www.eastside-online.org
Vol. 50 No. 4
Cherry Hill High School East: 1750 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
January 2017
Throughout the month of December, Eastside conducted an online survey to determine what the East community wanted to leave behind in the year of 2016. Respondents were able to choose as many options as they deemed necessary. Below are the results of the over 200 students who took the survey:
32% of students voted to leave the 2016 Election behind in 2016.
85% of students voted to leave lead in water behind in 2016. 69% of students voted to leave clowns behind in 2016. 86% of students voted to leave PARCC behind in 2016. Photo by Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor Photo Illustration by Liz Lee (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor Left Behind logo on all pages by Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director
Inside This Issue
Lead in CHPS Water over legal levels News/Features, Pg. 2
Don’t re-meme-ber these internet jokes Entertainment, Pg. 16
Athletic legal privilege should be behind bars Sports, Pg. 22
NEWS/FEATURES
Page 2
EASTSIDE
January 2017
CHPS water is contaminated with lead ■ By Louis Zimmermann (‘18)
Eastside News/Features Editor
The U.S. Constitution has 27 amendments laid out to protect individual citizens and the nation as a whole; however, is it not also the simple right of students and staff residing in a learning community five days of every week to have safe and healthy conditions at all times? Cherry Hill East and Cherry Hill Public Schools alike have been tested for safe water conditions; however, the results have not always proven to be positive. Tested first in elementary schools, the lead capacity in the water has been dangerously high or of no concern, depending on the school. The state mandates that the legal amount of lead in water is 15 parts per billion. Rooms in Woodcrest Elementary School indicated 18 parts per billion, while others exhibited even higher levels of 33 parts per billion. Since the lead is largely present in some schools’ water outlets, the question lies as to where or how the lead has dissolved into the water. Before 1986, solder, a low-melting alloy based on lead, was used in public school water systems to connect copper pipes, but the use of solder was banned by Congress in 1986. Dr. Joseph Meloche, superintendent of the Cherry Hill Public
School District, said, “We assume that the cause of the lead in the water is in the fixture of the pipes or the solder holding together copper pipes; however, the ultimate cause has not been determined.” The process of testing the remainder of schools spread throughout the months leading up to the end of December with the final tests completely conducted by Saturday, December 31 of 2016. For quite a while students were waiting in the dark concerning conditions that may appear in their untested school. A l though t h e
schools were tested over the winter break, students continued to drink water every day at the remaining schools without knowing if they were consuming dangerous amounts of lead. An unsafe consumption of lead can cause dama g e to both the brain and the kidneys, and can interfere with the product i o n of red blood cells within the body. Both Cherry Hill East and W e s t were tested over winter break along with a couple of other schools in the district. As of now, the district has tested eight schools and has received results for six schools. Of those six results, Meloche said, “There were 209 samples that were taken and nine of those samples were above what the government refers to as an actionable level.” So far, there have been nine water outlets at Brett Harte, Johnson, Horace Mann, Sharp and Woodcrest that were identified to be above the Lead Action Level. Although this may be true, schools such as Stockton have tested negative of any lead conditions. Kaitlyn Johnson (‘17) said, “I saw
that a girl took the water from East and put it into a clear water bottle that indicated that the water from East was tinted yellow.” Meloche said that ideally the water outlets would have all been tested at the same time, but it is simply not practical. The water in the Cherry Hill Public School District h a s not been tested since 2002; however, at the time, all of the schools were cleared for pure water. “We were told that we had from July 1 of 2016 to June 30 of 2017 to have the testing done,” said Meloche. “Originally we were told to take a representative sample from each building and then we were told later in the summer that we had to do every water outlet where water can be consumed, since some samples had amounts of lead above the legal amount.” Instead of simply testing the water fountains that are designated to drink from, Meloche set forth to also have the water outlets tested that are used for food preparation in the kitchens, the water outlets in the nurse’s offices and the faculty rooms that also contain water outlets. Meloche is in favor of adding bottle-filling stations in all
of the buildings that filter water properly. Despite the aforementioned plan, the bottle filling station at East has raised concerns among students. For over a year, the filter system has been at red, indicating that the water filter needs to be replaced. But in actuality, the filter has been cleaning the water properly; however, the light is broken, which makes a red light appear at all times. “I think that the situation is a disappointment to East as a whole because we have very high standards for our school,” said Johnson. “I feel that something needs to be done because water is a necessity and should be accessible at all times.” Although definite efforts are currently being put forth to eliminate any lead present in the drinkable water from Cherry Hill Public Schools, students may still continue to worry about their health and well-being, as this issue could have been a problem at any time after the tests were conducted in 2002. Art by Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director Logo throughout the issue by Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director
Artificial sweeteners are not that sweet
tose. The crystallized sugar are left with chemical subSweet ‘N Low is one of consider ‘What is this doing that is used is a purified stitutes. the sweeteners that is ofto my body?’ ” said Encarform of sucrose that comes “I don’t want to deal fered at food carts around nacion. Growing up, kids are offrom sugar canes or beets. with my coffee not being East. Saccharin is found in Artificial sweeteners are ten told, “Foods with ingre“I feel like we should get sweet, and [artificial sweetSweet ‘N Low, which has also significantly sweeter dients that you can’t proreal sugar bethan sugar. Accordnounce are bad for you.” cause with the ing to the Sugar AsSaccharin, cyclamate, Splenda, it’s not sociation, Equal and aspartame, sucralose and sugar so we’re NutraSweet are 200 neotame are a few of the not digesting it times sweeter than main ingredients used in right,” said Tahlsugar, while Splenda artificial sweetia Encarnacion ranges from 200 to eners. These (‘17), who 700 times sweeter ingredients uses the than sugar. are not school“The taste bothers only hard provided me sometimes beto proartificial cause it has, like, an nounce, sweetaftertaste when you but they eners to drink it,” said Encarsound as sweeten nacion. if they her cofWhile artificial would be fee. sweeteners may be found in a In accorokay in moderation, laboratory. dance to dithey still have proven At Cherry Hill etary guidelines health side effects. East, artificial sweeteners mandated by the “I think that it’s reare the only sweeteners government, natally annoying and not available for student use in ural sugar does really good of East coffee and other foods and not meet the necat all. Especially bebeverages. Students will essary criteria to cause it’s sugar, like not find natural sweeteners be approved safe it’s not expensive, or plain sugar as an option for students. you know. I feel like to sweeten their foods. According to they should provide Sugar, or sucrose, is a the USDA Nutrius with actual sugar natural carbohydrate made tion Standards and look out for our when one molefor All Foods health,” said Emma Photo by Sidra Isenberg (‘18)/ Eastside Staff cule of glucose Sold in School, Stopek (‘19), who Photo Illustration by Liz Lee (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor is attached to “Acceptable food Jessica Hoffmann (‘18) pours artificial sweetener into her coffee. drinks the coffee proa molecule items must vided by the school of fruchave carts only when she less than, or eners are] what’s provided been shown to cause cancer, feels it is necessary for her equal to, 35 to me. So if they’re not gospecifically bladder cancer. to get through the day. percent of ing to give me anything The FDA used to mandate Ultimately, though, East weight from else, then I guess I’ll just that there were warning is following national mantotal sugar use what they have,” said labels on Sweet ‘N Low, dates by not offering sugar as served.” Encarnacion. but they were removed in as a sweetener. The school Since sugar However, there are ma2000. Saccharin is banned is not trying to deprive its Emelia Keller (‘17)/ jor detriments to serving in Canada. students, but is simply folEastside Photo Editor does not fit into this guideline, students only artificial sweeteners. “Most of the time, I do lowing the rules. ■ By Jenna Simons (‘17)
Eastside News/Features Editor
NEWS/FEATURES
January 2017
EASTSIDE
Page 3
New East clubs make their mark in school ■ By Sophie Levine (‘19)
Girl Up, led by president Sarah Kim (‘17), is a club that raises money for refugee women and girls in developing countries. The money goes to the health, education, safety and other necessities of the refugee girls so that they can reach their full potential. So far this year, Girl Up has had fundraisers at restaurants such as PJ Whelihans, where a percentage of the dining bill went to the club. The club plans on reaching out to more restaurants so they can raise even more money to help the girls. In addition to restaurant fundraisers, Girl Up held an
Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor
Girl Up
Eastside Staff
Israeli Krav Maga self-defense class for any East student interested on December 1. “This class is a step towards creating awareness about sexual assault, a prevailing matter that is, unfortunately, still taboo,” said club treasurer Shina Park (‘19). Also, Girl Up has many plans for the rest of the year. Members plan on raising more money for refugee girls and continue to raise awareness. “We want to enlighten our school about the issues of gender equality,” said Kim. Girl Up meets on the first Day Five of every month during Lunch Break One.
East students participate in Girl Up’s self-defense class. The Latinos and Amigos Club, One major event that Latinos led by president Alex Diaz (‘17), and Amigos is looking forward is a Latino culture club at East. to is Multicultural Day. Founded last year, the club was “We are going to do a dance formed because East Latinos this year instead of doing just a felt they needed representation booth, so that will be fun,” said in the school. As a minority in Diaz. America, Latinos at East want For the rest of the year, Lato be a bigger part of Multicultinos and Amigos has many tural Day. plans. To start, they want to go “At West, there is a huge Laon a field trip, hold various actino club, like Latino representivities for the club and possibly tation, Latino everything and I have a night at Qdoba. wanted to… emulate that here,” “I want the club to be able said Diaz. to not only just have meetings, The club holds many differbut I want to teach the different events and fundraisers. One ent cultures,” said Diaz. “Latin of its most popular fundraisers America is a bunch of different is the empanada sale, in which countries that all have different the club sells empanadas, a tracultures, so I want to be able to ditional Latin American dish, educate the members of the club and uses the money to benefit on that.” the club. This year, members Latinos and Amigos meets are also implementing a Skyonce per cycle on Day Six durZone fundraiser in which other ing Lunch Break Two. They are Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor students or faculty can buy tickalways looking for new memEast students choreograph their multicultural dance in the hallway. ets to the trampoline park. bers.
Latinos & Amigos
tary] all about it,” said Goldstein. Interact Club is required to complete two service projects a year, one locally and one internationally, but the club plans on going above and beyond. They would like to complete more than two because they have a strong volunteer base and the resources to accomplish great things. The club already successfully completed its local project, which was a “Hallo-Cleanup” where the members of the club picked up trash around East and outside of East on Halloween. Throughout the rest of the year, Interact Club plans on participating in food and clothing drives as well as working with a soup kitchen. Members also plan on working with the Animal Welfare Association and writing cards to veterans. Interact Club meets once every two weeks and is welcoming new members.
Liz Lee (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor
East students debate current social and political issues.
Elise Goldstein (‘17)/ For Eastside
Interact Club members dispose of litter at the Hallo-Cleanup.
Junior State of america
Interact Club
Interact Club, led by Presidents Ashley Cooper (‘17), Elise Goldstein (‘17) and Luke Hinrichs (‘17), is a service-above-self club that transforms East students into young leaders. While helping its community through service projects, the club also encourages its members to have fun and to bond with one another. Interact Club formed after five East students attended the annual Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference this summer at Stockton University. At the conference, Goldstein joined 165 other teen leaders from all over the state of New Jersey. Most of them already had an Interact Club at their school, so Cooper, Goldstein and Hinrichs decided to form one of their own. The local Cherry Hill Rotary Club decided to sponsor them. “They’ve been a huge help. We’ve been going to meet with them at dinners and telling [Ro-
Junior State of America is a non-partisan, non-profit national organization that promotes political awareness and civil engagement among teenagers. It is entirely student operated. The chapter of Junior State of America at East had previously started many years back, but it stopped meeting due to the teacher contract conflict. This year, President Sung Kwang Oh (‘17) has revived the club. “I was intrigued by the club and how it promotes civic engagement among adolescents, and I felt that this was a club necessary to prepare our generation for the future that our country is facing,” said Oh. At club meetings, the members typically start off with discussing an issue within society and offer their various opinions
about that specific issue. Along with discussing a myriad of issues, JSA plans different community service opportunities. For this past month, the club helped pass out meals in a homeless shelter. Throughout the rest of the year, Oh has many activities planned. “I’m planning to have speakers come in to talk about issues that are prevalent in the United States so that we can listen to informed opinions on the matter,” said Oh. Oh also hopes to see the club expand. “In many schools, Junior State of America is a huge club, and I’d like for it to have that kind of prevalence at East,” said Oh. Junior State of America meets once every two weeks.
NEWS/FEATURES
Page 4
EASTSIDE
January 2017
BOE makes plans to resolve past IEP failures ■ By Ashley Cooper (‘17)
Eastside Editor-in-Chief
Due to requirements for a variety of federal grant programs, the Cherry Hill School District was monitored throughout the month of January 2016. During that month, the New Jersey Department of Education visited several of the 19 schools present in the district. At the completion of the monitoring a shock arose: the state identified several areas of district failures. For instance, the state noted that the district’s academic intervention pullout groups actually hindered student success, causing larger academic gaps with at-risk students. Seven months later, in order to appease these concerns raised by the state, the Cherry Hill Board of Education constructed a 15page corrective action plan during its August 9 and 23 meetings. On the last five pages of the document, district failures in regard to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Federal Grant Program are highlighted. In order to meet the requirements for this grant, the Special Education Departments specifically were monitored for four weeks. At the culmination of this monitoring, twelve failures were cited
by the State Department for the manner in which the district educated those students with an Individualized Education Program, or IEP. This document is a required element for any public school child in need of special education services. In just Cherry Hill alone, 2,300 students have an IEP. “A student has an IEP and then the student’s IEP is implemented based on what the IEP team determines they need during their IEP Meeting,” said Ms. LaCoyya H. Weathington, Director of Pupil Services for the Cherry Hill Public School District. The IEP Team is comprised of several members in order to ensure all interested stakeholders are fairly represented. This includes the child study team (CST), the student if he or she is 14 years or older, the student’s parents, a general education teacher and a special education teacher. It also includes any related service provider; for instance, if the the student receives speech services, the speech therapist would be a part of the meeting as well. Weathington is responsible for the oversight responsible an essential component of the corrective action plan: the Individualized Education Program
Direct (IEP Direct). The IEP Direct is the district’s personal data management program for special education. Further, as a part of the corrective action plan, the child study team will receieve thorough training courses and an oversight mechanism will be put into place. Weathington said she was not shocked by the district failures. “I knew the IEP Team needed some refining. I am happy that they will now be getting extra education classes, it will benefit the team and the students.” In addition to the corrective action plan, the district looks to improve the special education program through The IEP Facilitation System, which will be newly incorporated into the 201617 school year. Under this system, communication between parents and school districts will be achieved through means of a “facilitator.” These state-sponsored facilitators, who work as a contractors for the New Jersey Department of Education, are specially trained to help develop an appropriate IEP document for each child. The facilitators will replace the “mediator” role previously found within IEP meetings. Due to this, parents will no longer have to immediately go to a mediator in order to resolve
productions under the direction of his former teacher Mr. Thomas Weaver, current Theatre Department director. Some of his other favorite teachers include Ms. Linda Wander, current special education teacher, and Mr. Jay Cohen, retired special education teacher. In fact, one of Rosen’s job support
here three days a week and spend my days with Brett.” Rosen also worked with Cohen’s daughter, Brittany Cohen (‘04), in the theater productions. Mrs. Cohen works with Rosen on Mondays through Wednesdays, while Mr. Frank DeSimone comes in on Thursdays and Fridays. When he’s not at East,
IEP conflicts. Rather, parents will be able to have a meeting only focused on the needs of the child. The [facilitator] would be a good person who’s neutral...doesn’t work for either party...[and] who can work to facilitate to some common resolution,” said Weathington. This change will reduce any possible conflict of interest which may exist with a mediator as, unlike mediators, facilitators have no interest in advocating for either side. Further, the program benefits the district in terms of affordability. As the program is made possible by the State, it will come at no cost to the district or the the parents of students in need of obtaining an IEP. President of the Cherry Hill School District Special Education PTA, Jennifer Naddeo is eager for the district’s new IEP Facilitation System to be implemented. She said, “I think the new IEP program will open up a lot of doors for students. It’s a much-needed addition.” Hopefully, the district’s action plan, in conjunction with the IEP Facilitation Program, will yield a brighter future for the district’s Special Education Department. For now, much remains to be seen, as the program is only in its pilot stage.
Below are five of the twelve district IDEA failures, as cited by the BOE: 1) Failure to inform parents within 15 calendar days of proposed actions and/or meetings. 2) Failure to ensure all IEP assessments, and determination of IEP eligibility, were completed within a 60-day timespan. 3) Failure to provide a summary of academic achievement and functional performance prior to student graduation. 4) Failure to ensure that required participants were in attendance at IEP meetings for special education students. 5) Failure to consistently document in the IEPs of students removed from the general education setting for more than 20% of the day.
Rosen works the mailroom with a smile tal disabilities, from Down’s Syndrome to blindness. At a young age, Rosen It is not difficult to find was diagnosed with Brett Rosen (‘03) walking arginase deficienthrough the halls of East; cy, a rare heredijust look for the man with tary disorder the giant smile on his face. also known as Rosen holds the imargininemia. portant job of sorting and Arginase is placing all of the outgoing an enzyme paperwork in the proper found in the mailboxliver es of East that s t a f f regumembers. lates “[I do] levels of the mail ammonia in ABC in the body. order, the The accumulaguidance tion of ammonia is passes, often heightened work from by high-protein [Mr.] CJ meals. Symptoms [Davis]. of argininemia inHe gives clude stiffness of me blood the legs and ded r i v e layed growth or stuff and mental developmusical ment. theater “I walk with stuff and a walker,” said the calRosen of his disendars ability. to put in Rosen’s parents the mailhave fought for boxes,” he legislation that said. would require A n mandatory newE a s t born screening in alumni, the hopes of early R o s e n detection of variwas very Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor ous diseases such a c t i v e Brett Rosen (‘03) delivers mail into a teacher’s mailbox. as argininemia. in the “Had that been Theater Department, percoaches, Mrs. Robin Cohen, Rosen likes to keep active. available 34 years ago when forming in all of the musiis his past teacher’s wife. He participates in a varihe was born, they would’ve cals during his four years: “It’s great,” said Mrs. Coety of groups for disabled picked up on his deficiency “Anything Goes,” “Oliver,” hen of her job with Rosen. adults in the community, immediately. In his case, he “Guys and Dolls” and “Les “He’s very positive. He’s such as Possibility Playwasn’t diagnosed until he Miserables.” hardworking. He likes us to ers, a theater group; SOAR was several years old,” said “The shows were nice to stay busy, so he’ll go around and Achad, social groups; Mrs. Cohen. “They realized work with a group of peointo the different offices if and even a book club. Memthat through proper screenple,” said Rosen. we don’t have a lot of work. bers of these groups have a ing at birth, they could help Rosen worked on these It’s a treat for me to come range of physical and mento prevent the effects of ■ By Kaitlyn Boyle (‘17)
Eastside Editor-in-Chief
the enzyme deficiency had it been diagnosed immediately.” In 2011, Rosen rec e i v e d a liver transplant, forcing him to take off from a sim ila r job at the Central Administration building. Rather than letting the operation halt all of the progress he made, in just about a year Rosen began his job at East, where he has been ever since. In addition to participating in a variety of social groups, Rosen also spends a lot of his free time watching movies, TV shows and Broadway productions. “He could tell you anything about a movie or TV show and broadway show, the date, who started it, the studio that produced it,” said Mrs. Cohen. “He’s like a whiz on all of those things.” Rosen enjoys comedies and musicals most of all. One of his favorite TV shows is “Dance Moms.” When asked to describe himself in one word, Rosen immediately said “friendly,” the perfect adjective for himself. If students took the time to interact with their peers as Rosen does, East would be a positive environment in and outside of the class. Logo by Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director
January 2017
COMMUNITY EASTSIDE
Philly’s Go Vertical gives visitors a peak experience ■ By Ilana Arougheti (‘19)
Eastside Community Editor
You are only fifty feet in the air, and yet the ground feels miles away. Your hands and feet grip the nooks of the solid wall tightly while you shift your weight, glancing carefully up, plotting your route. Maybe you’re wearing a harness, or maybe you climb unburdened. Your hands are coated in powdery chalk. Bright lights beam down from a ceiling latticed with exposed beams, and the floor below is shock-absorbent rubber. But the mood-boosting rush you feel as you climb the boulder is just as powerful as if you had experienced it under an open sky. This is the experience of a visitor at Go Vertical Climbing Gym, an indoor rock-climbing venue in Philadelphia. As New Year’s Resolutions prompt millions of Americans to take up different fitness activities, indoor rock climbing is one unique choice that provides a change of pace from classic gym routines. Climbing can be used for strength training, as it utilizes various muscles and builds them up over time. It is also a fun way to spice up an existing athletic routine. Cherry Hill East athlete Abigail Roncace (‘17), for one, enjoys climbing at Go Vertical. “[Climbing] is very different muscle-wise, but it’s so much fun, anyone can do it,” said Roncace, who describes rock climbing as one of her “most involved” activities along with running
cross country in the fall and Although Greer Field ercise.” swimming in the winter. (‘18), another East athlete, One major quality of Go She was introduced to rock has successfully climbed all Vertical that both Roncace climbing during a summer of the belay routes available and Field appreciate is the visit with her sister and at Go Vertical, she prefers unique community of climbsoon worked her way up the more challenging boulers that it draws, which crefrom beginner boulders to dering paths. ates an environment that is more difficult paths. “It’s more fun… you don’t close-knit but also friendly The 13,500 feet of climbreally rely on the rope, and and open. ing space available within you don’t really have to wait “The type of people that Go Vertido it are totally difcal’s cavferent and a lot more e r n o u s welcoming than othvenue at er environments,” 950 North said Roncace. Penn Street Field rememinclude a bers one instance in beginner’s which a more experilearning enced climber offered area and a her a bit of help and less chaladvice. lenging “They gave me adkid-friendvice on which path ly section, to take and where to as well put my hands… the as belay people who go there and freeregularly are encourclimbing aging and helpful,” options. At she said. Go VertiA day pass to cal, people climb costs between can climb $13 and $19, dependon belay ing on one’s age, the either with time of day and the a top-rope type of climbing. Desystem, tails about Go Vertiwhere the cal’s operation schedline atule and fees can be tached to found on its website. their harWhether one visits ness feeds once a month, once into a maa year or once a day, chine atop he or she would be the boulhard-pressed to look der, or by anywhere else for the Courtesy of Abigail Roncace adrenaline rush of sport lead- ing, where Abigail Roncace (‘17) climbs the indoor wall at Go indoor climbing visia n o t h e r Vertical in Philadelphia. tors get as they work person is their way up the intheir counterweight as they for anybody to belay you,” door peaks. climb. Free-climbing, or said Field. “I’m a runner– “It’s worth a try, and evbouldering, allows the user I need to work on strength eryone there is willing to to climb without any tethtraining, so [rock climbing] help, no matter your skill,” ers attatched. is a good cross-training exsaid Roncace.
East alum paves the way for girls in science ■ By Sara Messinger (‘17)
Eastside Community Editor
It is hard enough for a college student to juggle the schoolwork of all of his or her classes in college. But for Gaby Rochino (‘12), juggling her own startup company along with schoolwork seems to be no problem. As CEO and co-founder of Think Like a Girl, Rochino runs her startup as she studies for her degree in engineering at Rowan University. Last year, Rochino was required to take an entrepreneurship course as part of the engineering program. It was in the entrepreneurship class that Rochino came up with her company, Think Like a Girl. “It started off as a project in one of my core classes, so it’s cool to see how just a year ago, it started off as just an assignment for that class and it really developed into a full-fledged startup company,” said Rochino. “From us testing out our products and then refining it, to partnering with some of the organizations like Girl Scouts and other startups, and even registering as a business, it made it all feel so surreal.” Rochino’s love for engineering began early in her high school career at Cherry Hill East. By challenging herself in higher level math and science courses, her passion for the sciences
quickly became evident to startup full-time after colher. lege alongside her team. “I was always challenged The startup that encourto take ages girls higherto pursue level math a career in and sciengineerence coursing has been es,” said engineered Rochino. and crafted “My main by a team of inspiration girls. Alongcame from side Rochino my graphis fellow ic design Rowan mecourse. It chanical helped me engineering see that I student Lexi could apply Basantis a lot of my and Univerart and desity of Massign skills sachusetts to pursue business engineermanageing.” ment graduDue to ate Julia her early Song. Tofound pasgether, the sion for team aims engineerto spread ing, Rochiawareness no went of the gender to Rowan gap in engiUniversity neering and to study the need for mechania variety of cal engiperspectives neering. in order to However, find the best following possible soArt by Danielle Shoshany (‘17)/ recent delutions. Eastside Staff velopment As womPhoto Illustration by Liz Lee of Think en make (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor Like a Girl, As a kid, Gaby Rochino up only 14 R o c h i n o (‘12) had a passion for sci- percent of has de- ence. In high school, she engineers in cided to decided to major in engi- the United pursue her neering in college. States, the
field is notoriously known to be intimidating for females. Rochino is one of seven girls in her graduating class of about sixty engineering students. “One of the hardest courses in all of the mechanical engineering program is Thermal Fluid Sciences. Being in [that] very challenging course took a toll on my confidence in pursuing engineering and pursuing math and sciences. So then I [thought] that maybe I’m not meant for engineering because of the fact that I am a girl,” said Rochino. “But I then realized that these doubts were actually not true...so I sort of turned that around and made that to inspire my business.” The plan for Think Like a Girl is to create engineering kits for girls ages six to twelve that teach important skills through activities based on what girls typically enjoy and how they learn best. “I really want to utilize [Think Like a Girl] to inspire girls from young ages to show them that there really are no limitations on what they can achieve if they just put their minds to it,” said Rochino. Rochino and her team are helping to tear down not only the barriers and break the glass ceiling for women in STEM, but also in the start-up scene of the business world as well.
Page 5
■ By Gregory Rothkoff (‘19) Eastside Community Editor
Best Hot Chocolate Jersey Java and Tea Company 140 N Haddon Ave, Haddonfield, NJ 08078
There is only one possible drink that can cure the winter chills. In addition to its delectable hot chocolate, the Jersey Java and Tea Co. offers many other caffeinated and decaffeinated drinks to warm your spirits. A full menu of treats such as cookies, scones and muffins is available to pair with your winter pick-meup.
Best Winter Season Homeless Outreach Project HOME
Locations throughout Philadelphia
Some people only want to stay in their beds this winter season, but the great people of Project HOME make sure that those less fortunate have a bed this winter season. To find different ways to volunteer to help, go to the foundation website for more information. The people of Project HOME also urge you to call their homeless outreach hotline at (215) 232-1984.
Best Winter Ice Cream Big Gay Ice Cream
1351 South Street, Center City, Philadelphia, PA 19147
It is so sad that the best treat of the year has to come to a temporary end for everyone’s favorite season. Thankfully, Big Gay Ice Cream has got you covered for this winter season. Its outlandish flavors and artful toppings are sure to excite your frozen tastebuds.
Best Urban Winter Garden America’s Garden Capital Maze
City Hall 15th and Market Streets Philadelphia, PA 19107
The Dilworth Park Garden is created in partnership with the Greater Philadelphia Gardens. It is open through Sunday, February 26, and it showcases the best the city has to offer. Attendees of all ages are welcome to see all 32 public gardens, arboreta and historic sceneries located within 30 minutes of the city.
Best Winter Festival Fire and Ice Festival Main St., Mount Holly, NJ 08060
The annual event in historic downtown Mount Holly, NJ, combines the chili contest and ice carving festival. Watch amateur and pro ice carvers turn blocks of ice into frozen masterpieces. The family affair is on Saturday, January 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Logo by Sabrina D’Abreu (‘18)/Eastside Art Director
COMMUNITY
Page 6
EASTSIDE
January 2017
The Blue Cross RiverRink opens for season ■ By Julia Benedetto (‘19)
Eastside Staff
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, located alongside the Delaware River, reopened on November 25 for its twenty-third year as a holiday destination. The park includes an ice skating rink, w a r m ing cabins, outdoor seating with fire pits, an arcade, a cabin-inspired Lodge that serves food and beverages and a beautifully lit landscape with over onehundred-thousand lights. General admission for the public is free, but skating passes cost three dollars and skate rentals cost ten dollars. Skating passes can be purchased online, ahead of time or at the park, lasting for an hour and a half each. The many lights within the park are connected to a Bluetooth system that produces different colors and effects along with festive holiday music. Daren Schmitz, a father of two, enjoyed watching his daughter and her friends ice skate from the side of the rink. “Although I’m not doing any skating, I really love watching other people skate. It’s a traditional holiday activity, so I’m just glad to see everyone enjoying themselves,” said Schmitz. If ice skating isn’t for you, there are several other entertainment options. The arcade is filled with games
such as pinball, Skee-Ball, air hockey and PacMan. Directly across from the arcade is the Lodge. The Lodge is a restaurant and bar filled with various couches, chairs and fire-
blankets and heat lamps provide warmth and comfort to attendees. Beverages such as hot chocolate, tea and warm apple cider are served inside. Philly’s own Chickie’s and Pete’s serves
in a holiday mood,” said Donna Kane, a mother from Delran. While Kane herself was not skating, she enjoyed watching her kids ice skate while she was wrapped up
Julia Benedetto (‘19)/ Eastside Staff
The Blue Cross RiverRink opens for another winter season. The park is filled with lights to create the holiday spirit. places that help give the location a rustic and homey feel. Large tables and open seating allow friends and family to sit, eat or play a game together, all while enjoying the holiday feel. A large porch, made from the original boardwalk at Spruce Street Harbor Park, wraps around the exterior and provides a perfect view of the skating rink. Several rocking chairs,
its famous crab fries and Philly cheesesteaks. “I really enjoy the atmosphere here, it feels very festive and helps put you
MLK’s spirit lives on ■ By Bethelly Jean-Louis (‘17)
Eastside Staff
Though most students may only think of Martin Luther King Day as a day off from school, the holiday is meant to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr, a prominent figure in American history whose legacy will never be forgotten. This day is even recognized as a federal holiday. Every third Monday of January, the nation celebrates his great accomplishments in the civil rights movement; however, there aren’t that many traditions for the holiday. In efforts to correct this, the federal government has urged the public to volunteer time to citizen action groups. In the Cherry Hill community, M’kor Shalom annually holds a special Shabbat service with the Unity Choir to honor the great Martin Luther King, Jr. The service is held the Friday night of Martin Luther King Weekend and is open to the whole community. The service comprises of an excellent performance from the Unity Choir, under the direction of Cantor Anita Hochma. In the past, more than 800 people have attended this service. Many local officials, such as Mayor Chuck Cahn of Cherry Hill; Mayor Dana Redd of Camden; Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt and Congressman Donald Norcross have also attended. The Unity Choir is made up of people from various choirs throughout New Jersey. The combined choir was formed 13 years ago as a partnership between the members of the M’kor Shalom choir and choir mem-
bers of Kaighn Ave. Baptist Church. In addition, many singers come from places as far as ninety minutes away to perform in the festivities. Cantor Hochman co-directs with Dr. Beverly Collins, Evelyn Thomas and Donavon Soumas. Collins is a recording artist, music teacher and musician. Thomas is the president of H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E Inc, a nonprofit that offers scholarships to students who are interested in both music and the arts, and she is a choir director. The choir is made up of eighty members and is accompanied by a band. To be performance ready, weeks of preparation are required. Cantor Hochman and other directors begin selecting the songs during the summer. They then pick out three or four different songs for their repertoire. The songs are a beautiful blend of Gospel music and Jewish folk meant to uplift the audience members. Practice consists of six rehearsals that are each two hours long in order to prepare for the night of the performance. The Unity Choir has had immense success in the past with its Martin Luther King Day performance. In prior years, the choir has been invited to perform at The New Jersey State Museum by New Jersey’s annual King Holiday Commemorative Celebration. The Unity Choir honors Martin Luther King Jr. by being the reality of what he dreamed: people from different backgrounds, united with open hearts, coming together. Their connection to the music reflects their passion.
in a blanket with a warm cup of hot chocolate. Outside of the Lodge are several fire pits surrounded by Adirondack chairs
and rentable cabins. These heated cabins can be reserved on a firstcome-firstserved basis or reserved online. A single cottage fits eight to ten people and costs fifty dollars for a ninetyminute period. A double cottage costs one-hundred dollars for a ninety-minute period and can fit twelve to fifteen people. The Franklin Fountain Confectionary Cabin offers house-made hot chocolate, hot fudge sundaes, ice cream waffle sandwiches, s’mores kits and many more delicious treats. The Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is a perfect destination for someone looking to get into the holiday spirit. It offers activities for all ages and is family friendly. With the Ben Franklin Bridge to the north and the Delaware River to the east, the scene creates a picture perfect background. The park will remain open until Sunday, March 5, offering many opportunities to visit. Art by Jenn Pacitti (‘17)/ Eastside News/Features Editor
January 2017
COMMUNITY EASTSIDE
Page 7
Cherry Hill’s “boring” label is a misconception ■ By Sara Messinger (‘17)
Eastside Community Editor
Located less than ten miles east of historic Philadelphia, and just a little over an hour drive to the beach, Cherry Hill proves to be an ideal central location to live with lots to do. Each new season is marked with trips to the city, or even to local farms; thus, the misconception that Cherry Hill is a boring place to live should be left behind in 2016. As school comes back into session at the conclusion of summer vacation, many are left grieving the long summer days spent at the beach; however, it is not long until the summer heat subsides and the leaves start to fall from the trees. Fortunately for Cherry Hill residents, they are not left reminiscing
about summer for long. The festivities of fall soon kick in, as local farms such as Springdale and Johnson’s Farms start up their pumpkin picking, corn mazes and other seasonal favorites. “No matter what the season is, there is always something to take advantage of in Cherry Hill, there is always something to do, whether it is going ice skating in the winter or harvest festivals in the fall,” said Sam Brenner (‘17). While everyone has finally had enough apple cider donuts and pumpkin spiced drinks, the residents of Cherry Hill say goodbye to all of the autumn colors. Soon everyone is rushing around to the malls and shopping centers to find the best holiday gifts. But for some, the best holiday gifts are simply days spent ice skating or sipping hot choc-
Courtesy of visitphilly.com
Blue Cross RiverRink features an excellent view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in addition to ice skating, outdoor seating, and a variety of dining options. Throughout the rest of the year, the Delaware River Waterfront serves as a multipurpose outdoor space.
olate with friends or family. Luckily, just a short train or car ride away rests Philadelphia, where visitors can ice skate through the night at either Blue Cross RiverRink or the Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park. Both rinks are always crowded with visitors, who at the same time can take in the Christmas lights illuminating the streets. After ice skating, visitors can walk around and shop for holiday gifts at the popular Germanstyle Christmas Village at City Hall or take in the Macy’s Christmas Light Show. Cherry Hill is only a short drive to all of Philadelphia’s professional sports team venues. Whether it be a trip to Chester for a Philadelphia Union MLS game or a trip to Philadelphia for a professional baseball, basketball,
football or hockey game, there are sporting events to take advantage of in every season. As the school year winds to a close, Cherry Hill residents will once again find themselves taking trips to the beach with family and friends. While many towns are hours and hours away from bodies of water, Cherry Hill is only a short distance away from Atlantic City, Wildwood and Ocean City, among other beaches. Cherry Hill residents find themselves spending countless weekends or days traveling during summer vacation. “We’re close to Philly, we’re close to New York,
Courtesy of the Hotel ML
Located only a few miles away in Mt. Laurel, CoCo Key Water Resort houses slides, pools and an indoor water obstacle course. It is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as during holiday weekends. It also offers a lazy river and an indoor spa for older visitors.
we are centrally located... we even have the shore or the Poconos. We have the ability to get to any type of landscape environment that we feel that we want to go to. Therefore, Cherry Hill is probably one of the greatest places because of that,” said Brenner. From city lights, to sun rays on the beach, to cider in the fall, there is always something to do in Cherry Hill, giving residents the very best opportunities every season. If one looks around, he or she may realize all of the advantages of living in Cherry Hill. “Yeah, I guess Cherry Hill is not too bad after all,” said Hope Dickson (‘17).
Courtesy of Johnson’s Farm
Johnson’s Corner Farm, in Medford, offers seasonal activites year-round. During the winter, the farm hosts a light show, a musical hayride and visits with Santa, among other features. The farm’s bakery also features holiday cookie decoration.
Map by Josh Sodicoff( ‘18)/ Eastside Multimedia Director Created using Google My Maps
Courtesy of ccdarks.com
Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park gives beginners a greater oppurtunity to skate through extensive skate lessons and rentals as a part of its seasonal ice rink. The Rothman Cabin also serves hot seasonal food in the comfort of its cozy ambience.
Courtesy of Youtube
Situated on the water, the Cooper River Park houses numerous sporting and recreational facilities. Bike paths cut between the picnic areas, softball fields and volleyball courts. Visitors can always enjoy a stroll by the Cooper River and take in the natural beauty of the area.
Courtesy of historiccamdencounty.com
Although not as extensive as its competitors, Springdale Farms has become Cherry Hill’s farm. Although the winter is a slow time for the farm, it sells fresh produce and specialty plants on a year-round basis. Fruit-picking and hayrides are regular activities, as well.
Page 8
EASTSIDE
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January 2017
COMICS EASTSIDE
Page 9
The Gift That Keeps on Giving by Jonathan Calabrese (‘18)/ Eastisde Staff
Before and After by Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastisde Art Director
High School Planning by Sidra Isenberg (‘18)/ Eastside Staff
Growth in Science Curriculum by Kevin Chen (‘17)/ Eastside Tech Director
OPINIONS
Page 10
EASTSIDE
January 2017
The last eight years: reflecting on Obama ■ By Josh Pipe (‘20)
PRO
Eastside Staff
On January 20, 2009, 45 years and 157 days after and just 1.9 miles away from Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, President Barack Hussein Obama became the first black man to take the Presidential Oath of Office. For me, and many high school students, he was the only president we’ve known. Former President George W. Bush left office when the large majority of East students were still in elementary school. Obama’s campaign to win the White House was unique; he drew on a concept of hope in a time of depression and darkness in the United States. When he was declared president-elect of the United States at 11 p.m. on November 4, 2008, it was clear that a new era had begun: one of hope. That idea of hope and positivity has come to define the eight-year presidency of Barack Obama; however, Obama’s presidency is drawing to a close. In just a few weeks, President Obama will return the republic as all other 43 presidents have done before him, and it is worth noting the overwhelmingly positive impact he has had on our generation. Perhaps the most important part of Obama’s legacy is that his presidency has been heralded as remarkably scandal-free. This, in a truly unique light, made the President of our country someone whom kids could truly look up to and not think negatively upon. Obama has also exhibited a very classy, passionate nature that is favorable for kids to emulate. A major impact of Obama’s legacy on the youth of today is his devout cultivation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
CON
■ By Alon Goldfinger (‘17) amongst young people. In his inaugural address, Obama Eastside Business Manager vowed to “restore science to its rightful place,” and he has He campaigned with promstarted America along that ises of change. Promises of path through White House challenging the establishscience fairs, science conferment. Promises of “yes we ences sponsored by the White can.” Now, that man is thrown House and, of course, his Preto the side and joked about as cision Medicine Initiative. 2008 Obama: the overly optiPresident Obama displayed mistic novice. However, the a deep commitment to climate people voted for optimistic. issues. Obama has not only The people want optimistic. been a patron of green enInstead, we received a realergy, but ist who further, prefers he has to keep helped things as forge inthey are. ternaI n tional 2 0 0 8 , agreeBarack ments. Obama T h e s e promsteps will ised a ensure health that the care sysUnited tem that States cares for moves in all. The a positive, first step environhe took mentallywhen imfriendly plementdirection. ing the Courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Madison Photo Library s y s t e m T h u s , O b a m a Obama waves to an excited crowd after giving a speech. was rewill be to assuring thank if we as a planet evade the drug companies that the the disastrous effects that United States will not be able major climate change could to negotiate drug prices. That bring. is not whom America elected. Obama ended major wars In 2008, Barack Obama that killed not only Ameripromised less violence. Obama can soldiers, but the Amerihimself decided to overthrow can economy as well. He has leaders in Egypt and Libya, found peaceful and diplomatic leading to great violence in solutions to problems rather both countries. The self-prothan quick, yet costly military claimed pacifist actions have fixes. The President has even even led many to label him as managed to kept a level head a warhawk. That is not whom in the face of provocation, a America elected. valuable lesson for the youth In 2008, Barack Obama of today. promised to take on the estabThe Obama legacy will live lishment. However, he bowed on in history as one that posidown to the fossil fuel and tively impacted the lives of oil industries. Recently, 400 thousands of youths throughnonviolent Native American out not only the United States, Art by Brooke Greenberg protesters were being sprayed but in countries worldwide. (‘17)/ Eastside Opinions Editor with freezing cold water and
tear gas. That is not whom America elected. In 2008, Obama promised to close Guantanamo Bay. And in 2009… And in 2010… And every year throughout his presidency. However, Guantanamo Bay is still open and shows no signs of closing. That is not whom America elected. In 2008, Obama promised to be a champion of the working class. However, by signing disastrous deals like the Trans-Pacific-Partnership and continuing to support NAFTA, President Obama has led American manufacturing jobs to flow out of the United States and into foreign countries. That is not whom America elected. In 2008, Obama promised to bring this country together. However, after eight years, this country is more divided than ever. People are more focused on dogmatically stating their opinions rather than being open-minded citizens. Under Obama, this country split in half. That is not whom America elected. But let’s try to look at the positives… Obama has helped create the Paris Agreement. He has instated executive orders to protect innocent immigrants. Because these are all executive actions, the next president, in this case President Trump, can, and will, reverse these actions. So if Obama really hasn’t greatly benefitted the United States, why is he so popular? Charisma. Barack Obama does a fantastic job at hiding his failures behind his very charismatic attitude. He acts funny by doing a mic-drop at the correspondence dinner or pardoning a turkey on Thanksgiving. The onus is on the citizens of this country tend to look past appearance and face the grueling reality that are Obama’s policies.
Discrimination against Native Americans plagues society ■ By Claire Joanson (‘19)
Eastside Staff
In America, we take pride in being forward thinkers. Thinkers who are seen as helping figures toward countries with people in need. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), approximately 76 percent of all impoverished countries in the world have received some sort of economic aid from the United States. In the wake of a catastrophic event, the U.S. often grants help; for example, it helped Rwanda rebuild its economy after the Rwandan Genocide. However, what citizens of the U.S. fail to recognize is that there are ashes lying directly under their feet — those of the Native Americans
who have been killed and d i s criminated against for centuries in our very o w n homeland. The Native Americ a n population in this country has been, and continues to be, treated with blatant disrespect and a complete disregard of human decency. Over 12,000 years ago, indigenous peoples crossed the land bridge from Asia to what we now consider Alaska, settling in the Americas. According to EndGenocide. org, an estimated 10 million Native Americans lived in what we consider the United States when European explorers first surfaced in the fifteenth century. In 1900, that number dwindled down to only 300,000 natives. This extreme loss of life can be attributed to many fac-
tors, with most of the blood landing upon the hands of those newcomers who chose to settle in this nation. Diseases such as measles, smallpox and influenza, all new to once-sheltered Native Americans,
ravaged the populations, killing an estimated 90 percent. This was no accident. Settlers, thirsty for land they wouldn’t have to share and the resources this “New World” contained, concocted ways of killing the Native Americans. In 1763, the British gave blankets (previously owned b y smallpox patients in a seemingly friendly gesture) with the intention of wiping out the race. According to the Phips Proclamation of 1775, King George II granted a monetary reward for the scalps
of each “Indian” killed. The disrespect of the Native American existence only continuted; native citizens were not granted national voting rights until 1957. Even more shockingly, Native Americans did not gain the right to free speech, protection from unreasonable search, or even the right to a jury until 1968, under the Indian Civil Rights Act. The United States has also frequently looked down upon Native American culture and religion. In the case of Lyng v. Northwest Indian Cemetery Protection Association in 1988, the Supreme Court allowed the building of a highway through a forest that was held sacred by many Native American tribes. To find examples of the modern-day exploitation of Native Americans in the present, one has to look no further than a calendar. October 9, known as
Columbus Day, celebrates Christopher Columbus, a shining representation of some of America’s past ideals: exploration, the search for wealth, and the enslavement of a race. Columbus is seen as the starting point for the abuses that Native Americans have faced and still face today, and yet his name is celebrated. We, as a nation, took a step in the right direction on December 4, 2016. On this day the Department of the Army announced that it would not allow a pipeline to run through sacred Standing Rock Sioux reservation territory. The construction site became a global landmark for environmental and indigenous activism. Native Americans are the literal foundation this country stepped upon in order to form. More actions need to be taken properly to repent for the shameful deeds this nation has brought upon its original inhabitants. Art by Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director
EDITORIAL
January 2017
EASTSIDE
Page 11
Editorials represent the views and opinions of the Eastside Editorial Board.
Failing grades in Biology 1 call for major changes Throughout the 20152016 school year, Eastside published numerous articles, opinion pieces and editorial cartoons protesting the proposed changes to East’s science curriculum, which we deemed damaging in nature. These proposals included the replacement of Quantitative Physical Science (QPS) and Conceptual Physical Science (CPS) with Biology 1 for freshmen and the removal of the lunchtime lab periods. While we agree with those who say years of data collection will show whether the changes to the science curriculum were definitively positive or negative, the events of the first marking period provide enough information to call for a response. At the end of the first interim period, approximately 50 percent of all freshmen taking Biology 1A were either failing the class or had a D average. Due to unsettlingly low grades, a 30-point extra credit assignment was provided in all Biology 1A classes. The assignment accounted for ten percent of the students’ first marking period grade. But Eastside
does not believe the assignment makes up for the poor decision to change the science program at East and West. While East Principal Dr. Dennis Perry said that he was not initially aware of the assignment as applicable to all classrooms until learning about it at a town hall discussion with a group of students, he did reognize that the extra credit assignment was an outgrowth of a meeting that he had with the biology teachers regarding the interim grades. At the meeting, Perry expressed his concerns about the lack of success that students were meeting in biology and directed the teachers to take action to both increase the grades and to ensure that marking period grade was reflective of what students have learned. However, he said he did not mandate the specifics of the resolution. Perry also met with two students from each Biology 1A class to hear the student perspective, but added that more investigation needs to be done into the situation. Nevertheless, Eastside contends that the wide-
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spread failing grades are evidence enough that the elimination of QPS and CPS was detrimental, and that it will continue to have negative repercussions unless changes are made. To begin with, as Eastside addressed in our February/March 2016 editorial, a Biology 1R class should be reinstated in order to accommodate the needs of all students. Additionally, the middle school curriculum must be further adapted to better prepare the incoming freshmen, particularly with instruction on how to write a lab report and the basics of biochemistry. Strong communication between the middle and high schools will ease the transition. A different approach can also be taken within the classroom, on behalf of both the students and the teachers. On January 31, the Biology Departments from East and West will meet as part of an inservice to discuss the curriculum. Perhaps the methods of approaching certain topics must be altered, or additional extra help sessions can be scheduled. Ultimately, hindsight is either a
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blessing or a curse, depending on whether we act to correct the mistakes of the past. Another concerning aspect of the issue is the lack of a textbook for the Biology 1 students. Although Perry said that plans are in place to develop an East site with online resources and learning materials, students were still left in the first marking period without ways to reinforce their knowledge. Eastside acknowledges one major positive that has come as a result of the efforts of students and parents throughout the community. Recently, the Board of Education announced that the lunchtime lab periods will not be removed during the 2017-2018 school year, as originally proposed. This change would have been a devastating blow to an already injured science program, a program which once flourished. Therefore, Eastside would like to thank the Board of Education for hearing our concerns, but we believe that there is still more work to be done in order for the science program at East to thrive.
Paul Davis Denise Weiss Chris and Jenny Naddeo Silver Greg Rouen Jay Shaughnessy Eric Abrams George and Rosemarie Doinycky Debra and Anton Cohen John Happ Arlene Rionard Glazor Sam and Debbie First Larry Fisch Mitchell Cohen Stacy Ackerman Bonnie Richman Lois Cohen Scott Nover Rona Walters Mrs. Gagz Mooch Monkey Jake Fischer Terry Visconto Thasin Jaigirdar Molly McNerney Mohammad Kabir Tina Wescott Bill and Dottie Black Robin Aronson Susan Manion Yazhen Chen Carol Marks Lori Elkan Mei Wong Brenda Cohen Brian Kehoe Eunjin Lee Elizabeth Wells Jenn and Mike Dolnycky Faisal Aziz Robin Pacitti Rick Pacitti
Eastside 2016-2017 Editorial Board
Managing Editor: Jenna Myers Editors-in-Chief: Kaitlyn Boyle, Ashley Cooper, Luke Hinrichs Adviser: Mr. Greg Gagliardi
News/Features Editors Jenn Pacitti Jenna Simons Louis Zimmermann
Community Editors Ilana Arougheti Sara Messinger Gregory Rothkoff
Sports Editors Elissa Cohen Courtney Finnegan Drew Hoffman
Underground Editors Shari Boiskin Eric First Jared Fisch
Opinions Editors Brooke Greenberg Joe Levin Ezra Nugiel
Entertainment Editors Sari Cohen Asher Maitin Hope Rosenblatt
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Multimedia Directors Business Managers Ben Goldsmith Alon Goldfinger Josh Sodicoff Abigail Richman Humor Editor Danny Naddeo
Tech Director Kevin Chen
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: ilana. arougheti@eastsideonline.org. (Note: There is a dash between “eastside” and “online”)
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EASTSIDE
January 2017
OPINIONS
January 2017
EASTSIDE
Page 13
The following columns express the independent opinions of the writers themselves and not the views of the Eastside Editorial Board.
MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN?YES NO
■ By Luke Hinrichs (‘17)
Eastside Editor-in-Chief
We listened to Trump’s loud rhetoric. We heard his divisive words and threats. We witnessed his ability to incite violence. He told us that the nation was full of terrorists, rapists and murders from other countries. He told us that the country was broken, and only he could repair it. He proclaimed that he was just like us, and he was the voice of the common man. Now we are told to “wait and see.” History has seen similar leaders rise to power in the past. History has seen fascism take hold in democratic countries before. Now, history is watching us. Let us not forget the Holocaust started with divisive words. Let us not forget Japanese internment camps started with a registry created out of fear. Let us not forget the gains hard fought and won by the Civil Rights Movement, the Women’s Liberation Movement and the Progressive Movement. To forget is an injustice to the past. We must remain diligent and steadfast in our refusal to normalize the bigotry, sexism, anti-Semitism, racism and Islamophobia of the Trump administration. Although many may feel disillusioned or disappointed with the Democratic Party this past November, we must acknowledge the fact that not all Trump supporters are racist, but all of his supporters decided that racism was not a deal-breaker in a presidential candidate. It is time to see that our democratic process has vomited up a con artist, the creation of the mass media. As Trump’s shocking, irreverent and disturbing behavior increased advertising and ratings, truth and reality became irrelevant. It was not until he received the GOP nomination that the mass media recognized their Frankenstein as a threat, but by then it was too late. By then, it did not matter what he said. Many had already placed their faith in the fantastic and impossible rhetoric of a charlatan, a demagogue, who promised the return of a golden age. And the pu**y grabbing opportunist, who fed on frustration, disillusionment and anger, and, according to the CIA, NSA and FBI, was aided by Russia, won the presidency with 2.9 million less popular votes than the frontrunner. Now we are told to forget about everything that occurred in the electoral process and just focus on today and the future. We are told to give the presidentelect and his appointed, inexperienced, white nationalist, billionaire-class, hard-line, ideologue cabinet of cronies a chance. Trump’s pick for Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, is the CEO of Exxon and closely aligned with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In fact, Tillerson represented Exxon’s interests in Russia as far back as the regime of Boris Yeltsin. In 2013, Tillerson was awarded the Order of Friendship, one of the highest honors Russia gives to foreign citizens. His Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, could not get confirmed as a federal judge 30 years ago because of racially charged comments. He was deemed too racist for a position 30 years ago, but apparently today his appointment is acceptable. He has questioned whether terrorism suspects should get the protection of the U.S. court system and opposes closing the detention center at Guantanamo Bay. Sessions has said those concerned about warrantless wiretaps have “exaggerated the extent to which this is somehow violative of our Constitution.” He has enthusiastically embraced arch-restrictionist stances on immigration and objected to the National Endowment for the Humanities distributing books about Islam to public libraries. His Chief Strategist, Stephen Bannon, “the main driver behind Breitbart becoming a white ethno-nationalist propaganda mill,” as the Southern Poverty
Law Center stated, is a former Goldman Sachs banker and a supporter of white supremacy. He cultivates alliances with explicit racists and bigots. His Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, has aggressively pushed for the expansion of charter schools and has positioned herself against public schools. Charter schools have no oversight and their lack of accountability breeds ineffectiveness and mismanagement. His Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, Mr. Pruitt, spent most of his time in social service battling with the very same agency he now leads. A hostile climate change denier can be the end to clean air and safe drinking water. These and many other lackluster appointees will surround Trump, the spoiled child that throws tantrums when he receives any form of questioning or criticism. Recently, a hero of United States History, Representative John Lewis, was the target of a Trump retaliatory Twitter attack after Rep. Lewis stated that due to Russia’s interference and disruption of our democratic electoral process, Trump’s presidency is illegitimate. Lashing out, Trump tweeted that Rep. Lewis is “All talk, talk, talk - no action or results,” a shockingly ignorant statement in light of Rep. Lewis’s role as a leader in the Civil Rights Movement and the U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 5th congressional district, serving since 1987. While Lewis was willing to sacrifice his life fighting for freedom and equal rights, Trump was dodging the draft. Do not normalize his erratic tweets. Do not normalize his lack of substance. Behind his facade of being for the common man, there is a tax plan that strangles the common household. Lily Batchelder, a visiting fellow at the Tax Policy Center and a professor at the New York University School of Law, has calculated that Trump’s plan would increase the tax burden for about 8.7 million families. The analysis showed that the top 1 percent would get about half of the benefits of his tax cuts, and a millionaire, for example, would get an average tax cut of $317,000. But a family earning between $40,000 and $50,000 a year would get a tax cut of only $560.The Tax Policy Center says that over the first decade, the government would lose $6.2 trillion in revenue, producing huge budget deficits that could hurt the economy. But, still, give Trump a chance. Give fascism a chance. Give the white-nationalist movement a chance. Neutrality is a position. To the students of East, if you can find ease telling your own kids that you did nothing when Muslims were registered and put into internment camps, remain silent. To the teachers of East, if you are okay with following the orders of Dr. Perry and staying impartial as the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community is forced into conversion therapy, which VP-elect Pence once supported, and immigrant families are torn apart, remain silent. As educators of East, you will always be remembered for what you said, but more importantly, what you did not say. On January 20, Mr. Trump placed his hand on the Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America. We cannot wait and be reactive. We must remain vigilant, we must organize, and we must volunteer. The plot continues to thicken as more and more sources point towards the conclusion that Trump is Putin’s puppet. Find the movement that matters most to you and remain well-informed. Use Call To Action and demand that our congressmen stand against Trump. Many of us will never know what it is like to be persecuted, but we will all know what it looks like, and we will all know what it feels like to watch and do nothing. In the words of Representative John Lewis, “When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have a moral obligation to do something. You cannot afford to be quiet or to be silent. We have to continue to work, continue to speak up and speak out.”
■ By Jackie Abrams (‘17)
Eastside Staff
The young population is completely aghast by Donald J. Trump’s election as the forty-fifth President of the United States. Guess what? The entire country does not comply and conform to the opinions of Twitter. Millennials partly hate Trump because they fear he will take away the rights granted in the Obergefell v. Hodges case due to his appointment of conservatives. Your rights are fine. Considering many Democrats are too busy screaming “not my president” to actually pay attention to the upcoming changes in America, here’s a secret: these new changes will actually benefit the working people. Trump is going to “Make America Great Again,” because honestly, it’s not particularly great at the moment. Under the Obama Administration, Obamacare forced 600,000 people into part-time work, since the policy mandated that full-time employees be given health insurance, rather than the full-time benefits of a job. Small businesses were directly impacted by the economic mandate since they could not afford for employees to be considered “full-time.” The Affordable Care Act defined full-time employment as a 30-hour work week. How can small businesses be expected to employ people full-time? The reality that occurred was more people were considered part-time workers. The harsh reality is that no person can solely depend on a salary made as a part-time employee. Combined with the high co-payment dues at doctors’ offices and for hospital visits, Obamacare was detrimental to anyone who actually had a job rather than collected money from welfare. Trump is going to replace Obamacare with a healthcare plan that won’t have such strict regulation on businesses, since it is evident the economy suffered when businesses did not cover health insurance. Speaking of the economy, trade with other countries correlates to the success of the economy. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) caused the loss of two million jobs due to the trade deficit of nearly 178 billion dollars, and 52 percent of the jobs lost were in manufacturing. Currency manipulation, in which a country artificially depresses the value of its
currency, inflated the amount of imports in the U.S. but decreased the exports and, therefore, caused the decline of the gross domestic product by $285 billion in 2015. Trump plans to change the negotiation to benefit the U.S., since the TPP lacks many, if not any at all, clear benefits to this trade agreement. Absolute chaos ensued over Trump’s original tax plan; however, he revised it so that it benefits America in a ten-year period. Besides creating at least 1.8 million jobs, Trump’s plan will raise the economy by nearly seven percent. The larger economy would then correlate to over five percent increase in wages. On to another problem millennials have with Trump: guns. We all know he wants to build a wall and bomb out ISIS. Besides being a funny slogan on a T-shirt, these policies on foreign threats are meant to protect the American people. And how else should a stereotypical American protect him or herself than with a gun? But in all seriousness, Trump is aware that the shootings across the U.S. occurred because mentally unstable people had access to guns. In order to protect the constitutional right of citizens to bear arms, he plans to expand the availability of mental health care. He also plans to change the method for background checks on gun owners. The problem is that the implementation of the current system allows for loopholes, thus allowing people who clearly require aid and medication to obtain guns. Though guns themselves are interesting to discuss, there is a gun-bearing group in need of reform: veterans. The Veteran Affairs (VA) Reform will directly benefit America. The New York Times reported in 2016 that there was a sharp increase in veterans who were denied benefits and, in the year prior, reported the increase in wait lists for much-needed care. The overall reform Trump proposes addresses the mental wounds of veterans in addition to the physical wounds by increasing the number of health-care professionals employed by the VA. There is much more to President-elect Donald Trump than what the media chooses to portray. The people who voted for him are not bigoted, racist, nor evil. The benefits to the economy will outweigh whatever 140character statement he tweeted that offended someone. We are going to make America great again by letting citizens become prosperous in a more stabilized economy.
Photos courtesy of Ezra Nugiel (‘17)/Eastside Opinions Editor and Jackie Abrams(‘17)/Eastside Staff
June 16, 2015: Donald Trump informally announces that he is running in the 2016 presidential election.
June 25, 2015: Trump says, “[Mexico is] sending people that have lots of problems. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists.”
July 11, 2015: Trump mentions his plan to build a wall across the southern border of the U.S. and to have Mexico pay for it.
December 7, 2015: Trump calls for a ban on all Muslims entering the U.S. until our government can “figure out what is going on” with terrorists swearing jihad on America.
November 24, 2015: Trump imitates a disabled reporter, saying, “Now the poor guy, you ought to see this guy.” He then re-enacts the reporter’s physical handicap.
October 16-17, 2016: Trump states that the election will be rigged and that there will be voter fraud on Election Day.
October 7, 2016: A video of Trump from 2005 surfaces, featuring a younger Donald Trump bragging that he can get away with “anything” with women, including “grabbing them by the pu**y.”
ENTERTAINMENT
Trash Pandora, “goals” and “challenges”this year Page 14
EASTSIDE
January 2017
■ By Sari Cohen (‘18) Eastside Entertainment Editor
After hitting its peak, Pandora continues to slowly fall off the map and give way to its competition. Pandora has been losing many users — including me — to the competition in the music market. Although Pandora Radio has the ability to suggest similar artists and music to users’ interests and allows users to make radio stations that feature music they already know and have never heard before, Spotify encompasses the wonders of Pandora and includes much more. Spotify, in my opinion, has taken over Pandora’s popularity. Spotify gives subscribers the opportunity to listen to the same kind of radio stations, as well as full albums, without interruption of unknown music. Spotify and Pandora alike include ads in their free versions, but Spotify Premium, the paid version of Spotify, holds many more components when users purchase the subscription. Subscribers can listen to whatever they want, wherever they want, by downloading playlists, albums and tracks to their phone without additional costs. The paid version of Pandora Radio, however, includes the same assets as free Pandora Radio sans the interruption of advertisements. It only makes sense logically to choose Spotify over Pandora, as Spotify behaves more or less as “Pandora plus.” Pandora should not continue in 2017 because, simply stated, Spotify is the better and more inclusive app.
■ By Hope Rosenblatt (‘18) Eastside Entertainment Editor
For you, it may be skydiving, but for someone else it’s backpacking through Europe, getting good grades or even attaining a gold medal in the Olympics. I will admit that for me, it is the much less adventurous feat of writing a bestseller. Everyone has goals, but for many in recent years, they have ceased to be their own. As we say goodbye to 2016, it’s time to close the door on mimicking personal dreams after other people’s reality. Social media has helped immensely in spawning the annoyingly overused terminology of “goals,” no matter if they are of the relationship, life, friend or social sort. Okay, so maybe not necessarily that last one, but you get the point. As for the term “relationship goals,” in itself, not only is it unrealistic to refer to human beings as one’s “goals,” it’s creepy. In today’s world it’s easy to get swept up in the seemingly glamorous lives of strangers through the pictures they post and the things they say. The facade of celebrities and others prominent on Instagram and Twitter rarely present a realistic image of themselves. People choose to show their best life on social media, so that picture you may think is “goals,” actually took 10 tries to perfect. Life is about having dreams that involve hard work to achieve. Real goals are not people or places; instead they’re feelings and moments. That’s why my own goal for 2017 is to leave behind any attempt to make my life a carbon copy of a stranger’s Instagram picture. ■ By Asher Maitin (‘17) Eastside Entertainment Editor
It’s human nature; we see someone else do something and we want to do it. Good or bad, dangerous or safe, fun or serious, most of the time, we go out of our way to emulate others. Such actions manifest themselves in the form of “challenges” that social media users post to Twitter, Facebook or YouTube, typically. There has been the TZ Anthem Challenge, Mannequin Challenge, Ice Bucket Challenge, Cinnamon Challenge and the Salt and Ice Challenge, but these ridiculous acts need to be left behind. Though these “challenges” are often funny, facetious activities, sometimes they can pose a serious threat. Take, for instance, the Cinnamon as well as Salt and Ice Challenges. The Cinnamon Challenge asks people to eat a spoonful of ground cinnamon in under a minute without drinking anything. However, the cinnamon coats the mouth, often resulting in coughing and gagging. In serious cases, inhaling cinnamon can lead to serious breathing difficulties, pneumonia and even a collapsed lung. The Salt and Ice Challenge can easily be labeled moronic as well. This challenge requires people to pour salt on their skin and then place ice cubes on top of it. The resulting feeling is supposed to be of painful sensation, yet a salt and ice mixture can actually create anything from frostbite to second-degree burns. These absurd feats must end.
Art by Jennifer Dong (‘17)/ Eastside Art Director
ENTERTAINMENT
January 2017
EASTSIDE
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YouTube Red is the new black Look inside YouTube Space L.A. ■ By Louis Zimmermann (‘18)
Eastside News/Features Editor
ror games: Kjellberg’s least favorite type. PewDiePie set the basis for the vast creation of other shows such as “Prank Academy” made by the channel BfvsGF, “Escape the Night” made by Joey Graceffa and “Single by 30” made by Wong Fu Productions. “[YouTubers] definitely work hard enough to become actors and
Netflix. Hulu. Showbiz. CBS All Access. Streaming services are commonly known by all ages for presenting everyone’s favorite movies and television shows, and there is a new player on the rise: YouTube Red. YouTube Red has changed the outlook not only on YouTube, but also on streaming services as a whole. YouTube Red is a monthly subscription service that allows users to watch all of their favorite YouTube sensations in self-made TV series. However, YouTube Red does not simply provide Courtesy of YouTube TV programs to the sub- scribers. The service has The documentary, “A Trip to Unicorn Ismultiple other features to land,” debuted on YouTube Red. set it apart from the most actresses and so they definitely depopular streaming services like serve a chance to have their own Netflix. TV shows,” said Melissa Posner Launched by Google on October (‘18). “By being behind a camera 21, 2015, YouTube Red debuted the a lot, YouTubers should definitely feature of watching any videos on be comfortable making their own YouTube without the inclusion of TV shows because they already asadvertisements. Not only this, but sociate with seeing themselves on YouTube Red allows users to save screens all of the time.” YouTube videos to a specific device Airing first on February 10, 2016, and then later watch them offline Lilly Singh, known by her subscriband off of WiFi connection. The serers as Superwoman, released the vice provides a one-month free trial first-ever YouTuber movie known to test out the features. as “A Trip to Unicorn Island.” She However, the main focus behind documented her world tour with inYouTube Red is to give people actakes from her friends and family. cess to some of their favorite You“I definitely prefer YouTubers on Tubers in TV shows and films that their own channels, but it is really truly exhibit the YouTuber’s perinteresting to see them act instead sonality. of be simply themselves,” said PosSophia Sitnick (‘20) said, “Since ner. YouTube is such a fast-growing YouTube Red takes famous Youwebsite, the idea of YouTube Red Tubers’ personalities and lets them sounds very interesting because create the show they believe suits [YouTubers] are able to express their channel the best. It gives their creativity to the world.” YouTubers the opportunity to step Being known as the most subaway from their filming cameras at scribed YouTuber, with over 50 home and stand in front of a spemillion subscribers, PewDiePie, cially designed set and state-of-thealso known as Felix Kjellberg, reart filming equipment. leased the first-ever YouTube show As YouTube Red creates a way on February 10, 2016. The show for YouTubers to publish more prois called “Scare PewDiePie” and it fessionally made films, it also innoreflects Kjellberg’s life as it shows vates the way people see streaming video games brought to reality. services as things that do not have Kjellberg’s channel surrounds to be limited to the standard movvideo games; however, the show ies and films seen on daily TV. takes a scary angle by having all of the games brought to life be horArt by Danny Kahn (‘19)/ Eastside Staff
which have gotten more than 1 billion views. In addition to being where YouTubers create videos, it is YouTube has bealso the location in which many Youcome such a big part of Tube employees work. most teenagers’ lives Chris D’Angelo is global head of despite the fact that production and programming for East blocks it, which YouTube Space. is why I was super “My proudest accomplishment at excited to be able to spend a day at YouTube is expanding the number the YouTube Space in Los Angeles, of Spaces that we have globally,” California. With several locations all said D’Angelo. “The more we get into across the world, a YouTube Space these cities and locations, the more is a building that offers tools and rewe’re able to help our creators be sources for YouTube creators. more successful at what they’re tryYouTube has over one billion ing to do.” unique viewers every day. The site D’Angelo is also excited for the fuhas over two million creators. Chanture of YouTube programming. nels like PewDiePie have over 50 “I think you’ll see the quality and million subscribers. Most people go presentation of YouTube videos into YouTube Space in order to utilize crease on a pretty persistent, longthe location’s devices and gadgets. I term trajectory,” said D’Angelo. visited the building with a different Jamie Dougherty, member of the hope: to learn how everything works YouTube strategy team, said, “I work behind the scenes from the best with a lot of different groups to help source possible — the people who acdevelop new business plans. There’s tually work at Youtube themselves. some really smart, amazing, creative The LA YouTube Space is marked people here, so getting to work with with a large sign on the outside, with them and learning about their ideas the iconic YouTube logo. When I arand how one room may have an idea rived, a small helicopter on display which melds with another and comes outside the door to the lobby weltogether to create new things is just comed me. The building was origireally cool.” I felt surrounded by excitement, dedication and intensity. Jehan Ratnatunga, overseer of programming strategy at YouTube Originals, said, “YouTube is just the best thing ever. I watched so much YouTube, I figured, why not just work at YouTube?” One thing con Samuel Grossman (‘19)/ Eastside Staff sistent in every The entrance to YouTube Space LA. employee’s advice nally home to a group of engineers was for video-makers to follow their who used the area to create helicoppassion. ters and other aircrafts, so, in the YouTube does not appear to be spirit of innovation, a past creation just a fad. It will continue to provide resides at the doorway. entertainment for years to come. Inside the lobby is a large wall “I think there’s going to be a shift with TVs mounted on it, displaying from YouTube being something peopictures and tweets people share ple kind of snack on… to being a maabout the Space. Several studios jor destination for all types of enterare in the Space, where YouTubers tainment,” Dougherty said. can create videos using the Space’s From the things I saw and the equipment. As of March 2015, Youpeople I met, I agree with DoughTubers filming in YouTube Spaces erty— YouTube is here to stay. have produced over 10,000 videos, Art by Danny Kahn (‘19)/ Eastside Staff ■ By Sam Grossman (‘19)
Eastside Staff
Users bid farewell to six-second videos with Vine’s deletion ■ By Eli Weitzman (‘20)
Eastside Staff
In 2012, a small group of people came together and created a service to share short, casual moments with others. This service grew slowly until it caught the eye of social media giant Twitter, who soon bought it in a 30-million-dollar deal. Afterwards, this service, now known as Vine, grew exponentially, soon gaining the following of creators who used the program’s six-second limit to create intriguing material for the masses. New features were added slowly, and Vine grew to popularity as a place to be entertained, informed and even laugh a bit. Vine’s seamless and easy-to-use editing software was later added, allowing the user to overlay images and captions, add filters and edit how they want the video to play, only attracting more people to the service. For some students, Vine was a place where they could relax and be entertained. James Lewis (’20) used the service as a port
for humor. “Whenever I was in a down mood,” Lewis said, “I looked at the comedy sec-
like Snapchat and YouTube grew to popularity, subsequently causing Vine’s users to decline. Twitter began
vice permanently, instead replacing it with a simple six-second video editor. Over the past four years, Vine has grown to become an important part of people’s lives. The ability to tell a story in six seconds was a phenomenon that everyone wanted to be a part of, but, like all good things, Vine had to come to an end. Zaiden Ascalon (’20), who began to use the service last year and stopped using it after three weeks, foresaw the death of the service and its inability to keep up with new features. “If Twitter got rid of it, then the majority of people agree with me,” Ascalon said. Additionally, Ari Liz Lee (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor Podolnick (’19), who A student deletes the Vine application from his iPhone. began using the service in middle school, tion to give me a laugh to to lose profit and popularalso predicted its death due continue my day.” ity, resulting in layoffs and to its decline in popularity But while many people cuts in the company. In its amongst peers. loved Vine, with its variannouncement on DecemPodolnick said, “I exety of users and content as ber 16, Twitter announced pected it to happen. By the well as its quick video edit would be discontinuing time I got to high school, iting ability, new services its Vine social media sernot many people used it
anymore.” While Vine’s re-tooling is sealed, the creators of the service have been working on a new application. A few days after the announcement of Vine being discontinued, the creators announced Hype, a livestreaming app to compete with Periscope and Facebook Live. Currently available only for iOS devices, Hype incorporates Vine’s seamless editing abilities into the form of a live stream, allowing the user to add animations or effects to their stream as it happens. Although Vine may be changing its social features, it plans to keep the site up as a place only to view the videos posted. Otherwise, if people still want to relive the glory days and enjoy some humorous videos, channels on YouTube that post Vines for all to see still remain. Vine may be gone for good, but it will always be remembered as one of the first applications that combined entertaining content with easy, on-the-spot editing capabilities.
ENTERTAINMENT
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EASTSIDE
iMessage games enhance basic messaging ■ By Brooke Greenberg (‘17)
Eastside Opinions Editor
Making their debut in Apple’s tenth operating software, iMessage games bring a new paradigm to text messaging. Users now have the ability to initiate online multi-player games with other friends and contacts without ever leaving the Messages app. By downloading specific applications that work in iMessage, players can engage in a multitude of games ranging from a match of classic checkers to an intense battle of 20 Questions. Initiating a game is swift and simple. First, both players must download the same respective game application in order to play. Next, depending on the game, the player starting the game must make the first move or wait for the opponent to accept the match. The games are sent just like a typical text message and show up as a notification within the Messages app. When first introduced to the idea of iMessage games by a friend, Adriana Rivera (‘17) was curious about what the game really entailed. After downloading the apps required to play, Rive-
ra said, “It actually turned use the plethora of games a digital fashion; iMessage out to be really fun.” available to challenge each games combine classic and As long as a player has other in exciting matches. new games, all accessible iMessage capabilities, iOS Students also use the gamat one’s fingertips. 10 and the proper apps ing platforms to play nos“I think it’s a really good downloaded, he or she is talgic childhood games in thing that Apple has ineligible to participate cluded [the games] in this revolution. into our phones. I GamePigeon is one always used to play of the more promiBattleship when nent apps to support I was younger...so the iMessage gam[the app] brings me ing. GamePigeon is a back [to my childfree app which comes hood],” said Rivera. equipped with 12 difiMessage games ferent games for usare revolutionizing ers to play, including the era of text mes8-Ball, Tanks, Sea saging through inBattle, Anagrams, corporating more inCheckers, Four in a teractive features. Row, Knockout, Pok“They’re addicter, 9-Ball, Dots and ing,” said Biral PaBoxes, 20 Questions tel (‘17). “I play the and Gomoku. Ad[games] constantditional games will ly.” eventually be availPatel said he able for purchase as looks forward to a part of GamePiseeing what other geon. Other gaming innovative features platforms including iPhones will proCheckmate! and Cobi duce in the future. Busters are available “They always to purchase in the have some tricks up AppStore. Among the their sleeves,” said free iMessage apps is Patel. Words with Friends. Following suit iMessage games of its historic legahave been taking the cy, Apple has once East community by again made people storm. Happy with take notice. The the ease and accompany has enactcessibility of the Screenshot by Jenna Simons (‘17)/ ed a platform that Eastside News/Features Editor changes the way games, students all over the school Student awaits the move of her opponent. people interact.
Don’t re-meme-ber these internet jokes ■ By Bethelly Jean-Louis (‘17) Eastside Staff
While memes are commonly associated with lighthearted humor, most fail to realize the belittling of sensitive topics that occurs with the majority of memes that circulate the internet each year. Memes work because they draw from some of the most popular trends of the year. However, the major drawback of memes is that they are fads. They last for as long as the trend is popular, then they simply evaporate. Despite the fact that they are amusing, they lack longevity, hence the reason behind why some should be left in the past. T h e r e were a lot of unforgettable events in 2016, but there are certain memes that are best left behind. One such meme is the infamous Harambe meme. Harambe the gorilla quickly gained popularity after his untimely death, as many grieved after the gorilla was shot and killed at the Cincinnati Zoo. As a sort of homage, various memes were created to honor the infamous gorilla.
However, this meme is best left in 2016. Though Harambe’s death was tragic, the meme is simply outdated and overused. It’s also important to note that because Harambe was so overused as a meme, the death of the gorilla was belittled. The memes diminished the significance of the death and aided in overlooking important issues in the aftermath of the incident. So, it’s safe to say goodbye to the beloved Harambe. Though people thank him for the
hilarious memes, they need not reappear in 2017. In addition to Harambe, there were several Drake memes in 2016. Though Drake has always been a regular character for hilarious memes, the world was not prepared for the memes that would follow his Hotline Bling video release. The internet exploded with memes that consisted of various versions of Drake throughout the video.
Though the memes were funny, after a while they be-
came old. Drake will continue to be a popular character for memes, although it is best that the Drake Hotline Bling memes stay in 2016. During the weeks immediately following the artist’s video release, the memes were relevant. But now it’s safe to say, most of the world is over it. One of the most recent, but still prominent, memes involves the “Arthur” clenched fist. Not only is it versatile, but it’s a good throwback for many people. Twitter user @AlmostJT created the first meme using the “iconic” fist, playing off the intensity of emotions wrapped into one hand gesture. Since then, the meme has sparked an intense trend of various Arthur memes. The fist is a symbol of frustration that is applicable to many situations, which is what intrigued many people at first. However, it is time to leave that overused frustration in 2016. “I think what I like most
about the Arthur meme is that you can use it for so many scenarios related to school,” said Adiel Davis (‘18). “But, the problem is that it’s getting old.” T h o u g h these memes summarize the popular trends of 2016, they have become old trends. Soon, new memes will become popular and replace the ones that have become outdated. It’s an evergoing cycle that will not stop in the near future.
Say “goodbye” to 2016 memes and “hello” to new memes that will become just as relevant, if not more; 2017 looks to be a great year for meme creators across the globe. Screenshots by Emelia Keller (‘17) and Ashley Cooper (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor and Eastside Editor-in-Chief
Several memes are best left behind in 2016.
January 2017
TECH KEY ■ By Asher Maitin (‘17) Eastside Entertainment Editor
This issue’s theme is one of my favorite topics of tech right now: drones. Drones can be considered controversial for several reasons, but I won’t be discussing those reasons. That’s not the purpose of the column. I would like to address drones exactly how I imagine them: as fun toys that offer groundbreaking new ways to shoot videos and provide the means for amateurs to generate cinematic masterpieces. The person that turned me onto drones was Casey Neistat, a former YouTube vlogger and New York City filmmaker who is my biggest movie-making inspiration. Neistat often included drone footage in his vlog, which is part of the reason why he revolutionized YouTube vlogging permanently. The results are astonishing. My mouth nearly drops every time I watch the footage because of the ways that he expands the angles from which he shoots. I love photography and I love taking videos. I am always searching for ways in which I can find new angles to make more interesting content, and drones offer this. In one episode, Neistat flies his favorite drone, a DJI Mavic Pro, from a sidewalk in Manhattan overlooking the Hudson River past the Statue of Liberty. Yes, the Statue of Liberty. Upon further research, I learned the drone has a range of 4.1 miles. That’s unprecedented, and yes, even slightly terrifying, that any amateur can buy a drone and fly it over four miles away. Another popular drone is the Phantom 4, also made by DJI. The Phantom 4 is larger than the Mavic Pro but similar in price. Both cameras attached to the drones provide 4K-resolution quality, but the Phantom 4’s camera has a larger lens and shoots wider. It also has a fixed focus, while the Mavic Pro allows users to choose where they want the camera to focus. Many have drawn parallels between the two and many have debated the true differences between them. Lesser known are the low-budget drones designed for selfies and other smaller tasks, such as the AirSelfie. The AirSelfie is pocket-sized and controlled by a cell phone. The quality of the video comes nothing near that of DJI’s products, but the concept is growing and expanding. I think drones will be commonplace soon enough. If not for consumers, they will have more practical uses for professional filmmaking and commerical making. Companies will continue to produce drones with reduced prices.
January 2017
ENTERTAINMENT EASTSIDE
Page 17
Battle of the Bitmojis
Which Bitmoji is the best? Go to our poll on eastside-online.org to vote!
Mr. Davis
Dr. Meloche
F A C U L T Y
Ms. Nicolazzo-Dollarton
Mr. Radbill
Guess the Eastside board member! Check your answers at eastside-online.org
UNDERGROUND
Page 18
EASTSIDE
January 2017
Pretentiousness in musical choices divides society ■ By Joshua Sodicoff (‘18)
Eastside Multimedia Director
For a long time in my life, I was a fan of overly serious music and heavily flaunted it. Everyone I talked to knew that my favorite album was Jethro Tull’s Thick as a Brick. I liked it because I thought it was deep and unique, given that it was one continuous song that flowed really well. Unbeknownst to me, in interviews and in articles, the band had touted the album as a work of satire. Jethro Tull made fun of the artists who tried to make their works “intellectual” and the fans who yearned for a conversation piece more than for good music. It is fairly hard not to take a pretentious stance toward music. Naturally, people will claim that it is their favorite artist, album or song
that possesses the most inspired However, if one looks deeper into One of my favorite bands, Haken, and talented work of all time, or the genre, he or she may find bands has put out four albums, all highat least something compaly received in the genre’s rable. I feel this way, and community. Yet, the band you probably do too. Yet, members still have day jobs it is this mentality that ofbecause they do not have a ten keeps fans within the strong fan following in orsphere of serious music der to financially support from enjoying a wider arthemselves. ray of song choices. Although underground Going into 2017, bands have greater room to we should leave develop, claiming their subehind the periority over more mainpompous and stream music is senseless. bloated attiFor every album as great tudes we have as the Pineapple Thief’s built around Magnolia, little-known our musical collectives put out tons of choices. sub-par works. And popuThe most lar music can continue to obvious schism produce gems; the Beatles, is between fans for instance, are a wonderLiz Lee (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor ful example. of mainstream and underground music. For ex- Regardless of what style of music they prefer, To come together as fans ample, mainstream fans of students should be able to connect over music. of music, instead of critics, alternative rock may listen listeners need to tune in for to bands like Franz Ferdinand and like Rishloo, Wax Fang and Radio pleasure and appreciation. We can Muse. These bands produce wellMoscow, putting out comparable all connect over songs we love, and made and catchy albums, becoming pieces with less acclaim. There is a learn about each other from more success after success. feeling of unfairness to this reality. obscure works.
■ By Jared Fisch (‘18) Eastside Underground Editor
Believe it or not, shutter shades, also known as Kanye shades, have actually been around since the 1950s. These sunglasses were modeled after Venetian blinds and were made out of thin wires. They were a hit in the 1950s but quickly faded away. The 1980s saw a revival of the odd sunglasses thanks to professional wrestler “Macho Man” Randy Savage. Savage wore the glasses in promotional pictures and videos, as well as before matches. Although the glasses added to Savage’s persona, the trend did not stick and the glasses faded away. Shutter shades are also featured in the 1985 cult movie The Last Dragon. Early 2008 is when shutter shades made their most recent and most prominent return. It is no surprise that Kanye West is a trendsetter, so when shutter shades became the staple of his 2008 “Glow in the Dark Tour,” there was no doubt that the shades would take off in popularity. The shades even appeared in West’s futuristic “Stron-
ger” music video, which only added to the buzz. After the shades were re-exposed into the spotlight, variations including bedazzled frames sprung up on the bar and bat mitzvah scene. In 2012, President Barack Obama as well as Vice President Joe Biden sported American flag shutter shades while on the campaign trail. Celebrities participated in the shutter shade craze. In fact, in 2011, there was a whole Facebook page titled “Celebrities That Wear Shutter Shades” that shared pictures of names such as Lady Gaga and Paris Hilton. In 2010, many of those who attended the FIFA World Cup in South Africa wore shutter shades that were decorated with their respective country’s flags and colors. Even fashion designers took part. Designer Pierre Cardin introduced shutter shade inspired glasses in his Spring/Summer 2011 collection.
Designer Alain Mikli made shutter shades encrusted in over five-hundred Swarovski crystals. It was on sale for 3,650 dollars. Besides being popular in the past, there is no point in wearing shutter shades. They do not serve as protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, and if anything, they look silly. That is why I am proposing to leave these shades in the vault. Do not make them popular again. Let’s move on from these glasses and from our awkward middle school days. These glasses are no longer a fashion statement and are an overused fad that has died long ago. Yes, we all can admit to having some pretty good memories looking through the shutters on these shades. But please, let’s leave these cheap, plastic shades in the vault, where they truly belong. Goodbye, shutter shades, until we meet again... or not. Logos by Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director
Underground asked four questions to random East students. Each question had to do with the stories included in Underground this issue. Logo by Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18) / Eastside Art Director
Photos by Shari Boiskin (‘17) / Eastside Undergound Editor and Liz Lee (‘17) / Eastside Photo Editor
We asked...
Jacob Holland (‘20)
What is your favorite meme?
What is your least favorite meme?
Is competitive gaming a sport?
When is the last time you wore Kanye shutter shades?
The one with Mr. Krabs
I like them all
No
I don’t recall
Not sure
Pepe
No
Never
The Spongebob memes
Pepe
Yes
Never did wear them
The Kermit the Frog meme where he is sipping tea
Bad Luck Brian
No
2012
Lexi Greenwald (‘17)
Jackson Hart (‘18)
Niki Bopari (‘17)
UNDERGROUND
January 2017
EASTSIDE
Page 19
Competitive gamers put the â&#x20AC;&#x153;sportâ&#x20AC;? in eSports s gend n e L f o io ague er 5 mill e L 6 v 201 Pool: O Prize s r dolla
2014 View League o f e peop rs: Over Legends 27 m le illion
ers, teams and games. Tons of people watch eSports live and on television. Two years ago, 40,000 people packed into a stadium in South Korea to watch the â&#x20AC;&#x153;League of Legendsâ&#x20AC;? World Championship match. Danny â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shiphturâ&#x20AC;? Le, a Canadian player, received a visa to live in the United States as a pro-athlete so that he could play on the U.S. â&#x20AC;&#x153;League of Legendsâ&#x20AC;? team. Le is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best â&#x20AC;&#x153;LoLâ&#x20AC;? players. He is also the first eSport player to be granted an athletic visa. Some, however, laugh at the idea of competitive gaming being a sport. This includes the president of ESPN, John Skipper, despite the fact that his own channel covers the events. Skipper believes that sports must be more than simply competitive, they must also be athletic; however, video games are more of a â&#x20AC;&#x153;mind sport.â&#x20AC;? They require finger dexterity, great perception and a reactive mind. This past year, the French government began working on a law to recognize and regulate e S ports. Whether they are Bo Ea rde sports or not, eSports sts r a are on the rise. Its id rt e A by players are being rt Sa Di b recognized and re rin cto a its following r D eA is growbr ing. e
â&#x2013; By Shari Boiskin (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;17) Eastside Underground Editor
Most people have heard of the MLB, the NFL and the NHL; however, what about the MLG? Known as Major League Gaming, it is the leading eSports league in North America, and it has members from around the globe. eSports is a form of competition played out through electronic means, usually through video games. Despite the name, the games do not necessarily have to be sports related. For example, there are national â&#x20AC;&#x153;League of Legends,â&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;LoL,â&#x20AC;? champions every year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;League of Legendsâ&#x20AC;? is an online fantasy battle game in which players attack each other in an arena type of forum. There are many different characters, not all of which are human. The most popular eSport games are not even sport-related at all. The list includes names such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;League of Legends,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Super Smash Brosâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Warcraft III: the Frozen Throne.â&#x20AC;? Competitive gaming is even covered by ESPN on television and on its website, where one can find scores of articles about different competitions, play-
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UNDERGROUND
Underground Memes
Page 20
EASTSIDE
January 2016
A few members of the Eastside Editorial Board and staff sought out a few of the best “Underground memes” on the internet. We gave you some space to create your own. Fill in the blanks on these memes and tweet a picture of this page to us @EastsideOnline.
Classical art memes poke fun at Renaissance work ■ By Bethelly Jean-Louis (‘17)
Eastside Staff
Classic art memes are a hilarious spinoff of various paintings and visual artwork that predate modern history. The memes are created by pairing funny facial expressions and interesting poses with some interesting captions. Though they are a special type of meme, they do not receive nearly as much attention as other mainstream ones do. Classical art memes include various types of artwork from the Dutch Golden Age, 18th Century Memento Mori, Hudson River School of American landscape painters, 19th Century German paintings and Northern Renaissance. In the digital age, it is protocol to provide visual evidence. We all know if there were not pictures, then it simply “didn’t happen.” Classical art memes are a spinoff of this popular notion. Instead of photographs, people, before the digital era, told their stories through paintings and other kinds of artwork. Though the artwork is used for entertainment, it is interesting that the
idea of visual evidence being the best kind of evimusic video. The pairing of this image with a capdence withstood the test of time. tion, such as, “when the DJ drops Michael JackEven though this type of meme is not very son’s ‘Thriller’ at the wedding” creates a meme versatile, it masterpiece. is incredibly However, the versatility is funny. limited. Classical art often has For examillustrations that portray an ple, a classievent relevant to its specific cal art meme time. Or, classical art may perwas created haps include various portraits using an of prominent figures of a past engraving era. Therefore, the specificity of of Shakers the artwork oftentimes limits performing the versatility to create diverse a step dance memes. at a meeting. Even though classical art In the enmemes are often overlooked graving, all compared to more relevant the figures memes, one can agree that they in the illusare most definitely funny. So, of Photo courtesy of trend-bazaar.com course, these memes may not tration are holding the include trends that are popular dance pose, and they looked as if they were the in the age of 2017—that’s the point. The paintdancing zombies in Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” ings and visual artwork are timeless.
Overly Manly Man meme The “Most Interesting Man” outwits the rest shows its strength
■ By Jenna Myers (‘17) Eastside Managing Editor
In September 2012, Ryan, a 28year-old Texan, created the Overly Manly Man meme and posted it on Reddit, under the username rken3824. Immediately, the meme became an internet sensation—especially among men’s humor blogs. The meme was extremely popular for about two weeks and was commonly seen online until around December 2014. Since then, it has been an archived meme, but it still happens to make appearances every now and then. Ryan first found the inspiration to create the Overly Manly Man meme when he searched “old timey boxer” on Google. The picture Ryan found, and ended up using, was a black-andwhite photograph of a shirtless man with a huge mustache in a boxing stance. The man was later identified as a professional boxer from the 1860s, Mike Conley, who was also considered an extremely “manly man” in the late 1800s. Along with the image, there were captions with phrases such as, “First aid kit? You mean Duct tape.” The meme’s purpose was to make Conley seem like the strongest person ever. Take the meme “Tabasco? You mean my eye drops,” for example. In this case, Conley would be using a hot sauce as his eyedrops because that’s how tough he is. Since Conley is so manly, he represents someone who can withstand anything.
“I kind of wanted to make a joke about the search for ‘manhood’ that was up-and-coming [in 2012],” Ryan said. “There was definitely a lot of over-compensation for this ‘lack of manliness’ and you can see what it evolved into with the mass of beards and WWII style haircuts. I was very much involved in this community at the time.” Coincidentally, in an episode from the sitcom “Parks and Recreation,” character Ron Swanson was posing similarly to Conley with a poster of Conley next to him. Since Swanson is known as a strong, masculine person, his replicating Conley showed how macho he was. Conley was a great and relevant example to use for Ryan’s meme. Similar to some of the Chuck Norris memes, b o t h memes depict frank masculine ideology. The main difference is that the Overly Manly Man memes are centered around the alpha male mentality while the Norris memes are focused on strength. When Ryan created his meme, he said that “there were a few cries of misogyny here and there.” Besides that, most of the reactions he got were positive. “I think that anything in life should be fair game to poke fun at,” Ryan said. “Satire is healthy in any community, as it provides an introspective look at yourself and colleagues.”
■ By Eric First (‘18) Eastside Underground Editor
Beginning in 2006, the Dos Equis beer brand introduced a recurring character in its television commercials known as the Most Interesting Man in the World. Up until 2016, this iconic character was played by actor Jonathan Goldsmith. At the end of every commercial, the Most Interesting Man became known for saying, “I don’t always drink beer, but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.” Just a few years after the commercials began airing, the legend of the Most Interesting Man in the World spread to the internet as a meme. The Dos Equis commercials gained popularity for the outrageous stories that were told about the Most Interesting Man in the World. Dozens of versions of these commercials were made, with each one telling a different story about the man’s life. Examples of these tales include that “mosquitoes refuse to bite him purely out of respect” and that he even “has inside jokes with people he’s never met.” As a result of the legends that were told about the Most Interesting Man, people began to create their own versions of what he occasionally does, in the form of a meme. The meme template uses a picture of the character with his famous words, “I don’t always… but when I do…” People can fill in the blanks to create a countless
number of punchlines. The memes for the Most Interesting Man in the World vary in terms of the topics that are used; however, all of the statements are meant to have a humorous sense of confidence. For example, one of the memes reads, “I don’t always look for Waldo, but when I do, I find him.” Another reads, “I don’t always get snacks at the movies, but when I do, I finish them before the previews are even done.”
In 2016, Dos Equis replaced Goldsmith’s character with a new Most Interesting Man in the World played by Augustin Legrand. While the company will no longer use Goldsmith’s image to discuss the adventures of the Most Interesting Man, people will continue to create memes about untold legends of the original character.
“Most Interesting Man” photo courtesy of Imgflip Overly Manly Man photo courtesy of knowyourmeme.com Photo Illustrations by Jenna Myers (‘17)/ Eastside Managing Editor
January 2017
FIFTY YEARS EASTSIDE
Page 21
To commemorate the fiftieth year of Eastside as well as the fiftieth year of Cherry Hill East, Eastside has been including special coverage in print and online to look back on the halfcentury. For this issue, Eastside decided to reprint Page 1 of The Lion’s Roar September 7, 1966 issue, which discussed the upcoming opening of Cherry Hill HS East. The Lion’s Roar is Cherry Hill West’s student newspaper, which began in 1955.
SPORTS
Page 22
EASTSIDE
January 2017
Sports controversies to be left in 2016:
Athletes unjustly receive better legal treatment than others ■ By Courtney Finnegan (‘17)
Eastside Sports Editor
A privilege is a special right, advantage or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people. One’s sex, skin color, religion, income and occupation determine what, if any, privileges one particular person is granted. Recently, the media brought national attention to the conviction of former Stanford swimmer Brock Turner for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman in January of 2015. Turner was guilty of three counts of sexual assault and could have faced a maximum of 14 years in state prison. However, he was sentenced to six months in county jail and probation, and only served a mere three months of his sentence before being released. The judge said he feared a longer sentence would have a “severe impact” on Turner, a champion swimmer who once aspired to compete in the Olympics. Unfortunately, Turner was not the first athlete given a milder sentence than usual for committing a crime. In fact, NFL athlete Darren Sharper was convicted of raping and drugging as many as 16 women in four different states throughout
his NFL career. Nine women reported being raped or drugged by Sharper to four different agencies before his January 2014 capture, but police and prosecutors along the way failed to investigate fully the women’s allegations. A group of reporters from ProPublica, Sports Illustrated and the New Orleans Advocate conducted a two-month
investigation concerning Sharper’s case. The investigation focused on the fact that law enforcement officials routinely failed to investigate fully the women's allegations. They made no arrests, and some victims and eyewitnesses felt their claims were downplayed. In addition, corroborat-
ing evidence, including DNA matches and video surveillance, was minimized or put on hold. The most frustrating piece of information the journalists discovered was that police did not inquire into Sharper's history. One criminal justice official with knowledge of the case said, “If his name was John Brown, he would have been in jail. If a woman says, ‘He's the guy that raped me,’ and you have corroborating evidence to show they were together and she went to the hospital and she can identify him, that guy goes to jail.” Sharper’s case reveals larger, systemic patterns in how law enforcement routinely handles sexual assault cases. Studies show that only about one in three victims report sexual assaults in the first place. Of those reports, Department of Justice statistics show less than 40 percent result in an arrest, a far lower figure than for other major crimes such as murder or aggravated assault. Other athletes such Sarah Zhong (‘20)/ Eastside Staff as Lawrence Taylor, An officer releases a famous athlete from his jail cell in exchange for signed memorabilia. Lenny Dykstra, Anthony
Mason, David Evans, Collin Finnerty, Reade Seligmann, Marlon King and Ben Johnson are just a few who have also received unjustly better treatment as a result of their careers in athletics. Through news reports and public records, CNN found 52 cases of NCAA Division I athletes investigated by police for allegations of sexual violence over the past 20 years. Each case was different, tried under different state laws by different prosecutors and defense lawyers and presided over by different judges, offering a window into the divergent paths seemingly similar accusations can take. Of those 52 cases, only 13 of them resulted in prison or jail time. Eleven cases ended with no prison time, either through probation or suspended or deferred sentences, and nine ended in acquittals or charges being dropped. Too often, coaches, officers and others normalize rape and other criminal actions, committed by athletes. In 2017, and in years to come, athletes should not be given preferential treatment for committing crimes solely because of their athletic careers.
Teams should consider a change of controversial mascots ■ By Luke Hinrichs (‘17)
bloody corpses were given a name: “redskins.” It is a shame upon our nation that Native Americans can turn on their television on a Sunday Insensitive and afternoon during football season dehumanizing repand be confronted by this hideous resentations in the and painful reminder of their tragic name of tradition past. should not be tolerAs a society, we cannot continue ated in a society that to hide from our history. American values respect and unity. One of Exceptionalism has pushed our nathe greatest hypocrisies of America tion’s offenses to the margins of our is our global lecturing on human textbooks. It is a moral imperative rights while continuing to downplay to demand change as we force ourand diminish our historic genocidal selves to imagine Native regime over the indigeAmericans torn from nous peoples of Ameritheir land at gunpoint as ca and continued disrethe word “redskin” was spect and disregard for hurled at them. the 562 federally recogIn 2016, as the Clevenized Indian Nations. land Indians took the As long as profesWorld Series stage, the sional sports teams racist caricature named continue to exploit and “Chief Wahoo” was also degrade Native Ameriin the spotlight. Civil cans through the use of rights activist Philip Yeoffensive and demeanCourtesy of YouTube nyo, when interviewed ing caricatures in team logos and mascots, ste- The Cleveland Indi- by Al Jazeera News, reotypes will continue ans logo proves to be said, "From my point to permeate through offensive to Native of view, there's a lot of money to be made off our culture and bigotry Americans. of what I believe is the will prevail. blood of a culture. They [Cleveland While discussing the contemptuIndians baseball club] also claim ous name of the Washington NFL that they have a history that they Team, Oneida Nation Representawant to preserve. For me, I believe tive, Ray Halbritter, was featured that their history is full of genoon ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” and cide." said, “No community, no people, The caricature depicts a red-faced can succeed in their lives or in their cartoon with an eagle feather headcommunities without a good belief in band, a sacred symbol to many Nathemselves, and when a racial slur tive Americans, which Yenyo said is being used to make a profit by a "would be like me desecrating the national football team, at this level, cross for Christians or the star of only does damage to the self-esteem David, or any other images or logos and self-image of our youth.” or icons of a particular religion.” “Redskins” is a dictionary-deEven though the American Psyfined racial slur. When colonial setchological Association (APA) called tlers used scalp-hunting programs for the immediate retirement of to recruit fighters against the inall American Indian mascots, symdigenous people, the mutilated and Eastside Editor-in-Chief
bols, images and personalities by the students. A 2014 study from the schools, colleges, universities, athCenter for American Progress notes letic teams and organizations in “the presence of [American Indian/ 2005, high schools Alaska Native] mascots directin the South Jersey ly results in lower self-esteem area continue to and mental health for [Ameribrandish the scars can Indian/ Alaska Native] of American history adolescents and young adults. as school mascots. And just as importantly, studThe Cherokee High ies show that these mascots School Chiefs, the undermine the educational Lenape Regional experience of all students, High School Indians particularly those with little and the Shawnee or no contact with indigenous Courtesy of redskins.com High School Rene- The Washington and [American Indian/ Alaska gades have chosen to Redskins logo ex- Native] people.” be on the wrong side aggerates stereoNow more than ever, in arof history. Not only type. eas that we can fix, we must does the continuafix. We cannot go back in time tion of these insento correct the injustices of the sitive mascots promote ignorance past, but it is unnecessary to conand bigotry, they are damaging to tinue to inflict damage.
SPORTS
January 2017
EASTSIDE
Page 23
Owens and girls’ basketball seek improvement ■ By Drew Hoffman (‘18)
Eastside Sports Editor
It happens all the time in sports. Players move on and a team is forced to rebuild. In the case of the girls’ basketball team, this is now what they have to face. Last year’s upperclassmen-heavy roster has quickly turned into a young, stacked roster looking to do big things. Coming off a disappointing 7-17 season, the team is looking to turn things around with the development of underclassmen and a new assistant coach. Head Coach Kevin Owens thinks the underclassmen can easily fill the gaps left by graduating seniors. “We have a very good freshman class coming in, we have sophomores ready to step u p , ” Owens
said. “ W e have two juniors who are returning starters.” The team took a huge hit with the loss of Yamie Villegas (‘16)—a 1,000 point scorer who is known as one of the best players in East
history—but they feel wellequipped with a solid freshman and sophomore class. They also have returning starters in Kiara Bell (‘17), Nicole Hammerquist (‘18) and Julie Grayson (‘17). Grayson has been on Varsity since freshman year and also believes the underclassmen will rise up when needed. “We have a lot of good freshmen coming up this year,” said Grayson. “They haven’t been at freshman practice, they’re starting with JV and varsity practice, which is really impressive.” While the faith in the underclass-
m e n sends a positive attitude for the team, the upperclassmen must learn to cope with the loss of their fellow starters from years prior. Grayson said, “Even if they didn’t play a lot, it’s good to have them there with the spirit. We still have the spirit, but it [stinks] to miss people because we can really use them.” Owens knows the team has many impact players, and he has one in mind that he knows will make a difference on the court. Bell is a player that Owens expects to make an impact. “She’s about 6’2” and she
ens has nothing but praise for Miller. “[Miller] knows the offense that we’re... running this year, inside and out. He is going to be teaching it,” said Owens. “That is why he is here. I think he does a good job with the girls, he is very knowledgeable, he knows what is to be expected, he knows where I stand with my discipline, so I think he is going to fit very well.” Many t i m e s when a coach is hired, it represents a rebuilding period for the team. However, the girls’ basketball team believes that the addition of Miller is just anSam Resnick (‘20)/ For Eastside o t h e r Coach Kevin Owens sizes up his s t r o n g additeam before basketball practice. t i o n .
had a good year last year and just continued to develop every single year. I’m looking at her to be an inside presence and to take on the next challenge of being a good starting player. From being a good player to being a star,” said Owens. The
team did not o n l y m a k e changes within the players, but the personnel changed as well. T h e t e a m brought in Ross Miller, the father of A b b y Miller (‘18), to help out w i t h coaching. Ow-
They believe it will help them win many games this season. Although many changes have taken place, Owens and the players believe they have what it takes to be competitive this season. “We’re very deep,” said Owens. “We went from having a few players who could take over games, I think we have about tendeep this year. We can use a lot of people, and I don’t lose faith when that happens.” Depth is very important when it comes to high school basketball. Having strong underclassmen alongside key upperclassmen is crucial for the future of the team. In the case of this team, they are secure. The girls look to improve upon previous years and move the program into the right direction for years to come. Owens and the players believe they have the weapons and tools necessary to compete in the respected Olympic Conference. They can stay competitive through strong coaching and a well-established upperclassmen core. This season is looking bright for the girls’ basketball team.
Swenson returns to the mat better than ever
Cherokee. As a result, he enson was cleared this past portunity during this wreshad to sit out the rest of the fall on September 25, and tling season to achieve his wresetling season. he was able to participate lifetime goal of 100 wins, in All throughout high Although he continued on the East football team addition to showcasing his school, Ryan Swenson (‘17), to attend every practice a four-year Varsity athlete, and put in many hours has had the goal of surpassat the gym each day to ing his older brother Patrick strengthen his upper Swenson’s (‘14) wrestling body, Swenson was not achievements. Every time able to compete. he walks down the halls of “At first it was difEast, he sees his brother’s ficult watching the “100 wins” award taunting matches and knowing him. I could be having suc“My goal was always to cess,” said Swenson. be better than my brother During the off-seaand to be the best,” Swenson this past summer, S w enson p u t in a lot of hard work. H e conLiz Lee (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor s i s tently Ryan Swenson (‘17), poised to acheive greatness, takes on w e n t his final wrestling season at East. to physiduring this past season. wrestling skill for college. cal ther“I was immediately ready In the new wrestling apy to to go right back into sports,” season, Brown hopes to see s p e e d said Swenson. Swenson place in the top along his Practicing and playsix in the State Individual recovery ing with the football team Tournament. This would be a huge accomplishment. in order mentally and physically New Jersey is one of the to get strengthened and prepared best states in the country back on Swenson to dive right back for wrestling, said Brown. the mat into the wrestling season. Brown said, “[Swenson] as soon as Head wrestling coach, has the ability and skill set possible. Mr. Michael Brown, said to be the best in the state.” A l that Swenson “has come He added, “Ryan is a though from a strong pedigree of brave young man with his recovwrestlers.” Liz Lee (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor ery strong courage.” was Brown has coached SwRyan Swenson (‘17) tackles an opponent to the floor in a wrestling match slow and The wrestling team enson since his freshman during his freshman year. hopes to be competitive this was not year at East. year, and with Swenson always Brown said, “[Swenson] son said. back, the wrestling team’s son tore his ACL in early smooth, due to his diligent has coped with his injury Like most younger competitive goals will be January of his junior seaefforts, Swenson is back like a champion.” brothers, Swenson always easier to overcome. son during a match against and stronger than ever. SwSwenson still has the op■ By Naomi Korn (‘20)
Eastside Staff
tried hard to keep up with his older brother and his friends both on and off the wrestling mat. Swenson believes this is what made him a better wrestler, since he grew up wrestling with kids who were older and larger than he was. As a result, Swenson always felt as if he had something to prove. However, after suffering from an painful injury last season, he thought his goal of surpassing Patrick’s 100 wins was shattered. Swen-
January 2017
SPORTS EASTSIDE
Countrymen “roll” into a new beginning a more intertwined community at our high school, everyone starts supporting each other, and I think that is going to bring up school spirit as a whole.” Since middle school, Cerota has been attending East basketball games. He knows what it feels like to be surrounded by hundreds of spirited East students,
“Moses splits the Red Sea” act. For this act, the leaders of the Countrymen, Cerota The sea of red that once and Padersky, split the stucrowded the bleachers bedent section in half, and as gan to disappear. Blaring a student dressed as Moses chants that once fueled the runs up the bleachers, the spirits of East students and Countrymen fall to either basketball players quieted side. In 2013 and 2014, the into erratic whispers. The Countrymen gained nationCherry Hill East basketball al recognition on social mefan section, known as the dia when they split the Red Countrymen, which Sea. According to Paderwas once as united sky, when students see and passionate as fans something getting pubof professional sports licity, they want to be a teams, quickly transpart of that fan section. formed into a fan secCerota said, “We want tion with minimal to make it fun, so we are spirit and participagoing to do things that tion during the 2015we have never done be2016 season. fore.” Although school This season, the spirit’s current state Countrymen will have could be described by new, unique chants. By many students as low, creating new chants, students such as Jake the Countrymen will Cerota (‘17) and Zach appeal to underclassPadersky (‘17) have men and new members not yet lost hope. In of the Countrymen who order to make their sehave never attended a nior year a memorable game before. Cerota and one, they plan to bring Padersky want to see back the spirit of the the greatest attendance East Countrymen. from the freshman and “There was a bit of sophomore classes. The decline last year, peounderclassmen are the ple would go to a game future of the Countryand we wouldn’t have men; they will continue a fan section, there the Countrymen legacy, would be 15 to 20 kids Liz Lee (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor so they need to start pretty much watch- The 2014-2015 Countrymen show support for East Basketball. building their school ing a basketball game, spirit this year. and at that point, it’s Cerota and Paderkind of weird to stand up and he also knows what Now, East students sky have considered every because you don’t have the it feels like to be one of cannot give excuses, negative scenario and have numbers,” said Padersky. twenty people standing as they will have all turned them into positives. “It just doesn’t seem right.” on the bleachers. The of the information Although the basketball Cerota and Padersky large decline in school at their fingertips— team is predicted to be have taken a new outlook on spirit last year has moliterally. strong this year, in a losthe Countrymen; they have tivated Cerota to make “Increasing the ing scenario, Cerota and formulated innovative plans this year bigger and school spirit is somePadersky would have the to increase school spirit this better than ever before. thing I have taken responsibility fall onto the season. Cerota said that he Cerota and Padersky on. I have been goCountrymen. They want to and Padersky spent an enaim to make the Couning around to lunch preach that the Countrytire night mapping out the trymen tables, men can help to turn the season to ensure success for committo kids season around if the basthe Countrymen, and exment as in the ketball team is not playing plained that nobody would easy as posh a l l so well. understand the amount of sible, as they way get“East students want to work they have put in. believe the simting them see and support winning However, Cerota and plicity will help to join our reteams, but win or lose, we Padersky’s main goal is to boost student inmind text,” said want to get the school spirit to pitch to the entire East volvement. They also Cerota. up,” said Cerota. population; they want to inaim to have an average In addition to the Cerota and Padersky are volve every student. not only making a Padersky said, “There call to increase school is an aspect of the Counspirit; they also want trymen for everyone. to popularize the “Roll You don’t have to be a Cougs” chant. Cerota basketball fan to really explained that he and enjoy yourself because Padersky started this you will be with your “Roll Cougs” movefriends having a good ment, and it has betime cheering on, not come something that just the team, but your school spirit has nevschool, too.” er seen before. In recent years, the “It is crazy that Countrymen have pretwo words can indominantly appealed to crease school spirit,” the male athlete popusaid Cerota. “The Roll lation at East, but with Cougs era is in full efCerota and Padersky fect.” standing on the first Ultimately, Cerota bleacher this year, the and Padersky aim to Countrymen hope to leave East in better draw in students from shape than it was durall corners of the school. ing their freshman Padersky aims to make year. Both Padersky the Countrymen more and Cerota yearn to inclusive so that no East have an influence not Photo by Liz Lee (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor only at East, but furstudent feels uncomfortPhoto Illustration by Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor ther across the entire able attending a basketJake Cerota (‘17) and Zach Padersky (‘17) cheer for East sports. ball game. district, as they truly For example, Cerota believe things at East and Padersky explained a attendance of 300 students remind text, Cerota and are on the come-up in terms scenario in which the Counat each home basketball Padersky have planned of school spirit. trymen would synergisticalgame this season. various dress-ups and di“We are all one big family ly interact with other facets Padersky said, “It doesn’t verse chant line-ups for at the end of the day, we are of the East community. matter how old you are, we every game this season. all going to be East alumni, “If the drama kids started just want as many numPadersky said that he and why not make [basketball] coming to basketball games, bers as possible because at Cerota started fresh this the greatest thing to come then athletes [will] start gothe end of the day, [we’re] year, and created a base for to?” said Cerota. ing to their events,” said all cheering for the same something better to come. Art by Elissa Cohen (‘18)/ Eastside Sports Editor Padersky. “Once we have team.” They hope to bring back the ■ By Elissa Cohen (‘18)
Eastside Sports Editor
To increase the Countrymen population, the two created a season ticket program called the “Cougar Package”. When students purchase the “Cougar Package,” they receive two Countrymen T-shirts in addition to tickets for all East home games at a reduced price. Cerota and Padersky also created a Remind101 text.
Page 24
What’s “Drew” in
sports? ■ By Drew Hoffman (‘18) Eastside Sports Editor
The business world has always been about making money and coming up with new ways to make even more money. The same ideology coincides with the viewpoint of the National Football League; it will do whatever it takes to exponentially grow profit from what already is a billion-dollar industry. One idea that the league has in mind is spreading itself outside of North America, a tactic that would ruin the NFL as we know it. Over the past decade the NFL has experimented with games internationally, hosting the sport in countries such as England and Mexico. These games have attracted mammoth crowds and a newfound popularity in the sport. While these countries have started to enjoy American football, placing a team abroad would simply expunge everything the league stands for. Football is purely American, a philosophy that has been in existence since the league’s inception in 1920. The league started from increased nationalism after World War I. Approximately 97 percent of the players in the league now were born in the United States. Not England, not Mexico, the United States of America. Why would the National Football League bring a team full of Americans to a different country? It has no reasoning besides the fact that it creates revenue. But what is more revenue for an already prosperous league? The NFL is fine domestically. Expanding the league internationally would mess with the patriotism the league represents, as well as the conditions of players. The current system the NFL employs is already taxing on players, with six teams having to fly backand-forth to London every year. A team in London having to fly to the ‘States’ eight times a season, and vice versa, would drain energy from the players and make them more prone to injuries. Let’s face it, waking up on a Sunday morning and seeing “London” in front of a team name would just broadcast negative, unpatriotic sentiments. Keep the NFL in the United States and its success will continue.