Eastside: March 2018

www.eastside-online.org

Vol. 51 No. 6

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

March 2018

Child actors horse around in “The Music Man”

play,’ and I was like, ‘I can do that,’” said Heljenek. “I’m an equestrian, I Eastside News/Features Editor ride, I know people. I can do that.”

When it comes to unconventional Heljenek revealed that the origiactors, this year’s spring musical, nal horse that she recommended for “The Music Man,” was certainly not the role, Jett, didn’t make the final kidding around. cut due to a lack of insurance covWhile the cast list mainly conerage. After this complication, Jake sisted of typical East students in came to mind. grades nine through twelve “It was a very big process,” said who have continuously lit up Heljenek. “But it all worked out the East stage, 18 child actors perfectly.” from throughout the CherHeljenek knew Jake and his ry Hill community and a owner, an animal behavSouth Jersey horse iorist named Crystal were featured as Perkins Harms, from well. the barn that she “There’s nothcommonly rode ing about this at in Medford. year that’s differHarms was willent than any other ing to help Heljenyear. I didn’t wake ek obtain the perup one morning fect horse for “The and think, ‘I want Music Man” and to put kids in the happily let her show,’” said direcpresent Jake to tor Mr. Thomas Weaver, though Weaver. “But evHeljenek and ery show requires her father had a certain type of the responsibility character… and of finding a trailer this show just refor the gigantic quires kids. It’s horse. the way it’s writ“[Harms] is ten.” a really nice Ojasvita Reddy (‘21)/ For Eastside person,” In “The Music said Man,” characters In preparation for opening night, the kids develop chemistry with their “family units.”

Heljenek. “She such as Amaryl[was] at the play lis and Winthrop to make sure evwere played by local children beand little kids. When you look at stage much more believable. erything [worked] out… She’s been tween the ages of nine and eleven. it from an audience’s point of view Though Jake’s role in “The Music really helpful.”

These two characters were douand you can see that diversity in Man” was rather simple, his jourThough the journey was not ble-cast, meaning that two actors age, the families look that much ney to the East stage was anything easy, Heljenek and Weaver’s efforts played each lead role, with fourteen more realistic.” but that. to bring atypical actors to the East single-cast ensemble characters Because no students at the high “We didn’t choose the horse as stage paid off. Both were confident playing their same role for every school level could portray the child much as the horse chose us,” saidthat, though the roles may not be show. roles in the way they were intendWeaver. leads, Jake and the 18 children In past years, Weaver explained, ed, Weaver looked beyond the brick Kaleigh Heljenek (‘21), a student brought a new dimension to the cast he and his co-director, Mr. Pete walls of Cherry Hill East and adequestrian taking Weaver’s play that the audience had yet to see and Gambino, have been able to cast a vertised this acting opportunity to production class, was eager to pitch were grateful for the opportunity to freshman or sophomore who looks children throughout the rest of the in to make the play the best it could be involved in the experience. young enough to successfully take district. be.

“I’m so happy I got to be a part on the role of a child, but there simChildren who were interested “I was in play production class of [having Jake in the show],” said ply weren’t any East students aucould come to East to go through a one day and Mr. Weaver [told Heljenek. I feel lucky that I got to ditioning this year who f i t fun yet thorough audition process us] ‘We want a live horse in our contribute to this and see it unfold.” that lasted around two hours. The auditions sampled the singing and dancing abilities of about ■ By Ali Koenig (‘20)

this description. Whenever possible throughout the casting process, Weaver will give a role to an East student over an actor from outside of the school.

“The show has what we call family units,” said Weaver, describing the role of the children. “In order to complete a family unit, you have a mother, father, teenage children

55 hopeful actors and were very similar to the audition process that East students go through.

These eighteen children were not the only non-East actors making their debuts: the stage welcomed a horse named Jake to pull the Wells Fargo wagon in a single scene. Weaver explained that while having a live horse was not absolutely essential to the plot, it — like the “fami l y units” — made everything that the audience saw on the

Ojasvita Reddy (‘21)/ For Eastside

East students collaborate in rehearsal with young actors.

Inside This Issue

Holiday Squad Enjoys a Turkey Lunch in A-Wing News/Features, Pg. 3

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

CHPD Works Closely with K-9s Community, Pg. 6

The Cougars Prepare for a New Season Sports, Pg. 19

NEWS/FEATURES

What’s new in course selection?

Page 2

EASTSIDE

New junior year physics curriculum sets in motion

March 2018

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

ment only for the freshman class, when the sophomore class begins its junior year course selection, their guidance counselors will be strongly encouraging their students to select physics.

The physics teachers are strongly encouraging students of the sophomore class, and of all classes, to take physics as well.

“I absolutely, 100 percent recommend that all students who haven’t taken physics yet take it.” said Mr. Lon Leibowitz, an East physics teacher.

W h e n asked, all members of the Physics Department seem to agree with Leibowitz.

“I’d love

the New Jersey Biology Competency Test (NJBCT), but starting in the spring of 2018, students will be taking a more generalized science assessment rather than a biology assessment.

“The state is changing their testing,” Brandreth said. “Currently, the state has an end-ofcourse biology test, and my understanding of it is rather than having end-of-year tests in each individual course, they decided to do one comprehensive science test at the end of junior year.”

This new cumulative test will assess students predominantly on the do-

the sophomore and junior classes who will not be taking physics, there will be changes put in place in the current curriculums in other science courses so those students will still be able to successfully take the assessment. There will be curriculum changes for the students in the current freshman class, as well, so that they will be able to pass the test too.

“There is going to be work to the curriculum to ensure that within biology, chemistry and physics that the Earth science and the planetary science standards are infused into those courses,” said

quirements and are not required to take physics. You are still required to take three sciences, two lab sciences and biology but not required to take physics.

These are the requirements for the sophomore class, as well. Although, now that physics is a require-

to see everybody take physics,” Mr. Mark Brandreth, an East physics teacher, said. “I think everybody should take physics.”

This addition of physics as a graduation requirement is due to the state changing its curriculum.

As of now, students take

mains of biology, chemistry and physics.

Although the members of the current sophomore and junior classes are not required to take physics, they are still required to sit for the assessment test. For the members of

East principal Dr. Dennis Perry.

With these changes to the curriculum, one can expect the freshmen and beyond to learn a lot more about why science matters.

■ By Karissa Murray (‘20)

to introduce Mandarin into the school curriculum?

“There was a community push for a new language,” said Scott Goldthorp, a district curriculum supervisor.

One strong advocate for this change was the Chinese Language Initiative Group (CLIG), which formed in 2011 and had for years been pushing to bring some more diversity to the languages offered at East.

“We’ve pointed out to them numerous times that we don’t have a world language group in Cherry Hill, we have a European language program,” Lisa Stanwyck, an advocate for CLIG, said to the Cherry Hill Sun last April.

All of the languages currently offered at both East and West and their respective teachers will remain unaffected by the addition of Mandarin to the curriculum. There will be one new teacher for the district who will teach all of the Chinese classes at both East and West.

There are no plans to bring the language to the middle school level at this time, as the shift is still in its very early stages.

“Ideally, if there is stu-

dent interest with level one, they will offer the class at level two next year, then three the following year, and so on,” Goldthorp said.

This new opportunity gives students a chance to learn more about another culture, or perhaps e v e n m o r e a b o u t t h e i r own.

It also provides variety for kids who love to learn new languages, or even a second chance for those who may not have excelled at the foreign languages currently offered at East, such as Spanish or French, to give learning a language a try.

“I think that it’s really cool that Chinese is finally part of the language program at East because there’s such a large number of Chinese students here. I feel like it’s nice that I have a chance to learn more about my culture, and it’s a really good chance for others who are interested to learn more about it,” said Meggie Lin (‘20).

If you do not have a Chinese background, it may seem like an extremely intimidating task to not only learn new words, but an en-

tirely new alphabet as well.

In many ways, though, Mandarin lacks some of the challenges East students tend to associate with foreign languages. The language has no tenses, no genders, and simple grammar, which is something no European language taught at East can boast.

C h i n a has one of the most booming and ever-expanding economies in the world, ranked just second behind the United States.

The country’s economy has grown an average of 10 percent a year since 1978, bringing 800 million of its citizens out of poverty. China exports over 500 billion dollars worth of goods to the US every year, so being fluent in Mandarin gives people a huge advantage over their peers, especially in the business world.

If the program takes off, by this time next year, the East community will have become a little bit more global, immersing students in a whole new world of Mandarin language and culture.

If Donald Trump’s presidency was not something America’s founders completely expected, then color me surprised. It’s in Federalist 51, “if all men were angels, no government would be necessary.”

There’s a reason we pay such close attention to that line in history courses, because it shows that the founders weren’t idealists. They knew that there would be less-than-exemplary people at the helm of the United States at least a few times over the course of history. They spent their lives crafting a defense mechanism to it.

When our government acts in a manner of which we don’t approve, it can be disenchanting, especially when, as is the case for most East students, voting is not an available means to effect change. Vocal criticism and rants help release the feelings of frustration and sometimes fury that can stem from our government’s actions (e.g. the column you are reading at this very moment), but are largely inconsequential.

Though the majority of us cannot vote, there is a way in which we can change our government from afar. It lies in one of the most quintessential rights that is guaranteed to us as citizens, but also the most overlooked: our First Amendment right to petition the government.

Call your senators and your representatives if there is something bothering you.

Vexed about the lack of gun control in the United States? Call your reps. Does the government’s constant funding of welfare programs boil your blood? Call your reps. Tell them exactly what you want them to do.

There is, of course, the counterpoint that we’re just kids. The government won’t listen to us. Even if that were true, the vast majority of us will be 18 by November 2020, which is when Senator Cory Booker is up for re-election; Senator Bob Menendez (or whoever holds his seat after 2018) needs your vote in 2024; if Donald Norcross hopes to continue serving as our congressman, he’s going to need your vote, too; all of them need your parents’ vote in 2018.

What I’m saying is this: it’s okay to be angry at the president. It’s okay to be angry about the current affairs of our government.

It’s even okay to rant about it until your throat is sore and you’re blue in the face.

But none of it will fix anything unless we, as citizens, take action.

Pro republica, we need to get involved, and in the face of our government, sooner rather than later.

Art by Noah Kaminer (‘18)/ Eastside Staff

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

■ By Giana Maccarella (‘20)

Eastside Staff

Biology.

Chemistry.

Physics. If you are a member of the freshman class, this is what your next three years at East are going to be required to look like. If you are a member of the sophomore class, this is what your next two years at East are going to be encouraged to look like. If you are a member of the junior and/or senior class at East, you have already fulfilled y o u r s c i ence r e -

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

Mandarin Chinese joins Language Department Eastside Staff

Most East students have likely received a bright orange piece of paper recently from Guidance, adorned with the words “Course Selection Info.” That neon sheet lets students know that it is once again time for schedule selection. For some, it is a monotonous task; for others, it can be very stressful, or maybe even exciting. But this year, something new stands out from the rest of the classes: students now have the option to take Chinese 1A/1H. A lot of people feel it is much overdue to have Chinese taught in American schools. Most surveys estimate there are at least one billion native Mandarin speakers in the world, making it the most spoken language o n the planet.

Here in America, there are close to 3 million M a n d a r i n speakers, making it the third-most spoken language in the country, behind English and Spanish.

So why has the Cherry Hill School District chosen

NEWS/FEATURES

March 2018

EASTSIDE

Festive Friends Feast:

Seniors spark in-school holiday tradition

name “The Always Sunny in Philadelphia Crew,” met For Eastside through mutual friends and have built a very closeOn November 22, a small knit friendship over group of seniors came the past year. into school wearing “We are really close suits and ties and and embedded and prepared a decorawe really couldn’t do tive holiday meal anything alone,” said during Lunch Break Rivera.

2 in the middle of AHowever, Thankswing. giving was not the “It was a half-day only holiday the boys and everyone was celebrated together. sad. It was a sad On the last day of time full of no holischool before winter day bonding,” said break, these seniors Kriswel Rivera (‘18). decided to unite once The five boys — again, celebrating a Dylan Harding (‘18), charming Christmas Evan Pelfrey (‘18), meal. These events Tim Welsch (‘18), have transpired twice Rivera and Seiji this school year so O’Brien (‘18) — deDrew Hoffman (‘18)/ Eastside Multimedia Director far. Furthermore, the cided to act against group plans to continthe student body’s The crew celebrates Thanksgiving. ue this tradition, as lack of enthusiasm at these meals are their school. makes it funny to us,” said take on a senior prank.

“I think it was Kriswel’s Harding.

“You can have a senior idea,” said Welsch. “Not However, the day was prank without ruining enough people were havdedicated to not only celpeople’s lives… It’s lighting the Thanksgiving spirit ebrating Thanksgiving, hearted and kind and funthat the school deserved. but also celebrating their ny, very wholesome,” said There was nothing, specififriendship.

Harding. cally about Thanksgiving.”

“I think it all comes down The boys as a whole folActing on these observato people viewing school as low the motto, “don’t make tions, the five boys orga[unpleasant]…but if you misery, make meals.” nized a meal, in which Peljust have a group of friends So, the next time you frey brought tables, Welsch together who have a simipass by A-wing intersecbrought dessert, Hardlar sense of humor, you can tion on a festive morning, ing brought tablecloths come together and make look out for a group of boys, and utensils and O’Brien something that is really smiling and laughing, celbrought drinks. In A-wing fun,” said Welsch. ebrating much more than a during Lunch Break 2, The boys, who go by the classic holiday. across from the auditori-

■ By Lauren Smith (‘20)

Math Help

um, the boys prepared their lunch.

“It’s so excessive and we put in a lot of work, which

Math Enrichment

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Page 3

Counselor’s son describes going to school with his mother ■ By Sam Grossman (‘19)

Eastside Staff

No, my mom is not my guidance counselor. No, she can’t change my grades. No, I’m not passing along your complaints about school to my mother.

Most students don’t understand what it’s like to have your parent work at school. It’s actually very nice. I don’t have to take the bus in the morning and always have a ride home.

Many students probably see my brother, Jordan, and me in the morning walking into the student entrance with her. Whenever I need money or a signature, I can just walk to the Guidance Office. The teachers easily remember my name when they realize I’m “Mrs. Grossman’s son.” A good thing about having a parent who works at East is that most of my teachers know my mom.

A big drawback of having a parent who works at East is that most of my teachers know my mom. Imagine if your parent personally knew all of your teachers.

That scenario is a reality for me and every other staff-kid. It’s not necessarily bad, but I can’t get away with anything. I have to assume everything I do or say in class will be recounted to my mother by the teacher in casual conversation.

I had a close call in ninth grade health when, during a lecture, I was telling a story to my friend that probably shouldn’t have been told at school. I must have been talking pretty loudly because the teacher threatened to send me to grade level.

“Why don’t you just send Sam to his MOM?!” someone called.

I quickly tried to steer the conversation back to birth control. Luckily, the teacher never said anything. The only way my mom could find out now is if I wrote about it in a school publication that anyone can read.

I don’t really see my mom around school much, though. Sometimes, other people will see her first and shout “Hey, it’s Sam’s MOM!” Sometimes, she’ll catch me by surprise, as on April 28, 2016: the perfect storm. It was Take Your Child to Work Day and my birthday. The bell had just rung, and I was walking out of English class.

In the hallway, to my horror, stood Mom and my two youngest siblings. They were holding “Happy Birthday” signs and making a big scene. A large crowd of students gathered around.

She stopped the busy hallway traffic to take pictures while everyone stood around watching. Someone mockingly shouted, “Aww, so cute! Give your mom a kiss!” Some students don’t

sleep at night because they have too much homework. I don’t sleep at night because of this. I do love my mom and I’m sure one day that will be a funny memory.

One day…

“On my birthday she brought in donuts for the class,” my brother, Jordan Grossman (‘21), said. “I liked the donuts.”

I often hear people talk about her. Usually, all good things. I remember one time, though, when I heard someone angrily telling his friends how “Mrs. Grossman is trying to ruin [his] life!” Yes, it was awkward.

But I’m not the only one with a parent who works at East. So I asked other teachers and students how they felt about their relatives at East.

“It’s weird,” Mrs. Genene Barnes said. “But I don’t see my kid. Her friends visit me more than she does.”

“If an hour passes where we haven’t seen or heard from Annie, I know she’ll be appearing at the door of C218 shortly,” Mrs. Susan Nicolazzo-Dollarton said.

Annie Dollarton (‘21) said that she liked having her mom at school.

“I see her around all the time and I always say hi and walk with her the way she’s going,” she said.

I also talked to Mrs. Abbey Greenblatt and her daughter Carly Greenblatt (‘18).

Carly said, “I had an easier transition than most kids. I knew a lot of the teachers already.”

Carly appreciated the advice her mom gave her during her time at East.

“I know the culture here,” Mrs. Greenblatt said.

Carly also recounted a day when her mother unexpectedly taught her class.

“I immediately hid under the table and said ‘Don’t look at me! That’s my mom!’” Carly said.

Annie, similar to Carly and me, has had her fair share of awkwardness.

“It’s kind of embarrassing if I ever get in trouble,” she said. “People always think it’s annoying. It’s not.

You have more freedom than people think.”

“You cannot get your grades changed. That’s a myth. They do get into your personal business, though,” said Carly.

“Other students will tell me stuff about Carly,” said her mother. “I pretty much know everything.”

But at the end of the day, they both enjoy having each other with them at East.

“Other than the fact they come into a class and not tell you, it was actually pretty good having her here for four years,” Carly said.

Having a parent at school is something not many students get to experience. Even though it can lead to some awkwardness, it’s something that both the staff and their kids have come to cherish.

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

COMMUNITY East alumna empowers women in need

Page 4

EASTSIDE

■ By Chelsea Stern (‘18)

Eastside Community Editor

She spends every day discussing the “lady issues” many would find too uncomfortable to openly talk about. She has dedicated years of her life spreading awareness about one of the lesser-known obstacles that women in need face on a daily basis. She is Cherry Hill East alumna and cofounder of Distributing Dignity, Joanie Balderstone (‘91).

Distributing Dignity is an organization that provides women in need with the female necessities that are not always accessible in shelters. These women include those who are in, or have aged out of, foster care and suffer from a life-altering illness or are victims of domestic violence.

Balderstone initiated a movement. It all began with understanding how

fragile the integrity of a woman becomes when you take away even the simplest of feminine hygiene products: new bras, pads, tampons and panty liners.

“Back in 2010, we were part of a community that was giving gently-used business clothing to a homeless shelter in Camden,” said Balderstone. “When we made the delivery, a woman pulled us aside and thanked us for the clothing, but she told us that [these people] don’t have a decent bra to wear underneath.”

Aware of her privileged upbringing, Balderstone became an advocate for helping the women who must combat the extensive need for the few feminine products shelters receive and ration out. She saw a need for change and acted upon it immediately by hosting her first annual “Mardi Bra” party the very same year, where guests

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

March 2018

were encouraged to bring a new bra with the tags on or an unopened package of pads or tampons upon entry.

The following year, in 2011, the promotion spread rapidly across Facebook, and approximately 40 people gathered or sent donations to her doorstep to support the cause. “ P e o p l e asked if they Dakota Rosen (‘19)/ Eastside Photo Editor could give gen- Distributing Dignity co-founders Joanie Balderstone (‘91) (left) tly-used bras, and Rebecca McIntire collect bra donations. [but] my mom said, ‘Just beence locally with Baldertheir birthday—a surprise cause these women are in stone’s personal deliveries of three or four boxes full of need doesn’t mean they and drop-offs, Distributing donations to present to the don’t deserve the dignity of Dignity has reached new people of Distributing Digthe new bra,’” said Balderheights, sending new bras nity. stone. and packages of feminine In the past, Cherry Hill Following the two sucproducts by way of women West has held club-orgacessful “Mardi Bra” parall the way across the counnized donation drives to ties, Balderstone decided try, in California. By 2015, help support Distributing that the impact she and her Distributing Dignity had Dignity’s efforts. Baldercommunity could bring into started receiving national stone expressed that she these women’s lives needed media coverage that alwould love to see her own to advance from a personal lowed Balderstone’s cause alma mater get in on the effort to an organization. to soar. action. She hopes that the By 2013, Distributing Dig“Once people across the storied East-West rivalry nity had become a reality, United States wanted to could spark some friendly and the organization offihelp, other organizations competition in the future cially launched in 2014 with another “Mardi Bra” party, during which Balderstone and her co-founder Rebecca McIntire brought in over 60 supporters. “[It’s nice] knowing that we found out about this very specific need that was overlooked,” said Balderstone.

As a Cherry Hill resident and East alumna, Balderstone credits much of the organization’s outreach to the support of the community, especially her fellow East alumni.

“I had a network of high Dakota Rosen (‘19)/ Eastside Photo Editor school friends who were Balderstone organizes donations in the warehouse. very established in their careers,” said Balderstone.

“The friendships and relareached out if they needed to see which school could tionships that I formed at our help,” said Balderstone. collect more for the local Cherry Hill East played an “We decided we needed to cause. enormous role in building move forward with becomHoping to spark an inthis organization.” ing a national organization terest in their fellow East Balderstone wants to a lot faster than expected.” students to support the loacknowledge all the comAs Distributing Dignity cal cause, Maggie and Sumunities in South Jersey became more widely known sannah have devoted many with populations of strugacross the country, Balderof their after-school hours gling women whose needs stone’s own nieces, East to Distributing Dignity. are overlooked by expandstudents Maggie and Su“We’ll help out in the ing Distributing Dignity’s sannah Balderstone (‘20), warehouse...

We have impact out of Cherry Hill, continued to actively push been...getting more in“One of the populations for a change in Cherry Hill volved as we get older, we [deliver to is] in the since 2013, even recently helping with giving things Marlton area [with] women taking their Sweet Sixteen out, packaging things and who are in or aging out of celebration to the next levorganizing,” said Susanfoster care,” said Balderel. nah Balderstone. “We have stone. “These are teen girls “The two of us...in the been to Cathedral Kitchen who have to live on their beginning of the summerin Camden with [our aunt] own.” time [wanted] to have a to deliver stuff there.”

Growing up in Cherry Sweet Sixteen,” said MagNow that Balderstone Hill, Balderstone had not gie Balderstone. “Since our stands in a position where even known about comaunt’s birthday is also in she, along with the support munities like this one—so November, we made it Disand donations of others, close, yet so foreign—until tributing Dignity-themed.” can help tens of thousands her involvement in DistribBoth Maggie and Susanof women across the nation, uting Dignity revealed the nah sent out their invitaDistributing Dignity holds countless women in need of tions, welcoming guests a greater significance than her help just minutes away to join in on the birthday just being a part-time nonfrom home. celebration and the charity profit career.

“There are so many collection. They requested “It’s more than handteens out there who have that all invitees chip in ing supplies,” said Balderso little and need so much,” with either a monetary stone. “We get to send the said Balderstone. “It’s eyecontribution or feminine message that people think opening to find out that our hygiene supply donation. [these women] are worth neighbors have as much The girls’ project was kept it…and it’s an incredible need as they do.” as a surprise for their aunt honor to live that life everyAfter making a differuntil a week leading up to day.”

COMMUNITY

March 2018

EASTSIDE

Page 5

Insectarium celebrates creepy, crawly friends ■ By Nafessa Jaigirdar (‘19)

Eastside Webmaster

Featuring a stunningly diverse collection of insects, arachnids, reptiles, amphibians and fish, the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavillion, according to CEO John Cambridge, is “one of the largest interactive arthropod [displays] in the country as well as one of the largest butterfly pavilions.”

And by no means was he exaggerating.

Upon taking the flight of stairs to the s e c o n d floor, you’ll f i n d that the museum features cockroaches from every corner of the world — from the common pest species to more exotic ones such as the selectively-bred yellow variation of an African roach that resembles a walking gold coin.

Keep exploring, and you may come across foot-long centipedes, scorpions that glow under UV lights, boldlycolored poison dart frogs or even the bizarre two-striped stick insect, which releases a chemical that has visitors sneezing left and right.

But the true gem of the museum is the petting zoo, which lies on the third floor.

Everything from millipedes to scorpions are let out of their terrariums to roam freely along the hands and arms of willing visitors. Though an unusual sensation to say the least, it truly embodies the interactive nature of the museum that Cambridge takes

so much pride in. “[Since it is] an interactive arthropod [collection], people are allowed to take the insects out of their cages with the help of the staff and really have that personal experience with them that they can’t have at other places,” Cambridge said. “Currently, being able to hold the tarantulas is one of our biggest crowd pleasers.”

Of all the exhibits offered, however, Cambridge’s personal favorite is the leaftail gecko, which is only found in Madagascar. The species is exceptionally talented at blending into its environment, so much so that sometimes even the museum staff members have difficulty distinguishing the gecko from its surroundings.

Despite its current grandeur, the museum comes from humble beginnings. The now 25-yearold museum started off as a small display in the storefront window of Steve Kanya’s, the current chairman of the Insectarium’s board of directors, exterminator business. Over the years, his display started to garner more and more interest from the community, and that was when he decided to build an all-encompassing bug museum. In February of 2017, the museum undertook construction projects that instituted many of the more

popular attractions, such as the Butterfly Pavilion and the clear iguana tunnels that allow smaller children to directly transport themselves into an iguana habitat.

The 7,000-square-foot Butterfly Pavilion is by far one of the museum’s most prominent features. Visitors can admire the thousands of exotic species and watch as they emerge from their cocoons. They can also maneuver a ferrofluid fountain with powerful magnets that control the flow of liquid in order to understand how monarch butterflies follow the Earth’s magnetic field to guide their migration.

Of course, in addition to all the fun it provides, one of the Insectarium’s main goals is to educate. Previously, a lot of its educational resources and lessons were targeted at students in kindergarten through fifth grade. But more recently, it has started to implement courses that, according to Cambridge, could even benefit graduate-level students.

“We now offer grade-specific tours so every single grade has a wide variety of activities,” Cambridge said. “We also work with the local schools to help build better science p r o grams.

During our tours, we discuss evolution, the different kinds of adaptations and the diverse habitats of these insects.”

Cambridge feels that

the hands-on experience offered at the Insectarium is what really sets the museum apart from others in the area.

“The Insectarium provides a unique learning experience where students can connect what they learn in the classroom to real-life situations,” he said.

The Insectarium opens visitors’ eyes to just how amazing and underappreciated bugs are. In a society that stigmatizes insects and portrays them as terrifying, people can often lose sight of how important they are to the ecosystem. Not only are they a major food source for many higher-level organisms; they also help to break down and dispose of wastes, dead animals and plants.

In fact, Cambridge urges people who don’t necessarily like bugs, more so than anyone, to attend the museum because it provides the perfect opportunity to learn more about them.

“If people don’t like bugs, I think that’s a great reason for them to actually come to the museum because you can learn about them from a scientist’s point of view,” said Cambridge. “We aren’t here to teach people that cockroaches are gross and to step on them. We are here to demonstrate how they are a beneficial species that helps provide ecosystem services. We really want people to give insects another shot and to see what phenomenal creatures they are.”

So next time you are in the Philadelphia area, make sure to stop by the Insectarium.

You may just experience a metamorphosis of your own and come out of your cocoon as a fellow bug lover.

Art by Rose Ni (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director, Samantha Dayton (‘19)/ Eastside Staff and Danny Kahn (‘19)/ Eastside Staff

Rosebud the therapy chicken brings comfort and smiles ■ By Joshua Pipe (‘20)

Eastside News/Features Editor

Watch out—there’s a new Rosie the Riveter in town. She’s replacing the blue-collared shirt and polka-dot headband with brown feathers and a red crest, and she’s coming to a nursing home or youth center near you. Living under the care of Gwenne Baile in a backyard coop with three other hens, Rosebud the chicken has stepped into a unique role: therapy chicken.

“We visit assisted living facilities [and] we work with developmentally challenged kids and young adults,” said Baile.

According to her, Rosebud made 102 appearances in 2017 alone.

Baile found Rosebud along with her sister when they were five-month-old

chicks, and she quickly realized Rosebud’s potential as a therapy animal. “[They] came from an Amish farmer…and essentially, within a day, I realized…I have this little hen who liked to be petted, likes to be held and cuddled and is very, very mellow…” said Baile. “It clicked in my brain, well, I already have my therapy chicken.”

Baile took classes online to train herself to be Rosebud’s handler and to ensure the safety of not only Rosebud, but also of the people interacting with her.

“You can’t really teach a chicken to be a therapy chicken,” said Baile. “You can [only] teach the handler, who knows her chicken.”

Though Rosebud keeps up a demanding work schedule, Baile makes sure to allow her time to run

around and play with her coop-mates.

“She needs to be a chicken,” Baile said.

In addition to bringing her calming presence to nursing homes and youth development programs, Rosebud also does her part to help out small children in the community. She is sometimes brought into the library to give kids who are not confident in their reading ability the opportunity to read to an adoring (and adorable) audience of one. Additionally, Rosebud visited a 10-year-old girl with terminal cancer recently, a heartwarming moment for all involved.

“It was right after

[Rosebud] was on Action News,” said Baile. “The little girl had seen her on Action News and said that she really wanted to meet Rosebud.”

Originally, the 10-yearold girl and her mother were supposed to come to one of Rosebud’s

many community events; however, the girl’s condition wors-

ened, and they were unable to attend. They requested Baile for a house visit, and despite slight anxieties on her part, Baile agreed to make an in-home visit with Rosebud. It just so happened that it was near Halloween, so Rosebud was in full costume—a pink tutu.

“We were so, so, so, so very careful,” said Baile.

“But her mom and her dad and her aunt were there, and they said they hadn’t seen her laugh like that for a very long time.”

Above all, however, Baile loves Rosebud and the work they have done together, an affection that is seemingly mutual.

“She’s just amazing, absolutely amazing,” said Baile.

She is, truly, Rosebud the Riveter.

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

COMMUNITY

Page 6

EASTSIDE

March 2018

Man’s best friend assists Cherry Hill Police ■ By Gregory Rothkoff (‘19)

Eastside Entertainment Editor

Not all police officers walk on two legs. As it turns out, some of the most integral members of the Cherry Hill Police Department (CHPD) are its police dogs.

Since 1980, the department has led a prospering K-9 program for the purpose of aiding and protecting the Cherry Hill community. The program has flourished since its inception; it has brought up a total of 19 dogs, with a lot of work invested into each and every one.

The process of obtaining a police dog for service starts all the way in Europe. There, a dog is carefully bred to eliminate health and temperament issues and undergoes preliminary training. At about the age of two, it is sent to an importer in North Carolina, where the department will send an officer to retrieve it.

This officer will act as the dog’s handler for the duration of its service.

As CHPD handler and officer Anthony Amato knows all too well, a dog may not always end up behaving the way

it was expected to. In one incident, Amato was bitten by a dog during training in a New Jersey academy.

However, this occurrence is rare, as Amato noted that a true bond is usually formed between the handler and his or her dog in the early stages of training.

Once they return home, the officer and the dog undergo an intense training course through the New Jersey Police K-9 Association in Voorhees. During the course, the pair learn how to conduct field and building searches, track and trail people, perform article searches and undergo physical apprehension.

The course takes a lot of dedication, but the results gradually begin to show, until the police dog is finally ready for the real-world situations ahead.

“Dogs hit a point when they start to look like a police dog; they start to stand up tall,” said Lieutenant Joseph Kelly, the director of the CHPD K-9 Program and certified New Jersey Police Association K-9 tainer.

Maintaining a K-9 program within the department can become very costly, according to Kelly.

However, it’s well worth it, as the dogs are an invaluable asset to b o t h t h e force a n d t h e t o w n -

ship. In addition to helping fight crime, they do community-based work around Cherry Hill, which entails attending events such as the annual Harvest Festival and meeting children at the local schools. In this role, the dogs show their social side.

“They are like light switches,” Kelly said. “You turn them on and turn them off. If you were to see them out of their role in the department, you would have no idea that they are police dogs.”

When they are in action, the dogs are trained to believe that an incident of apprehending a suspect is just playing.

“Eventually, the dog assumes that when it is given the command, it just gets to play tug-of-war,” said Kelly.

During off-duty hours, the dogs live with their handlers, creating a strong emotional bond between the two for years to come.

Amato has been the handler for his dog, Mai, since she came to the department three years ago.

Kelly has been a handler for 18 years, receiving his first dog after two years with the department.

In fact, Kelly was upset to have his position within the department upgraded because that meant he would be spending less time with the dogs.

Even when in a domestic setting, the police dog side of the K-9s is always present.

“Although they are offduty, it is still ingrained

Gregory Rothkoff (‘19)/ Eastside Entertainment Editor

Officer Anthony Amato stands next to his K-9, Mai. in them to protect,” said Kelly, who noted that even objects such as a Nerf gun would not be allowed in his house due to the possibility of setting the dog off. This occurrence is known as going into protection mode.

Both Kelly and Amato could not be happier with

their position in the CHPD K-9 program.

“You are not only working with your pet but your best friend,” Kelly said. “It’s someone that will put their life out on the line for you.”

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

Rayaki dishes out modern and delicious Japanese cuisine

the server handed us paper menus which allowed us to check off what we wanted, After making it easier for us and Rayaki the server. Since I was was inslightly unfamiliar with troduced Japanese cuisine, the menu in Cherry was seemingly simple, but Hill’s SawI found myself asking the mill Vilworkers to clarify what cerlage, local ramen connoistain dishes included. seurs were elated that they I learned that robatayadidn’t have to cross the ki, which translates to “firebridge for a bowl of gourmet side cooking,” is a method of ramen. Not being the bigcooking where food is pregest fan of ramen myself, pared at high temperatures with my experience going over hot charcoal, thus alas far as making Cup Noolowing the dish to retain its dles or Instant Ramen at true full flavor. midnight, I was inquisitive Relatively cheap, the roto find out batayaki what all c o m e s the hype in forms was about. s u c h Owner as baIan Lo excon with plained shrimp how the for just name Rayt h r e e aki is a dollars, portmansquid for teau of the one dollar words “raand fifty men” and c e n t s , “yakitori.” eggplant Yakitori miso for is a tratwo dolditional lars and Japanese corn for skewered one dollar chicken and fifty that is c e n t s . c o o k e d It’s the over a Nashita Ali (‘19)/ Eastside Business Manager p e r f e c t c h a r c o a l Rayaki’s ramen bowls offer a variety of flavors. bite-sized fire. Also food. The the owner small porof Marlton and Voorhees ground set a comic booktions and low price-point Sushi To Go locations, Lo style vibe. made it easy to order explained how the inspiraAfter we were seated, multiple skewers, each of ■ By Nashita Ali (‘19)

Eastside Business Manager

tion to open Rayaki came from his Sushi To Go customers.

“Customers would often ask me to recommend good ramen places, but Rayaki is unique because it combines ramen, yakitori and bubble tea, which is different from other restaurants,” said Lo. Upon entering the establishment, my eyes instantly fell upon the intricate manga drawings showcasing characters such as Naruto and Northstar that adorned the side walls of the restaurant. The black-and-white drawings paired with the K-Pop playing in the back-

which were served within was crafted with a chicken five minutes. The corn was soup base and garnished grilled to perfection, with with bean sprout, fish cake, just enough crisp to it that scallions and a seasoned complemented the sweet sauce with w h i c h it was dressed.

I was accompanied by my brother and my family friend who spent a year in Nashita Ali (‘19)/ Eastside Business Manager J a p a n , Takoyaki is served as an appetizer. and they urged me to try the takoyaki, which egg. The grilled chicken did is a popular Japanese not have much spice, but it street food. Takoyaki is a paired well with the salty ball-shaped snack made chicken broth, along with out of a flour batter with the bean sprouts for an octopus inside. For five doladded crunch, and the scallars, the dish came with lions, which added a little five balls that were topped kick to the dish. with fish flakes and paired The bubble tea had a with what tasted like a more subdued mango taste mayonnaise-based sauce. which reminded me of a Upon my first bite, the outtraditional Bengali drink side was crunchy, while the called mango lassi, which inside had a chewy texture. is made using mango pulp, However, I would rate the yogurt and a little bit of dish a seven out of ten due sugar. to the fact that I could not I would rate my overall find a distinct flavor from experience as an eight out the small piece of octopus of ten. The friendly staff, inside. the easy ordering system Bubble tea is one of my and the youthful ambiance favorite drinks, so I finished of the restaurant made it off the meal with a bowl of that much more enjoyable. piping hot chicken ramen If you don’t feel like for 10 dollars and mango crossing the bridge for bubble tea with lychee jelgourmet ramen, Rayaki is ly for dessert. The ramen definitely the place to go.

March 2018

EASTSIDE

Page 7

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UNDERGROUND

A look into the Wiccans of East Page 8

■ By Zoe Culver (‘19)

Eastside Staff

While you may associate witchcraft with your favorite fantasy kingdom, it may occur a little closer to home. In fact, it is practiced by students at Cherry Hill East.

Wicca, a religion formed in Europe about one hundred years ago, can be traced back to Gerald Gardner, “the Father of Modern Witchcraft.” Gardner was a famous Wiccan founder and leader who spent years learning about many occultistic religions and beliefs, which revolve around the influence of supernatural

powers. Although he was born in England, Gardner spent his early working life in other places around Europe. Ultimately, Gardner returned home and moved to New Forest, England.

While living here, he was initiated into the New Forest Coven, which practiced witchcraft. It was at this time that Gardner began to develop his own belief system. Eventually, this led to the creation of Wicca. Wicca was a combination of witchcraft, paganism, occultism and beliefs of famous men including Aleister Crowley.

Today, there are multiple denominations of Wicca. For example, there are

Courtesy of Sam Hershman

Hershman’s bedroom altar, stating his family’s version of the Wiccan Rede: “And It Harm None, Do As Ye Will.”

EASTSIDE

March 2018

Gardnerian Wiccans, who life to explore this concept. some prominent holidays follow the original teachNow, Hershman says that in the United States. Since ings of Gerald Gardner. he identifies himself as a Wicca is based heavily on There are also Alexandrian Wiccan. the universe and influence Wiccans, who practice a of supernatural slight variation created by power, Wiccan Alex Sanders in the 1960s. holidays such Gardnerian and Alexanas Yule, Ostara, drian Wiccans are just two Litha and Samexamples of sects of Wicca. hain coincide Gardnerian and Alexanwith the Winter Solstice, Spring drian Wiccans are what Equinox, Sumare referred to as “Coven mer Solstice and Wiccans,” and a Wiccan Halloween, which must be accepted into such are observed by groups. many. Hershman Sam Hershman (‘20) explained that practices Wicca. Unlike the some of the old Coven Wiccans, he considYule traditions ers himself to be a Solitary from groups that Wiccan. inspired Wicca “Solitary Wiccans are are partially remore introspective. Cosponsible for the ven wiccans, which are way that holidays more often Alexandrians such as Christand Gardnerians, do evmas are celebraterything in a group. Usued today. ally in a multiple of three,” Hershman is Hershman said. one of a few WicDespite being born into cans who attend a Jewish family, Hershman Cherry Hill East. has been practicing Wicca While he says it for the past few years. He does not affect had a bar mitzvah and still him daily, being celebrates Jewish holidays Dakota Rosen (‘19)/ Eastside Photo Editor a Wiccan has imwith his family, but from a young age, Hershman was Sam Hershman (‘20) is a practicing pacted his life.

While it may be not sure he had the same Wiccan from East. an unknown conbeliefs as his relatives. cept for some, and they may Growing up, his mother “Monotheism just really not immediately accept it, introduced him to Wicca. isn’t for me,” Hershman Hershman believes that This religion was espejoked. there is only one thing that cially dear to their famWhile Wicca may seem is important. ily since his mother’s very much different from any “This is what makes peoclose friend converted from other religion you have ple happy and feel at home Catholicism to Wicca. He heard of before, it has simiin the Universe,” he said. was inspired by those in his larities and connections to

Mummers Museum adds to Philly culture ■ By Ilana Arougheti (‘19)

Eastside News/Features Editor

For the 50 to a 100 visitors who grace its doorstep every week, the Mummers’ Museum in Philadelphia is a microcosm of sheer spectacle, with its elaborate sewn costumes and period-authentic vibe. But to the local community of Mummers who frequent the small space – donating costumes, serving as volunteer docent and fondly reminiscing – the Mummers’ Museum is a place they call home.

The museum opened in 1976, six years after breaking ground. Its opening was planned in conjunction with Philadelphia’s bicentennial celebration. Due to the fact that the Philadelphia Mummers’ Day Parade has been running since 1901 and is now the longest running folk parade in the country, many within the community felt that it had come to represent local culture so much so that it deserved physical commemoration.

“Mummers are such a cornerstone in Philly because it’s been the one thing that no matter where they come from, people can always hang on to,” said Shannon Marie Cobb, a five-year employee of the Mummers’ Museum and a Philadelphia Mummer for 20 years. “This is a hodgepodge of every unique family that’s ever been a part of Philadelphia. It’s Swedish, it’s German, it’s Italian, it’s [Asian], it’s the UK, it’s every single different eth-

nicity all put together. And Like 78 percent of the “Mummers decide that that’s something that evapproximately 35,000 muthey don’t want to keep erybody can grab onto and seums in America, the them in their attic anyhold dear.”

Mummers’ Museum is conmore, and they hand them So, what exactly is a sidered small, employing over to us for safekeeping,” Mummer? According to a less than ten permanent said Cobb. “[Visitors] just brief historical summary staff. However, what the love looking at the intricacompiled by museum staff, museum lacks in size it cy of the suits that people Mummers are a community makes up for in spirit and made on their own time, of elaborately costumed, splendor. Cobb and her with their own hands.” generally satirical revelers three co-workers, all longThrough exploration of who put on elaborate entime Philadelphia Mumthe exhibits, visitors can tertainment displays to celmers, rely on a network of learn about Mummery all ebrate the new year. They volunteer Mummers who the way back to the fifhave been around for hunboth donate old costumes teenth century, get a closer dreds of years, influenced to the museum and prolook at the first Mummers’ by historical events like the vide oral histories to inform Day Parade and its modBritish “Mummer” style of and entertain guests. One ern-day iteration. The mutheater and of the Feast of particularly popular atseum is kept to traditional Saturnalia.

Mummer culAround the ture, which world, bands can make its of famiset-up feel anlies would tiquated at “Mum” doortimes.

Howto-door on ever, the muNew Year’s seum staffers Day, perand volunteers forming perform elaboskits and rate maintepoems in nance on the exchange costumes, rofor refreshtating them ments. The out frequently culture perto keep musisted, even seum exhibits through a updated if not seventeenth fully modern. century ban The museum on public also plans to Courtesy of the Mummers Museum m a s q u e r - The Mummers put on a colorful performance. launch a new, ading, and more interaccontinues to tive website flourish today among peotraction is “The Phoenix,” later this month, replacing ple of all ages and walks of a 95-pound, fire-breathing the 2014-established verlife. blue behemoth originally sion currently available.

“It’s kind of like having created for a parade. The According to Cobb, 10,000 brothers and sisters museum also features piecMummer membership has that you’re not really rees of parade floats, scale become less exclusive over lated to, and yet you can alreplicas of famous racethe years and now only reways count on them,” Cobb horses and dozens of handquires formal auditions for said. made outfits. two out of the five divisions.

The museum maintains a similarly open culture, striving to give the public a fun window into the Mummer experience. Visitors can try on many of the costumes on display, which provide representation of each of the five Mummer brigades: The Comic, The Fancy, The Wench Brigade, The String Band and the Fancy Brigade Divisions.

These brigades each feature separately in the annual Mummers Parade and indicate a different style of dress and mannerism.

The museum also includes 45-minute guided tours for a personal look into the Mummer experience, and features an area where visitors can learn to “strut like a Mummer.” Cobb explains that, to some degree, the space is intended not just to allow the public to explore Mummer artifacts, but to give current Mummers a haven to “go and just reminisce about all of the memories that they had going up the street.”

“It’s not really a museum to us. It’s more like a second home with all of our memories,” said Cobb.

Those interested in learning more about Mummery and immersing themselves in the Mummer experience, described as akin to Mardi Gras or Carnival de Rio, can visit the Mummers’ Museum. The museum is open every Wednesday through Saturday, between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to discover the pageant-like extravagance of Mummery for themselves.

UNDERGROUND

Stores use interactive retail methods to attract customers

March 2018

■ By David Le (‘18)

Eastside Underground Editor

In an increasingly digitized and virtual world of commerce, where millions of items are simply a click away, consumer engagement has become key to business success. Consumers have shifted their attention from wandering actual aisles to browsing virtual ones.

For much of the population, online shopping has become the norm. A majority of those who frequently shop online are part of the younger generations, including Cherry Hill East students.

Aaron Lin (‘18) said that online retail is more convenient than shopping in a store.

“I don’t really shop in physical stores because they’re too far away and it involves me having to drive there. Shopping online is easier because it’s in my house,” Lin said.

Previous strategies to bring back customers involve sales and special deals like Black Friday and “week before Black Friday,” or “week after Black Friday.” Now with sales, discounts and free shipping becoming more commonplace online than in stores, stores are losing more of their appeal.

“I would say I shop online four times more than at the physical store,” Lucas Semon (‘19) said. “Maybe if there was a sale limited to stores, or the store has a better [deal] than online, I would go. Though, it’s not likely.”

However, many retailers aim to bring that consumer focus back to the stores not with sales, but with a strategy called “interactive retail,” what some call the physical equivalent of clickbait.

As a physical manifestation of a brand, a store has a responsibility to be more than shelves and mildly interested employees. They

EASTSIDE

Page 9

influence the opinions of have established what custhe owner has created a the consumer with intertomers should expect when human-sized icebox for cusactive retail. This strategy entering their stores. Abtomers to test out apparel uses unorthodox methods ercrombie & Fitch generin below-freezing condito attract customers, solidally has dim lighting, loud tions. Customers are able to ify brand loyalty and give music, well-dressed emtry on hats, coats or gloves, consumers a positive expeployees and a scent that is and test them in the icebox. rience. undeniably everywhere in The icebox runs between It ap-10 and 20 depeals to grees Fahrenhuman inheit with fans sights and to simulate interests, wind chill. whatever Two Nordthey may strom stores be, to buy in San Jose, time in peoCalifornia, ple’s brains and Seattle, and hopeWashington, fully conhave gone for vince them a format simito make lar to that of purchases. eBay or AmaAlthough zon.

Nordmuch of strom is testinteractive ing interactive retail is dressing room multifacmirrors that eted, most display many methods of the shopfocus on efping options, fectively which include engaging styles, colors emotions or sizes. Afand five ter selection, senses of an employee the cusdelivers the tomers to clothes directcreate a ly to the dresspositive exing room. perience.

Meanwhile, Previous other busiPhoto courtesy of Columbus Dispatch nesses studies into that s e n s o r y A customer walks out of Eddie Bauer’s Ice Box. are not necesmarketing sarily stores have shown the origin of the store. Starbucks has have also tried using techwhat many stores commonestablished its reputation nology to their advantage. ly use today. A 1982 study as a “hip and trendy” coffee Marriott Hotels’ recent by Milman discovered lounge, while also making use of virtual reality is one that slow music increased sure to play the most inofexample. Marriott is using spending in supermarkets fensive music available.

Oculus Rift technology in by 39.2 percent and a study However, with new onsomething they call, “The

by Nike discovered that line strategies and methods Teleporter,” to let guests scent also increased sales of shopping, stores are now virtually experience holiby 80 percent. looking for more interestday destinations. Guests Stores are quickly realizing features to give customcan also physically feel ing that their biggest comers a reason to visit. Some some parts of the environpetitor, the online market, have begun to replicate the ment they are in. Overonly appeals to sights and online experience by using head heaters can simulate sounds. Meanwhile, physidigital features or technolthe sun on someone’s face, cal businesses are able ogy in the shopping experiwhile a water sprinkler can to take advantage of all ence. Others are stepping simulate sea spray. the five senses and demup their game in some The Häagen-Dazs ice onstrate how their brand unique ways. cream store has been using looks, sounds, smells, feels In Eddie Bauer’s Cold augmented reality to enteror even tastes.

Weather Apparel in Beltain customers while they Many well-known brands levue Square, Washington, wait for their ice cream

to become soft enough to scoop. Häagen-Dazs’ own iPhone app, called Concerto Timer, projects a virtual violin concerto on top of the tube of ice cream.

Such examples have only shown that as online commerce has become more popular, physical stores have found ways to try to stay relevant and provide experiences that are more immersive.

Some feel that these efforts by stores to appeal to the changing norm will do well to stir up interest.

Mr. Greg deWolf, a business teacher and DECA supervisor, said, “There probably is a niche or area for interactive retail somewhere in the market. With the changing times and [changing] interests of people, stores may not be able to bring people back, but they can increase interest for a brand or the store itself. If there are certain stores that specialize in this type of retail or have something not found anywhere else, then it may soon become more popular.”

Others think that convenience is more appealing than an interesting feature.

Nina Duong (‘18) said she would favor online shopping for its easy accessibility and wide variety of options.

“I don’t think I [would go] to a physical store even if it had more interaction or attractions. Really, it’s because shopping online is so much easier and has more choices,” said Duong.

With sensory marketing and interactive retail quickly becoming a common feature in many stores, whether it be a human icebox or a simple dressing room display, stores have begun to takes their cues from the evolving society.

Even with the mixed responses to this emerging strategy, it is clear that the emergence of interactive retail, if successful, will change the idea of physical stores as people know it.

tially, the purpose is to create the illusion of a floating orb. The idea behind it is called “contact juggling,” which is the idea that one can move a spherical object in such a way that it will create the illusion of the sphere moving fluidly.

Theoretically, this can be done with any ball, but the purpose of the Fushigi is… to look cool while doing it.

Contact juggling evolved

azon and As Seen on TV stores, you can get things like this pretty easily at other locations, but all of these will be secondhand. The Fushigi ball is no longer in production, so when you order it, it is most likely no longer going to be in the original box.

It is entirely possible that it could show up in a plain, brown box. While the company is still around, it no longer has Fushigis in production.

You could even say... they’ve floated away.

Out of the Vault: Fushigi Magic Gravity Ball ■ By Henry Nolan (‘19)

Eastside Staff

The Fushigi magic gravity ball: you may have seen it in commercials or YouTube videos, but what, in reality, is it?

Popular YouTuber MacDoesIt featured the Fushigi toy in his series of reviews of old ‘90s toys. The ball was popular in the 1990s and the 2000s. In this case, popular means it was basically the closest thing the 90s had to a meme or truly iconic infomercial (on par with Sham-Wow and anything Billy Mays did), which ran all through the first decade of the twentyfirst century. All of this over one tiny orb.

So, what’s the point? It’s literally just a ball. Essen-

out of “Baoding Balls,” which have roots all the way back to the Ming Dynasty in China. These are the pair of metal orbs that you hold in your palm and roll around one another, for meditation purposes.

The contact juggler can roll the ball along his/her arm, palm or even collarbone, and it appears to hover just above the surface.

The Fushigi ball took this idea and made it pretty.

“Part of the attraction of

it is it’s shiny, and people like shiny objects,” said Blake Weiss (‘19).

This is very true. Like ravens and Tamatoa, humans are very attracted to shiny objects, like diamonds.

The contact juggling/ floating thing is pretty neat, but if we’re being honest, it’s the shininess.

Fushigi was distributed by the Zoom TV company, who originally sold it exclusively on its website and over the phone. In this day of Am-

Photo courtesy of Amazon Logo by Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director

Page 10

EASTSIDE

March 2018

UNDERGROUND

March 2018

EASTSIDE

Page 11

Are you average?

Eastside can answer that question for you.

Eastside Underground Editors

What defines the average person? Is it someone who

wears the same clothes as everyone else, talks the same as everyone else and lives his or her life the same as everyone else? Certainly it differs from country to country, maybe even from state to state. Using a survey taken by over 200 East students, Eastside tried to find out just what makes the average East student.

59% of East students have brown hair.

92% of East boys have short hair.

■ By Claire Joanson (‘19) and David Le (‘18)

43% of East students don’t wear glasses or contacts.

10% of the student population considers 7 their lucky number.

46% of East girls have chest-length hair.

The most popular color among students is blue.

The most popular shows to binge-watch among students are Grey’s Anatomy, Parks and Recreation and Stranger Things.

44% of East students get between 6-8 hours of sleep on an average school night, while 41% get between 4-6 hours.

Politics

Using the internet is a favorite activity for 44% of students.

Sleeping

74% of East students read Eastside.

The most common reported height of male students was 6 feet and the most highly reported female height was 5 feet 3 inches.

The three most popular ice cream flavors are chocolate, mint chocolate chip and vanilla.

In January of 2008, Eastside wrote a similar article about the average East student.

Here’s how they stack up to today:

The most popular shoe brand is Nike, followed

by Adidas and Vans.

Courtesy of Nike.com

Courtesy of Adidas.com

Courtesy of Vans.com

46% of East students align themselves with the Democratic Party.

Ten Years AGO...

Ice-Cream

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

Sports 59% of East students do not participate in a sport.

56% of East students typically eat breakfast every morning.

Bingewatching

86% of East students are involved in a club.

46% of East students have brown eyes.

52% of East students follow a professional sport, the most popular of which is football.

Breakfast

Clubs

Photos by Jiseon Lee (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Ten years ago, 15% of students said their favorite thing to do in their free time was using a computer. Today, that number has almost tripled to 44%. The average teenager in 2008 slept for about 9.5 hours each night. In 2018, the average student gets anywhere from 4-8 hours.The average student a decade ago spent 1.94 hours a night on homework. This year at East, 40% of students spend 3-4 hours a night on homework, with 10% reporting that they spend over 6 hours a night on homework.

EDITORIAL

Page 12

EASTSIDE

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

Paper clubs should cease to exist at East Cherry Hill East is known for its wide selection of extracurricular activities and clubs. Typically, at eighth-grade high school information nights or at freshman orientation, an East staff member or student preaches about “staying after the bell” to participate in the variety of clubs East offers. However, Eastside conducted research to conclude that a significant portion of these clubs are inactive; students created them but failed to keep them up.

In order to gain a grasp of the activity of listed clubs in the activities packet, Eastside administered a census of all clubs registered with the Activities Office. During the first round, clubs that were known to be highly active were removed from further research. For the remaining clubs, multiple individuals were consulted to give testimony on the meeting schedule and goals. If it was concluded that a club was not currently meeting nor had plans to meet, it was deemed inactive.

A number of clubs on the list, like the Technology Student Association and LINK, have never existed as functioning organizations, while others, like Adopt A Grandparent and Junior State of America, had previously been active before becoming dormant for an extended period of time.

Through the research, Eastside found that 41 percent of the clubs at East are inactive. Almost half of the clubs on the list given to incoming freshmen fail to actively exist. Eastside suggests that these clubs be eliminated altogether, as

they have no benefits.

Within the population of inactive clubs at East, 46 percent are community service-based clubs. In all, 63 percent of the community service clubs at East are inactive. Additionally, 17 percent of inactive clubs are STEM clubs, and therefore, 64 percent of all STEM clubs are inactive. Statistically, a large fraction of the clubs at East are inactive.

Eastside believes these inactive clubs should not continue to receive recognition, but rather, they should be removed from the club list as a whole.

Eastside believes that these dormant or “paper” clubs have no significant effect on either the high school environment or a student’s college application. Paper clubs are created by students who want to make their resume more attractive; however, these students do not put effort into maintaining the activeness of their clubs.

East is a competitive high school in which students care greatly about the attractiveness of their college resumes; however, most are ill-informed about the application process and unaware that large involvement and little success actually can hurt one’s application.

In reality, when it comes to club participation and leadership, college admissions counselors tend to look for quality over quantity. Jennie Sekanics, an admissions counselor at The College of New Jersey, wrote to Eastside that most institutions “want students who are actively involved and shaping the culture at their high schools.” She further mentioned that she

Platinum The Rothkoff Family Sam and Debbie First Matt and Cheri Cohen Andrea Cohen and Dave Samuel Sherri and Ken Hoffman Deluxe Packaging Fran and Sid Fisch The Duffy Family Lois and Mitch Cohen The Fisch Family Jared Fisch The Sodicoff Family

Anne and Jerrold Fleisher Michael and Donna Koenig Melissa Gagliardi Michael Fleisher Linda Ross Lonnie Propass and Susan Ogul Ed and Lynne Cohen Marilyn DiCiurcio Silver Rochelle Dashevsky Greg Rouen Sari Cohen

assesses students in leadership positions not based on title, but based on how long they have worked for a club and what specific activities and achievements this position led to.

This sentiment was echoed by Stacy Kovalycsik, the head of New Jersey admissions at Pennsylvania State University, who explained to Eastside that passion, qualitative club growth and length of service to even just one or two clubs benefit a student applicant more than “just throwing one on, or two on, every semester, and then just not doing anything.”

Kovalycsik further asserted that “[admissions counselors] can always tell when someone has a real passion for what they’re doing,” a standard that is impossible to reach by way of involvement in an inactive club.

Based on these criteria, the excessive proportion of inactive clubs at East truly represents a disservice, and a waste of time, to these clubs’ members and student leaders.

Furthermore, it is imperative that clubs notify Activities Secretary Ms. Debbie Jastrow of their meeting dates and times so that they can be put on the Activities calendar for students to see. By doing so, East students can get an accurate sense of what clubs meet on what days, which makes joining clubs easier and could reduce the risk of a club becoming dormant.

Eastside went around the school searching for club meetings on the days when late buses are available to see how many clubs did not notify the Activities Office of their meetings. On

Friends of Eastside Marilyn Koenig Sy and Florence Jerome Heidi Silverberg Bernice and Irving Kernis Katryn Valladares Louis Zimmermann Christine Benedetto Ali Family Abbie Levine Elaine Yang Ben Zemele Jingli Cai Jazz Unlimited Tanziyah Mugeem

one Tuesday, the results were nearly impeccable, with six of seven club meetings having been placed on the Activities calendar.

However, just two days later, on Thursday, only five of nine club meetings mentioned their gatherings to Jastrow to be placed on the Activities calendar.

Another issue Eastside has seen within these paper clubs has a fairly simple solution. Eastside believes that advisers should not take on more than three clubs at once. Three is an ideal number of clubs to advise; teachers can advise clubs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays when late buses are available. This said, Eastside suggests that all advisers focus in on a couple of their clubs and encourage the students to keep them active and successful.

In the future, Eastside proposes that when new clubs are formed, club leaders and advisers must fill out an end-of-the-year recap summing up the club’s progress over the year.

Eastside encourages East students to start and maintain clubs for the right reasons so that East can be proud of hundreds of active and successful clubs rather than falsely boasting hundreds of clubs, when in reality, 41 percent are inactive.

Eastside suggests that students who want to earn a leadership position work their way up in established, active clubs, not half-heartedly found a new club under the false impression that it will bolster their college resumes. They should strive to make significant contributions to all the clubs they participate in or

Eric First Nancy & Ron Stearn Regina Green Harry Calabrese Bronze Dana Swain Bill Eccles Keenan Rosen Susan Rosen Ann Le Anthony Brocco Marc Pierlott Brian Connolly

Cherry Hill High School East 1750 Kresson Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 Phone: (856) 4242222, ext. 2087 Fax: (856) 424-3509

Eastside Online

http://www.eastsideonline.org

Publisher

School Paper Express Wappingers Falls, NY

Letters to the Editor

Submit signed letters to F087 create, working to make an actual change in the school instead of merely producing the appearance of doing so on paper. If they feel strongly about starting a new club for the right reasons, they should ensure that they have an adviser who is willing to invest his or her time and that the club has potential to be successful and active for years to come.

Overall, the only way to revitalize the extracurricular culture at East is for students to do things honestly and for genuine reasons.

Lillian Halden Tim Hunter Dean Kenny Harel Tillinger Yash Menta Jacob Sokoloff Reid Hardowottam Erin, Neil, Sophie & Alex Levine Christine Lind

Eastside 2017-2018 Editorial Board

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

Entertainment Editors Harry Green Gregory Rothkoff Underground Editors Claire Joanson David Le

Contact the Board: Art Directors Sabrina DeAbreu Rose Ni

Webmasters Video Editors Jonathan Calabrese Nafessa Jaigirdar Eli Weitzman Luke Shin Multimedia Directors Adiel Davis Drew Hoffman

Business Managers Nashita Ali Abigail Richman

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: david. le@eastsideonline.org.

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

OPINIONS

March 2018

EASTSIDE

Page 13

Government should roll back food restrictions trition requirements. This money has tempted many public schools to try to comply with the requirements and provide students with healthy but unappetizing meals.

However, even with gov-

mandated healthier foods.

Much of the food prepared in schools goes to waste, resulting in enormous financial losses for the school districts.

“A lot of kids haven’t quite gone to the whole

Regina English to KATV. English estimates her school district spends about 4,000,000 dollars in food per year under the Obama plan, and about 1,000,000 dollars worth goes into the garbage.

ernment subsidies, schools still cannot cover the cost of food under the Obama program. Too many students are choosing not to buy the

grain yet, and so a lot of times the whole grain items will go into the trash,” said Pulaski County Arkansas student nutrition director

Nationwide, since the Act has been in effect, students have unanimously rejected it. “In the 2012–13 school year, 47 percent of

Thirty minutes into D period on a day four — it’s been more than three hours since you last used the restroom and you drank an extra cup of coffee this morning in preparation for a benchmark. Five minutes ago, you thought you could hold it, but it seems less likely

the sinks, several students are clustered, breathing in from vape pens and blowing out steam. You don’t notice the kid swallowing a pill, even if the pill delivers a stronger high or has more potent side effects.

Vaping is, without a doubt, East’s most visible drug problem. Well-known vaping spots have been put under higher surveillance and closed off, and security has be-

drugs. Prescription drugs in particular have characteristics that make them harmful and more difficult to combat.

Prescription drugs, by definition, are pharmaceuticals that require a script from a doctor to obtain due to the high frequency of misuse and abuse. Despite having restrictions on usage, prescription drugs are often easier to get a hold of, either through a doctor willing to write a prescription or through a friend or relative. As they are intended for medical and not recreational use, they are often more chemically pure and their active ingredients more potent.

Because pharmaceut i -

now.

You proceed to the bathroom in third floor C-wing. As you open the door, a cloud of water vapor hits you. By

come more vigilant to the threat of students using nicotine products throughout the school. Despite how well-known the vaping problem has become, it is benign compared to the continuation of the trends in the use of other

drugs for the high whereas women report weight loss and stimulation as their motivations. As a result of all of these factors, the NIDA reports prescription drugs are the third most frequently abused class of drugs, after alcohol and marijuana.

While the district has policies in place to combat drugs as a whole, prescription drugs have not been studied or regulated to the necessary extent. The most recent policy passed on drug use, Policy 5530, lacks any reference to prescription drugs. It lists “drugs, alcohol, anabolic steroids, tobacco and controlled dangerous substances” in section C as the targets of its education campaign, even though many classes of drugs are neglected.

In section D.1.d., it says that if a medical examination finds that ingested substances are found not to interfere with functioning in the school setting, a student caught for drug use is to immediately return to the school.

Although it does not seem to be the intention of the district to leave out certain types of drugs in the curriculum or to bring students who may damage the school environment back quickly, the status quo can and will allow this to occur.

The Cherry Hill Public School District must take

■ By Eric First (‘18)

Eastside Opinions Editor

After years of being held hostage by Michelle Obama’s Healthy HungerFree Kids Act, public school food services are finally receiving greater freedoms under the Trump administration.

As of May 2017, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) took the first steps in a series of rollbacks on the harsh Obama-era restrictions, widening the array of foods that can be sold during school hours.

According to the new standards, the Trump administration eased sodium reduction requirements, and the percentage of grains that must be “whole” grains has been cut from 100 percent to a realistic 50 percent. Also, flavored one percent fat milk is once again available for students to enjoy. Further cutbacks on food limitations are expected to occur in the 201819 school year.

It is extremely important for President Donald Trump to continue dismantling the severe standards set in place by the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act. The Act forces public schools to meet specific, unreasonable health guidelines in order to receive government-subsidies for school meals. Schools can receive over 100,000 dollars in government funding to support food programs by following the Act’s nu-

school meal programs reported revenue losses, and nine of ten reported higher food costs,” wrote John Fund for the National Review.

In addition, while decreased portion sizes and lower calorie options may make sense for some students, 750-850 calorie lunches required by the Act are insufficient for student athletes. Student athletes require 2,800-5,000 calories per day to adequately function, while moderately active teens need 2,0002,800 calories. The problem for many student athletes, especially those from lowincome families, is that they rely on school lunches as their main meal. Student athletes cannot perform to their fullest potential in the classroom or on the field if they do not have sufficient calories in their diet.

Overall, the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act is severely flawed. The Trump administration has already begun to take steps toward unwinding the catastrophic Obama lunch restrictions. It has recognized the concerns of students and school districts nationwide and has started the process of fixing the broken government- subsidized food service system, but there is much more work that remains to be done.

Photo Illustration by Joshua Sodicoff (‘18)/ Eastside Opinions Editor

The district must regulate prescription drugs

■ By Joshua Sodicoff (‘18)

Eastside Opinions Editor

c a l s span a range of active ingredients and intended effects, each one can be abused for different reasons. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), men are more likely to use

a stronger stance to ensure that students understand the harmful effects of these pills and do not use them on school grounds. Because a unit on prescription pills could thematically fit into every year of health, except tenth due to the inclusion of Driver’s Education, it would be possible to change the standards to make an education in proper safety and the harms of abuse.

However, as students will still attempt to use drugs despite education, the school must find a way to identify and deal with cases in classes.

By training teachers to detect the physical and mental signs of drug dependence, the school could more readily find and seek treatment for students under the influence. And, to strengthen the school’s resolve against drug abuse, students have been found using or under the influence of drugs should not be allowed back until properly treated.

We have to see past the plumes to understand the whole problem with substance abuse in the district. Prescription drug abuse may be less visible and newsworthy at the moment, but as long as it remains unregulated at the policy level, the issue will remain and students will fall victim to addiction and its harms.

Photo Illustration by Eli Weitzman (‘20) / Eastside Webmaster

OPINIONS

East paves a new age of STEM Page 14

EASTSIDE

March 2018

Moving into the 2018-2019 school year, East will experience reformations concerning the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) curriculum at East, making chemistry a mandatory sophomore year science and physics and mandatory junior year science.

East students share their opinions on this change as well as East’s science curriculum as a whole.

The way STEM is taught at East must change

■ By Nishaad Khedkar (‘18) For Eastside

A s someone who’s classified as a nerd (I like to take the epithet in stride), science and math have always been my two holy grails. Where some people groan at seeing intricate notation for concepts in which they fail to see meaning, I never forget to appreciate the art of a clever drag u-substitution or matrix-based economic decision-making.

My dad was always partially responsible for this; as a former engineer, he would never pass up the opportunity to explain not just why something worked, but how, which in his opinion was always equally essential. I never used to believe that the engineering really mattered, but as a lot of corny adolescent diary-themed books tend to espouse, high school really does have a way of changing things you think you knew.

Having covered the basics in middle school and coming into “STEM” classes like Calculus, Chemistry and Physics, I was excited to see how all these disciplines would interact with one another. What I found instead was more of the same: facts. Well-taught, interesting and intellectually challenging for sure, but still just facts. Yes,

this polymer does rapidly last year ever mention the why we signed up in the catalyze this reaction. Yes, words “motor,” “engine” or first place. this conducting sphere does even “screw.” The “real-life If you want to see eviprevent buildup of static application” torque probdence of that, look no furelectricity. But what does lems we did instead would ther than the other, “lowthat MEAN? What does discuss the trivialities of er-level” science classes. that DO? For me, this has two men standing on a scafWhile Physics 1AP was turned more into a “Why fold, and that was the end of busy cramming AP equaam I learning this?” that topic. Of course, it was tion sheets, 1A built rockets Enter STEM education never the teacher’s fault; and took the time to explore in its most pure materialand that’s the essence of the forces that made them ization. With the explosion the fundamental problem. work — math, science and of the technology scene As part of a school that creativity in their most harover the monious last few destate. cades, both Sure, the private we got and pubto that lic sectors s o r t have been of fun pushing for evenrenewed tually interest too, but not in sciit was entists, not always in mathan epiematicians, logue, but in the never a people who prelude know how to what to use those was to ideas to trucome. ly make a L o o k difference. back to Eric First (‘18)/ Eastside Opinions Editor m i d d l e STEM was meant to be Students attend a chemistry class, but do not learn how to s c h o o l , a unifying integrate technology, engineering or mathematics. where ideology, m a n y an integration (no pun inpumps out AP Honor Roll East kids had their last real tended, I swear) of all these rock-stars, there’s a sacriSTEM class: Mr. Cieslik’s “nerdy” concepts beyond fice we have to be willing to Rosa workshop room buildtheir surface components make: to learn the test, not ing boats, watching “Mythof science, technology, engithe material. “Use these exbusters” and just generally neering and math. act words,” I can remember talking about some really Unfortunately, from my AP Calc teacher recitcool things. what I’ve seen, East has ing as we obediently memoSome of the things I seem a long way to go before it rized mass-produced phrasto be so passionate about can carry out this vision. es that would formulaically are definitely a little childFor all of physics’ massive get us those oh-so-desirable ish. It is near impossible to contributions to the field 5’s on the test. When deadstrike the right balance; too of mechanical engineering, lines and reputations close easy, like a popsicle bridge, I never heard my teacher in on all sides, we forget and the more intellectual

ones among us are turned off. Too serious, like coding, and STEM’s more casual and general fans back away from that sort of intensity.

But none of that is the end of what STEM can be.

I used to smirk at those who modified the name to STEAM, adding in “The Arts” to make it more widely appealing, but it truly is an art in that it becomes whatever the individual makes of it. Maybe you’re a photography person and you want to figure out a way to develop film-based photographs by bypassing the negative development process — that’s STEM. Maybe you’re a coal miner’s son (a little less likely), passionate about maintaining air quality in subterranean environments — that’s STEM. STEM doesn’t start on equation sheets or textbook problems: it starts in ideas, in dreams and most importantly, in curiosity.

Students AND teachers should be asking questions, challenging one another’s claims and forcing each other to think critically about modern issues from all sides.

In any case, we would need to completely restructure our school curriculum to make this even remotely possible. There will be critics, there will be haters, those who say that curiosity killed the cat. But unless you check on the cat, you’ll never be able to find out (and now YOU’RE a nerd if you understood that reference).

earn an average of 65,000 dollars, according to Business Insider, this is not representative of the masses.

Much of this high income draws from expensive, exclusive schools only available to the few. If you were to look at more baseline level schools, such as Alverno College in Wisconsin, STEM majors only tend to earn around 35,000 dollars, less than their liberal arts counterparts.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, a non-profit that carries out economic research, “For every two students that U.S. colleges graduate with STEM degrees, only one is hired into a STEM job.”

A m o n g those applicants not hired, 53 percent say they found better opportunities in other nonSTEM-related fields and another 32 percent blame a shortage of IT, information

fields are saturated as is.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, “A remarkably small fraction of all high school graduates will find STEM employment available upon graduating college.” But the Institute does not attribute this to poor education, noting, “The United States has a large number of STEMready students and produces large shares of high-performing students who rank at the top internationally.”

If the U.S. already has surpluses of STEM-ready students, why would a downsizing of liberal arts be necessary?

This is especially important when you consider that job opportunities in STEM fields are so limited. Why should students be denied a liberal arts education and why should we flood an already saturated market with an ever increasing number of STEM students?

The answer: we should not.

STEM curriculum must stay in its current form ■ By Jakob Silvert (‘19)

Eastside Staff

In recent years, STEM education has been given an increasing amount of attention from educators nationwide. Due to technological advances, many believe an earlier and more extensive STEM education could better the nation’s youth. STEM education stands for science, technology, engineering and math, and those supporting the increased incorporation of STEM classes want to do so at the expense of liberal arts, predominantly English and history.

Many arguing on the side of adding more STEM education like to point out how STEM majors tend to earn more coming out of college.

While this may be true in some cases, this is a perfect example of the elitist nature that STEM-focused education breeds. STEM programs do not tend to cater to lower level students; they provide great opportunities for those adept in said specific fields, but not for everyone. To go on this point, not all STEM majors earn more, only the elite.

While STEM majors

technology, positions.

STEM education is broad, leading to many different paths, making it difficult to teach. To float the idea of increased STEM is one thing, but to procure specific curricu-

ers around the country in the many different STEM fields, despite a lack of qualification requirements for STEM teachers, to the issue of underperforming students, providing excessive STEM education does not seem to be the correct answer.

Cutting liberal arts education would not only be detrimental to those inclined to pursue those fields, but also to the 50 percent of STEM ma-

lum for the many different STEM fields would be very difficult. From the difficulty of finding qualified teach-

jors not in a STEM job. It seems almost irresponsible to pound STEM inclination into our youth when STEM

Photo Illustration by Eli Weitzman (‘20)/ Eastside Webmaster

OPINIONS

Physics is beneficial to students

March 2018

■ By Shir Goldfinger (‘19)

Eastside Staff

A student rushes into a big lecture hall on the fi rst day of college classes.

“PHYSICS 101” is written in big letters on the chalkboard. The student expects to find this introductory physics class a breeze, having taken biology, forensics and environmental studies instead of physical sciences at Cherry Hill East.

Instead, the student is dazed and confused from the first minute the professor begins teaching. When students are required to take physics and chemistry in addition to biology at Cherry Hill East, this occurance will be scrubbed from existence.

Currently at East, students are only required to take three years of science: Biology I, one other lab science and any other physical or natural science. This means that students have the option of taking biology freshman year, and then taking two “elective-type” sciences with no real regard for getting an adequate education in the sciences.

However, as a result of statewide legislation, phyiscs and chemistry will be made mandatory for the current freshman class and forward into the future. The Class of 2019 will be the first to take the new comprehensive state science test, but the test will not be a graduation requirement

until the C l a s s of 2021 takes it in their junior year.

East is correct in making chemistry and physics required classes in addition to Biology I in order to ensure that East students are getting the proper education in the sciences necessary to succeed in the future.

Up until two years ago, East required that all freshmen take QPS (Quantitative Physical Science) or CPS (Conceptual Physical Science), courses that focused on teaching students the fundamentals and foundations of physics and chemistry.

By requiring this course in addition to Biology I, East ensured that no student could graduate without getting a foundational education in the three core sciences.

It is a positive change that East filled these holes by requiring physics and chemistry. Sciences such as chemistry, biology and physics are not just important for students looking to pursue science in college or as a possible career.

Studying science teaches people problem-solving skills and reinforces areas of study such as technology and mathematics. Also,

EASTSIDE

most importantly, science courses are required in most colleges regardless of major.

Some may still argue that students should not be forced into taking classes that they are not interested in o r d o n o t want to pursue a career in.

However, the point of high

school is not to make sure that each and every student only takes classes that he/she cares about or wants to pursue as a career, but rather to provide the students with a fundamental understanding of every subject. High schools should be preparing students for college, where science courses are requirements, and they should not let students pick “easier” classes that do not provide an understanding of, or are not focused around, fundamental sciences.

In addition, electives are offered at East so that students can spend more time in school pursuing topics that interest them while still getting a well-rounded education in all subjects.

For example, if a student is interested in art as a career, the student should still be required to take a fundamental science as a core class, but he/she could also take another elective such as Commercial Art or 3D Art in addition to the science. The movement from requiring biology to a deep understanding of all three core sciences at the state and district level is a positive one. A high school’s focus should be on ensuring that every student leaves the school with the knowledge necessary to succeed in college no matter the career, in addition to taking classes that tailor to his/her interest.

Page 15

WHY

PHYSICS?

G 14%

Projected growth in related jobs over the next 10 years

$$$

$55,000

Average median starting salary for physics majors in the private sector

& 25% of

physics majors take non-stem jobs

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

Sidebar by Josh Sodicoff (‘18)/ Eastside Opinions Editor

calculators, students become dependent on letting technology dominate simple problem-solving. Once again, phone calculators seem completely innocuous; however, they actually reduce a student’s ability to respond on one’s feet as well as a common sense regarding science and math.

Students are found lacking any thought processing with a substitution of phone usage.

Looking at East standardized test scores from the SAT dating back to 2008, scores deviated severely. In 2008, the average score on the math section was 585 and the average on the reading/writing section was 552, both out of 800. In 2016, both scores dropped by approximately 10 points.

The average score on the math section was 574 while the reading/writing section was found to be 543.

Although considered high compared to the national avera g e , t h i s significant deviat i o n c a n be attested to the grandiose

influx of technology and phone usage from 2008 to 2016. On a national basis, the math scores dropped from 515 in 2008 to 511 in 2015, while reading/writing scores also dropped from 498 in 2008 to 489 in 2015. These results need to be taken into consideration for the betterment of society and East as a whole.

Although it is inevitable that technology will be used throughout all aspects of education – at home and in school – we as a student body must learn to put our phones away during school hours, realizing that maybe texting a friend about the weekend can be held off until 2:30 p.m.

It is evident that East school policies outlawing the use of cell phones, resembled by “green” and “red” zones, is not enough to stop students armed with phones from texting under desks. Teachers need to be both strict and engaging with students. In an age of entertainment, teachers must find a type of connection between their teaching methods and a student’s engagement in an attempt to marvel at the knowledge learned. Outside of the classroom, we must learn to analyze before typing away on phones, scavenging the internet for simple answers. Let’s drop our phones and get back to basics.

Technology impedes effective learning

■ By Louis Zimmermann (‘18)

Eastside Opinions Editor

We live in a day and age w h e r e phones are by our sides 24/7, social media consumes and portrays every gaping glimpse of our lives and the internet is easily accessible at the click of a button. All of this, of course, was unpredictable to the average person not even twenty years ago. Let me take you back to 2014 when I started high school.

The iPhone 6 was released by Apple and consumers were scavenging to see the new, intriguing features of the smartphone.

Throughout the progression of my high school years, the unimaginable happened.

Apple Watches were created, iPhones were advanced to the extent of face recognition, hoverboards roamed the streets, virtual reality headsets transported people into new worlds of creation and drones took flight to capture the world from a unique perspective.

And all in the process, education and standardized test scores began to exponentially decrease. Now we stand in an age of technological advancement where the possibilities are endless. But how beneficial are these advancements really for society and school per-

formance as a whole?

When looking around a classroom, people seem to constantly be glued to their phones, using Sparknotes before an important test or simply refreshing an Instagram page to see what may be new since checking 15 minutes beforehand. Although a student’s phone may not be out to hinder peers’ focus, the phones surrounding the area do just that for much of our generation.

In fact, a study p e r formed by the P e w Internet and American Life Project as well as the University of Michigan found that 71 percent of students received and sent texts during class although technology was neither permitted nor tolerated, a clear distraction to both the student using the phone and those surrounding his/her area. Another important note concerning technology usage is easy accessibility.

Phones cause a significant loss in a student’s analysis skills amongst all core

subjects — math, English, science, world language and history. It is a recurring behavior of students to look up answers online to worksheets or essays instead of forcing themselves to analyze the problem-set or text given. Especially in English, students tend to look up the synopsis of varying books instead of actually reading the curriculum, a practice that enhances thinking and engages one’s imagination in ways visual media cannot.

Students have already adopted a dependency on constant cell phone usage. Without strict control of phones in school, this dependency will only spread to a classr o o m setting.

W i t h most, if not all, smartphones being i n stalled w i t h

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

Page 16

COMICS EASTSIDE

March 2018

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

Philly Sports Knowledge by Dakota Rosen (‘19)/ Eastside Photo Editor

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

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

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

Now go kick those apps into gear!

ENTERTAINMENT

Students love the HQ trivia app EASTSIDE

enough, big companies will pay to be associated with it.

This idea, however, may not be the best because Do you ever find yourgames like these tend to self needing some extra lose popularity quickly. For cash? Are you interested example, a similar trivia in testing your knowledge game called Trivia Crack through trivia? Then the was released in 2013, which HQ game is perfect for you. involved people competing The co-creators of Vine, with one anColin Kroll and other through Rus Yusupov, trivia questions. created the live It became very trivia game, HQ, popular for a that was first rebrief period of leased on iOS in time, but, like August of 2017 most trends, the and on Android popularity fadin January of ed fast.

2018. In the HQ is subgame, players ject to this same answer a series loss of interest, of twelve trivia especially after questions.

If people realize they answer all how difficult it of them correctis to win and ly, they receive how little mona cash prize ey most people through PayPal. win.

The live trivia “I really occurs every day think it will die at 3 p.m. and out. Once people 9 p.m., giving get sick of not players ten secwinning money, onds to answer it is going to each trivia quesdie. All of the tion, therefore hype is created not enough time because of the to search online idea that you for the answers. could win a lot A prize amount of money, but is stated and the even if you did Jiseon Lee (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor winners split the reward. If a lot An East student plays the popular trivia app, HQ, for a three o’clock game get to the twelth question, you of people win, which promotes Sunday’s 15,000 dollar prize. have to split the players could rewinnings with ceive about five Spanish class were talking for the creators because the everyone else who wins,” dollars each, or if there are about it,” said Jillian Tyler game has not yet been profsaid Sanjana Doshi (‘20). not many winners, play(‘19). itable; it does not currently The rising popularity is ers could receive as much However, though people have any advertisements or definite. Overall, the HQ as or even more than one are interested in winning sponsored events. game is another success for hundred dollars each. So the game for the money The game is funded by creators Kroll and Yusufar, the lowest amount won rewards, the questions are Lightspeed Venture Partpov, as it gives people a fun is $1.62 while the highest difficult and most players ners, which does not have way to try to win some examount ever won is 560 dolhave never won. any advertisements to tra cash, but it is probable lars.

“I have never won the bring in funding, but the that the game will eventuThe popularity of the game,” said Tyler. “The company believes that ally die out just as their last game is growing fast as most I’ve gotten right is five when it becomes popular app did. more people hear about ■ By Hope Seybold (‘19)

Eastside Staff

it through news media or from friends and family who play the game. People grow interested quickly when finding out that they can play trivia for no cost and possibly find themselves receiving money.

“I first heard about the game when people in my

questions.”

The game has so far been a success, as its popularity continues to grow. In just October alone, the number of players increased by 30 percent with an average of about half a million players every day. This current rise in popularity is beneficial

Page 17

See if you can answer these real HQ Questions!

1. Which car logo features exactly two letters?

2. Actress Emma Watson studied at which university?

3. Which Sci-Fi film/TV creator has written X-Men comic books?

4. What is used in fragrances to maintain their strong scent?

5. The Stradivari family was famous for making what?

6. What is the act of performing music in public places for tips?

7. An athlete that rides a racehorse is called what?

1. Volkswagen 2. Brown 3. Joss Whedon 4. Fixatives 5. Violin 6. Busking 7. Jockey

March 2018

Celebrities show interest in surrogacy

■ By Samantha Roehl (‘20)

Eastside Staff

Within the last halfcentury, science concerning DNA has been in the spotlight, from cloning to genetic engineering to fertility treatments and embryology. Recently, celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Chrissy Teigen have been the subjects of controversy concerning their use of embryonic science.

On January 15, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West had their third child, Chicago West, through a surrogate.

Surrogacy is when the biological parents are egg and sperm donors and the embryo formed is implanted into another woman, not back into the biological mom, according to Dr. Kim Achilly, a biology teacher at East.

A 2015 YouGov poll of almost a thousand Americans found that 71 percent of American adults approve of the practice of surrogacy, a mindset which is reflected

by East students.

“I think it’s an okay practice if people are willing to do that. It’s their bodies, they have the choice to [use

a surrogate],” said Brett Kamen (‘18).

Students think that it does not matter who carried the child, but who nurtures and raises it.

“I personally don’t see what’s wrong with it. [Kardashian is] taking care of it, that’s all that matters. The child’s in a safe environment,” said Alyssa Santos (‘19).

Some students pointed out that some surrogates may be doing so because the person they are surrogating for is unable to carry their own children.

“If you want to [surrogate] for people who don’t have an opportunity to have kids, I think it’s great,” said Eve Rosado (‘20).

In Kardashian’s case, she chose surrogacy because she cannot safely carry another child herself due to her placenta accreta.

Placenta accreta is a potentially deadly condition in which “part or all of the placenta remains firmly attached [to the uterine wall after birth],” which can cause severe blood loss that leads to death. It is considered a “high-risk pregnancy complication,” according to Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit

medical practice and research group.

Additionally, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen have made waves in the media for opening up about their use of in-vitro fertilization (IVF), which is similar to surrogacy except the embryo gets implanted back into the biological mother. They were able to choose the sex of their daughter, Luna Simone Stephens, and their son, with whom Teigen is currently pregnant.

Genetic testing can tell prospective parents the sex of their embryos.

“When they do the genetic testing… it’s [for] some of those major disorders,” said Achilly. “[However], we have the potential to… pick embryos that have more subtle characteristics.”

Some students are strongly against the use of IVF to choose the sex of which embryo is implanted.

“I don’t [think it’s ethical] because I think that your baby is born how it’s supposed to be born and you shouldn’t be able to change it,” said Tabitha Didonato (‘21).

Similarly, some people are worried that the prefer-

ence of parents-to-be could be sexist. This issue is exacerbated in some countries.

“In countries where men are valued more than women, that could definitely be a problem and affect the population,” said Mia Thiagarajan (‘20).

Though some students have ethical problems with choosing the sex of a child with IVF, some do not have an issue with the practice.

“I think it’s [fine]... if they want to choose [the sex of the baby]. It’s up to the parents,” said Matthew Muller (‘21).

However, most people who use IVF are not only using for the sole purpose of choosing the sex of their child. In John Legend and Chrissy Teigen’s case, they tried for “five [or] six years” to have kids before using IVF, according to Teigen’s comments on her TV show, “FABLife.” “[Because the embryo] gets implanted into the mother instead of a different person… there must be fertilization issues, not carrying issues,” said Mrs. Marie McPherson, a biology teacher at East.

Using IVF is more common than most think. Ba-

bies conceived with IVF made up 1.5 percent of the 3.9 million births in the U.S, as reported by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology in 2014.

Another major dispute many have with fertility treatments is the high cost of the treatments. TMZ reported that Kim Kardashian’s surrogate was paid 45,000 dollars and Forbes has reported that the average cost of IVF in America is at least 12,000 dollars.

Some students at East do not fault celebrities for being able to afford these treatments but are not happy about the treatments’ high costs.

“I think it’s sad that people who can’t afford to have artificial insemination… can’t afford to have kids, but I feel [that] it’s not that bad because [celebrities] have the money they can,” said Rosado.

Some students are more critical of the cost.

“I think that everybody should be allowed to have kids. Adoption’s a really nice choice, because you can also chose the gender of your baby that way. And [still] name it after cities,” said Thiagarajan.

ENTERTAINMENT

Media affects college decisions Page 18

EASTSIDE

■ By Jared Fisch (‘18)

Eastside Managing Editor

Instagram University?

Snapchat State? Social media has taken over the college decision process in an age where “phones eat first” and Snapchat streaks are more important than reallife conversations.

As the second semester rolls around, so does an increase in college decisions. Pictures, videos and congratulatory posts flood Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and Facebook. While some wait eagerly all of high school to finally post their “next step,” some shy away from the limelight and additional pressure that comes along with one of the biggest decisions that a teenager faces.

Jason Cox (‘18) expressed simply, “It puts added pressure when you see everyone committing and some people haven’t heard back [from schools] yet.”

Although committed already, Evan Frisby (‘18) agreed, stating, “Of course there is added pressure.”

Frisby added, “I feel like it makes people want to make their decision quicker.”

While some find posting commitments to be braggadocious and occasionally obnoxious, others see it as a form of expressing excite-

ment for their futures. thought it was appropriate These posts, no matter Hailey Abrams (‘18) for such posts, undecided who you follow, are nearposted her ly unavoidable as the commitment second semester comto Penn State mences, causing most to on Instagram, follow suit... except for Facebook and Curtis Chance (‘18).

Snapchat. Her Chance, who has reasoning: pure fielded offers from excitement.

Princeton, New Jersey Abrams, Institute of Technology, like most high University of Miami school seniors, and other universities has worked for volleyball, plans on tirelessly keeping his committhroughout the ment subtle. last four years When asked how just to get into he would publicize his a university. college commitment, So, when she fiChance replied, “I don’t nally made her know, that’s a good decision, she question. I haven’t rewas excited to ally thought... maybe [I share it with all will] tweet something.” of her followers.

While Chance wants She gathered to keep his commitment all the Penn under the radar, he unState gear she derstands why others go could possibly all out on social media. find, a few bal“It’s kind of the big loons to spell thing nowadays, every“PSU” and took one has to know this the money shot. kid [is going] to Penn Abrams garState, this kid [is going] nered over one to Michigan. It’s a norm thousand Into do that,” Chance said.

Courtesy of Hailey Abrams (‘18) stagram likes Hailey Abrams (‘18) poses with her Penn So when you find yourin less than a State college apparel. self scrolling through week.

Instagram or checking Many college your Snapchat Stories decision pictures just like senior Morgan Snell (‘18) and come across college that of Abrams are floating replied, “Definitely bedecision post after college around every social media cause [students] are proud decision post, don’t be surplatform every day. of themselves and want to prised, just understand the When asked if she show off their school.” excitement.

Film industry seeks to correct mistakes concerning diversity ■ By Henry Nolan (‘19)

Eastside Staff

It’s award season again, creating a sense of excitement for many about nominations and winners in the Grammys, Golden Globes, Emmys and more. But one award seems to be focused on the most at this time: the Academy Awards.

Also known as the Oscars, this ceremony selects and names the favorites of America’s top film actors, directors, composers and otherwise among hundreds of the year’s films.

However, the Oscars have come under fire for various forms of lack of diversity over the past few years.

In 2015, at the eighty-seventh award ceremony, the Best Picture category contained exclusively films with male protagonists. In 2016, leaders of the Oscar’s saw themselves on the barrel-end of the #oscarssowhite campaign due to a lack of minority representation in any of the main categories.

This year, the ninetieth year of the Awards, was the first year to include a woman in the best cinematography nominations.

The Academy has done much in recent years to rectify its former nomination process that was shamed by society. Several East students, such as Carlie Wiseman (‘18), Michaela DiFlo-

rio (‘18) and Amy Backal (‘18), were quick to point out that following each of these criticisms, the hosts of the ceremony seemed to have been carefully chosen in order to quell these challenges.

Chris Rock, the host of the 2016 Oscars, put on a performance that showed evident self-awareness to the fact that he contrasted with

“the other award shows have more effect, like the Grammys.”

She said that “the movies aren’t the sort of movies that our age watches,” and she finds that this yields a lack of interest in the topic, even as it relates to diversity. The view from her, self-statedly minimal, knowledge of the Oscars is that they are working to make their nomi-

the white nominees. Some may view this notion as a step in the right direction, while others say it is patronizing. But how are these views reflected into the East community?

The short answer is, they don’t. In general, the East community doesn’t seem affected by the results of the Oscars.

According to Wiseman,

nat i o n s more diverse, but overall it is a slow process.

In order to find a group that really knows a lot about the Oscars, one must travel to the Cherry Hill East Film Club. The views in this club are diverse, including those of the club’s student leader, Jon Cohen (‘19), who emphasized his disgust at The Boss Baby being nominated in

the same category as Loving Vincent, but stood out among them as the clear expert on the topic: that of Aaron Oppenheim (‘19).

In addition to having some comprehensive views on the nominations and favorites to win, he also is clear about his views on diversity within the Oscars.

According to Oppenheim, the issue is not in the lack of representation in the Oscars, but more, a lack of diversity in the art as a whole, whether that be fewer roles for minority actors, fewer women being active in the film world, or a society at large that frowns upon nontraditional or otherwise alternative or less felt perspectives in the media. He said that with nominations such as Get Out, and its director Jordan Peele, as well as Greta Gerwig in Lady Bird, it is possible to see an expansion of thought to encompass more views.

Oppenheim said, “Everyone who has an interest in the arts, whether it be film, painting or anything else, should at least try, even if there is little diversity.”

As Oppenheim expressed, if the diversity issue is going to change, there is only one way that could happen. People who are passionate must work to develop meaningful conversation about the topic.

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

March 2018

■ By Eli Weitzman (‘20) Eastside Webmaster

M a n y p e o p l e remember that bleak day last year when current FCC Chairman (who I’m not too fond of) Ajit Pai cast the final vote in a 2-2 decision to repeal Net Neutrality. It was a sad day for all internet users. Soon after, many protested. Change.org petitions were formed. Angry tweets were sent. But what really is Net Neutrality, and what effect has it had on the internet so far, now that it’s gone?

Net Neutrality was a piece of legislation that basically limited ISPs (Internet Service Providers) from throttling, upcharging or doing anything that was blocking internet usage.

Without it, many believed the internet would be turned into a pay-per-view service, where it costs more to reach the sites you want at the speeds you want. But what is happening now, without the legislation?

Currently, no ISP has done anything like that example. But, some companies have started to move towards it. Comcast, one of the biggest advocates against Net Neutrality, has just lost its FCC oversight.

This basically means that it now is free to throttle, or slow down, as it pleases.

Comcast has also made early changes to its Net Neutrality policy. Originally, Comcast had the statement on its site that “Comcast doesn’t prioritize Internet traffic or create paid fast lanes.”

Currently, its new stance includes that “[Comcast does] not block, slow down, or discriminate against lawful content.” and that “[It is] for sustainable and legally enforceable net neutrality protections for our customers.”

This makes no guarantee of upholding the rules.

Currently, a few states have proposed individual Net Neutrality legislation, including California, Washington, Montana and recently New Jersey. These states, while the current legislation is jumbled and and confusing, now have temporary measures to mitigate the national issue.

Hearing this, you may think that Net Neutrality is solved. But the issue of Net Neutrality is much larger than the states, and the fight is not over.

If you have a problem with Net Neutrality, speak out. Reach out to your local senator or congressman, and tell them to support new Net Neutrality legislation.

Save the internet from being slowed down!

Logo by Eli Weitzman (‘20)/ Eastside Webmaster

SPORTS

Speller wins big in Madden tournaments March 2018

EASTSIDE

■ By Jaclynn Hernberg (‘19)

Eastside Staff

Becoming top 100 in Madden NFL requires a lot of hard work and determination. Just ask one of Cherry Hill East’s physical education teachers, Mr. Jason Speller.

Speller has been playing Madden NFL since 1991.

His love for the video game started with his enjoyment of football and then grew into something much bigger. He was rewarded with the title of top 100 Madden NFL player ten years ago and continues to compete for the title.

Madden NFL tournaments occur all around the world throughout the year. The best video game players are selected to play and travel to a tournament where they compete for a grand prize, typically money or advancement to the next tournament.

A person can either compete alone in the tournament or join a club team and get sponsored to play.

Speller was convinced by his friend to play Madden NFL competitively.

He said that he saw a flyer promoting a Madden NFL challenge, and he decided to play in it. In that tournament, he ended up beating the person who had pre-

viously won the Madden NFL National Championship game, which is when he knew he was capable of winning other tournaments and began competing frequently.

“Tournaments are definitely intense. People are watching over your shoulder and your heart rate is up. People even trash talk you while you are playing,” said Speller.

Despite the intense atmosphere, Speller said that the tournaments a r e fan-

tastic because so many people travel just to watch a person play.

He even added that various people come up to him and ask him to teach them how to play.

Speller is a part of Game Time in Philadelphia, where the best Mad-

den NFL players in the area are sponsored to compete in tournaments. This club ended up winning a 100,000-dollar prize pack and split it equally among the people who competed in that tournament.

A s

well, Speller is a part of a less competitive club with his friends and cousins. Speller describes this team as his main team because he does not travel or compete as much any-

more since it has become difficult to do so with his job and family. Instead of traveling, he plays video games online because the games are quick and easily accessible.

Speller has won several Madden NFL tournaments, including the

Rowa n Tournament at Rowan University. Speller placed in the top four in Chicago and in Philadelphia and placed in the top eight in Washington D.C. His record is 122 wins and 3 losses; his highest placement he received in the country is number 81. “[Competitors] need to put in a lot of time and effort to be good,” said Spell-

Boys’ Tennis swings its way into a new season ■ By Sophia Liang (‘19)

Eastside Community Editor

With the beginning of his eighth coaching season on the horizon, Mr. Greg deWolf has high hopes for the East Boys’ Tennis Team. Although the team had many successes last year, including winning the American Division of the Olympic Conference with a 12-2 record, the boys were disappointed when they narrowly lost to Lenape in the finals of the South Jersey Group IV Championship.

“That was a tough pill to swallow,” said deWolf, whose goal for the 2018 season is a sectional victory for the team. “We’re ready to get back out there. I think the guys want to…avenge a little bit of what happened last year.”

This year, the team will have some big shoes to fill after losing its fouryear first singles player, Rahul Goculdas (‘17), who now plays tennis for The College of New Jersey. The boys, however, are certain that they can rise to meet that challenge. “[The loss] only pushes us more to work hard,” said Adam Yu (‘19), who aims to move up from sec-

ond to first singles this seaing the little things right… it.” son. “We have something just going out and playing After three seasons of to prove this year, but as strong, error-free tennis.” playing on varsity and tough as it’s going to be, I think we’re ready for it.”

T r y outs began in early M a r c h , and deWolf hopes his players have learned from the results of last season and bring stronger mental games and consistency.

Dakota Rosen (‘19)/ Eastside Photo Editor As al- Adam Yu (‘19) practices his backhand on the East courts after school. ways, he will emphasize their fitness, intelligence and character.

“No matter how much we can practice tough points or tough games… y o u

To reach that goal, the team plans to put in more sweat and hard work on the court than ever, according to Arnav Gupta (‘19).

“We can practice more, in school and outside school, to improve ourselves and try to be the best we can… so we can stay strong and have another chance at the finals this year,” Gupta said.

But for seniors such as Elan Boyarsky (‘18), the anticipation of the have to experience start of a new season [that championis slightly dampened ship match] to by the knowledge now know what that it will be it is you have their last. to overcome,” he “It’s bitsaid. “This year is tersweet,” going to be based on Boyarsky having high expectasaid. “It’s nice tions, but going day to go on to colin and day out and dolege and everything, but tennis Dakota Rosen (‘19)/ Eastside Photo Editor was like my home. I alArnav Gupta (‘19) hopes more practice will lead to success. ways looked forward to

watching the elusive sectional title just barely slip away each year, Boyarsky is determined to lead his younger teammates in clinching it this spring.

According to deWolf, the boys have always had the skills to earn themselves a sectional win, but he is eager to see an extra push of righteous indignation propel them there this time.

“I’m looking forward to the guys maybe playing with a chip on their shoulder,” he said with a smile.

“They’re a great group of guys—we have a lot of fun together on the court and off the court…But I know they want to be holding a trophy at the end of the season.”

DeWolf hopes to rally the team together to accomplish their preseason goals.

A strong work ethic and powerful leadership will lead the Cougars to victory.

Page 19

er.

When Speller is not competing, he plays Shooters, Call of Duty, Fifa and NBA2K uncompetitively and just for fun. Even though he does not play these games competitively, he enjoys playing video games in his free time as one of his hobbies.

Speller has always wanted to start a Madden NFL club at East, but he has not had the time to do so because he is busy with the other clubs he is involved in, such as Athletes Against Bullying and Text Later Drive Now. Interestingly, Speller worked at EB Games when he was younger and played people in Madden NFL as a side job in order to earn extra money while working.

He said this job helped him in the tournaments because it gave him practice competing against other people.

Speller will continue to compete in various leagues and tournament to continue his legacy and his honorable title.

He said that he has worked hard to achieve the Madden NFL top 100 title and enjoys the challenge of competing against other valuable players.

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

Tennis Facts:

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

SPORTS

March 2018

EASTSIDE

Page 20

East Ice Hockey takes in players from other schools ■ By Adam Dashevsky (‘19)

Eastside Sports Editor

Rivalries are the foundation of sports. Beating a fellow rival brings bragging rights for that team until its next matchup against each other. The Cherry Hill East and West rivalry has been around since East’s creation in 1967, but East Ice Hockey has brought the two schools together.

Although ice hockey is not considered a school sport in Cherry Hill, students from East and West come together to wear red and white jerseys with East going down it diagonally from right to left.

The students all have a love for hockey and they put the rivalry aside to partake in the sport they have cared about their entire life.

Cherry Hill West student Tommy Papa (‘19) said, “It’s not that bad. I don’t really mind it that much, but some of my friends rip on me for it because obviously East and West are rivals.

I’ll play for any team because I love the sport.”

Another West student, Johnny Pearson (‘18) said, “It’s a little bit of a contradiction, but when it comes to hockey, there is no West hockey team, so it’s the next best thing. It’s still good hockey, and it’s fun, and we’re all a family.”

Although they do not see

each other every day like an average high school sports team, the East Ice Hockey team still finds a way to remain close. Once they enter the locker room, they put their game faces on and leave any school drama at the door.

West student Ben Isa-

meals like other high school teams, but they have a bond that is unmatched.

The kids from West do not have to play in the red and white uniforms. They could just play for their club team and never put on the East jersey. The boys have many reasons not to

room. But when it comes to game-time, we are all super serious. We’re just there to win at the end of the day.”

The team has its fun, taking shots at one another’s schools, but each day at practice, the players know what the ultimate goal is.

East clinched the first seed

Emily Steele (‘20)/ For Eastside

Non-East players make up a good portion of the team, but they all work together in order to achieve one common goal: winning the SJHSHL championship. kovich (‘19) said, “Being from West and being in a locker room full of East kids is honestly the greatest experience. The kids are all nice, and all the beef between the two school ends when you get to the rink.”

The boys may not have pasta parties or pre-game

play for a team that is not even run by a school, but they do. They play together because they all share a love for the sport.

Isakovich said, “We are all super close. Whenever games are played between the two schools, there’s always beef in the locker

after it demolished Riverfront. Now they celebrate the accomplishment they worked all year for: defending their title as Tier-2 South Jersey High School Champions.

East student Jack Amon (‘18) said, “We have a good time. We have a lot of chem-

istry. I enjoy playing with them, and I knew some of them growing up, so it’s quite fun playing with kids from different schools and getting their perspective on things.”

Almost any game played at the Virtua Center Flyers Skate Zone is packed with the screaming Countrymen, who cheer for every player, East or not. Although it may seem weird to have fans not wearing purple and white cheer for you if you go to West, the whole team still appreciates the hard work each player puts in every time he put on his skates.

In a town where school spirit is dying, the East Ice Hockey team’s popularity only seems to be rising, with some games having massive attendance.

Isakovich said, “The fans are pretty into it, and it’s an awesome experience to get out there and play in front of all of those people.

It’s a huge thing when you are 15, 16,17 years old and you are having all of these people watch you play.”

East Ice Hockey can finally relax after accomplshing the goal the players set before the season, not letting their school differences come in between them and a championship. East Ice Hockey defeated HLV 7-1.

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

Thompson continues his family’s legacy in water polo Aquatics Water Polo has is is the only member of the participates in the United a result of the plethora of East swim team who also States Water Polo Tri-State hours that the boys put in participates in water polo, League and the Mainline during practice. The boys a unique quality that sets League, both leagues full of Five years ago, Robbie on the team are mostly him apart from the rest of immense competition. Last Thompson (‘20) made a from Central New Jersey his classmates. His hobby year, Thompson started to splash as he dove into the and Pennsylvania. Thompturned into a love and a play year round as opposed crystal clear blue water at son practices on Sunday, passion for water polo, and to just in the summer. He Old Orchard Swim Club in Tuesday and Thursday, he is really glad he followed also helps to coach the suma youth promer. No, gram at Jersey Thompson Wahoos Swim is not a Club. competiWith only six tive diver. position players No, he was and one goalie not there in the water to focus on at one time for perfecting each team, wahis breastter polo forces s t r o k e teamwork and or backcommunication. stroke.

Thompson plays Thompson the left wing podecided to sition, but he pick up a has to be able ball and to play all of the start playpositions due to ing water the low number polo, a of players in the sport that water at one makes him time. unique “Usually I a m o n g play left wing, all of the Courtesy of Robbie Thompson but in water students polo you really Thompson aggressively reaches for the ball during a game. at Cherry have to know Hill East. how to play evW a and he practices for two in his father’s footsteps. erywhere because it’s ter polo, to three hours each day. A “[Water polo] is just a re[so] fast moving,” said a sport typical practice requires a ally fun sport. I know lookThompson. played in Courtesy of Robbie Thompson lot of hard work. ing up to my dad it was Last year, Thompthe Sumson and his team had “It includes swim, legs, always cool and I just enmer Olym- Thompson throws the ball to a teammate. a very unique opportutreading, shooting and joy the swimming and the pics, comnity. He and his team passing. We also work on teamwork aspect of it,” said bines a participated in the Junior drills and scrimmages,” Thompson. with influencing him to variety of sports. The object Olympics in San Jose, said Thompson.

Although Thompson is start participating in comof the game is to score more California. There, the boys In order to be superior only a sophomore, he plans petitive water polo. goals than the opponent, played some of the most at water polo, one must be to pursue water polo in colIn order for Thompson to all while treading water in proficient teams from all an avid swimmer. Thomplege, possibly in California play on a highly competia pool. over the country. son has been swimming for or at one of the Ivy League tive team, he has to travel “It’s a combination of soc“We placed pretty well most of his life. He is a part schools. around 45 minutes away cer, basketball and hockey there and we had a split reof the East swim team and For Thompson, the mindto Princeton, NJ, where he in the water while you are cord,” said Thompson. also part of the team at Jerset will always be dominate competes for Tiger Aquatswimming. It just takes asAll of the success Tiger sey Wahoos Swim Club. He or drown. ics Water Polo. His team pects of each of those while ■ By Sophie Levine (‘19)

Eastside Sports Editor

swimming,” said Thompson.

Thompson is not the only member of his family who plays water polo. His father played the sport in college at The Ohio State University. He accredits his father