Eastside: June 2015

www.eastside-online.org

Vol. 49 No. 8

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

June 2015

Community colleges become a more popular option ■ By Julia Rothkoff (‘16), Emma Silverstone (‘15) and Ethan Tinkelman (‘16)

Eastside Underground Editor, Eastside Humor Editor and Eastside Radio Manager

The traditional four-year university experience is not the norm anymore. Nationally, community college has become another choice for high school seniors to ponder. According to a recent study by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 10.5 million students are enrolled in community college.

Affordability One of the most common reasons students choose to attend community college is because of its affordability. According to Trends in College Pricing by College Board, for the 2012-2013 school year, tuition for a two-year community college was an average of $3,130, while people

through Rowan University called Rowan College at Gloucester County (RCGC). Students who get accepted into the RCGC program pay 300 dollars in order to officially become an RCGC student.

Students in RCGC live in the Rowan University dormitories; these students can participate in any campus organization—except Greek life and sports. However, these students are taught by RCGC professors, not Rowan University professors. If the RCGC students maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, they can transfer to Rowan University as full-time students in their sophomore year. If the students choose not to transfer, they will continue to take classes at the RCGC campus in Gloucester County. Jardin Cassell (’15) will be participating in the program beginning in the fall of 2015.

“I want to go to a university and get the university certification, but either way I am still getting certified [at community college], and plus,

Courtney Mertz (’15) will be attending Camden County Community College for the 20152016 school year. She, like many other soon-to-be college students, does not have a clear picture of what she wants to do and where she wants to be in ten years. “[Students who choose to attend a university] know who they want to be forever, whereas people like me and others, we don’t know what we want to do yet, so [a community college is] a good place to start,” said Mertz.

Neff will be attending BCC because she has an unclear idea of what she plans to do in adulthood and the job force.

“I don’t want to spend a ton of money going to one school and then realize [that] I’m really into this thing here, but it’s like I have to go to this school and get into a good program for it,” said Neff.

Although Neff does not have a clear picture of

Rachel Pacitti (‘15) / Eastside Art Director

While the top five universities that East’s Class of 2015 students will attend are Temple, Penn State, West Chester, Rowan and Rutgers, a growing number are choosing to attend community colleges. it’s cheaper [to attend community college than a what career she wants to pursue after she compaid an average of $8,660 for a public four-year four-year university]. I am from one of the Cherry pletes college, she is hoping that she will find her institution. According to a study by the National Hill low-economic families, and [the RCGC propassions through taking courses at community Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS), 3 out gram] is helping me a lot,” said Cassell. college. of 10 community college students pay a net price of little to no money to attend the school. Because Undecided About the Future The Stereotypes of the low cost, students choose to attend commuWhile it is a common misconception that stuStudents who attend community college are ofnity college since they know that they will walk dents only go to community college to save money, ten generalized as students who “coast” through out of their graduation ceremonies without a high school and come from lowlarge amount of debt hangincome families. Neff is fully ing over their heads. aware of the stereotypes, but A current East senior she says that they are not necwho is enrolled at Burlessarily accurate. ington County Commu“I used to be one of those nity College (BCC) for the people that was kind of hesitant 2015-2016 school year is and thought that [community Becca Neff (’15). Neff will college] was for stupid people be attending community college due to financial Julia Rothkoff (‘16)/ Eastside Underground Editor or poor people, but it’s another reasons; she believes that According to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS), approximately option, sometimes even a betshe is making the right 3 out of 10 (28 percent) community college students pay little or no money to attend ter option for some people,” said Neff. decision. community college.

Cassell used to a have an “[My decision to attend opinion similar to Neff’s previcommunity college is] it is also becoming a more popular option for stuous opinion on community colleges; however, her partially [financial], because you can do all of the dents who are unsure of what career they want opinion has changed since becoming an RCGC core classes that you can do at any school. You to pursue. Millions of students who have not disstudent. can pretty much get those out of the way at comcovered their passions as teenagers attend com“[My parents used to say] that [it is]…a bad munity college first, and it costs a lot less than munity college; they feel that it is futile to pay thing to go to [community college] because it [is] a going to some other school where it’s a ton more thousands of dollars to attend a four-year institu[two] year school and it was where low-economic [money],” said Neff. tion when they do not have a career plan for after Another option for students who are considcollege.

See COMMUNITY, Pg. 5 ering to attend community college is a program

Inside This Issue

Stay Tuned TV Show News/Features, Pg. 2

Senior Superlatives Seniors ‘15, Pg. F-G

Athletes of the Year Sports, Pg. 32

NEWS/FEATURES

Page 2

EASTSIDE

June 2015

Clubs still feel the effects of contract negotiations ■ By Kaitlyn Boyle (‘17)

Eastside News/Features Editor

After-school clubs and activities provide an outlet for students who seek to make friends, learn something new, pursue a passion or just have fun. The Cherry Hill High School East Activities eboard proudly boasts over 150 groups. What students may not realize, however, is that many of these clubs have not met for almost the entire school year.

As a result of the current contract negotiations, teachers have refrained from advising after-school activities in order to draw attention to their lack of a contract. Students with leadership positions in clubs this year had to find ways around this impediment, or refrain from meeting entirely.

ECHO (East Community Helping Others), formed around May of 2014, was forced to suspend all club meetings. “[Meetings] were stopped before winter break because we couldn’t do anything after that,” said Emma Wooten (’17), one of the presidents of ECHO. “We had a lot of plans to do a lot of fundraising, and we kind

of can’t do anything without an advisor, and it kind of is just really annoying.

I would want to [find ways to work around this], but I would also like to have the contract be resolved so we can meet again.”

Other clubs attempted to meet despite a lack of an advisor. Allison Klein (’17), co-president of the bookdrive club Reuse, Reread, Recycle, utilized her club’s homeroom. “[The contract situation] hasn’t really affected our club because we meet during school,” said Klein.

Other clubs that have persevered throughout the school year, such as Science Olympiad, were forced to hold their meetings during lunch breaks, while asking their members to continue working independently at home.

In addition to clubs, after-school activities also suffered from the contract negotiations. Coffeehouse, an annual concert run by Thespian Society and East Singers in which students display a wide array of talents to raise money for a worthwhile cause, was cancelled this year.

“The way that they ini-

tially announced it to us was that [Coffeehouse] was on hold, and that they would be doing their best to get it back by the end of the year at whatever time and throw one together,” said Jack Tremper (’16), member of Thespian Society and East Singers. “The whole

that we got it… but when we found out we were literally jumping up and down.

We’re all so psyched to be on the show. It’s an incred-

featured on the show. The show will follow the group’s preparations for these competitions and will give a glimpse into the members’

idea was that the contract would be settled, so everyone was kind of hopeful, but after there was more talk, it sort of became less and less optimistic.

Like we had to think about it and realize that it really wasn’t happening.”

While planning for what would have been the tenth annual Coffeehouse, Tremper suggested the chosen charity of the concert, Shining Stars, a theatre program for children with special needs.

“I think that it was a shame that something so great that brought the East community together and went out and supported a cause…suffered because of a teacher contract dispute.

The fact that [East] did get the opportunity to do Multicultural Day (MCD), which is also an amazing part of our school every year… and [Thespian Society] didn’t get to do our part in bringing the school together is just a shame,” said Tremper.

Tremper admitted that although the Coffeehouse committees did not fight as hard as they could for the event this year, they now possess the motivation to win their concert back.

“Seeing MCD happen and how hard they fought

for MCD and how we sort of just waited, I think we’ll have the motivation to actually fight a lot harder next year for it if we aren’t given it,” he said.

Although MCD successfully demonstrated various cultures this year, cultural groups admit that finding time to prepare was not a simple task.

“During the MCD day season, for Chinese Student Association (CSA), it was really hard to meet,” said Grace Shen (’16), president of CSA. “We couldn’t book the dance gym downstairs, because you need an advisor to do that, and the advisor wouldn’t come because she couldn’t stay after.”

The group found other methods of preparation, including meeting outside of school or at some of the middle schools.

This school year has proven to be a struggle for many club leaders and members with big aspirations for their respective groups. Without a resolution, a majority of these dedicated student organizations will go another year struggling to pursue their interests and passions.

Art by Sydney Steele (‘16)/ Eastside Staff

Lack of clubs is one of the drawbacks of the lack of contracts this year.

Stay Tuned earns a spot on prime-time TV ■ By Rachel Cohen (‘15)

Eastside Editor in Chief

East’s co-ed a cappella group, Stay Tuned, first captured East’s attention three years ago with its flawless cover of hits like “Titanium”

by David Guetta.

Stay Tuned has continued to reach the top of the competition scene, capturing the attention of not only the East community but also many other high school Music Departments as well as competition judges. When many a cappella groups had listed Stay Tuned as their biggest rival in an application for new reality Lifetime show, tentatively called “Sing It,” the group was asked to apply. “[The producers] contacted me saying, ‘You’re being named as the number one competitor and we’d really like to know if you’d be interested in applying for this [show],’” said Ms. Heather Lockart, director of Stay Tuned. “I had expressed a little reservation. It’s tricky with time constraints and we always have a lot going on in this department, but they had then moved on to say, ‘Well, we feel like to make this show the most successful, we need the biggest competitors.’”

Lockart considered this information and decided to take it to her students to see what they thought. After thoroughly discussing the idea over, the group decided to apply. Stay Tuned made it through all final rounds of review and was notified mid-April that it would be one of two groups starring on “Sing It.” “We really didn’t think

without responding emotionally,” said Lockart.

Additionally, the group is focusing on working together more cohesively.

“Before this show even existed, I’ve always said that they are their own reality show because we’re a family,” said Lockart.

“Basically what I’ve been trying to teach them is watch what you say, careful how you present yourself... It’s a good learning experience for them to learn to focus their attention on the man who knows everything they need to know about a cappella.”

The group has expressed Hunter Berkowitz (‘17)/Eastside Staff that it has alStay Tuned performs at the vocal spring concert on May 14. ready learned a lot while preparing for the show. ible experience and opporlives. “[I’ve learned that] it’s tunity,” said Stay Tuned While the group has pernot as much about the inmember Paulina Levner formed in and done well dividual as it is about the (’15). in many competitions, ingroup effort,” said member The group has the forcluding the ICHSAs, the David Kahn (’16). tune of working with Deke members have never had to While Lockart said that Sharon, who made all of the learn numbers so quickly. the group has been sucmusical arrangements for Levner described how the cessful from its very start both Pitch Perfect movies group spends several weeks due to the talent and drive and was the executive propreparing for competitions. of the original members, ducer of “The Sing Off.” During the show, the memshe believes that the show The basis of “Sing It” bers will not have this time will push the group to even is that each week Stay because they will compete more success not only in Tuned will train to compete every week instead of every school but also later in life. against different a cappella few months.

Because Sharon will be groups, leading up to a final “They have to learn sucoaching the kids, Lockart’s competition against Highper fast, so I’ve just been role in the show will be diflands Voices from Northern pushing them to take conferent from her usual role Highlands Regional High structive criticism and apin the group. While her role School, the second group ply it to themselves quickly is not yet fully determined,

Lockart said that she will be announcing her group and chaperoning the rehearsals.

“I’ve been the one that’s doing all the paperwork and processing... but for the most part this is not my gig. Once the show starts, they’re in the hands of television land and Deke Sharon,” said Lockart.

Filming started May 18 and will continue through July. The show will start to air shortly after filming finishes, although the date of the first airing has not been released. Additionally, the Board of Education has yet to approve the show. If the Board does not approve of it, the group will still star on the show because the members’ parents gave consent.

However, the group will not be able to have Cherry Hill attached to its name.

Regardless of the name, the group hopes to fully be supported by the East community. With intense work schedules and a newness to the limelight, the members will really need to feel supported.

With the success of a cappella-based storylines in entertainment, this show could end up becoming huge. The Cherry Hill community should tune in this summer to see Stay Tuned give this show its all.

“These kids are just really lucky they’re getting this experience,” said Lockhart. “A lot of other schools would’ve benefited from this experience, too, but we were selected, so I hope they embrace this opportunity and give it their all and represent a cappella groups nationwide to the best of their ability.”

NEWS/FEATURES

June 2015

Students explore early graduation options

■ By Jenna Simons (‘17)

Eastside Staff

High school generally makes up four years of a student’s life, a period of time when he or she gets opportunities to mature and prepare f o r t h e next chapter of life after graduation.

For a select few students, the average fouryear high school experience is not the same because they graduate early.

This is the case for Cherry Hill East student Savanna Dautle (’15), who will be graduating high school this June after only three years.

Students who graduate early need to complete all of the same pre-requisites that any other student would complete. These include four years of English, as many years of Health and Physical Education as they are in high school, World Civilizations, US History I and II, Financial Literacy and at least one year of a world language. Trying to

cause she already knows that she wants to major in Chemical Engineering in college, but there are not enough courses related to her desired major at East for her to continue her education. There is no Chemistry III course at East, and Dautle f e l t t h a t it would be a waste of her time to take a year off when she already knows what she wants to do with her future.

“Some students just feel that they have done all they could in high school, they kind of just want to start their quote ‘adult life’,” said Mrs. Yolanda McClain, a guidance counselor at Cherry Hill East.

It is not very common for students to graduate early.

Dautle is the only student who will be graduating early this year.

Students who graduate early do not have a better chance of getting into a better college solely because they are graduating early.

There are also not any specific scholarships for students who choose to graduate early. Students are able to enroll into colleges as freshmen for what would

“Some students just feel that they have done all they could in high school, they kind of just want to start their quote ‘adult life.’”

-Mrs. Yolanda McClain squeeze all of these classes into three years, instead of four, can make for a hectic schedule.

Dautle is currently enrolled in nine academic classes, whereas the average student takes eight.

She also takes advantage of online classes in order to free up time in her normal school-day schedule.

Dautle took physical education online during her sophomore and junior year.

She also took World Civilizations and AP US History II online.

“I’m basically taking a double course-load right now,” said Dautle.

Graduating early is an appropriate decision for some students to make because they are ready to leave high school and start their lives. Dautle felt that graduating early was the best decision for her be-

have been their senior year of high school. Dautle plans to further her education by attending college.

Students who graduate early will also miss out on a few big events that take place senior year, such as prom and the senior class trip to Walt Disney World.

Dautle did have the option to attend senior prom, but chose to go to her junior prom instead, as this was the prom of the class she would have been in.

The building principal gets to decide whether or not the student graduating early will be allowed to attend the senior class trip, which Dautle did not attend. Dautle will be walking at graduation, as long as she completes all of her graduation requirements in time.

Art by Lia Yamamoto (‘17)/ Eastside Staff

EASTSIDE

Page 3

■ By Julia Rothkoff (‘16)

the NGE. When East Ge r m a n teacher, Ms. Ann Feinleib, started working at East in 2013, she became the first German teacher at East to offer the NGE. It is the teacher’s decision whether to offer the exam or not; Feinleib’s predecessor chose not to give the exam; however, FeinAshley Cooper (‘17)/ Eastside Community Editor leib felt that Jamie Goodwin (‘17), a National Latin it was important that Exam gold medalist, studies for the students be exam. given the first time, so [the German chance.

I students] are compet“This is another opportuing nationally after [only] nity for [German students] seven months [of learnto listen to authentic maing German]. They never terials, because everything had any exposure to that. is authentic. The [AATG] It’s not like they started in take it out of the German middle school or elemen[television]...Also, I think tary school... This is literit’s extremely important ally from scratch, so that for everyone to know where was quite impressive,” said [he or she compares] naFeinleib. tionally. Eventually, if you The East administration keep on doing this [you can does not require students to have more opportunities]. I take these national world never had to twist anyone’s language exams; it is up to hand to take it. I think it’s the teacher. While all Latin an incredible opportunity, students take the NLE (unand it gets your feet wet. less they are absent from If you don’t win, there’s school the day the test is always the next year, and administered), German stuif not, you spend another dents do not have to take hour and a half practicing the NGE. However, the ad[for German class],” said ministration does strongly Feinleib. support these exams.

Unlike the NLE, the “The administration NGE just focuses on the doesn’t come in and say ‘ofGerman language.

Alfer it.’ However, the school though the test covers food, pays for it. It’s only five family and school, students dollars a piece. In that rewill not need to go into the spect, the administration test with prior knowledge supports the efforts for of these topics. students to excel and have “There may be a weather different experiences,” said report and you will listen Feinleib. to it, and then there will be Although East Latin and multiple choice [listening German teachers offer nacomprehension] questions,” tional exams, East Spanish said Jeffrey Eng (’15), a teachers do not offer the gold medalist who took the National Spanish Exam German III NGE. (NSE) to their students. In All of the gold medalists previous years, French stuscored at or above the ninedents of all levels were givtieth percentile nationally. en the opportunity to take This year was the first the National French Conyear ever that the AATG test (NFC), but this year, created a German I NGE. East French teachers only As a huge supporter of the offered the test to French V test, Feinleib encouraged students. her German I students to Regardless of language, take it, she said. these tests are beneficial to “It is interesting that students hoping to grasp a [the AATG is] offering [the better understanding of anGerman I NGE] for the other language.

Languages offer national exams Eastside Underground Editor

At East, every student has the option of taking French, Spanish, Latin or German. Depending on what language the student chooses, he or she will have the opportunity to compete against other students nationally in various academic competitions.

Latin students are offered the National Latin Exam (NLE). At East, each Latin student takes the NLE for their level of Latin.

The test consists of 40 questions that students have 40 minutes to complete. The content not only focuses on Latin vocabulary words and grammar, but also on mythology, the history of the language and facts about Roman life.

Jamie Goodwin (’17), an East Latin IIH student, received a perfect score when she took the NLE back in March. Her performance on the NLE warranted Goodwin a gold medal, distinguishing her as receiving one of the highest scores in the nation. In order to prepare, East Latin teacher, Ms. Nora Smaldore, began preparing the students for the exam in January.

“In class, we did projects that had to do with the NLE. We did a lot of reviews in class, and then outside of class, you could do extra things,” said Goodwin.

After the students take the exam, they then receive their scores and see how they are ranked amongst every student in that level of Latin all across the country. Students who rank higher than the national average receive recognition. “[The results of the NLE go] out against the country, and then you get your scores back by how well everyone else did. This year the national average was 28 [out of 40], so if you got anything higher than that, then you would get some type of award,” said Goodwin.

Similarly, students who take German at East are given the opportunity to take the National German Exam (NGE). The exam is written by the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) and has been in existence for 53 years, although last school year was the first time that the exam was offered at East.

This year, 35 percent of all East German students took

East chess team dominates once again

■ By Kaitlyn Boyle (‘17)

Eastside News/Features Editor

For the past two years, the Cherry Hill East Varisty chess team has swept the South Jersey competition scene. The team has not lost a single game against any other South Jersey team.

Additionally, the team has placed in the top ten at the state competition. For the coming school year, the team will be losing three key seniors on the team.

Congratualtions to all of the players.

Team stats for the past two years: Maryia Oreshko (‘17) Varsity Board 1 32 wins / 32 games Ed Shu (‘15) Varsity Board 2 30 wins / 32 games Max DuBoff (‘15) Varisty Board 3 31 wins / 31 games Yoni Weiss (‘16) Varsity Board 4 27 wins / 28 games

Team stats for the past year: Sri Shankar (‘15) Varsity Board 5 13 wins / 15 games

It is not unusual for a chess match to end in a tie.

Therefore, the statistics only indicated the number of wins for each individual player.

Mr. Greg Rouen, advisor of the chess team, has said that this Varsity team is one of the best that East has had in a long time, and may not have another team like this.

NEWS/FEATURES

Page 4

EASTSIDE

June 2015

East bids farewell to three beloved teachers Regan retires after 44 years of teaching chemistry ■ By Steve Mirsen (‘16) Eastside News/Features Editor

In the spring of 1967, Mr. Terry Regan walked out of Bishop Eustace as a graduating senior, with little idea of what career he would pursue.

Now, 48 years later, at 65 years old, Regan’s teaching career is drawing to a close.

The chemistry teacher has taught at East for 15 years and at his own alma mater, Eustace, for 29 years.

“I actually moved to Cherry Hill when I was ten from Vermont,” said Regan. “I went to Christ the King, in Haddonfield, and then I went to Bishop Eustace.”

After graduation, Regan said he was not planning on taking the path he chose.

“Teaching was completely by accident,” he said. “I was home on spring break of my senior year, and my brother called up, who went to Eustace, and he was sick so I went to pick him up. As I was there, a guy who had taught me, he was [now] the vice principal of the school, asked me, ‘Hey, what are you doing?’’’

Regan told him he was planning on attending graduate school and going for a PhD in Chemistry. His former teacher then mentioned that there was an open position in the Chemistry Department at the school, which encouraged Regan to take up the job.

Regan said that he is happy with his choice, and he loves the career that he has been doing for 44 years.

“It’s an interesting thing,” he said.

“You know, I didn’t go down that [other] road, and I really never have had any regrets about not going down that road.”

Regan currently teaches Chemistry 2 AP as well as Chemistry 1A and H. “The most pleasant surprise at East was basically just how well the students were prepared,” Regan said.

“These kids really actually know chemistry… it’s always been great

fun to teach. It’s always great fun to teach smart kids... Outside of teaching, a lot of the components are not fun. But when you get into the classroom and you basically start to teach, that’s the most fun you can have.”

In the future, Regan plans to travel with his wife after he retires.

“But things will change,” Regan said. “We plan on traveling on a road trip up to and across Canada, back down to the West Coast, and back home, as well as taking a six-week trip to Europe.”

The two plan to stop and visit their son in Los Angeles.

Regan also discussed his favorite memory at East.

“One year, all the kids in my AP class dressed like me, brought in pizza, made hand puppets and they all got up and they played me,” he said, “and we had pizza, and we had, really, a lot of laughs, so that’s my best memory.”

Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Mr. Regan, a teacher for 44 years, can often be found in the chem rooms.

Bathke announces next destination: retirement

■ By Allie Grossman (‘16)

Eastside News/Features Editor

After 15 years of working at East and 30 years prior to that teaching in Texas, New York, North Dakota and Michigan, Ms. Julie Bathke has announced her retirement.

Having taught Senior AP, Senior A, Senior R, Senior M (from back in the day), Junior A and Freshman H English classes, along with Creative Writing and Writing Workshop, Bathke has touched many lives of both students and faculty here at East.

“I can’t really separate out one favorite memory,” Bathke said. “I love it when in a class discussion, a student makes a connection with the literature. Every year students help me see new things in books I have read many times.”

Bathke also loves having discussions with her colleagues about topics ranging from sym- Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor bolism in Scottish plays to proper Ms. Bathke, a teacher for 45 punctuation to acknowledging the years, sits at her desk. dorkiness in the English Lounge. ic impediments put in place, but it Even so, Bathke points out that it is still possible to teach with joy should not be any other way. and learn with joy,” Bathke said.

When asked what she will miss With the continuously changmost about East, Bathke responding school system and frustrating ed she will miss the classroom and efforts to “standardize” education, the discussions about literature.

Bathke provides an important “I have felt a pang of regret to piece of advice and wise words to know this is the last time I will the present and future teachers teach Hamlet or Huck Finn, Canworking at East. terbury Tales or The Crucible.”

“You better love what you do,” Along with that, Bathke said Bathke said, “and you will need that she will miss being with her to find ways to feed your own soul colleagues every day and “her and the souls of your friends and kids.” colleagues. This will not be easy.

“Over the years, my students But then, teaching has never been have made me laugh and cry and easy. If it were easy, we wouldn’t kept me young,” she said. be here every day.”

Bathke has helped prove her Bathke’s lively spirit in the opinion that teaching is the best classroom and passion for teachprofession ever, as she has directly ing has made an impact on her impacted the world and helped students and colleagues that will make it a better place. forever go far beyond Cherry Hill “This is a lot harder to do these East. days because of all the bureaucrat-

Malatesta retires after 42 years teaching at East ■ By Ashley Cooper (‘17) Eastside Community Editor

After 42 years of hard work and dedication, Mr. Anthony Malatesta has finally decided it is time for a change. Retiring from the school district that so many years ago ‘picked’ him, Malatesta holds sentimental feelings towards the school.

“Cherry Hill East chose me. I was teaching in Philadelphia, I just got married; I [was] a kid [at] 22 years old, and I was there for about four months. Then they had a strike.

Around the sixth week of the strike, I’m looking around to pay the rent.

My cousin said they have an opening at Cherry Hill, so I came to East and they said they needed me immediately,” said Malatesta.

During his time at East, Malatesta has taught in several subject areas throughout the school.

“From 1973-1999 I taught in the English Department and then in 1999 I switched into Special Education. And now I do Special Education and English,” said Malatesta.

With his many years of experience, Malatesta has had several generations of families go through his class.

“A lot of my students are now teachers,” said Malatesta. “You gotta remember 42 years…my first seniors are approaching 60 years

of age now. At my age and with my not learning, you’re not changing, experience, you start to get children you’re not paying attention— if and even grandchildren of other every year is the same as your people you had and it’s kind of an first year, you’re in the wrong eye-opener.” business.”

Insightful in his approach to Some may question what drove school teaching, Malatesta has Malatesta to remain at East for learned throughout the years how such an extended period of time. to adapt to any situation. Acclimat“I stay where I’m happy and I ing himself for all personality types was happy. Not that I’m not happy of students, Malatesta has continunow, but it was time to move on,” ally made s a i d an effort Malatto progress esta. to another “It was standard 4 2 of teaching years quality. in the “In litsame erature you building have static and you character m a k e and dynamic friendcharacters. ships and Teachers ties.” hopefully There are dynamare some ic,” said key moM a l a t ments esta. “You that afchange, you fected mature, you Malatsee things esta imfrom a difmensely ferent perEmelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor d u r i n g spective the Mr. Malatesta continues to influence the his time older you lives of students after 42 years of teaching. at East. get. If you’re “You

Malatesta’s Tips for New Teachers: 1. Be aware, be flexible, be willing to adapt. Avoid any kind of rigid attitude or rigid philosophy towards things. Allow the students to teach you things through your paying attention and observing.

2. Feel free to test things out, use new techniques and always look at yourself in the mirror: ‘Is this where you wanna go, is this what you wanna do?’ Just be willing to change and be willing to accept things.

3. You’ve got to love what you do. have those moments coming up yearly, there’s not just one… a good one would be [when you see] the kids you start off with freshman year in special ed. walking up the aisle for graduation… they made it,” said Malatesta.

This is how Malatesta describes his future plans as he departs from the East hallways: by the indefinite and ever-changing maybe.

“I’m going to relax a little bit and I was already approached by other private schools, and I think I would do that. Maybe. Everything’s a maybe now. I may come back as a substitute in the public school system, or I might just go off on a completely different tangent,” said Malatesta.

June 2015

NEWS/FEATURES EASTSIDE

Page 5

East students choose to attend community college Continued from Pg. 1

families or people who just didn’t really [care] about school would go. But now [I think differently], because [RCGC] could be a four-year university-type kind of school for you, and it’s for people of low-income classes, but [they] are still able to get the certification that they need to be what they want to be,” said Cassell.

Neff said that she was not planning on joining a sorority, adding, “So I’m not really missing out on that, but [community colleges] still have clubs that you can join,” said Neff.

Furthering Education After Community College A popular option for many students is to attend a community college for two years and then transfer to a four-year university. According to the U.S Department of Education, 81 percent of incoming first-year community college students specify that they want to further their education after completing an Associate’s Degree at a community college. Reid Simkovitz (’12) attended BCC after graduating from East. While Simkovitz originally

wanted to become a physical therapist, after taking classes at BCC, he discovered that his true passion is finance. In 2013, he interned for a brokerage firm, where he realized that he wants to work on Wall Street. He is currently choosing between Ohio State University, Rutgers University and Louisiana State University in order to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in finance.

“There are many intelligent kids at BCC, and I realized that they are figuring out who they want to be in life. My life completely changed at BCC, not because of school itself, but because I was isolated from friends and I figured out who I want to be. In my second year, third semester, I sat next to a pastor who showed me the importance of God and life. He showed me different views of life, even though I am Jewish, and I didn’t care at first, but now I figured it out and I look at the kids around me differently because they were in the same boat as I was,” said Simkovitz.

While Simkovitz originally struggled to find motivation to continue his education, he used his friends who attend large universities as inspiration.

“In my first year, I went to [University of Dela-

ware], Temple and Drexel to visit friends on the weekends, but if no one was around I used that as motivation to be at one of those four-year schools in the future… I have definitely enjoyed my time at BCC. At first, academics were not important to me, but now I changed my life around and they are my number-one priority,” said Simkovitz.

At BCC, Simkovitz achieved what many prospective community college students hope to achieve: to discover themselves and their true passions. Although he initially struggled with finding motivation to continue his education, he soon found incentive to complete his Associate’s Degree; if he wanted to pursue a career in finance, he would have to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree.

Simkovitz said, “When people ask where you are going to school, it is embarrassing at first, which brought me down, but going to community college is not a bad choice, and you will look back and realize that it was the right decision. I was in the dumps my first year but pushed through it and used that as motivation to do well. Kids will laugh at you, parents will laugh at you, but you just have to [ignore them and] keep moving forward.”

Eastside Spring Dodgeball 2015

Winner: Kenny Smith Runner-Up: Skillz That Killz (For full results, visit eastside-online.org)

COMMUNITY

Page 6

EASTSIDE

June 2015

CodeRED keeps residents updated 150 classes, calories and more...

■ By Liza Rothkoff (‘16)

Eastside Entertainment Editor

Cherry Hill residents will be delighted to know that there is an alternative to checking the news to find out about recent events around the community.

CodeRED Emergency Notification System is designed specifically for people within the Cherry Hill community to stay updated on local public safety. The app provides information on traffic, weather, crime and safety tips that will be helpful to residents.

The CodeRED system, which was developed by the Emergency Communications Network, sends free emails and texts to those who subscribe to the app. These messages can also be viewed through social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. In serious situations, the app has the ability to send subscribers a message through a voice messaging system, which can get an important alert across to residents quickly and efficiently.

The CodeRED Mobile Alert features pins regarding public health, traffic, weather and public safety.

Users can dictate which categories they prefer to reDani Roth (‘15)/ Eastside Community Editor ceive updates on.

The CodeRED notifications page Cherry Hill’s pubdisplays alerts in the area. lic safety agency will deliver notifications regarding any emergencies, community-related alerts and missing persons, so users can guarantee to have the latest and most accurate details of a certain situation.

Although Cherry Hill does not have a high crime rate, with its proximity to Philadelphia and Camden, the app

■ By Dani Roth (‘15)

Eastside Community Editor

Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor

CodeRED updates people about recent events.

allows residents to stay updated regarding any possible threats in the area. Outside of Cherry Hill, CodeRED Mobile Alert networks throughout the world. Although the app specifically sends notifications pertaining to the user’s location, the user can access other alerts throughout the world in order to keep non-local friends and family out of harm’s way.

Available on the App Store, Google Play and the CodeRED website, CodeRED Mobile Alert can be downloaded onto any smartphone or tablet. Cherry Hill residents will receive notifications directly to their devices with up-to-date information regarding Cherry Hill, without the need to check outside sources. Regardless of location and cell phone accessibility, CodeRED Mobile Alert automatically enrolls landlines into the system upon registration, allowing residents to have immediate access to the latest events and alerts in the immediate area.

As Cherry Hill is the first town within Camden County to utilize the CodeRED Alert System, many residents are not familiar with the concept of a town-wide alert network.

Nonetheless, residents are encouraged to sign up through their mobile devices. Additionally, neighboring towns, like Voorhees and Moorestown, are considering adopting a similar system.

The easy-to-navigate app has a colorful display that shows maps in order to give most knowledgeable weather, traffic and public safety updates throughout the world, with a main focus on the user’s specific location. Further, this app will help Cherry Hill residents stay aware of local inclement weather and notify residents when they should not leave their homes in dangerous situations.

Those that need assistance registering can contact the mayor’s office at 856-488-7878.

Sur La Table dishes culinary skills ■ By Sidra Isenberg (‘18)

off coupon upon registering for a class.

Susan Friedler is a Cherry Hill resident who has attended Sur La Table’s cooking classes and has enjoyed the experiSur La Table is an up-and-coming ence in the kitchen. cooking store that originally opened in “I think the classes are a great opSeattle in 1972 as a corporately owned portunity to learn new techbusiness. The first store preniques for cooking from expemiered in Pike Place Market in rienced chefs,” said Friedler.

Seattle, one of the oldest operat“The cooking classes were a ing public farmers markets in great idea for the community the world. The company slowly, because it gives people somebut steadily, grew to about 100 thing fun and social to do.” stores stretching across AmeriRichards constantly sees ca, covering the vast expanse of the students in action and has 27 states. made several observations in Sur La Table, locally located in order to come to one concluthe Promenade, not only serves sion: cooking is all about exas a great chain to purchase perimenting and having fun, cookware and kitchen essentials, she said. but also now offers customers the “They just come and have chance to take cooking classes. a good time, and it’s a differThe class, which focuses more ent experience for them,” said on techniques than recipes, Richards. teaches participants fundamenEvery dish made by the culital kitchen skills, such as how nary classes must be balanced; to cook a restaurant-quality fullthey consist of a protein, a side course meal. dish and an appetizer, but The roughly two-hour class rarely include dessert. begins with a tasting exercise of Sur La Table emphasizes a each dish that will be prepared savory experience rather than during the class. With about 16 a sweet one. This further students assigned in a class with stresses the division between one professionally trained expert culinary cooking classes and chef as the teacher, Sur La Table baking classes. organizes classes depending on Richards admits, “I’ve age: one for 18 and older, one for grown in my baking, but it’s teenagers, and one for eight to definitely not something I am twelve-year-old children.

Dani Roth (‘15)/ Eastside Community Editor an expert in.”

Each class has a full list of recCulinary classes at Sur La ipes to follow a different theme, Chef Richards teaches separating an egg in front Table not only teach people the such as international foods or of her class at Sur La Table. disciplines needed to become holidays. Some popular themes The public’s reaction to the classes improved home cooks, but also teach include Thai Cooking, Make Your Own has been favorable. The students seem people to relax, enjoy themselves and Pasta, or How to Cook for Date Night.

“Sur La Table’s most popular cooking to have a fantastic time at the classes experiment with new recipes and ingreclasses are usually [its] homemade piz- as they eat and learn hands-on skills, dients in order to appreciate different za classes or homemade pasta classes,” in addition to receiving a 10-percent- cuisine.

For Eastside

said Sur La Table chef, Amanda Richards.

Richards has been working at Sur La Table for almost a year and a half, and received her culinary arts degree from the Culinary Institute of America.

The typical elliptical and ordinary treadmill both lack the excitement and vigor a gym exercise should offer. Instead of using the same mundane equipment every facility has to offer, opt for a strikingly unusual fitness class.

At the Katz JCC, the Health and Wellness Department has a multitude of classes for any person to venture. This past week, I enrolled myself in the Tabata Bootcamp regimen. In this high-fat-burning class, I performed alongside approximately fifteen other participants who seemed to have more experience with the class.

This high intensity interval training class interweaves elements of boot camp, employing equipment such as weights, jump ropes and exercise balls.

Tabata Bootcamp®involves three different stations, in which each participant rotates after six minutes.

Each station focuses on select muscles: the arms, legs and glutes.

The remaining time incorporates lunges, squats abdomen exercises and more to strengthen the core and improve flexibility. The class may only last for a short duration of 45 minutes, but any contributor will begin perspiring within minutes of the initial stretches.

Tabata Bootcamp pledges to deliver a workout that will annihilate calories fast and stimulate metabolic activity in order to cause continued weight loss, even after the final interval. Although I judge myself to have an advantage in core training and live a healthy lifestyle, I could hardly complete this demanding workout. From focusing on one muscle group to then directing my attention to another one, I left this highly physically demanding class exhausted, sore and out of breath.

Although I pledged to return for another class to improve my strength, core and flexibility, I cringe thinking of returning to Room 1 with Michele leading the class. I would much rather prefer the aerobic, high-energy moves experienced in Zumba Fitness.

Offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Tabata Bootcamp guarantees to redefine a person’s health, fitness level and strength. I do not intend to take this class again as its difficulty level surpassed my fitness capabilities; however, I will strive to improve my core, strength and flexibility, just through a different approach.

COMMUNITY

June 2015

EASTSIDE

Page 7

Cherry Hill West’s fireworks go out with a bang

Art by Julie Benbasset (‘15)/ Eastside Staff

■ By Dani Roth (‘15) Eastside Community Editor

Sparks will not be illuminating the sky this Fourth of July in the Cherry Hill Township.

Although a popular and recurring event, the annual fireworks hosted at Cherry Hill West were canceled due to public safety concerns. Available to residents for decades, the firework spectacle had a drastic increase in its attendance over the past few years, which eventually exceeded the maximum capacity of Cherry Hill West’s stadium.

“As other towns canceled their firework shows, the show grew in size. Families would come, and people would bring their friends, and their friends of friends, and when you get to a crowd of that size, you hit a maximum capacity where you can’t safely get people in and out of the area, if there were an emergency”, said Bridget Palmer, the Director of Communications for the Cherry Hill Township.

The Township has been unable to locate another venue to accommodate the immense crowd, traffic and pyrotechnics while maintaining the safety

of the people and the neighborhood.

Erin Gill, the Director of Policy and Planning for the Cherry Hill Township, said, “Cherry Hill West’s stadium only has one way to get in and out, the parking situation was horrible, and the neighborhood was essentially a gridlock. In terms of public safety, it was impossible to have access to an ambulance. patrol car or any first responder.”

Since Cherry Hill has inadequate outdoor arenas, the Township has halted the firework show for lack of a better venue.

“Unfortunately, West’s stadium is the biggest venue option Cherry Hill has to offer, which isn’t feasible to fit the increasing crowd, and the Township isn’t planning to renovate any of the stadiums.”

Due to lack of other options and its free entry, the celebratory illuminations captivated a multitudinous audience, which eventually led to an uncontrollable and potentially perilous environment.

“With the increase in people and lack of a system to issue tickets to manage the size of the crowd, it is impossible to have an accurate head count

of all spectators. So when the chief of police and fire officials recommend discontinuing the event, as the mayor’s staff, we can’t dispute them and we have to prioritize the safety of the community,” said Gill.

With the plethora of food vendors and fluorescent novelties, the firework spectacle served as a way to stimulate the local economy while it impressed onlookers; however, it cost the Township annually $25,000 on average. The Township now plans to use this money towards a more diverse line-up of events for this upcoming summer.

Palmer said, “Now, we are able to seek sponsorships for events such as Music Under the Stars, a free concert series, which will now be available for five weeks starting in July; Beach Blanket Cinema, the first outdoor movie night; and a Frank Sinatra concert...

Canceling the fireworks has enabled us to spread events across the summer instead of one big Fourth of July event.”

For the upcoming Fourth of July, the only alternative firework shows currently available are located in Haddonfield, Collingswood and Philadelphia.

2015 Cherry Hill summer events: Music Under the Stars 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Barclay Farmstead.

Bring a blanket, chair and picnic dinner.

Each evening will feature an up-and-coming opening act, moon bounce for kids and more.

Mary’s Mobile Diner will be on hand with some great food items for purchase.

- July 7: Masqerade - July 14: Just in Time - July 21: ‘80s Revenge - July 28: The Luck Brothers - Aug. 4: Danny V’s 52nd Street Band

Beach Blanket Cinema 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 31, Municipal Softball Field (820 Mercer St.) Featured movie is Field of Dreams. Enjoy a photo booth, music and trivia before the movie, which begins at around 8:45. Refreshments available for purchase.

Simply Sinatra 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, Challenge Grove Park Bring a blanket or chair to the original site of the Camden County Music Fair as Steve Lippia and his 9-piece orchestra interpret some of Sinatra’s biggest hits.

OPINIONS

Page 8

EASTSIDE

June 2015

Technology prevents us from living in the moment ■ By Rachel Pacitti (‘15)

Eastside Art Director

Every time we post a picture on social media sites, we degrade our experiences by making them about what we want other people to think.

The intimacy of our own moments disappear. After all, is not something more precious if there is only one copy? If our lives are worth remembering for ourselves, we should not have to rely on a device to remember for us.

Today, when anything relevant happens, our first instinct is to reach for our cell phone and capture “the moment” before it slips away.

However, new research shows that trading in our experiences for thousands of digital images has a cost.

Linda Henkel, a psychological scientist at Fairfield University, has conducted studies which conclude that “snapping photos of every detail of your happiest moments could be wrecking your ability to remember them.” This means that it is harder to recall details of events we witness through the viewfinder of our smartphones.

Elizabeth Hallinan (’17) recalls her experience at a Maroon 5 concert on March 9. She describes how lead singer, Adam Levine, stopped the show, told everyone to put down their phones and to just listen to the music.

“I honestly enjoyed that part of the concert the most,” Hallinan said. “I wasn’t focused on getting a good visual through the camera on my phone. I could really connect with the music and the friends that I was with.”

Even if a moment is not worth capturing, we take photos anyway,

amassing hoards of mediocre shots that we rarely ever look at again.

Last summer, I went to see a firework show at Citizens Bank Park.

Thousands of people captured the

Unfortunately our addiction to technology stems far beyond unnecessary photographing. Ms. Karen Simeonides, an English teacher at East, describes this “as if a rela-

will happen to future generations of children now receiving smartphones and iPads on their sixth birthdays.

Not only does technology affect our attention spans, but it also promotes laziness.

Who is going to take the time to critically analyze anything when we can just sit back and get fed bits of information from a quick search on Google?

What is worse is that there is no urgency to remember anything since we can always access the information at any given moment. At this point, anything Screenshot by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/Eastside Art Director longer than a Technology does not allow people to fully connect with others. paragraph of information seems same firework shots that would tionship has been created between laborious. flood social media sites within mina human being and a device,” and “I have definitely noticed a deutes for all their apathetic followers this relationship is changing everycline in my students’ comprehento scroll through and yet there was thing. Namely, it is wrecking our sion of various literary works which not an arm not pointing at the sky. attention spans and effortful prohave been part of our curriculum I left that night with a full camera cessing. for years,” said Simeonides. roll and a vague memory of what I In our world, information is Instead of pushing through long had seen. From about the 200 piccheap and time is precious. Accordbooks, we watch video clips, or tures I took, 199 were discarded. ing to the National Center for Bioscan Sparknotes—a website that Accumulating photos is not technology Information, the average provides summaries of novels. A enough; in her abstract, Henkel attention span has decreased from pain-free alternative and most imdescribes how “we have to access twelve seconds to eight seconds in portantly—fast. All the better to get and interact with the photos, rather a span of 13 years. To put this in back to Netflix. than just amass them.” perspective, the attention span of a No one is going to cut technology By all means, go ahead and take goldfish is nine seconds. out of his or her life, but everyone pictures, but for your own sake, Supriya Srinivas (‘15) said that needs to realize that every time we take a couple meaningful shots, because her attention span has been take an unnecessary photo or impathen put the phone down. Better so diminished, she cannot watch tiently scroll through a newsfeed, yet, ask yourself before you pick up movies at home anymore because we are feeding an addiction that, the camera, “who am I taking this she gets too distracted. like any other addiction, affects us photo for?”

It is scary to think about what and everyone around us.

Burger King’s soda removal in kids’ meals raises controversy ■ By Anthony Cornatzer (‘15)

Eastside Staff

sciously sets a standard and a habit of consumption that is gradually becoming harder to break as these kids get older.

That is why it is such a good idea that Burger King is removing soft drinks from its kids’ meal menu.

■ By Brooke Greenberg (‘17)

Eastside Staff

The responsibility of any food Twenty-eight percent of the business should be delivering good American population is overweight. food while also maintaining the safeMany Americans are fighting a daity of the customers’ health, right? ly battle to lose or maintain their That is more or less what is being brought into question regarding Burger King’s recent decision to take soft drinks off of its kids’ meal menu. Frankly, it is about time that the company has done something about it.

It is common knowledge that the United States is one of the most obese nations; it is perhaps one of the primary nations that is sugar-craved and also one in which the cause of death later in life has more to do with a lack of sufficient health as opposed to simply natural causes.

What Burger King is doing now with this removal of soft drinks from the kids’ meal is setting a standard and principal that other fast-food chains should follow: that public health is gradually getting worse in this country and more serious, and drastic actions need to be taken. In this case, it starts with the kids.

Children, from birth until they reach adolescence, are oblivious to Megan Rose (‘17)/ Eastside Staff what is good for them and what is Burger King has made attempts to create a healthier kids’ menu. not good for them to eat. Undeniably, anything sugar-related can beSoft drinks are the start of a very weight. Children are no exception. come incredibly addictive for people bad habit that young children should They tend to enjoy fast food delicaof any age. Hence, if soda becomes not develop, and other chains should cies, but little do they know, howevavailable to have on a relatively conquickly follow in their footsteps. sistent basis in places like Burger er, how detrimental these foods can Does the change solve all of these be to their health over time.

King, nine times out of ten children health problems over-night? Absowill have the soda with their meal However, Burger King, one of the lutely not. But, nevertheless, it is largest fast food chains in the world, simply because it is sweet. the beginning of what will hopefully started an initiative called “Kids Admittedly, having soda from become an immense crack in the Live Well” back in 2011 to combat time to time is not bad. Anything in edifice of the standard of fast-food childhood obesity. It promotes dimoderation is acceptable. However, chains and the overall health and etary requirements and calorie rehaving it consistently, as more childiet of America. dren are going out to eat, subconductions on children’s meals, but it

has not been enough. On its own accord, Burger King has also dropped soft drinks from its kids’ menu, attempting to further this “healthy” cause.

Although the company is cutting back on soda, there are many more drawbacks than benefits in the company’s decision. With the high fat and calorie content found in a Whopper and a medium order of French fries, drinking a soda, such as a Coke, along with the meal will not compare to to the unhealthy nutrition content in the actual meal.

According to bk.com, the kids’ Hamburger Meal contains 230 calories, 13 grams of fat and 460 milligrams of sodium. The meal is rather low in content for a fast food meal, but they attempt to turn the attention away from this problem by serving with apple slices instead of fries to reduce the calories, fat and sodium. Even if customers make the decision of ordering apple slices, the children are still consuming unhealthy foods with their main meal.

Kids are poisoning themselves with fast food that is detrimental to their health and not drinking a soda will not affect their health in comparison. It is the food that is the main problem, not the soda.

Many kids learn to “beat the system” despite Burger King’s restrictions. There are ways a child could still buy a soda, such as a parent ordering a soda for his or her child as well as kids just ordering a soda on the side.

Although Burger King is implementing a healthy policy to its stores, it is very difficult to control and manage who is and is not selling soda to kids.

Burger King may be attempting to change the American profile, but that certainly is not going to happen with just one soda.

OPINIONS

June 2015

EASTSIDE

Page 9

Learning self-defense leads to self-empowerment ■ By Keshav Amaro (‘15)

Eastside Opinions Editor

As the bell rings for the last class of the year, students prepare themselves for the summer. They recklessly run out the door to their busses and cars with thoughts of the beach, of parties and of summer plans. But the majority of juniors and seniors are also thinking about their futures beyond the classroom as individuals with real-world involvement; they might be college-bound, militaryenlisted or looking for employment.

In this transition from childhood to adulthood, we begin to establish a greater level of independence, which will eventually require us to make quick decisions in response to realworld threats. To prepare students for the dangers in the world, self-defense should be a significant part of the high school physical education curriculum.

This new stage of individuality in a student’s life presents a possibility of encountering abuse. Cherry Hill East would benefit from

a hands-on supplementary self-defense unit alongside our gym unit that helps upperclassman students learn certain self-defense techniques. The purpose is not to fight and attack, but rather to learn to avoid or deflect an attack.

“We do it because it will be the first time the kids will be away from home, a place they don’t know.

That’s why we do the whole premise of that, the defensive violence unit,” said Mr. Kenneth Smith, a physical education teacher at East.

In January of 2014, President Obama presented college sexual assault as an epidemic and requested a task force to work on these issues, especially within college campuses and the military. According to domesticviolencestatistics.org, every nine seconds a woman is assaulted in the United States. These victims are up to one of every five female college students. There is an urgency for all students to get preventative education and the institutions to support it. At Cherry Hill East, the girls should have first choice to enroll in a

self-defense course.

Martial arts techniques have existed and developed for more than 2,000 years, but not everyone knows basic self-defense. Kungfu, Wing Chun, krav maga, taekwondo: these are all methods of self-defense, and in no way are meant to promote actual forced fighting other than competition.

In 2011, around 18.1 million Americans stated that they participated in karate or some other form of martial arts, including 5.5 million teenagers and 3.2 million kids. Compared to the 311.7 million population of America at the time, that is a really small percentage.

Only 1.8 percent of teenagers and 1 percent of kids had training. If caught in a dangerous situation, most people would not know how to act in a way that they would come out unharmed.

More advanced techniques teach when to fight, not only how to fight. More knowledge and practice develops muscle memory and intuition. As a person refines his or her martial arts technique, he or she improves

his intuition on when to use it. Advanced students within the defense fighting arts are usually less inclined to use them.

Overall, a self-defense class needs to teach students how to slow down an assailant. The goal is to create an opportunity to escape.

“Stuff does happen, and being in high school you may or may not have seen it,” said Smith. “God forbid someone could grab you, [so] you need to ask yourself what you should do in order to save yourself. It may or may not work, but if one guy or girl remembers one thing that could save them one day, then it’s worth it.”

A self-defense curriculum can hopefully teach the basic martial arts styled warm-ups and combative drills along with techniques to focus on self-defense

and build life-saving skills with role play to avert common assault scenarios.

College students can be assaulted simply because they do not lock their dorm door at night.

This class can instill confidence among the students as a whole. Everyone can become a link in the empowerment chain, and the strength of the chain depends on e v e r y link.

Tammy Stahl (‘16)/ Eastside Staff

Students should know self-defense techniques to stay safe.

Interview with Don Melnick, owner and teacher at Israeli Krav Maga Cherry Hill, on his views of self-defense Keshav Amaro: Do you think learning self-defense techniques in general gives people an incentive to pick more fights, or teaches them the proper time to fight?

Don Melnick: I think it depends on who they’re learning from and what they’re learning: if they are not taught properly and don’t understand the powers they’re training with, then it can be used “for the powers of evil.” We want people to be able to walk down the street with confidence and empowerment, confident that nothing will happen to them, and if it does, then they are empowered with the ability to protect themselves and get home safe.

KA: Should all aspiring students have knowledge of self-defense techniques?

DM: I think they should.

I think people who don’t tend to be a little naïve that nothing bad will happen to them, that they live in a protective bubble, that even the most skilled and trained person can find themselves subCourtesy of Don Melnick jected to ranA teacher demonstrates self-defense training. dom attacks of violence.

So the better prepared you are to defend yourself, the better the chance of getting out of a bad situation. Attacks can happen anywhere, I’ve had students of mine – we have a book of testimonials here – that have told me stories, written down stories, that they’ve used both a little bit or an extensive amount of their training. Had they not had that training, then the situation would have been a lot more threatening.

KA: Is Krav Maga specifically hard to learn?

DM: Krav Maga is very easy to learn. Mainly because it is not sports oriented or tournament or competition oriented, it’s an instinctive, reactive, real-world, save your life kind of thing. So it’s designed for everyone, it doesn’t matter your gender, your size, your shape, your physical ability. The whole purpose of Krav Maga is to teach people how to save their lives.

KA: Do you think girls should have first preference for learning self-defense over guys, because they are targeted more?

Courtesy of Don Melnick

Training can get people out of tough situations.

DM: I want to say it’s viable for everyone, it’s important for everyone, but I am a definite big-time advocate of women’s self-defense. I have two daughters, especially high school girls going off to college. I think that women are more susceptible to attacks than men are. I’m not saying that men aren’t susceptible to attacks, but I think that attacks on guys more likely involve the use of a weapon as an equalizer for the “bad guy.” With women it could be a complete random act of violence on the street or it could be a domestic violence situation or sexual assault type scenario.

OPINIONS

Page 10

EASTSIDE

A student’s curriculum needs world language ■ By Jesse Stiller (‘16)

Eastside Staff

As more cultures from international c o m munities connect with each other, learning other languages and exploring the lifestyles of different cultures is no longer a want— it is a necessity.

On March 2, principals from Rosa International, Beck and Carusi middle schools proposed that the world language curriculum be taken out of instruction for grade seven and be replaced with a double period of Language Arts instruction. While the curriculum would remain in middle schools, it would only be offered exclusively to eighth grade students.

In the 20122013 school year, world language for sixth graders was taken out as an everyday class and became one of six quintiles, or electives, at Beck.

Quintiles, such as 3D Art and Music, are every other school day. For example, a student one day would have gym and the next day have 3D Art in its place. The period that was originally supposed to be a French or Spanish class was replaced with an additional English (either reading or writing)

period. These sixth grade students will continue to have English twice a day and have a world language

class for only a sixth of the school year.

“It’s a bad idea,” said Mr. Frank Console, an East Spanish teacher. “The study of world language is more important in today’s world.”

Indeed, such action like this could prove not only harmful, but also costly for the students, teachers and aca-

demics in the entire district.

While it is worth noting that the United States ranks 17 out of 34 industrialized nations in reading, according to the OECD’s Programme for International Student Achievement 2012 test, New Jersey also has one of the best education systems and receives some of the highest scores in

the country. It is not worth sacrificing the class for an extension in a subject New Jersey already excels at.

Also, while a double period of English would help those who need a boost in Language Arts, these longer periods could cause a student to lose interest in that course and cause the student to have lower scores than those of his or her peers.

“I think world language is beneficial to students,” said Ms. Nora Smaldore, an

East Latin teacher. “It promotes reading and grammar. Students aren’t losing anything.”

Many world language teachers at East have voiced their displeasure with the proposal and some have even thought that starting world language courses earlier in a student’s academic lifetime would provide benefits for the long run.

“If we teach world language to students earlier, they will be able to learn about other cultures and lifestyle of our counterparts,” said East German teacher, Ms. Ann Feinleib.

“Our students will be pro-

ficient in one or more languages if we start earlier.”

According to ncssfl.org, learning languages in middle school, or at a younger age, builds basic skills that serve as the foundation for language study and lifelong learning. It has actually been discovered that older students between the ages of 11 and 13 are more efficient at learning a new language.

“The more language taught, the better it is for our students,” Smaldore said.

“It should be taught from f i r s t grade o n ward.”

I f t h e d i s trict takes away the World Language curriculum for sixth and seventh graders, these students will not only lose a part of learning that many enjoy, but they will be also missing valuable instruction time on a wide variety of reading and grammar techniques.

“Pre-K students to third grade students should be taught a good amount of world language as well,” said Console.

World Language is not a waste of time; it is something special for all students. It not only teaches us reading and grammar, but cultural awareness and acceptance. To eliminate World Language curriculum is to isolate the US further from the world.

World Language art by Helena Sirken (‘15)/Eastside Art Director

East should provide reusable water bottles to students ■ By Brooke Greenberg (‘17)

Eastside Staff

It is no secret that America is trying to create a more “green” environment. Terms like “recycle,” “reuse” and “conserve” have all been ingrained in our daily vocabulary, but how many people actually abide by these new cultural changes?

According to Back 2 Tap!, a nonprofit organization to reduce plastic disposable waste, Americans throw out 2.5 million plastic bottles an hour, and each bottle takes 500 million years to decompose.

Students at Cherry Hill East consume a lot of water over the course of the school week, using and throwing away many plastic water bottles daily.

However, Cherry Hill is taking important measures to help save the planet by trying to get rid of plastic water bottles.

East recently installed a new gadget to help students cut back on the amount of plastic water bottles they consume daily. Located in Cafeteria One, the new water fountain has a builtin water filtration system that cleanly and safely refills reusable water bottles with filtered tap water. It is a great alternative to the constant guessing game of water fountain cleanliness.

Students simply walk up to the fountain, place

their water bottle under the separate component of the fountain and almost instantly, a steady stream of refreshing water enters the water bottle.

Beck Middle School has

dent to remind them to “go green” every day.

Many East students do not understand the significance of how saving water can help other parts of the country that are in

Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor

A reusable water bottle can prevent waste. also recently installed the same water filtration system as well as handing out complimentary reusable water bottles to each stu-

desperate need, simply because they are not prominent discussion topics in our community. However, the state of California is

currently in such a severe drought that water restriction has become a necessity.

According to The New York Times, California Governor Jerry Brown issued a 25 percent water reduction for all of the major California water distributors. The state is in such a severe drought that getting a car-wash, watering the lawn and taking a shower will be closely monitored.

“The idea of your nice little green lawn getting watered every day, those days are past,” said Brown.

Nestle water company has been under fire lately in regards to the California drought as well. Nestle’s headquarters and packaging facilities are located in California. Thus, the company’s water comes from California, a state that cannot afford to lose any extra water during its drought.

The company claims that people need water for survival, so cutting back is not an option currently.

National water issues are much more severe than they sound, even though New Jersey lacks them right now. By having East students use the new machine and cut back on plastic water bottles, we could be one step closer to preventing future droughts in California while creating a large impact on the country and the world as a whole.

June 2015

Kim’s Korner

■ By Sonia Kim (‘16)

Eastside Webmaster

In the past few days, I have heard talented and innovative students express their thoughts on the theme: imagination is more important than knowledge. I have to say, I enjoyed listening to so many prolific speakers. Yet, the theme, in my opinion, did not offer these students a chance to delve into the other side of the argument: perhaps knowledge is more important than imagination?

Yes, imagination is important, especially and more so to the youth. While the creative mind is never not an asset to value in our lives, the period of youth is when we can cultivate this imagination of ours into something much more prominent and effective for the near future. It is from an early age that people should attain to, as one of the speakers mentioned, dream.

While people will say, of course, it is only through imagination that one can create, share and discover, let me ask: was that imagination solely the work of an unforeseen idea that arbitrarily appeared, or maybe there was a controlling factor: knowledge?

We must not deny the power of knowledge. It is only through the complete mastery of a certain subject that such inventors like Ford, Edison and Franklin could develop their inventions, which are still esteemed today. Sure, imagination is important — no one will deny this fact either; however, without knowledge, is the imagination able to ever be molded into what it is? Is the average person able to nurture his or her mind to inspire such impressive thoughts?

On the contrary, someone could argue ‘well, if it were not for the imagination, is knowledge able to prosper?’ A valid point. Without the imaginative spirit, it is quite impossible to consume and retain a certain degree of knowledge. Nonetheless, knowledge is the basis for all imagination to grow. Imagination will not allow a person to “think outside the box,” which is ultimately what imagination is; hence, imagination will not be what it is meant to be if there is no grounded foundation to uphold its propagating roots. Without basic education, it is nearly impossible for a person to expand his or her thoughts into something not only noble and wise, but also miraculous.

Thus, imagination is not necessarily more important than knowledge. However, that does not mean knowledge can proceed to do as much alone as it can with imagination. In the end, they are two forces that act as one, when of course, the balance is impeccable.

June 2015

SENIORS ‘15 EASTSIDE

Page A

Most active in students’ lives: Mr. davis

Most energetic: Mr. semus

Most influential: Mr. locke

Most Intellectual: Ms. Rocchino

Most interesting personality: Mrs. Dilba

Most memorable: Mr. Gambino

Most organized: Mr. Semus

Most school-spirited: Mr. Melograna

Most PArental: Ms. Hall

Most Passionate: Ms. Oh

Most Talkative: Dr. Chapman Best advice Giver: Mr. Gambino

Best Hair: Mr. Gambino best New Addition: Mr. Blum Best Substitute: Mr. Valore

Friendliest: Mr. Brown Funniest: Mr. Howard Best Dressed: Ms. Rocchino Best catchphrase: Mr. Rosenberg- “Manny, you’re Freaking me Out.”

Art by Lucy He (‘15)/ Eastside Staff

Page B

SENIORS ‘15 EASTSIDE

Senior Perspectives 2015

June 2015

Seniors close a chapter in their book and look to the next

Isabelle Roncace

Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Like almost all other parts of my life, I hurled myself through the past four years at East with a reckless abandon. Most of the time I had no idea what was going on and, thanks to schedule changes, where I was going. Two people who constantly worry about me recognized this specific character flaw and tried their best to adequately prepare me for my high school career. Upon receiving the scheduling sheet in eighth grade, my sisters sat me down and helped me plan for what was to come through explaining which classes to take and which teachers to hope for. They told me which clubs and sports to join and gave me many tours of the school after I received my freshman schedule.

While I might have had an advantage over most freshmen, there were some things I had to learn for myself. Most prominently, I discovered the legal spelling of my first name.

What kind of parent enrolls their kid in school with a name spelled two letters differently?

It’s embarrassing. Anyway, while there is no question that East has taught me what I need academically for college and so on, it managed to teach me a few life lessons as well. Going on Habitat for Humanity trips helped me to realize just how lucky I am compared to some.

The sports I participated in helped me to realize that hard work does eventually pay off. Ski Club, however, taught me the most important lesson. While, like in life, I can fling myself down a ski slope with a blatant disregard to logic and those around me, I will eventually end up falling hard and maybe even bringing some friends down with me (I really am sorry for crashing into you, Elizabeth).

Anyway, here’s a final message to anyone who bothered to read this: Although high school might feel like slowly being dipped in a vat of acid, eventually, it does end. Learn from my mistakes and take things one step at a time, and enjoy yourself along the way.

Jeff Braun

Let me take you on a journey unlike anything you have ever experienced. I recommend going somewhere private to read this perspective, as I have been told it can elicit an emotional reaction so strong that the reader has no choice but to sob uncontrollably. Let us begin.

Picture this: First day of school, early September 2011. An average-height freshman with a chiseled jaw and the good looks of Matt Damon and Miranda Kerr’s love child hurriedly finishes his first day of school. He meets new friends and teachers, soon discovering that he excels tremendously at the QPS science course. He arrives enthusiastically to his first day of cross country practice where his potential shines through immediately and he returns home, excited to take on the rest of freshman year. I know what you are thinking: Wow, Jeff, you really had a great start! Well, brace yourself for a classic M. Night Shyamalan twist because the student described was not I as I led you to believe: it was Dan Helfand.

What does this prove? Am I just rambling on because, like most of my other assignments in high school, I waited until the last minute to write this perspective? Or am I going to bring it home with some nostalgic remark so [Eastside editors] will approve this and put it in Eastside? Or maybe I’ll just do that thing the “Sopranos” did and end it mid sen Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

Rong Xiang

Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor

The most effective (and nerdiest) way to assess East’s impact on me is through scientific analogy, where East is the independent variable and the changes I’ve experienced the dependent variable. During this four-year study, I’ve become slightly taller, more mature (that’s questionable), and somewhat informed about things like Shakespeare and integrals. These changes characterize most high school experiences, though, and aren’t unique to East. If we control for these variables, however, if we strip away all the stuff about coming-of-age and learning, what’s left? What has East specifically done for me?

The students and teachers have allowed me to be myself and to be confident in myself.

I firmly believe that the people you surround yourself with shape who you are. They paint the backdrop of the most interesting conversations, the deepest lessons, the silliest jokes, and I love it. East kids are passionate, they are outspoken, they are hilarious, they are strong, and they are accepting. I’m inspired by how readily students express their opinions no matter how unpopular or politically incorrect they might be, and by how deliberately students push academic, social and personal boundaries. In an environment where your classmates and teachers are shamelessly being themselves, I feel comfortable being myself, too. And during those four years, that meant unleashing obnoxious laughs in the back of the orchestra, joking with teachers and assuming the nickname Rongcé in proud worship of Beyoncé, the greatest performer of all time. I’d never be brave enough to let these parts of my personality show if it weren’t for the social environment at East, and I’m so glad I did.

It’s been a great time.

There’s a clear, causal relationship between East and the confidence I’ve developed in myself, and I have my teachers and the Class of 2015 to thank for that. Cougars till I die.

For more written senior perspectives and videos, please visit www.eastside-online.org!

June 2015

SENIORS ‘15 EASTSIDE

Senior Perspectives ‘15

Page C

Seniors close a chapter in their book and look to the next

Brittany Yesner

As I started my freshman year, I was compelled by my parents to get good grades, reprimanded by my teachers to get to class on time, and warned by my friends to stay away from senior boys. Of course, I took their advice without hesitation. But looking back, there was one thing about high school that my daily acquaintances failed to mention: how much we would blossom and thrive in our four years at East.

I never expected to find such an abundance of amazing people who share the same passions as I do. No matter how diverse in friend groups or outside experiences, I found I could always bond with my classmates over some common denominator. From bearing the exhaustion of a six-hour rehearsal for theatre to discussing the opportunities in computer science with the Women in Science Club, to salivating over an amazing Eric Whitacre piece in choir, to even criticizing Gatsby and Daisy’s romance in English class, I unknowingly created lasting friendships. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunities that East provided to express a multitude of interests with other students and teachers, and I hope that everyone can find a similar dynamic in college and wherever our experiences will bring us. Although our approaching graduation brings uncertainty and excitement, I am confident in our ability to continue to thrive in our future environments.

Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Hesham Nassar

Helpful. Available. Awesome. These are the words I would use to describe some of the teachers at East. When I was getting ready for an interview, a teacher gave me information about dressing presentably in a suit, especially wearing some nice cologne, just a small amount. Be relaxed, they advised. Be polite, even if the person interviewing you is intimidating. They helped me through it all and I didn’t falter because I had their guidance.

Teachers at East were there when I needed them when it came to assignments or just when I wanted to talk. I remember the SATs were a big deal to me and I tried my best but didn’t get the score I wanted. I asked those who had been by my side since freshman year to assist me and train me for this grueling exam. I had doubts of doing well, but they pushed me so that I could succeed and get into college.

In my mind, this all adds up to awesome. My teachers at East have made my four years of high school something special. Some of them I consider my friends and I will not forget them. From freshman to senior year a lot has changed and they made me grow up. There is no question that I’ll be back to visit.

Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Rafaela Brinn

Although we all say, “I’m ready to go to college and leave this dump,” let’s be honest, we’re going to miss it. Sure, college will probably be the best four years of our lives, but we’ve had some good ones here, too; well, at least I did. East is a pretty neat place to go to high school, even though we all love to complain about it.

As these four years come to a close, East has become a second home to many of us. Due to my involvement with clubs like stage crew, which consisted of me running the sound board for concerts, assemblies, plays, etc., I can safely say that I spent most of my free time in the last four years at East. These four years were filled with stress, sweat, tears, smiles, laughter and glory. In retrospect, I realize how much I have changed during my time here at East.

I re-evaluated my priorities, set goals, achieved goals and failed at achieving goals, which finally made me grow up into a mature adult (okay, maybe I’m halfway there). But, I’m positive that I would not be the person I am today had I not gone to East. With the friendships I made, materials I learned, experiences I had, East has truly made me a better human being and for that I’m thankful. So, am I excited to be going to college? HECK YEAH. However, if it wasn’t for East, I’m not even sure if I’d be going to the college that I am. Therefore, I am proud to be a graduating member of Cherry Hill East’s Class of 2015!!!

Rachel Becker (‘16)/Eastside Photo Editor

Kate Braunstein

Emelia Keller (‘17)/Eastside Photo Editor

“Detail! Atten-hut!” is what I hear at the start of each school year at East. At the beginning of my freshman year, I was glad that I already knew that I wanted to be in the East Music Department. I had planned out exactly what I was going to do: first, sign up for marching band.

When I went to band camp on the first day in 2011, about ten seniors came up to me and instantly became my friends. I took tours of the school, met about one hundred new people, and became really close with the teachers and staff. Already before the school year started, East gave me a comforting environment, and I honestly felt “cool” knowing a few seniors, too.

Secondly, join the Vocal Department. I signed up for Vocal Workshop and took Glee camp at East the previous summer. Instead of being in a middle school choir where the only reason everyone joined was because they wanted to go to Hershey Park at the end of the year, I was in a room of people who loved to sing just as much as I did. I became part of Chansons my sophomore year and East Singers my junior and senior years. I auditioned for Madrigals in freshman year (now called Voce) and became officer my senior year.

Third, I just wanted to have fun. The Music Department has taken my classmates and myself to many competitions, and because of these experiences, I have expanded my horizons and met so many new people. East, I feel, has overprepared me for future endeavors. I wasn’t aware when I entered East how challenging it would be. Without a doubt, I look back at myself as a freshman and I wonder what I would tell the freshman version of myself today. I would probably say that life is a learning experience, and at East, it becomes a little easier.

There was nowhere I would go that there wouldn’t be a person there who wanted to listen.

D-Wing has been my home for the past four years, and as much as the Music Department has done for me, East does for its students every year. From that first day of band camp to now, I believe I am not exactly where I would’ve wanted to be four years ago, but I am definitely where I am supposed to be now.

SENIORS ‘15

Page D

EASTSIDE

Alec

It’s been extremely useful. Having someone to help out with class work, pick up missed work, and go to school with has made my high school experience comfortable, manageable, and less stressful. Having someone with whom to relate and share problems has helped develop my work ethic and interaction with others at school. Although we don’t share the same friend group, I can easily interact with her friends and she can with mine, which helps to get to know more of the senior class. I cannot imagine high school without a twin sibling to help out along the way.

S i l v e r s t o n e s

June 2015

Twins of the Class of 2015 Eastside asked:

Emma

Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Alec and I aren’t as close as the other twins, so we’ve mostly become our own people throughout high school. For one, we don’t share the same friends. Also, he’s more “wellknown” among people in our grade; throughout our time at school whenever people heard my name, they’d say, ‘Oh, you’re Alec’s sister, right?” which got to be annoying after a while, but I got used to it. We also have different interests; he likes math and science, and I like language and artsy things. Overall, though, I wouldn’t trade my experience as a twin for anything. Even though we weren’t as close as other twins, it was nice to know that I had a sibling that was going through the same things as me so I could have someone to talk to if I didn’t want to talk to my parents or my friends.

Sterns

Brandon

Having a twin has definitely affected my past four years in high school. I would begin by saying that it is definitely helpful having someone in the same grade as you to remind you about homework assignments and help you with school work. Also, it is like having a best friend live with you and someone you could always talk to either about school or about life outside of school.

Matt

Jenna Wilson (‘15)/Eastside Editor-in-Chief

Max

Having a sibling in the same grade as you in the same school can lead to a lot of competition.

It has. But we have distanced ourselves enough through the classes we take and the activities we participate in to where the only class we share is choir. So there isn’t that much competition in the classroom. It is helpful, though, because we are learning similar things so we can help each other if necessary. For me, twins can have a successful high school experience if they act as two distinct individuals instead of two copycats. Variety is the spice of life.

Being a twin in high school is good in different ways. First, it is always a relief and helpful to know you have someone who has your back when things get rough and you are feeling stressed. It’s a friend that will never leave your side. But also having a twin personally allowed me to try and find personal interests that deviated from my brother’s. We tried to be our own in school and take different classes while maintaining the close relationship that we have. That is what it was like having a twin. Never feeling alone but building the courage to try to be independent.

DuBoffs

How has being a twin affected your high school experience?

Interviews by Rachel Cohen (‘15)/ Eastside Editor-in-Chief and Emma Silverstone (‘15)/ Eastside Humor Editor

Aliyah

I definitely think that being a twin has had a positive impact on my high school experience both academically and socially. Academically, my sister and I have usually been taking some of the same classes. We can help each other and study together. Two minds are better than one and being twins, we can use this to our advantage. Socially, I have become friendly with a lot more people than I would have if I weren’t a twin.

G o d w i n s

Adriana

Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Being a twin has affected my high school experience because there was always someone there that understood what I was going through for the most part. We were able to help each other in classes we struggled in. We got the opportunity to grow together and make new friends; some separate and some in groups. We became known as one of “the twins.” Being a twin has made my high school experience more enjoyable. The transition was not as difficult when you had someone there for you all the time. Being a twin has made high school less frightening.

Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Drew

Being a twin has given me a perspective into parts of the school I never would’ve known about otherwise. My brother and I tend to participate in an entirely different set of activities, so we fortunately haven’t competed for roles in our extracurriculars, but I get the opportunity to hear about what he does. Also, my twin status has affected my high school experience by often offering a convenient conversation topic. I can easily chat with people my brother is friendly with, whereas I might otherwise not have anything to say to them.

June 2015

SENIORS ‘15 EASTSIDE

Well, for starters, people think we’re one person. Being twins with Melissa isn’t too bad, until everyone asks if we share a boyfriend or do everything at the same time, which gets really annoying because we don’t. Throughout high school, we’ve had plenty of classes together and that’s the reason why we would always be walking together through the halls. It was always nice walking by and hearing someone say, “OMG, they look exactly the same.” We didn’t ask to be put in the same classes, but we were for whatever reason and we were okay with that because having the same homework made things easier so we could split the work and share answers. No, we do not have separation anxiety. We do share social media accounts, and honestly I don’t know why we decided back in the sixth grade, but we just did and that hasn’t changed since. I guess that also adds to people thinking we’re exactly the same. If you got to know us, our personalities are actually quite different. She’s meaner and sarcastic, but actually has a heart deep down. I’m more willing to make friends than she is. It’s crazy the amount of times she’s come up to me and said, “Some random person waved to me today.” “The twins” is what we’re now generally referred to as, not so much Lisa or Melissa, because people still can’t tell the difference, but we don’t even look the same. I don’t know, being a twin has just made high school fun and interesting. You’re never alone and you always have someone by your side. She’s my best friend and other half, but a very different half.

D u o n g s

L I S A

Wongs

Page E

Chris

Besides the fact that some people have called me Kevin, I feel having a twin hasn’t affected my high school experience that much. Although engaging in multiple school activities for the past four years with Kevin has affected my high school experience for the better.

Emma Silverstone (‘15)/ Eastside Humor Editor

Kevin

Emma Silverstone (‘15)/ Eastside Humor Editor

It makes me sound so soft when I say I don’t know what I would’ve done without my twin. Now, we never hug, but we’re the type of twins that are pretty close, but that was probably obvious. There’s never a time where I’m walking by myself in the hallway and someone doesn’t ask where Lisa is. “Lisa” is basically my second name because if you call it, I’ll turn my head for no reason. It’s even funnier when people can’t tell us apart so they just yell “TWINS” down the hall. Having her has helped me big time because she’ll always have a class before me or I have one before her...we’ll get [help] from each other. We’ve never switched classes because our handwriting is totally different and I really don’t want to go to math class more than once. We seem the same, but we’re really not. Lisa’s more talkative, but I’m more independent. I don’t know how single children handle it on their own because that must be lonely sometimes. It may seem like we fight every other day or I get annoyed at her all the time because I do, but she’s all I’ve got sometimes. We’ve literally been through everything together; we shared a phone until just this year. We struggled, fought over who was smarter, but best of all, we’re getting out of here together. Lisa, you rock, on occasions.

M E L I S S A

Same as Chris. Other than the experience of being called the wrong name, I feel having a twin has not affected my high school experience in a difficult manner. Participating in school activities such as DECA and baseball has shown the difference between Chris and me.

Other twins in the class of 2015 (chose not to participate): Alyssa and Lauren Poletti Zaria and Isaiah Stanford

Senior Ads Rachel,

Congrats to my best friends! Wouldn’t have wanted to rough it out alongside anyone else.

Love you forever!

Congrats on four years in Eastside.

Love, Mom and Dad

Love, Becca

Congrats to the senior varsity tennis players: Sam Yoon, Keshav Amaro, Sam Snyder and Dan Jang on a great season! Good luck next year.

From Drew, Jesse, and Berg

Congrats to Eastside’s graduating seniors! To my Eastside family: thanks for an amazing year. I love you all and will miss you!!

Love, Jenna

Jenna, Wow... four years. You did it! Thank you for all your hard work and for being such a role model to your sister. We could not be more proud. Can’t wait to see you enjoy the next chapter in your life as a 2019 graduate from Notre Dame!

All our love, Mom, Dad, and Nicole

Page F

EASTSIDE

Most Likely To Invent Something Unusual: Noah Ritz and Hannah Chen

June 2015

SUPERLATIVES

EASTSIDE

Page G

Art and Layout Design by Rachel Pacitti (‘15) and Helena Sirken (’15)/ Eastside Art Directors Headshots by Rachel Becker (‘16) and Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editors and Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

Most Likely To Win A Nobel Prize: Steve Hsu and Sumayyah Jones Most SchoolSpirited: Matt DeMalo and Dayna Wachman

Unsung Hero: Larry McCay and Pooja Rambhia

Most Likely To Win An Oscar: Brandon Adams and Patty Irwin

Most Likely To Become U.S. President: Eric Grayson and Adel Boyarsky

Most Likely To Take Gym Seriously/Go “All Out”: Terry Hall and Kelsea Keniff Best Morning Person: Manny Lee and Flora Feldman

Class Clown: Kyle Billig and Ibinye Peterside

Most Enthusiastic: Manny Lee and Patty Irwin

Best Hair: David Bosso and Leanora Pintel

Most Studious: Steve Hsu and Rafi Brinn

Most Likely To Work At East: Brent Collins and Alyssa DellaVecchia

Most Athletic Boy: Jake Silpe

Biggest TV/ Movie Fanatic: Sam Kaufman and Dani Roth

Most Positive: Manny Lee and Allison Kritz

Most Likely To Save The World: Luke Bonanni and Jina Ok

Best Look-Alikes: Jacc Calalo and Jerome Malaran Most Ambitious: Darren Hwang and Adel Boyarsky Best Bromance: Jeff Braun and Lokesh Shah

Most Likely To Host A Morning Talk Show: Ben Abbaszadeh and Patty Irwin

Biggest Sports Fanatic: Mike Zilberfarb and Christina Stanczyk Friendliest: Manny Lee and Allison Kritz

Best Sneeze: Alex Molder and Renee Tam

Person Everyone Secretly Wants To Be: Sam Yoon and Leanora Pintel

Best Person To Follow On Twitter: Sam Silverman and Elena Tran

Most Artistic Girl: Julie Benbassat

Biggest Music Fanatic: Patrick Oberstaedt and Patty Irwin

Best Personality and Most Approachable: Manny Lee and Allison Kritz

Most Likely To Win A Grammy: Patrick Oberstaedt and Patty Irwin

Most Memorable: Manny Lee and Flora Feldman Best Facial Hair: Richard Cliver

Most Likely To Be Successful: Darren Hwang and Rafi Brinn

Most Opinionated: Max DuBoff and Alyssa Poletti

Biggest Heartthrob: Sam Yoon and Sofia Gracias

Funniest: Sam Silverman and Ibinye Peterside

Wittiest Boy: Noah Ritz

Best To Bring Home To Mom And Dad: Eric Grayson and Sofia Gracias Most Tech-Savvy: Lewis Cohen and Rafi Brinn

Best Laugh Boy: Alex Molder

Wittiest Girl: Becca Cohen

Best Smile Girl: Sofia Gracias

Most Outgoing: Manny Lee and Dayna Wachman

Biggest Book/ Reading Fanatic: Max DuBoff and Sumayyah Jones

Most Artistic Boy Tin Vu Most Avid Gamer: Alec Silverstone and Jillian Coleman

Most Likely To Be Awake Past 2 a.m. On A School Night: Darren Hwang and Rong Xiang

Best Writer: Anthony Cornatzer and Sumayyah Jones

Prettiest Eyes: David Friedman and Stephanie DiNunzio

Best BFF: Meghna Kothari and Callie Biggest Health/ Scott Fitness Fanatic: Leonidas Katsikis and Emily Lewis

Most Creative: Noah Ritz and Julie Benbassat

Most Eco-Friendly: Dan Helfand and Helena Sirken

Best Vocabulary: Eric Grayson and Sumayyah Jones

Most Politically Savvy: Eric Grayson and Jina Ok

Best Dressed: Jesse Viggiano and Leanora Pintel Most Involved: Sam Amon and Pooja Rambhia

Most Talkative Girl: Becca Cohen Best Smile Boy: Jon Hansen

Biggest Backpack: Steve Hsu and Adel Boyarsky

Most Athletic Girl: Aliyah Godwin

Most Talkative Boy: Ian Miles

Best Social Networker: Dylan Kost and Brielle Clearfield

Most Likely To Win “Jeopardy”/ Possess Random Knowledge: Max DuBoff and Rachel Brill

Best Look-Alikes: Abigail Hong and Jessica Li

June 2015

Best Laugh Girl: Dayna Watchman

Most Well-Rounded: Sam Snyder and Emily Lewis

Most influential: Eric Grayson and Sofia Gracias

Best Couple: Sam Snyder and Luisa Martins

SENIORS ‘15 All photos of East students by Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor, Photo Illustration by Emma Silverstone (‘15)/ Eastside Humor Editor

EASTSIDE

Celebrity Look-alikes

Page H

Alicia Silverstone Carly Bishop

June 2015

Steve Carrell Eric Grayson

Nicole Richie Becca Morgan

Sean Faris Jake Silpe

Gwyneth Paltrow Sarah Powers

Daniel Tosh Matt Demalo

Senior Ads

Thanks to the EIDOLON yearbook staff for a great year!

Love, Dani

Congrats to the seniors of Stay Tuned!

Love, Ashley Drew & Max DuBoff: “This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.”

CHE Habitat 2014-2015, Thanks for an amazing year!

We will miss all of you next year!

Love, The Habitat Seniors

¡Buena suerte! Bonam Fortunam!

Love, Mom & Dad

SENIORS ‘15

June 2015

EASTSIDE

Page I Art by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director Photos by Julia Rothkoff (‘16)/ Eastside Underground Editor

Eastside’s senior editors answer questions to reflect upon their time at East and with Eastside.

Name

Photo

One word to describe the person below me is…

A headline I would write about the person above me is…

I wear black and I’m proud

I wish ____ were my co-editor this year

The thing I’m going to miss most about Steve Mirsen is…

Keshav Amaro

Fashionable

Brielle Clearfield

Headband-Queen Amaro: Most I wouldn’t trade likely to backstab Liza! in Assassin

My zoo layout is better than yours.

The way he looks in a suit prepping for his senior portrait.

Rachel Cohen

Puppy-lover

Clearfield spends Melissa (Gagz’s days as tech-wiz- fiancée) ard and nights as rave queen

I forgot who Bob Woodward was.

My slight confusion after everything he says.

Becca Cohen

Movie-fanatic

Cohen follows in the footsteps of her brother once again to University of Michigan

Luke <3

Gagz: it’s F 0 87, not F O 87.

Him saying “sup Becca” every time he sees me.

Sam Kaufman

Basic

New evidence suggests Cohen is always correct no matter what you think I’m smart and you’re dumb shut up

Dr. Reusche

I skipped journalism class every single day.

When we’re all alone and he talks real slow, cuz’ it’s late and my mama don’t know.

Meghna Kothari

Creative

High school Jacob senior blacklisted

by Hollywood

I’m the only one who knows Zayn Malik left 1D to join Eastside.

When he texts me to favorite all his tweets.

Rachel Pacitti

Real

Mindy Kaling Sonia poses as a high schooler for four years; still denies identity

I’m still waiting for that pet fish.

The way he lights up a room.

Dani Roth

One Directioner

Pacitti finally doesn’t get confused for other Rachel’s

Emelia

I’m afraid of dodgeball.

Him taking me to prom.

Emma Silverstone

Talented

Roth becomes CEO of a healthy food company

Jenna Myers

I never really figured out how to use InDesign, I just clicked everything and hoped for the best.

His sassy messages in the WhatsApp group.

Helena Sirken

Fierce

Emma Silverstone: The jewel who works at Jules

Rachel Becker

I can’t stand “The Too many to Office.” decide.

Jenna Wilson

Quiet

Sirken’s environ- Charlie (Becca’s mentally friendly puppy) water bottles are considered art, placed in Louvre

Eastside by the #Numbers

# of times Ashley has left an electronic device somewhere: 27 # of times Jenna, Rachel, Becca and Meghna have kicked people off the couch: 180 # of taxis Eastside took to get to Georgetown during the Journalism Convention: 6 # of times Steve has confused people around him: 54,600 # of monkeys in F087: 32 # of Darcy Becker’s cookies consumed by Eastside: 906 # of times Rachel Cohen made an Eastside-related Facebook status: 153 # of awards won at the National Convention: 8 # of times Priya had to call Chipotle: 11 # of consecutive days Jenna and Becca wore college apparel: 46 # of Eastside Facebook likes: 2,811 # of photos Jacob has taken of Meghna: 178 # of life lessons taught by Keshav: 603 # of times the Eastside Board has used BitMoji’s: 1,532 # of EastsideOnline Twitter followers: 1,509

Ethan Tinkelman

My Eastside confession is…

My favorite Eastside monkey is…

Gagz looks more How he fantadignified with a 5 sizes about being o’clock shadow. a janitor (and riding the cleaning equipment).

BC stinks! Sorry not sorry, Gagz!

Go ND!

His random sayings.

# of messages sent in the WhatsApp: 20,547 # of times Julia and Liza have used twin telepathy: 0 # of stories read on Eastside Online: 42,134 # of views on PARCC Story: 2,709 Amount of money made at Eastside Chipotle Night: $1,199.53 # of times Emelia has decapitated someone on Photoshop: 277 # of times Rachel Pacitti has complimented Gagz on his sweater vests: 38 # of times Julia has mentioned Bill Murray: 326 # of times Ethan went too far in the WhatsApp Group: 373 # of times Brielle sat on the couch with Keshav: 1 # of times Helena has written for Eastside: 0 # of band shirts Emma owns: 128 # of times Courtney and Luke have yelled at each other: 789,000,235 # of times Meghna cried about Zayn: 10,000,003 # of times Becca thought she was funny: 789,458 # of times Becca was actually funny: 2 # of times Jacob’s clothes have matched: 4 # of times we ordered food to F087: 27

Page J

SENIORS ‘15 EASTSIDE

Eastside Senior Perspectives 2015

June 2015

Eastside’s editors-in-chief and managing editor reflect on their time with Eastside

Photos by Rachel Becker (‘16)/Eastside Photo Editor and Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor

me, a freshman, new to the unknown Becca Cohen: Managing Editor torealms of high school. I signed up for a

Cherry Hill East felt overwhelming

class that resides in F087, a special classroom, because I like to write, not realizing that what I would get was more than I ever anticipated.

F087 is the home of the number-one high school newspaper in New Jersey, Eastside, but as anyone involved with Eastside would undoubtedly say, it is much more than its impressive title. It has been my safe haven throughout the past three years. Joining the journalism family introduced me not only to many other misfits with an inclination to write, but also to myself. The words I wrote for each assignment helped me become content with who I was, who I am today. Each exemplary assignment proved that I belonged somewhere. My own actions ensured high school would not be so overwhelming, that I had found my niche. I looked up to those on the editorial board, striving to be in a leadership position my senior year, hoping to inspire others with the words I would write in the paper as their words inspired me.

This year at East, I have been lucky enough to serve as Eastside’s managing editor. My experience with this position has not only taught me so much about journalism itself, but also about how to be a leader and how to manage a group of thirty diverse students. The lessons I have learned from Eastside are those I know I wouldn’t learn anywhere else in any other experience. I feel grateful to have had this incredible opportunity at such a young age in an environment where I feel so comfortable. Pride and confidence consumes me when I think about how far I have come from an out-of-place freshman.

I would like to give my immense thanks to Mr. Gagliardi for introducing me to something for which I have so much love and gives me so much enjoyment.

The opportunities he has opened up for me have been endless and I very obviously wouldn’t be where I am today without his guidance. I would also like to thank the editorial boards of 2012-2013, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 for being the best Eastside family in the world.

In the fall, I will be attending the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at The University of Maryland as a journalism major in hopes of continuing the spark Eastside lit in me.

Writing is worth so much more than simply the words on the page. The words teach the writer aspects beyond those of the topic about which they are writing. As for me, writing words, articles and headlines in F087 gave me a home in a place I thought I never expected.

A shy freshman quietly eats her lunch during her seventh period journalism class.

The boy who sits next to her occasionally asks to touch her hair and that really freaks her out. The majority of the class intimidates her. She worries that Mr. Gagliardi has no clue how she could be the sibling of his editor-in-chief, because she just seems too timid to be related to him. To say the least, F087 was a place where she felt discomfort.

That freshman is me. Well, it was me. Over a mere four years, F087 has grown on me. It’s not necessarily the couch, the isolation from the rest of the school or the dozens of plush monkeys that make this room so special to me—it’s the passion it contains.

Laminated Eastside pages line the walls of the room. These pages are full of articles, page designs, photos and art that people cared about. Each of these pages tells its own story. Looking at the sports layout from last year’s June issue, I can remember a 35-minute argument over whether it would be purposeful/aesthetic if half the page were flipped upside down. While to you this argument may seem stupid, I do not believe that any other group of people would be passionate enough to discuss such a seemingly trivial topic for so long. Behind all of these pages are the people who cared enough to go the extra mile to produce this finished product. These people have become my family over the past four years.

Over four years the walls of F087 have seen me grow into a confident leader. I grew from hardly speaking a word in there freshman year to leading the entire classroom in discussions during my junior and senior years. When the purpose of bettering Eastside is in mind, all of my boundaries break down. No longer am I afraid of approaching someone to ask for an interview, a photograph, or even just to tell him/her to come to dodgeball. Eastside has helped me find a voice and a home within this school, and for that I cannot be more thankful.

Thanks to all of the editorial boards I have served on. Without all of you, I would not have memories of playing Mafia in a conference room of a hotel until midnight, laughing over our white elephant gift exchange or making gourmet grilled cheeses on a layout day. Gagz, thank you for your time and dedication to this amazing organization; you have impacted so many lives, including mine. Endings are never easy for me to write, so I’ll end with a piece of advice: If you are reading this and are not already an active participant in a club, please get involved—it’ll be the best choice you make. With that, it’s been a great four years, Eastside.

Rachel Cohen: Editor-in-Chief

Upon entering East as a freshman, to me as though every stuMeghna Kothari: Editor-in-Chief itdentseemed had found their niche. Whether

it was through a sport, through music and theatre or through a variety of clubs, everyone seemed to know exactly where they belonged in these vast hallways of this foreign territory that I would be in for the next four years.

As freshman year progressed, I sought out clubs that would feed my passion for reading, writing and photography: a club that would allow me to manifest my creativity outside of academics. I eagerly joined Eastside hoping it would be that club for me, and nonetheless, it was everything I could ask for and more.

My affinity for Eastside only grew as I worked my way up from being both a staff writer and photographer freshman and sophomore year to a News/Features Editor junior year and then luckily promoted to editor-in-chief by senior year.

F087 transformed into a second home, Gagz and board members transformed into some of my closest friends and Eastside transformed into my own little niche.

Eastside has taught me more than I could ever explain through its homely environment and intelligent community.

The people that I have had the pleasure of connecting with and befriending are some of the most talented kids whom I’ve had so many laughs with and made so many memories with. The Day 6 food days, dodgeball tournaments, Chipotle fundraisers, layout afternoons, Boston/D.C. conventions, Mafia games, lunches on couch and 6:45 a.m. distribution days are just a few of many memories I will treasure. Eastside has been a large part of me as much as I have been a part of Eastside. Thank you, Eastside, for encouraging me to grow in character, for strengthening me as a journalist, for being an outlet to channel my passions and, most importantly, for allowing me to make so many close friends that I can call family. Indubitably, I can talk forever about how Eastside has been one of the best and most memorable experiences of my high school career, for it has taught me lessons that I will value in college at NYU and for the rest of my life…so for that, I am forever thankful for humbly being a part of such an exceptional institution.

Finally, I wanted to thank someone of paramount importance to Eastside: Gagz. He’s the type that you’ll aways remember because of the way he teaches Journalism I with his quirky antics and the way he showcases his dedication and inspires students every day in Journalism II. So, thank you, Gagz, for being a teacher I can always learn from, a mentor I can always look up to and a friend I can always confide in.

May of my senior year, my phone has finally started to recognize Eastside as a proper noun and automatically capitalize it. May of my senior year, I have finally recognized that my time on Eastside is coming to an end.

As a freshman entering Journalism I, I had no idea how Eastside would grow to be a large part of my life. Eastside is more than a newspaper, it is a loving family that accepted me my freshman year and will stay with me forever. My time with this amazing paper is coming to an end, and I am struggling with the concept that next year I won’t be returning to F087.

Walking into F087 freshman year, the first thing I felt was passion. It was evident by the newspapers that were stapled to the wall, the deadlines scrawled on the whiteboard that something special took place in the room. From that first day, I could tell how dedicated Mr. Gagliardi and the entire Eastside Editorial Board were to creating the best newspaper possible. From that first day, I knew Eastside was an organization that I wanted to be a part of.

It is impossible to measure my time on Eastside in my years on the editorial board (3) or the issues printed during my time at East (28). It’s measured in the infinate numbers of laughs I’ve had after school while editing pages, the close friendships I’ve made and the memories each board has created together.

Explaining Eastside is an impossibilty to those who have not experienced it. The memories that we have made through endless Mafia games, lunches on the F087 couch, classes during period H, Chipotle nights, dodgeball tournaments, two journalism conventions (with endless gossip sessions) and an exorbitant amount of food are irreplacable. I now know that joutnalists spell out numbers one through ten, but use numbers to express any value higher. While my spelling probably hasn’t improved since freshman year, I have gained a plethora of journalistic knowledge, layout experience and leadership skills. But, most importantly I have gained new friends and amazing experiences. While I can’t say I’m sad to be leaving high school, I am sad to be leaving my Eastside family.

I’d like to thank the Eastside editorial boards I have served on: 2012-2013, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. Thank you for giving me the best memories of my high school career. Finally, I’d like to thank Gagz, for being a teacher, mentor and friend. I have learned so much from you. As I embark on a new chapter at Notre Dame, I know my experiences on Eastside have prepared me for college journalism classes and the work I plan to do on Notre Dame’s paper, The Observer. However, despite my distance from Cherry Hill and the new memories I will make and the new friends I will have, Eastside will always hold a special place in my heart.

Jenna Wilson: Editor-in-Chief

June 2015

SENIORS ‘15 EASTSIDE

Page K

Eastside asked students from the Class of 2015 to tweet pictures of their class trip to Disney World using #CHED15NEY. To celebrate the seniors’ experience in Disney World, Eastside selected photos to be featured in this issue.

Collage by Meghna Kothari (‘15)/ Eastside Editor-in-Chief, Kaitlyn Boyle (‘17)/ Eastside News/Features Editor and Ashley Cooper (‘17)/ Eastside Community Editor

Page L

SENIORS ‘15 EASTSIDE

June 2015

Class of 2015 college decisions

Congrats to the Class of 2015! This list was compiled based on posts in our Facebook college decisions group.

University of Alabama Nick Laird Aiden Sutkin Drew Tepper Alvernia University Christian Mele Amherst College Emma Hollenberg Arizona State University Kyle Billig Noel Hartey Alana Okun University of Arizona Dayna Wachman University of the Arts Sydney Donovan Peter Frank Barnard College Rafaela Brinn Bentley Universtiy Josh Swerdloff

Alec Silverstone Amir Wathstein

Edinboro University Elena Tran Emerson College Genna Coleman Samuel Kaufman Fairleigh Dickinson University Emily Potash Allyson Wolf Andrew Zaleski Fashion Institute of Technology Allison Kritz Emily Miraglia University of Florida Matt Stern Florida State University Aviya Hayon Christina Terry

Burlington County College Samantha Carson Jonathan Zablin

Franklin and Marshall College Lewis Cohen Wendy Sherman

Burlington County Institute of Technology Sarah Sorgentoni

Gardner-Webb University Mackenzie Ropka

Binghamton University Marisa Camacho Boston University Daryn Stevens Brown University Hannah Lam Bucknell University Terry Hall Cabrini College Julianna Fabricius California Institute of Technology Alyssa Poletti Hannah Chen University of CaliforniaBerkeley Darren Hwang University of CaliforniaIrvine Jeffrey Eng Camden County College Keeley Baker Jae Burton Zach Butter Richard Cliver Colin Flatley Matt Kindig Tyler La Rocca Colin Myers Becca Neff Synique Orange Liam Rumell Emily Snyder Carnegie Mellon University Sujay Desai College of Charleston Jason Sugarman Chestnut Hill College Brittany McCollum University of Chicago David Friedman Sumayyah Jones University of Colorado Flora Feldman Christina Stanczyk Evan Tucker University of Connecticut Helena Sirken Culinary Institute of America Rebecca Ambrosino Samantha Benson University of Delaware Zachary Goldstein Mike Kueny Carly Mazer Fernando Morales Emily Muench Alyssa Phelan Pooja Rambhia Delaware Valley University Madyson Helfrich Dickinson College Ian Wolf Drexel University Rebecca McCormack Pooja Patel Matt Propp Natassja Resnick Gal Rappaport

University of Miami Josh Brown Ariel Sabatini University of Michigan Rachel Cohen Amanda Liu Michigan State University Shannon Wenter Monmouth University Devin Bourne Ally Deas Alex Deitch Alyssa DellaVecchia Ameet Oanono Bayla Segeren Morgan Spivak Montclair State University Matt Berg Kate Braunstein Erica Evans Amital Karnado Natalia Majkut Melissa Pooner Muhlenberg College Lior Algrably Sam Amon Neuman University Kendall Boardman

Gloucester County College Jude Misko

New England Conservatory of Music Abigail Hong

George Mason University Jon Hansen

University of New Haven Ian Murphy

George Washington University Hari Asuri Ilaina Edelstein Sarah Goldberg

The College of New Jersey Jessica Kopew Alex Molder Laura Morella Hannah Park

Gettysburg College Brett Tafaro

New Jersey Institute of Technology Jacc Calalo

Gordon College Rachel Pacitti University of Hartford Kat Konefsky Holy Family University Reece Young Howard University Adriana Godwin Aliyah Godwin Indiana University Jordyn Kopelson Ari Sokolow Indiana University of Pennsylvania Solomon Carter Ithaca College Simon Michel James Madison University Alli Carusi Matt DeMalo Emily Lewis Johns Hopkins University Luke Bonanni Jeff Braun Johnson and Wales University Drew DuBoff Rachel Ettore Kean University Sarah Peterson Sarah Powers University of Kentucky Age Slaton La Salle University Molly Bearden Lehigh University Sofia Gracias Liberty University Ben Woods Lycoming University Kelsea Kenniff Marist College Mary Vange University of Maryland Keshav Amaro Brielle Clearfield Becca Cohen Daniel First Arielle Greenspan Izzy Kaminer Amrita Mitra Julia Starikovsky Jesse Viggiano Marymount Manhattan College Valerie Fresta

New York University Sreya Das Meghna Kothari Allison Stulb University of North Carolina -Charlotte Lily Vasey Northeastern University Erika Young Northwestern University Kristina Loh University of Notre Dame Jenna Wilson Oklahoma City University Patricia Irwin Oklahoma State University Zaxlee Martin Pace University Jennilee Bradley Paulina Levner University of Pennsylvania Adel Boyarsky Ezra Brooks Lokesh Shah Jake Silpe Rong Xiang Sam Yoon Pennsylvania College of Technology Andrew Hofmann Pennsylvania State University Zoey Abrams Haley Cohen Josh Cohen Max Guralnick Phoebe Millspaugh Becca Morgan Richard Ni Katie Russo Brandon Stern Alex Vincoff Chris Wong Kevin Wong Mike Zilberfarb Pennsylvania State University - Harrisburg Vladhimir Theophile University of Pittsburgh Luisa Martins Sidd Lakshman Princeton University Rachel Brill University of Rhode Island Josh Dera Rhode Island School of Design Julie Benbassat

Rider University Jordan Aharon Loreena Avery Jillian Coleman Alexa Goldberg Rizzieri Aveda School For Cosmetology and Wellness Megan McCance

Brett Olin

Stockton University David Clark Molly Kelly Christina Panara University of Strathclyde Ray Zhang

Roanoke College Lauren Furlow

Swarthmore College Jessica Li

University of Rochester Danny Aronson

Syracuse University Lindsay Gorsen Carly Shevrin Sami Zive

Rochester Institute of Technology Ben Abbaszadeh Rosemont College Darby O’Rourke Rowan College at Gloucester County Jardin Cassell Rowan University Alex Blaker Christian Celfo Phil Chehet Zach Dawson Ian Dunn Kayla Fox Ben Golden Tyler Hanover Rachael Kolmins Amanda Lorenz Larry McCay Jerome Malaran Keenan McElwee Nicholas Montoya Hesham Nassar Ibinye Peterside Peter Sawan Alec Simhony Briana Smierciak Tanner Smith Supriya Srinivas Kevin Takacs Riley Rogowski Tin Vu Rutgers University - Camden Colton Cardea Lisa Duong Melissa Duong Tooba Hussain Ronan McVeigh Maria-Ana Pantelous Christopher Sterling Rutgers University - New Brunswick Kyle Baker Zach Bannett Jerry Baw Colton Cardea Jonah Cohn Max DuBoff Tegan Edwards Sarah Elsherif Matt Fontanilla Ryan Gericke Steve Hsu Lamya Jaigirdar Leonidas Katsikis Kaity Kim Mackenzie Kunkle Jennifer Lee Manny Lee Monica Lee Daria Martin Nathaniel Mellul Lele Meng Matt Mozzillo Kevin Pang Leanora Pintel Jason Rabinowitz Clecy Roman Nicole Rosselli Dani Roth Srihari Shankar Meghna Shanker Jeeyong Shin Sam Snyder Jake Tennenbaum Billy Tran Rachael Tung Laura Vitale Aaron Widman Brittany Yesner Louis Yeung Saint Joseph’s University Elizabeth Angelucci Mike Gourdine Kyle Lochbihler Deanna Martin Zach McKenna Taylor Micua Grace Rosenblatt Seton Hall University Emily Rimdzius David Rowe Zach Wohl Shenandoah University Michelle DiVito Stetson University Brittany Strouse Stevenson University Chris Hammerquist

University of Tampa Casey McKown-Smith Temple University Mike Bhular Marianna Kopp Jon Leonetti Anne Lin Patrick Oberstaedt Jina Ok Amy Papaefstathiou Jonathan Pezzner Dana Rakhlina Emma Silverstone Brianna Spell Towson University Sydney Boory Jake Casey Cassidy Pawliczek Norah Shaaltiel Rachel Sklar Tufts University Richard Kirby Tulane University Scott Ansell Lily Schwartz United States Naval Academy Dan Helfand Ursinus College Lauren Feldman Emily Reeve Gabriella Timuscuk Vanderbilt University Daniel Jang Andrew Magnus Aaron Molotsky Ed Shu Sam Silverman Kevin Wang University of Vermont Jena Blum Spencer Spivak Villanova University Carly Bishop Isabelle Roncace Washington University in St. Louis Eric Grayson West Chester University Olivia Calabrese Stephanie Di Nunzio Eric Gorenstein Bailee Lazar Nicole Marchetti Vinny Matteo John Rees Matt Vender Nikki Zaso Westminster Choir College Hannah Kim West Virginia University Jamie Larter Lauren Patane Wesley College Shayna Ostrow Widener University Amber Cohen David Monk Iyonna Parkinson The College of William and Mary Emily Lichtenstadter William Paterson University Madeleine Oppenheim Lauren Poletti University of Wisconsin Lauren Kotler Ethan O’Neill Andrew Richman Worcester State University Callie Scott Yale University Noah Ritz York College of Pennsylvania Emily Lisner Elizabeth Tilsner

June 2015

COMICS

Debt by Ben Abbaszadeh (‘15)/ Eastside Staff

See You in Ten Years, Maybe? by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

EASTSIDE

And So It Goes; The Last Comic by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

Page 23

EDITORIAL

Page 24

EASTSIDE

June 2015

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

Mr. Tim Locke is Eastside’s “Person of the Year” Although the Person of the Year Award is based on the current academic year, the contributions of Mr. Tim Locke extend well beyond 2014-2015. Unbeknownst to him, Locke has been a finalist for Eastside’s Person of the Year Award for the past several years, and for good reason. Locke’s teaching style is both innovative and interesting as he succesfully engages students in world history year after year.

With an obvious passion for his subject, Locke is able to make history enjoyable for students of all grades and levels. He currently teaches freshmen, juniors and seniors, in World Civilizations and World History AP, respectively. His ability to deal with each group of students shows his ability to be flexible and innovative at the same time.

Many students who had Locke as a teacher freshman year return to his classroom junior or senior year in World AP. Locke is currently the only one who teaches the course, so when these returning students sign up for World AP, they are signing up for the opportunity to be taught by Locke again.

His ability to constantly retain two classes each year is a clear testament to his impact on his students throughout his time at East.

Undoubtedly the most open teacher in the school, Locke is willing to share his plethora of experiences with all students at East.

This transparency between student and teacher creates a unique learning experience that is filled with

Benefactors

life lessons almost as often as it is filled with history lessons. When he was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder last year, Locke was out for a significant amount of time. Unlike other teachers, who would have simply cited “health

The Cooper Family Melissa and Brad Tinkelman Shari Dickstein

Sports Editors Courtney Finnegan Luke Hinrichs Marlee Zeitz Opinions Editors Keshav Amaro Leah Korn Jenna Myers

The award originated in 2003 in order to recognize members of the school who have made a superior scholastic impact.

Meghna Kothari (‘15)/ Eastside Editor-in-Chief

Locke engages students in mature discussions. reasons” to excuse their He encourages students not absence, Locke let his stujust to come to him with dents know the minute deproblems, but to tell them tails of his experience with about their lives, from the PTSD in hope of opening up mundane details of every a mature dialogue. day, to the larger events, This isn’t unusual for like college decisions. It is Locke, who is conscious of not often that a teacher is the lessons students need so blatant and direct with to learn before exiting East his students about his and entering the real world willingness to listen and and does his best to integenuinely want to create a grate these lessons into a relationship with each indiclassroom setting. This vidual student. openness goes both ways, as When tasked with teachLocke doesn’t just talk—he ing actual content, Locke always listens. He is always does not disappoint. His willing to lend an open ear lessons are engaging and to any students, not just interesting, far from the those on his roster. “boring” stigma his subject On the first day of school, may have. As opposed to

Patrons

Haye Hinrichs Mr. Pedrick

1750 Kresson Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 Phone: (856) 424-2222, ext.2087 Fax: (856) 424-3509

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

Publisher

Fort Nassau Graphics Thorofare, NJ

Awards

Garden State Scholastic Press Association, American Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, International Quill and Scroll Society, Journalism Education Association

Letters to the Editor

Submit signed letters to F087

Recipients receive a personal plaque in addition to being listed on a plaque next to the Hall of Fame bulletin board.

Letters to the editor are always welcomed!

Past Recipients: 2003: Mr. Matthew Carr 2004: Ms. Elizabeth McLeester 2005: Mr. Tony Mancini 2006: Ms. Marilyn DiCiurcio 2007: Mrs. Linda Heath 2008: Mr. Jonathon Strout 2009: Mr. Charles Musumeci 2010: Mr. Rick Friedman 2011: Mr. Gregory Rouen 2012: Mr. Pete Gambino 2013: Mr. Karl Moehlmann 2014: Ms. Gina Oh

Friends of Eastside

Cindy Black Forensic Resolutions Amy and Wayne Myers The Mistry Family Debbie and Jon Korn The Kothari Family Jennifer Grossman Steven and Leslie Sirken Andrea Cohen Cindy and Steve Kim Darcy and Jeff Becker

Managing Editor: Rebecca Cohen News/Features Editors Kaitlyn Boyle Allison Grossman Steve Mirsen

the typical lecture, Locke teaches his subject through a combination of projects, presentations and essays.

Locke does not make his students simply memorize facts for a test; instead he allows them to express their knowledge and understand the material through class discussions and projects.

He succeeds at creating a comfortable, stress-free environment that fosters learning, which frankly is a haven for students in the middle of East’s high-stress environment.

Eastside thanks Locke for impacting so many students throughout his career at East. In doing so, he has set a bar for what it means to truly care.

Eastside’s Person of the Year is a four-stage process, which includes members of the Eastside Editorial Board voting at each stage.

Ms. Marilyn DiCiurcio The Pacitti Family Edwin and Ellen Dashevsky Jeff and Rochelle Dashevsky Susan and Ian Meklinsky The Amaro Family Erica and Jerry Rothkoff The Wilson Family Mike and Julie Bathke Jeff, Sherrie, Rachel and Max Cohen

Sponsors

Locke bypasses the syllabus to discuss his most important policy: his willingness to always be there for students. Always ready to discuss anything with his students, Locke is obviously eager to help his students as much as he can.

Cherry Hill High School East

Sari Mintz The Keller Family Mr. and Mrs. George Doloyclay Mary Vange

Contributors

Joseph and Renee Mintz Mason Williams Carol Marks Brian and Christina Boyle The Lichtenstadter Family Jerome Farber Greg Rouen Mrs. Cajigas

Drop off letters to F087 or email letters@eastsideonline.org

Advocates

Suzanne Young Gilana Levavi Rachel Lim Annie Lipsett Aliya Lu Ralph and Ro Deal Bill Semus Susan Nicolazzo-Dollarton Neil Mullin Marsha Pecker Elizabeth Endres Ms. Freedman

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

Community Editors Ashley Cooper Dani Roth

Photo Editors Rachel Becker Emelia Keller

Underground Editors Jacob Borowsky Julia Rothkoff

Art Directors Rachel Pacitti Helena Sirken

Entertainment Editors Brielle Clearfield Liza Rothkoff

Video Editor Sam Kaufman

Humor Editors Brett Dashevsky Emma Silverstone

Radio Manager Ethan Tinkelman Technology Director Bogdan Vitoc

Webmaster Sonia Kim Business Managers Drew Meklinksy Priya Mistry Adviser Mr. Greg Gagliardi Eastside’s Staffers of the Month October: Sydney Steele November: Anthony Cornatzer December: Ben Goldsmith January: Jen Pacitti February: Madeline Bowne March: Matt Nussbaum April: Sari Cohen May: Lucy He

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: priya.mistry@ eastside-online.org.

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

ENTERTAINMENT

June 2015

EASTSIDE

Celeb Roasts attack celebrities ■ By Rachel Serata (‘17)

Shaffer (2002).

Although all of the celebrity roasts have been successful in the past, one of the most popular chanCelebrity Roasts (no, nels that celebrity roasts not a pot roast) are events are held on besides Comedy where a specific or honored Central is the Dean Martin person is subjected to goodcelebrity roast on NBC, the natured jokes that his or television specialty show her friends, family or anywhich Martin himself hostone else that that celebrity ed. Before the knows does to “roasting” part entertain an of his television audience. show, Martin These roasts had a television typically ocshow called “The cur on ComDean Martin edy Central for Show.” As his around ninety show’s ratings minutes. Howbegan to decline, ever, they are he decided for not something the finale of his that occur once show he would a week; these do a celebrity roasts only ocroast in hopes cur around that it would once a year. boost rankings.

What makes Shortly after them so comithis finale, his cal for viewers show was canis that the choceled. However, sen celebrity’s friends and Ben Abbaszadeh (‘15)/ Eastside Staff not long after the cancelaother guests Roasts are shown on Comedy Central and NBC. tion of his show, get the opporoMartin signed tunity to make quested that no jokes about a contract with NBC to do fun of him or her and direct his mother be mentioned many specials on celebrity their insults to his or her during the broadcast of his roasts. His first roastee face. celebrity roast. was Bob Hope in 1974, afMaddie Phillips (’17) The first aired celebrity ter which there were many said, “[Roasts are] funny roastee was Denis Leary, more to follow. and definitely entertainwhose roast aired on ComJordan Shapiro (’17) ing.” edy Central on August 10, said, “I don’t think it’s fair When a celebrity is being 2003. At the time, this was all the time because they’re roasted, he or she has two the most watched program just regular people… they options. The first option is in Comedy Central’s hisget judged for the stuff they called “no limits.” The word tory. Because of that roast’s do on live television, but we itself is pretty self-explanapopularity, Comedy Cenjust do stuff like this all of tory, because it means that tral decided to do more. the time to our friends.” the celebrity’s friends can Other celebrities who have Celebrity roasts are not say anything they want. been roasted include Drew only a good source of enViewers know that the ceCarey, who was roasted by tertainment, but they let lebrity has chosen this opRyan Stiles (1998); Hugh the public eye in on what tion before the show starts.

Heffner, roasted by Jimmy secrets, lies and jokes their Many celebrities such as Kimmel (2001); and Chevy families and friends have David Hasselhoff have imChase, roasted by Paul about them. posed no limits when he Eastside Staff

was featured on a roast.

The other option is called “prohibitions.” The prohibitions option means that the celebrity has chosen to have a few topics that the roaster cannot joke about.

For example, Joan Rivers had put on prohibitions about her daughter, Melissa. Also, Jay Leno had re-

Page 25

Singing shows damage artist creativity ■ By Liza Rothkoff (‘16) Eastside Entertainment Editor

What do artists receive when they sign up for a reality singing show?

Certainly not creative freedom.

When an artist wins a show such as “American Idol” or “The Voice,” the artist sells off the rights of songs to the producers and record company, leaving the artist with no creative control over his or her own music.

Recently, Phillip Phillips, the season eleven winner of “American Idol,” filed a lawsuit against his record label, 19 Recordings. 19 Recordings is American Idol’s production company that every artist who wins on the show is forced to sign a contract with. In the lawsuit, Phillips stated that his producers were manipulative

and musical ability. Some of the best artists are those that have tried hard to succeed in the music business.

Instead of these artists going on television to gain support, they go on tour in a van and live off of the little profits that they get from gigs until they become famous.

If Jack White were to go on “American Idol,” he would be criticized for his sloppy guitar playing and unconventional vocal style.

Jack White, one of the most famous artists in the rock music industry at the moment, would not have even made it through the first round of a singing show due to his atypical style of playing.

Since many of the judges of these shows are not artists, why is their opinion taken into consideration about how well or badly someone sings? For someone that does not know anything about time signatures or chords, to judge a competition based on quality

Judge Judy’s contract gets renewed

est paid person on television; with her new contract, she will be paid even more.

The new contract also includes a deal with Renowned judge Judy Sheindlin, from Queen Bee Productions, which is owned by the hit TV show “Judge Judy,” signed a conSheindlin. Joining with CBS, Queen Bee tract to renew her show through CBS. Productions has recently launched a new “Judge Judy” daytime hit sehas been the ries called “Hot number-one Bench.” court show for “Hot Bench” 969 consecutive is a panel-based weeks, dating court show that back to 1996. made its debut Most of Sheiin early Septemndlin’s success ber of 2014. The is gained fully show has quickly through her become one of strict rulings the highest-rated and colorful pershows, averaging sonality on the 2.3 million viewshow. The show ers a day. was scheduled to “I have only end in 2017 but watched [Judge is now extendCourtesy of AOL Judy] once, but ing into three Judge Judy Sheindlin’s contract is renewed I thought it was more seasons until 2020. interesting and until 2020. The an entertaining 70-year-old daytime judge has no intentions show,” Adam Crognale (’17) said.“The judge to retire any time soon, and has no reason had a strong personality which made it so to; while her previous contract earned her interesting.”

47 million dollars per year, Sheindlin will The only reason Crognale says he has not make an additional 180 million dollars with continued to watch the show was because it this new contract. only aired during school hours.

There are several other TV shows broadJudge Judy has drawn in views for years casted around the same time as Sheindlin’s, with her strong rulings and numerous years all containing the same concepts. Her show, on CBS networking during the day. Fans however, gains more viewers than any other enjoy Sheindlin’s hard hitting attitude and on any channel. presence on the show. No other court show In recent studies, her show’s views do not can compare to her millions of views that compare to any other daytime judge host. she receives each day and the amount of Judge Joe Brown typically earns 20 million money she makes. Her contract renewal a year, nowhere near the amount Sheindlin brings more attention and money to the makes. Sheindlin is known to be the highCBS network due to her popularity.

■ By Samantha Abrams (‘17)

Eastside Staff

Courtesy of CNN

Phillip Phillips had trouble with his “American Idol” contract. and oppressive. With an “American Idol” contract, the artist must sign on agreeing to a certain number of years and albums to produce for the label. With this strict contract, the artist is left with very little creative freedom to explore other ventures outside of making music and making money for the label.

Even though a reality singing show may be great exposure for an artist, it ultimately can turn into a nightmare for many creative geniuses. Shows such as “American Idol” and “The Voice” solely care about money, only managing their artists to make profits for them until they are not popular anymore.

Additionally, why should the judges of these shows be allowed to criticize an artist based on one song? The judges on many of these reality singing shows are not artists themselves. It is not fair to the artist to have someone judging them simply based on looks, persona

of music brings the wrong message to musicians that are trying to prove themselves as artists.

As a musician myself, I would be horrified to hear from someone who does not play an instrument that I am not worthy of writing and performing music.

These singing shows tell artists that the only way that one can be successful in the music industry is by performing one song in front of a group of judges, where they tell an artist whether or not they are good enough to make music.

Music is not about a judge telling an artist that he or she cannot perform. A judge telling an artist that the musician cannot perform is demeaning towards the person’s attitude and confidence.

Music stems from playing; an artist must have creative freedom in order to play well, which is a luxury that is not available to winners of reality singing shows.

Page 26

ENTERTAINMENT EASTSIDE

June 2015

Students question the authenticity of psychics 93% of people surveyed have never had a psychic reading before With the prevalance of television mediums and online psychics, Eastside investigated whether East students believe in clairvoyants. Out of all of the students surveyed, the majority do not believe in psychic abilities. There are over 25 psychics within a 20-mile radius of East, many of whom work out of their homes. Typically a psychic reading includes tarot cards, a palm reading and astrological predictions.

91% of people surveyed do not believe psychics can accurately predict one’s future 71% of people surveyed believe psychics are just for entertainment rather than actual predictions

Horoscopes for the month of June Art by Brielle Clearfield (‘15)/ Eastside Entertainment Edtior

Art by Tammy Stahl (‘16)/ Eastside Staff

AQUARIUS January 21 - February 19

PISCES

February 20 - March 20

Try to take care of the Don’t let your personal partner needs of those you love. hold you back or slow you Don’t give in too quick down. Large organizations ly. Sudden romantic may try to talk you out of your infatuations could lead to a significant and hard-earned cash. You can make money if you prosperous connection. Misunderstandings work on personal investments. It’s time to let loose. could cause confusion and upset.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21

GEMINI May 22 - June 21

Sudden disruptions will You will enjoy interacting with cause upset and a those who come from differchange of routine in your ent backgrounds. You’ll have home environment. Sudgreat insight. Try to think things den good fortune will help you cover your through. Try not to get into debts. Take care of any paperwork condisputes that will lead to estrangements. Your cerning institutional agencies. Your luckiest luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday. events of the month will occur on a Tuesday.

LEO

VIRGO

July 23 - August 23

August 24 - September 23

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Take part in stimulating You can pick up information debates that will allow that will give you an edge. You you to show off your intelneed to concentrate on the ligence. Go out with areas where you can make friends and avoid the a difference. You can get your point across and situation on the home front. You will attract make valuable connections. Tell your romantic new love interests. partner you need more time for your friends.

October 24 - November 22

You can make a big difference to children if you are understanding of the difficulties they are experiencing. Compromise may be necessary. Positive changes regarding your personal status are evident.

November 22 - December 21

You could be tempted to over spend on unnecessary items.

Avoid confrontations with co-workers who aren’t pulling their weight. Risky ventures may turn in your favor.

Ideas may sound good, but be careful if people are just looking for handouts.

ARIES

March 21 - April 20

You’ll find it easy to deal with government agencies or large institutions. You may have a problem dealing with elders. This will not be the best month for communication or travel. You must take care of health problems that have been lingering. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

CANCER June 22 - July 22

Art investment will pay big dividends in the long term.

You will meet new and exciting people if you attend social activities or sporting events. Minor health problems may lower your vitality. You must be extremely careful not to let relatives or friends interfere in your personal life.

LIBRA

September 24 - October 23

Follow through on some of the good ideas that come up, and you could have a real winner of a deal. Put some energy into getting back into shape. Listen to reason. Call a good friend. You will not be able to trust someone you work with.

CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20

Secret affairs will only lead to heartache. Catch up on correspondence. Be careful when dealing with loved ones. Family get-togethers will be interesting.

Art by Spencer Maussner (‘16)/ Eastside Staff Horoscopes courtesy of www.astrology-online.com

UNDERGROUND

June 2015

EASTSIDE

Page 27

Local illustrator creates bright and fun artwork

ed illustrator in the Philadelphia art scene. Since the success of the Keds line, Grosch has worked with It would not be a surprise if Elnumerous big companies including eanor Grosch lived in the Animal Microsoft, Target and Urban OutKingdom, for birds, panthers and fitters. lions come to life in Grosch’s illusWhile she was gaining public extrations. However, posure by creating art Grosch does not for large companies, even live remotely Grosch stopped handin an Animal Kingdrawing her prints and dom; she lives in an started using computer urban jungle. software such as Adobe Grosch lived in Illustrator for designs Tampa, Florida, and Adobe Photoshop when she became for textures. She cominterested in movbines the work from ing to Philadelphia. both softwares to creShe did not move to ate her art prints. She the City of Brothuses software for her erly Love to purart because of the speed sue art but instead technology brings to the left due to her conprintmaking process. tempt for Tampa’s Grosch’s designs dating scene. combine bold and vivid “[I moved to colors with playful geoPhiladelphia bemetric shapes. While cause] I wanted to Grosch has created art find a boyfriend... for various companies, My best friend and one subject sticks out I had been striking amongst her work: aniout on the dating mals. scene in Tampa, “I really love the and we thought of animals...

Courtesy of Eleanor Grosch forms we’d give another Grosch’s Tour de France posters use bright colors and geometric shapes. there’s something more city a try. It was an interesting about the exciting time, and I actually met my design jobs I had been doing for peoforts on other artistic ventures. way they look than nearly anything husband about a month after movple and the art prints I was selling Grosch’s big break came in 2006 else,” said Grosch. ing,” said Grosch. that I actually had enough money... when she collaborated with the canEvery artist has his or her signaEver since Grosch could rememEvery year I wonder if it [will] work vas shoe brand Keds on a line of anture style. For Grosch, it is her mix ber, she was of playful and conteminterested in porary shapes with creating illusimages of animals. Art trations for a appeals to every artist living.

Grosch for different reasons. wanted to spend For some, it may be her life creating self-expression; othart. More speers may create art for cifically, creattheir own personal ing drawings of pleasure. Grosch creanimals. ates her art for a dif“I had been ferent reason. interested in “I love meeting drawing from challenges and figurthe get-go.

I ing out how to create wanted to find a a clever interaction of job as an animal shapes. Once I’ve [findrawer, and the ished a piece], I feel closest actual amazing,” said Grojob a person can sch. have to that deCurrently, Grosch scription is [an] continues to make illustrator, so I art prints. Her more was set on that,” recent work includes said Grosch.

Tour de France postWhen Grosch ers and a stationery Courtesy of Eleanor Grosch line. Although Grocompleted high school, she went Some of Grosch’s favorite pieces of her own include her new “Bedtime Stories” pieces. sch may not live in the on to study art Animal Kingdom, her in college. After receiving a Bachagain this time around and for the imal print shoes. The line became a illustrations sure do as a result of elor of Arts degree in fine art from last ten years it has,” said Grosch. huge triumph for Grosch, and she her unique take on feathered and the University of South Florida in Grosch started her career as a soon earned her place as a respectfurry friends.

■ By Julia Rothkoff (‘16)

Eastside Underground Editor

Tampa, she realized that she could make enough money by selling art prints. “[I realized I could do art for a living] a few years after I graduated from college. I realized...between all the little illustration and graphic

Philadelphia artist in the rock poster scene, designing gig posters for well-known bands like Wilco, Death Cab for Cutie and Bright Eyes.

However, Grosch soon discovered that designing rock posters does not pay very well, so she focused her ef-

Out of the Vault: Yu-Gi-Oh Cards change with the anime scene ■ By Jared Fisch (‘18)

Eastside Staff

Yu-Gi-Oh is a Japanese trading card game published by Konami. Konami is a developer of toys ranging from card games like Yu-Gi-Oh to video games like Dance Dance Revolution. YuGi-Oh took off in 1999 and has not looked back, selling over 25 billion cards since its founding and earning itself a Guinness World Record.

Yu-Gi-Oh is derived from the very popular anime of the same name. Anime is a Japanese form of television and animation that has become a global phenomenon with millions of followers and fans. Yu-Gi-Oh, similar to Pokémon, is a game played by children generally between the ages of eight through twelve. The goal of the game is for a player to reduce his or her opponent’s “Life Points” to zero with each player starting with 8,000. The game may seem simple, but gets complicated with many types of cards and possible moves to make.

In 2002, Upper Deck, best known for its baseball cards, began selling Yu-Gi-Oh cards in hopes of catching some of the excitement and profit generated from the anime pandemonium which was spreading all over the world. In 2008, Upper Deck experienced some trouble as the founders at Konami accused Upper Deck of selling “unau-

thorized cards.” Upper Deck fired back and many lawsuits ensued. Konami ended up with the upper hand and continued to be the only authorized

Julia Rothkoff (‘16)/ Eastside Underground Editor

Yu-Gi-Oh Cards can be found at Target.

seller of Yu-Gi-Oh. Konami is still currently the only company authorized to manufacture the extremely popular card game.

Considering Yu-Gi-Oh is as old as most of the freshmen at East, it is still running strong with

the release of a premium gold set of cards that came out in early March 2015. Sadly, the card game industry has been on a decline b e cause of the new advancements i n video games. These advancements greatly affect card games like Yu-GiOh. Although Yu-Gi-Oh has lost popularity, new digital versions keep the game alive.

Digital versions of the pop- Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art ular card game Director can be found on many gaming systems including Playstation, Xbox, Game Boy and Wii. Yu-Gi-Oh also has its own movies and television shows.

One could correctly say that Yu-Gi-Oh has built itself an empire as one of the biggest figures in anime and card-game culture. The card superpower still dominates many aspects of anime and will continue to do so as anime progresses and changes.

Page 28

UNDERGROUND EASTSIDE

June 2015

Philadelphia area Best Coast disappoints with major label debut of the album, clearly displaying strumentation throughout this Consentino’s progression from entire piece, which makes it a hosts a multitude insecurity into ultimate rage. true standout. “California nights/ Composed of Bethany CosenThe title track of the album, me feel so happy/ I could of Underground tino and Bobb Bruno, Best Coast “California Nights,” takes listen- Make die” only further emphasizes the is known for its beachy rock aners on an experience all in itself.

California spirit. concerts in the thems. Consentino prides herself The distortion used throughout “Wasted Time” is the closing as not only a vocalist, but also the song adds a shimmery quality song of the album and begins a songwriter and guitarist. to the music, elevating listeners with mysterious and quiet inSummer of 2015 asBruno adorns the guitar and can to another realm. Consentino’s strumentals comparative to the ■ By Ashley Cooper (‘17)

Eastside Community Editor

Theater of the Living Arts - June 4: Josh Garrels - June 5: Lil Dicky - June 6: Beanie Sigel - June 7: SBTRKT - June 11: DMX - June 21: Justin Furstenfeld - June 26: Curren$y - June 27: My City Live Music Festival - July 2: Marianas Trench - July 29: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - August 16: Tokio Hotel

Union Transfer - June 14: Best Coast - June 15: Courtney Barnett - June 17: The Dillinger Escape Plan - July 9: Mudhoney - July 10: Death Grips - July 12: The New Pornographers - July 13: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - July 14: toe - August 1: Laura Marling - August 2: KMFDM - August 5: The Thurston Moore Band - August 14: Basement

Underground Arts - June 9: The Very Best & Heems - June 15: Clean Bandit - June 19: Soul Asylum - June 21: CJ Ramone & Shonen Knife with Quintron & Miss Pussycat - June 25: Rootz Underground - July 1: Melvins - July 8: Black Breath, Ringworm, & Theories - July 9: Pyramid Kabaka & Iba Mahr with Koro Fyah

World Cafe Live - June 2: Miss Tess and the Talkbacks - June 4: River Whyless - June 11: Songhoy Blues - June 21: The Hunts - June 23: honeyhoney - July 8: EmiSunshine - July 17: Philly Gumbo - July 25: The Mumbles - July 28: The Accidentals - August 8: Philip Selway - August 24: Justin Hayward

even function as a multi-instruvocals float over all of the other delicate sounds of frogs from lily mentalist. Since the band formed musical instruments, possessing pad to lily pad. Although the song back in 2009 in Los Angeles, it a certain dizzying quality. Conproves to be one of many disapis fitting that the band’s pointments, the lyricism is third LP should be named actually to a higher qualCalifornia Nights. ity in this song. “All of this California Nights wasted time/ Just wish that opens with “Feeling Ok,” I had something to show for a song that initially takes it,” Consentino sings, once on a pretty basic sound. again lamenting.

As the song progresses, This song is an awkward it seamlessly transitions end to the album; it does into an alarmingly popnot appear to be a driven induced piece. The popor ambitious enough track punk vocals of Consento add an overall closure to tino are so carefree that an LP. It would work better music lovers are simply as a “filler” song within the drawn to its presence. album.

“Baby look at me with While California Nights those eyes I prey/ When I had much potential, it falls get down I get so down,” short of its full capability. pleads Consentino, causEvery song on the album ing listeners to feel a bit sounds similar, bringing of empathy. This song any listener of the full alis undoubtedly one of bum to the unavoidable Consentino’s strongest point of boredom. Though in term of vocal pertracks such as “California formance. As ConsenNights” and “Heaven Sent” tino croons out, “Today I are good pieces, they get Courtesy of Harvest Records know I feel ok,” she sets The album artwork of California Nights fea- lost within the translaa powerful precedent for tures Consentino and Bruno standing before an tion of such a tedious and the rest of the album. expansive California skyline. constantly monotonous al“Feeling Ok” ends with bum. Overall, there are a an exciting finale of both few good tracks from this beachy guitar riffs and Consensentino sings out, “I fly through album, but as a whole the LP tino’s constant repeating of the my mind,” finally showing her simply does not mesh in order to words “Feeling Ok.” true range. Bruno uses great inform a solid record.

“Heaven Sent” is an infectious pop tune that is reminiscent of ‘80s music culture.

With lyrics such as “I think you are Heaven sent,” Consentino speaks of her childlike and total adoration of another. Definitely one of the best songs off of the album, “Heaven Sent” features cool rhythms through the drums introduced halfway through the song. The bridge of the piece features very memorable drumbeats Melvin Chilewich, JD Ted Bross, Ed. D and passionate vocals; everything about this piece screams “hit-worthy.” The song ceases with an eerie SHM College Planners and fascinating guitar riff, which manages to totally enchant listeners.

During “In My Eyes,” Consentino uses a kind of bratty vocal to convey her emotion. With lyrics such as “I treated you badly, we ended so sadly,” the elemenSHM College Planners will help you: tary nature of Consentino’s lyricism is displayed. Nonetheless, the lyric “You’re in my eyes” is an interestingly poetic play on words. The guitar riffs, music beats and progression used throughout the song greatly outweigh the substantiality of Consentino’s vocals. This song establishes a certain similarity between itself and “Fine Without You,” both songs slowly fading 856-854-2224 away into their cease.

“Jealousy” uses Consentino’s vocals to its advantage. Once again adorning pop-punk vocals throughout the song, Consentino angrily asks, “What do you see/ We share the same cares, the same ideas/ Why don’t you like me/ What’s with the jealousy?” Consentino Suite 305 then proceeds to sing “shachil56@comcast.net lalalalala” following the chorus, still wrapping the beach themes into all of her music. These are certainly www.Shmfinancial.com some of the best lyrics off

Anxieties, confused, fear of acquiring huge student debt?

4). $PMMFHF 1MBOOFST

UNDERGROUND

June 2015

EASTSIDE

Facebook makes local transactions easy ■ By Jacob Borowsky (‘16)

Eastside Underground Editor

dom household items. East students Miles West (’17) and Jose Andino (’17) are frequent traders on shoerelated trading pages in the Philadelphia-South Jersey area.

Andino cited the immediacy, typically high profit margin and ease of setting up Facebook deals as primary reasons why he does most of his transactions on Facebook. West buys his shoes to wear them instead of just trading them, but after he has gotten a fair amount of use out of them, he says he usually trades them on one of many local trading pages.

“It’s really tough to sell on eBay, especially tough to make a profit, but with ‘Buy/Sell’ pages you can do a cash exchange, which is easier, and make a larger profit,” West said.

Additionally, West said

that the many different niche pages has made trading far easier. As someone with big feet, he said that local page “Size 12 Shoes” has made the trading process far easier.

West also said that trading on Facebook is helpful for gaining a record of trustworthiness amongst other traders.

“The good thing about the Facebook page is that when you meet people and make connections, you can [meet again] and they can tell other people on the page that you’re [reliable],” West said.

Popular local pages include “TSN Marketplace PS GS,” “Buy/Sell Kicks South Jersey,” “Cherry HillPennsauken-Moorestown,” and many more. For easy, hassle-free transactions, joining one of these groups might be a good choice.

Facebook has created for itself a virtual monopoly of the social media industry.

It is a primary website used by all ages for instant mesasging, group messaging, sharing other internet content and connecting with anyone in the world. Of the site’s many uses and features, however, the newest and possibly most innovative so far is its usefulness as a transaction or trading website. Local pages make buying or trading items of all sorts easier than ever before.

In many ways, it can be said that local trading pages only serve as lesser imitations of Craigslist, the better known online advertising and transaction website. It is comparable to eBay as well, but on a more local level, as many transactions are done over online payment services like PayPal. Still, Facebook trading pages are considered by many to be superior because of their personalized and informal feel. Traders will know who they are trading with by name, maintaining accountability despite the informality of Facebook transactions.

Local residents including East students are using local pages to trade Screenshot by Jacob Borowsky (‘16)/ Eastside Underground Editor used clothing, unwanted Facebook groups such as “Trade-Buy-Sell Feet Heat furniture and other ran- Philly” make local online transactions easy.

Page 29

Underground editors give their picks for the best summer songs Go to Eastside_radio on Soundcloud to listen to the mix

Jacob’s Summer 2015 Playlist

1. Kendrick Lamar - “County Building Blues” 2. Kanye West - “Champion”

3. Tame Impala - “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” 4. J. Cole - “Can’t Get Enough (feat. Trey Songz)” 5. Nujabes - “Horizon” 6. Mac Miller - “Senior Skip Day” 7. Cypria - “Let’s Go” 8. Snoop Dogg - “Ain’t No Fun (feat. Warren G & Nate Dogg)” 9. Vic Mensa - “Lovely Day” 10. Kanye West - “We Major (feat. Nas & Really Doe)” 11. Madvillain - “Curls” 12. Outkast - “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik” 13. Kendrick Lamar - “The Recipe (feat. Dr. Dre)” 14. Gucci Mane - “Lemonade” 15. D’Angelo - “Ain’t That Easy” 16. 50 Cent - “P.I.M.P.” 17. XXYYXX - “Fields” 18. Hodgy Beats - “Lately” 19. Alina Baraz & Galimatias - “Fantasy” 20. R. Kelly - “Ignition (Remix)” 21. Game - “Hate It or Love It (feat. 50 Cent)”

Logo by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director Photos by Jacob Borowsky (‘16)/ Eastside Underground Editor

We asked...

Did you ever own Yu-Gi-Oh cards?

What is the best item you’ve ever found at a garage sale?

What is one underground song you would add to your summer playlist?

What concert do you want to go to most this summer?

22. Kendrick Lamar - “Money Trees (feat. Jay Rock)” 23. Action Bronson - Easy Rider

Julia’s Summer 2015 Playlist

1. Nine Inch Nails - “Somewhat Damaged” 2. Pixies - “Wave of Mutilation” 3. Queen - “I’m In Love With My Car” 4. Beat Happening - “Indian Summer”

Maureen Garafano (‘18)

No

A Barbie

Childish Gambino “Sweatpants”

5. The Jesus and Mary Chain - “Just Like Honey” Nick Jonas

6. PAWS - “Sore Tummy” 7. Plushgun - “Just Impolite” 8. Brand New - “Jesus Christ” 9. Neutral Milk Hotel - “Holland, 1945”

Skyler Colton (‘17)

Yes

A light-up yo-yo

Flosstradamus “God’s Whisper”

J. Cole

10. Sonic Youth - “Schizophrenia” 11. Mudhoney - “Touch Me I’m Sick” 12. Rage Against the Machine - “Killing In The Name” 13. Joy Division - “No Love Lost” 14. LCD Soundsystem - “Someone Great”

Yvonne Olayemi (‘16)

Yes

A boat

Justine Skye “10 Bands”

J. Cole

15. Wolf Parade - “I’ll Believe In Anything” 16. New Order - “Age Of Consent” 17. The Kinks - “This Time Tomorrow” 18. Arcade Fire - “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)” 19. David Bowie - “Life On Mars?”

Jena Blum (‘15)

Yes

A tanktop with a Marina & the monkey listening D i a m o n d s to music on it “Blue”

20. Operators - “Start Again” Mad Decent

21. The Velvet Underground - “Heroin” 22. Elliott Smith - “Needle In The Hay” 23. Queens of the Stone Age - “Song For The Dead”

SPORTS

Page 30

EASTSIDE

June 2015

From the little league field to the collegiate level

■ By Luke Hinrichs (‘17)

Eastside Sports Editor

It is uncommon for best friends to commit to the same Division I school for different sports, but it is exceptionally rare for best friends to commit to the same Division I school for the same sport. Brian Stamm (’16) and Ian Sheekey (’16) will be playing lacrosse at High Point University following their high school careers at East.

The strong friendship between Stamm and Sheekey goes back many years. Sheekey was the new kid on the block, and as luck would have it, the boy next door would become a life-long best friend and teammate. Stamm and Sheekey met in the fourth grade at Stockton Elementary School. In these early years, the two spent most of their free time playing sports and hanging out.

At a young age they both picked up lacrosse sticks and started playing at the same local club team.

In high school, the fun and games slowed down and sports made their friendship more serious.

“East lacrosse made our friendship into a more mature lacrossebased one. In earlier years we were just having fun and messing around, but when we got to high school, we realized we could get recruited for this and that we can extend our lacrosse careers,” said Sheekey.

In any team sport, team chemistry is vital for success. With such a strong friendship off the field, Sheekey and Stamm bring

their chemistry into their game play, which allows them to build off of each other. They are able to move the ball up the field with ease and can seamlessly make plays.

With Stamm defending the net and Sheekey down low playing attack as a goal scorer, the two are reliant on each other’s actions.

“I know when I am bringing the ball up, I can dish it off to him easily,” said Stamm.

Stamm verbally committed to High Point University on July 31, 2014, the summer going into his junior year at East. At the time, Sheekey was undecided and still talking to college coaches.

After the High Point coach came out to Courtesy of Brian Stamm watch Stamm, he saw Sheekey Ian Sheekey (‘16) and Brian Stamn (‘16) hug during a play, and his game. The two will be teammates in college as well. play caught the

2014-2015 makes

coach’s interest.

“I honestly had no idea High Point and Sheekey were talking until the head coach asked me about Sheekey and I was all for it. I told Sheekey it is a great opportunity.

I was really excited when Sheekey made the verbal commitment,” said Stamm.

Now, as both are verbally committed, they are preparing for Division I lacrosse.

With two separate goals, Stamm working to be better, faster and stronger, and Sheekey trying to reach his personal one-hundred goals by the end of his high school career, they come together ready to contribute to East and the team’s playoff hopes.

The friendship, which was built on recess and playtime, is coming to fruition, as both Sheekey and Stamm look to play side-by-side at the collegiate level.

“College will bring a new environment that will mature our friendship even further. All in all, I believe we will be friends for the rest of our lives,” said Sheekey.

Playing a sport is not just as simple as playing a game. A sport becomes a major component of the player’s life. Sports provide opportunities to build bonds that last a lifetime with one’s teammates and the bond between teammates is unlike any other relationship or interaction.

“It is awesome to have my best friend committed to the same school as me, giving us the opportunity to continue our lacrosse careers together,” Stamm said. “We started together in fifth grade and we will most likely finish our careers together in college.”

its mark on history...

Boys’ Swimming broke the records for the: -200 Medley Relay - Duncan Brookover, Nick Rosa, David Rowe, Pat Gilooly (1:34.33) -50 Freestyle - Pat Gilooly (21.17) -100 Butterfly - David Rowe (50.08) -100 Freesyle - Pat Gilooly (47.00) -200 Freestyle Relay - Pat Gilooly, Danny Aronson, David Rowe, Duncan Brookover (1:25.63) -400 Freestyle Relay (3:09.20) Boys’ Lacrosse: -Beat Washington Township at Township -Beat Eastern at home -Brandon Stern (‘15) was the second East boys’ lacrosse player to ever get over 100 goals in a career -Evan Campbell (‘17) broke the school record with six assists in one game

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

Boys’ Cross Country: -Won the State Championship -Became the fastest Group IV team to run in the State Championship at 16:27 -Came in 3rd place at the NJ Meet of Champions Boys’ Track: -Won the Distance Medley in 10:23 - Dan Helfand (1200), Vladimir Theophile (400), Isaiah Jean-Baptiste (800), Aaron Groff (1600) -Won the 4 x 800 in 8:03 - Aaron Groff, Christian Mele, Dan Helfand, Isaiah Jean-Baptiste Boys’ Basketball: -Most wins in a single season in East history -Best playoff record for East -Jake Silpe (‘15): most career steals in history -Jake Silpe (‘15): most steals in a single game -Tim Perry (‘16): most blocks in a single season

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

(856) 616-8808

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

SPORTS

June 2015

EASTSIDE

Page 31

East’s senior athletes commit to college DIVISION 1

Jake Casey - Diving

Towson University

Terry Hall - Track

Bucknell University

Jon Hansen - Baseball

George Mason University

Dan Helfand - Cross Country/Track

United States Naval Academy

Mike Kueny - Rowing

University of Delaware

Monica Lee - Cross Country/Track

Rutgers University - New Brunswick

Kyle Lochbihler - Soccer

St. Joseph’s University

Ethan O’Neil - Diving

University of Wisconsin

Emily Rimdzius - Soccer

Seton Hall University

Mackenzie Ropka - Swimming

Gardner Webb University

David Rowe - Swimming

Seton Hall University

Jake Silpe - Basketball

University Of Pennsylvania

Brandon Stern - Lacrosse

Penn State University

Allyson Wolf - Tennis

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Sam Amon - Ice Hockey

Muhlenberg College

Tim Cintron - Swimming

Fairmont State University

Nikki Zaso - Soccer

West Chester University

DIVISION 2

DIVISION 3

Danny Aaronson - Swimming

University of Rochester

Kendall Boardman - Softball

Neumann University

Jeff Braun - Cross Country/ Track

Carnegie Mellon University

Julianna Fabricius - Volleyball

Carbrini College

Chris Hammerquist - Lacrosse

Stevenson University

Natalia Majkut - Volleyball

Montclair State University

Christian Mele - Cross Country/ Track

Alvernia University

Jude Misko - Wrestling

Rowan University

Brett Olin - Cross Country/Track

Stevenson University

Darby O’Rourke - Soccer

Rosemont College

Shayna Ostrow - Soccer

Wesley College

Sarah Powers - Lacrosse

Kean University

Gabriella Timuscuk - Swimming

Ursinus College

June 2015

SPORTS EASTSIDE

Eastside’s Athletes of the Year

Boys Honorable Mention:

Danny Aronson (‘15): Swimming

Duncan Brookover (‘16): Swimming Terry Hall (‘15): Track Jon Hansen (‘15): Baseball Dan Helfand (‘15): Cross Country/ Track Matt Mozzillo (‘15): Baseball/ Soccer Ethan O’Neill (‘15): Swimming Tim Perry (‘16): Basketball David Rowe (‘15): Swimming Ian Sheekey (‘16): Lacrosse Jake Silpe (‘15): Basketball Brian Stamm (‘16): Hockey/ Lacrosse Brandon Stern (‘15): Football/ Lacrosse Ryan Swenson (‘17): Wrestling

Girls Honorable Mention:

Kendall Boardman (‘15): Basketball/ Softball

Interview by Luke Hinrichs (‘17)/ Eastside Sports Editor

Aaron Groff (‘16) Cross Country/ Track -Currently undecided for college -4x All Olympic Conference Honoree -3200m School Record Holder -3x All South Jersey Selection -1st Team All Northeast -2014 All State for Cross-Country -2014 SJ Group IV 3200m Outdoor Champ -2015 SJ Group IV 3200m Indoor Champ -Finished 2nd in 2014 Group IV Cross Country Championship

Aliyah Godwin (‘15) Volleyball -1st Team All Conference

Kyra Gorman (‘16): Soccer/ Lacrosse

-1st Team All South Jersey

Lauren Kerner (‘17): Swimming Lauren Kotler (‘15): Lacrosse

-Team record for most assists in a single season (459 assists)

Basketball

Monica Lee (‘15): Cross Country/Track

-2013-2014 MVP

Natalia Majkut (‘15): Volleyball

-2013-2014 2nd Team All Conference

Emily Rimdzius (‘15): Soccer Mackenzie Ropka (‘15): Swimming Gabriella Timuscuk (‘15): Swimming Stephanie Yanasov (‘17): Tennis Nikki Zaso (‘15): Soccer/ Lacrosse

Aaron Groff: It’s awesome.

I was not expecting it at all. There are a lot of stellar athletes at East, especially in the senior class, so this is definitely an honor.

LH: How has the East running program influenced you as a person and as an athlete?

AG: The biggest thing is definitely the coach, Matt Cieslik. He has taught me more than just how to run. He has taught me life lessons that will stay with me for the rest of my life. As an athlete I have matured a lot mentally.

I have learned not only how to handle

anything while running, but also I learned how to handle any situation that may come my way later in life.

LH: What does running mean to you as an athlete?

AG: It is something more than just a sport or winning. It is something that I love and it is something that I share with my teammates who love running just as much as me. It is not just a sport at this point, it is a lifestyle for me. Yeah, it takes your life over, but it is my passion and I can see myself running until the day I die.

LH: What goes through your head when you cross the finish line?

AG: It depends on the race, honestly, but I try not to think about it in the moment. I just go out and run. Every race is difficult. You put yourself through so much pain and sometimes when it doesn’t always work out, it is discouraging. But it is probably one of the best feelings in the world crossing that finish line, knowing you put everything out there, then getting the results that show all the work and pain you went through.

LH: What are your goals for your senior year?

AG: For cross country I would like to lead East to another Group IV State Championship and hopefully finish top ten at the Nike Cross Nationals, which I was at this year in Oregon.

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

Kelsey Gorman (‘16): Socceer/Lacrosse

Noel Hartey (‘15): Soccer/ Lacrosse

LH: What does it mean to you to be awarded Eastside’s Male Athlete of the Year?

Page 32

-Four-year Varsity player -2014-2015 Most Hustle Award -Averaged 11 points per game -Averaged 6 rebounds per game

Interview by Courtney Finnegan (‘17)/ Eastside Sports Editor

year. Basketball has played a big part, too, since some of my closest friends are from basketball.

CF: What does it mean to you to be awarded Eastside’s Female Athlete of the Year?

CF: What were your goals for your senior year volleyball and basketball seasons?

Aliyah Godwin: Since I was little, sports have been a big part of my life and it’s kind of cool to be recognized for the things I’ve done throughout high school, especially because I’m not playing next year and it’s not going to be a huge part of my future next year.

CF: Which sport, volleyball or basketball, has made a greater impact on your life?

AG: In terms of high school, probably volleyball because it was something new and considering it’s a fall sport, it was the first sport of the year that allowed me to make so many new friends freshman

AG: Each sport was a little bit different but sort of the same in the way that the team and I both really wanted to get further in our seasons than we did in previous seasons, and we did, which is great. For volleyball, we made it to a couple rounds in the playoffs, which was a really cool experience and I’ve never been past one round of playoffs for volleyball. Basketball was also the same because this year we made it to playoffs, which is something that hasn’t happened for us in a few years.

But also my major goal was to be a leader and work with the other seniors to lead the team into doing better things.

CF: How have the East volleyball and basketball programs influenced you as a person and as an athlete?

AG: It helped prove that I can be a leader and it helped me get out there more since I’m a kind of shy person. The programs definitely forced me to open up and meet new people and try new things.

It’s really been a stepping stone in getting to be more social.

Photo by Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor