Eastside: May 2015

www.eastside-online.org

East kicks off prom season Vol. 49 No. 6

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

May 2015

Emelia Keller (‘17)/Eastside Photo Editor

Students spend the night on the dance floor at Lucien’s Manor for the fire and ice themed junior prom on Friday, April 24.

■ By Kaitlyn Boyle (‘17) Eastside News/Features Editor

The prom season kicked off in a flurry of dresses, bowties and camera flashes on Friday, April 24. Over 480 people spent the evening at Lucien’s Manor for the Cherry Hill East Junior Prom.

The spacious ballroom, illuminated by numerous crystal chandeliers, offered both an indoor and outdoor area. The interior, which was overlooked by a balcony where pictures could be taken, had an elegant marble wall of water with the signature Lucien’s logo on one side of the room and a grand fireplace to the opposite side. Just a short walk outside, and guests could walk past gorgeous fountains to take pictures by a gazebo, or sit along stone benches.

“It [was] gorgeous,” said Samantha Goodwin (’15).

“There [was] a bridge… there [was] water.”

The junior class Student Government Association (SGA) provided its own touch to the venue in an ef-

Inside This Issue

fort to fit the theme of fire and ice. Blue and red tinted lights lit up the room at random intervals, shining upon an ice sculpture that read ‘2016’. Centerpieces at each table displayed vases filled with red and white or blue and white jellybeans, tied to balloons and surrounded by red and white candies. Class of 2016 officers, representatives and advisors began preparing these centerpieces about three to four weeks prior.

“We decided that we wanted to make the centerpieces for prom, so that was a lot of time putting centerpieces together,” said Lee Rosen-Swell (’16), junior class president.

The planning for the prom began about a year before.

“You visit a couple of places,” said Rosen-Swell, “and then you’ll map out, you’ll maybe present to your SGA homeroom what places you liked and why you liked them, and then you kind of decide as a whole.”

The Class of 2016 chose Lucien’s for its beautiful interior, unique outdoor

option and the possibility of hosting prom on a Friday night. This is the first time in over a decade that junior prom was held on a Friday, which helped to lower the cost of tickets to $75.

“Usually our proms are on a Saturday, but Lucien’s was able to have a reduced price for a Friday prom, so that’s how we were able to lower ticket prices,” said Rosen-Swell.

Class representatives were not the only students who spent a great deal of time preparing for prom.

Some juniors spent as many as three to four months arranging their plans. Madeline Bowne (’16) spent three months searching for the perfect dress, hairstyle and makeup, yet enjoyed this phase of prom just as much as spending the night with her friends.

Other students, however, had last-minute plans.

Olivia Marcelli (’16) was not planning to go to prom until a week before, when she was promposed to.

Promposals, a combination of “prom” and “proposal,” have become synonymous with the prom

Local man competes on “Hell’s Kitchen” Community, Pg. 4

season at East. In a survey conducted of juniors, approximately 40 percent of students promposed for junior prom. The average amount of money spent on a promposal was $30.63.

Jake Walsh (’16) consisted of those who chose to prepare a thoughtful promposal.

“I promposed to my friend Angela. I actually planned it for about a month in advance,” said Walsh. “I got all my friends together and we worked together to make this monstrous poster, and I promposed to her at the Science Olympiad competition.”

Although 16 percent of juniors admitted that they would rather go to prom with someone who promposed, a large number of students from all grades were in attendance, including some sophomores who were inspired for their own prom in a year’s time.

“I really like[d] the venue... and I really like[d] how everything [was] put together, such as the centerpieces, and the food [was] really great,” said Sofia Benedetto (’17), soph-

Hip-Hop experiences a Golden Age in 2015 Underground, Pg. 10

omore class president.

Benedetto added, “I think that this is a good starting point for our prom, which I hope will be super great. So far, we’ve picked a location, and we have thrown around a couple of theme ideas, but we won’t finalize anything until next year.”

Students enjoyed the wide variety of dinner entrees, including penne with blush sauce, beef bordelaise, chicken parmesan, potatoes and a pasta stand.

Lucien’s took care to even offer a gluten free and vegetarian option. For dessert, guests enjoyed an ice cream bar, chocolate fountain and bananas foster.

Overall, everyone in attendance had a night to remember, whether it was spent on the dance floor or talking with their friends.

“Prom [was] absolutely amazing. Everyone [looked] beautiful, and I [loved] the dancing, the food, it [was] all great,” said Yvonne Olayemi (’16).

Next up on the prom circuit is the senior prom at the Vie in Philadelphia on May 28.

East volleyball team spikes to success Sports, Pg. 11

NEWS/FEATURES

Page 2

EASTSIDE

May 2015

BOE representatives give East students a voice ■ By Kaitlyn Boyle (‘17)

Eastside News/Features Editor

In order to maintain a flourishing school district, a connection must exist between the highest-ranking Board of Education officials and the student body. This bridge exists in the form of two brave high school seniors.

The prestigious positions of Board of Ed. Representatives are held by one student from Cherry Hill East and one from Cherry Hill West. Each school also chooses one alternate representative.

The grueling application process determines who can most effectively represent his or her student body. At the end of their junior year, applicants must fill out a packet, which a committee comprised of about fifteen teachers and students later reviews.

“The application is not an easy application. It’s not just one essay,” said Adel Boyarsky (’15), Board of Ed. representative for the 2014-2015 year. “It’s multiple essays, and you really have to state your opinion on school matters, like what you would change, how you would represent the school. The main point is how could you best represent the 2,000 kids that you’re talking for, because

you’re one voice for the entire high school.”

After the pool of students is narrowed, candidates must give a speech to the committee in order to prove their publicspeaking skills. The ideal representative should also be involved in multiple factions of the school in order to represent a wide variety of students. Additionally, since the position is an SGA position, officers cannot run for Board of Ed. representative. The representative works with SGA in order to gain a better idea of student needs.

The senior must attend two Board of Education meetings a month: the work meeting on the second Tuesday and the action meeting on the fourth Tuesday. At every action meeting, each representative must give a three- to five- minute speech, updating the BOE members on events occurring at their respective schools and providing student opinions.

“At first I was really nervous, but now it’s become very easy. The board is just really interested to hear what you have to say. They are not there to scrutinize you, and it’s really your job to represent the students so you need to make sure that you’re getting their opinions out there,” said Boyarsky.

Some speeches serve to inform the Board members about events including plays, sports teams and other club accomplishments.

However, controversial topics such as contract negotiations affecting clubs or the possible cancellation of Multi-Cultural Day must also be addressed.

“You have to talk about what the students want you to talk about,” said Boyarsky.

The East representative meets with East Principal Dr. Lawyer Chapman once a month, as well, before presenting his or her speech to the Board of Education.

Although the meetings only last around 45 minutes, preparation requires much more work.

All events and opinions throughout East must be consolidated into a short Rachel Becker (‘16)/ Eastside Photo Editor speech which will effecAdel Boyarsky (‘15) and alternate Sam Amon (‘15) repretively represent all corsented the Cherry Hill East student body as the 2014ners of the school 2015 Board of Education representatives.

“You have to be committed,” said Boyarsky about the responsibility. figure out what’s going on, tion between the Board of The position also prowhat they’re doing right,” Education and the student vides public speaking expesaid Boyarsky. “It lets body at both Cherry Hill rience, a necessary ability them know that they’re East and Crerry Hill West. for graduating seniors. The putting their time and These two daring students speeches made by one voice money into the right areas. must each represent apcan potentially have a large That’s what I gather from proximately 2,000 others, impact on the students and that at least.” a daunting task knowing staff in the district.

The Board of Education that their short speeches “The Board of Ed. really Representatives are a crucan make great changes looks on to my speeches to cial means of communicafor their respective peers.

Preparations for twelvehour Relay begin

■ By Jenn Pacitti (‘17)

Eastside Staff

Twelve hours of walking. Food.

Teams. Support for Cancer Survivors.

On Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., people from Cherry Hill and Voorhees will be walking up to twelve hours around the East track in order to raise money for cancer survivors during a new event, Relay for Life. Relay for Life raises money for the American Cancer Society by coming together as a community to help celebrate survivors of cancer, along with supporting people who are currently battling the disease and remembering the ones who have passed.

Each year, over four million people in over twenty countries raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer through the Relay For Life movement.

The Relay for Life Foundation is travelling around the South JerseyPhiladelphia area and has come to East, giving students the opportunity to get involved.

Nikki Pejavara (’17), a student representative for Cherry Hill’s Relay for Life, felt a connection to the organization because of the people in her family who have had cancer.

She found it a great opportunity to show her support by reaching out alongside the community.

“When you sign up online there is an option to donate money. Each team has a goal and everyone donates…. Teams are the people you walk around the track with and you get to choose which team you are going to be on,” said Pejavara.

Anyone who is interested in the event can find a way to get involved, whether it be sponsoring the event, building a team and participating, or by simply showing up throughout

the day and night to see what’s going on and show support.

“As a team you could make shirts or match in a color or a themed outfit to build excitement for all the relays and ceremonies throughout the event,” said Dayna Wachman (’15), a student representative .

In preparation for Relay for Life at East, a board of people from Voorhees and Cherry Hill are calling vendors to bring food trucks to the event. In addition, cancer survivors will get free lunches from Olive Garden. Anyone from the community can participate. All the money raised will help fund cancer research, education, and patient services, said Pejavara.

At the actual event, there are various names for laps around the track. The initial Survivor Lap acts as a celebration for cancer survivors. Next, the Caregiver Lap honors those who have helped cancer patients. During the Opening Lap, all teams will begin their relay.

While the foundation operates in other places outside of Cherry Hill, this year’s event will be the first one in Cherry Hill. The majority of preparation for this event is through word-of-mouth from the people of the community, as they spread interest about the event to everyone in the area. In other towns the Relay events have been very successful.

“There have been open meetings at the school led by representatives of Relay for Life. We know as years go by, the success of the event will increase drastically,” said Wachman.

“It will take time to build awareness of this amazing event. There are students along with faculty in our school that have supported a local Relay for Life and they sprouted the idea to involve Cherry Hill to bring our community together in a new way.”

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NEWS/FEATURES

May 2015

EASTSIDE

Page 3

2616F Frightening Lightning represents East at Worlds

By Sari Cohen (‘18)

Eastside Staff

From April 15 through April 18, four junior boys from Cherry Hill East traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, to once again compete in the Vex Robotics World Championship.

The competition was held at the Kentucky Exposition Center, hosting 440 high school robotics teams from over 23 countries.

East’s very own Jason Fisch (’16), Nikola Kosaric (’16), Michael Hulet (’16), and Bryan Cheung (’16) received the opportunity to be part of this world championship after taking first place at the state competition at East in February.

The team felt confident and enthusiastic coming off of this win before heading to the World Championship.

“We [were] expecting to do really well, and hopefully better than we did at the state championship,” said

Fisch.

Fisch, Kosaric, Hulet, and Cheung are four of the six members of robotics team 2616F Frightening Lightening.

The other two members are Jack Siu (’16) and Jesse Stiller (’16), who were not able to attend the championship in Kentucky.

2616F was one of the eight New Jersey robotics teams attending the world championship. The world competition had ten qualification matches for each team to participate in and five divisions consisting of 80 to 90 of these teams.

“It’s not only Courtesy of Frightening Lightning just about com- 2616F Frightening Lightning poses with their first-place state awards.

peting and winning against other teams,” said Fisch. “But [it’s about]seeing other robots and meeting new people.”

In the competition, the top eight teams from the qualification matches choose any two teams that did not make the top eight to compete with them in the playoffs.

These top eight teams are determined by each team’s record from the qualifiCourtesy of Frightening Lightning cation matches.

Just like in a From left to right: Nikola Kosaric (‘16), Michael Hulet (‘16), Jason sport, the best Fisch (‘16) and Bryan Cheung (‘16) took first at the state compe- record ranks first tition in order to qualify for the World Championships.

and so on.

“At the world championship last year, we made quarterfinals in playoffs in our division… we are the second team at East to do that,” said Fisch.

Over the course of three years of competing with their robots, 2616F has collected more than 15 awards. Nine of the said fifteen awards were won this during this robotics season alone.

The team also applied for more awards that could be won at the world championship.

These awards included the teamwork award, the design award and the excellence award.

The team also nominated its mentor, Jeremy Welsch (‘14), a freshman at Rutgers University, for Mentor

of the Year.

On April 15, the team checked into the Kentucky Exposition Center. Practice matches and opening ceremonies occurred on April 16.

Qualification matches took place on April 17-18.

April 18 also marked the start of the playoffs.

Fisch said, “[We were] excited, [we were] ready, there’s always some [nerves] probably for at least the first match.”

After traveling 689 miles southwest, the team placed 78th out of 90 participating teams in their division, finishing with a 3-7 record.

With a new year ahead, the Frightening Lightning team hopes to return to the Vex Robotics championship again next year.

at East several years ago.

“We used to have a computer programming course years ago, but it was dropped from the curriculum, so I knew there was a need for it, so I proposed it three or four years ago,” said Dilks.

Dilks added, “Anyone who has gone into computer programming as a field of study in college without having a benefit of having some high school coding are at a disadvantage. We’ve had a number of students come back and say that they were at a disadvantage because most freshmen at the college level have already been exposed to it in high school.”

The idea he had proposed went through testing, board meetings and stages of approval. After much debate, the course was set to begin.

Now, the task of creating a full curriculum lays before Dilks.

“It is an intro course and it’s not fully developed. I’m in the process of doing that now. We are going to start out with Alice, which is a drag and drop program, which is really based off of

In regards to the physics courses, the change is less substantial, but nevertheless important. The primary change that students will see next year is a transition from a Physics 1H course to a Physics 1AP course.

“The content for next year’s Physics 1AP will not be much different from the Physics 1H,” said Mrs. Nancy Hinrichsen, a physics teacher.

Because of the standards that East has instituted, as well as the trend of College Board in regards to its physics course, the department decided to start carrying the course.

“The AP board is getting closer to what we already have, an opportunity has opened up, and we’re just capitalizing,” said Mr. William Segrest, a physics teacher.

However, the way in which the course is being taught will greatly vary.

Due to new AP standards, less focus will be put on algebra skills.

“The literacy standards for science for the Common Core have been incorporated, there’s a lot more

writing,” said Mrs. Marsha Pecker, the supervisor of English, Biology and Science.

The course will focus more on the concepts that lead to a final solution, as well as the systems of problem-solving that go into finding an answer.

“We’ve been trying to get away from saying ‘Here’s the procedure.’ We’ve been trying to get away from that and [have] just [been] asking students to explore the concepts,” said Hinrichsen.

The Physical Science Department is optimistic about the future of its physics courses because of the change.

“There is interest. I think a lot of students who might have been interested in physics might have been dissuaded because the concentration was so mathematical,” said Pecker.

The changes in next year’s courses should lead to the brighter future outlined by Obama. In creating a school that nurtures math and science, Cherry Hill East may be creating a nation of the future.

New math and science courses implemented

By Josh Sodicoff (‘18)

Eastside Staff

At this year’s State of the Union Address, President Barack Obama proposed several ideas for the future. Out of many of them, Cherry Hill East seems to have embraced one of them starting next year.

“Think about the America within our reach: a country that leads the world in educating its people. An America that attracts a new generation of high-tech manufacturing and highpaying jobs,” Obama said in his address.

Beginning in September 2015, two key changes will be occurring in the Math and Science Departments at Cherry Hill East.

A programming course, organized and taught by Mr. Joseph Dilks, will be instituted, as well as other computer science courses in years to come. The Physics 1H course will also be getting a makeover, becoming Physics 1AP. In the case of the programming course, it took a lot of work to resurrect a program that had existed

Java, and that would take us through probably more than half the year,” said Dilks. “Between a half and two thirds of the year, and we’ll probably go into introducing Java. We’re probably also going to have some mobile app development and we’ll also have at East a marking period or unit for RobotC for robotics.”

In adding the course, East joins the 25 percent of schools in New Jersey that have some form of programming courses. Even though other schools may lack similar courses, Dilks feels that the course is not a luxury.

“There is a push from the highest levels down, so it’s not a question of doing something over and above what we should be doing, we should be doing it to keep pace,” said Dilks.

Dilks also noted that more programming courses could be coming in the form of AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Programming, two courses piloted this year across the nation, which may debut in schools as soon as next year.

COMMUNITY

Page 4

EASTSIDE

Audubon native serves up entertainment on “Hell’s Kitchen” son like that is an opportunity of a lifetime.”

Eastside Community Editor Trovato is a large advocate for the fast-paced and volatile cooking environWhen one first looks at Josh Trovato, ment which “Hell’s Kitchen” brings. he or she most likely will recognize him “I love… organized chaos. I feel like as one of the remaining seven conteslife is organized chaos,” said Trovato. tants on “Hell’s Kitchen.” Some might Trovato believes his personality acmake the initial assumption that Trotually matches this rapidly changeable vato is merely a cook, his sole aspiration environment. to become a renowned chef.

“My personality is different. It’s not First impressions can be deceiving. really something that people are used Trovato is not simply a chef. This is to. It’s high, it’s low, it’s in, it’s out, it’s only one of his u p , it’s down, I’m usually all over callings. Cookthe place,” said Trovato. ing does happen Finding himself to fall under the u n i q u e umbrella of his compared true passion— to his othentertainment. er competTrovato lives and itors, Trobreathes for the vato feels fast-paced world o f that while Logo by Sydney Steele (‘16)/ Eastside Staff show business. Reveling in all its windothers may ing intricacies and facets, Trovato has portunities. He worked have been intimidated by the show, he appeared in The Wolf Of Wall Street on Amazing Spiderman was not. beside Leonardo DiCaprio. Trovato be2, Person of Interest, “I’ve been through many obstacles,” lieves that through his time on “Hell’s The Following and, of said Trovato. “I’ve been through enough Kitchen,” he to be able to will display take ‘Hell’s to the whole Kitchen’ on. world his For me it ability to enwasn’t scary, tertain. it wasn’t too It all befar-fetched, it gan in South Jersey for Trovato. Growcourse, the aforementioned Wolf of Wall wasn’t anything I wasn’t ready for.” ing up in Audubon, Trovato originally Street. Once these movies came to a A perfect combination of both his found sole interest in the cooking field. close, Trovato continued pursuing more love of an on-screen presence and high“I started cookintensity cooking, Trovato can ing at eight years be seen currently thriving on old, I would watch “Hell’s Kitchen.” Through comthe Food Network bining both his personality and and I would try his skill, Trovato hopes to disto mimic what prove the misconception that [the chefs] did,” people who have a background said Trovato. “My in cooking can’t do anything grandfather used else. to have his own Trovato’s next plans? To have cooking compahis own reality show, of course. ny, and catering “Who’s to say I wouldn’t cook company, and ice on that show every once in a cream parlor in while?” said Trovato. “The opPhiladelphia.” portunities are endless.”

At 16 years old, Trovato is a huge supporter Trovato began his of destiny and fate. first real job as a “I am an artist. I was born an pastry assistant artist. And when you’re born at Haddonfield’s an artist, anything is possible,” Tavistock Counsaid Trovato. try Club. Through Following “Hell’s Kitchen,” his experiences Trovato competed in the JanuCourtesy of Josh Trovato ary American Culinary Federathere, Trovato learned to appreci- Trovato smiles while happily wearing his chef uniform. tion Competition (ACF), winate the hard-workning a bronze medal. Always ing culture of Camden County. work. Happening upon a Craigslist ad optimistic, Trovato has high hopes “Growing up in Audubon really alfor “Hell’s Kitchen,” Trovato jumped at for his future legacy. lowed me to venture to find out more the opportunity. Trovato was later con“I want to be a superhero,” said things about life. South Jersey was a tacted for a follow-up interview, ultiTrovato. “I want to be somebody that perfect place to grow up,” said Trovato. mately landing himself in a production can influence the world.”

Enthusiatically pursuing his ambistudio located in Los Angeles. tions, Trovato decided to attend John“I was always interested in entertainson and Wales University in Charlotte, ment on television, I always wanted to North Carolina, at the age of 17. Livbe on TV, I always wanted to be able to ing on his own at such a young age was entertain people on a bigger level, and quite a daring move, yet Trovato kept a I felt like this was the best opportunity steadfast belief in his decision making. to do that,” said Trovato, commenting “While there I trained classically in on his reasoning behind joining “Hell’s French and International Cuisines,” Kitchen.” “I wanted to show people that said Trovato.

I’m multi-dimensional. I’m not just a At the age of 19, Trovato traveled to cook— I’m an entertainer.”

Australia, later moving to New York Trovato’s high esteem for celebrated City at the age of 21. While there, TroChef Gordon Ramsey was also a mavato learned about more cultures than jor determining factor as to why the he ever could have imagined, including 24-year-old applied for the show. Even the Chinese, Korean, Greek and Indian going to the extent of calling Ramsey a “Taste your food to ethnic food habits. In only six months, genius, Trovato holds “Hell’s Kitchen” Trovato rose to the role of head chef at at a higher level compared to its comlimit salt.” a local New York restaurant, later even petitors. becoming assistant-dual manager at a “I think Gordon Ramsey is one of the Border by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ major Times Square restaurant. best and most fascinating people in the Eastside Art Director But for Trovato, purely cooking was world,” said Trovato. “Meeting a per■ By Ashley Cooper (‘17)

not enough.

“I [worked] there for a year. I woke up one day and I wasn’t happy, I was tired of doing this and I wanted to see what else I could do with my life, so I decided that I was going to quit my job and pursue acting as a career,” said Trovato.

The very next day Trovato resigned from his position.

Over the next period of his life, Trovato was given several acting op-

“I want to be a superhero. I want to be somebody that can influence the world.” - Josh Trovato

Josh’s Favorite...

Dish: Fish Ingredient: Salt ________________

Tip for Future Chefs:

May 2015

May 2015

COMICS EASTSIDE

Jumping Through Hoops by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

Countdown to Graduation by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director Walken in New York City by Ben Abbaszadeh (‘15)/ Eastside Staff

Page 5

OPINIONS

Page 6

EASTSIDE

May 2015

Why risk lives when we have the Internet at our fingertips?

aware of “just how dangerous ISIS is.” Young people Eastside Staff with visions of changing the world should enter warzones when zones are safe, For some, having the he said. nerve to risk oneself in orThe most efficient way der to aid citizens of counto affect the lives of large tries governed by oppressive masses of people and raise forces is innate; it is a deawareness for ISIS’s acsire one is born with. Each tions while not sacrificing day, people with this desire one’s own life is to travel to variutilize the Interous countries in net. The Internet the Middle East has the ability to, to fight for the within mere secbasic rights of onds, reach bilhuman beings. lions of people in According to every corner of U.S. News and the globe. People World Report, born with the amKayla Mueller, bition to assist are an “American vital in such danhuman rights gerous territories; activist” and however, maxi“humanitarian mizing usage of aid worker,” is the Internet is a an example of safer alternative someone who that will accomhad visions of plish the same changing the goal. world. Mueller The Internet, was taken capspecifically the tive in Syria in various social August of 2013. networks that it As a member of has to offer, acts several human as a line of comrights organimunication for zations, Mueloppressed Middle ler felt the need Eastern citizens to visit Syria to get the help with the intent they need. It is a of simply lendsafe way to spread ing a hand to awareness of the people living in atrocities being ISIS-controlled committed, and territories. does not involve However, Mupeople risking eller’s decision their own lives. ended up being Like we have the reason for seen with many her death; the countries in the Islamic State Lucy He (‘15)/ Eastside Staff past, the Internet group, who dishas the ability covered her mo- Human rights activists travel to dangerous war zones in third world countries to aid refugees. to enlighten and tives, kidnapped people. People of western terrorists have essentially selves relocate to Earth’s provide people with knowland held her hostage in a civilizations have learned performed every cruel act most evil regions? edge. When people do travtorn-up, abandoned buildone thing as a result of the imaginable, from forcing As Mr. CJ Davis, a U.S. el to corrupt areas of the ing. The building, which actions of ISIS members: Syrian children to watch History teacher, said, ISIS world to lend a hand, they had been standing in the anyone with beliefs that difvideos of ISIS beheadings “needs to be confronted on will be highly qualified, excenter of a warzone, was fer from theirs is an enemy. to beating, raping and mara political military scale.” perienced individuals who obliterated by a Jordanian This thought process seems rying women off to Middle The atrocities they have know how to properly deairstrike. to resemble something of a Eastern men. committed make citizens fend themselves.

Mueller’s work for inno■ By Joe Levin (‘17)

cent people of countries under fire is something that deserves praise—I have a huge amount of respect for Mueller and all who share a similar mindset. A part of me, however, questions whether or not the work of human rights activists is actually successful in aiding substantial amounts of

natural instinct to make life miserable for all who are different, let alone people who directly oppose ISIS’s actions.

The terrorist organization has shown its desire to torture both innocents and people not abiding by its beliefs in multiple instances.

According to CNN, ISIS

Travelling to countries where events like these take place is, in the best way possible, what some may consider a death-wish. Besides journalists who must fly out to ISIS-controlled territories to keep some record of what is occurring, why should people with no experience in defending them-

Vaccinations are an essential part of staying healthy ■ By Matt Kains (‘16)

Eastside Staff

Society today sees innovation on a daily basis.

These innovations make life exponentially easier, to the point where many take it for granted.

Nobody thinks twice about the incredible convenience of using Google, considering it was not long ago when a trip to the library was necessary for doing research. On a similar note, most do not think about the benefits and advantages of receiving vaccinations.

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 320 million cases of childhood illnesses have been prevented between 1994 and 2014 because of vaccinations. Despite this, there is a growing group of people who refuse to vaccinate their children. This trend is scary, and if it continues to grow, there most definitely will be consequences. Children who are not vaccinated are more likely to contract brain and blood infections and have higher chances of developing life-threatening diseases.

Those who vaccinate their children are aware that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

Those who refuse vaccination for their children are simply blind to the danger of this decision.

Unfortunately, there are a number of reasons why people say no to vaccines.

In 1998, Dr. Andrew Wakefield published a report in a medical journal called The Lancet. In this report, he documented eight children who received a vaccine for measles and after the vaccination displayed signs of autism. He claimed these signs were directly related to the vaccines that were recently administered to those children.

Wakefield’s claim has since been proven false, but

the movement against vaccines has continued to grow because of his claim.

The benefits to vaccinations are endless. First and foremost, they are safe and given to patients

Leah Korn (‘16)/ Eastside Opinions Editor

Shots can increase natural immunity.

after thorough review by doctors and scientists.

What is there to be afraid of? In fact, dangerous reactions from vaccines only occur in about one in

every one million children. Those who follow the anti-vaccine trend are afraid of the side effects of vaccinations, even though they are almost never severe.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Chief Medical Correspondent for CNN, said, “You are 100 times more likely to be struck by lightning than to have a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine that protects you against measles.”

Measles, an infectious viral disease that causes a rash across the entire body and can be fatal, used to be contracted by three to four million people in the United States each year. Since the creation of the measles vaccine in 1964, there has been more than a 99 percent decrease in the number of cases in the U.S. annually.

Vaccines also help the population of people who physically cannot receive an immunization due to age, health or for other reasons, by strengthening the “herd immunity.” In other words, those who are vaccinated stop the spread of diseases in the community, which ultimately protects those who cannot receive vaccinations. It is selfish for those who are healthy enough to be vaccinated to choose otherwise because it weakens the immunity of the “herd,” and puts those who cannot be vaccinated due to health reasons at risk for disease and infection.

Parents can almost never go wrong with vaccinating their children, which is why immunizations should certainly be mandatory. Not vaccinating infants and children is illogical and puts many at risk. All of the above reasons pose a glaring question to those who will not vaccinate their kids.

To read the opposing opinion, visit eastside-online.org

OPINIONS

May 2015

EASTSIDE

Should East students storm the court?

YES

■ By Hope Rosenblatt (‘18)

Eastside Staff

should not be banned. Instead, safety boundaries should be installed to make the experience safer. Traditions have meaning and a tradition as valuable to students as this one should

NO

■ By Jared Fisch (‘18)

Eastside Staff

The clock winds down as Storming the court is a the game comes to a close. long-time tradition seen The crowd chants, “three… time and time again at sporting events throughout history.

Dedicated fans everywhere find that storming the court makes them feel as though they are part of something spectacular.

Ben Bliss (‘18) believes there are many different aspects of storming the court.

“I find it fun, but it can be dangerous,” said Bliss. “[But] it really does show how passionate the fans are.”

Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor Of course this phenomenon is not East students storm the court after a sucessful basketball always a safe or game against Cherokee. reasonable choice to two…one!”

The crowd make. If sections stormed live on. Keep uniting the storms the court. the court after defeating a students, keep the school This is a common scene in team that was ranked imspirit up, and keep making sports, particularly basketmensely lower than the positive memories for the ball. It can be exhilarating team that won, the experikids who thrive off of them. but problematic. Players, ence would lose its meaning So what did the Counfans and coaches can get altogether. trymen do after winning injured; the celebration can It takes a level of sensithe South Jersey Group IV be seen as unsportsmanblity and maturity to masChampionship? like and can lead to suspenter the art of storming the They stormed the court, sions, expulsions and even court. Storming the court of course.

lawsuits.

In a 2015 online survey

by ESPN, fifty-five percent of 103,593 people said that college basketball fans storm the court too often.

East’s very own student section, known as the Countrymen, is known to storm the court after a big win.

Sam Amon (’15), a longtime Countryman, said, “I like the fact that we all go down and celebrate with the team, but I also don’t like that I can potentially get trampled.”

In February 2015, a basketball game between Kansas University and Kansas State led to a brawl as a result of fans storming the court. Players were being shoved and jumped on while coaches were putting fans in headlocks in order to protect their players. Fans should be aware of risky celebration and that they could cause an injury. It is fun to jump around with your friends, but it never proves to be fun if fights or conflicts break out.

I have no problem with a post-game celebration, but storming the court is getting out of control. It is a basketball tradition, but it definitely needs some changes to make it safer for everyone involved.

East should not encourage online classes ■ By Allie Grossman (‘16) Eastside News/Features Editor

As the Internet has begun to take over the world, online classes have become a growing trend at East. The online classes that are offered range from U.S. History to Gym, Health to English and so on. This large variety may make it easy for students to have a less rigorous schedule during the school year; however, is it really educating the students to the fullest extent?

East History teacher Ms. Christine Mason is against online courses.

“Any type of interaction just with a computer is not going to develop a critical thought and critical analysis,” Mason said.

Not only does staring at a computer screen get boring very quickly, opening a new tab to one’s favorite social media is possible and extremely easy to do.

The lack of focus during an online class is hindering students from retaining information.

Along with that, Mason focused on how taking an online class lacks communication between students and teachers. Yes, there are ways for students to contact their “online classroom advisors,” but these students are not forming a relationship with this advisor on a personal level. Creating these conJulie Benbasset (‘15)/ Eastside Staff nections is very important Online classes do not teach students adequately. so students can gain social

skills and learn how to deal with certain situations later in life.

“Teachers will help students understand the material far better than any computer can,” said Mason.

Overall, East is making it too easy for students to take online courses. The only difference between taking classes in school and online are the fees that have to be paid.

A lot of students do not take history in school due to their passion for other subjects, like science. The only way to double up on a science course is to elminate another class from one’s schedule. High school is a time for students to become well-rounded in all subjects. History is fundamental information that plays a role in all school subjects.

Mason, along with other teachers in the History Department, feels it is a slight to the History Department because it allows students to bulk up in other subjects when they take history online.

Most importantly, if students do not retain the information taught by these online classes, why do they exist at East? It is important for these classes to be less advertised before a student’s education is at risk.

Page 7

Kim’s Korner

■ By Sonia Kim (‘16)

Eastside Webmaster

East is a community that is very open and expressive.

Whether it is through social media or personal interactions, we do not hesitate to share some of our own stories. However, we often fail to realize that for some people, speaking out may be something close to, if not, an agonizing struggle. And for these people, remaining silent may not always result from volition or choice, but from obligation. In fact, silence suffocates.

Some might feel that they have a responsibility and duty to protect their identities. Although I mentioned that our community is open, I used the word very loosely. Openness implies a willingness to listen and understand the other person’s perspective, but the word is not exactly synonymous with acceptance.

Instead, while people are free to express themselves through their personal values, they will never truly be immune from becoming stigmatized and even shamed by society. This is why some people are shackled by fear and obligation to save face.

As much as we want to deny it, society’s ways of discriminating these people as “weird” or “different” play a huge role in suppressing them from ever being heard. For example, people who are either part of the LGBTQ communities, suffering from depression and anxiety, dealing with anorexia, experiencing bullying, etc., all in one way or another, seek to fearlessly and unapologetically express themselves. We need to empower these people to share their stories with us by first setting aside any stereotypes and judgments against them.

As a community, we have to also recognize that these untold stories, when told, can help us to better comprehend the challenges others face. Then, it is not just enough to claim with empty words that we will always be supportive. Show this support and care. Communicate acceptance. Deliberate. Engage. Do not simply act as a passerby, but help someone be able to put words to the physical and emotional suffering he or she faces.

There are moments when silence hurts to the point that it exceeds the pain itself. Let us try to understand this and realize that it does not take much to inspire entire movements to change present circumstances. It only takes a few of us to become informed individuals who are willing to change our perspectives. Even if this change goes unnoticed, it does not matter, so long as we are taking small steps towards helping someone find his or her voice.

EDITORIAL

Page 8

EASTSIDE

May 2015

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

BOE must address teacher contract negotiations For over 290 days, the teachers of the Cherry Hill School District have been ensuring their pupils a better future, all without the guarantee that their own profession will remain secure. The teachers union and the Board of Education (BOE) have yet to reach an agreement regarding the contract dispute that has plagued this school year.

Eastside understands that these negotiations do not offer a simple solution; however, there has been more than enough time to reach an agreement.

Earlier this school year, the contract situation became a flagrant issue affecting members of not only the teaching staff but also the student body. While Eastside recognizes that the BOE has many pressing issues to which to attend, the track of the school year has been severely hindered due to the ever-looming confusion surrounding the contract situation. The teachers have attempted to express their personal concern by temporarily suspending after-school ac-

tivities. Therefore, void of proper advisors, many clubs and activities have been unable to meet this school year. Students have not been able to immerse themselves in extracurriculars, an issue that goes well beyond empty resumes and college applications.

East once prided itself on its array of activities and the vibrant atmosphere that occurs after 2:30, but this atmosphere was a shell of its former self this past school year.

Furthermore, without the timely resolution of the contract situation, teachers could potentially not be able to grant seniors recommendation letters. This situation would only cause chaos within the school environment.

Eastside proposes that the BOE resolve the contract issue before the 20152016 school year.

Outside of the troubles that the lack of a teacher contract has sparked this year, another issue that must be acknowledged is the lack of consistency in the information given by

the BOE. The community has regularly been deprived of adequate information regarding the negotiation process. It is frankly unfair for the BOE to act so vaguely when discussing an issue that affects not only the teachers, but also the students. Even if legality issues may prohibit a full disclosure of the negotiation process, the BOE must provide more thorough information due to the magnitude of the situation.

Eastside believes that it is the responsibility of the BOE to clearly address any concerns presented by the community.

The BOE’s failure to resolve contract issues has also resulted in the wrongful blaming of teachers. At East, students have long valued the devotion of their teachers; their jobs extend well beyond school hours, as most provide extra help opportunities and volunteer to run clubs and organizations. Prior to the contract issues, many teachers voluntarily stayed after school with students without compensation.

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Art by Brielle Clearfield (‘15)/ Eastside Entertainment Editor

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Students have felt a major loss in this previously beneficial additional help.

Extra help is still provided by many teachers during lunch breaks, but often students are unable to meet during either 27-minute period. Many students and parents blame their teachers for this lack of help.

However, this blame is directed towards the wrong people. If students wish to produce a change in the current situation, then the superintendent and BOE must be contacted in order to draw attention to the issues. A decision regarding the contract situation must come soon in order to relieve both student stress and incorrect teacher culpability.

The absence of response from the BOE appears as a lack of caring for teachers, students, clubs and education as a whole. Eastside strongly believes that pressure must be put on the proper authorities to ensure a timely and favorable outcome.

Everyone has waited long enough for a resolution.

Cherry Hill High School East

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

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ENTERTAINMENT

May 2015

The Rock Hall should be more open-minded

■ By Julia Rothkoff (‘16)

Eastside Underground Editor

The Sex Pistols famously denounced the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in a lengthy letter as being “a piss stain” and “urine in wine” in 2006 when the band was inducted. The band later refused to attend the induction ceremony.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony has occurred every year since the museum’s inception in the 1980s. On the museum’s website, it says,

lead vocalist, Daryl Hall, demanded that more Philadelphian bands be inducted. KISS frontman, Paul Stanley, also took a stab at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, urging that the fans have more say in who gets inducted. “[The fans] want more.

They deserve more. They want to be a part of the induction. They want to be a part of the nomination.

They don’t want to be spoonfed by a handful of people’s choices,” said Stanley.

Not only does the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame select musicians who hardly qualify as rock, but it also fails to recognize artists from multiple rock genres.

Progressive rock bands

Liza Rothkoff (‘16)/ Eastside Entertainment Editor

The induction ceremony was hosted in Brooklyn. “[The museum’s mission is] hardly become Rock and to celebrate the music and Roll Hall of Fame inductmusicians that changed ees; influential Canadian the world.” However, the progressive rock band, museum fails to live up to Rush, was finally inducted its mission. Every year a in 2013 after 15 years of small group of so-called eligibility. Unfortunately, “professionals” in the muit seems as though the insic industry join forces to ductee selection committee choose the privileged five chooses bands based on its to twelve musical acts that own personal taste rather will serve as that year’s inthan choosing bands that ductees. Amongst them are actually belong in the Rock co-founder and editor-inand Roll Hall of Fame. chief of Rolling Stone, Jann The Rock and Roll Hall Wenner; Rock and Roll Hall of Fame cares less about of Fame spokesperson, Suinducting influential bands zan Evans; and music critand more about inducting ic, Dave Marsh, all of whom famous household names. are not musicians.

Famous bands are what Although I do not agree sell tickets, after all. with the decisions of the The Rock and Roll Hall Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, of Fame does not choose I have a confession: I atthe best rock musicians; tended the 2014 Rock and it chooses who it claims to Roll Hall of Fame induction be the best rock musicians, ceremony at the Barclays who in reality are solely Center in Brooklyn. Last the most well-known muyear’s inductees included sicians. The Rock and Roll Peter Gabriel, KISS, Cat Hall of Fame could care less Stevens, Linda Ronstadt, about us rock music fans.

Hall & Oates and one of my One of my favorite bands, all-time favorite bands— Mudhoney, will never be an Nirvana. I went to the ininductee, although the band duction ceremony for the has influenced a countless sole reason of seeing Nirnumber of musicians to just vana perform together as, plug in a guitar and start well, Nirvana for the first playing. Mudhoney was time since frontman Kurt one of the first bands in the Cobain’s death in 1994.

Seattle grunge scene; fans The night started off in thought that Mudhoney quite an interesting way. would be the band to make Wenner was the first to it big, not Nirvana. Howevtake the stage to welcome er, music taste is selective. the audience members (and One single organization music industry “professioncannot determine what the als”) to the event. Wenner best of the best is. Every was booed off the stage by music fan believes that his KISS fans as quickly as or her favorite band is the it took him to walk to the best band to ever create podium, proving that fans an album, release a single, showed up for the bands perform on stage, pluck a that changed their lives string on a guitar and plug and not to support the Rock a bass into an amplifier. and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Throughout the course of Fame will never achieve its the night, several inductees mission of celebrating the condemned the Rock and musicians that it believes Roll Hall of Fame. Philahave changed the world; it delphia born Hall & Oates’ simply is not possible.

EASTSIDE

Page 9

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducts new musicians Rock and roll lovers alike came together to watch the 30th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductions. The inductions took place on April 18 at Public Hall in Cleveland Ohio. There were concerts and exhibits beginning April 11 to lead up to the inductions.

The inductees for this year included Ringo Starr, The “5” Royales, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Lou Reed, Green Day, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble and Bill Withers.

Starr, who was already inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Beatles in 1988, was inducted for “The Award for Musical Excellence.” He became the fourth and final member of The Beatles to be inducted individually.

Paul McCartney, from the Beatles, inducted Starr.

“Finally, the four of us are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame even though we were the biggest pop group in the land,” Starr said in an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine.

The “5” Royales were one of the first bands to incorporate hints of gospel, jazz and blues into group vocal harmony. Lowman Pauling, Johnny Tanner, Eugene Tanner, Obadiah Carter, Jimmy Moore and Otto Jeffries made up The “5” Royales, which disbanded in 1965. They were inducted by Steve Cropper for “Early Influence.”

The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Green Day, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Lou Reed, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble and Bill Wither were all inducted into the “Performer” category.

■ By Jenna Simons (‘17) Green Day is a late ‘90s punk-rock band Eastside Staff that is more popular among young adults and teenagers. Although Green Day has had an impact on the music industry, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is supposed to feature the crème de la crème, and there are various groups that top Green Day, said Liam Burke (‘17).

“Are they good? Yeah. But do they hold up? I don’t think so,” said Burke.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame did give some credit where it was due, such as to Starr and Lou Reed, who were extremely influential and comparable to Bob Dylan and The Beatles. Reed passed away in 2013, but was still inducted by Patti Smith.

Many other talented artists were brought to Cleveland to perform prior to the inductions. Beck, John Legend, Dave Grohl, Joe Walsh, Tom Morello and Jimmie Vaughan performed alongside many other famous musicians.

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

Kintsugi displays new starts ■ By Liza Rothkoff (‘16) Eastside Entertainment Editor

Kintsugi, Death Cab for Cutie’s first record since Codes and Keys in 2011, blends notes of loss and new beginnings. The album is littered with unspoken references to Ben Gibbard’s high-profile divorce with Zooey Deschanel.

During the production of Kintsugi, founding member and producer Chris Walla announced his departure from the band following the recording of the album. Kintsugi is the first Death Cab album to not feature Walla as producer. Instead, the band brought in Rich Costey, known for producing Muse and Foster the People, to manage the soundboard, The new album features Gibbard (vocals and guitar), Walla (guitar and keyboards), Nick Harmer (bass) and Jason McGerr (drums).

Given the theme of beginnings on the record, it is no wonder that the first track, “No Room in Frame,” starts off with wondering about where to begin.

“I don’t know where to begin/ There’s too many things that I can’t remember,” Gibbard sings over a slew of single notes.

The track progresses with a driving drum and synthesizer beat. The single notes of the verses soon transform into the chords in the choruses.

The lead single on the album, “Black Sun,” is one of the album’s greatest moments. From the fingerpicking beginning of the song— which is present throughout much of the record—more instrumental layers get added. A synth beat plays on top of the notes, coming to a halt for the chorus. The chorus, simple with only vocals and a bass drum, slows down the song, until it starts to get more upbeat within the verses and the bridge. Gibbard’s lyrics on the song play around with juxtaposing ideas.

“There is hope within despair/

And there is beauty in a failure,” Gibbard croons.

The third track, “The Ghosts of Beverly Drive,” is arguably one of Death Cab’s most pop-like songs to date. The song starts off with a guitar riff that is repeated throughout the verses, which gets layered with the sound of xylophones and claps during the choruses. The song ends with the chorus refrain of “I don’t know why I don’t know why.”

Although the first three tracks are some of Death Cab’s best, the middle of the record fails to be memorable. Aside from the down-tuned acoustic number, “You’ve Haunted Me All My Life,” the middle part of the album remains forgettable, not fitting in with the rest of the record musically.

“Little Wanderer” and “Hold No Guns” are stripped down and offer finger-picking verses, which do not differ from much of the rest of the songs on the record.

Just like the album’s strong beginning, it also has a gratifying end, with the piano based “Binary Sea.” The song adds a breath of fresh air following the album’s lackluster middle. Instead of being guitar-based like every other song on the record, “Binary Sea” exhibits elements of an old piano, slow but not mundane.

Overall, Kintsugi displays Gibbard’s thoughts on loss and beginnings that make the most sense when taken out of context from the literal meanings of the songs.

The actual term, “Kintsugi,” stems from the Japanese art of fixing broken pottery. Just like the album title suggests, the record has themes of losing control of a relationship or, in Death Cab’s case, losing a band member.

Art by Spencer Maussner (‘16)/ Eastside Staff

UNDERGROUND

Page 10

EASTSIDE

May 2015

Hip-hop experiences a “Golden Age” renaissance in 2015 ■ By Jacob Borowsky (‘16)

Eastside Underground Editor

When examining the history of hip-hop, years like 1994 and 1995 are most often discussed as just a couple of the greatest years in the young history of one of modern music’s newest genres. Throwback hiphop of the 1990s is typically hailed by contemporary rap fans as a period of greatness that the genre will never again reach; they claim classic subgenres like boom-bap or Gfunk cannot be replicated in a way that is as influentially or sonically pleasing as during this “Golden Age” of hip-hop.

While hip-hop has experienced a fair share of inactive periods, a recent surge of quality hip-hop albums has permeated the genre and created a new wave of competitiveness among hip-hop artists. The year 2015 is shaping up as one of the greatest years for hip-hop in recent memory—and it’s only onequarter complete.

Going into 2015, hip-hop fans knew to expect many more quality projects from rappers than fans had received in 2014. However, to the elation of dedicated

hip-hop fans, many albums with no tentative release date

or previous speculation have been subsequently released to much acclaim. Surprise drops like Drake’s If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late and albums released mere days after they were announced, like I Don’t Like S***, I Don’t Go Outside

by Earl Sweatshirt or Cherry Bomb

by Tyler, the Creator have incited a new popular trend of sudden releases with no previous promotion for them.

While this trend was first successfully pulled off by Beyoncé with her self-titled album in 2013, the album’s success was mainly attributed to her massive world fame. This trend’s presence in hip-hop has proven that surprise drops can be released to enormous commercial and critical success; If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late has sold over 800,000 copies so far only two

months after its release.

While the quantity of albums fans have been privileged to listen to in the first few months of 2015 has been considerable, potentially even more impressive has been the quality of many of these albums. The year’s greatness was foreshadowed by a very enjoyable J. Cole album, 2014 Forest

Hills Drive, released in December of 2014. The album, produced almost entirely by J. Cole himself, has a nostalgic vibe to it, as Cole reflects on his past and how he got to where he is currently. Only weeks later, Brooklyn-based rapper Joey Bada$$ released his commercial debut, B4.DA.$$ in Janu a r y

of 2015. Like Cole’s album, Joey reminisces on his past in his lyrics on B4.DA.$$; yet, it is his signature preference of boom-bap beats that gives the album its throwback vibe.

A much more modern sounding album, Drake’s highly acclaimed IYRTITL premiered in February, immediately captivating both hiphop and Top 40 fans alike. Soon after, Kendrick Lamar released an album already being called a masterpiece: To Pimp a Butterfly. The album primarily deals with the is-

sue of race relations, as Lamar immaculately dissects the plight of the ghetto and his own internal struggles. The production on the album carries a very jazzy and soulful vibe, reinforcing the album as a modern hood revivalist anthem. Even the title is a reference to a significant piece of black history: Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird. The album has been hailed by many as the best hip-hop album in over a decade, a claim which is entirely deserved.

While 2015, in general, is already a stronger year for hip-hop than many previous years combined, not every album released in 2015 has been a success. Although Action Bronson’s major label debut, Mr. Wonderful, has some entertaining Bronson verses and beats, it contains lots of filler and is largely a disappointment. Tyler, the Creator’s Cherry Bomb has some enjoyable and improved production from Tyler, but his lyrics remain juvenile, and the vocal and instrumental mixing is simply dischordant. Still, even these disappointments have their share of high points, like the heavenly closer to Mr. Wonderful’s “Easy Rider” or Tyler’s “Smuckers,” a track featuring Kanye West and Lil Wayne in which Kanye raps a solid, braggadocious verse and Tyler and Wayne trade verses.

Hip-hop is truly experiencing a renaissance in 2015, with more releases still to come.

Microphone art by Jacob Borowsky (‘16)/ Eastside Underground Editor

Philadelphia film festival celebrates its eighth year ■ By Ashley Cooper (‘17)

Eastside Community Editor

If one were to name a film after Benjamin Barnett, it would have to be entitled “Unbiased.” As a small pebble in a large pond, Barnett has found a niche in an industry previously monopolized by corporate moguls.

As the founder and Festival Director of the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival, Barnett continually stifles this monopoly in favor of a more liberated environment for creativity. With pure, creative innovation in mind, Barnett provides opportunities for filmmakers all over the world, screening the films in Philadelphia. For the first time in its eight-year run, the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival proudly screened films at the Corzo Center for the Creative Economy at the University of the Arts at the festival, which went from April 17-25. Dating back to his youth years, Barnett has always possessed a passion for the film industry.

“The Fest started screening in ‘98 or ’99, during something called the Underground Film Forum (UFF),” said Barnett.

When Barnett saw the opportunity to help unaccounted-for indie filmmakers become recognized on a large-scale level, his involvement in the film community grew to an even greater prominence than simply the UFF. “[The creation of the Film Festival] was a natural extension. In 2008, the timing was right. The film world was being shaken up at the time and the explosion of digital content really started to come out,” said Barnett.

“We always heard that you could make these films, but really around then people actually started to do it.”

Conceiting to form a festival within the local Philadelphia area, Barnett instantly jumped at the opportunity to help these passionate filmmakers.

“We put it out there after we had been meeting at the Underground Film Forum off and on for years and years and it was time to really take it to the next level and get the city a good global independent film,” said Barnett.

Barnett welcomes film applicants from all across the country to his brief, yet impactful week-long film fest. At the festival, Barnett embraces films from even the most unfamiliar locations.

“We don’t just screen local films. We screen local films from all over the world and then introduce everybody to each other. So if I make a local film here, there’s someone in Barcelona doing the same exact thing, making a local independent film. It just happens to be in another country, but it is still within a local community,” said Barnett.

Barnett hopes that through connecting people from various areas of the world, he will provoke the creation of a global, yet close-knit, film society in which all areas of the film industry are represented. Barnett is optimistic that through uniting local and foreign filmmakers, the independent film presence will come to the forefront of society.

Despite his openness to a variety of film genres and filmmaker origins throughout the country, Barnett still remains selective in some ways. Meticulous about his craft, Barnett, along with the UFF, closely watches every film and refuses to accept any films that he feels do not fully deserve to be featured.

Accepting no error as simply mar-

ginal, Barnett is well aware of the mistakes typical of independent filmmakers.

“By watching a film, you should never see any technical issues, even though there’s hundreds of them. We look for a lot of the little things [like this] that indie filmmakers will miss. That’s what we’ll look for, and when we see indie filmmakers who avoid those common mistakes, then they’re in a position where they’ve done something special.

They’ve made a film that’s a little bit beyond just what everybody who can pick up a camera can do,” said Barnett.

Barnett understands the fact that Sundance is not the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival. He actually prides himself upon it. While the former is a large-scale independent film fest, the latter does not attract quite as vast of an audience. Nonetheless, Barnett believes his fest to be equally good in quality to that of major film festivals such as Sundance.

“Sundance is endowed with thousands of dollars, and we’re a small film festival. There are a few points of difference I think we have.

We program a film festival that we feel and people confidently tell us over the years, that it doesn’t matter what film they’re going to walk into, they feel confident that it’s something they’re going to want to see,” said Barnett.

With only eight days to screen, Barnett is faced with a lot of challenges in making his film fest succeed. Still, he is ever resilient and brave, always looking for the next upand-coming filmmakers without a fraction of indolence. Anyone was able to come out and support the film fest by paying 10 dollars for one film or 85 dollars for an eight-day pass.

Film projector art by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

May 2015

SPORTS EASTSIDE

Page 11

Rummel contributes to a successful East volleyball season ■ By Elissa Cohen (‘18) and Courtney Finnegan (‘17)

Eastside Staff and Eastside Sports Editor

Having one of their best seasons yet, East boys’ volleyball is now 7-0 after beating Cherry Hill West 2-1 on April 22.

The boys came out and played their best from their first game against Pennsauken and continued to show their domination on the court every game since. One of the team’s most skilled players, Liam Rummel (’15) has positively impacted the team this season thus far.

For rigorous hours Rummel works on and off the court to be successful with his fellow teammates and coaches. Volleyball is his sport and his passion, something he will never let leave his life even if playing on a team in the future is not an option.

This season’s success cannot be credited to one single player’s efforts or skills, but instead can be attributed to the team’s cooperation as a whole. Strong relationships between the players have contributed to a team chemistry.

Prior to the first game, the team maintained a determined mindset to have a winning season. All four volleyball captains, includ-

ing Rummel, put opponents it upon themduring selves to motivate the reguthe players to stay lar high focused. As long school seaas the team all son. This played to achieve variation a singluar vision, of volleythey saw winning ball has in their future. inclusively “When someone helped is doing [badly], improve it’s my job to lift Rummel’s them up and help skills and them calm down knowlso that they can edge of the rebuild and start game. doing better [in A l l the game],” said three of Rummel. the teams The East boys’ he has volleyball team been a has already depart of in feated the eighthhis volranked team in leyball cathe state, Eastern reer have High School. This helped major victory has Rummel given each player become hope that they will the player achieve far greater he is this success when the season. post-season comes Both Rumaround. mel and In addition to his coach, his commitment Mr. Brian Ashley Cooper (‘17)/ Eastside Community Editor Zaun, to his coaches and a the entirety of the Liam Rummel (‘15) practices in the DiBart Gym. teacher team at East, Rumat Carusi mel has also been a M i d d l e club teams include the best part of two club volleyball School, agree that blocking players from South Jersey teams, South Jersey Volleyis his specialty when game high schools. He often finds ball Club and Quandomaday comes around. Rummel himself playing with athnia Volleyball Club. Rumhas led the state in blockletes in the off-season that mel said that most of the ing so far this season. will eventually become his

“What makes Liam special is his ability to get massive stuff blocks at opportune times,” said Zaun.

When Rummel begins to realize that a game may not be in East’s favor, he immediately changes his entire mindset. Off the bat, he encourages his teammates to help them see optimistically. Rummel knows someone needs to increase the intensity in the game, and that someone is him.

Rummel said, “I just have to step up and play better than I know I can and I have to perform better than the other team is performing.”

Looking to the future of East volleyball, their goal this season is to achieve conference and sectional championships. Rummel’s personal goal is to become First Team All-State. This season, Rummel has already accomplished being a part of the All-Tournament Team at the Moorestown Invitational Tournament.

Due to Rummel’s strong commitment to the volleyball program at East, the remainder of the season should hold much excitement and promise.

Key Contributors: Kyle Baker (‘15) Colin Del Duke (‘16) Ben Golden (‘15) Tanner Smith (‘15)

East’s runners sprint to the top ■ By Ben Goldsmith (‘17) Eastside Staff

Throughout the past few years, track and field and cross country at East have won several titles.

The teams’ hard work and dedication helped to boost them from a 30-year drought.

In 2012, the teams’ success started when East’s boys' spring track team had an undefeated record. With its impressive standings, the team “ran” with it, winning titles such as Group IV Sectional Championship.

Boys' Track Coach Mr. Anthony Maniscalco said, “[The team] had done so well in [those meets] that all they had to do was make sure they didn’t drop the baton and we were going to be sectional champs.”

East would not let it stop there.

Come 2013, boys' cross country won third place in the Group IV State Championship and ninth place in the NJSIAA Meet of Champions.

During the 2014 season, East runners Aaron Groff (’16), Dan Helfand (’15) and Christian Mele (’15) all came in the top seven in the Group IV South Sectional Championship.

During a race, cross-country runner Josh Dillon (’17) said he zones out and focuses solely on the task at hand. Dillon is a runner to look for in the next few years, as he holds great promise for success.

Although Kingsway’s best runner took first place individually, East’s seven-man average came out on top, earning them the Group IV South Sectional Championship two years in a row. With the momentum from winning the title, the team went on to rally and win the Olympic Conference.

Coming in second place, Groff said, “[During] our harder races we’ll start to tone it down [as far

as training] so we’re feeling fresh, and we still have all the pre-season training behind us. This carries us through so we can really take it easier through the championship meets.”

Fast-forward to present 2015, as boys' track and field is currently trying to claim a place in the Group IV South Sectional Championship. In track and field, events include more than just running. Winning a title for track and field requires an extensive group of eclectic athletes.

Often in sports, winning comes down to technique and skill. These traits and qualities are often possessed by East’s runners.

“Every single step has to be technical and you have to be aware of what you’re doing,” said Ian Dunn (’15), an East hurdler.

“You have to combine your normal running with the technical movements of hurdling."

When it comes to scoring track and field events, all events count, which means everyone on the team shares the responsibility of getting the win. Regardless of the differences between boys' track and field and cross-country, both have found great success in recent years.

Even though the future of this season’s boys' track and field is unknown, expectations are high.

Maniscalco said, “This year might be a work in progress in building the foundation for a really solid team for the future, but I think we won’t disappoint this year."

Overall, track and field and cross country at East have grown into an extraordinary bundle of success. With dedicated athletes and an influential group of coaches, these success stories will continue to grow in number. From winning several titles and Group Championships, there is no doubt the team will go the extra mile in the future.

SPORTS

May 2015

EASTSIDE

Page 12

Boys’ Lacrosse makes East history with number of wins

Wood said, “We have a collective Eastside Sports Editor group of guys that play year round, and we never had The East boys’ lacrosse that. A lot of these team has had unpreceguys have all been dented success in the first starters since their half of its 2015 season. As freshman year. of April 20, East is 9-2, alThey have learned ready matching its all-time over the years each highest win total in a single other’s strengths season record. and weaknesses Starting its season off so they jell well correctly, East grabbed together. With all a 10-6 win against Paul of that experience VI followed by a big win put together and against town rival, Cherry the fact that they Hill West. East dominated are bigger, faster West, beating the team and stronger, it 15-6. was inevitable that “Our overall goal, before Liz Lee (‘17)/ Eastside Staff this was going to Top from left to right: Cade Zaris (‘18), Chris Hammersquist (‘15), the season, was to win one be a good team.” playoff game and go posiAdam Davis (‘16), Nick Trombetta (‘15), Jesse Viggiano (‘15), The team im- Brandon Stern (‘15), Mitchell Finkelstein (‘16), Josh Cohen tive in the regular season proved to 7-0 be- (‘15), Adam Hauck (‘17), Brian Stamm (‘16) but, by just looking at our fore it would face Bottom from left to right: Mike Simmons (‘16), Eric Sherman (‘18), game play, I think we could what was considdo more than that,” said ered to be one of Ian Sheekey (‘15), Evan Campbell (‘17) Ian Sheekey (’16). its toughest games The team built on its all season against and only losing by two gives single season and moving momentum by defeating Shawnee. us a lot of confidence.”

East to fourth in Group IV Rancocas Valley 15-5. The Shawnee has won the Sometimes teams beSouth Jersey. lacrosse team’s success conGroup III title three come crippled after a winIts next game against tinued aftimes in the past five streak-breaking loss, but Cherokee posed the opporter a hardyears. this wasn’t the case for the tunity for East to have the fought “We knew going boys’ lacrosse team. best boys’ lacrosse record 8-6 win into the game ShawIn the next game, East in East history. However, against nee was one of the played Northern Burlington Cherokee, with a history of Lenape, top teams in the state and looked to bounce back having a successful lacrosse w h i c h and we just looked after the loss. East showed program, was not a team is the at it as an opportuits superiority as a team that East would run over first time nity to show that we and defeated Northern and grab a win easily.

East has can compete at their Burlington 15-3. Sheekey “We are just taking it trumped level,” said Mitchell led the team with six goals game by game. We are goLenape Finklestein (’16). and one assist, followed by ing to play every team as s i n c e East came out Evan Campbell (‘17) dishhard as we can and have no 2005. Gostrong and controlled ing out six assists, breaking regrets when the game is ing into the game for the first the school record. over,” said Wood. the game, half, leading Shaw“Our loss against ShawThe players threw all b o t h nee 3-1. However, nee was just a minor setthey had at Cherokee, but t e a m s after multiple errors back for a major comeback. the Cherokee goalie wasn’t were unWe are more motivated letting much hit the back defeatLiz Lee (‘17)/ Eastside Staff and missed opportunities, East lost 6-4, than ever and we will come of the net. The game came ed, but The boys’ lacrosse team huddles at halftime. thus breaking the out fired up to win the next down to the last quarter Lenape left win streak. couple games,” said Campand Cherokee was the team with a 2-1 “We are a closely knit group Wood said, “Shawnee exbell. to break away, earning a record. Brandon Stern (’15) of guys and our chemistry posed weaknesses that we East looked to beat 7-4 win over East. led East with two goals and is stronger than ever bewill work on. We got to see Kingsway next, hoping to With seven regular seathree assists. fore. We have all bonded what it takes to play one of grab another win and keep son games left, East’s boys’ East went on to beat very well over the years the top teams in the state. a high ranking in Group lacrosse’s hopes to make Washington Township at and through practice.”

Playing against a team like IV South Jersey. Stern led it to playoffs are alive and Township for the first time When chemistry comthat pretty much shows us East to a 10-4 win with two well. The team is looking to in school history and beat bines with skill and experiwhere we are as a team. goals and five assists. East prove that it is a force to be Eastern at home, also for ence, winning is inevitable.

Knowing that we had the improved to 9-1, matching reckoned with in the region the first time in school hisHead Coach Mr. Erick lead for some of that game its all-time most wins in a and the whole state. tory. Stern led the team ■ By Luke Hinrichs (‘17)

against Eastern with four goals and two assists, surpassing his personal 100goal milestone. Stern became the second player in East boys’ lacrosse history to reach 100 goals.

Every season brings changes in roster and, this year in particular, a change in the assistant coach.

Coach Joe Sperduto has implemented drastic changes to the practices designed to enhance the team’s fundamental skills and to condition the team to run more efficiently.

Boys’ lacrosse ended the 2013 season 3-15 and last year at 6-11. This year, East has already surpassed these seasons in wins. Members of the program have identified factors that play a role in the team’s newfound success.

One of the most important parts of a winning team is the team’s chemistry.

Brian Stamm (’16) said,

Yoon brings tenacity, work ethic to tennis court ■ By Drew Hoffman (‘18) Eastside Staff

When an athlete reaches high school, he or she becomes devoted to making varsity sometime in his or her high school career. Sam Yoon (‘15) did not have to worry about that a single bit.

The four-year varsity tennis star made a quick impression on Coach Mr. Greg deWolf when he first arrived at East.

“Sam has been an integral member of our program for the past four years,” said DeWolf, who added how Yoon has helped the team blossom into what it is today.

Yoon had very high aspirations for this season, and he has proven that it is his best one yet.

To be successful in tennis, it takes hard work and determination—something that deWolf knows Yoon has.

“Sam has brought in a work ethic where he comes in and competes every day. There are no days off. [He] can have some fun, but when [he is] on the courts, he is trying to beat you,” said deWolf.

In the past four years, Yoon has been granted many accolades and awards for his exceptional performances and leadership. Last year

Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Sam Yoon (‘15) performs a forehand during warm-ups prior to winning his match against Cherokee. he played first doubles and managed to make First-Team All Conference with his partner Jay Park (‘14).

This year, Yoon has found success alongside his doubles partner Jesse Dubrow (‘16). The dynamics between the two players drove them to success in the Camden County Tournament. After making

it through the initial rounds and defeating Eastern in the semi-finals of the tournament, Yoon and Dubrow met Haddonfield in the championship match. They proceeded to dominate their opponents and picked up the pace of the game, soon overpowering Haddonfield 6-0, 6-0 in two sets to win the doubles championship.

Yoon and Dubrow highlighted their skills as partners when they made a massive comeback from a 0-5 deficit in the second set of the match against Eastern on April 23.

They won seven straight games to take the match 6-4, 7-5, which has been the first time in East history that a doubles team had made that great of a comeback.

The two are undefeated on the 2015 season as of April 23, and look to continue their streak in doubles tennis.

These wins are only small successes as Yoon focuses on winning the state championship and competing in the Tournament of Champions.

“We want to go as far as we can and we’ll see how things turn out.

[Like] how the level is with other schools, but we’re definitely doing our best to go as far as possible,” Yoon said.

The Varsity high school level can intimidate players, but Yoon’s prior tennis experience prepared him for a varsity position his freshman year.

Yoon’s dedication and passion for tennis has shown during games and practices ever since he stepped foot on East’s tennis courts. If he has it his way, his season will not be ending anytime soon.