now the Norwegian Cruise cation. The show plans to feature location to make it more like the booming,” said Jessica Wunschel, Ship. Deseveral of the stores, including the Marlton one.” spite the Marlton site.

According to Wunschel, the bakdiverse lo“We will be bringing some proery’s manager, Marisa Lopez, is a cations of duction to this area at the new Margreat addition to the store. the Baklton location,” said Kuhnlein.

“She personally trained me and ery, all of Carlo’s Bakery was not solely she’s awesome,” said Wunschel, the stores created with the purpose of provid“one of the best bakers I have ever remain ing bakery items to residents; it also encountered.” similar has great intentions to give back to Lopez’s baking skills certainly in design the greater community. proved her as en extraordinary bakand con“For one, we hope to help the er as she won “Next Great Baker” cept. community through providing a season three, a spinoff of the origi“Every lot of new jobs at this store,” said nal “Cake Boss” show. Bakers from bakery Kuhnlein. across the nation compete to have we open is Wunschel also commented on the the chance to work with Buddy. extremely matter, discussing business plans Dave Kuhnlein, Head of Marketsimilar of honorable donation. ing of all Carlo’s Bakery locations, and every “We plan to donate some of the commented on why Buddy wanted store is leftover bakery items to the soup to open in Marlton, set up the kitchens,” said Wunschel.

“When Buddy opened the store same way The newest addition of Carlo’s after the ribbon cutting last week, as the Bakery appears to be a positive he said, ‘Why not Marlton?’ Marlton Marlton change for all, allowing sweet bakis the perfect place… there’s a lot of location,” ery items, production sites and volfamilies and towns in the area and said Wununteering tactics to be brought to Ashley Cooper (‘17)/ Eastside Community Editor Marlton is almost the cross-roads in schel. “They the company.

A dessert case at Carlo’s Bakery in Marlton, NJ. South Jersey.”

■ By Ashley Cooper (‘17)

OPINIONS

Page 8

EASTSIDE

Are flipped classrooms beneficial to students?

■ By Rui Zhang (‘15)

YES

Eastside Staff

The current education model has remained unchanged since the beginning of schooling. The role of the teacher as a transmitter has persisted continually for thousands of years. However, today we possess something that our ancestors did not have: the Internet, which is able to transmit materials much more efficiently than any human could.

With visual aids, a video can provide both auditory and visual information simultaneously. Internet education videos have already proved their place in general education (e.g. Khan Academy). Thus stems the idea of a “flipped classroom.”

As an alternative to traditional classroom instruction, a “flipped classroom” involves students absorbing information at home and applying it during class, where the teacher is responsible for figuring out what is the most efficient way the material can be utilized.

Some common problems that occur in a traditional classroom are some students may be shy to ask questions, not all teachers are willing to repeat themselves, some lessons are too slow and some are too fast. But when the student learns from a video, he or she can pause, play, reverse or fast-forward the video at his or her own discretion.

The second portion is application, which is of-

NO

■ By Leah Korn (‘16) ten neglected. In a lot of classrooms, the material Eastside Opinions Editor taught is thrown into notes and neglected until test There are times when day, ultimately never beeducational change can be ing taught. This creates an good, but the concept of environment for late-night “flipped classrooms” proves cramming, where the into be unnecessary. It makes formation is never stored students do homework in long-term, only as much as school and learn at home, necessary for the exam. flipping the norm. However, We are then not being edthis is not the ideal way for ucated but simply filled and students to learn material refilled with disappearing information.

Students are still held res p o n sible for their own learning, as there will still be tests, w o r k sheets, h o m e work and whatnot.

Teachers will Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor not be A student watches a demonstrative video at t h r o w n home of her instructor teaching a lesson. by the wayside either; they will simply and succeed in school. have their roles updated Young adults are alto fit an ever-changing cliready preoccupied with mate. technology. Flipping classMore student participarooms would only increase tion, more teacher involvestudents’ time in front of a ment and more application computer instead of having help students to retain to interact in a classroom. materials as they progress It is true that some stuthroughout their education dents do not thrive in the career. typical classroom atmoThrough the “flipped sphere, so they might benclassroom,” this is achievefit from watching videos able. on a computer in the com-

fort of their own homes.

However, those students who are most successful at learning in the quintessential classroom will struggle with conceptualizing a lesson through a video.

Another problem is that teachers can have trouble making their videos interesting. The videos are solely made up of a teacher lecturing on any given topic. In real-life high school classrooms, teachers organize group projects, discussions and debates. These are activities that get students to converse with others and get out of their seats.

The flipped classroom promotes a lackadaisical learning environment. It will encourage students to slow their pace of learning, eventually decreasing the amount of material that they learn. It is admirable that the flipped classroom acknowledges that students learn at different paces.

Even so, it relies too much on student self-motivation.

In an actual classroom, all students must sit there and listen to the teacher, but with the flipped classroom, students can easily choose not to watch the video.

The main goal of the flipped classroom is to enhance students’ learning.

Yet, students are not getting the opportunity to engage in collaborative assignments.

There is no reason to change the traditional teaching method which has helped both students and teachers get everything possible out of coming to school.

Freshmen vs. Seniors We asked....

1. Describe your time at East in three words.

2. What are you most looking forward to this school year?

3. What has been your best experience at East so far?

4. What is the most important thing that East has taught you?

Andrew Curran (‘18)

Rong Xiang (‘15)

1.New, exciting and fun.

2. Meeting all new people.

3. I am most looking forward to getting to play on the lacrosse team this spring.

4. East has taught me how to carry myself and look out for myself. I’ve learned that I need to do what I want to do.

1. Fun, stressful and fast.

2. Just second semester in general after I get into college and can just relax.

3. All the dances, especially last year’s Sophomore Cotillion.

4. East has taught me that you shouldn’t wait for opportunities to come to you, you have to go and get those opportunities for yourself.

Jackie Rappaport (‘18) 1. Refreshing, exciting and liberating.

2. Getting to know new people because there’s so many people to meet. It’s a whole different world than middle school.

3. Having more freedom because in middle school we couldn’t really do anything.

4. Work hard.

Manny Lee (‘15)

Sydney Steele (‘16)/ Eastside Staff

A freshman ready for school and a senior ready for college.

1.Stressful, competitive and unhealthy 2. Graduation because I’ll be glad to move on from this school.

3. Sophomore year, Ms. Rocchino took my English class to see Les Mis the movie. That was a fun day.

4.To not care what other people think of you.

December 2014

Kim’s Korner ■ By Sonia Kim (‘16)

Eastside Webmaster

In a society that emphasizes the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education, people often do not appreciate the value of a major in liberal arts. In the 2012 movie Liberal Arts, one character asks another, “So, what was your major?”

The other replies, “I was English, with a minor in history, just to make sure I was fully unemployable.”

This short excerpt may have caused people to chuckle a bit, as many will say, “It’s true!” However, students need to understand that the liberal arts are critical in so many different aspects of society. Pursuing an education in liberal arts can offer students jobs and, more importantly, skills that will last a lifetime.

There is no doubt that there have been major changes in both the domestic and global markets, which have altered job prospects. For example, with the increase of technological advances, people think that a STEM education can help increase their chance of employment.

This “pragmatic” sense of thinking can also be seen as an “easy way out,” or in other words, choosing a major just to get a job. While this is definitely not an unsuitable path to take, it surely is not wholehearted.

The problem arises when people start choosing majors, such as those related to STEM, which they have no interest in, over majors in the liberal arts, which they truly want to pursue.

Thus, people need to be educated and informed about the benefits that the liberal arts program can provide. Some of these benefits include the fact that employers have expressed a preference for students who have received a broadly based education like one in the liberal arts, which is founded on invaluable skills such as critical thinking, creative researching and ethical questioning. Also, according to the survey results conducted by Hart Research Associates in 2013, about 75 percent of employers found that most companies value the kinds of problem-solving skills nurtured through liberal arts education more than the technical skills obtained in practical vocational training.

Brown University’s president, Christina Paxson, said, “Our focus should not be only on training students about the skills needed immediately upon graduation…the value of those skills will depreciate quickly. Instead, our aim is to invest in the long-term intellectual, creative and social capacity of human beings.”

Indeed, the world needs its scientists and engineers who conduct significant research to advance society; it also needs its lawyers, educators and journalists, who, despite what most people think, also have the power to lead and innovate.

OPINIONS

December 2014

EASTSIDE

Students should obey their sports commitments

girls look forward to. This year it took place at the Eastside Staff end of October with weekly Coaches should have practices all month. Both complete control over makthe juniors and seniors had ing decisions to allow or not a nice turn-out in numbers, allow their athletes to paryet many more would have ticipate in an athletic event been able to play if they outside of their respective were not already commitsport. When student-athted to fall sports. letes choose to participate When coaches expressed in a sport, they are making to the players that they a commitment to the team would not be able to pracand the coach for the entice or play in the game, tirety of the season. many athletes took it the At the beginning of every hard way. In some instancseason for most teams, stues, students had already dent-athletes are required purchased jerseys to wear to sign docuin the game, ments requirbut found ing acknowlout they edgement, would not be agreement able to play and commiton game day ment to the due to their team and its commitment regulations. to a sports The aforeteam. mentioned This really signature upset some, constitutes but in realthe athity, it was not letes’ pledge their decision to dedicate to make. Aftheir time to ter pledging all practices their fall seaand games. son to a sport While these and a coach, committhey had ments are their comtedious and mitments time-conand priorities suming, it is already dethe decision termined. If Rachel Becker (‘16)/Eastside Photo Editor playing in the the students make when An athlete signs his sports commitment form showing Powder Puff opting to play that he will be loyal to the designated sport. football team a sport. was such a When coaches are delher star player out for the big deal to them, then they egated with the power to season. This not only ruins never should have pledged coach, they are also given his or her high school seato participate in the sport the power to control their son, but also lessens the in the first place. players in a way that will athlete’s chances of receivHigh school sports are a ultimately benefit the team. ing a college scholarship. very big deal, and whether This means that they have An event that seems to students like it or not, when complete dominance of be one of the major conflicts signing commitment forms, what their players do outfor female student athletes they comply to the coaches’ side of their sport in terms is the Powder Puff game. ability to act and control as of other activities.

The Powder Puff football they please regarding all Some may argue that game is an annual event activities during the sports’ this does not allow athletes that many junior and senior season.

■ By Sam Greenberg (‘16)

to gain “the full high school experience.” However, it is the athlete’s decision to commit to playing a sport.

Therefore, it does not seem fair to place the blame on coaches if some athletes are not able to participate in the myriad of other clubs and activities that Cherry Hill East offers.

The same goes for athletes who seek a scholarship or have already received one. In these instances, coaches should be stricter because the last thing anybody wants to see is his or

Page 9

We asked...

If you could switch lives with anyone for one day, who would it be with and why?

Adel Boyarsky (’15) “I would switch with Anderson Cooper because I really love his job. He basically gets to talk about current events all day. He gets to meet the most interesting people and travel all over the world...I just think he has the best life ever. Plus, he’s a Vanderbilt...you can’t get much better than that.”

Matt Fleisher (‘16) “I would switch with my favorite baseball player, Mike Trout. He is an amazing baseball player and the fact that he’s from South Jersey is so cool to me. I look up to him to improve my baseball game, especially his hitting ability.”

Nicole Roselli (‘15) “I guess I could say let me be me. I can't really imagine being someone else other than myself, so why would I want to change?”

Texting does not ruin the English language ■ By Shari Boiskin (‘17) Eastside Staff

The first text message ever sent said “Merry Christmas,” and was sent in 1992. The first real use of “text talk” was in a letter from Lord John Arbuthnot Fisher to none other than Winston Churchill.

The lord used the phrase “OMG,” and included in parenthesis, “Oh! My God!” to describe his surprise at German military tactics and plans.

The English language has existed for 1500 years; however, texting has only existed for 22 years.

Language is a perpetual thing; it is always growing and changing. The English spoken today is far different from the language of Alfred the Great (of the Anglo-Saxons).

Texting, just like a language, has developed its own sort of style. Over time, words have become more colloquial and verbalized. They are spelled the way they sound.

Texting has even developed its own sort of grammar.

Take “LOL,” for example. If someone texts that, it does not usually mean that per-

son is actually laughing out loud. “LOL” often creates a feeling of empathy and eases the amount of tension between texters.

A verbal discussion is fast-paced and only done once. In other words, once one finishes the discussion, one cannot “rewind” and go back to the beginning to hear it again. In writing, it can be done slowly and the words chosen deliberately.

One can go back and reread what was written.

Texting is a mix of both writing and speaking, and thus shares the pros and the cons of a verbal and a written discussion. It is a fast-paced immediate response situation, just like a conversation. A text, however, can be viewed again, because it was written. In a text conversation, information that is exchanged can be seen again without having to ask someone to repeat themselves because one can simply scroll up to review the messages.

Just like texting, first writings were based off of the way people talk. Texting is simply talking through writing.

Many studies, such as

those done by Coventry University (in the United Kingdom) and TED’s John McWhorter, prove that texting has positive effects.

TED is an organization that provides talks and lectures on various subjects such as history, science, linguistics and day-to-day life whose mission is to spread ideas.

McWhorter strongly believes the idea “that teens are language innovators… [and that] their creative development of the English language should be not mocked, but studied.” He even called texting “an expansion of [young people’s] linguistic repertoire” in his TED talk titled “Txtng is killing language. JK!!!”

Coventry University examined 243 students, from primary school up throughout college, for an entire year. The university looked at the texts they sent, as well as samples of the students’ writing. The conclusion found was that texting did not harm the way any of the students wrote.

“Young people seem well aware that different types of communication require different ways of writing,” Coverntry said in his con-

clusion.

Texting is just another form of communication, just like writing a letter or making a phone call to someone. However, the most incredible thing about tex-

out: “Texting is very loose in its structure. No one thinks about capital letters or punctuation when one texts, but then again, do you think about those things when you talk?”

Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor

A student texts her friends with acronyms such as “LOL” and “JK.” ting is that it is constantly changing and keeping up with the times. It is fluid in the sense that it follows the way people talk in the modern day. McWhorter, in his TED talk, points this

People need a modern form of communication for modern times, similar to the way they speak, and something as ever-changing, fast paced, instant and fluid as texting fits the bill.

OPINIONS

Page 10

EASTSIDE

December 2014

Should students be graded on participation?

Yes; participation points make students willing to participate while boosting the grades of all students

■ By Analisa Groble (‘18) Eastside Staff

in the classroom.

Teachers only want to see students succeed in their classes and do not want to give out bad grades.

If students make an effort to pay attention and speak up in class, not only will they learn more, but they also will improve their grades.

Students are only hurting themselves when failing to participate in class. Participation grades are beneficial to students and can ultimately raise a student’s grade if he or she chooses to make the effort of being an active member of the classroom.

No; participation points make students uncomfortable in the classroom and can unfairly hurt students’ grades ■ By Brooke Greenberg (‘17) Eastside Staff

Here at East, many teachers As marking periods and intercount class participation as a gradims come to a close, students all ed assignment. For some, participaacross East scramble to get good fition grades can be detrimental to nal grades by doing well on quizzes, their GPA. However, participation projects and assessments. While grades can actually improve one’s they have earned their way to an A overall grade in a class. all marking period long, some stuParticipation grades ensure that dents are suddenly surprised when students are paying attention in the final “participation” grade goes class. Students should not be alinto ProgressBook and changes the lowed to sit in a class without takgame for many scholars. ing part in classroom discussions. If Many students disregard partica student does not contribute anyipation grades thing in class, then it is because they fair that his or her grade are not often suffers. If a student does talked about. put in the effort to particiThey are an pate in class, then particianonymous pation grades are basically grade that the easy A’s. teacher deThe extra motivation to cides to tack participate in class encouron top of the fiages students to get out nal grade after of their comfort zones and all of the major speak up. A good student assignments should be able to presare in. As a reent a speech in front of a sult, participagroup of people or partake tion grades are in a debate. Participation a make it-or grades, regardless if one is break-it deal an A student, should help for the shyer improve public speaking, a students. skill that will aid students Many of the throughout their entire quieter stulives. Oftentimes, teachdents in class ers will not grade students have their based on whether what grades sufthey said was correct or fer because of not. Instead, teachers are the negative looking for active students participation who are engaged in the lesmarks on their sons. report card. If Participation grades in students are class ensures that students shy, it is part do not zone out in class, of their perEmelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastisde Photo Editor but instead make sure that sonality not students are engaged and Some students participate in class while others listen. to speak up in listening to what is going on class as often

as other students. Unfortunately, many teachers take offense to this and even though the student could be very smart academically, the teacher views the student’s quieter attitude as not willing to learn and participate within the classroom community.

There could be many alternatives for teachers to boost participation grades without putting shy students in an uncomfortable situation. Options include whole classroom activities where the student is only around one or two other students and is actively participating in whatever the activity may be. Also, smartphone technology is taking a steep incline for productivity of teachers and students by measuring their participation and understanding of knowledge about a particular topic without having to speak.

Teachers are starting to use smartphone-based apps and websites such as Socrative to measure skills and understanding. As a result of this new technology, shyer students are more comfortable in class.

Students often have a fear of getting an answer wrong, which is why they choose not to participate. Technology-based class participation is a surefire way to boost student participation grades while making sure they are also comfortable in class.

It also lets the teachers know where the students are at with new material and it is a private matter between teachers and students.

Students’ grades should not have to suffer because of lack of class participation, or the perception thereof. Recently, East has been taking many different approaches to ensure classroom participation without having to put students in uncomfortable situations.

30 day “sit-out” period is unfair for athletes ■ By Matt Nussbaum (‘16)

Eastside Staff

There is a problem in New Jersey high school sports. The problem is with its transfer rules. Too many student-athletes are being punished by a system by no fault of their own.

The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) is the governing body for all New Jersey high school sports.

The NJSIAA has a rule that states that any student who transfers from one school to another without proof of a change in school district must sit out 30 days before being able to play any sport.

While the rule is in place with good intent—to stop recruiting and stacking of athletic teams by a school— in the end it just hurts the athletes. All throughout the state there are certain school districts that are called “choice districts.”

These are districts in which students who do not live within geographical boundaries are allowed to apply to go there at no additional charge to the student’s family. This allows many students the ability to possibly receive a better education than the one they are re-

ceiving at their zoned high school and it gives families much more flexibility.

Problems arise when student-athletes choose to attend a different high school than they previously attended, whether it is for academic or personal reasons, and then attempt to play sports at their new school. NJSIAA rules state that if a student did not actually move to the new district, then they must wait thirty days before they are eligible to play.

This can be a massive blow to students who simply want a better education and want to play a sport they love. If a football player decides to transfer from his residential district to a choice district, then he must wait a month before he is eligible to play, potentially ruining his chance to get a scholarship.

This policy penalizes student-athletes who have trained for their sport all year long and also hurts their chances at earning a college scholarship and furthering their love for the game.

The truth is that many student-athletes are relying on athletic scholarships to get them into college. If a student is forced to sit out one whole month, a sig-

nificant chunk of his or her season, his or her chance at a scholarship and being noticed by scouts significantly decreases. This means that a student-athlete who transferred in order to attain a better education and

improve his or her future, but was relying on a scholarship to get him or her into college, has now been put at a serious disadvantage.

The rule was put in place with extremely good intentions to protect the integ-

rity of high school sports.

Unfortunately, the rule creates more harm than good for student athletes who are just trying to receive the best education suited for them while playing a sport.

Courtesy of East Girls Tennis

Stephanie Yanosov (‘17), a student who transfered from Bishop Eustace, had to wait 30 days befores she was allowed play tennis for East.

EDITORIAL

December 2014

EASTSIDE

Eastside applauds work of Brandon Stanton While the idea that every person has a story has existed throughout the ages of journalism, Brandon Stanton has revolutionized this idea by creating Humans of New York (HONY), making this theory a reality for all.

HONY is a photojournalism collection. Originally starting out as a blog full of portraits, HONY has expanded into several social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, which makes it accessible to everyone.

As a newspaper staff that recognizes the importance

of telling every person’s story, Eastside would like to applaud Stanton on his inspirational and breathtaking photojournalism work that showcases the stories of average people one would pass on the street.

Through a picture and a caption, HONY is able to tell the average person’s story to millions and shatter any preconceived judgments one may have had about him or her. Stanton’s ability to evoke such raw emotion from his subjects and gain a complete stranger’s trust in order to share

these stories is something for which all storytellers should strive. Since Stanton tries to not only include positive stories but also include negative ones, he covers a range of stories from people of all ages, races and sexual orientations that elicit an influx of emotions from those viewing. He has shown that, worldwide, people share similar struggles and feelings through his recent “World Tour” in partnership with the United Nations. In this, he took the concept of his original project based in New York and

expanded it to the world: to humanize those we, in truth, know little about and tell their stories.

Through HONY and this special edition of “World” HONY, Stanton has shown millions that anyone one would pass on a street has his or her own range of problems, achievements and hardships. Through this issue, Eastside would like to promote that every member of the East community has a story and encourage students and faculty to share their stories with Eastside for future issues.

Stanton’s Humans of New York photojournalism collection showcases a diverse group of people and their stories.

Page 11

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Submit signed letters to F087.

Courtesy of Humans of New York

Eastside editors and staff win state and national awards The following awards were presented at the National Scholastic Press Association/Journalism Education Association National Convention: Best Illustration (of all illustrations from the 2013-2014 school year): Rachel Pacitti (‘15) and Helena Sirken (‘15) for their Senior Superlatives artwork Dow Jones Newspaper Fund Distinguished Adviser Award: Mr. Greg Gagliardi On-Site Competitions: Magazine Illustration: Rachel Pacitti (‘15) Broadcast Commentary: Dani Roth (‘15) Social Media Reporting: Becca Cohen (‘15)

and Meghna Kothari (‘15)

Second Place

Editorials: Eastside Editorial Board Opinions: Matt Nussbaum (’16) Columns: Jacob Borowsky (’16) Art/Illustrations: Helena Sirken (’15) Editorial Cartooning: Sydney Steele (’16) Layout/Design: Allie Grossman (’16), Julia Rothkoff (’16), Helena Sirken (’15) On-site Writing: Kaitlyn Boyle (‘17)

News Writing: Julia Rothkoff (‘16)

Honorable Mention Poetry: Ashley Cooper (‘17) Sports Writing: Luke Hinrichs (‘17) Broadcast Writing: Jenna Wilson (‘15)

Honorable Mention

Managing Editor: Rebecca Cohen

Opinions Editors Keshav Amaro Leah Korn Jenna Myers

Editorials: Eastside Editorial Board Opinions: Gilana Levavi (’14) Columns: Alex Grayson (’14) Art/Illustrations: Helena Sirken (’15) Editorial Cartooning: Helena Sirken (’15) Photography: Jordan Stein (’14)

Third Place

Excellent

Sports Editors Courtney Finnegan Luke Hinrichs Marlee Zeitz

First Place

Sports Writing: Jacob Borowsky (’16) In-Depth Reporting: Kaitlyn Boyle (’17), Rachel Cohen (’15), Kayla Schorr (’14) Editorials: Eastside Editorial Board Photography: Jordan Stein (’14) Art/Illustrations: Lucy He (’14) Columns: Gilana Levavi (’14) Opinions: Jenna Myers (’17)

Outstanding

News/Features Editors Kaitlyn Boyle Allison Grossman Steve Mirsen

The following awards were presented at the Garden State Scholastic Press Association Fall Conference for work published in the 2013-2014 school year:

Newswriting: Jenna Wilson (’15) In-Depth Reporting: Gilana Levavi (’14) Reviews/Entertainment: Leah Korn (’16) Reviews/Entertainment: Zach Wohl (’15) Reviews/Entertainment: Jenna Wilson (’15) Editorials: Eastside Editorial Board Photography: Jordan Stein (’14) Art/Illustration: Rachel Pacitti (’15), Helena Sirken (’15) Editorial Cartooning: Rachel Pacitti (’15) Editorial Cartooning: Helena Sirken (’15)

Editors-in-Chief: Rachel Cohen, Meghna Kothari, Jenna Wilson

Community Editors Ashley Cooper Dani Roth

Art Directors Rachel Pacitti Helena Sirken

Entertainment Editors Brielle Clearfield Liza Rothkoff

Photo Editors Rachel Becker Emelia Keller

Underground Editors Jacob Borowsky Julia Rothkoff

Video Editor Sam Kaufman

Humor Editors Brett Dashevsky Emma Silverstone

Webmaster Sonia Kim

Business Managers Drew Meklinsky Priya Mistry Adviser Mr. Greg Gagliardi

Radio Manager Ethan Tinkelman Tech Director Bogdan Vitoc

Eastside’s Staffers of the Month

Contact the Board: 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: rachel. cohen@eastside-online.org.

(Note: There is a dash October: Sydney Steele November: Anthony Cornatzer between “eastside”

Page 12

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December 2014

SPECIAL

December 2014

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■ By Allie Grossman (‘16) Eastside Community Editor

Scrapbook by Rachel Cohen (‘15)/ Eastside Editor-in-Chief, Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor and Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director Photos by Jacob Borowsky (‘16)/ Eastside Underground Editor, Keshav Amaro (‘15)/ Eastside Opinions Editor, Rebecca Cohen (‘15)/ Eastside Managing Editor, Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director, Zoe Peterzell (‘16)/ For Eastside, Emma Silverstone (‘15)/ Eastside Humor Editor and Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor Humans of Cherry Hill East logo by Jacob Borowsky (‘16)/ Eastside Underground Editor

ENTERTAINMENT

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December 2014

Stanton TV shows represent the LGBTQ community tells stories ABC Family airs shows such as influences political legislation to en"Pretty Little Liars" and "The Foscourage marriage equality and stray through ters," which heavily promote the idea from traditional close-minded valof marriage equality as some of the ues. By writing these characters into From "Glee" to "Scandal," more Humans of shows main characters are shown to be in hoscripts, writers are being realistic and that include same-sex couples mosexual relationships. are slowly changing the world. These emerged in the past few years.

New York have HBO broadcasts "Looking," a comnew plot lines are giving the general Screenwriters continue to write about edy-drama focusing on gay men living pubic a glimpse at the lives of the LG■ By Dani Roth (‘15)

Eastside Community Editor

■ By Meghna Kothari (‘15)

Eastside Editor-In-Chief

Ten million Facebook followers, two million Instagram followers and 6,000 photos later, 30-year-old Brandon Stanton has surely made a name for himself simply by interviewing and photographing people in New York. What started out as a simple hobby of photographing people has spiraled into an international spectacle known has “Humans of New York” (HONY).

It all began in 2010 when Stanton lost his bond trading job in Chicago and picked up photography as a hobby. He moved to New York and started photographing New York residents to create a collection of portraits. Despite not having any formal training in photography, Stanton set out on the streets of New York City with a vision for a photography project. His initial idea for this project was to simply take ten thousand portraits of New Yorkers and plot them on a map of the city. However, as Stanton progressed in his work, HONY began to take a new direction, for he realized that each of his participants had a story behind him or her.

In addition to uploading the portrait to his blog, Stanton began to include small conversations between him and the participant as a caption. Each person Stanton met had a story to tell that deserved to be seen. The HONY fan base grew rapidly as Stanton began including these small anecdotes. He even expanded his photo-blog by creating a Facebook and Instagram dedicated to showcasing the portraits and their specific captions. Soon enough, Stanton’s hundreds of followers quickly rose to millions.

As HONY continued to grow as a phenomenon, Stanton expanded his subjects from just New Yorkers to people all over the world in his world tour which was put together with the help of the United Nations. The tour consisted of an itinerary of ten places, such as Iraq and Kenya. Stanton traveled these countries in a span of 50 days and continued to post the stories to his blog.

Overall, Humans of New York has only grown since its first post in 2010. With Stanton’s camerawork and his subjects’ captivating stories, HONY allows people to feel more connected with one another as each anecdote makes its way through social media.

same-sex couples to explore new types of families and implement story lines that affect everyone.

Sitcoms in the 20th century idealized one type of family: a straight married couple with child r e n .

Nowadays, the small screen highlights several different types of families, as seen in ABC's hit sitcom "Modern Family". Shows like "Modern Family" highlight the importance of acceptance since there are numerous kinds of families in the real world other than the standard family of a straight married couple with children.

These shows reflect society’s acceptance of homosexuality as more television networks air shows with same-sex couples. Many people applaud networks that feature same-sex couples because it shows that screenwriters, actors and directors connect with the struggles of the LGBTQ community.

in San Francisco. This show depicts the day-to-day reality of homosexual men and helps represent the LGBTQ community in a truthful light. Even Netflix has included LGBTQ-related s h o w s , including "Orange is the New Black," which is a comedy-drama series about women in federal jail. Many of the characters are part of the LGBTQ community.

Before these such shows existed, celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres opened the media to accepting homosexuality on television. DeGeneres revealed her sexual orientation as homosexual on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 1997.

DeGeneres' ability to dance her way into millions of hearts has made her one of the greatest representations of the LGBTQ community by being out and proud. As one of the most famous and successful gay entertainers, DeGeneres has helped circulate the idea of "gay is okay."

With 21 countries and 35 states legalizing gay marriage, television has responded to society's changes with several gay-oriented television shows. Screenwriters push boundaries in popular culture, which in turn

BTQ community and shows its members’ struggles with their sexuality.

Networks, including ABC, HBO and Fox, continue to air and preview series featuring gay and lesbian characters.

Shows with gay characters suggest the normality of homosexuality and views of gay marriage have risen in its favor as of the early 2000's. Gay marriage and relationships on television help eliminate ignorance in the world, and viewers can become more active in the cause and aware of the struggles of the gay and lesbian youth. Whether a drama or a comedy, shows continue to focus on same-sex couples to coincide with society's shifting values.

Art by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

Controversial clothing disturbs many shoppers

fashion style was very popular among teens and young adults. But due to the recent surge of social media, the offensive line of shirts has received a hugeThe relationship between clothing ly negative spin in terms of publicity, and controversy has strengthened causing the product to undersell. This over the past 20 years due to uplifted way of marketing ultimately backfired restrictions and public approval of for Urban Outfitters, which is likely edgier clothing. However, this renaisnot what the company’s original plan sance of risqué clothing can also thank was. the young adult store chain, Urban Zara recently released a line of pajaOutfitters, which has recently made mas that resemble the uniforms worn headlines again with a new shirt. by people trapped in concentration This T-shirt, labeled as a “faux camps during the Holocaust. Much blood-stained Kent State T-shirt,” dilike the Urban Outfitters controverrectly references the Kent State Massies, this piece of clothing caused the sacre of 1970, in which four unarmed public to react and demand the store student-protesters were shot and to remove the pajamas from the store’s killed. Though only one T-shirt was inventory. This type of clothing allegedly sold, bad press and contromay have been purchased in the versy flooded social media sites like past, but now, the “millennials” Twitter and Facebook as thousands and young adults these compatook to the Internet to criticize the nies target are not buying in to company. Urban Outfitters claimed the publicity stunt. that the shirt was not supposed to According to the Urban allude to the Kent State Massacre.

Outfitters’ public report in The company released a statement The Wall Street Journal, resaying that the sweatshirt resemtail sales have been declinbles blood stains because the dye ing for most of the year and that was used for the shirt ranwill continue to decline as domly turned out that way. Many the year continues. In fact, outraged customers disagreed according to Fortune.com, with this claim. retail sales have been deOver the years, Urban Outfitclining for four consecuters has been the cause of public tive quarters. Urban Outoutrage. In fact, the company has fitters and Zara both face enraged the Jewish community steep competition from com(on more than one occasion), antipanies like Forever 21, which eating disorder groups, anti-drug practices more conventional groups and parents. A shirt that public relations methods contains a six-pointed star badge that tend to not enrage the drew complaints that it looks eemass public. Many people rily similar to the Jewish Stars tend to gravitate to less conthe Jewish people had to wear troversial brands in order to while under Nazi rule before not wear something that may and during the Holocaust. be offensive to someone.

Numerous shirts promoting alcoThe old saying that “all hol and marijuana products also publicity is good publicity” Courtesy of Yahoo! caused a public outcry for a pull- may have been one of these ing of the line of shirts. Many peo- The Kent State shirt sold at Urban Outfitters. companies’ driving forces, ple claim that Urban Outfitters but as times are changing, promotes bad behavior, such as drug clothing controversy became a top so are the consumers, and companies and alcohol use. trending item on both Facebook and must make the decision to adapt and Due to the popularity of Urban OutTwitter, which undeniably caused cushape up, or choose to cling to its prefitters, the store easily gets immedirious consumers to check out the webvious successful ploys and ship out. ate criticism if it releases an article of site and peruse through other clothing What these companies may have once clothing that is controversial. Although in similar taste. thought was a good way to raise prothe store is popular and well-known Yet the shirts themselves that cause motion for themselves has ultimately to many people all around the world, the controversy tend to sell quite poorbackfired, leading to public outrage the store repeatedly releases clothing ly. Ten years ago, the “in-your-face” from many customers.

■ By Zach Wohl (‘15)

Eastside Staff

that stirs up controversy. Whether it releases clothing that is in bad taste or promotes drug use, Urban Outfitters knows how to make consumers upset and outraged by the risky clothing it releases.

Only one question remains: why do Urban Outfitters and other companies like it continue to release lines of controversial clothing? Some believe that the press, whether good or bad, is so high that the clothing chains cannot pass it up. The last Urban Outfitters

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Twilight saga re-emerges as a new web series ■ By Anthony Cornatzer (‘15) Eastside Staff

Brace yourselves…a popular, “undying” franchise filled with star-crossed lovers, teenage angst, vampires and werewolves has now resurfaced.

That’s right, folks. “The Twilight Saga” has now returned... to the computer screen, at least.

As reported by the website of The New York Times, Stephenie Meyer–the original author of the novel series that has gone on to become the popular film series it is today—is currently in coalition with the original distributor company of the series, Lions Gate, to produce a short film series based on characters in the franchise.

These films will be shown exclusively within a year on the social network site, Facebook. And no, these films

will not include members of the original cast of the movie series.

This project, known as “The Storytellers-New Creative Voices of ‘The Twilight Saga,’” will begin as a contest for aspiring female directors and film-makers on the website Tangol.com from which a panel of judges, including Meyer, will select and produce the winning films and mentor their directors before the release of the films on Facebook.

Details and requirements for the contest of these films have yet to be announced on Tangol.com but are expected to be coming soon.

This new endeavor is the latest example of Hollywood integrating big film franchises into the world of social media and technology.

Facebook alone has a following of 1.3 billion subscribed users; for it to host more

short films inspired b y include the distribution of a big franchise entire movies.” like Twilight, But aside from or even combreaking new ground plete movwith the marketing ies, is not and distribution of as unlikethe film industry, ly as some this new project is acw o u l d tually particularly fothink. In cused on shining some fact, in light on the gender gap many ways of females versus males it is rather in the world of film diimminent, as recting. This project is a this latest bold attempt to emproject phasize and advoproves. cate an end to the “The shortage of female social medirectors in the india serdustry. They have vice can gained much supbe more port as a result. than a The project itself platform Helena Sirken (‘15)/ is being backed for movie Eastside Art Director up and supported t r a i l e r s , ” Edward Cullen from the by the Women in w r o t e Twilight series.

Film—an organizaBrooks tion that is partly Barnes of The New York devoted to ending the shortTimes. “Its future may well age of female directors. All

town of Cherry Hill at the annual Cherry Hill Fireworks, these boys always know how to get the audience moving.

the band.

The boys mostly publicize themselves through Facebook, but when they have big gigs, they like to put up

of the panelists are actually female; they include celebrity actresses such as Kristen Stewart, the actress who played the leading role of Bella in the series, and Kate Winslet, as well as big names on the production level of film, including Catherine Hardwicke, the director of the first Twilight movie, and Jennifer Lee, the co-director of Frozen.

Now, at this point, everyone just has to wait for a year to see the final results of what very much seems to be an exciting, ambitious and innovative project in the world of film as well as the cultural following of this widely-popular franchise.

And who knows? Maybe viewers will see more projects similar to these in the course of the next couple of years.

Until then, everybody will just have to wait and see.

No Commitment is committed to performance ■ By Brielle Clearfield (‘15) Eastside Entertainment Editor

Founded in 2011, the band No Commitment has been committed to performing for the young and old alike. The band’s core consists of West student Zachary Birnbaum, lead vocalist; Patrick Oberstaedt (’15), lead guitarist and back-up vocalist; Christian Celfo (’15), drummer; and newest member, Josh Murtha (’15), bassist. Several trumpet players, saxophone players, a choir and Jack Murtha— Josh Murtha’s father and music teacher at Rosa International Middle School— accompany the band when performing for a larger audience at certain gigs.

No Commitment formed while the boys attended Rosa International Middle school for a fundraiser-type event called Stars Over Africa, which raised money to build schools in Uganda. “[After the Stars Over Africa performance], I later joined that summer when I saw them perform at my swim club. I decided to ask them if they still needed a bass player because they originally asked me, and they said sure. So, I went to the first rehearsal and we have been together ever since,” said Murtha.

Initially, the boys formed the name “No Commitment” as a joke because they thought they would only perform for a couple of gigs; however, they decided to continue to play for more than a few performances.

“We have always hated the name ‘No Commitment,’ but I feel like after years of playing [with that title], it is too late to change it,” said Murtha.

Performing in the semifinals of a competition called Rock to the Top at The Stone Pony in New Jersey, this classic rock band is willing to do whatever it takes to win over the crowd. From performing at places like the Parx Casino, Morey’s Pier and the Hebe Lounge to performing all the way back in their home-

that people will see it. A lot of times when you play a gig, you get another gig out of it. It is all about getting your name out there,” said

Courtesy of Josh Murtha (‘15)

No Commitment performs at The Stone Pony in NJ. “Audience definitely has a large part in deciding what we do. When we are deciding [what to play] ourselves it is pretty much democratic. If it’s something we all want to do we will play it, but… if we have to [play] at a specific type of event, we will play things specifically for that [audience],” said Oberstaedt.

Many of the band members are involved in East music groups that help them better their musicianship while performing in

posters around the area to get their name out. They recently appointed Mark Oberstaedt as manager of the band to help No Commitment sign gigs as well as create band merchandise for them to sell at shows.

The band is also featured on iTunes and has been nominated as the “Best Under 21 Band in New Jersey” as well as the “Best Under 18 Album” at the 2013 New Jersey JAM Awards.

“Do anything you can to get your name out there so

Celfo.

Finding time to practice has been the biggest struggle with this extremely active group. Many of the members are in clubs at school and have jobs and other commitments, so finding a time to rehearse is a challenge. Nonetheless, No Commitment finds time to rehearse and plans on continuing the band once they have graduated high school. The band plans to stay together as the boys travel to college.

“We just kept practicing and practicing and the more we practiced and gigged, we stopped becoming four guys as a band and started becoming one group. And that is what makes you a better band and better musicians.

For upcoming bands who are just starting out, just keep practicing and just put your heart into it and the music will eventually come together,” said Murtha.

Ironically, No Commitment is a band who is surprisingly committed to its craft.

ENTERTAINMENT

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December 2014

Shows use crude humor to satirize current events ■ By KateLynn Garden (‘18)

said, “Two imported cases...have been reported in the United States.

CDC and partners are taking preIf you tune into Comedy Central cautions to prevent the further on Wednesday nights at around 10 spread of Ebola within the United p.m., odds are you will find yourStates.” It is obviously a very seriself watching a new episode of the ous issue that should not be taken hit animated comedy-show “South lightly.

Park.”

“SNL” writers say otherwise, However, just like other crude creating a skit where an actor rephumor shows, “South Park” has resenting Obama said, “Now some been criticized for its offensive people want to criticize the way jokes. “South Park” is known for the administration has handled keeping up with the current events, this [Ebola] crisis. And it is true we coming up with creative made a few mistakes episodes and creating early on. But I assure scenarios that satirize you, it was nowhere present news stories. near as bad as how we In most shows on handled the ISIS situtelevision, the nature ation.” “SNL” somehow of humor is kept conmanaged to make fun sistent. Although with of Obama, the Ebola these shows in particucrisis and the ISIS sitlar, some episodes are uation. more tame than oth“I think the sketch ers. In “With Apologies was more [of] a comto Jesse James,” aired mentary on the fact in 2007, “South Park” that people do not think parodies the Michael the government is doRichards controversy. ing enough rather than Richards is best known crossing the line. It is for playing Kramer on true that Ebola is scary Seinfeld. In the tail-end and I think they recogof 2006, he reacted badly nize that, but they also to a group of black heckdo make fun of it. But lers by using racial slurs in general, students and making a reference are crazy crossing the to lynching. line. Everyone jokes “It is not right to joke about Ebola, seriously about these topics,” said it is not funny,” said Kira Mahoney (‘18) afAllison Kritz (‘15). ter watching the clip. “I Perhaps “SNL” writknow a lot of actors do ers are just trying to [these] kinds of things, raise awareness about but it disappoints me as Ebola in a way that ena fan of Seinfeld.” tertains the public and The jokes on “South actually tricks them Park,” in particular, into being aware. range from mild to horAll in all, risky huribly offensive. The mor can be, for lack of Elián Gonzáles affair Sydney Steele (‘16)/ Eastside Staff a better word, risky. In was a situation in which The main characters from “Family Guy” watch TV in a typical episode of the show. the case of “South Park,” a young boy escaped writers used controCuba, lost his mother in versy to gain popularity the process and ended up stuck in form of humor, much like many othing the genuine comedic feel it once for their own show, whereas “SNL” the United States judicial systems er primetime comedy shows, deals had. The show crosses lines in a might actually be trying to make for months until he eventually rewith current events while trying to sloppy, careless manner instead of a comment about society without turned. An image was taken of make these events humorous. Durthe under-the-radar type of humor coming out and saying it.

Gonzáles, which won the Pulitzer ing a “Family Guy” and “The Simpthe show once possessed.

“SNL” writers clearly know what Prize that year. It depicts Gonzáles sons” crossover episode, a joke about As many people know, the Ebola they are doing, and they have over screaming as he is held by a family rape was made. This joke caused an outbreak is currently infecting and 30 Emmys as proof. Whereas, people member in a closet with an officer uproar by many fans, who requestkilling many people in West Africa. should probably ask “South Park,” sticking a gun in his face. ed that the joke be removed before The Center for Disease Control who are you going to offend with There is a shockingly similar still the episode aired.

(CDC) and Prevention themselves your crude sense of humor next?

Eastside Staff

in yet another episode of “South Park.” It shows an FBI agent shooting a character, but once it is evident what is being satirized, it cannot possibly be appreciated as humor.

“South Park” has also parodied the death of Terri Schiavo, symbol of the pro-life movement. The episode about Schiavo was aired on March 30, 2005. She died the very next day.

Like “South Park,” “Family Guy” is another popular show that showcases controversial humor. This

Another extremely popular comedy show is “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), which airs weekly on NBC. It has been on television since 1975 and is widely considered one of the best television shows of all time.

This is a title which SNL clearly deserves, considering it has earned over 150 Emmy nominations, the most any show has ever received.

But, of course, every great show has its individual issues. The issue with “SNL” is that many people are now claiming that the show is los-

East mime tells what is behind the paint

Mimes do not have a specific persona. Therefore, there is no need for any labels. Mimes are Eastside Staff free to become anyone or anything that they would like. This is an opportunity Although mimes are notorious for to erase labels for a moment their silent personas and upbeat perand focus on the more imporsonalities, when the white face comes tant aspect of the mime: their off and the characters are put aside, character’s personality. they truly become people with large Everyone has his or her things to say. own fears, whether they are Whether it is about ordering pizza big or small. Gagarin feels in white face or creating a comfortable that fears can be overcome vibe with the audience, the memoirs with courage and persisof a mime are truly interesting. tence.

Sarah Gagarin (’16), an East mime “Having courage means connoisseur, illustrates the indescribthat you’re afraid, so when able bond between a performer and you’re afraid to do something his or her audience. that actually means you have Gagarin explained that her mime what you need to be brave persona is quite the prankster. She enough to do it,” said Gafinds the response from the garin. a u dience rousing, Like most performers, as though the mimes also get a little bit neraudience’s vous before a show. However, energy their nervousness before a brings show quickly dissipates when t h e they walk into the spotlight. charThe confidence a mime has Courtesy of Sarah Gagarin (‘16) trumps any fears that may be acter to life. Gagarin (left) performs with a fellow mime in costume and face paint. standing in his or her way.

She deThroughout life, Gagarin is scribes her scenes as labels,” which would allow humans to just be able to enjoy the small moments and create them “intimate moments” or who they are. Accepting the label of someone into memories that last forever. From a laugh “little secrets” between her and and expunging the idea of labels are two differcreated by an audience member, to the face of the the audience. The minute that she spends on ent things. Gagarin thinks that if labels ceased pizza guy when there is white paint on her face, stage creates such a bond between her, her fellow to exist, the world would be a more peaceful and all of these memories make Gagarin the mime mimes and most importantly, the audience. harmonious place. she is today.

■ By Elizabeth Hallinan (‘17)

When it comes to changing the world, the list of requests would be infinite. Gagarin feels the world would be a better place “if there were no

UNDERGROUND

December 2014

EASTSIDE

Page 17

A decade later, MF DOOM’s productive 2004 remains legendary ■ By Jacob Borowsky (‘16) Eastside Underground Editor

Emcee and producer MF DOOM is almost the perfect underground artist. The New York-based emcee is highly coveted by fans of the underground hip-hop scene as an ingenious producer and lyricist who never aimed to appeal to the masses.

To mainstream or casual rap fans, the name “DOOM” may not bear any significance; to fans, the name evokes nostalgia and deep reverence for one of the genre’s most legendary—and mysterious—artists of all time. One decade later, MF DOOM is still perhaps best known for the high volume of phenomenal albums he released all within the year 2004.

The unpredictable DOOM began his hip-hop career in 1988 under the stage name “Zev Love X” with hip-hop group KMD. Though the group saw moderate success, upon the death of KMD member and brother of DOOM, DJ Subroc, the group disbanded and DOOM disappeared from hip-hop for over half a decade. In 1997, he re-emerged into the hip-hop scene under the new stage-name MF “Metal Face” DOOM. Throughout the rest of his career, he has adopted many other stage names such as King Geedorah, Metal Fingers and Viktor Vaughn, but has always been known for his name and his signature mask.

Ever since his re-entry into the hip-hop scene in 1997, DOOM has rarely been seen without his trade-

marked mask, a modified version long. Madvillainy has been regardof the mask which Marvel Supered as one of the best albums of all Villain “Dr. Doom” wears in comics. time, with some of the best beats MF DOOM is not merely a characand most impressive word play hipter to the emcee; the act has become hop has ever heard. Madlib handles a lifestyle to him. DOOM maintains the entirety of the album’s his character even off of the stage, production, masterfully as his whereabouts are never pubcombining a wide-range lic, and he rarely gives interviews. of samples, from accorSome may see this as curt, but in dions, to pieces of mureality, this is exactly how DOOM sic from soul jazz musimaintains such allure today. Truly, cian Dr. Lonnie Smith, no one parallels DOOM’s devotion to samples of old Spito his craft. derman cartoons. The DOOM spent 2004 hard album experiat work on three records: ments with Madvillainy, Venemous a wide vaVillain and MM.. Food. riety of These records would sounds define his career. The a n d first to come out in styles March of 2004 was of hipMadvillainy, a h o p collaboration withalbum with o u t renowned overdoproducer ing it, a n d as only close t w o partsongs n e r r u n Madlib m o r e as the t h a n d u o three “Madminvillain.” utes in The allength. b u m As for spans 46 DOOM, minutes his lyria n d c i s m Spencer Maussner (‘16)/ Eastside Staff on the runs 23 MF DOOM holds a synthesizer. tracks t a p e

is thought-provoking, humorous and downright impressive. His rap style, which includes a large and varied vocabulary as well as frequent multi-syllabic alliterations, is at its absolute peak on this record. Lines like “The van screeches, the old man preaches, bout the gold sand beaches/ the cold hand reaches/ for the old tan Ellesse's, Jesus” off of “Meat Grinder” demonstrate some of hip-hop’s finest word play to date.

On other songs, DOOM raises some important points about religion and conflict. For example, on “Strange Ways,” DOOM raps, “They pray four times a day, they pray five/ whose ways is strange when it's time to survive/ some will go of they own free will to die/ others take them with you when they blow sky high,” pointing out the pettiness of religious conflict and its gruesome consequences. The words “masterpiece” and “perfect” are used too often to describe good music; if there were ever an appropriate record to label as such, it would most certainly be Madvillainy.

MF DOOM elevated himself to a higher level with his active 2004, single-handedly creating new hiphop fans all over. Despite his large underground following, DOOM never met the mainstream—which is exactly how he would like it to be. His underground success has allowed him to make music how he wants.

To read more on MF DOOM, please visit the Underground section of eastside-online.org.

Molecularly modified foods are potentially the food of the future ■ By Joshua Sodicoff (‘18)

Eastside Staff

Food is an essential part of the existence of all humans. However, a new movement has recently begun, usually referred to as the “pure food” movement.

It strives for a more organic and locally grown system of agriculture.

This campaign for food, which is considered “untampered with,” has gained much traction in opposition to such agricultural mega corporations as Mansanto.

However, a “fringe group” has appeared and has ideals that are a departure from contemporary cuisine.

It is called “molecular gastronomy” and its followers envision chemically altered food to be the next step in the culinary arts.

Molecule-r, a retailer of additives, said that the

movement can be defined as “the fusion of food science and culinary arts.”

Molecular gastronomy aims to revolutionize the creation and presentation of food by using several chemicals, commonly obtained from organic sources. It first surfaced in 1991, when Elizabeth Cawdry Thomas, a teacher of cooking, gave a lecture on the applications of chemistry to food preparation.

The main principle of molecular gastronomy is the use of additives to change the properties of food, allowing for new and modern versions of old classics as well as dishes that may have once seemed unimaginable. The main ingredients in these dishes are usually, but not exclusively, agaragar, an algae based gelatin substitute; xanthan gum, a thickener; and liquid nitrogen. Using these tools,

a molecular gastronomist can create spheres of liquid, pasta made of arugula, and

lecture was the branchingout of avant-garde cuisine.

Many of her followers, such

Joshua Sodicoff (‘18)/ Eastside Staff

A molecularly modified gelatin dish with grapes. thin chips of meat. Processes such as distillation and dehydration also play a key part in the creation of these edible masterpeices.

The result of Thomas’s

as Ferran Adria of El Bulli, a Michelin 3-star restaurant, and Heston Blumenthal of The Fat Goose, also a Michelin 3-star restaurant, have redefined the

texture and composition of food. Blumenthal elaborated on this idea in his “Cooking Statement,” saying “as with everything in life, our craft evolves, and has done so from the moment when man first realized the powers of fire.” He continued on, explaining that the point of molecular gastronomy is to continue the natural progression of change in the arts. Molecular gastronomy has also entered the kitchen of many Americans through websites that sell the necessary additives, as well as the tools needed in conjunction, allowing those with a knack for cooking and without a restaurant nearby to create specialty dishes.

The future of food may not lie entirely in molecular gastronomy, but the world may see this style of cuisine become a staple of the restaurant scene in coming years.

Light-up shoes once lit up children’s fashion ■ By Matt Kains (‘16)

Eastside Staff

The concept of a shoe that lights up with each step has fascinated designers since the 1970s. The idea was born in 1978 when a women’s fashion company debuted a lightup disco shoe. In 1989, Marty McFly was seen rocking a pair of Nike Air Mags, a futuristic sneaker with an LED outsole, in Back to the Future Part II. However, it wasn’t until 1992 when rising sneaker company, LA Gear, officially changed the shoe game forever.

In 1979, Robert Greenberg, whose goal was to sell products that captured the “Los Angeles lifestyle,” founded LA Gear. Throughout the 1980s, LA Gear saw tremendous growth thanks to Greenberg’s fashion sense. The company gained so much popularity that Michael

Jackson, Paula Abdul, NBA legend sole of each shoe and displayed a Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and football fantastic show of brightly-colored Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Monlights coming from the heel when tana all endorsed their own lines of triggered by a single footstep.

LA Gear sneakers. While these peoThe shoe appeared in many retail ple give LA Gear a nice resume, the stores including company’s true claim to fame ocFoot Locker curred in 1992, when i t and sold released the “LA m o r e Lights” sneaker than five line aimed million primarily at pairs children. within If you t h e owned these line’s sneakers first as a kid, year. you were L A the coolest Lights one on the d o m i playground. nated the The sneakers children’s contained a small shoe marHelena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director LED light in the k e t

well into the middle of the ‘90s.

The shoe’s success prompted a less successful adult line. NBA star Karl Malone endorsed a pair of LA Lights, but the shoe was dubbed one of the “ugliest basketball shoes ever made” by many sneaker and sports websites. The shoe’s popularity rapidly declined when it was revealed that the shoe contained a small amount of mercury, which helped trigger the blinking lights.

LA Gear found an alternative solution, but it never recovered from this mishap and the light-up shoe craze slowly faded away.

If you were born in the ‘90s, there is a good chance you sported a pair of LA Lights and that you were fascinated by the ability to light up a dark room with one step. While nobody wears this classic shoe anymore, it certainly sparks a sense of nostalgia in those who once did.

UNDERGROUND

Page 18

EASTSIDE

December 2014

Different “crew” members share their experiences Crew: Mike Kueny discusses how rowing has impacted his life with three other boys in a “four person sweeping boat” race during his sophomore year. Later in the year, he competed in the solo event, where he placed second in the country. During his junior and senior years, he has competed in national races in both four and eight men boats, placing in at least the top 10 every time.

As an exceptional athlete, Kueny does not regret the amount of work he has to put in to succeed.

He embraces the challenge of perfecting his craft openly.

“I love the fact that [rowing] is an all body workout,” Kueny said.

“Everything about it is so technically precise. If you’re not perfect in your motions, you won’t do well.”

Kueny’s love for rowing shows in the results of his work. Though rowing may come naturally to him, becoming a national champi-

■ By Jacob Borowsky (‘16)

Eastside Underground Editor

To dedicate oneself entirely to a craft is easier said than done. Crew member Mike Kueny (’15) has taken the concepts of dedication and hard work to a level few can.

Kueny started rowing in eighth grade.

After seeing an advertisement for a local crew club, he decided that because he was not involved in any extracurricular activities, he would join. Little did he know that mere years later, he would be competing at the national level and committed to the University of Delaware men’s lightweight rowing team.

Kueny has received numerous awards in crew and has competed nationally for the past three years. He placed seventh in the nation

on rower required substantial effort. Kueny said that crew has taught him all this and more.

“Rowing has taught me

Courtesy of Mike Kueny

Kueny (‘15) rows in a four-man sweeping boat. that in order to be successful in life, you must give 110 percent in anything you do and you also must love what you’re doing. I love rowing—it’s my passion, it’s my life force. It’s taught me a lot about team work as well, working with

Grounds crew: Rafael Espinal youth on the island.

At one point, however, Espinal decided to make the move to the United States. The contrast According to the US Census between the Caribbean and the Bureau, 17 percent of the United States is great, and United States of Amerleaving behind everything ica’s total population he knew, he said, was are Hispanic immihard. grants. There are “My mom wanted 54 million people of to [move]. So, I had Hispanic origin livto come along with ing in the United her,” Espinal said.

States as of July He ended up in 2013. This makes Cherry Hill after Hispanics the largone of his friends est ethnic minority told him about the in the diverse United township’s diverse States. So, it shouldn’t and welcoming combe much of a surprise munity. This was the that in Cherry Hill East, same friend who got him to there are people of Spanish work in the school district. descent.

“I love it here at East. Everybody If you happen to be in Cafeteria is kind and I have been treated ex2 during either of the lunch breaks, ceptionally well ever since I started you may have working seen Mr. Rahere,” Esfael Espinal a pinal said. few times. He Espinal is a part of has been East’s maina part of tenance staff the Cherry and grounds Hill comcrew.

His munity job includes for many cleaning both years. He in and around has been the school, working including the at East for cafeterias and the past the school’s six years, exterior. He originally often hangs working out in the caffor Araeteria whenmark. He ever he is not became busy. Espinal Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor a Cherry comes from Espinal enjoys life in Cherry Hill.

Hill East Santo Doemployee mingo, the when the capital of the district Dominican Republic. began to hire its own janitorial emThe Dominican Republic is ployees. He feels extreme gratitude known for hospitable natives, sunfor the kindness he has received ny weather and beautiful beaches. over his time at East.

Since Espinal mainly speaks Espinal is a role model to those Spanish, the following quotes are who are scared to experience new translated from Spanish to Engthings in life. Instead of being frightlish. ened at the prospect of a whole new “It was great. I had a very happy life, he accepted it with open arms childhood,” Espinal said about his and let good things come to him.

■ By KateLynn Garden (‘18)

Eastside Staff

different people and personality types, how to get around that and work best with them and make your teammates your friends,”

he said.

Kueny goes far beyond what the ordinary athlete does to maintain peak physical and mental shape.

“I focus so heavily on not only physical health but mental health. I try to keep stress out of my life as

much as possible. Rowing is a great way to eliminate that stress,” Kueny said, “so I have one less thing to worry about. To stay in physical shape, I rarely ever miss a practice. Even after practices, if I think I haven’t put enough of a workout in, I’ll go home and run a couple miles, or put some more work in on the rowing machine, or lift weights. I lift three to four times a week to stay in shape. I also make sure that I keep a very healthy diet and never eat junk food to keep myself as fit as possible.”

For Kueny, his packed schedule and grueling daily workouts are his solace. He loves what he does and loves the work he has to put in every day to improve. Otherwise, he says, it wouldn’t be worth his time.

“If you don’t love what you’re doing, you shouldn’t do it,” Kueny said. “I’m pretty decent at crew, but if I didn’t like it, I would pick up something else I loved— even if I wasn’t the all-star.

As long as you love what you’re doing, it’s what you should be doing.”

Stage crew: Rafi Brinn

“I wish I would have gone to more crew calls as a freshman Eastside Underground Editor and sophomore. I think that way I would have learned more in other East’s stage crew has one tough fields besides sound, and that way job. While the performers I would be more useful now are out on stage receivthan I already am,” said ing praise for their Brinn. work, the members All of the members of stage crew are of stage crew have working behind the to constantly be scenes with lights alert during East and microphones. productions, someRafi Brinn (’15) is thing Brinn wishthe sound engineer es she would have of stage crew. As known during an sound engineer, she incident last year. is in charge of the “Last year we did microphones and the ‘Aida’ for the spring levels of the sounds that musical. One night come out of the speakers.

Aida was about to [go on Brinn has been a part of stage] and do her first solo stage crew since she entered East performance, and her microphone her freshman year. doesn’t work. I didn’t know what “I wanted to join stage crew beto do. [During the incident], I probcause I saw ably aged how the peofive years. ple in stage It was horcrew interrible. It was acted with last year, so each other. I it wasn’t like saw that they it was my all had really freshman strong friendyear, but I ships. It was will probably kind of like never for[when I joined get it. I even stage crew], I wrote about Miku Fujita (‘16)/ Eastside Staff it in my colwas becoming part of a fam- Rafi Brinn (‘15) behind the scenes. lege essay,” ily,” Brinn said Brinn. said.

Brinn is proud of her contribuAfter gaining experience with tion to East’s theater productions. sound her freshman and sophomore Last year during One Acts, East’s years at East, Brinn upgraded to Thespian Society awarded Brinn sound engineer with Logan Lassin with the “Technician of the Year” (’14). This school year, Brinn is the award. only sound engineer.

As a senior, Brinn knows that While being a part of stage crew she will soon be faced with the is fun, it is definitely difficult, acdaunting task of saying goodbye to cording to Brinn. stage crew.

“It’s kind of like an art balanc“I’m sure a lot of clubs at East ing the school work and stage crew have a family vibe, but I really felt work, especially when it comes it while in stage crew, probably becloser to a show, because we meet cause it was the first club at East more often and for extended perithat I did. I felt [like I was part of ods of time. It’s really difficult to a family] right away. [As a freshmaintain my grades,” said Brinn. man], I just wanted to look back seAs a senior, Brinn has gained nior year and say ‘I have this fama lot of experience in stage crew. ily too,’ and that is something that However, she still has regrets.

I can now say.”

■ By Julia Rothkoff (‘16)

December 2014

HUMOR EASTSIDE

Page 19

New trend in social media slides into the English Department ■ By Emma Silverstone (‘15)

Eastside Humor Editor

A new school-wide rule has caused teachers to change their lesson plans completely. As a result of Twitter’s influence on students, teachers have arranged for essays to be no longer than 140 characters. Students will also be required to use a hashtag when creating titles for essays. Multiple teachers are excited about this change because they think it begins a new chapter in the education system.

“I think this is a great idea,” Junior English teacher Mr. Joe McLawrence said. “Maybe now, my students will actually enjoy writing essays.”

Some of McLawrence’s students celebrated the new rule.

“Hopefully McLawrence will enjoy hashtag learnvin (’16) said. “I can barely will finally get with the ing,” Lewin said. escape hearing people talktimes and actually make Some students believe ing about that stupid social his class interesting,” Juthat the new rule is detrimedia app outside of class. lie Stuart (’16) Now I have to said. “He’s like a deal with it in dinosaur and seschool as well? riously needs to This is one understand what trend I hope his students enends quickly.” joy.”

There has The adminisbeen a drawtration voted 6-3 back to the in favor of the new policy. new policy. When Students have the members of had a difficult the administratime switchBrett Dashevsky (‘16)/ Eastside Humor Editor ing from Twittive board spoke to support the The rubric used to grade new English essays. ter language policy, Nancy mode to norLewin insisted that schools mental to their education, mal conversation once they create more interesting adand that it makes their exhave left the classroom. ditions to the classroom to perience in the classroom “One day I asked my stuhelp learning. even more distracting than dents to tell me what the “I love hashtag educaunder other circumstances inverse of a certain function, and I think that our “This is what our world tion was and they respondschools should implement has come to? It makes me ed with ‘hashtag twerking’ new rules so that students hashtag sick,” Louise Meland began to literally tweet

Gone Girl to be family favorite

Gone Girl is stylistically equivalent to Where’s WalEastside Staff do, with the main difference Before reading Gillian being that it features a lost Flynn’s book Gone Girl, I woman, Amy, instead of a doubted that it would be man. Just as in the Waldo any good. I liked Where’s books, each page contains Waldo when I was younger, an illustration of a large but was this sequel neccrowd and the reader’s job essary? To my surprise, I is to locate Amy. deeply enjoyed this incredSo what makes Gone Girl ible book. such a worthwhile read? Not Flynn developed the idea only is searching for Amy for Gone Girl in response to an enjoyable way to pass a flurry of criticism directed the time, but each page is toward the original Where’s brimming with the stuff of Waldo series. In the wake feminist fantasies. For exof the ample, feminist on page culture 25, Amy sweeping gets herthe naself lost tion, many at the p e o p l e Seneca started to Falls argue that convenWhere’s t i o n .

W a l d o Plus, in indoctrithe back nated chilof the dren with book are the belief some rethat men movable like Waldo badges are more for you important to wear to “search at your for” than n e x t women. w o m T h e e n ’ s f i g h t rights against rally.

“Waldo” Gone b e g a n G i r l when Behas now y o n c é b e e n Emma Silverstone (‘15)/ m a d e tweeted, Eastside Humor Editor into “Not leta Gone Girl is a great read for all. m a j o r ting Blue Ivy read motion Where’s picture.

Waldo. She needs to learn I was skeptical that a puzthat her gender is imporzle book could be converttant too. #WherestheWomed into a good movie, but an #Feminist.” A great porwas truly taken aback by tion of her large fanbase this wonderful adaptation. agreed and took to Twitter The movie follows Amy as and other social media sites she transcends time and to make the argument for gets lost in many differa new version of Where’s ent locations and historical Waldo. eras. Each time, a famous “I just think it’s horrenwoman comes to the rescue dous that Where’s Waldo and finds Amy. There are teaches children to always many pauses to the story look for the man,” said Lena as the movie provides the Dunpork, who recently background of each woman, pulled her daughter out of including St. Joan of Arc, an elementary school whose Amelia Earhart and Lucrelibrary contained several tia Mott. I thought it was a books from the offending fantastic film. series. “Women are just as And so, readers, I recimportant as men, yet are ommend Gone Girl. It is consistently marginalized an inspiring piece of art. by this sexist garbage.” thinking.

■ By Rachel Brill (‘15)

like birds. If this is what the new rule is going to do to our students, I don’t know if I can support the English Department’s decisions for much longer,” Pre-Calculus teacher, Mr. Matthew Preson, said.

Throughout East there has been new graffitti with vulgar hashtags, most of which have created an unsafe environment, according to Josh Waters (‘18).

“I’ve seen so many hashtags that I feel like someone is going to fly into my face and kill me while I’m walking to Enriched Algebra class,” said Waters.

The future of the school seems to be fluttering with popular technology. For now, students and staff are speculating about what the next change in education will be. The school is waiting to see what happens.

Tragic fate for piece of toast ■ By Brett Dashevsky (‘16)

Eastside Humor Editor

On Tuesday, November 11, Cherry Hill East hosted its annual blood drive.

The blood drive team spent many days advertising the event, but unfortunately fell short of its blood donation goal.

East Activities Director, Mr. RJ Cravis, was so upset with the lack of students donating that he began relying on inanimate objects to donate.

The blood drive began Tuesday at 7:45 a.m. as students and inanimate objects strolled their way in at their specific times.

“Everything was going so smoothly to start off,”

said chairperson Rachel Thankyou (‘15). “That’s when I knew it was going to be a good day.”

The blood drive began with a successful amount of donations and every donor who signed up arrived at their scheduled time.

A few desks and binders showed up for their donation, which made Cravis very delighted knowing his idea to allow inanimate objects to donate was slowly aiding the school towards its goal.

However, tragedy struck around 1:05 p.m., as the school day was coming to an end. A loaf of bread came in to donate, but as the donation process began, the loaf began to spaz

out. The loaf’s temperature rose quickly.

“We tried to cool him down,” said a nurse. “We had to move quickly or he was going to be toast!”

It was the first time in blood drive history that anything this severe has occurred.

“12 CC’s of cream cheese were rushed to the scene,” said a nurse.”The loaf turned pale within seconds.”

“Jam it, this has never happened before. What dwent wrong?” Cravis said.

Participantswere shocked by the news.

“He will be missed,” said Joe Jennings (‘16). “He’s in a butter place now. ”

New version of test drives into Cherry Hill were announced, East students have been creating lists of all the possibilities the The acronym new PARCC test PARCC stands for could throw at “Partnership for Asthem and stresssessment of Readiing out. ness for College “The other and Careers.” As stuff’s easy,” said the name implies, it Daniel Becker aims to measure a (’16), a student student’s readiness driver who refor attending college ceived a handand participating in me-down car the real world. All from his grandEast juniors are remother last quired to pass the month. “It’s the test in order to gradparking thing uate. Recent changes that worries me. to the PARCC test, are so Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor There however, have sentStudent flustered by the new PARCC test. many variables. I East’s entire junior don’t even have a class into turmoil. work, and parking a car. license, I just got my per“After months of negoThe official list of “every mit, I have no idea how to tiations, we have decided to single important life skill” drive the stick-shift car my expand the PARCC,” said can be found on the PARCC grandma gave me, and – oh David Mornestein, a memtest’s website in a PDF file. my gosh, what if they make ber of the PARCC governThe document is twenty me park on a curve?” ing board. “Instead of just pages long, not including The junior class is holdmeasuring reading and pictures. ing its breath as the PARCC math, students will now be Mr. Hale Parker, an Engtesting dates inch closer required to learn a wider lish teacher at East, appreand closer. range of crucial life skills.” ciates the size of the list.

“This isn’t like any test As it turns out, this isn’t “The new test will truly I’ve ever taken, except mayan exaggeration. assess a student’s readibe, like... no, never mind.

According to Mornestein, ness for college and future This definitely isn’t like the new PARCC test will careers,” he said. “My only any test I’ve ever taken in focus on “every single thing complaint is that they didn’t my life,” said Jane Nguyen you need to do in life, ever.” add miniature golfing to the (‘16).

Among the 622 things listed list. Miniature golf is an imClearly, the PARCC are skills like paying taxes, portant skill.” has taken a sharp turn for dealing with the struggles East students, however, the unexpected– unless, of of paying taxes, accepting don’t feel the same way. course, it decides to change job layoffs without openly Ever since the changes its format again.

■ By Lanxi Li (‘16)

Eastside Staff

crying, staying up until two in the morning because of

HUMOR

Page 20

EASTSIDE

December 2014

Bell rule leaves students stranded in class for days ■ By Jonah Cohn (‘15)

Eastside Staff

With the recent rule in effect that students are not permitted to leave the classroom unless the bell has rung, students are outraged. Recently, students were stranded in their classrooms for five bell-less days. The school policy requires students to remain in their classrooms until the bell rings, but the rule does not apply to teachers. Students and parents are now concerned about whether the major risks presented by this policy outweigh its alleged benefits.

“The first several hours were actually somewhat fun, I thought,” said John Donly (‘15).

Donly was in his first period Textbook Analysis 3AP class for the duration of the crisis, now widely known as “Bellgate Scandal”.

“It got kind of awkward in the evenings when [my teacher] went home. My class was expected to adhere to the honor system and stay in our seats until the bell rang,” Donly said.

Ricardo Munerez (‘16), a staffer for the school newspaper, heroically infiltrated the school and snuck through the ventilation system to document Bellgate as it unfolded.

“I had never seen so

much pain and suffering in all my days of investigative journalism,” Munerez said.

“One unfortunate girl... she kept loudly screeching about her school allergies.”

Munerez’s account of this girl are disturbingly

consistent with reports of at least one student visiting the school nurse’s office every 35 minutes to complain about being “allergic to school.”

One student in Miss Roe Terry’s Chemistry 1H class,

Julia Hablak (‘17)/ For Eastside

Students start to feel desperate after waiting five days for the bell to finally ring.

16-year-olds feeling square, excited to hit their prime at 17.

East students groan after Eastside makes another pun.

Pot-hole season begins.

Every day is now a day six.

East thumb wrestling team wins state title.

Freshmen win Spirit Week.

East gym collapses after the administration is given the aux cord.

Logo by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

The most non-interesting man alive

■ By Emma Silverstone (‘15)

Eastside Humor Editor

Many students in the East community enjoy participating in various after-school activities because they enjoy making new friends and having something to do besides homework. However, one student, Mark Troy (’16), prides himself on doing as little as possible, and everyone in the school community admires him for it.

A typical day for Troy begins at three o’clock in the morning.

“I need to make sure that I’m awake in time to watch the news,” Troy said. “I usually do my homework as well, because I love doing homework so much.”

Once Troy turns on the television, he said he grabs a bowl of plain Cheerios cereal and sits on the couch. He refuses to drink milk or orange juice with his breakfast, because “it makes the meal too interesting.”

“Who does he think he’s kidding by saying that he enjoys eating his cereal without milk or orange juice?

I didn’t know this about Mark.

Now I’m beginning to have second thoughts about our friendship,” close friend Stacy Maple (’16), said.

After school, Troy relaxes by tuning the television to the school district channel, listening to classical music and reading the upcoming events for the other schools in the district.

While many students look forward to a relaxing winter break,

filled with holiday joy, presents and snowfall, Troy is the opposite.

Though he enoys the snowfall, he said that he doesn’t care for the presents and would rather have it snow so he can shovel snow all day.

“It makes me feel better than any present could,” Troy said.

Troy doesn’t have any interest in after-school activities.

“They take away from time to sit and watch the second hand move around the clock,” Troy said. “Why would anybody want to miss out on that kind of opportunity?”

“He’s got the right idea to sit and do nothing after school.

Some of the most wellknown people in the history of the world did not do anything after school, and they were still successful.

Did Nopolean do any after-school activites?

I didn’t think so,” said Suzie Loreng (‘16).

Troy also hates Spirit Week and other school-wide events.

“I just dislike [Spirit Week] so much. Everyone is dressing up and getting involved...I don’t know, man, to me that seems like so much effort.

It is better to not do anything, because nothing really matters.”

Troy mentioned that he plans to spend his next few months coming home and sitting down to watch paint dry.

“I’m looking forward to spring, so I can watch the grass grow. It’s a painfully slow process, but I enjoy watching every individual blade of grass grow.”

New class created on how to develop a “starter pack”.

John Walters (‘18), said, “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.”

Walters stood up and stared forward in silence before he slowly walked to a corner, sat on the floor, and recited chapter 7 of his chemistry textbook whilst gently crying himself to homeostasis.

Munerez reported that the students in gym class for five days were, by far, in the greatest physical states out of anyone else in the school community.

“The only thing that seemed just a bit off was their apparent hunger for human flesh and their collective refusal to speak,” Munerez said.

The physical education teachers declined to comment on whether they were right to refuse students both refreshments and a break throughout the five days of the Bellgate Scandal.

Administration is working hard to make sure that the bell system will never break again. This way, they can avoid this kind of situation in the future and save students from this torture.

One Direction releases new kids album FOUR, which teaches children how to count.

Taylor Swift doesn’t have a long list of ex-lovers that will tell you she’s insane.

December 2014

COMICS

Turkey Rationale by Ben Abbaszadeh (‘15)/ Eastside Staff

EASTSIDE

Teacher Rationale by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

Page 21

SPORTS

Page 22

EASTSIDE

December 2014

East’s cross country team ranks third in the state ■ By Sam Greenberg (‘16)

Eastside Staff

15:55 5k, Aaron Groff (‘16) is one of very few runners to break the 16:00 minute mark during the entire day full of races. Groff ended up finish-

The students and faculty of Cherry Hill East have a sports team to be very proud of. The boys’ cross country team of Cherry Hill East has prevailed as the New Jersey Group 4 State Champions.

One week after winning first place in the Group 4 Sectional Meet, the team made its trek up to the renowned course of Holmdel.

The grueling course features steep climbs including the infamous “Holmdel Bowl” that is dreaded by many. The team had nothing to fear, as the runners Courtesy of Mary Lou Bears-Groff have conquered the The team streches before a meet. course many times.

Throughout both summer training and recent weeks ing second in the race. of training, the team made several Twenty-three seconds later, the trips up to Holmdel to hold pracnext tier of runners approached the tices. During practices, the team finish line with Dan Helfand (‘15) ran various workouts, sometimes leading the way with a time of 16:18, even runing the course three or four which earned him tenth place in the times at a vigorous pace. race. Soon followed Christian Mele The hard work and training paid (’15) finishing 14th with a time of off, as the harsh course served as no 16:27 and Josh Dillon (’17) in 26th problem for the runners. They sewith a time of 16:37. Next came Isacured first place by a wide margin iah Jean-Baptiste (’16) in 38th with by having some of the best times of a time of 16:56. the day.

All in all, Cherry Hill East came With an exceptional time of a on top by 28 points ahead of King-

East athletes stand up to bullying

Adam Davis (’16), a club officer, said, “I now know what I can do to Eastside Sports Editor help others who are in high school and help acclimate them to these In November 2013, David Golkow problems that go on every day.” (’16) spoke with Activities Director From the beginning of the curMr. CJ Davis about starting the rent school year until now, the club Athletes Against Bullying Club at has been able to organize a few sigCherry Hill East. Golkow was innificant events. Former Eagles playspired to stop the bullying at Cherry er, Vince Papale, guest spoke at a Hill East on and off the sports field training session for the members of before the harassment escalated the club on November 20 and gave into larger issues or serious cases of examples of his real-life experiences hazing. with athletic bullying.

“I am motivated to clean up the In addition, during “Respect bullying that’s been going on,” said Week,” Golkow. c l u b Golkow members said he wants received to not only Popsicle stop the curs t i c k s rent bullying with acts that is ocof kindcurring, but ness writalso prevent ten on athletes from each stick. performing The memthe harsh bebers were havior before responit happens. sible to With the complete help from club each act advisor Mr. Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor kindJason Speller Each Athletes Against Bullying Club mem- of ness and and anti-bul- ber received a T-shirt. pass on lying specialthe Popist, Ms. Jennisicle stick to the person they helped. fer DiStefano, the Athletes Against The main goal of this activity was to Bullying Club has grown from twelve ensure everyone in the school comclub members to sixty club members pleted at least one act of kindness in the past school year. The club has that day. become so notable that on October "It's an incredible club because 6, 2014, CBS 3 NEWS filmed one of there really isn't anything like it the club’s meetings. that’s out there," said Golkow.

In order to become an official Along with the other particimember of Athletes Against Bullypants in Athletes Against Bullying, ing, students are required to attend Golkow appreciates the support one of the half-day training sesfrom Pricipal Dr. Lawyer Chapman sions in the beginning of each sports and many other teachers and plans season. The sessions consist of two to expand the club beyond just the trainers explaining what sports bulCherry Hill East community in the lying is and teaching ways to help future. kids cope with these situations and The Athletes Against Bullying how coaches should act upon bullyClub meets occasionally during ing in sports. Students also learn LB1. good character from the seminar.

sway. These top five runners contributed to the 16:26 minute average race time. This average time is just 10 seconds behind the average race time for Christian Brothers Academy, ranked the number-one

great accolades bestowed upon them this year with the winter and spring track seasons closely approaching.

At the end of the cross-country season, the runners had a much deserved two-week break. After the two weeks were up, the team began training for both the winter and spring track seasons.

The girls’ cross country team of Cherry Hill East was unable to qualify for the race as a team, but star runner Monica Lee (’15) Courtesy of Mary Lou Bears-Groff earned a spot in the race on The team poses with the Group 4 state trophy. her own. Lee team in the state, as well as a toprecently committed to run for the five team in the nation. women’s cross country team at RutTeam point totals are calculated gers University. Lee finished 25th based on the finishing places of the in her race with a time of 19:55. members of each team. The top-five The victory for Cherry Hill East members of each team contribute marks the first Group 4 Cross Counto the point totals and the avertry State Championship in school age team race time. Typically, each history. The team looks at this race team races seven members. as the start of something great.

Other team members included Entering the state championCole Parsons (’16) and Marc Meltzer ships as a public school in its own (’17). Meltzer finished with a time is a skill. Private schools have the of 17:08 and Parsons finished with ability to scout and bring athletes a time of 17:34. Another member of from all over. However, the Cherry the team who did not race, but has Hill East cross-country runners been an integral part of the team’s proved their skill on November 22, season, was Jeff Braun (’15).

2014, when they placed third in The runners of Cherry Hill East New Jersey at the State Championare destined to have many more ships.

■ By Courtney Finnegan (‘17)

“AFTER 32 YEARS IN EDUCATION, I FINALLY HAVE A TUTORING AGENCY I CAN TRUST IMPLICITLY” - LOCAL HS GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

Short Hills Towne Center Evesham Rd. ! Cherry Hill/Voorhees

(856) 616-8808

28 YEARS OF NATIONAL SUCCESS READING!WRITING!MATH!SAT PREP HOMEWORK HELP ! STUDY SKILLS

SPORTS

December 2014

EASTSIDE

Page 23

The schedule provided below is representative of athletes’ commitment to their sports and the work that they put in.

An athlete’s schedule shows the effect of the hours an athlete gives to a sport in his or her daily life.

■ Luke Hinrichs (‘17) and Courtney Finnegan (‘17)

1% of student athletes get less than 3 hours of sleep every night 27% of student athletes get 4-5 hours of sleep every night 59% of student athletes get 6-7 hours of sleep every night 1% of student athletes get 8-9 hours of sleep every night

Eastside Sports Editors

73% of student athletes say YES, their des are affected by a sports commitment 70%

spend over 11 hours playing a sport every week

20%

spend over 17 hours playing a sport every week

Why make this committment?

100% of student athletes surveyed believe that their commitment to their sport is worth it.

“It is 100% worth it, lacrosse has opened so many doors for me” - Brian Stamm (‘16) “My commitment to sports is worth the time because my sports are where I found my place at East” - Abi Muthumani (‘15) “I enjoy the sport and it makes for a more fulfilling high school experience. It also made me more social” - Sam Snyder (‘15) “Spending that much time makes me feel accomplished” - Jeremy Helfand (‘18)

54%

43% of student

of students athletes athletes have over get 4 hours That is an average home at of homework 6 p.m. each night each night hours spent daily between home of work and sports student athletes of student athletes have over 6 hours get home later of homework each than 7 p.m. night

6.5

25% Art by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

11%

Girls’ varsity volleyball has successful season ■ By Luke Hinrichs (‘17) Eastside Sports Editor

Volleyball is a high-intensity game that highlights athletic skill combined with a strong sense of teamwork. The athletes depend on one another to pass, set and hit. The object of the game is to win two sets. In order to win a set, a team has to reach 25 points and have at least a two-point advantage.

After a shaky start, the East Girls’ Volleyball team hit its stride, gaining 25 points with ease and finishing a successful season. Starting with a record of 5-3, the prospect of turning the season around was challenging and a playoff victory seemed far out of reach.

“We started out slow, made adjustments, and won twelve straight,” said Varsity Girls Volleyball Coach Scott Mooney.

The East Girls Volleyball Team made that turn and finished the season with a 17-4 record and won the conference for the first time in five years. The team headed to the playoffs under the leadership of captains Julianna Fabricius (‘15), Aliyah Godwin (’15), Natalia Majkut (’15) and

Courtesy of Girls Volleyball

Julianna Fabricius (‘15) goes for a hit.

Michelle DiVito (‘15). The team secured a position as the tenth seed in the Group 4 playoffs and looked forward to the chance to establish themselves in New Jersey volleyball.

As the team prepared for the playoff competition, the members practiced in the DiBart Gym motivated by East’s championship banners hanging above them.

“We want more numbers on that volleyball banner,” said Godwin.

Striving off of its playoff berth, the volleyball team defeated Clearview in the first round of the playoffs with a score of 2-0. Godwin led the team with 22 assists. Building momentum, the team played tough through the second round of the playoffs, defeating Bridgewater-Raritan, and continued its underdog playoff experience. Moving into the quarterfinals, East faced the highly ranked Williamstown team. East defeated Williamstown in a 2-1 win and moved into the semifinals.

In the semifinals, tenth-seed Cherry Hill East played third-seed Hunterdon Central. Starting strong, East won the first set, but was overcome by a Hunterdon Central team that won the next two sets, handing East a crushing loss.

East’s final defeat in the playoffs was a loss, but that was only a small part of a successful season – an optimistic sign for good things to come in the future.

December 2014

SPORTS

Being an athlete is a round-the-clock job EASTSIDE

Page 24

■ By Marlee Zeitz (’16), Luke Hinrichs (‘17) and Courtney Finnegan (‘17)

Timmy Perry

Timmy Perry (‘16)

Aaron Groff (‘16)

Emma Poulshock (‘16)/ Eastside Staff

Danielle Rosenthal (‘16)/ Eastside Staff

Eastside Sports Editors

The one word that consumes Timothy Perry Jr.’s (’16) mind is basketball. Playing since he was around three years old, this 6 foot 7 inch center contributes to many aspects on and off the court. Perry is an East varsity basketball starter as well as a star in other leagues during the spring and summer. Perry plays on AAU. He has played on the East basketball team since freshman year and will continue playing this sport for a while. Practicing year round every single day of the week, Perry not only enjoys the sport for fun, but also plays it very competitively.

“I love basketball because it keeps me active, it’s fun and I like competition,” Perry said.

Perry’s father, Timothy Perry Sr., former NBA player, has always influenced Perry to take his game to the next level. On days Perry can’t practice after school, he wakes up at 5:30 a.m. and goes to the local JCC to practice with his father.

“It’s great to have him as such a strong support system,” Perry said.

Balancing basketball with many other activities in his life, Perry is extremely busy all the time; however, his hard work definitely pays off. His dedication is clearly shown on and off the court.

“Balancing school and basketball is pretty hard, but it is manageable. I don’t watch TV. I go straight to the books,” he said.

Although Perry enjoys playing for each league, he likes “playing for East the [most because the team has] so many supporting people [and] Countrymen.”

Over the years, Perry has learned valuable lessons which he portrays on and off the court. He aspires to be the best he can.

“Basketball teaches me if you want to get anywhere in this game, you have to work at it and practice just like anything else in life,” Perry said.

Aaron Groff

A key to success is effective time management. For a student-athlete, good time management is the difference between getting a healthy night’s rest and facing a long school day through the haze of fatigue. For the accomplished cross-country runner, Aaron Groff (’16), who recently qualified for the cross country national championship in Oregon, balance, commitment and time management seem to come naturally. Groff pursues his running career while balancing homework and other various school activities.

Groff’s mother and father are both runners. So while growing up in a family of runners, Groff naturally found himself to be a runner. He soon learned that running is a sport where the off-season requires more training than the in-season.

“Over the summer we start running and building up, so when the season starts we are ready,” said Groff.

During the summer, Groff averages about 14 miles per practice. In terms of a football field, he ran end zone to end zone at least 240 times. To Groff, those miles are a part of his commitment to the sport.

“You have to buy into the program to be successful, and kids that aren’t committed to it and don’t put in the work won’t be able to reach their full potential,” said Groff.

As the season starts, the everyday practice varies. Warm-ups commonly include stretching, running laps around the school, some drills and core work, finished with more stretching. At the start of the season, Groff runs 14 miles, and while the season progresses, the miles decrease to about eight. Groff runs about five miles during practices before a competition, which is practially a cool down for him.

“We train a lot harder than a lot of teams, and that puts a lot of wear on our bodies,” said Groff.

As a student-athlete, Groff has to prepare himself for the hours of homework that top off his already exhausting academic and athletic day. Depending on how well he scheduled his time, Groff could get four to six hours of sleep a night.

All aspects of being a student-athlete, no matter how challenging, are a part of his commitment to the sport.

“It’s the full investment factor. It’s that you are willing to do anything to be successful I think is the biggest thing between commitment and not being committed to your sport,” Groff said.

Lauren Kerner For athletes like Lauren Kerner (‘17), there is no such thing as an “off season”. Kerner swims competitively at least 24 hours over the course of a six-day week.

Due to her rigorous swim schedule, Kerner is forced to revolve her life aound practice time and swimming competitions. This strict schedule includes going to bed as early as 8:30 or 9 every night in order for Kerner to wake up at 3:45 a.m. for morning practice.

Not only does Kerner have no time to participate in other clubs and activities, but she just barely manages to stay on top of all her schoolwork, she said.

“I take full advantage during lunch breaks, class time and study hall to finish all my homework,” said Kerner.

Although Kerner said she is “always exhausted and always feeling sore,” she maintains a positive attitude towards the sport.

A typical swim practices consists of 90% pool exercises and 10% dry land exercises which involve push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups and running. Kerner swims for Cherry Hill East from November through March, the Jersey Wahoos all-year-round and also competes at the Woodcrest Swim Club in the summers.

“Before races I like to listen to music to get pumped up and mentally prepare for the race, it helps a lot,” said Kerner.

The passion and dedication Kerner possesses for swimming enables her to continuously work hard and stand out as an athlete on her swim teams. Competitively swimming since five years old, Kerner has never lost sight of her ultimate goal in her athletic career. She hopes that swimming will open the doors for her to be able to get into the college of her choice.

Although Kerner gives up a lot of her social life and free time, the motivation, confidence and vitality swimming assures her of is completely worth the commitment.

Lauren Kerner (‘17)

Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Basketball and cross country logo art by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director Swimming logo art by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director