Eastside: January 2016

www.eastside-online.org

Vol. 49 No. 4

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

January 2016

It’s all too much.

The mental, physical and social impacts of stress on high school students have become a prevalant issue nationwide.

In this issue, Eastside explores some of the consequences of the many stresses of high school.

Courtney Finnegan (‘17)/ Eastside News/Features Editor

Inside This Issue

Cherry Hill, NJ Adjusting to America Community, Pg. 5

The Cheating Truth Special, Pgs. 12-13

All-Gender Bathroom Opinions, Pg. 17

NEWS/FEATURES

Page 2

EASTSIDE

January 2016

Trommer cracks up her audience during her Monday night gigs ■ By Ilana Arougheti (‘19)

Eastside Staff

By 9:45 p.m. at the Irish Times, a Philadelphia bar, open mic night is in full swing. A handful of amateur comedians have taken the stage in an attempt to win the hearts of the small crowd, who sit enjoying the familiar ambience as a high school junior takes the stage.

Swaggering up to the mic, she lets loose with an anecdote, her ebullient presence and sharp wit drawing laughs from the crowd.

For Danya Trommer (‘17), budding stand-up comedian, it is just another Monday night.

“I’d been told I was funny… I’ve done theater for most of my life, and I’ve always been cast in the ‘funny’ roles,” Trommer said.

Her first live appearance as a stand-up comedian was December 2014, at East’s annual Dinner Theater event.

Since then, she approximates that she has publicly performed 10 to 15 fiveminute sets, for an average audience of 20 to 30 people.

Like her comedy idol, Louis C.K., Trommer spends most of her sets telling stories.

“Each comedian has [his or her] own gimmick, right?” Trommer said. “My gimmick is that all the stories I tell are true.”

Constantly searching for inspiration, Trommer

keeps a list on her iPhone do comedy without curschannel, DanyaTrommer. you out in terms of… phrasof amusing things that haping… relying on cursing for Patrick Gillooly (‘16), ing and public speaking,” pen in her life. She typically laughs is extremely cheap,” having seen Trommer’s first said Trommer. prepares a list of topics beTrommer said. set, feels that her popularHer notable past and upfore each set.

Fortunately, Trommer ity has since risen. coming roles include TrinWithin her field, Trommaintains that her comedy “The way she manages culo in The Tempest and mer’s youth makes her parhas never seriously offendto tell a well-detailed story The Crone in Snow White, ticularly unique; she is the ed anyone and that she feels and make it hilarious at the respectively. first – From her expeand only rience performing – underover the last year, age perTrommer has conformer at cluded that being the Irish a comedian has Times. taught her to stop Howevbeing afraid of other, Tromers, and she would mer recencourage other asognizes piring comedians to that her reach out. age is Trommer said, both a “You’ve got to apblessing proach people if you and a want to be able to curse. make it places. You Tromneed connections.” mer said, So what’s next “Since for Trommer? Her I ’ m Monday night peryounger, formances will conwhen I’m tinue, and after at the high school, she bar peohopes to go to Chiple pay cago, Boston or New attenYork City, eventution to ally turning standmy sets, up comedy into her but at Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor career, maintaining the same Trommer lets her personality shine on stage while doing stand-up. that stand-up comtime they edy is her dream. kind of “[Trommer] has discount me for how young accepted as a performer. same time held [the attenbecome much more conI am.”

As to the quality of Tromtion of] myself and the aufident in herself as a perTrommer also feels that mer’s performance, “[Tromdience for the whole set,” former and a person. She hearing a sixteen-yearmer’s] routines are always said Gillooly. has a passion to perform,” old discuss mature topics funny, and she easily conTrommer credits her said Gillooly. such as underage drinking nects with the audience,” background as a thespian Here’s hoping that Trommight trouble some audisaid Gennaro DiColandrea with her confident stage mer succeeds in following ence members. (‘16), who watches Trompresence. her comedic dreams; we “You should be able to mer’s sets on her YouTube “[Theater] totally helps could all use a few laughs.

Brown follows his father’s Like father like son: Harrison footsteps by performing stand-up ■ By Jenn Pacitti (‘17)

when they are expecting you to make them laugh… I am very proud of him.”

“You get up there for Harrison’s jokes are rootfive minutes and the world ed from his personal expeis yours,” said Harrison riences including school, Brown (’17) describing his daily life, puberty and even experiences performing a little about his IEP and stand-up comAspergedy. er’s diIt was an open agnosis. mic night at the “You Tap Room in have to Haddon Heights write that served as about Brown’s debut w h a t as a young coy o u median and know,” as his favorite s a i d memory as a Peter. performer.

“HarLike father r i s o n like son, Brown writes was encouraged about by his dad to school begin performa n d ing small gigs.

SATs. Every couple I write months, Brown about gets booked at w h a t a bar or cafe to old peoperform in front ple talk of a crowd of about.” thirty to forty A s people.

H a r B r o w n ’ s r i s o n father,Peter and his Brown,began father stand-up comusually edy three years

Courtesy of the Brown Family perform ago, and has Harrison Brown smiles with East faculty members after his gig. at the become an intes a m e gral part of Harg i g s , rison’s comedy career. stage is his own. sense of timing in delivery Harrison finds comfort in “I was doing [stand-up] “Anyone can tell a joke, and how he sets up jokes… having his father set the for about a year before he you know, it takes a pro to He is very brave,” said Pestage for him before his expressed interest,” said stand up there and make ter. “It’s very difficult to be own gig.

Peter. “I told him that if he those five minutes yours,” the only person in the room “My dad goes on first, wanted to come to my gigs, said Harrison. “I feel like speaking, but even harder he really just sets up the Eastside News/Features Editor

he had to write and get up there. I kinda did it as a dare, but he immediately agreed.”

For Harrison, timing is everything in his comedy acts and it requires a lot of rehearsing to ensure the

I’ve been pretty successful.”

Harrison spends the days prior to the show getting ready by practicing two to three times a day to perfect his routine.

“He has an incredible

crowd, and then I come on stage and knock them flat out of their seats,” said Harrison.

When he steps on stage, what sets him apart most prominently is his young age as a comedian, Harrison said.

“I’m the youngest one on the roster,” said Harrison.

“Ninety-nine percent of the other comics you see are adults.”

As a young comedian, Harrison enjoys going up on stage and giving everything he has to make his audience laugh.

“One time we were coming back from a gig, and he said to us that he feels so alive… At that moment, I thought that I would help him continue [performing] as long as he would like to,” said Peter.

Harrison has always loved reading comic books since he was young. He even wrote his own comic book to raise funds for a charity during his years at Sharp Elementary School.

From comic books to becoming a comic, Harrison finds satisfaction from his standup routines.

“It’s just knowing that you're making people laugh and that it all paid off,” said Harrison.

While Harrison is unsure of what his long term future in comedy looks like, his next scheduled gig is in March in Robbinsville, NJ, where he will be sure to leave the crowd laughing.

January 2016

NEWS/FEATURES EASTSIDE

Stay Tuned has the experience of a Lifetime ■ By Sari Cohen (‘18)

Eastside News/Features Editor

After the TV show producers received all of the applications, they ulti-

guest groups that perform.

The groups put a lot of effort into the show. They

On January 5, East’s very own co-ed a cappella group, Stay Tuned, made its debut on a new reality TV series.

Lifetime released an eight-week run of “Pitch Slapped,” a reality show featuring competition between two high school a cappella groups. Stay Tuned competes against Northern Highlands Regional High School’s Highlands Voices weekly in onehour episodes.

The first episode of “Pitch Slapped” premiered in mid-November via the internet, though the show did not kickstart on TV until the new year.

Of course, the singers Courtesy of Entertainment Weekly learned a plethora of infor- mation regarding singing Stay Tuned performs in Lifetime’s show, Pitch Slapped. a cappella throughout the unbelievable opportunity they received. mately chose between four filmed throughout the maOriginally the group did groups, Stay Tuned being jority of the summer and not seem interested in the one of them. managed to produce eight casting of a high school a The audition required hours of reality television. cappella competition on multiple group singing vidThe episodes include evTV, but after receiving a eos, solo performances and erything one can imagine call sharing that the show various interviews. Once that fits hand in hand with wanted them, they exchosen, Stay Tuned memhigh school singing compepressed interest and audibers also had to complete titions. tioned for the spot. paperwork and psychologi“Also, the point of the “Part of the applicacal evaluations. show is sorta to show behind tion was what’s your numStay Tuned and Highthe scenes of what happens ber one rival, and a lot of lands Voices, however, are when we learn music,” said schools said Stay Tuned, so not the only two high school member Sergio Parsi (‘16). they kind of asked us to apa cappella groups featured By being a part of “Pitch ply,” said Stay Tuned memon the show. Each week, Slapped,” Stay Tuned ber Winnie Cross (‘16). the show has included two gained a bit more than some extra fame in the hallways of East. The group had the opportunity to be coached

by Deke Sharon, best known for his arrangements in “Pitch Perfect” and “Pitch Perfect 2”. “[We were] just trying to get a cool experience with an awesome coach,” said David Kahn (‘16), a member of Stay Tuned.

Highland Voices, on the other hand, received coaching from Diana Preisler, a member of the Blue Jupiter a cappella group.

The producers of the show did not plan the coincidence of both qualifying teams being from the same state.

Member Samantha Waldman (‘16) said, “For some reason, the high school a cappella hub was...

New Jersey.”

With practices filmed locally and competition taped up north, the

high schoolers spent a great amount of free time focusing on “Pitch Slapped”.

“It turned into a lot of work and more tiring [than we expected],” said Cross.

During practice, the singers acquired many tips from Sharon that never crossed their minds in the past. Sharon brought up the idea of singing from the heart and putting emotion into each song.

“Deke took everything that we normally did, and he made us do something completely different,” said Waldman.

Stay Tuned hopes that their experience can help the group as a whole succeed in years to come. They plan to keep in mind what they learned from Sharon during the filming of the show.

Parsi said, “All the stuff he taught us and the way we looked at things during the show... ended up feeling a lot more rewarding.”

Stay Tuned was fortunate to get so much out of this experience: education on vocal strategies, education about each other and group bonding. The team truly feels “Pitch Slapped” strengthened them as a family and caused them to work better together.

“I expected the kids to learn a lot about themselves and to realize some shortcomings,” said Stay Tuned adviser Ms. Heather Lockart.

Lockart observed over the course of the adventure that the group members went through one pivotal moment in which they had a revelation about what they should and should not allow to air on television. “[We strengthened] not only as a musical group, but [also] as people. We were very selfish last year, I would say, that a lot of the members in the group were not thinking about the ‘we’...and then by the end of it, none of us were thinking that way,” said Waldman.

The strengthening of Stay Tuned as a family and as a singing group creates benefits for the group this year and in the future. The group now has a greater work ethic, and they have set higher expectations for themselves.

Along with success comes many hardships. While Stay Tuned had to conquer difficulties, they had to also overcome the influence of stage fright and embarrassment.

“As it is we are in high school, insecurity is a real thing, I mean all the way throughout your life,” said Kahn, “but with the cameras in front of you, it’s a big difference.”

The show made a phenomenal impact on Stay Tuned, according to Lockart. The individuals and the group as a whole developed positively because of their experiences with “Pitch Slapped,” which premiered on January 5.

“Music is not about showing yourself up or showing yourself off,” Parsi said, “it’s about connecting with the song and being a family... we all learned [that] by the end of the summer.”

The Boyling Point

Page 3

■By Kaitlyn Boyle (‘17) Eastside Managing Editor

Although many high school students have not pinpointed exactly which major they would like to pursue in college, most have an interest in a certain field of study. For a number of East students, this path lies within science. Thankfully, East offers a wide array of science courses and electives; however, a certain critical class is absent from the course selection sheet.

East should implement an additional Chemistry course for seniors who have already taken Chemistry 2AP and wish to further their education within this specific branch of science.

A student who wishes to pursue a career in chemistry often takes QPS freshman year, Chemistry 1H sophomore year and Chemistry 2AP junior year. This leaves a gap during which seniors are not exposed to any higher-level chemistry, thereby putting them at a disadvantage come college when other students have a more recent recollection of the subject.

Due to the wide range of topics within the chemistry field, Chemistry 2AP cannot possibly cover all of the important information, for the curriculum is primarily geared towards the AP exam. The new lab-out schedule has also limited the instructional time in science classes. A third chemistry course could return to some of the skipped topics, providing students with a deeper investigation into the units that were abriged or skipped over entirely in Chemistry 2AP. The new course could consist of four types of chemistry that are excluded or abriged in Chemistry 2AP. Instead of merely cramming a unit into a twoweek time frame, teachers could discuss more intricate details and conduct long-term experiments otherwise avoided in fasterpaced classes.

Enrollment in the class would not be a concern; students who have already taken three years of chemistry are likely to continue their education in the subject. The course would also be a welcome possibility for students who did not choose to take the AP test, but instead want to explore chemistry in a different way.

The Biology Department at East offers both Honors and Accelerated classes, such as Biology 1, Biology 2, Human Anatomy, Vertebrae Anatomy and Environmental Studies. These classes are often extremely popular among students.

Furthermore, students who take Calculus AP during their junior year have the option to continue their mathematical education with an additional course, Multivariable Calculus, which pursues topics past the basic AP Calculus curriculum. For this same reason, an additional chemistry class would make a fantastic addition to the science courses at East.

NEWS/FEATURES

Page 4

EASTSIDE

January 2016

Eastside surveyed 200 students...

51% OF

67%

STUDENTS HAVE ACHIEVED THEIR RESOLUTION IN THE PAST

OF STUDENTS WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT, EAT HEALTHIER OR WORK OUT MORE OFTEN

56%

OF STUDENTS WANT TO IMPROVE THEIR GRADES

32%

OF STUDENTS WANT TO BE MORE ORGANIZED

31% OF STUDENTS

WANT TO TRAVEL MORE OF STUDENTS WANT TO VOLUNTEER MORE

30%

84%

OF STUDENTS HAVE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

Results compiled by Courtney Finnegan (‘17), Jenn Pacitti (‘17) and Sari Cohen (‘18)/ Eastside News/Features Editors Art by Sydney Steele (‘16)/ Eastside Art Director

DeHart hits home with her community service project ■ By Jenna Simons (‘17)

Eastside Staff

Cherry Hill is just a short drive away from major cities such as Philadelphia, Camden and even the largest city in the United States, New York City. One major perk of living so close to cities such as these is being able to take advantage of everything the cities have to offer.

However, while many Cherry Hill residents are fortunate enough to be able to take advantage of these cities’ offerings, some people living directly in the city are unable to do what many people take for granted.

This sad occurrence is because many people living in the city are homeless, moving from shelter to shelter, unsure of when their next meal will be.

Emily DeHart (‘17) frequently went to Philadelphia with her family when she was younger. As her family walked through the city, she would often see homeless people inhabiting the streets.

“Since we live close to the city, we would go to the city all the time. The thing that stuck out to me the most was all the people living on the street,” said DeHart.

The thought of the homeless people struck her so much that DeHart created her own volunteer project five years ago called Shoeboxes for the Homeless. The

project aims to help provide people who are at the shelhats and gloves the most (‘17) helped DeHart this basic living essentials to ter and talk to people,” said because they are mostly year with the production of people living on the streets Zach Bornaysz (‘17), memoutside, even during the the shoeboxes. in Camden. ber of Shoeboxes for the freezing winter nights.

“When I was younger I “We diswould volunteer at a tribute letlot of other places, but ters throughthen I wanted to take a out our leadership role and beneighborcome more involved,” hood, and said DeHart. we also go DeHart is also into local area volved in other charibusinesses ties, in and out of asking for school. DeHart particidonations,” pates in FOP, Habitat said DeHart. for Humanity and the “We ask for Food Pantry. toiletries, DeHart had ambisnacks and tions to create a club winter cloththis year to expand ing items, her project, but was like socks, unable to due to the hats and ongoing issues with gloves... We the teacher contract. also ask for Once contract issues shoeboxes.” are resolved, DeHart DeHart will look into creating takes all of a club at East for makthe donated ing the shoeboxes. items and When DeHart places them graduates and goes into shoeEmelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor to college, she hopes boxes.

She Emily DeHart (‘17) boxes up donations for those in need. to make her project also receives a club at whichever monetary school she attends. donations through a GoHomeless. “I think it’s cool While DeHart’s project “Both [DeHart and I] are FundMe account. to see where the donations started off with just her and service minded, and we like Each of the shoeboxes are going and who’s getting her mother assembling the [helping people], so I’m not contains the same types them.” shoeboxes for the homeless, exactly sure if I will conof items. The boxes are This year, DeHart was the project has grown. She tinue with the same project then taken to New Visions able to collect 301 shoeboxnow has her friends’ help after high school, but I’m Homeless Shelter in Cames to donate to the shelter. her with this project, too. definitely going to continue den for homeless people to DeHart started preparIn addition to Bornaysz, with something similar,” receive when they go to the ing in the fall, so that the Emily Fleisher (‘17), Josh said Bornaysz . shelter. homeless will be able to Bartel (‘16), Hannah GruBy making a club at “The most rewarding have the boxes during the ber (‘17), Abby Budman her future college, DeHart part is meeting the people harsh winter season. The (‘17), Sierra Carey (‘17), hopes to get more people inthat we give the boxes to... winter is when the homeAlyssa Walter (‘17), Donald volved and impact a greater We actually get to meet less need items such as Walter (‘17) and Ally Quay number of people.

COMMUNITY

January 2016

EASTSIDE

Page 5

5738.6 Miles Cherry Hill, NJ Damascus, Syria Photo Illustration by Jacob Borowsky (‘16)/ Eastside Editor-in-Chief

Adjusting to America

Mohamad Abou Alchamat (‘17) traveled 5,738.6 miles from Damascus, Syria to Cherry Hill, NJ to escape the tumultous climate in Syria.

Syrian student Abou Alchamat settles into his new life ■ By Jacob Borowsky (‘16) Eastside Editor-in-Chief

“The American Dream” is a concept typically associated with a life of freedom, prosperity and happiness. The United States provides for this by giving people from all over the world the opportunity to achieve this dream within the country. The U.S. is, after all, a nation comprised of immigrants of all ethnicities.

East, a tiny community within the Cherry Hill community, is a microcosm that reflects America’s tradition of diversity and acceptance.

Thus, when a foreign student arrives at East, he or she is typically greeted with welcoming arms as he or she becomes integrated into the East community. Recently, Syrian immigrant Mohamad Abou Alchamat (‘17) underwent this experience after he left the turbulent country in order to get a better education and the opportunity to live a better life.

Abou Alchamat arrived in Cherry Hill in October after he underwent a series of screenings to ensure that he is fit to enter the country. He had lived in Damascus, the capital of Syria, for his entire life. Though he was never in direct danger from the emergent war in Syria, his life changed considerably over the

good life. But after, where there was fighting, many places were closed because of the fighting,” Abou Alchamat said.

Many of the places closed due to war include office buildings, businesses and schools. In this sense, Abou Alchamat, his family and other civilians in the safer areas of Syria have endured the consequences of the war.

“I have a friend in a place where they are fighting. My dad’s work - all of it is [damaged], and my friend’s dad is fighting,” Abou Alchamat said. “There is no school there. No teacher came [to school] because of

was 17 with his mother and family.

Yet, their journeys are inherently different; Alkial came voluntarily and permanently, while Abou Alchamat came out of necessity.

It is also important to note that, though Abou Alchamat came to

dialect, easing the language barrier between him and fluent English speakers.

“Rumi, he is from Egypt, [so] I know how to talk with him. Having friends who speak the same language [allows me] to communicate,” Abou Alchamat said.

Yet, back in Syria, he has friends and family with no plans to leave the country, as most of them have houses, jobs and lives that they cannot leave behind.

Though Abou Alchamat has spent enough time in the United States to become comfortable, he still hopes to return to Syria some day when it is less chaotic.

“Refugees, if they had the chance, would never leave the country. After four or five months, [Abou Alchamat] is liking it here, in terms of the education and all the opportunities they have here, but he misses his family and old friends,” Alkial said. “Imagine somebody who spends all his life around his family and his friends, and then he has to leave because of the situation. That’s very hard.”

Unfortunately, the conflict in Syria has not even reached its peak.

The war, which is primarily being fought between the Syrian military, rebel groups, terrorist groups like ISIS and the Kurds, is extremely dynamic and confusing; no one can predict what will happen next, and no one knows what the solution to the problem is.

As a Syrian, Abou Alchamat has a personal attachment to the issue. Thus, he takes notice when the American media spreads misinformation about the conflict in an effort to sway Americans’ opinions.

“There’s a big difference between what happens there and what the people think happens. Over there, there’s a majority of power trying to stay in power, and there are the people trying to get them out [of power]. There are a whole bunch of parties trying to take over power and are fighting. So nobody really knows who’s the enemy and who’s the allies,” Abou Alchamat said.

“TV is showing [Americans] a different thing. It’s showing them that it’s a leader killing all of his people, and people just killing civilians, when really it’s just different powers fighting for one power.”

Until the conflict is resolved, Abou Alchamat will remain in the United States. Though he misses his family, he feels undeniably safer here.

His immediate concerns include obtaining his driver’s license and getting a job. If he is still in Cherry Hill in a few years, he will graduate from East, allowing him to seek even more promising opportunities at success in the United States.

“Imagine somebody who spends all his life around his family and his friends, and then he has to leave because of the situation.

That’s very hard.”

-Mohamed Alkial

Oakland (1) Paterson (N/A) Clifton (8) Jersey City (20) Elizabeth (47)

the war. It’s bad feelings for [me].”

Though the Syrian government has strong military control over the capital, meaning terrorist groups do not cause Camden (6) Bellmawr (11)

chaos within Damascus, the area is still volatile. Abou Alchamat’s legal guardian Mohamed Alkial, a relative of his, expressed an underlying fear for the safety of their family despite this apparent safety.

“Damascus is relatively peacepast ful, but every now and then there f e w are rockets that hit the city. So years due basically, relatively it is safer, but to the chaos there’s no place that is safe,” Alkial surrounding him. said. “It is under high control of the “[Before the government, but there’s still rockets war], we had a being fired 50 miles away that fall into residential areas.”

Abou Alchamat has Photo Illustration by Jacob Borowsky (‘16)/ Eastside Editor-in-Chief been under Alkial’s care Though Abou Alchamat himself is not a for the entirety of his stay refugee, NJ houses the ninth most Syrian in Cherry Hill. Alkial took refugees in the United States. Over 90 ref- a similar path to living in ugees live in seven different NJ cities, ac- the United States, leaving Syria in 1997 when he cording to the Cherry Hill Patch.

Cherry Hill to escape Syria, this does not make him a refugee. Abou Alchamat left Syria and entered the United States legally by obtaining a visa through the US Embassy in Lebanon and was admitted to the country with the support of his family. The refugee route out of Syria is a much more strenuous process.

“Basically what happens is, when somebody leaves Syria to neighboring countries like Jordan, Turkey or Lebanon, [he or she stays] in a camp, and then the UN comes in and registers all these people in. Then, they divide them into countries [to be sent to], whether Europe, or the U.S., or Canada, and then after maybe one or two years of investigation, and an FBI check, and all of these things, then they will be admitted,” Alkial said. “When somebody gets here as a refugee, the first three months they receive support in terms of living and money for food until they start working. In [Abou Alchamat’s] case... he doesn’t have that.”

Instead, Abou Alchamat has the support of Alkial and the East community, which have both helped him immensely as he adjusts to life in Cherry Hill. His biggest challenges have been learning the English language and communicating with those around him, tasks which the East community have made substantially less daunting.

“All the teachers were friendly and they help him as much as they can. Even when he first started, he was worried that the kids in his class won’t accept him, but as a matter of fact, as soon as he started, everybody started welcoming him and trying to talk to him, even though his English is not that great yet,” Alkial said.

Abou Alchamat has been fortunate to find a group of East students that speak Arabic, his native language. These students, including Rami Mohamed (‘16), of Egyptian descent, Amir Raja (‘16), of Palestinian descent, and Bader Rostom (‘16), of Lebanese descent, have aided him in understanding the local

COMMUNITY

Page 6

EASTSIDE

January 2016

Café ONE gives work experience to special needs employees ■ By Sara Messinger (‘17) Eastside Staff

This past fall, a new café opened in town that not only offers people a place to catch an early breakfast or a lunch break, but also provides job opportunities to adults with special needs.

Café ONE is a newly furnished, bistro-style cafeteria that will serve healthy breakfast and lunch options for Bancroft staff and friends at the Bancroft corporate headquarters in Cherry Hill.

Founded in 1833, Bancroft is a non-profit organization that serves 1,500 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through various services throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. Bancroft Employment Enterprises assists in the employment of adults with disabilities through the making of their own businesses or their community employment opportunities.

Café ONE marks the sixth business created by Bancroft Employment Enterprises that provides individuals that are 21 and over with special needs the opportunity to enter the workforce by learning job and life skills. Employees of Café ONE prepare fresh salads and sandwiches, operate the digital cash regis-

ters and provide customer service to the community.

Through Café ONE, the Bancroft Adult Employment Services will provide individuals with an environment by which they can gain valuable work experi-

dence," said the Bancroft Communications Director, Kathryn Conda.

Café ONE employees are both people who have been deeply involved with other Bancroft programs in the past and those who

Nashita Ali (‘19)/ For Eastside

Adults with mental disabilities are given special opportunities at Café ONE. ence.

"The program has been great for our individuals who learn job skills, selfconfidence [and] indepen-

with their disabilities, seek assistance needed to acclimate to the competitive job market.

Bancroft Employment

Genji comes to Cherry Hill tionally, there are steamed mix veggies, bean sprouts, black mushroom, Eastside Staff mayu and red ginger.

The Mazemen bowl differs from the Tonkotsu Ramen and Veggie When most people think of RaRamen bowls because the noodles men noodles, the first thing that included in the bowl are thick, comes to mind is inexpensive, easywhole wheat noodles. There are to-make noodles. Many fail to contwo options for Mazemen bowls; sider that real Ramen noodles are bacon and egg Mazemen and fresh a cultural icon in Japan. The Whole veggie creamy sesame Mazemen.

Foods in Cherry Hill, located in ElThe bacon and egg Mazemen bowl lisburg Shopping Center, recently contains dashi cream sauce, introduced a Genji Ramen Bar, bacon, spring mix, onsenmaking it the third Whole tamago (poached egg) Foods Ramen Bar in the and tempura flakes. country.

The vegetarian opGenji is a Philation of the Mazedelphia-based sushi men bowl is and Japanese food served with cold provider. The comnoodles, creamy pany provides susesame sauce, shi for 165 Whole spring mix, avoFoods across 18 cado, cucumber, states, as well as grape tomato and nine Whole Foods tempura flakes. in the United KingAlthough Radom; now, the commen may be delipany is beginning to cious, it is not the make ramen noodle most health-conscious bowls as well.

Because “The Ramen Jordan Tort (‘18)/ For Eastside choice. bowls are very au- The Mazemen is one of Genji’s of the the large amount of oil that thentic because most popular dishes. is used to make the they are designed broth, Ramen should not be an evby Japanese people. Ramen is a very eryday meal. proud symbol of Japanese culture,” “If you eat Ramen every day, you said Ariel Truong, a Genji employee might have a heart attack,” said since 2008.

Truong.

The Ramen Bar offers three variThis news is tough luck for colations of Ramen: Tonkotsu Ramen lege students all over the country for $11.99, Veggie Ramen for $8.99 who consider Ramen noodles the and Mazemen for either $8.99 or sixth food group. $11.99, depending on if one gets the Although the Cherry Hill Genji vegetarian version or the bacon and Ramen Bar at Whole Foods did not egg version. have immediate success, it is startThe Tonkotsu Ramen bowls are ing to get busier. made with a pork broth and have Truong said, “Compared to the thin noodles. The components of the [Genji Sushi Bar at Marlton Whole bowl are chashu pork, bean sprouts, Foods], a lot of customers come.” scallions, black mushroom, ajitsukeIf a steady flow of customers visit tamago (marinated boiled egg), the Ramen bar, there will be oodles mayu, red ginger and seaweed. of noodles expected to be served at The Veggie Ramen bowl has vegthe Cherry Hill Whole Foods. etable broth and thin noodles. Addi■ By Jenna Simons (‘17)

Enterprises offer all different types of job opportunities in their full-service print shop, landscaping services, woodwork services, laundry services and manufacturing of natural dog treats. Also, a Bancroft

online apparel shop is currently in the works, in addition to Café ONE. "We have programs to support everything and be-

yond," said Conda.

Additionally, Bancroft can later help place individuals in other working environments outside of their own Bancroft services through transitional or supported employment.

Through its partnerships, Bancroft has placed individuals under the employment of Whole Foods, Wawa and Target. At the same time, Bancroft continues to work and assist these individuals as they work to achieve increased independence through community-based employment.

By working with the employers, the Employment Specialist supports the individuals through job development, placement, job coaching, monitoring and evaluation.

Since the cafeteria is solely opened to Bancroft staff at the corporation's headquarters, this allows for a comfortable working environment for the workers of Café ONE. "The cafe is great for everyone all around… Administrators get to come have lunch and socialize with the employees," said Conda.

The new cafe is open Monday through Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Bancroft is always looking for volunteers. For more information, please visit www.bancroft.org.

COMMUNITY

January 2016

EASTSIDE

Page 7

Lego Store builds creativity in Cherry Hill ■ By Sidra Isenberg (‘18)

Eastside Staff

In preparation for the past holiday season, the Lego company opened up a new store in the Cherry Hill Mall. The store debuted on November 13, 2015, with a little over a month to organize for the holiday season.

To prepare for the lingering holiday season, the Lego Store “stock[ed] up the shelves with as much extra product as they could get” to meet customers’ demands, said Chery Hill Lego store employee, Michael Critps.

Many long days’ and hard nights’ work is a given when preparing for the holidays.

Lego, founded in 1932, has over 92 total stores around the world. The company has largely expanded from its first store in Denmark, the country where it was founded. Now, 68 stores are currently open in the United States, including the new store in Cherry Hill.

Because of Lego’s popularity, it is expected to draw new customers to the Cherry Hill Mall. Lego online buyers now have a chance to check out the products before purchasing them. This results in more customers attracted to the Cherry Hill Mall, which ultimately benefits both the mall and Cherry Hill. The new customers will inevitably end up making a purchase from another store that catches their eyes in the mall. Also, both the Cherry Hill Mall and the Lego Company have been around a long time, so it only makes sense to pair the two.

The Lego Store offers unique products that are not sold in big-box or department stores that carry Lego products.

Lego Stores sell exclusive sets, which are only sold at Lego Stores. Some of the new exclusive Lego sets being sold are Star Wars and superhero Lego sets, which can be purchased only at Lego Store locations.

The Lego Store also carries all of the popular sets that can also be purchased at other stores. However, Lego sets that are replicas of the White House and the Louvre Museum can be purchased only at the Lego Store. These replica sets are extremely detailed and contain many Lego pieces of varying shapes and sizes. This increases their difficulty and expands the Lego age range.

Originally, 35 employees were supposed to be hired for the Cherry Hill store, taking into account the holiday rush. In the end, only a little over 20 employees were hired, including Critps.

Lego Store customer Alexis Guier claims her sons “can build stuff and test stuff out, [because the store is] more interactive.” A new section of the Lego Store, called “Pick & Build,” allows children to pick select colors and pieces and create something right there in the store.

Customers also have the ability to “see all of the products before they purchase [them],” which is a huge bonus of having the Lego Store so nearby, said Guier.

The Lego Store was flooded with new customers, holiday shoppers and Lego enthusiasts all at once over the holiday season.

Border by Julia Langmuir (‘19)/ Eastside Staff

Safe Zones prevent online trading thefts and scams ■ By Ben Goldsmith (‘17) Eastside Multimedia Director

Craigslist, ClassifiedsGiant and BackPage are just three of many websites in which people can sell or purchase items, small to large, as well as interview for jobs by meeting face to face with a complete stranger.

With personal safety a long-time concern and epidemic, local police have taken action to make offmarket transactions safer.

The Cherry Hill Police enacted two “safe transaction zones” a few months ago to protect online buyers and sellers from theft, robbery and scamming. Located at 820 Mercer Street in Cherry Hill, just outside the city municipal building, these zones are open 24/7 with surveillance cameras running full-time to deter criminal activities.

“Just the fact that there are witnesses here… If someone asks you to meet you at the police station, and that person suddenly doesn’t want to meet there or [wants to meet] somewhere else— I think that’s a red flag,” said Captain Amy Winters from the Cherry Hill Police Department.

One safe zone is inside the police headquarters lobby and the other is in the ‘horseshoe-like’ parking lot behind Town Hall.

Along with purchasing and selling items on websites like Craigslist comes a possible safety concern: Where will we meet? What if they try to rob or harm me? Who am I really meeting? Winters says these questions can be less eerie to answer with the safe zones now in place.

Local sellers and buyers who previously met to swap

at a place arranged over the phone can now meet under supervision.

“It’s better than what’s out there, which is basically nothing,” said Maria Gelfand, frequent Craigslist and eBay user.

However, that does not

legal activity.

Although residents are encouraged to use the parking lot safe zone after 4:30 p.m. or on the weekends when the police station technically closes, that does not stop local swappers from wanting a third party

“Most people would want to come inside... But for larger items that you’re just going to transport in pickup trucks, people ought to just use the parking lot,” said Winters.

The spark of the recent call for safe transaction

Ben Goldsmith (‘17)/ Eastside Multimedia Director

The Cherry Hill Police Department added two safe transaction signs near the department buildings to avoid scamming and theft. mean regulation.

Although there are police officers monitoring the exchanges at the police station, they are legally bound not to interfere with transactions between the parties, much less give advice.

Transactions involving drugs, paraphernalia and weaponry are not permitted, including any other il-

in attendance.

“If you’re looking to get over on someone, you’re certainly not going to do it in a police station,” said Gelfand. “When you’re inside a building, there’s a [lower] chance of things going south.”

Police say the decision should be product dependent.

zones in Cherry Hill began with a robbery of a resident who responded to an ad posted on Craigslist for a new iPhone. The box, which was supposed to have an iPhone inside, consisted of only rocks and cotton. And as for the sellers, they made off with the cash.

Police hope the new safe zones can prevent scams

and incidents like this from happening again.

Winters said, “We want to deter any [fraud, scams, and assault]. We can avoid that.”

More extreme cases including a knifepoint robbery in the Moorestown Mall and a murder in Willow Grove led police to their solution: the zones.

Similarly, the Evesham Police Department has also created zones. And for good reason.

In rural Georgia, a Craigslist ad for an “antique Mustang convertible,” as stated on the Evesham Police website, lured a couple into bartering with the owner of the car. The car’s owner, and also the suspect, were charged in the deaths of the two hopeful buyers after they were found dead on the site of where the transaction supposedly took place.

Not too long after, Cherry Hill Police announced the creation of two safe zones.

From tools and cars to toys and food, even bodily organs (as needed) can go through bartering websites such as Craigslist; local residents can now run these transactions more safely.

“We hope that other [cities] are encouraged by them. We have had other police departments contact us after our press release and ask us for the policy or where to get the signs made,” said Winters. “I think [the safe zones] are contagious.”

As shopping through strangers becomes more popular, the Cherry Hill Police Department urges other cities to partake in safe transaction zone acquirements. With these safe zones, buying an item is no longer a worry.

Page 8

EASTSIDE

January 2016

EDITORIAL

January 2016

EASTSIDE

Page 9

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

East takes a necessary step by installing transgender bathrooms In early December, Cherry Hill East took a step forward on the path of acceptance by installing an all-gender restroom in the school. School administration had been working since spring of 2015 to identify a location and review the logistics of establishing this bathroom, an effort realized earlier in the school year. To compound these progressive efforts, East’s Gender Sexuality Alliance Club (formerly known as the Gay Straight Alliance Club) has risen to the occasion as well, becoming a prominent force in gender acceptance throughout the school.

Eastside commends the progress both East and the GSA have made to address the concerns of the increasingly visible transgender community.

Along with the implementation of the all-gender bathroom this past December, the Board of Education has taken the initiative to adopt an additional policy on transgendered students, appropriately named the Transgender Students Policy, to be adopted by the school district in February. According to the policy, its initiative is to “ensure all students, including transgender students, have equal educational opportunities and equal access to the school district’s educational programs and activities.”

Eastside believes that the Board of Education deserves due praise for its progressive efforts to ensure student comfort in all aspects of student life.

The large and growing transgender population at East will benefit tremendously from these changes, improving the student atmosphere as a whole for everyone.

The necessity of this bathroom also resulted partially from the experiences endured by transgender students being brought to light. The members of the GSA brought to light these accounts of harassment and bullying, making the plight of many transgendered students known. Thus, Eastside would also like to recognize the GSA’s efforts in publicizing their rapidly growing movement to create a better Benefactors Sherri and Ken Hoffman Fran and Sid Fisch Lynne and Eddie Cohen Jennifer and Steven Greenberg The Goldsmith Family Erica and Jerry Rothkoff Susan and Ian Meklinsky Robin and Richard Pacitti The Steele Family Lois and Mitch Cohen Billig Jewelers Stephanie and Ted Fisch Linda Ross The Appel Family Lonnie Propass Dolores Birnbaum Shine Power Yoga Christy Marella

understanding for what the LGBTQ+ movement stands for.

"In our Alliance we have a lot of gender nonconforming and transgender people who had issues and spoke up about issues they've had in the bathroom such as harassment," said Jake Hershman (‘16), GSA Co-President, in an interview with Fox 29 News.

With the help of the administration and the GSA, East’s transgender community now has a more comfortable bathroom available to accommodate their everyday needs.

As the values and perceptions of societal norms are constantly changing,

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

2087 Fax: (856) 424-3509

East, along with other diverse public schools, has a responsibility to change with them. With a rising number of openly transgender students, East has taken a number of measures to ensure a supportive environment for all students.

To Eastside, the installation of the all-gender bathroom is just the first of many steps of progress to come. East has taken the first step on the path of acceptance. Now, it is up to the individuals in the East community to do their part, as the next step is to foster the type of community where a student never fears going to the bathroom.

Eastside Online http://www. eastside-online.org

Publisher

Fort Nassau Graphics Thorofare, NJ

Letters to the Editor

Submit signed letters to F087

Tammy Stahl (‘16)/ Eastside Art Director

David Samuel Steven Davis David and Maxine Butler Sponsors Cheri Tolin Patrons Jessica Gardner Brad and Melissa Tinkelman The Nussbaum Family Jonathan and Staci Boiskin The Mistry Family Joan and Rich Rosenblatt Jennifer Grossman Wayne Myers The Keller Family Steve and Michele Kains Debbie Shore and Jonathon Korn

Friends of Eastside Jeffrey and Rochelle Dashevsky The Goldfinger Family Brian and Christina Boyle Steve and Stella Kim June and Bill Borowsky The Cooper Family Jeffrey and Darcy Becker Cynthia Black Matthew Cohen Dr. Jarrod Kaufman Premier Surgical and Vein Center Ronald Stern Andrea Cohen Stephen Ross Contributors The Greenberg Family Pamela Barroway Haye and Sherry Hinrichs

The Voorhees Diner Rosemarie and George Dolnycky The Nemeroff Family The Kibitz Room Spencer Lincoln Douglas A. Perham Mitchell and Martha Rosenburg Steven and Jane Lindemann Advocates Samir and Rupalee Mehta Ralph and Roe Deal Mr. Rouen Rachel Wint Daniel Stahl Abby Hoffman Suzanne and Clifford Young Sam Malat Ruth Southworth

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Managing Editor: Kaitlyn Boyle Online Editor-in-Chief: Sonia Kim Editors-in-Chief: Jacob Borowsky, Julia Rothkoff, Liza Rothkoff Adviser: Mr. Greg Gagliardi

News/Features Editors Sari Cohen Courtney Finnegan Jennifer Pacitti

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

Editorial Assistants (Note: There is a dash Alon Goldfinger between “eastside” Drew Hoffman and “online”) Josh Sodicoff

COMICS

Page 10

EASTSIDE

January 2016

In Class and at Home by Rose Ni (‘17)/ Eastside Staff

’

Early Mornings by Jennifer Dong (‘17)/ For Eastside

Love drawing comics? Interested in illustration? Find yourself doodling during class? Do you want to see your artwork in Eastside? Come to F087 during LB1 and talk to either Sydney Steele or Tammy Stahl to sign up!

’

East Students Pay the Bill by Tammy Stahl (‘16)/ Eastside Art Director

SPECIAL January 2016

EASTSIDE

Page 11

Eastside conducted an in-depth report observing the stress experienced by Cherry Hill East students.

The reporting focused on three major repercussions of student anxiety: anxiety disorders, cheating, and usage of stimulating drugs like Adderall. A survey of 200 students was conducted to gather information regarding the most prevalent types of cheating at East and students’ opinions on cheating.

A silent attack that just keeps striking

■ By Kaitlyn Boyle (‘17)

As the pressure placed on teens increases, the number of anxiety disorder cases continues to grow.

Eastside Managing Editor

In today’s day and age, many teens experience anxiety, whether it be a result of heavy school workloads, daunting college applications or stressful social encounters. For an increasing number of adolescents, however, these anxieties have developed into something much larger.

Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness in the country, affecting at least one in 10 children and adolescents according to the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health. This already high percentage does not include unreported cases of anxiety disorders. Each case is unique, since many different types of disorders can blend together.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) consists of extreme worry over often unrealistic scenarios.

Other disorders include Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), in which the person does certain actions repeatedly, Social Anxiety Disorder, and phobias of specific objects, activities or situations.

With the current societal pressures placed on adolescents, the number of anxiety disorder cases has seen an increase.

“Anxiety disorders are very common among teens, more so today because of the many pressures that teenagers are faced with,” said Julie Ferdas, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in children and adolescents.

Ferdas also said that some of these pressures include school pressure, social pressure and reaction to media. Anxiety disorders can develop for a number of reasons due to the fact that each individual case differs from the next. Alexandria Reyes* (’17) began to develop Trichotillomania during eighth grade, a body repetitive behavior disorder that causes her to pull out her hair.

“School was obviously getting more intense; I was going to high school, and I think a lot of times that’s when people start going through changes mentally and changes physically,” said Reyes. “That’s a very large transition period.”

Reyes then entered what she referred to as a “vicious cycle” of anxiety, hair pulling and stress.

“The first contributing factor is anxiety, and once you realize that you’re [pulling out hair], that causes

more stress. This repetitive behavior is seen as a stress reliever, but it just causes more stress, so it goes around in a circle,” Reyes said.

Although the severity of the disorder fluctuates based on the amount of stress she faces, Reyes notes that the symptoms are less prominent in the summer, when she does not experience the same

years, she still struggles with irrational fears regarding things that others consider normal.

“It’s hard to explain,” Atkins said. “It’s this own thing happening inside of you. You can’t control it.”

When a large amount of anxiety builds up, adolescents struggling with anxiety may experience an anxiety or panic attack, a period of

Eva McCarthy* (’17), one of Atkins’s roommates on the trip. “So if she started to miss her family or get nervous or anything, we would just have to sit her down, tell her to breathe [and to] calm down.”

Reyes also relies on her supports to get her through difficult periods of time.

“If I didn’t have supporting friends and parents, then I would have a lot more trouble than I’m having now,” she said.

Despite the existence of numerous sympathetic loved ones, many adolescents without anxiety disorders still find it difficult to understand what it really feels like to struggle with severe anxiety on a daily basis.

“Being nervous and having an anxiety attack is totally different,” said Atkins, “because being nervous is a little bit of anxiety, but having anxiety is having tons of nervousness in your body and [having it] take over.”

Reyes compares anxiety disorders to an addiction, yet one that many people are in the dark about.

She hopes that more people become aware of these types of disorders.

“Educate yourself before you make snap judgements,” Reyes said. “[There are] a lot of people with this. It’s not as rare as you would think, and a lot of people feel a lot of shame. It’s not their choice… Really try to be a support to that person.

You might not necessarily understand, but that’s okay.”

“It’s hard to explain. It’s this own thing happening inside of you. You can’t control it.” school pressures.

Even if the anxiety disorder does not directly result from school pressure, these types of disorders make the school day much more difficult.

“It’s not diagnosed that I’m nervous about school, but I definitely get more stressed than other teenagers do because o f

m y anxiety,” said Molly Atkins* (’17), who has struggled with anxiety since she was eight years old.

As a child, Atkins experienced a blend of anxieties, including OCD, separation anxiety and anxiety about things that appear insignificant to others, such as the weather.

Although s o m e of the m o r e severe anxieties h a v e faded slightly over the

Kevin Chen (‘17)/ For Eastside

intense, paralyzing worry.

“It’s kind of like when you’re really scared, but there’s nothing to be scared of, and you’re just stuck in that kind of heart-racing panic, fight or flight mode for longer than you should be, and for no obvious reason,” said Reyes.

Symptoms of these attacks vary between each person, but can include stomach aches, shaking, dizziness, shortness of breath and sweating. In order to prevent these attacks from reaching their most severe state, people can learn certain coping strategies in therapy sessions or support groups.

“You have to sit *Due to district policy, Eastside down and ask yourwas required to change the names of self, ‘Is this real? Is this all students involved in this story. actually going to happen? Is this realistic?’” said Atkins.

“Most of the time the answer is going to be no.”

Relying on a strong support system of friends and family is - Learn about the disorder. another critical method of remaining - Ask how you can help, but calm during an attack or avoid being pushy. throughout day to day - Listen when he or she needs to fears. When Atkins travtalk . eled out of the country for a Vocal - Work together through the diffiDepartment cult times and celebrate the good field trip, ones. she looked to some of her friends for - Be patient. support.

“When we were on the - Spend time doing things with bus going to him or her that do not provoke Montreal, she warned anxiety. us about how she would have panic - Understand that sometimes attacks, and there is nothing you can do in she told us that moment. what we needed to do,” said

How to help a friend or loved one who is struggling with an anxiety disorder:

Page 12

EASTSIDE

January 2016

SPECIAL

January 2016

EASTSIDE

Page 13

CHE students on cheating:

On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this exam...

“I believe that copying homework is collaborating.” (‘16) “If everyone cheats, I believe that it is no longer considered cheating.” (‘17) “Most people feel so pressured that they have to [cheat] in order to do well in school.” (‘18) “Cheating isn’t acceptable... It’s just sometimes necessary when you take into account the [little] amount of free time we have.” (‘19) ■ By Ashley Cooper (‘17) Eastside Underground Editor

Especially in today’s innovative world, students feel pressured to excel in school, even if academics are not their strong point. Thus, some students resort to cheating as a means of alleviating this stress and pressure. Eastside set out to investigate the cheating habits of the East student body specifically.

Through 200 distributed surveys to a diverse array of students (class year and level), several statistics were obtained, which speak volumes about the state of cheating at East.

One of the most striking results from the surveys is how East students view the concept of copying homework.

Though technically against school rules of academic honesty, students appear to regard copying homework in a very casual manner. One hundred and eighty of the 200 students surveyed admitted to having copied off of another’s homework within the last four years.

Though small homework assignments

may only themselves be worth five or 10 points, if students habitually abuse the system and copy homework from others, their grades could be boosted by a high percentage without them having done any work whatsoever.

Further, some students even admitted to copying homework throughout the school day, blatantly in front of their teachers. This shows that some students are so relaxed about copying homework that they have completely forgotten that it is, in fact, a type of cheating.

Moreover, it was interesting to discover how students rationalize their cheating behavior. Forty-one percent of surveyed students rationalized their cheating by stating that they were struggling in a certain class but still wanted to get a good grade. This option was clearly the majority choice for rationalizing cheating, coming in 23 percent higher than the second most selected rationalization.

The least chosen rationalization was “no motivation to study or do the work,” with only 11 percent of surveyed students choosing this option. This data unveils an important element of the student life at East; students are

not simply cheating because they do not care and lack motivation; instead, students are cheating to keep up with standards of “academic excellence.”

This data shows that students may not be receiving the letter grades that they truly deserve; some students are struggling in classes and not understanding material, yet they are technically succeeding because of cheating. Thus, this data also reflects that at East, currently, there is too high of a focus placed on receiving a high letter grade, as opposed to the focus remaining on a student’s own individual knowledge.

When asked to approximate the percentage of their friends that cheat, eight percent of the surveyed students responded with 100 percent of their friends. Though eight percent may initially seem like a trivial amount, it in actuality represents 15 of the 200 surveyed students, which is a high number of people to respond to the question in such an extreme way.

Therefore, the data displays that the competitive and intense nature that East provides for students does not necessarily breed academic honesty. It in fact appears to be producing just the opposite effect on students.

“If a student doesn’t have the time or the energy to finish their homework, it is okay to cheat.” (‘16) “Cheating is acceptable as long as you don’t get caught.” (‘17) Infographics and charts designed by Ashley Cooper (‘17)/ Eastside Underground Editor

SPECIAL

AMPHETAMINES Page 14

EASTSIDE

January 2016

The “study drugs” that are more harmful than helpful ■ By Courtney Finnegan (‘17)

Eastside News/Features Editor

Drug abuse is a common occurence in today’s society, impacting over 20 million Americans each year. However, most people associate drug abuse with illegal narcotics and alcohol; many are not aware of the fact that prescription drugs are just as detrimental as heroin or alcohol and are taken on a regular basis by teenagers and young adults nationwide.

Amphetamines, by definition, are potent central nervous system stimulants. They are sometimes called the “hyper drug,” the “study drug,” the “smart drug” or anything else that will falsely depict the drug’s characteristics.

The most common amphetamines, Adderall, Adderall Rx, Methylphenidate, Ritalan and Vyvanse, are prescribed to treat those with conditions such as Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD), narcolepsy and obesity; however, a prevalent issue occurring nationwide is the abuse of these stimulants among teenagers.

The number of students taking advantage of these stimulants is increasing every year. According to compiled data by the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, the peak age for people to start abusing stimulants ranges from 16 to 19 years old.

Other recent studies also conducted by the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids show that more than half of young adults (56 percent) indicate that it is easy to obtain Rx stimulants that were not prescribed to them, and 71 percent

say they are given stimulants by their friends.

“Most people think that if they don’t have ADHD and they start using medication, they think they’re going to improve their GPA, but in reality their GPA actually goes down and not up,” said Dr. William Lynch, a pharmacist at Kennedy Hospital in Cherry Hill.

Recklessly consuming stimulant drugs can cause negative effects on both mental and physical health.

Many students who impulsively take stimulants without a prescription are mainly focused on current activities or work loads they are striving to balance, and they are not concerned with what type of stimulant it is, what the long term effects of that stimulant are, or the side effects that can occur from the consumption of that drug.

A concern of taking nonprescription stimulants for the first time is that they can trigger underlying heart conditions or diseases and exacerbate allergies or sensitivities in the body.

“Maybe Methylphenidate is a better drug choice for you than Adderall, or vice versa. There are all of these factors that go into taking stimulants, and they all affect different body types in different ways. That is what people don’t realize when they go into this,” said Lynch.

Students who abuse stimulants on a regular basis are extremely susceptible to detrimental health risks. Primarily, those who take unprescribed stimulants can suffer from Ventricular tachycardia. In other words, their heart rates will

rapidly rise to the high hundreds or even mid 200s, which can ultimately transition to heart stoppage and can result in heart attacks and seizures.

In addition, some other side effects of stimulants are insomnia and excessive weight loss.

Lynch said, “We tell them that if they’re taking these stimulants in the morning, then they should preferably do so before breakfast. We tell them to load up on breakfast before hand. We don’t care if they have three big bowls of cereal because most of the time these kids will come home from school, and their lunch won’t be eaten because they just don’t have the appetite for it.”

According to the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids study, although 50 percent of students will take stimulants to stay awake, and 24 percent take them to improve work performance at their jobs, nationwide, 41 percent of teens also take advantage of stimulants in order to stay awake while at parties or other social events.

Taking stimulants with alcohol can also influence chronic alcohol levels among teenagers and raise their blood alcohol levels above 0.535, which is 0.455 higher than the legal driving limit in the state of New Jersey: 0.08.

This statistic is due to the stimulants’ ability to keep one awake to continue drinking. Otherwise, one’s body would have passed out before reaching these levels.

“When stimulants are mixed with alcohol, it’s a really bad combination because alcohol tells you to

slow down, slow down, slow down and pass out, and stimulants are energy drinks which have a lot of caffeine in them to stay awake,” said Lynch.

Lynch experienced a case involving a male college student who graduated with a 3.9 grade point average. The student abused Vyvanse and Adderall during the school week in order to perform well on his assignments and exams but would not be able to sleep after doing so. He would usually be up for four or five days straight.

In order to combat this struggle to sleep, the student used alcohol as a depressant. Unfortunately, now in his early 20s, he has to go to Narcotics and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings due to his stimulant and alcohol addiction, Lynch said.

“I tell kids all the time that they’re not going to go from a 67 in AP Calculus to a 93 because you borrowed your friend’s Adderall or Ritalin. It doesn’t work that way,” said Lynch.

The high levels of stress and anxiety high school students endure on a regular basis are unavoidable. As the pressures to succeed continues to impede upon students’ every day academic and extracurricular lives, it is likely for them to turn to other alternatives, such as highly addictive drugs to balance the various tasks and activities they constantly have to complete.

Although it is easy to recognize why high school students want an extra push of motivation, the various risks those students subject themselves to outweigh the benefits.

The effects of stimulant drugs on the body Insomnia Addiction Seizures Increased heart rate Loss of appetite

Sydney Steele (‘16)/ Eastside Art Director

OPINIONS

January 2016

EASTSIDE

Outdated technology hinders learning ■ By Abigail Richman (‘18)

Eastside Staff

Computers at East are used every day for a variety of tasks.

Over the past few years, the computers at East have been taking an exceptionally long time to power up and load, which often cuts into the class period and frustrates many teachers.

Faculty members find it aggravating and disruptive when a lesson is delayed due to the slow computers.

Perhaps more aggravating is when a student is further inhibited by the school’s network and WiFi web filter, which blocks many resourceful websites.

When the technology is slow in the building and the Wi-Fi prevents teachers from teaching their lessons, it impedes the pace of the class and the actual rate of work that the teachers plan to finish that day.

With the computers at East anywhere from 5 to 10 years old, there is no doubt they run slower than normal.

According to Mr. Rick Friedman, East’s IT Technology Coordinator, there are about 800 laptops and desktops in the building occupying school network and Wi-Fi every day trying to stick to get the perfect signal in order to teach the class.

Many teachers say they have to get to class early to spend time waiting for the computer to turn on and for it to load to be ready for the students.

When time is spent in the beginning of class try-

overall right-to-work type attitude I like the students to have. I would like it to be ready the minute they walk in as to not waste any time,” said Ms. Veronica Donaghy, an East Spanish teacher.

Most teachers would say wasting class time is a very big pet-peeve, as classes do not meet every day of the week.

Although students may seem happy that there is a delay with classwork, it will only leave them with more work in the end.

“If I find four to five interesting articles, I will open each on a tab. At times, my computer may not be able to handle this, resulting in a freeze of the PC. This type of pause takes away from the flow of the class, which is irritating,” said Mr. Greg DeWolf, an East business teacher.

When a teacher plans a lesson using the SMART Board, and it fails to work, it can many times leave the teacher with nothing to teach that day.

Instead of using computers that disrupt and delay the class from being able to do anything, iPads and Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor other devices can make up A student becomes frustrated with an outdated school for that and do the job more effectively and efficiently. computer and decides to take it out of its misery.

A good start to fixing the problem is that more access ing to figure out why the huge screen. connections are being put PowerPoint won’t load, an Although SMART Boards into different parts of the overall dysfunctional start are extremely beneficial to building to accommodate to the class will occur. learning, with all the comthe over 2,000 smartphones Ever since SMART plications with the techand computers connected to Boards were put into the nology, teaching on white Wi-Fi at school every day. school, teachers moved boards may do the job more All of this could be prefrom teaching on chalk quickly. vented with new or differboards and white boards to “The slow computers ent technology in the school typing their lesson plans up cause a delay in the warmthat will better the learning on PowerPoints and showup and overall start of class, experience. ing them to the class on the so sometimes it affects the

Too many students, too little time

Counselor-student ratio too high for a personal connection

At the end of junior year, an informational sheet is Eastside Staff given out with directions to As college application vital application informaseason moves into full tion. Students are called swing, seniors are looking down for a seminar explainfor any form of guidance ing the information. during this stressful proWhen writing recommencess. dations, counselors give out Naviance, The Common what is called a “brag sheet,” App and FAFSA are just according to Walsh. These a few of the many words are forms that parents and that are bouncing students fill out regardaround the heads of ing moral character, East seniors. summer activities and Guidance counselors extraordinary and chalat East play a crucial lenging experiences. role not only in explainThis, in conjunction ing this complicated with whatever relationship process, but also by was formed over the years, helping with a formiforms the recommendadable letter of recomtion. mendation.

In order to help the Yet, how well student body become can these counselmore familiar with ors truly perform their guidance countheir obligations selors, East should without having implement multiple a meaningful rescheduled meetings lationship with between counseltheir students? ors and students There is no over their time at doubt that the East. counselors are This way, an qualified to authentic conperform their nection can be administraestablished tive duties, but that tranthere seems to scends a mere Tammy Stahl (‘16)/ Eastside Art Director be a disconnect slip of paper between a large Guidance counselors often become overwhelmed by their workload, which is with a name on majority of the usually time-sensitive. it.

■ By Ezra Nugiel (‘17)

student body and their counselors.

According to the American Counseling Association, East

meets the nationally recommended ratio of 1 counselor to every 250 students.

But what determines that recommended ratio for how well a counselor can connect with his or her student?

Page 15

Tammy Stahl (‘16)/ Eastside Art Director

This issue’s topic is ‘Who would you choose for TIME’s Person of the Year?’

Pope Francis ■ By Sebastian Duva (‘16)

Eastside Staff

Pope Francis should be the TIME Magazine Person of the Year. This year, Pope Francis took the first Papal visit to the United States since 2008. In his visits to American cities, he spread his faith and progressive preachings.

The words ‘Catholic Church’ and ‘progressive’ don’t usually go together, but Pope Francis is certainly progressive, calling attention to issues that Popes before him have never touched.

Francis called for the United Nations to respect the environment, a day before Francis addressed Congress on climate change.

Pope Francis has called for disillusioned and disenfranchised Catholics around the world to return to the Church and has named 2016 the “Year of Mercy.”

The “Year of Mercy” pardons those who have been divorced or have had an abortion. These penalties, in the Church’s eyes, call for instant excommunication; Pope Francis is offering forgiveness.

Pope Francis is the spiritual leader of nearly 1.2 billion people around the world and is running the Vatican like no Pope has before.

Donald Trump

■ By Shira Resnick (‘17)

Eastside Staff

This year’s TIME Magazine Person of the Year should have been Donald Trump.

According to editor Jim Kelly, the classic definition of TIME’s Person of the Year is the “person who most affected the events of the year, for better or for worse.”

Using this logic, it is now clear as to why Osama Bin Laden was considered for TIME’s Person of the Year in 2001, and why Adolf Hitler was chosen as TIME’s Person of the Year in 1938.

Donald Trump makes headlines nearly every day, so he should have been been TIME’s Person of the Year.

Trump has accounted for more than a quarter of the coverage of the Campaign on CBS, NBC and ABC. Trump was covered for 234 minutes from January to November, while frontrunner for the Democrats, Hillary Clinton, was covered for 113 minutes, CNN reports.

GOP candidate, Ted Cruz, was only covered for seven minutes.

Even though Angela Merkel was made TIME’s Person of the Year for 2015, whenever my New York Times app pings with a notification, the name I see is Donald Trump.

OPINIONS

Regifting: ingenius or immoral?

Page 16

EASTSIDE

January 2016

Unwanted gifts don’t have to sit in the corners of our closets, collecting dust with each passing day that they go unused.

If one knows someone who would enjoy these gifts far more than one would, the most logical solution is to regift.

Regifting is not rude or selfish. It is an effective way of making use of something that would otherwise remain completely unused.

If a relative spends a substantial amount of his or her time and money on one’s gift, then giving that gift to another person will

The purpose of gift-giving is to make the recipient feel good.

Regifting allows for this intended effect to occur; a recipient, though he or she may not be the original recipient, is happy as a result of the gift.

A nationwide consumer spending survey administered by American Express reveals that half of the respondents—about 58 percent—said that it was okay to regift, and about 79 percent said that regifting during the holidays is acceptable.

If one has received an unwanted gift but feels guilty about giving it to someone else, consider donating it to

The holiday season is a time of gift giving and, more importantly, regifting.

Most people want the items that are on their wishlists. Although people are supposed to be grateful for what they receive, it is easy to disregard the thoughtfulness of considering which gift would be the best match for the people on one’s list.

For more expensive gifts, regifting is only to be done in specific circumstances. If one just received the exact same iPad model that he or she already has, he or she might consider giving

tioned, any other form of regifting due to disappointment with the gift is unacceptable.

“Regifting is rude because people spend a lot of time on giving thoughtful and kind things. It hurts the gift giver and the gift receiver,” said Jared Ropka (‘19).

Regifting gifts of sentimental or symbolic value is impolite. It demonstrates a lack of appreciation for the gift-giver and thought for the next person to receive the gift.

Though one can save money by regifting, this is not what the holiday season is all about.

The holiday season is

upset him or her, and probably make him or her question whether or not someone was worth all of that effort.

However, most holiday gifts that one receives are not extraordinarily expensive.

One of the most common holiday gifts is clothing. Perhaps one may not like his or her new clothing; rather than letting it sit in one’s closet, why not regift it to someone who would actually appreciate it?

charity.

By taking this alternative, one makes use of something that doesn’t particularly interest him or her, while at the same time performing an act of generosity for someone less fortunate than oneself.

In the end, there’s nothing more rewarding and satisfying than the feeling one gets by donating to charity and helping out someone who truly needs help, especially during the holiday season.

it to his or her tech-savvy grandma.

If one does not have the same iPad model, he or she should simply be grateful for the great sum of money that was spent on him or her.

Complaining about gifts of such large magnitude is unthinkable when many people aren’t lucky enough to receive the bare necessities.

Aside from rare scenarios like the one aforemen-

about happiness, so instead one should think about what would truly make the people recieving the gifts happy.

Though the issues that lead to regifting are sometimes difficult to avoid, many times those who receive a gift they dislike can simply return it if the gift has a gift receipt.

This post-holiday season, think before regifting; gifts are supposed to be enjoyed by the original recipient.

■ By Joe Levin (‘17)

Eastside Staff

■ By Greg Rothkoff (‘19)

Eastside Staff

Art by Sydney Steele (‘16)/ Eastside Art Director

Online shopping leaves room for product faults ■ By Aditi Lohtia (‘18)

For Eastside

Online shopping has become a popular trend, often chosen over the typical instore shopping. According to International Business Machines (IBM), an American multinational technology and consulting corporation, online shopping has increased 21.5 percent from Black Friday of 2014.

One of these popular websites, Amazon, allows buyers to purchase items from professional sellers.

Similar sites to Amazon include eBay and Craigslist, which, instead of selling items from companies, allow people to sell their own items in exchange for a fee. eBay requires customers to pay a fee of 10 percent of the total amount of the sale of the item.

Craigslist states that postings on the site are free, except for certain things such as job listings, cars and trucks sold by the dealer and therapeutic services.

These sites are an easy way for people to get rid of any new or old items in their houses while making profit, but how reliable are these sites in guaranteeing a seller’s safety?

“I have used both eBay and Craigslist to help my dad sell items. While using Craigslist, people have

Sydney Steele (‘16)/ Eastside Art Director

Items bought on websites such as Craigslist are often unreliable and known to fall apart, costing people a great deal of money in the process.

tried to scam me by writing cash but ended up not doing so. For eBay, [the consumer and buyer] are protected under the company, so if a scam does occur, there is no loss to the opposite party,” said Stephen Chan (‘18).

Craigslist, on the other hand, advises users to contact fraud complaint centers instead of the company itself. It also has its own separate page for avoiding scams, showing how common this type of issue is. eBay directly ships items to the buyer from all over the world, while Craigslist is usually based on region, leading many buyers and sellers to meet in person.

A few years ago, “Craigslist killings” was a term used by the media to categorize a group of people who murdered victims through ads placed on Craigslist.

Although eBay does allow buyers and sellers to meet in person, most people choose not to, as they mainly purchase items from different parts of the country or world.

With new technological advancements, people are able to sell items in their homes, yet buying from websites like eBay or Craigslist presents many risks. Therefore, buyers must take the appropriate precautions to avoid these risks, lest the website’s policies do not do a sufficient job of protecting the website’s users.

OPINIONS

January 2016

EASTSIDE

Page 17

Gender-neutral bathrooms are a necessity ■ By Luke Shin (‘19)

For Eastside

As a transgender male, genderneutral bathrooms save me from the discomfort and possible harassment that I would receive from going into gendered bathrooms. I’ve been screamed at, hit and chased out of both men’s and women’s bathrooms.

Upon entering bathrooms, I mentally have to prepare myself to be asked, “Are you sure you’re in the right bathroom?” or, “What do you have in your pants?” or something similar to that. This is something that I face on a daily basis, whereas a cisgender person (someone whose gender corresponds with that person’s biological sex at birth) would never have to be bothered to think about something as simple as going to the bathroom.

I think the gender-neutral bathroom is a great idea. It provides a safe space for transgender students at East—this school year being the largest transgender population that East has possibly ever had at around 30 to 40 transgender students—and assists in the prevention of harassment in bathrooms. Almost immediately after starting this school year, it was made clear that I wasn’t welcome in either the men’s

or women’s bathrooms. Because of this, I had avoided using bathrooms as much as I could, and I wouldn’t feel safe in the bathrooms even if I had friends with me.

The counselors and nurses warmly welcomed me

we were so uncomfortable.

However, this was better than feeling unsafe in any other bathroom.

Chris Doner (‘18), a transgender student, said, “I got a nurse’s pass, but it was super embarrassing whenever I asked to go to

as getting stared down, and some being as extreme as sexual and physical harassment.

There’s already an internal conflict and struggle in deciding which bathroom to go in as it is; the risks that come along with each

Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Jake Hershman (‘16), GSA president, stands in front of East’s “all-gender bathroom,” located near the two lecture halls. coming into the 2015-2016 school year and informed me that I could use the nurse’s bathroom at any time. Unfortunately for me, and others, it was awkward and frustrating having to use the nurse’s bathroom as a last resort because

the bathroom, and I had my own pass.”

Before the gender-neutral bathroom was passed at East, many transgender students gave accounts of their experiences in the bathroom, some being as small (but uncomfortable)

only add to it. Going into the proper bathroom means possible verbal, physical or sexual harassment; going into the assigned bathroom means emotional and mental distress, discomfort and dysphoria.

Although the nurse’s

bathroom is always an option, it alienates transgender students from other students due to how isolated it is from all the other bathrooms.

Sometimes, walking to the nurse means walking to the other side of the school and missing class, thus drawing unnecessary and unwanted attention towards us. I felt like a freak having to miss 10 or 15 minutes going down to the nurse just to use the bathroom.

I also felt like a freak for being scared to death of going to the bathroom, something any other human being could do with ease. I hated feeling anxious, uncomfortable and dysphoric no matter which bathroom I walked into.

Ideally, the gender-neutral bathroom gives another (sometimes closer) option rather than the nurse. Not only that, but also it looks like any other bathroom in the school, except with a different sign. This allows transgender students to feel less detached from the rest of the student body.

I was lucky for East to make a gender-neutral bathroom in my freshman year and only having to endure a few months of the above stated struggles. The gender neutral bathroom feels like a long-awaited victory for the transgender student body, as well as the East GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance) and any members of the LGBT+ community.

Ridding East of R-level classes is a mistake ■ By Sydney Steele (‘16)

Eastside Art Director

Over the past four years I have taken nine regular level (R level) classes. As I approach the middle of my senior year, I reminisce about my high school experience, largely impacted by the amount of knowledge and skills I have gained from those Rlevel classes. Unfortunately, Cherry Hill Public Schools has a

plan to eliminate all Regular-level classes by 2020 and is starting to eliminate some of these classes each year to reach this goal. This change will have a tremendously negative impact on many students at East.

There are differences between class levels

with this challenge, I decided to drop both Advanced English and Advanced Algebra to Regular-level. I realized that I could excel best in Regular classes, rather than struggle to get a barely passing grade in Advanced ones. For once, I actually could comprehend Homer’s epic, The Odyssey, and I had finally mastered factoring a math sequence. Instead of falling behind due to excessive homework and tests, my Regular-level teachers helped me to balance my time.

I was encouraged to try to understand all of the material and to not move on from anything until I knew exactly what I was doing.

Regular classes often move at a slower pace by, for example, having fewer chapters of a novel due at a time. While R-level classes cover the same content and hold students to the same expectations as other classes, they are taught in different ways that benefit students who struggle in harder classes. Taking away R-level classes at East will hurt the school as a whole.

Students take R-level classes because teachers are successful in teaching the students who take them, just as Honors-level students succeed best in Honors-level classes.

When the district decided to get rid of my Regular-level biology and history, I felt misplaced and lost, but there was nothing I could do. I struggled for the whole year and didn’t receive the best grade that I could have. I was ashamed that a community that claims to support its students made me feel like I did not belong.

Cherry Hill Public Schools must reconsider its idea of eliminating all Regular-level classes because every student has a different way of learning. It is not fair to put students in a class where they can’t reach their full potential and where they are out of their comfort zone. All students should be given the opportunity to succeed.

“When the district decided to get rid of my Regular-level biology and history, I felt misplaced and lost, but there was nothing I could do.” by way of pacing and scaffolding of material, but not in content. Freshman year, I started at East taking all Advanced-level classes. After being in an Advanced-level English class for only two weeks, I felt like I was drowning in work, and I was trailing behind the rest of the class. I felt that I was not capable of completing the work and learning the material at the same time. I had to do something so that I could retain the knowledge being taught in class and get the most out of it. This was happening to me in my Advanced-level math class as well.

When I was faced

UNDERGROUND

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EASTSIDE

January 2016

Pacifica: The app that can change your life ■ By Jonah Barnett (‘16)

Eastside Staff

Currently, anxiety disorders affect approximately 40 million adults in the United States. Some of these adults take medication to treat their mental illnesses. Others may not require medication, but most adults who suffer from anxiety or depression are recommended to take weekly therapy sessions. Unfortunately, not all of these adults have access to therapy; sessions are expensive and good therapists can be hard to find.

In 2014, a team of psychologists and entrepreneurs from San Francisco sought to help all adults with anxiety receive treatment by the development of an app entitled Pacifica.

Pacifica most predominantly attempts to help people with anxiety and depression through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a counseling process that helps a woman or man become more aware of nega-

tive thinking habits. This type of Once the goal is selected, the user is therapy also challenges him or her given the option of joining a group to respond to situations in a differof others with the same goal. Within ent manner. this community, users can Those who suffer chat anonymously with from anxiety and deothers and discuss any pression are not the topic. only ones who can After the user’s goal benefit from using is set, a daily plan is Pacifica, as anyone set with three objeccan learn how to tives: rate mood, acdeal with stressful tivity and feel better. situations.

The user is asked to Pacifica is availrate his or her mood able to download on a scale from awful in the Apple Store to great. The user’s seor on Google Play for lected mood is recorded free. When first opened, and used to track his or Pacifica asks the user her personal progress to make an account and Courtesy of Pacifica Labs Inc. over time. Users also provide basic informahave the option of choostion such as his or her name and ing from four categories to help imemail address. Once the account is prove their mental state, including: made, the user must set a goal for relax, thoughts, goals and meditahimself or herself given the followtion. Throughout the day an activing options: improve your mood, ity from each of the four categories have less anxiety or stress, have is expected to be performed. less anxiety or stress in social situThe relax activity provides the ations, or start a healthier lifestyle. user with instructions on a breath-

ing method to reduce stress. The thoughts activity asks the user to type in a provided space a real-life situation that caused a change in his or her emotions. It then allows the user to re-read what he or she wrote and re-work it in a positive way. The meditation activity is very similar to the breathing exercise, but distinguishes itself by featuring a woman’s voice. This voice encourages the user to focus on every one of his or her senses. Lastly, the goals activity lets the user set smaller short-term goals such as speaking up in class or asking someone on a date. The user will rate how difficult he or she thinks this task will be and will rate how difficult it actually was once completed.

With anxiety being so prevalent in the United States, there are many resources available to help someone overcome his or her illnesses. Pacifica is a trailblazer in the world of medical technology, as the app gives millions of people free access to tools that can improve their mental health.

Get started with Pacifica in five easy steps STEP TWO

STEP FOUR

Open the app.

Make a plan.

STEP ONE Download the app.

STEP THREE

STEP FIVE

Choose your goal.

Zen up!

Screenshots by Jared Fisch (‘18)/ Eastside Underground Editor

Out of the Vault: Furbies find their inner “force” speak their native language known as “Furbish.” The Furbish language is comparative to rambling baby What do you call a fluffy talk, or gibberish. The toys creature that shares feaeventually begin to learn tures similar to that of a English (which is almost gerbil and an owl? as creepy as their gremlinA Furby, of course! like appearance). Not only This odd plush toy do Furbies seemed like an learn Engunlikely canlish, but didate for a also if proholiday craze. grammed Nonetheless, to do so, the Furby found Furbies its way under have the many Christpotential of mas trees. learning 24 The Furby other lanis an electronic guages as robot toy, simiwell. lar to the Teddy The toy Ruxpin doll m a d e that speaks to Liza Rothkoff (‘16)/ Eastside its first the user playEditor-in-Chief public ing with it. appearThis somewhat Furbacca’s can be found ance in creepy-looking at Target.

1998 untoy is an adapder the tive robot that sale of Tiger Electronics, an learns through its “life exAmerican toy manufacturer periences.” Furbies are all founded in 1978 and headinitially programmed to ■ By Jared Fisch (‘18)

Eastside Underground Editor

quartered in Illinois. Tiger Electronics started cashing out during its first three years of selling Furbies, selling approximately 40 million units — the majority of which were sold during the holiday season.

The toys retailed at 35 dollars for their first three years.

The days of low-price Furbies seem to have since ceased, as the toys have skyrocketed to resale prices upwards of 100 dollars.

In 2005, after Hasbro came into play, the Furby had some remodeling done.

This included new voice recognition software and new facial movements. After another few years of solid sales, the Furby took a break in 2007.

The toy did not return from its hiatus until 2012.

Re-entering with many new updates, the 2012 Furbies were given LCD eyes, more motions, personality adaptation according to user interactions and interactive connections with iOS and Android apps.

Since Furby’s huge changes in 2012, the toy has continued to see vast improvement. Most recently, this past June, a new Furby was introduced named Furbacca. The new “Wookie Furby” could be the beginning of a line of Star Wars based models to come in 2016 to go along with the new movie from the series. Furbies can be purchased at Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart and Amazon.

Logo by Sydney Steele (‘16)/ Eastside Art Director

Learn Furbish Furbish dah-way dee dee-doh doo-ay doo-loo doo-moh doo? ee-day koo-dah koo-wah moh-moh moo-lah noh-lah noo-loo oo-kah tee-tah wah-tah way-loh way-loo way-nah wee-tee bye-way dah-ay-loh dah-boh-bay dah-way koo lay-lah nee-tye ay-koo

English genius little dude fun funny please where? good mountain island monster money dance happy uncle tree water sleep dream wonder sing path sun scared genius rock home tickle diamond

UNDERGROUND Specialty food truck rolls in the dough January 2016

EASTSIDE

Ostrofsky, to fix this missing presence. Upon Jeremy’s constant reEastside Underground Editor minders, Michael knew he had to On any typical day, one can exdo something, anything, to not only pect to see an abundance of Philafix the “option,” but also cultivate it delphia natives meandering around into a strong presence within the loin hopes of discovering the perfect cal Philadelphia area. Suddenly, an food truck. idea was born—an idea filled with Many so-called “trucks” have bedunks, swirls, dips and dough. come overused things of the past, “I decided to partner up with my but one truck stands alone. Yellow, brother-in-law [Robert Rifkin] and with a design much like the rays then, just like that, Undrgrnd Doof the sun, this truck is unnuts was born,” said Michael. doubtedly unique. In fact, it Rifkin acts as Undrgrnd is so unique that it is the Donuts’ Executive Chef, sole food truck of its kind while Michael functions in the Philadelphia area. as the Chief Donut DeThis truck is none other signer. Jeremy, although than Undrgrnd Donuts. not an integral part of the The truck first opened business, still continues to its window in early Sephelp the truck grow in poptember 2013 and has ularity through running its ever since been on a missocial media accounts. He sion to provide gourmet has managed to maintain a doughnuts to as many high social media presence Philadelphians as posfor the business, with a sible. notable 2,600 followers on It all began with JerUndrgrnd Donuts’ Twitter emy Ostrofsky. As an enaccount. gineering major at DrexPrimarily, Undrgrnd el, Ostrofsky had grown Donuts prides itself in betired of the predictable ing a fresh food truck. dining hall food served “None of our food is preat his school. Subsemade or pre-packaged,” said quently, he decided to Michael. “Even if we do pritry something more vate events, like weddings, “adventurous” and we’ll make the doughnuts began eating right in front of the guests, out at the food right then and there.” trucks around Undrgrnd Donuts’ dough his campus. comes to fruition through a After noticing “secret recipe” made from loone specific cal ingredients and Rifkin’s option misshandmade efforts. After all ing from the food doughnuts are carefully fintruck scene, Osished, Michael employs the Sydney Steele (‘16)/ trofsky begged his Eastside Art Director help of what he calls “the Dofather, Michael nut Robot,” which is responsi■ By Ashley Cooper (‘17)

Page 19

ble for dipping, swirling and dunking each doughnut.

The Undrgrnd Donuts Menu features some crazy options; take the Homer Donut, for instance, which features a vanilla dunk, raw sugar and chocolate bacon chunks; even look at Camping Out, with its chocolate dunked, graham cracker and marshmallow fluff infused exterior.

Now how do Rifkin and Michael

flavor options ranging from Euro Smash (chocolate dunk, Nutella swirl and crushed nuts) to the 420, which comprises of “whatever we got man-just chill.”

Not a fan of any of the menu options? That’s completely fine; Undgrnd Donuts also offers a “create your own” doughnut option, free of any additional cost.

“We price all of our doughnuts at

Courtesy of Michael Ostrofsky

The Undrgrnd Donuts Food Truck first opened its window in September 2013. come up with these crazy flavor ideas anyway? According to Michael, he and Rifkin “just come up with whatever [they] feel would taste good as flavor combinations.”

“When we first started, we literally ran down a supermarket aisle and picked a bunch of candy that we liked and thought ‘now wouldn’t that be nice on a doughnut?’” said Michael.

Currently Undrgrnd Donuts’ menu features 13 unique doughnut

two dollars. Whether you get a classic Cinnamon Challenge Donut, or a Blueberry French Toast Donut, it’s all the same price,” said Michael.

So whether you would like to enjoy the classic chocolate dunked, maple swirled and pecan topped “Pecan Delight” or if you are even feeling adventurous enough to try the strawberry dunked, Cap’n Crunch topped “Captain Kranky,” Undrgrnd Donuts has got you covered.

A peek into the life of a record collector ■ By Julia Rothkoff (‘16)

Eastside Editor-in-Chief

warping (not to mention its general impracticality), I enjoy the pops and cracks that are heard when the needle touches the record. If given the right type of vinyl—typically translucent colored wax or black wax—every instrument has room to breathe; the drums, guitars, bass and keyboards sound extra sexy.

Most digital music is on a format where many details and sound quality are completely lost or drastically reduced. When I listen to a vinyl LP, I

In 1982, the compact disc (CD) became available to the public. At that time, many said that vinyl would become obsolete. However, though once thought of as a lost art, vinyl record collecting is becoming more and more prominent among the younger crowd.

To skeptics of modern vinyl collecting, vinyl collecting is only for nostalgic baby boomers and pretentious hipsters.

While to an extent, that statement is true, to true collectors, record collecting goes beyond the desire to look cool.

After collecting over 200 records, I Liza Rothkoff (‘16)/ Eastside Editor-in-Chief have realized an Rothkoff ’s large collection consists of 251 albums. evident contrast between the sound of vinyl and digital music. hear guitar solos and drum fills that While the vinyl medium has many were totally buried in the digital forimperfections such as scratches and mat. iTunes compresses the audio

to make the files small enough to fit hug it); those who collect digital muon any device; during this process, sic cannot say that. Even so, record the files lose the stellar sound qualcompanies recognize the general ity that the band heard in the stuimpracticality of buying vinyl dio. Simply put, digital is typically records; they cannot not how the musicians intend be played outside for their music to sound. Viof the house nyl is a lossless format, like digital meaning that no data is music can. lost during the transfer M a n y from tape to wax. record The physical exc o m perience of vinyl is panies more fulfilling than nowathat of digital mudays sic where there is give no physical experia free ence. Sure, you still lossbought (or didn’t l e s s buy, depending on digital your preference) the downmusic, but with a vinyl load of record you get to hold the record the large album artwork as a thank and read the liner notes that you to the purcontain information about who chaser for supportput hard work into the making ing vinyl record proRothkoff (‘16)/ duction. of that album. The vinyl experi- Liza Eastside Editor-inence is more intimate than that Commonly reChief of CDs and digital music. ferred to as an “auListening to a vinyl LP is not diophile,” record cola chore, it’s an experience that lectors like myself one cannot get with digital music. take pride in their collections. I am Vinyl requires the listener to interproud that I have Nirvana’s rare act with the record; once Side A fin“Here She Comes Now” (1991) sevishes, the listener must walk over en-inch on blue marbled vinyl. I am to the turntable, pick up the needle, also proud of my four copies of Nirflip the record over and put down vana’s In Utero (1993) and my rare the needle again in order to listen copy of Ghost’s Meliora (2015) on to Side B. The feeling that I—and marbled grey vinyl. While this obmany other record collectors—get session might seem like a waste of in a record store is one of pure bliss. time to some, for record collectors, I get to touch and hold my record (or it’s worth it.

Art by Tammy Stahl (‘16)/ Eastside Art Director

Page 20

ENTERTAINMENT EASTSIDE

Keep calm and color inside the lines “zen” time and a de-stressing experience for all users.

Eastside Community Editor “It takes the person’s mind off of what [he or she Coloring books are a fais] stressing about, [and it] vorite childhood pastime. allows [him or her] to focus Adding vivid colors to blackon what’s positive,” said outlined images of the East Nurse Ms. Joy Atworld’s favorite kins, who has cartoon charseen proof acters and of the dewhimsical stressing images compois a nents in typical the colormeming books ory aswith students. sociated with Whether one childhood. is having a rough Yet, these imday at school or ages are not psychological just for kids issues deeper anymore; down, these an emercoloring books gent trend of might just be adult coloran alternative ing books has to other therarisen to major pies including prominence. medication This trend, and counseling. which origiPsychologist nated in EuAntoni Martirope, has deep nez also sughidden roots gests coloring in India. These as a technique Indian roots for relaxing. were discovered “I recommend by psychologist it as a relaxation Carl G. Jung, who technique.

We discovered that by can use it to enter drawing and coloring a more creative, freer geometric shapes and state,” Martinez said to concentric images, called The Huffington Post. mandalas, we activate two These colorplaces in the Tammy Stahl (‘16)/ Eastside Art Director ing books are cerebral cornot just a poptex which deal Sample mandala for you to color in! Try it out. ular trend all with vision draws in the crowd. over the world, but very and motor skills. However, The coloring books for prevalent in the East comthese adult coloring books adults have incredibly inmunity. are not just for recreational tricate patterns, making “[The designs are intripurposes; they have proven them very suitable for macate], it takes time to do stress-relieving properties ture audiences. them. You can work on it to help teens and adults The combination of not and stop,” said Atkins. “I cope with the everyday having a stimulating glare think it’s a good stress restressors of life. in one’s face as well as usliever. I have seen students The adult coloring books ing colors to softly shade in who are stressed use the are found in bookstores and images provides hours of books, and it works.” stores like Urban Outfitters ■ By Brooke Greenberg (‘17)

and Nordstrom.

Some of the books have very kitschy themes including travel, flowers and intricate Aztec patterns.

The stress-relieving component is what

January 2016

#trendingnow

Stay Tuned edition

■ By Sam Waldman (‘16)

For Eastside

I f we’re being honest, all I remember about the day I found out Stay Tuned was going to be on national television is that I went out for sushi that night.

Months later, after countless release forms, phone calls with producers and even a psychological evaluation or two, I was shuttled along with the twenty other members of Stay Tuned to a random church in Haddonfield.

In case you’re checking in for the first time, Stay Tuned is the competitive co-ed a cappella group here at Cherry Hill East.

Yeah, it’s exactly like Pitch Perfect... except, well no, nothing like that. According to Pitch Perfect, the rag-tag group of misfits throws together some songs and magically wins the entire thing.

In our case, we were most certainly rag-tag, most certainly misfits, and most certainly not winners.

The degree of our underdog status was made perfectly clear to us the very first day of filming.

Our coach, musical maestro Deke Sharon, a famous a cappella guru, was quick to point out our weaknesses: everything.

To our defense, we did have one strength. According to Sharon, we had more heart than any group he’d

ever seen.

Over the course of our eight weeks with Deke, he stripped each song down into the rawest of emotions, the basic ones that one learns to identify in preschool.

We learned to sing sadness, anger, joy — basically the entire cast of Inside Out. For your average music geek, it was absolute heaven. I was getting paid to sing all summer.

That’s not to say the TV part of it wasn’t totally cool.

It was like my own Disney Channel Original Movie: the story of your average teenage girl doubling as a high school student and a TV star.

While school was still in session, it was exhausting.

I personally held the record for most on-screen yawns, which were magically edited out of every episode.

Still, the sleep deprivation was worth it.

The biggest thing I took away from this summer (besides a killer college essay) was how important family is. Sure, we all walk around East wishing the start time was later, praying our teachers will push back our test dates and waiting for June to roll around, but East is what gave me my family. Stay Tuned is the best thing that has ever happened to me, even without the show.

The best part of the show wasn’t the cameras or the résumé filler. It was the extra two months I got with my family.

See “Pitch Slapped” Tuesdays on Lifetime at 10:00 p.m.

Social media star reveals the truth behind the camera the age of 15. The caption also shows how inorganic the photo is, because she had to try so hard to get the perfect shot.

In the 21st century, it is not uncommon to see “Without realizing, I’ve spent majority of my people making their living off of a social media teenage life account. Social media stars like Lauren Giraldo being adand Nash Grier started their careers off on forms dicted to soof social media like Vine, an app that allows uscial media, ers to record six-second videos for their followers social apto watch. Celebrities such as Giraldo and Grier proval, social make their lives seem extremely glamorous and status and perfect. my physiAnother person that got her fame from socal appearcial media is Essena O’Neill. O’Neill, born and ance,” wrote raised in Australia, started blogging, made YouO’Neill.

Tube videos and created an Instagram account “Social mewhen she was in high school. At a point, she had dia, espemore than half a million followers on Instagram cially how I and more than a quarter of a million followers used it, isn’t on YouTube. real.”

As O’Neill gained more popularity on social N o w , media, companies began to reach out to her. The O’Neill has companies were interested in using her fame to a website, promote their products on her social media acletsbegacounts. In one Instagram caption, O’Neill remechangers. vealed that companies would pay up to 2,000 com, where dollars for her to post a photo endorsing their she posts old product. O’Neill was eventually able to support Instagram herself from company sponsorships and modelposts with ing opportunities in Los Angeles, California. captions tru“I fell in love with this idea that I could be of ly encapsuvalue to other people,” O’Neill wrote. lating what While followers of O’Neill blindly believed went into that she was ecstatic and satisfied with her life each post, and career, in reality, O’Neill was miserable. her thoughts “I spent everyday looking at a screen, viewon issues in Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor ing and comparing myself to others. It’s easier society and to look at shiny and pretty things that appear O’Neill changed the caption of this photo, along with many others on her account. g l i m p s e s happy than stopping and just getting real with into her life yourself,” wrote O’Neill. eaten that day. Would have yelled at my little by showing things such as music that she loves.

Thus, O’Neill started changing many of the sister to keep taking them until I was somewhat O’Neill has decided to leave her Instagram accaptions on her Instagram photos to reveal the proud of this.” count up in an effort to wake people up to the realities of her social media-obsessed life.

The changed caption shows the body image realities of social media and to show the realities One of the most popular captions changes was problems that O’Neill has struggled with since of her social media-driven life.

■ By Jenna Simons (‘17)

Eastside Staff

on a photo that O’Neill posted of her on a beach in a bikini. The changed caption read “NOT REAL LIFE- took over 100 in similar poses trying to make my stomach look good. Would have hardly

ENTERTAINMENT

January 2016

EASTSIDE

Page 21

Actors buff up and slim down for important roles ■ By Asher Maitin (‘17)

Eastside Staff

Matthew McConaughey lost 38 pounds to fulfill his role in Dallas Buyer’s Club as a man diagnosed with AIDS in the 1980s. By the time shooting for the film began, McConaughey had lost 35 percent of his energy, causing many of his organs and muscles to shrink, according to a 2012 interview with Hitfix.

Actors constantly feel the need to satisfy the producers of their films by contorting their bodies to the extreme, often regarding a drastic loss or gain in weight. But their dramatic transformations beg the questions: how do they accomplish such weight change and what is the limit?

“It’s 90 percent diet,” McConaughey said in the interview. “Right now, I’m not losing any more weight if I burn 1,500 calories, two hours of cardio in an afternoon, or if I don’t… It’s a matter of how much I eat or how little I eat.”

The same diet-altering technique worked for actress Anne Hathaway, who lost 25 pounds for the 2012 film, Les Misérables, to play the role of a poverty-stricken factory worker forced to turn to prostitution. According to Hathaway in a

2013 article, she lived on had just finished Les MisOn the other hand, Mcmeals consisting strictly of érables when the break ocConaughey did find some lettuce leaves, a diet that benefit to the weight loss another actress described regiment. He believes the as “rabbit-food.” routine actually made him Both weight transformasmarter. tions provided “I had to remostly negalearn how to tive health entertain myresults. In self, because order to I wasn’t gomaintain a ing outside, I pale comwasn’t going to plexion, Mcdinner, I wasn’t Conaughey going to social locked himplaces. I was writself into his ing so much more [and] home for reading so much more,” about six McConaughey said in an months, he interview. said. He also Sometimes, however, included that several actors have been as his weight required to gain weight to dropped, play a certain role. Most rehis strength cently, Michael B. Jordan, dropped as who plays the aspiring well. boxer and son of Rocky “I would do Balboa’s arch-nemesis five push-ups Apollo Creed in the and be sore. I 2015 film, Creed, would run 30 feet gained 24 pounds of and my legs would muscle to play the lock up,” said Mcdemanding role.

Conaughey.

How did he do As for Hathaway, it? a fall while riding her “Diet and exbike during her weight loss ercise,” Jordan caused her said in a July to break her interview with Sydney Steele (‘16)/ Eastside Art Director arm. Her co- Actors get so wrapped up in the role that their job ABC News. star, Isabelle takes on a new meaning.

“Chicken and Allen, berice and broclieved it was a coli—a lot of it. result of Hathaway’s fracurred, decided to keep the Literally in the middle of gility.

Hathaway, who injury a secret. takes, I would just be eat-

ing food.”

Along with having costar Sylvester Stallone as a gym mentor, Jordan had a special dietitian to document every food that he ate. He would eat five to six meals a day, along with weight lifting and boxing.

Yet there was one unusual component to Jordan’s diet: gummy bears.

“Gummy bears have zero fat and are high glycemic— so they are the perfect food to eat following a workout to repair and rebuild damaged muscle tissue if you pair it with high quality protein,” said Jordan’s dietitian.

Summarizing his advice, Jordan said, “Diet has a lot to do with it and lots of water.”

Despite putting their bodies and health in jeopardy, McConaughey, Hathaway and Jordan each worked hard to achieve a certain body type to fulfill roles in their respective works. They are certainly following, or growing, a popular trend in the movie industry of having to change themselves in some way to achieve the position of a more elite actor or actress. As movie plots become more complex and realistic, actors must push themselves to the limit in order to satisfy both critics and the movie viewing public.

Actresses fight for equal rights Bieber begins a new era even been addressed by the White House. Some 2013 figures show that the median woman earned Recently, there has only 78 percent of what been a lot of talk about the median male earned. the gender pay equality Some people refuse to recmovement in Hollywood. ognize this dilemma, callWhile it has seen a lot ing it a “myth,” while in of exposure lately, some reality, this is a serious people still struggle to unissue that affects a multiderstand exactly what this tude of women across the “gender pay revolution” is, country today. The official and why it is in the media.

White House website has It is proven that actressdata proving this “myth” es make less than their is a reality, revealmale counterparts, ing that by the time and while this is women are eligible not only a problem to retire by age 65, for women in Holthe median womlywood, it is the an has lost over industry through 400,000 dollars which the public due to wage gap inoutcry first began equalities. gaining traction.

Because of the Actresses such as work actresses have Jennifer Lawrence, been doing and the Patricia Arquette, attention brought Kathy Griffin and to this matter by Reese Witherspoon them, a change has have been especialbeen made. Presily vocal about their dent Obama has own experiences made it an initiawith this issue. Artive of his to emquette, who won Lia Yamamoto (‘17)/ Eastside Staff phasize the Equal an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress Year after year, women continue to fight Pay Act of 1963, which made job and in a Film, spoke for equal pay in Hollywood. pay discrimination out against this inpaid two percent less than based on gender illegal. equality in her acceptance their male co-stars.

Obama puts his support speech.

Lawrence won a Golden behind the Paycheck Fair“To every woman who Globe and was nominated ness Act, a bill designed to gave birth, to every taxfor an Oscar for her outfinish what the Equal Pay payer and citizen of this standing performance in Act started. nation, we have fought the movie, but the budgetThough the issue has for everybody else’s equal ing team still decided that gained enough support to rights,” Arquette said. even though she had trereach the White House, “It’s our time to have wage mendous talent and was more action must be taken equality once and for all one of the biggest stars in order to truly have genand equal rights for womin the film, because of her der pay equality for our en in the United States of gender, she was worth less generation.

America.” than the other actors.

Thanks to Hollywood, In an email corresponThis issue is now promprogress is being made, dence between producers inent enough that it has slowly but surely. of the 2013 film American ■ By Hannah Lehrfeld (‘19)

For Eastside

Hustle, it was revealed exactly how the actors and actresses in the film were being paid. The figures were divided, giving David O’Russell nine percent; Bradley Cooper, nine percent; Christian Bale, nine percent; Jeremy Renner, nine percent; Jennifer Lawrence, seven percent; and Amy Adams, seven percent.

Note how the two leading ladies of the film were

■ By Rachel Serata (‘17)

Eastside Staff

Any “Belieber” knows that Justin Bieber has had a turbulent rise to fame.

From releasing his first single “One Time” in 2009, to dating Selena Gomez, and even being able to collaborate with artists such as Drake and Nicki Minaj, Bieber has had many stages to his career. However, the time has come where his music has changed and his fanbase has shifted. His fans do not only consist of thousands of teenage girls screaming his name, but also people of all ages and sexes coming around to Bieber’s music.

Although Bieber has been off the radar for quite some time, he is back and has made a long-lasting comeback.

On November 13, 2015, Bieber released his new album, Purpose. This album is extremely different from some of his previous albums such as My World released in 2009, or even his second most recent album Journals, which was released in 2013. This album has a more mature and contemporary sound that can appeal to all people of any age and any gender.

Bieber has also matured as a person. In the past, Bieber had done many things to upset the public. In March of 2013, Bieber threatened to kill his neighbor and spit in his face for coming onto his property. In 2014, Bieber egged his neighbor’s house, which ended up costing him 200,000 dollars in damages.

Later that year Bieber got his first DUI. Since then, Bieber has created a positive reputation for himself in the public eye.

On March 10 of last year, Bieber attended a tennis tournament called the Desert Smash at La Quinta Resort and Club in California, and was chosen to be the surprise guest singer for this non-profit cancer awareness organization.

He was also affiliated with auctions of his valuables. Once he received the money from the auctions, he then donated all of it to a charity of his choice. These actions have allowed Bieber to remedy his previous actions.

Justin Bieber has gone from mug-shots to magazine covers all within the span of a year, proving the power of a new image and a fresh sound.

Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Justin Bieber has changed throughout the years.

SPORTS

SJRC rises to prominence at East Page 22

EASTSIDE

January 2016

People in high school are always looking to do something difCertain athletes at East often ferent.” rise to prominence after a big win or Pierce and other successful season, but other names East students seem seem to fly under the radar, specifito have chosen the cally the names of the students insport due to its volved with the South Jersey Rowdifferences.

Even ing Club (SJRC). though the sport is Every day, these athletes wake up and coming in up, go to school and then drive to the area, there is Philadelphia, sometimes leaving only a small minorearly from school, to row on the ity of East students, Schuylkill River for hours straight, all females, who row not returning home until it is dark. for SJRC. Crew has become a sport that not Elyssa Aronson only requires commitment, but also (‘18) said, “Specifidedication and strength. Unlike cally for girls, [crew] other East students, the athletes opens up a ton of opwho row find themselves devoting portunities for colCourtesy of SJRC hours on end to the sport. lege. It’s a boutique Rachel Pierce rows down the Schuylkill River in one of her summer regattas.

“It’s a good outlet to get away sport.” college,” said Aronson. healthier because of the sport. from everything, and you go to a The majority of Along with academic motivation For Pierce, crew is an individuwhole different group of friends, a varsity athletes in SJRC will ultiin general, Elise Goldstein (‘17) al sport because she rows her own whole different world,” said Rachel mately continue this sport during said that crew gives her a set schedboat, but for Aronson and Goldstein, Pierce (‘17). “It’s so different too. their future college careers. As a ule. She said she has her homework crew is a team sport. t e a m , time and her crew time, and there Opposite from the typical team the SJRC is no time for anything else. sports, it is easy to see personal is exDue to the small number of East progress. Goldstein said that rowtremely students involved, crew has been ing makes her eager for improvesuccessa huge social sport, allowing East ment. ful, but students to make friends from all “It really boosts my confidence to individuover the area. see results and improvement. That ally, the Aronson, Pierce and Goldstein is something I love about the sport,” athletes all said that the biggest reason for said Aronson. are even going back to practice each day is East’s small population within more efthe people involved. the SJRC has a lot to appreciate. fective.

“The coaches are dedicated, they Every day is another day to get bet“Rowreally do want what is best for you, ter for these girls; year-round they ing helps even if that means putting time train, and year-round they recogto motiinto the sport and getting to know nize results. Most importantly, they vate me the parts of your body. They want love what they do. in school what’s best for you and the team,” “No matter what I have going on because said Goldstein. in my life, I will always have crew,” want Courtesy of SJRC I Although the sport is extremely Pierce said. “People will come and Pierce, front, Aronson, third, and Goldstein, back row, to attend rigorous with daily crossfit workgo, but it doesn’t really matter bethe best during summer training session. outs, Pierce said that she feels cause I will always have crew.” possible ■ By Elissa Cohen (‘18)

Eastside Sports Editor

Villegas maintains another season of success ■ By Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)

Eastside Staff

Yamie Villegas (‘16) has made quite the name for herself through her hardwork and determination.

She has played the guard position for the East Girls Varsity Basketball team since her freshman year, using these qualities to earn her starting position.

Villegas began playing basketball at the young age of six and has continued to love the sport ever since she first picked up a ball.

Her dad has not only been her trainer, but also her inspiration to play.

“My dad played all his life, so when I started going to the gym with him, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the sport,” said Villegas.

In the off-season, Villegas trains by going to the Cherry Hill West track and continuously doing sprints to improve her stamina and speed. She also finds any gym or court and works on her ball handling skills with the help of her father.

Villegas thinks that a player must train hard during the basketball season but even harder in the off-season. She said that her recipe for success is to hustle, be motivated and be coachable. To Villegas, coaches look for players who may not be the most talented, but the players who have the biggest hearts.

Her coach, Mr. Kevin Owens, said, “If she doesn’t

give everything, it is going to be a tough game.”

Villegas could describe playing varsity as a freshman with two words: nerve

previous years have also prepared her for every basketball season, for she has the experience that most people do not, and to all the

already reached her goal of 1,000 career points. During the current basketball season, Villegas thinks the girls varsity team will have

Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Yamie Villegas warms up before the home opener against Paul VI. wracking. Yet, at the same time, she felt as if it was “an opportunity to get [her] name out there.”

Playing varsity since freshman year has changed Villegas’s career as a basketball player at East. Her

spectators she is clearly not new to the game.

“Playing against older, bigger and tougher girls has improved my IQ on the court and my skills,” said Villegas.

This year, Villegas has

a great year with a chance of making it to the playoffs like last year.

Villegas has recently committed to play basketball for Nyack College, located in Nyack, NY, a Division II college. Villegas

said she is excited to continue her basketball career on the collegiate level. She feels as if the coaches at East have helped her thrive and become the player she is today.

Villegas’s relationship with the coaches and team have helped her to flourish at East. Villegas and Owens have bonded throughout her four years on varsity. “[We] have a love-hate relationship and go at it, but at the end of the day, [we] have each other’s backs,” said Villegas.

She also said that Owens calls all of the players his daughters and the team feels like a family.

“We go when she goes, and when she’s on, she is probably one of the better players in South Jersey,” said Owens.

As Villegas is inspired by her coaches, younger players are inspired by her.

“I knew I played the same position as her, meaning I had to practice more every day if I wanted to excel,” said Kayla DeGuzman (‘18), who played varsity her freshman year as well.

By hustling and giving basketball all 100 percent of her, Villegas has become an excellent player. “[I was] not always as aggressive as I am now, and being aggressive on the court makes me a better player,” Villegas said.

Villegas may be number three on the court, but she is without a doubt number one in her team’s heart.

SPORTS

January 2016

EASTSIDE

Page 23

Down but not out: Lass’s journey from the IR to Division I ■ By Luke Hinrichs (‘17)

Eastside Sports Editor

It takes a highly-skilled athlete to successfully make the transition from high school athletics to Division I play. It takes determination, strength and heart. John Lass (‘16) will take this step.

Since November 25, Lass has been committed to playing Division I football at Dartmouth College.

“All [of] my hard work led me to this opportunity. I know it will certainly be a challenge up there, and it will not be like anything I have had to deal with before,” said Lass.

For Lass, as it is for most successful athletes, the path to achievement has not been a straight, paved road. There have been bumps, there have been curves, and there have been adversities to overcome.

Over the last four years of his high school football experience, Lass has sustained two ACL tears.

Like many football players, Lass understood and accepted the risk of injury as an integral part of the game, but to him, the love of the game overshadows any risk.

“When I am playing it is not like anything I could describe. The adrenaline rush after coming off of a play is absolutely – it is amazing.

It is a feeling I cannot really put into words. You get up after a play, and you feel like you are on top of the world,” said Lass.

Lass entered East as a football player who had never put on pads, taken the field or sacked a quarterback.

“Freshman year was the first time I really played football. As soon as I got out there and got into practice, I knew it was for me. It became a part of my life,” said Lass.

Lass’s first ACL tear came dur-

ing his sophomore year, which ended his football season. Up to this point, Lass’s name was not on any recruiter watch lists. He was just a student athlete. As it stood, Lass had to work through the hurdle of recovery and move on to display excellence on the field.

“Tremendous work ethic. You need that when you have to recover from a serious injury like he suffered as a sophomore. He was back ready, after getting injured in Oc-

cles, Lass needed an above average junior season, and he delivered.

Lass was First Team All-Conference that year.

“It has been hard. You have to work every day. You can’t take days off. You can’t lack. It has always got to be somewhere in your mind that this is what you want to do, and that you are going to do whatever it takes to get [to the college level],” said Lass.

The quality of his junior year

Liz Lee (‘17)/ Eastside Staff

John Lass (‘16), left, approaches center field dressed in street clothing as a team captain. tober, in August for camp, and you don’t do those things without having a great work ethic. Some people work harder at things than others, and [Lass] is one of those guys that works extremely hard,” said East Football Head Coach Mr. Tom Coen.

In order to stand out and make ripples in college recruitment cir-

play had to carry Lass, as his senior season was cut short with his second ACL tear.

Dealing with a sidelining injury is both a physical and mental challenge. It is not an easy task to be restricted to the sideline and passively observe when one’s natural inclination is to actively contribute.

Cheerleading’s intensity increases ■ By Karli Wulwick (‘17) Eastside Staff

Cheerleading has always been associated with East, but not in the way that other sports such as football and basketball have been.

“I just think that the way that the cheerleading team was looked at for the past several years, before we took over, definitely wasn’t a good representation of what cheerleading is,” said East Cheerleading Coach Mrs. Sarah Cullen.

After a difficult transition, the cheerleading team brings new spirit, energy and intensity to the school and to the Cherry Hill community.

Such a rise in intensity comes from the relatively new coaching staff comprised of Ms. Jennifer DiStefano and Cullen. Additionally, the inclusion of new stunts has greatly impacted the team, captivating its audience whenever it performs.

Cullen explained that the wave of very experienced cheerleaders arriving with the freshman classes for the past few years has been extremely helpful, as has the team’s participation in clinics at a National Cheerleading Association (NCA) camp throughout the summer.

The team has developed a tight, familial bond that strengthens year after year. Each member holds a unique spot on the team, comforting the other members and bringing hard work and dedication to the table.

“I think that our captains have really risen to the occasion,” said Cullen.

This new era of cheerleading would not have happened if captains Rachel Palitto (‘16), Amber Robertson (‘16) and Autumn Robinson (‘16) had not been as involved, as they encouraged their team to continue to flourish.

“Being a captain of the team has made me appreciate all of the hard work we’ve all put into the program for two and a half years now,” said Palitto.

Palitto said she cannot imagine high school without cheerleading. She credits the sport for shaping her high school experience.

But, it seems this is only the beginning for the cheerleading squad. This basketball season, the cheerleaders are excited to prove themselves even more. “[Cheerleading has] come a long way from what it used to be,” said Cullen.

The team is constantly looking to recruit members that will bring more intensity and vivacity.

East’s size is capable of achieving a large amount of school spirit, which the girls hope to rally up.

The cheerleading team, performing tricky stunts and bringing the crowds to life along the sidelines of the sports games, looks like a completely different team. A new age, characterized by passion and energy, inspires the community and evokes spirit from East students.

Art by Tammy Stahl (‘16)/ Eastside Art Director

“The last few games that I missed were some close ones, and I wish I could have been there for my team, but I just wasn’t able to play.

I wanted to be there for them on the field, but I just could not. All I could do was give moral support. It was tough,” said Lass.

Although Lass was not crashing onto the field in the final games of the 2015 season, his influence on the football team did not end with his injury.

“His leadership on the field translated to his leadership on the sideline. [Lass] is not a real outspoken, rah-rah type of guy, but [Lass] leads by example and losing him certainly had an impact on us,” said Coen.

Lass begins a new chapter in his athletic career with the hopes of making the All-Ivy team as a starter at least once and win a championship for the Dartmouth Big Green football team. Even though he is ready to win championships, Lass maintains his humility.

“I still have not reached my peak.

I still have a lot to learn. I haven’t been playing football all [of] my life, so I know there is a lot of room for improvement, and that’s just what I am going to do at college. I will be the best that I can be,” said Lass.

Throughout Lass’s four years as an East football player, regardless of the obstacles in his way, he maintained dedication and commitment to his sport and to his team.

“It might get tough... Sometimes you get home at seven, and then you have to start homework, but in the end it is all worth it. If you work hard, it will carry through and open up doors that were never there before,” Lass said. “[You] just have to stick with it and never give up on your dream.”

Team rituals continue to unite East athletes

■ By Drew Hoffman (‘18)

Eastside Editorial Assistant

As sports at East have evolved over the decades, one aspect has been maintained: rituals.

Rituals have played a powerful role in bringing teams together and have allowed teams to share a common bond.

Since Mr. Mike Melograna took over the boys’ soccer program in 2013, he has introduced a pregame ritual to create one big family in their program.

This year, the boys gathered before kickoff and Lee RosenSwell (‘16) called out to the team, “Who are we?” to which the team responded with “East!”

Then he asked everyone “What are we?” and everyone responded with a communal “Family!”

Melograna instituted the call after playing for former coach, Karl Moehlmann, who had a call of his own. He said that Moehlmann would have the team call out an old German fight message to pump them up.

Teams at East have a history of using rituals to pump themselves up and get them mentally prepared for their opponents.

Many teams hold pasta parties, also known as psych parties, the night before games or meets to better prepare themselves for the difficult task they will face the following day. The pasta allows for an intake of more carbohydrates to one’s diet, which proves necessary prior to the rigor of the game or meet.

“Pasta parties are a good chance for the entire team to socialize away from solely running, which I believe is important for the team dynamic,” said Aaron Groff (‘16). “The team is

constantly divided during training and meets, so I think it definitely builds a sense of team unity having all runners, freshmen to seniors, together.”

The pasta parties are generally held at someone’s house or a local restaurant, such as Passariello’s or Olive Garden.

On game day, it is important for the team to develop bonds and rely on one another. The field hockey team, while stretching, goes around the stretch circle and each player individually states one thing he or she wants to improve on for the upcoming game. This is a way for the team to gain trust in one another and make sure everyone is on the same page.

The field hockey team also uses psych parties to unify.

“They really bring the team together and get everyone excited about the game the next day,” said Madison Vogel (‘18).

“They are a great way for the team to bond.”

Besides psych parties, bus rides before and after games are extremely important to help unify teams. After a win, the ride home can be bittersweet, as everyone is in a jovial mood.

After a loss, however, the team has each other’s backs and talks about what it can improve upon for the next game.

Through the fights, the screaming and the adrenaline of sports, teams at East are bonded by the tradition of rituals. These rituals do not just define who the team is on the field; they also help shape the identity of the team off the field.

A good team does not need rituals, but a great team uses rituals to become a close-knit family of athletes.

SPORTS

January 2016

EASTSIDE

Page 24

A wrestler’s most challenging matchup: the scale ■ By Matt Kains (’16)

Eastside Community Editor

Committing to be a member of the wrestling team also means committing to maintaining weight—an undertaking that at some point proves burdensome for nearly every wrestler.

In order to participate in a match, a wrestler must maintain a specific weight that corresponds with a weight class. Since the origination of scholastic wrestling, students have found it necessary to make significant lifestyle changes in order to make sure that the desired number shows up on the scale.

A basic principle acts as the foundation for maintaining weight: calories in, calories out. Blake Impagliazzo (’18) is fully aware of the discipline needed to abide by this simple concept. Last year he needed to cut seven pounds to be eligible to wrestle in the 138-pound weight class.

This year, to wrestle in the same class, he needs to drop 17 pounds. He puts a large emphasis on the “calories in” part of the process.

“I have eggs in the morning, the afternoon is a salad, and for dinner is two pieces of chicken and some rice. You have to keep it bare,” Impagliazzo said.

According to Impagliazzo, cutting out snacks in between meals is a must.

“You have to take out all of the unhealthy food… it’s a three-meal diet,” he continued.

Some wrestlers find it necessary to eat a strict 500-calorie diet, meaning smaller, less frequent meals. Alex Velez (’16) finds that his wrestling

regiment is required to be a wrestler. However, when it comes to dropping pounds on the scale, every wrestling practice has one main focal point other

ally keeps me around my weight, but sometimes I’m a little over [the desired weight].”

In the case that he is over, Velez does not give

Photo by Jen Trieu (‘16)/ Eastside Staff Photo Illustration by Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Wrestlers continue to struggle when finding ways to drop weight before weighing in for a match. season dietary changes have an effect on both his mental state as well as his weight.

“I find myself too tired and fatigued to do homework… It’s hard to come home, have half a meal and do homework… I don’t have the energy for it,” said Velez.

From a physical standpoint, a strict workout

than gaining strength and skill: sweating. The more a wrestler sweats, the closer he will be to his desired weight.

“I usually [go to practice] in sweat pants, I have layers on,” said Impagliazzo.

Velez added, “If you practice with more clothes on than usual, you will sweat more. You will lose more weight… This usu-

up there. After practice, he might go for a jog to shed the extra weight. His persistence does not go unnoticed.

Although it is clear that East’s varsity wrestlers take initiative when it comes to cutting weight, Head Coach Mr. Michael Brown claims to have little to do with it.

“I don’t recommend to

Perry makes an impact on East record book

On December 23, 2015, Perry exemplified his growth as an At 6 foot 9 inches, Timmy Perry athlete when he (‘16) has always run with the big broke the school’s boys. His height has provided the record for most opportunity to play varsity East rebounds in a sinbasketball for four years. Perry gle game set by has fully matured into the center George Ramming position through his years as the (‘81) in 1981. team’s big man. In a position that Perry surpassed requires physical toughness, PerRamming’s 26 ry has thrived in his career. rebounds as he As of January 19, 2016, Perry grabbed 27 rehas successfully gone up and come bounds against down with 674 rebounds in his enLindenwold. tire East career, including his 161 Averaging 14.6 rebounds in 11 games of the 2015rebounds a game, 2016 season.

Perry has as“What he has done, he has resumed a pivotal ally progressed. He has made our Sydney Steele (‘16)/ Eastside Art Director role on the team. Perry utilizes his size to maintain control of team better because you have to “[His rebounds] posession. account for him and no one can reare so important ally guard him man-to-man,” said for our offense to Cherry Hill East Head Basketball set by Ramming. give us second shot opportuniCoach Mr. Dave Allen.

The responsibilities of a center ties and for go beyond just rebounds. Perry is our defense tasked with the duty of defending to not allow the paint and the basket. Any opsecond shot ponent daring enough to drive to opportunithe basket faces the size of Perry. ties for other In this task, Perry has excelled. teams,” said Currently, Perry holds the reAllen. cord for most blocks in a single Now that game, 10, and most blocks in a Perry has single season, 113. Not only that, claimed the Perry has also already surpassed record for the record for most career blocks, most reheld by Jake Gurkin (‘12) with bounds in a 211. With 226 blocks only halfsingle game, way through his senior season, East watchPerry has made an impact on the es from the East basketball record books. stands as “If he stays healthy, he will Perry asprobably be one of the best playcends to the ers to come through [East],” said season reAllen, “We have had unprecLiz Lee (‘17)/ Eastside Staff cord of reedented success with him in the bounds, 341, Perry goes up strong to the basket against West. line-up.”

■ By Elissa Cohen (’18)

Eastside Sports Editor

them [anything] for cutting weight except eating properly. We don’t force weight loss here,” said Brown, who is a former wrestler.

“We just ask them to train in the offseason and get stronger… but we don’t request [weight loss].”

Brown’s ideology is for good reason. Recent regulations now prohibit wrestlers with a certain amount of body fat from cutting to a lower weight. In addition to these regulations, Brown does not encourage weight loss due to his own experience.

“When I was a kid, I used to run ten miles a night with bags and plastic on, and I would cut like 15 pounds the night before a match… We don’t force the kids to do that, and I rarely ever see it,” said Brown.

“It’s just bad for you.”

For East’s wrestlers, making weight is a serious matter. Although maintaining weight can be a tedious effort, not maintaining it can have larger consequences.

“It affects the team more… more than the individual himself,” said Velez.

The immense amount of hard work and consistency appears to be for the benefit of the team as a whole, not just the wrestler. And while making weight is satisfying in the moment, the work that goes into it pays off in the long run.

Impagliazzo said, “It gets you tougher... It really helps prepare you for later on in life.”

The boys’ and girls’ swim teams defeat West

Andrew Lochbihler (‘17)/ For Eastside

Girls’ (top score) and boys’ (bottom score) swimming defeat West.

On January 18, the East boys’ and girls’ swim teams took on cross-town rival Cherry Hill West. The East boys dominated every race to defeat West 134-36, and the girls also had a decisive 106-34 victory. The boys’ swim team is 6-0 and the girls’ are 7-1 as of January 20.

Boys’ bowling is rolling through succcessful season Boys’ bowling is having one of its most successful seasons in recent memory.

The team is led by Gabe Leff (‘16), Matt Loeber (‘16), Kyle Winter (‘18), Cheyenne Spence (‘16) and Emerson Levy (‘17). As of January 20, the team is 13-2.

Their top individual scorer on the season has been Winter with an impressive 8,268 pins knocked down.