Eastside: May 2018

www.eastside-online.org

Vol. 51 No. 9

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

May 2018

Cherry Hill Schools do not receive fair funding ■ By Claire Joanson (‘19) and Gregory Rothkoff (‘19)

Eastside Underground Editor and Eastside Entertainment Editor

This year, the Jersey City School District is expected to receive nearly 200 million dollars in surplus funding from the state, according to the School Funding Reform Act (SFRA) of 2008. This equates to nearly 13,300 dollars per student. Washington Township is slated to receive 10 million dollars, or almost 7,150 dollars per student. For the past ten years, Cherry Hill has received 1,350 dollars per student, 15 million less than what was proposed by the SFRA. There have been numerous attempts to solve the issue of inequitable funding that has been plaguing the 19 Cherry Hill Public schools and 11,000 children that attend them.

For years, parents, teachers, students and administrators have been trying to find out why this issue is taking place and how Cherry Hill can get the money it is due.

“The formula was never changed to account for the changing demographics of Cherry Hill,” said Lisa Saidel, Cherry Hill Public Schools Board of Education member, referring to the formula used by the state to calculate the aid a district should receive.

New Jersey has a funding formula that determines how much money goes to public school districts.

According to this formula, C h e r ry Hill should receive 29 million dollars from the state this year, but it is only slated to receive 14 million dollars.

No rationale has ever been given from the state.

“I meet regularly with our elected officials… from the mayor and the town

council to our assembly people, Pam Lampitt and Lou Greenwald, to our state senator, Jim Beach,” said Dr. Joseph Meloche, superintendent of Cherry Hill Public

Schools.

On April 3, various board members including Saidel, Kathy Judge and Carol Matlack, as well as Meloche, testified before the New Jersey Senate School Funding Committee at Rowan University

“The formula was never changed to account for the changing demographics of Cherry Hill.”

Inside This Issue

- Lisa Saidel

about the funding problem the township faces.

According to Meloche, equitable funding is a twopart issue, with there not being enough money to fully fund all schools, and the state not funding all schools

fairly.

Because of the lack of funding, some towns make up the difference in local taxes. For example, a town’s taxes typically contribute to about 60-65 per-

cent of the school budget.

In Cherry Hill, they make up 91 percent of the district’s overall funding.

Last July, a new state budget allocated one million additional dollars to Cherry Hill Public

Schools.

This sum was more than almost any other district in the state thanks to extensive lobbying efforts by the district and a local fair funding group. For the 2018-2019 budget, more money may be granted to Cherry Hill, something Meloche sees as long overdue. However, this budget is likely to still be less than 50 percent of the money the district should be alloted.

If this money was granted from the state, the need to continue raising local taxes in the future would be reduced in a town where the average homeowner pays 8,779 dollars per year in total property taxes. It would also help to fund various improvements throughout the district, such as better facilities, improved teacher pay and sufficient school supplies.

“The average age of our schools is about 50 years old. There’s significant infrastructure work that needs to be done... Our facilities are tired,” said Meloche.

Cherry Hill officials are hopeful that their hard work, as well as the work of the Fair Funding group, will be reflected when the official budget decisions are announced towards the end of June of this year.

Unfortunately, there is still work to be done.

Meloche believes t h a t Cherry Hill resid e n t s , students and adults alike, have to work together if they want equitable funding of not just their community, but towns throughout the state.

“Ultimately, the positive impact that you all make

Kelly green costs too much green Opinions, Pg. 4

today and tomorrow… is going to be a benefit to the next generation of students who will come through Cherry Hill. I believe that we have a responsibility to make things better for those that are coming after us,” Meloche said.

Only time will tell if

Cherry Hill receives the millions of dollars that it is due from Trenton, but if public awareness continues, the town may be on the precipice of giving children the education for which their parents have been pleading for over the last decade.

Infographic by Ali Koenig (‘20)/ Eastside News/Features Editor Photo Illustration by Eli Weitzman (‘20)/ Eastside Webmaster

Don’t count your eggs before they hatch Underground, Pg. 17

Chance serves up a college scholarship Sports, Pg. 19

NEWS/FEATURES

Page 2

EASTSIDE

May 2018

East alumna emphasizes the importance of having grit

to particularly challenging and extended goals can improve with hard work and consistency. (e.g. not for studying for a history test tomorrow, “When [students] make a mistake or are feelbut for graduating from high school). ing frustrated, that’s not a sign that they are per“Grit is a common denominator of high-achievmanently dumb but that they are in the middle In 2004, then-graduate psychology student ers in every field I’ve studied,” Duckworth said. of growing,” said Duckworth. “…Teach kids that Angela Duckworth (‘88) headed to West Point Duckworth has been thinking about success practice [does not mean] getting everything right to study new cadets enrolled in the notoriously since she was a child. Growing up, her father the first time.” grueling “Beast Barracks” program, designed to liked to remind her, “You know, you’re no genius!”

According to Duckworth, teachers should norpush participants to their mental, physical and The topic of intelligence, and who possessed the malize and even embrace mistakes as part of the emotional limits. West Point selects only the most of it, came up frequently in her household. learning process, publicly modeling to their stumost accomplished and promising high school“My dad was very interested in his own sucdents that errors are feedback to learn from, not ers to attend, yet 20 percent still drop out before cess,” Duckworth said. “He always wanted to be things to fear or deny. graduation, many during their first summer at smarter. [As a result,] I never thought, ‘Oh, Beast. Duckworth wanted to discover what sepaI’m the gifted kid for whom all things should come easily.’ In the long run, I think that was a blessing and not a curse.”

Duckworth’s Chinese immigrant parents raised her and her siblings in Cherry Hill, where she attended East. In high school, she developed an interest in biology and participated in cheerleading and community service activities. She credits East with preparing her for college at Harvard, where she majored in neurobiology. Afterward, she studied at the University of Oxford, founded a summer school program for disadvantaged children, worked as a management consultant for McKinsey and taught science and math in New York City, Philadelphia and San Francisco public schools.

Though her accomplishments are Screenshot by Ali Koenig (‘20)/ Eastside News/Features Editor Screenshot by Ali Koenig (‘20)/ Eastside News/Features Editor wide-ranging, Duckworth’s greatest joy Duckworth has gained a lot of exposure for her reDuckworth encourages high school students to has always been working with children search and her TED Talk on grit. focus more on character than raw talent. in education. She started tutoring in high school, and she volunteered at lowrated those who stayed from those who quit. income schools during her time at Harvard.

When giving comments, Duckworth advises, “At West Point, there’s something called the “I got into these communities, and I was workinstructors must provide “process-oriented feedWhole Candidate Score, which is a weighted aving with these kids who...were really far below back, not person-oriented”—that is, they must erage of your SAT score, your high school rank, where they needed to be,” she said. “My inability separate the mistake from the mistake-maker. your physical talent based on objective tests and to do as much for them as I wanted to [frustrated Thus, their students will shift from thinking “I’m your leadership potential according to psycholome].” not a good writer” or “I’m bad at calculus” to “my gists who review your record,” Duckworth said.

Today, Duckworth’s work combines her rethesis isn’t specific enough” or “I need more prac“But your Whole Candidate Score does not presearch on grit with her desire to reduce disparitice with L’Hôpital’s Rule.” dict making it through that summer and coming ties in education. She has written a best-selling To build the passion component of grit, Duckup at the other end.” book, delivered a TED Talk and been awarded a worth recommends that students invest time and As it turned out, there was a more important MacArthur Fellowship. She is currently a psyenergy early on to try out activities. factor in determining whether cadets finished chology professor at the University of Pennsylva“Maybe the most important thing teenagers Beast — their level of “grit,” which Duckworth nia and the founder and CEO of Character Lab, should know is that it’s very unusual to know defines as “passion and perseverance for longa nonprofit organization she started with two what your passion is [at this age],” she said. “Now term goals.” In other words, “stick-to-itiveness” teachers. that said, you should get started…you can’t do it mattered more than talent.

“I’m interested in how character develops in in your head…you have to go out for the soccer “Grit is [thinking] ‘I’m on a long path, I’m going kids,” she said. “Character is not just grit. It’s team and play for a season, or edit the newspaper to stumble, I’m going to screw up and sometimes also gratitude and curiosity and self-control… or volunteer to tutor or intern at a hospital.” things aren’t going to go exactly as I want them There’s a very long list of things that make someDuckworth has experimented with many cato, but I’m going to stick with it,’” said Duckone successful and happy.” reer paths since leaving worth. “And being a very gifted and intelligent Duckworth believes children can grow their East, but she finally found person doesn’t always keep you on that path.” grit and other character strengths over time and her passion in her current Surprised by her findings, she dove deeper with proper support, and improving character edjob and is pursuing it with and found that the Grit Scale questionnaire ucation for students is an integral part of the sogrit. she developed is more effective than traditional lution to underachievement in American schools.

“I am really interested measures of success at predicting job retention At Character Lab, her team runs studies to figin human nature and psyamong salespeople, graduation rates among Chiure out how to build stronger character and gives chology,” she said. “...I cago public school students and competition peraway free playbooks of strategies to teachers. feel like what I do has a formance among Scripps National Spelling Bee So how can educators foster grit in the classchance of helping peocontestants. She is careful not to generalize her room? One way is to encourage the growth mindple…[that’s] a very pow- Scan to take the grit conclusions, qualifying that grit is most relevant set, the theory that ability levels are not solid but erful motivation.” questionnaire.

■ By Sophia Liang (‘19)

Eastside Community Editor

The mastermind behind the menus: meet Anne King ■ By Jaclyn Kim (‘21)

Eastside Staff

The hundreds of East students who go through the lunch lines each day might develop friendly rapports with on-site cafeteria staff, but how many have considered the people working one more level behind the scenes of the lunchroom? Nestled in an office off of the cafeteria resides a meticulous organizer with a warm heart: Ms. Anne King.

King is the Operations Manager for Aramark.

Along with the Food Service Director for Aramark in Cherry Hill, Danielle Blanco, she makes sure the breakfasts and lunches at East have the recommended portions of food to put into the day’s menus. They both manage the 19 schools in the Cherry Hill School District. In addition, they manage 86 employees that work at Aramark.

King started as an entrylevel food service worker.

Then, a position opened care of,” said King. month to fuel promotions. in Aramark’s main office, King is also responsible During this time, the diswhere the company receives for personally trying all of trict’s Aramark staff puts federal and state regulathe food put on the breaknew food on the menu and tions. King sees if the stufound this dents like it. new posiIf they do, tion, which the food focused on goes on emphasizthe menu. ing federal K i n g nutrition said, “Cherrequirery Hill East ments when is like the hub designing for the district.” new meal Food is delivered options, to every day to East, be more and from there, the enjoyable food is handled and than her delivered through previous trucks to elementahands-on ry, middle and high e x p e r i schools. To follow ences. Araup on this mass mark’s vicedistribution, King Dakota Rosen (‘19)/ Eastside Photo Editor p r e s i d e n t Anne King organizes snacks in the hallway to pre- goes to the differfor the K-12 pare for the first lunch break. ent schools to check division, that everything is Alicia Kent, running smoothly. taught King how to do busifast and lunch menus. In She also stays in contact ness. addition to planning for the with the principals to make “I love students and service of daily standards sure students are enjoying business. I enjoy and like like the wrap bar, King deAramark’s food. to know that they’re taken votes two weeks out of every King said that East is

like her second home. As a representative of Cherry Hill personnel, she said that she will always try to help students in any aspect. King’s connection to East is further strengthened because her daughter, Ms. Marie Hunter, works as a specialed teacher at East.

“It’s great knowing that she’s in the building,” said King.

King comes to school at 8 a.m. every day and works in her office in the back of Cafeteria 1. Because of her many duties to make East a healthier place, King is someone to remember during the chaos of the lunch breaks.

King said, “Please find me whenever you want. My office is an open door for all students.”

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

NEWS/FEATURES

May 2018

East teams compete (inter)nationally

Experiencing Robotics worlds ■ By Dimitrios Fifis (‘19)

For Eastside

Cherry Hill East robotics is the premier robotics club in New Jersey.

However, at VEX Worlds, the world championship, we face a higher level of competitors. In NJ, we consider ourselves a “big fish in a little pond,” yet at Worlds we are “little fish in a big pond.”

Despite this, we still face intense competition.

Last year, the Cherry Hill East Robotics Program set a new precedent for the club when competing at Worlds.

Our team, 2616D, finished fifteenth out of ninety-four in our division, but unfortunately, we were not able to continue past the first round of eliminations. East’s two other teams, 2616G and 2616H, finished tenth and twenty-second in the division, respectively. Previous to then, we had never placed so high at VEX Worlds before. We had a great season not only as a team, but also as a club in general. In addition to our performance at Worlds, 2616D and 2616J won the state championship and 2616Y won the design award at the state championship.

This year, we have three teams that went to Worlds and competed at the same level as last year. Even with over 1000 teams in the high school division, 2616D and 2616J were able to make it to the elimination rounds and end the round robin qualification matches with a score of 6-4. When you are competing against over 60 nations, even just making it this far is an incredible honor.

However, despite being fierce competitors on the field, we strive to be ambassadors for robotics off of the field. Robotics teaches us much more than just how to build a great robot. We gain valuable experience in leadership skills, collaboration and sportsmanship. Consistently competing at such a high level allows us to learn to be the best of the best.

Robotics is an incredibly demanding club to be a part of because the robots not only need to be built but maintained on a regular basis.

Furthermore, being a team competing at Worlds only increases the necessity of dedication tenfold. Because of the extra intensity, we are meeting almost every day after school for two and a half hours a day. Weekends are for scrimmages and practice. However, it does not feel like work at all. When you do something you love, you don’t mind doing it for hours on end. In fact, sometimes it feels like there just isn’t enough time in the day to work on the robots. For me and my team, competing at a high level on a yearly basis allows for experiences like no other.

Experiencing DECA nationals

■ By Joshua Sodicoff (‘18)

Eastside Opinions Editor

On April 21, twenty East students (myself among them) flew to Atlanta for the DECA International Career Development Conference, the highest level of competition for students involved with the business education organization. Although I was attending to compete in one event, it felt like the culmination of the time I had spent preparing throughout the years.

Even though I’ve been involved in DECA for three years and have competed in three events, this year was a little bit different from the others. My partners and I presented in the Independent Business Plan category, meaning that instead of the tests and roleplays that most competitors do at the regional and state level, we instead had to write a paper and put together a presentation.

Our presentation boards and easels followed us from Staples to the airport to our hotel in downtown Atlanta to the Georgia World Congress Center, the third largest convention center in the country. We, along with 19,000 other students, waited for our turn to present. When we were done, we left, anticipating the results that would herald if we would present again and have a chance at placing among the top ten in the nation. We, unfortunately, did not get called back, but that was fine. Although ICDC is the highest level of competition, it’s also a reward for all the preceding hard work. Our cohort spent our time well in Atlanta. Afforded the freedom to spend my time how I pleased (with the obligatory responsibility of texting an adviser my intended location and bringing along a friend), I had the chance to experience the city. I visited the CNN Center, and after a prolonged and agonizing period of thought, bought myself a shirt proclaiming my devotion to the news network. I visited Piedmont Park, a sprawling green space full of trees, interesting varieties of ducks and other assorted amusements. I enjoyed my first meal at a Waffle House despite the waitress bringing my group our drinks well after we had finished eating. Although I turned my stomach into a deep fryer as a result of the amount of greasy food I ate, it was worthwhile.

I and others on the trip will look back fondly on the skills we learned, the friendships we forged and the experiences we had. If you compete in DECA, I urge you to try harder, because the ICDC experience is not one to miss.

EASTSIDE

Page 3

Park and Our Fairy Godmother make prom dreams come true

■ By Karissa Murray (‘20)

Eastside Staff

“I started in 2015 and this is my fourth event. I grew up with a lot of older friends, so I naturally understood the struggles of prom beforehand and now I face them myself this year. I think it’s a great organization… Not only do you help girls get a beautiful dress for a low price, you also help people who need the funding. You kill two birds with one stone. Our Fairy Godmother honestly makes me feel like the Fairy Godmother where I help girls feel confident and dazzling in their dresses,” Park said.

This year, the annual OFGM event was

There is no debate necessary: prom is a fundamental part of the high school experience, but this rite of passage comes with a large price tag.

The promposals, the hair, the makeup, the dresses, the limo, the after party: the list of expenses goes on. In 2015, the average American family spent 919 dollars on prom.

That price had actually gone down 26 percent from 2013, but the number remains close to a grand.

So what about all the families that don’t have a thousand dollars to spare but still want to enjoy their prom experience?

T h a t is exactly why Jinhee Lee started Our Fairy Godmother (OFGM) in 2012.

“OFGM is a nonprofit organization that collects donated prom dresses that we later sell at the annual event. All Courtesy of Our Fairy Godmother the money With the help of Joyce Park (‘19), East contributed 7 dresses to Our earned goes Fairy Godmother’s final seasonal yield of 800 dresses. to charity.

Typically held at Cinnaminson High School on April the school or organization that donates the 14. OFGM collected over 800 dresses in tomost dresses decides where the money goes tal. In addition to dresses, the group also to.” Joyce Park (‘19), the Cherry Hill represold makeup, shoes and clutches. Everysentative for OFGM, said. thing is sold for ten dollars or under, which Lee started this organization afis just a small fraction of the hundreds of ter struggling to find dollars one would spend on a brand-new an affordable prom prom dress and accessories. Any leftover dress for her junior dresses are donated to similar organizaprom. Thankfully, tions and schools. she was able to OFGM raised over 200 dollars, and borrow one beafter it replenishes the costs needed fore the event, to keep its charity afloat, any monbut she worried ey leftover is donated to another about other charity. girls that found This year’s charity themselves in a was Sponsors for similar dilemEducational ma. It was this Opportunity, a problem that group that proinspired her to vides college write a letter to and career 25 schools in programs to the Philaunderprivileged delphia children and teenagers. and South OFGM has prospered J e r s e y for the last several years, area, askwith over 2,000 prom dresses ing girls c o l lected. However, although the to donate charity has been very successful, this year t h e i r was the last year it will be operating. gently “It was just too much for the presiu s e d dent… Although it makes her and the prom charities very happy, it is unfortunately dressvery stressful to handle such pressure. es.

Since it was the last year of the event, it felt bittersweet. So many dresses and tears later, we were coming to a beautiful ending. So many years went into this organization, as well as our hearts,” Park said.

Even though dress collection will not continue next year, Our Fairy Godmother has certainly been a “wish come true” for many in the community thus far.

Art by Rose Ni (‘18)/Eastside Art Director and Ilana Arougheti (‘19)/ Eastside News/Features Editor

OPINIONS

Page 4

EASTSIDE

May 2018

East security measures must be improved immediately ■ By Nishaad Khedkar (‘18)

Eastside Staff

If I were to ask you, “what crucial yet controversial issue is on the forefront of both the national agenda and the minds of East students, faculty and administration alike?” Unfortunately, you’re probably thinking school security.

Ensuring the safety of future generations of high schoolers isn’t so hard – after all, several long-term projects are tied to an upcoming bond referendum, projects that were discussed in depth at a Board of Education meeting a few months ago. But when half of East’s student body graduates before that year, another question is raised: what about us? What can be done in the short-term for current high school students that will address our concerns, which are all too prevalent in the wake of shooting after shooting?

In the administration’s defense, the higher-ups have already begun to do a lot for us, and Dr. Perry has made his position clear on the importance of convincing students that they walk into a safe environment every morning. Maintenance is working on defective doors that remain difficult to latch from the outside, identification must be presented at the main entrance after the start of the school day, visitors are interrogated

via speaker system before entering the building and armed police officers comfort students psychologically, even if their training isn’t physically necessary 99.99 percent of the time.

Dr. Perry has met with all class SGAs, asking for both positive and negative feedback on his handling of the situation post-walkout.

But, as I pointed out to him then, and as I will point out to him now, these mechanisms are far from perfect. For example, the ID requirement only seems to go into place well after the first bell has rung; plenty of my classmates have told me about how they were allowed to proceed normally through the building after walking in 10 or 15 minutes late.

And as for the interrogation, visitors are able to bypass giving thorough information; I’ve personally seen a girl let in because she was there to pick up her sister, without giving her sister’s student ID or fully explaining why she was there.

E v e n scarier, all of t h e s e m e a s u r e s

can easily be bypassed by an active shooter with a little bit of logic: entering and exiting the building when students do so (more specifically, the few minutes before the first bell and after the final bell) is an easy way of evading these measures while simultaneously being exposed to a large number of students at once. After all, all shooter Nikolas Cruz had to do was pull the fire alarm at Stoneman Douglas High School, and the students practically came running

take a chance on these suppliers.

As shown in many YouTube reviews of the counterfeit jerseys, some are so well made that it is impossible to tell that they are inauthentic.

While counterfeit jerseys

one can spot numerous fans proudly wearing their counterfeit jerseys. Several East students are included in this large group of fans who cheer on their favorite teams in unofficial jerseys.

These fans choose to be economical with their sports

to him. In a situation like that, Mr. Hunt’s words come to mind. For those of you that weren’t there during his emotional presentation during East’s Civic Engagement Week, his message was that the most you can do in an active shooter situation is to

do something. As for what exactly that “something” is, we can guess it’s along the lines of barricading doors during lockdown, charging the shooter in a mob and just generally being on the offensive for whatever the circumstance may be.

If we acted based on what we’ve been taught for the last 9-12 years, any serious threat to our school with half a brain can pick us off like ants. Security cameras are fine and all, but at the end of the day our fate is up to how we react in the moment.

It’s not just time to change the way our school operates on the macro scale, but the micro as well.

It’s about making sure your classmates don’t compromise anyone’s safety by sneaking out of school early through the back door, or about confronting teachers who barely acknowledge the activation of lockdown drills. If we really did strive for excellence in all that we do, we would understand that oftentimes we have to do what is right over what is easy, and that’s a scary thought. But unlike some of these security cameras, at least that value can be reinforced in the minds of students, faculty and administration alike well before 2020. They just need to be reminded of what it means to be part of a community where the security of one is the security of all, and vice versa – that’s something no shooter has a shot at changing.

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

Sports leagues must lower jersey prices Eastside Opinions Editor

Whether it’s for the MLB, the NBA, the NFL or the NHL, on game days, sports fans proudly support their favorite teams by sporting licensed apparel and jerseys. However, in recent years, the major United States-based sports leagues have begun to price themselves out of reasonable limits. In an age where the Internet has become a primary resource for shopping, Chinese-based websites are challenging these leagues with counterfeit items. If the professional sports leagues intend to retain the loyal consumers who purchase licensed jerseys, they must significantly lower their suggested retail prices.

To put the pricing into perspective, licensed NFL jerseys with stitched names and numbers cost 150 dollars. Of course the NFL does offer a cheaper screenprinted version for the fans who do not wish to pay the hefty fee for the stitched version; this will still cost you about 100 dollars.

On the other hand, Chinese-based websites offer counterfeit versions of the same jerseys, fully stitched, for an average price range of 10 to 30 dollars. While the quality is not guaranteed, for the minimal price, sports fans are willing to

articles of clothing must be reduced.

Counterfeit jerseys are illegal to sell in the United States; however, they are not hard to find. A simple Google search for “cheap jerseys” will provide countless results of websites

Dakota Rosen (‘19)/ Eastside Photo Editor

One of the jerseys pictured is counterfeit and costs $18.58. The other is official and costs $99.99. Can you guess which one is real? (See answer at the end of the story.)

are generally not as carefully crafted as the authentic ones, this does not deter fans from wearing them. At any major sporting event throughout the country,

wardrobe rather than stress over the fine details of the products. This should be a sign to major sports leagues that the obscene prices they charge for mere

selling counterfeit team merchandise at discounted prices. In 2011, MarkMonitor reported that it estimates that around 1.2 million suspicious jerseys are

sold online every year. In the years since this study, online shopping has continued to grow, which can only boost the amount of these jerseys sold. In just one 2013 court case in New York, a federal judge ordered over 1,500 Chinesebased websites to shut down for selling counterfeit jerseys. The major problem for leagues is that as soon as websites are shut down for counterfeit items, even more websites pop up with similar web addresses in order to take the places of the old websites. For example, a Chinese supplier may change his/her web address from Cheapjersey.com to Cheapjerseys.com to be able to continue the business. As a result it is nearly impossible for leagues to ever completely remove their illegal competition.

Currently, hundreds of websites profit off of the sales of counterfeit jerseys. They steal hundreds of millions of dollars away from the leagues and from the United States’ economy. The only feasible way to solve this problem is to drastically lower jersey prices. Many consumers who purchase counterfeit jerseys do not feel guilt due to the fact that leagues attempt to take advantage of their fans. After all, there is no reason to charge triple digits for a polyester shirt.

Answer: The number 11 jersey is official

■ By Eric First (‘18)

OPINIONS

May 2018

EASTSIDE

Page 5

East must regulate classes taken by students ■ By Joshua Sodicoff (‘18)

Eastside Opinions Editor

The motivations for having a high weighted GPA flow into one another.

Weighted GPA is preferred as a metric of success to unweighted GPA because it demonstrates both rigor in coursework and success in those classes. Our ranking system uses weighted GPA. Membership in Cum Laude is based off of class rank. Colleges look at our weighted GPAs, class rank and participation and leadership in organizations that use weighted GPA like Cum Laude as determining factors in admissions.

We know about the race to get the highest weighted GPA. At the top of the class, almost everyone takes all AP and honors courses. They stay up late into the night studying. And of course, there is a dark side to this.

In the past, Eastside has covered the widespread nature of cheating in our school that has in some cases allowed individuals to succeed in classes that they should not be able to survive in.

Yet, perhaps the most interesting way students have circumvented putting in effort for a good grade is not through any ingenious method of cheating, but rather through the utilization of easy weighted electives and online course-

work.

Many people are aware of “GPA-boosting” electives.

Although they span a number of fields, they share the same characteristic of offering an honors level option that has gained the reputation of being considerably easier than an honors or AP level core course. Students who opt for one of these courses gain the ability to quite easily get an A and boost their GPAs while their peers who may take Orchestra, a

technical class, or any other t y p e of unweighted elective see no change in their weighted GPA, no matter how they perform.

Because some classes in

niche fields gain a reputation for their easiness, teachers are faced with engaging a class full of disinterested students in a semester or full year of con-

tent.

Online courses have allowed for more egregious manipulation of the sys-

tem. Just as there are easy electives, there are difficult core courses. For a student at the top of the class, risking getting a B or suffering from the decreased rigor of taking an A level class may not be options they are willing to take. By approaching the Guidance Office, they are instead allowed to take the online equivalent of a course, which is self-administered and almost always less rigorous, in order to fulfill the requirement.

Some may even choose to fill the space in their schedule with a GPA-boosting elective. The district and school should work together to reappraise how classes are weighted and when online coursework can be substituted in to level the playing field. When evaluating what, if any, weighting should be given to a course, a set of standards based off of the academic difficulty of the course, time commitment by students and the final grade distribution should be utilized, with the parameters for an honors course defined by core courses. In cases in which a course does not meet those standards, the weighting

or lack thereof of the course could be changed to reflect that, or if there is significant want for that course to exist, its curriculum can be revised to bring it to that level.

For online coursework, a new procedure must be put in place to ensure that students do not abuse the system to keep their grades high. When a student requests to take a course online, they should have to fill out paperwork with an explanation of why they need extra space in their schedule and why they are picking that specific class to take the digital version.

The burden would be on the Guidance Office to know the students and be able to see the truth of their claims in order to know whether to allow the substitution.

Guidance already has a similar standard for independent study requests, and given that independent study is administered by teachers at East, it doesn’t make sense that this hole in administration exists.

Once we take these tools of grade manipulation, we will bring the grades of our school closer to a true reflection of our successes and failures. We shouldn’t have to take undesired, albeit approved, measures to keep up academically with our peers.

in teens throughout the United States.

In 2015, approximately 2,333 U.S. teens between the ages of 16 to 19 were killed and 235,845 were treated in emergency departments for injuries suffered in motor vehicle crashes.

To put this into perspective, six teens ages 16 to 19 died every day from motor vehicle injuries.

W h e n looking at a broad view of the East parking lot at 2:30 p.m., not only do students have an urge to speed, but they also have the unsettling urge to be distracted, inviting five friends into their SUV or Snapchatting every one of their

contacts back to let them know that they have been released from the exhaustion of school. It is time to realize that red lights are not excuses for phone calls.

East Driver’s Education teachers do not simply preach that driving can be a life or death situation to scare newbies. According to dosomething.org, 56 percent of teens admit that they use their phones while driving; talking on a cell phone can double one’s likelihood of an accident and 16 to 17-year-old drivers’ death rates increase with each additional passenger.

High school drivers are far from invincible. Car commonalities such as quickly switching a song on Spotify can be the difference between a normal morning drive and a fatal accident.

Although this issue plagues the whole world, it is an especially relevant issue surrounding the East community. Seniors need to realize that cars are the most dangerous weapon at their disposal and the hardships faced with accidents go far past monetary reparations.

For the welfare of the East community, the aggression in the parking lot needs to be lowered and distractions should always be avoided. Put your phone on “do not disturb” or put down your food for the duration of your drive. Safety can only be achieved by following these simple steps.

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

The driving culture at East must reform ■ By Louis Zimmermann (‘18)

Eastside Opinions Editor

The driving culture at East is simple: sprint to your car the second the bell rings, hop into your car and turn the key, place your foot on the gas and speed to the line to leave. For many years, freshmen, sophomores and juniors have experienced the mayhem of 2:30 p.m. Seniors suddenly transform into maniacs with only one set goal in mind – to beat the buses – and they will do anything in their power to achieve this, whether it means risking an accident or putting pedestrians in danger.

This flawed mentality has become a culture at East, and the underclassmen will only carry on this tradition.

However, to what extent do East students need to go to realize that this culture has gone way too far?

The mentality has a chain effect, spreading from the East parking lot to neighborhoods, main roads and highways. Not to mention, seniors set bad examples for underclassmen, which creates a vicious cycle of reckless drivers for years to come.

Because of seniors’ aggressive driving tendencies, there have been multiple accidents this year that result from speeding to leave, searching for the best parking spot or being completely distracted by phones or friends. These accidents, most at least, have been completely avoidable,

as a lot of driving accidents are. So what is more important to those who drive to school: risking a potential accident or getting out of the East parking lot 10 minutes earlier?

In the aftermath of accidents occurring in or just outside of the East parking lot, the student body can allow them to blow over and decide that these sorts of accidents will not happen to them, or they can use them as reminders that reform is necessary for the betterment of the community. The latter is of utmost importance, especially when looking at the terrifying statistics that accompany teenage drivers throughout the United States each year.

CDC.gov has reported that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death

Infographic by Louis Zimmermann (‘18) / Eastside Opinions Editor

Page 6

COMICS EASTSIDE

Online Dress Shopping by Sarah Zheng (‘20)/ Eastside Staff

Water Stereotypes by Jonathan Calabrese (‘18)/ Eastside Video Editor

Competition by Esther Levine (‘21)/ Eastside Staff

May 2018

May 2018

COMICS EASTSIDE

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

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

Locked Out by David Le (‘18)/ Eastside Underground Editor

Page 7

COMMUNITY

Page 8

EASTSIDE

May 2018

Jersey Shore Alpacas is a whole herd of fun

basic alpaca meet-n-greet protocol before leading me to the paddocks.

AccordIt is frankly difficult to ing to the describe in words the unrankings adulterated joy I felt upon on TripAdwalking toward the alpacvisor.com, as, who regarded me with the numskepticism but my carrots ber one with great interest. They thing to do greeted me at the fencein Cape May isn’t sunbathline with a chorus of soft ing on the beach or climbing grunts — an alpacapella, if up the lighthouse or exploryou will. They stood about ing a museum — it’s visitshoulder-height tall, with ing Jersey Shore Alpacas, a sweet doe-eyed expressions that instantly made the 90-minute car ride worth it.

Their soft fleece ranged in color from white to black to brown and every combination in between. As I patted their heads and watched them jostle for carrots, I was struck by how intelligent and spirited these animals seemed.

“They are all very unique, just like cats and dogs,” said Tish.

“Each alpaca has a different temperament.”

Tish then exSophia Liang (‘19)/ Eastside Community Editor Tanzanite (left) and General Patton (right) peek over the fence plained to me the differences bewith curiosity as visitors step up to pet and feed the alpacas. tween alpacas and their llama couslittle alpaca farm located in visitors can feed the alpacins — alpacas are much the backyard of owners Jim as carrots (their favorite smaller and more docile, and Tish Carpinelli. treats) at the fenceline at and they have more luxuWhen Jim and Tish no charge. They also prorious coats. They also tend started their farm 13 years vide private tours where to spit less often, and even ago, neither of them had people can enter the padthen it’s only as a warning experience in raising livedock and get even closer to to another alpaca getting stock. the animals for a small fee. too close to their carrots.

“I’ve always been interTheir herd has grown to 20 After feeding, petting ested in yarn and knitting strong, and they typically and posing for selfies with and weaving… so I kind of receive over a hundred all the animals, I decided knew a little about alpacvisitors on each Open Farm to check out the farm store, as,” said Tish, who is a high day. where the Carpinellis sell school librarian. “My husWhen I learned of the products made from alpaca band, on the other hand, opportunity to mingle with fleece. The fleece from their is from Brooklyn, and he these fluffy, gentle critters, own herd gets sent out to be didn’t have any idea what I immediately cleared out turned into yarn and work they [even] were. I saw an my Saturday plans and boot insoles, but most of advertisement in a magaheaded down to the shore the store items, including zine for raising alpacas and to check “hug an alpaca” sweaters, gloves and toys, [figured that] we have a off my bucket list. I was are manufactured in Peru. large property… so I went the first visitor there that “Alpaca [fleece] is much to him and jokingly said, morning, and Jim welcomed softer and silkier [than ‘Oh honey, we ought to me with a kind smile, a bag sheep wool],” Tish said. raise alpacas.’” of sliced carrots and some “It’s also good for people ■ By Sophia Liang (‘19)

Eastside Community Editor

What started as jest soon turned into a barn, a few paddocks and three alpacas that the Carpinellis intended to breed and sell.

However, the value of the animals plummeted after the 2008 recession, so they decided to change their business model to agritouism, bringing the public in to meet the alpacas and tour their farm.

Each Saturday, the Carpinellis offer an “Open Farm” day during which

Sophia Liang (‘19)/ Eastside Community Editor

General Patton happily munches on a carrot. who are allergic to sheep wool or find it uncomfortable to wear.”

Managing a farm is no easy feat — Jim and Tish spend three hours a day stocking hay, feeding pellets and scooping poop, and additional time on Friday nights cutting carrots for the next day’s visitors — but the Carpinellis’ passion for their work shines

helping hesitant visitors overcome their fear of the animals. “There’s something really magical about them… It’s really cool to be able to give people such an enjoyable experience.”

I couldn’t leave without picking up the farm’s most popular souvenir, a small needle-felted alpaca with a hand-knit colorful hat, and then saying a final goodbye

Sophia Liang (‘19)/ Eastside Community Editor

In the farm store, visitors can purchase a miniature plush to match their favorite alpaca. through in their happy alto the herd. pacas and delighted visiEducational, charming tors. and absolutely adorable, “People really, really Jersey Shore Alpacas is a love interacting with the weekend activity for which alpacas,” said Tish, whose I’d definitely ‘paca my bags favorite part of the job is and come again.

To see more photos from Jersey Shore Alpacas, check out eastside-online.org!

Unique derby and arts festival parades through Philly ■ By Zoe Culver (‘19)

Eastside Staff

Part parade, part design competition and part craft fair, the 12th Annual Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby and Arts Festival will be winding through Kensington and Fishtown in Philadelphia on Saturday, May 19.

The Philadelphia Federal Credit Union hosts the festival, which has evolved from Philly’s block party culture. The derby component consists of decorative man-made floats which must be able to move at a speed of at least three miles per hour and cannot use any sort of motor.

The floats are pieces of moving art — they have sculptures, pop culture themes, people in costume, wild colors and more, creating a fun and spirited feel-

ing throughout the event.

According to Beatrice Rider, the Director of Resource Development at the New Kensington Community Development Corporation, an organization which helps to plan the Kensington Arts Festival, there are a range of different floats involved in the derby.

“There is everything from one to two guys in costumes on bicycles to large floats powered by many people on pedals,” Rider said.

The parade of floats will begin at noon at Trenton and Dauphin Street, then travel down Frankford, Girard, Kensington and North Front Street, making a tour around Fishtown and Kensington. The three-mile course ends with a messy splash in a mud pit.

Representatives from companies that sponsor the

event, including the Penn Treaty Special Services District and the Philadelphia Brewing Company, as well as members of the community, help judge the parade. They judge the floats based on many factors and distribute awards such as “Best Costuming,” “Best Engineering” and “Best Art.” However, there is much more to this festival than the derby. In other areas, art vendors line the streets selling everything from jewelry to clothing to artwork. In addition to these vendors, there are live music, family-friendly activities and food trucks.

The festival serves as a great way for local artists to display their talents and for the neighborhood to come together and show its creativity.

With over 10 food ven-

dors, 70 art vendors a n d plenty of things to watch, this event has drawn in huge crowds of around 15,000 people in past years.

Although the event itself is free, there are many opportunities for attendees and community members to donate to the festival.

The donations f o r t h e festival go to the East Kensington Neighbors Association and

the New Kensington Community Development Corporation.

In turn, these organizations put the money back into the community by funding initiatives that positively impact the neighborhood, such as projects for public green space and business development.

The Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby and Arts Festival conglomerates innovative design, artistic talent, quirky Philadelphia culture and vibrant community spirit to create a lively, wholly unforgettable event.

Background by David Le (‘18)/ Eastside Underground Editor Art by Rose Ni (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director

COMMUNITY

May 2018

EASTSIDE

Page 9

Frutta Bowls serves up healthy and delicious treats ■ By Julia Benedetto (‘19)

Eastside Community Editor

T h e newest and most popular h e a l t h craze has officially hit the streets of South Jersey, and it has been pulling in customers one by one. Frutta Bowls, a health foods eatery that serves smoothies, protein balls and smoothie bowls, has made its way to the Promenade at Sagemore.

Originating in Howell, New Jersey, in 2016, Frutta Bowls has since expanded across New Jersey and into states such as Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina. Now with 22 locations, the franchise has definitely made a name for itself over the last two years.

Frutta Bowls is nestled in the heart of the Promenade, next to Francesca’s and across from American Eagle Outfitters. Big glass windows allow plenty of sunlight to come into the restaurant, illuminating the slightly small yet cozy space. Upon entering, I heard upbeat music over the speakers along with the sound of employees calling out names for each order. A long leather couch stretches against the far

wall with a TV hung above it, playing old episodes of “Friends” and other funny sitcoms. Behind the couch is a chalkboard wall decorated with palm trees and tropical flowers, which highlights the three main ingredients of the restaurant: kale, pitaya and açai.

Multiple tables are scattered both inside and outside of the restaurant, allowing customers to choose where they wish to enjoy their smoothie or bowl of goodness.

While standing in line and waiting for my turn at the register, I surveyed the menu, which consists of 18 different types of bowls and seven different smoothies.

Five of the bowls have a dark purple açai smoothie base, five have a pink pitaya base, four have a light green kale base and the remaining four have an oatmeal base. The bowls range from nine to ten dollars while the smoothies range from six to seven dollars. Many of the bowls are adorned with granola, fresh fruit, peanut butter and sometimes even Nutella.

The bowl I chose, the Fiji Bowl, is a pitaya-based bowl topped with granola, honey, bananas, strawberries, peanut butter, coconut flakes and chia seeds. My friend who accompanied me to the newly-opened restaurant ordered the Jamaica Bowl, which is also a pitaya based bowl but is in-

stead topped with granola, blueberries, mango, kiwi, honey and coconut flakes.

After you order at the cash register, the employees then work diligently to perfect the bowls from behind a glass counter. Once your

newly opened Frutta Bowls in early April. She works the register and also helps to make the bowls and smoothies.

“I’m obsessed with Frutta Bowls,” she said. “I know everything about them…

name and order are called out, you may go retrieve your treat and dig in.

Ori Morad (‘19) recently started working at the

I used to go to the [Frutta Bowls] in Hamilton like every other weekend with my cousin.”

On the gloriously warm

and a social media following of nearly 800,000.

After taking in Opie and Jax, Lauricella agreed to rescue two other goats, Ansel and Petal, from a terrible abuse case in 2014. Her struggle with and dedication to keeping Ansel alive inspired her to found Goats of Anarchy (GOA), a goat rescue based in Annandale, NJ, with the mission to show people that goats and other animals are more than just livestock.

Most of the goats that GOA rescues have special needs, ranging from birth defects to lost hooves due to frostbite to neurological disorders. Almost all of the animals come from bad situations, and GOA ends up being their forever home.

Lauricella has gone as far

as attending local livestock auctions to rescue slaughter-bound animals.

GOA has received and rescued goats from all over the country, but its social media impact stretches even further. According to Angela Matassino, secretary on the GOA board of directors, GOA would be nowhere near where it is today without the use of social media.

Not only does it have a massive following on Instagram and Facebook, GOA has been nominated for a Webby award for the third year in a row, winning one in each of the last two years.

Starting from the O.G.s living in Lauricella’s house, GOA has grown to two barns and over 80 animals thanks to the support of followers. With donations, GOA is able to pay for the barns, surgeries, medicines and other items that the goats need.

Matassino said that social media plays a much larger role than attracting donations for GOA; it shows that animals are “loving,

social beings that deserve a happy and healthy life,” she said.

T h e greatest part of GOA has been the people who help make it possible, whether they be volunteers or participants in goat-related activities.

The most popular e v e n t hosted

by GOA has been g o a t Screenshot by Julia Benedetto (‘19)/ y o g a , Eastside Community Editor where Goats of Anarchy updates its large Instavisitors a t t e n d gram following on the progress of its goats.

Julia Benedetto (‘19)/ Eastside Community Editor

The sweet pitaya-based Fiji Bowl is one of Frutta Bowls’s many tasty offerings.

and sunny day I visited, I sat on a bench across the street and enjoyed my bowl while watching people wander into the new store. The fresh fruit and crunchy granola on top of my bowl paired well with the sweet pitaya base, creating the perfect treat that was both healthy and filling.

The açai berry, which is native to South America and mainly grown in Brazil, has taken the world by storm in the form of smoothie bowls topped with various goodies. The açai bowl has become increasingly popular all over the nation with its aesthetically pleasing looks and promising health benefits, so it’s no surprise that East students are craving to try these hyped-up treats.

“I see so many people [from East] at Frutta Bowls,” said Morad. “[The bowls are] a healthy and sweet dessert that get you filled up pretty quickly.”

Not only does Frutta Bowls offer healthy treats, but they also sell T-shirts, hats, bracelets and even PopSockets. The brand is rapidly expanding and helping to bring a healthy lifestyle change to many people. With Frutta Bowls’ beach-themed atmosphere alongside their fresh fruit and delicious smoothies, Cherry Hill residents are bound to make this their go-to summer spot this upcoming season.

Goats of Anarchy extends helping hooves to goats in need ■ By Gregory Rothkoff (‘19)

Eastside Entertainment Editor

For Leanne Lauricella, it all started with a visit to a local goat farm after quitting her job as a corporate event planner in New York City and moving to New Jersey.

She instantly f e l l in love with the animals and decided to take in two boy goats, Opie and Jax, after learning that m a l e goats are put down at a young age since they cannot produce milk.

These two goats, affectionately referred to as O.G.s (original goats), were just the beginning of a passion that has grown into a 501c3 non-profit sanctuary

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

a yoga class surrounded by friendly goats.

GOA also has volunteer hours every Saturday, during which goat lovers can contribute to the welfare of the animals.

GOA has even expanded to include res

cued sheep, pigs, chickens, a donkey and three horses.

Later this year, GOA will be moving to a central location where all animals will be housed under the same roof.

Despite not having one whole barn at the moment, GOA still tucks all its animals into bed each night with the same love that Lauricella has shown since the O.G.s.

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

Page 10

EASTSIDE

May 2018

COMMUNITY

May 2018

EASTSIDE

Page 11

TURNING A PENNY

Many high schoolers find jobs babysitting or mowing lawns to earn a little extra cash. However, these four East students have sought more out-of-the-box employment and internship opportunities around the community. Although their work differs, each job provides them with valuable experience and personal fulfillment.

Michael Geisinger (‘19): Science Presenter

MARLY GATES (‘20): HAT KNITTER ■ By Ilana Arougheti (‘19) Eastside News/Features Editor

Some families pass down interests and traditions in the form of recipes, annual events or nicknames. But for Marly Gates (‘20) and her grandmother, family bonding instead inspired an entrepreneur later growing small business. Utilizing knitting knowledge and donated yarn passed down by her grandmother, Gates has begun to sell her handmade hats to the Cherry Hill community.

“My nana was always working on something,” Gates said, “and eventually I came to really want to learn how to make stuff, so she bought me a loom and she taught me how to knit.

I’ve been hooked ever since.”

Gates has been making hats for her family and friends as gifts since she was about 10.

However, she didn’t begin selling her creations to the public

until November of 2017, after attending a craft show at the Cherry Hill Public Library, which inspired her to sell her own handiwork.

Gates explained that she is still relatively new to the process of selling her wares, since she has only been operational for a few months. So far, her greatest exposure has come from yet another craft fair at the library, where she found herself behind her own table for a change, unique even among the other proud local artisans in attendance.

“They were selling soaps, hand scrubs... they were selling necklaces, bracelets… and I was the only table that had a bunch of hats to sell,” Gates said.

Seizing upon the opportunity to stand out, Gates stocked her table with hats in a variety of colors and sizes, to great effect.

“A lot of people liked the hats,” she said. “I actually sold

one infant hat and the little girl put it on and wore it right away.”

So far, Gates has sold about 15 hats for around 90 dollars in total profit. Having gained a fair amount of exposure at the craft fair, she expects to only grow these numbers. She has begun to take commissions over Facebook and hopes to expand her personal brand in the future by advertising through social media. However, she stressed that she considers her knitting a hobby and a stress reliever, not just a business venture.

“You always have to think that you’re not going to sell anything; that way you’re not disappointed,” she said.

Overall, Gates’s growing hat sales have allowed her to turn one of her favorite pastimes into an opportunity for both personal success and the sharing of her craft with the Cherry Hill community.

■ By Adiel Davis (‘18) Eastside Multimedia Director

Courtesy of Marly Gates (‘20)

Gates stands proudly next to her hand-knit creations at her craft vendor’s stall at the Cherry Hill Public Library.

Michael Geisinger (‘19)’s passion for science and history goes beyond the textbooks—he explores his two favorite subjects by putting them into action at the Franklin Institute, where he has worked for almost a year.

Geisinger is a science presenter at the museum, responsible for helping to educate the public.

He takes the train to Philly every Saturday and Sunday to work a five-hour shift. He heard about the job through an email sent by East guidance counselor Mr. Darren Gamel.

“The Franklin Institute has [many] opportunities to get involved,” Geisinger said.

He can work in every part of the museum from curation to facilitating exhibits, but his favorite part is being able to do an animal dissection, for which he has gotten specially trained. He dissects cows’ eyes to teach the structure of the eye and how it perceives and processes light, as well as sheeps’ hearts to teach how the human heart pumps blood throughout the body.

“It’s so much fun and usually a lot of people show up,” he said.

For Geisinger, each day is a mystery until he arrives at work; he has no idea where in the museum he will be placed, which is an entertaining part of his morning.

In the train factory exhibit, he gives a brief history on the museum and the locomotive company that used to be located next to the museum and donated locomotives to the exhibit.

At the Brain Bar in the brain exhibit, he plays mind games with people who are interested and stop by to be challenged. When he is not in charge of a specific station, he walks around the museum to answer guests’ questions.

The most challenging component of his job is keeping people of all ages and different levels of prior knowledge interested in his lessons. However, he enjoys that although “[the Franklin Institute] is a science musem, it balances humanities and sciencies really well.”

Geisinger is always engaged, and he loves teaching visitors about what he has discovered and learned in every area of the museum.

Courtesy of Michael Geisinger (‘19)

At the Franklin Insitute’s paper-making cart, science presenter Geisinger turns recycled office paper into pulp.

LAUREN ATKIN (‘18): CONGRESSional INTERN ■ By Shir Goldfinger (‘19) Eastside Staff

Courtesy of Lauren Atkin (‘18)

Atkin poses at her desk, where she answers phone calls from constituents as a congressional intern.

Many East students love being involved in music or sports or community service. But for Lauren Atkin (‘18), a perfect senior year involves devoting her free time to a more unique passion — political science.

Atkin interns for Congressman Donald Norcross at his district office on Melrose Avenue in Cherry Hill. She interns on Mondays and Fridays, diligently balancing her weekday job and the Congressman internship. A typical day in the office for an intern involves a lot of frequent paperwork, filing and phone calls.

“People will call for all different reasons, but we do a lot of constituent casework, so if people need help with medical care, or getting a loan for their house, or anything that we can call a different agency [for] on their behalf, we reach out and get some help,” said Atkin.

Atkin is extremely interested in political science and is eager to get involved with everything that the field and its community have to offer. She applied for the internship hoping to strengthen this love, and

while the job does include many clerical tasks, it is rewarding and informational nonetheless.

“I’m really interested in politics,” she said. “I want to major in political science, and so I wanted to learn more about it before I major in it and make sure that’s exactly what I want to do.”

Not only is the internship a great way for Atkin to develop her love for political science, but it also involves her interest in social outreach. Working for Norcross allows Atkin to communicate with and help others that reach out to the office in ways she may not have been able to on her own.

“I like talking to people, so I love when people call so that we can always try to help them,” she said.

Atkin applied for the internship in the summertime and encourages everyone who has a strong interest in politics and community work to apply.

“It [has] been a really great experience and you meet a lot of different people involved in politics, so if that’s something you’re interested in, it’s a really great way to network and get involved,” she said.

Aliza Kotzen (‘20): kids’ Party entertainer ■ By Nashita Ali (‘19) Eastside Business Manager

Courtesy of Aliza Kotzen (‘20)

Kotzen teaches children how to hula dance.

When she’s not at lacrosse, cross country, winter track, All State Choir, BBYO or an SGA event, you can find Aliza Kotzen (‘20) juggling her jobs not only as a babysitter and employee at the International Skating Center but also as a 16-year-old entrepreneur.

In May of 2017, Kotzen founded her company Little Hawaiian Princess to provide entertainment at children’s events such as birthday parties, holiday parties, pool parties and Purim or Halloween events. Kotzen dresses up as Moana and participates in an assortment of activities ranging from temporary tattoos to storytime to dancing.

Since Moana does not originate from a specific island, Kotzen uses her travels to Hawaii as inspiration for her storytimes. She uses hula dancing and the tale of mountain gods

and goddesses to tell a story about how Hawaii came to be.

“Hula is a lot like sign language, which I know how to do, so it’s cool that I get to work that into the party,” she said.

The inspiration for Little Hawaiian Princess came from one of Kotzen’s cast members in a theater performance at West, who had dressed up for kids as Elsa and Rapunzel. Kotzen did not think much of the idea until she realized that it would be a fun and exciting way to earn a little extra spending money, so she purchased her first Moana outfit at the Disney Store.

Kotzen is able to seek out potential clients through the connections she has made through babysitting and her mother, who is a preschool teacher.

“Parents are often surprised by how professional I’m able to be because oftentimes teenagers have an attitude, and I stay in character the entire time,” she said.

For her, the most rewarding

part of dressing up as Moana is seeing the children’s faces immediately glow up as she enters the room. Kotzen, who sings both inside and outside of school, puts on a spectacular show to transport the children into the enticing realms of Polynesia. Her favorite songs to sing are “How Far I’ll Go” and parts of “Where You Are.” “The kids that have the most interest are under three [years old], but the ones that are old enough to appreciate it but may realize I’m not actually Moana are four to five,” she said.

Kotzen charges 50 dollars an hour for parties of 20 and less and 60 dollars an hour for parties greater than 20 children.

She is not in it solely for the money; she does not believe in charging her clients a large amount of money since her biggest takeaway from the experience is making the children’s day. In the future, she hopes to venture out into dressing up as Wonder Woman and Belle.

Art by Ali Koenig (‘20)/ Eastside News/Features Editor, Nashita Ali (‘19)/ Eastside Business Manager, Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director, Jeffrey Kaminer (‘21)/ Eastside Staff and Samantha Dayton (‘19)/ Eastside Staff

EDITORIAL

Page 12

EASTSIDE

May 2018

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

Cherry Hill High School East

Cherry Hill Public Schools deserve fair funding Across Cherry Hill, passionate students and parents fill hallways, social media groups and Board of Education meetings to air their grievances about the district’s 19 schools. It is no secret that class sizes are too large, grounds are not secure and the dingy buildings pose health and safety hazards.

Eastside believes that although these advocates are well-intentioned, many have failed to address the larger issue at hand: due to the underfunding this district has experienced for the past decade, it simply does not have the money to execute most proposed reforms. Therefore, Eastside asserts that the equitable reallocation of New Jersey public education funds is essential to leveling the playing field for students across the state and facilitating the renovations and revampment that the Cherry Hill Public School District desperately needs.

Fair funding is a right guaranteed to all New Jersey citizens. Article VIII, Section IV, paragraph 2 of the state constitution states that the income from the public education fund “shall be annually appropriated to the support of free public schools, and for the equal benefit of all the people of the State.” But as it stands, Cherry Hill students have lead in their drinking water and loose electrical wires dangling atop their heads, while their Washington Township and Voorhees friends have state-of-the-art security systems and personal iPads. Neighboring districts Lenape and Eastern receive 136% and 117%, respectively, of their apportioned aid, while Cherry Hill, which is comparable in median income, receives only 46%. Thus, it is safe to say that the Department of Education has not, in fact, funded schools to the equal benefit of everyone in the state.

Dedicated faculty, supportive fami-

Next year’s board selected

lies and fundraiser proceeds from the PTA and other groups have allowed Cherry Hill schools to remain academically challenging and enriching despite a lack of resources, but Eastside fears that the effects of underfunding will only worsen as time goes on. Without the money to do electrical, piping and concrete work, the already tired school infrastructures will continue to deteriorate. Without the addition of new staff members and the advancement of academic programs, Cherry Hill students may be left behind as other schools move to one-to-one technology initiatives and modernized curriculums.

At East alone, Eastside sees areas in critical need of improvement; it believes that the school’s security system should be augmented with cameras providing live feeds to police and vestibules that verify visitors before allowing them into the building, and that the Guidance Department must be expanded to provide students with more individual assistance. But none of these changes are possible in a district that only receives 14 million out of an allotted 29 million dollars each year, less than half of its fair share in funds.

The consequences of inequitable funding extend beyond the schools.

Each and every Cherry Hill taxpayer is not only being shortchanged for the money he or she sends to Trenton, but he or she is also forced to make up the difference by paying higher local property taxes. Throughout it all, taxburdened families have never received a straightforward answer to the question of why their schools are so grossly underfunded while neighboring districts receive millions in surplus aid; even Superintendent Dr. Joseph Meloche, who regularly meets with officials, has yet to hear a justification

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

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Letters to the Editor Submit signed letters to F087

Awards

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

Eastside 2018-2019 Editorial Board Managing Editor: Ali Koenig Editors-in-Chief: Ilana Arougheti, Nafessa Jaigirdar, Sophia Liang Adviser: Mr. Greg Gagliardi

News Editors Defne Alpdogan Giana Maccarella After a lengthy process consisting of Joshua Pipe application reviews, portfolio reviews and interviews, 33 students were given positions to form the 2018-2019 Eastside Editorial Board.

These students will officially take over when the current school year ends in June.

from the Department of Education.

Eastside believes that this taxation without explanation, much less representation, is illogical and unjust to the residents of the township.

Horace Mann, the namesake of one of this district’s schools, called education a “great equalizer” amongst men, but the current state of New Jersey’s public education funding has created rifts between students instead. Eastside encourages the Cherry Hill community to rally behind this issue just as ardently and as forcefully as it has done for all of the problem’s byproducts. The appeals of district officials are not nearly as effective as those of constituents, whose advocacy has begun to gain traction—administrators credit the additional one million dollars the district received from the state last July to the tireless efforts of people working with, and communicating to, elected representatives from the state.

Now, the momentum they created must be sustained. Eastside urges its readership to write letters or make phone calls to Assemblyman Louis Greenwald and Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt (856-435-1247) and State Senator James Beach (856-4291572) using call scripts and resources from the Fair Funding for Cherry Hill Schools website (fairfunding.wixsite. com/fairfundingchps).

Residents must demand accountability from their representatives and an equitable return for their tax dollar. Parents must insist on safe classrooms to learn in and updated textbooks to learn from. Students, whose voices are the most important of all, must share their experiences and call for change. And together, this township must fight to grant its 11,000 diverse, inquisitive, creative children the fair funding they deserve.

Community Editors Nashita Ali Maddy Cicha Shir Goldfinger

Features Editors Sam Grossman Karissa Murray Samantha Roehl

Opinions Editors Julia Benedetto Jacob Graff Gregory Rothkoff

Sports Editors Adam Dashevsky Jacob Kernis Sophie Levine

Arts/Entertainment Editors Zoe Culver Claire Joanson Henry Nolan

Photo Editors Jiseon Lee Andrew Maier

Art Directors Samantha Dayton Danny Kahn

Video Editor Luke Shin Sarah Zheng

Webmaster Eli Weitzman

Online Editors Harry Green Sophia Sitnick

Business Managers Dakota Rosen Brandon Weinstock

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

Contact the Board: Art Directors Sabrina DeAbreu Rose Ni

Video Editor

Webmasters

Multimedia Directors Adiel Davis Drew Hoffman

Business Managers Nashita Ali Abigail Richman

Entertainment Editors Jonathan Calabrese Nafessa Jaigirdar Harry Green Eli Weitzman Luke Shin Gregory Rothkoff Underground Editors Claire Joanson David Le

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: nafessa. jaigirdar@eastsideonline.org.

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

May 2018

EASTSIDE

Page 13

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ENTERTAINMENT EASTSIDE

May 2018

Hip-hop makes advancements over time ■ By Luke Shin (‘19) and Adam Dashevsky (‘19) Eastside Video Editor and Eastside Sports Editor

Hip-hop music reached the mainstream in 1980 when artist Kurtis Blow released his hit “The Breaks.”

Although the song came with a relatively simple rhyme scheme, it set off a chain of events that would later lead to rappers such as Tupac, Nas and Biggie Smalls reaching the mainstream.

Although there are many artists such as Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and Logic who keep up with the tradition of writing conscious lyrics, a new form of rap is also reaching the mainstream: mumble rap.

Mumble rap is highlighted by a loud booming bass, a trap beat and some words that cannot always be understood. With the growing popularity of mumble rappers such as Future, Lil Uzi Vert, Migos and Young Thug, hip-hop is truly evolving.

Recently, Soundcloud, as well as other music streaming websites, has become the new medium for artists to be discovered; popular artists such as Kehlani, Bryson Tiller and Kygo have all gained recognition from the music they released on Soundcloud starting as early as 2013. Today, mumble rappers such as Lil Pump, XXXTentacion and Trippie Redd seem to be reaching the top of the charts after initially gaining popularity via Soundcloud.

Jerry Cherian (‘18) said, “I feel like [Soundcloud rappers] are misrepresenting rap. People just want beats, they’re not reading into the deep lyrics. They’re misleading kids and promoting violence and drugs.”

A multitude of social media platforms have allowed artists to release their music and gain popularity. This has brought on an era of new hip-hop with fewer meaningful messages and more simplistic music. Rather than resembling the enlightening messages of racism and real-life problems like many of the founders of hip-hop did, newer artists have begun to speak more about drug use, personal relationships and mental health.

Rapper Wiz Khalifa commented on the changing landscape of hiphop, saying, “It ain’t no disrespect to the lil homies, they don’t want to rap. [It is] cool for now; [rap is] going to evolve.”

Taking a technical approach on the change in the complexity of

music, Tupac’s number-one hit song as listed by Billboard, “How Do U Want It,” has drastic differences to that of XXXTenta-

cion’s hit song “Jocelyn Flores.”

“How Do U Want It” is a 4-minute 48-second song, containing four different primary parts: the chorus, verses, an interlude and an outro; it contains three different verses, each consisting of approximately 18-24 lines.

“How Do U Want It” highlights Tupac’s introduction to fame, including a diss on rap critic C. Delores Tucker.

In contrast, XXXTentacion’s “Jocelyn Flores” is 1 minute and 59 seconds long, consisting of an unoriginal and identical intro and outro, a bridge, a verse and a chorus. Containing only one verse in the song, it has 16 lines.

However, the song highlights mental health as it addresses his friend’s suicide. This suggests that this new form of hip-hop has gotten more straightforward in terms of technicality and content.

R e e s e Quinlan (‘19) said, “I think t h a t n e w h i p h o p has become l e s s meaningful when c o m pared to old hip-hop. New hip-hop is something to listen to to pass the time, whereas old hip-hop could connect to people through the lyrics.”

While many teens admire these “Soundcloud rappers,” their messages may not always be ones that kids should follow. The drug

Xanax of recent has been the most glorified drug in rap music. One rapper, who has a total of 317 thousand followers on Soundcloud, goes by the name of Lil Xan. Lil Peep, a rapper known for his lyrics about drugs, died following an overdose earlier this year.

In addition, domestic abuse has also been a popular theme in songs by these artists. Rapper XXXTentacion was accused of domestic abuse multiple times and discusses it in his lyrics.

“I think [mumble rap] is giving a lot of people the wrong idea of how to live their lives. The music over-glorifies all the bad stuff,” said Drew Parent (‘19).

While some rappers like Wiz Khalifa accept this new form of rap, many rappers despise it and publicly shame these rappers. Many people do not know that when Jay-Z began rapping, his music was very unclear because he tried to rap fast. Although many hiphop heads may dislike these mumble rappers, they must accept that rap will evolve, but there will always be some lyricists who carry on the legacy of rap.

Art by Rose Ni (‘18)/ Eastside

Art Director

Hip-Hop then & now:

Kurtis Blow - “The Breaks” (1980) Brakes on a bus, brakes on a car Breaks to make you a superstar Breaks to win and breaks to lose But these here breaks will rock your shoes And these are the breaks Break it up, break it up!

Nas - “Memory Lane” (1994) My intellect prevails from a hanging’ cross with nails I’ll reinforce the frail with lyrics that’s real Word to Christ, a disciple of streets, trifle on beats I decipher prophecies through a mic and say “peace” Lil Pump - “Gucci Gang” (2017) My lean cost more than your rent, ooh Your mama still live in a tent, yeah Still slanging dope in the jets, huh Me and my grandma take meds, ooh Lil Xan - “Who I Am” (2018) I swear that I don’t miss you Guns don’t shine when you’re not by The only friend I have is time The only friend I had just died

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May 2018

ENTERTAINMENT EASTSIDE

Fortnite takes over the lives of East students

schoolers. According to the survey, just over a third of students, 36.7 percent, estiEastside Staff mate over 10 hours of Fortnite gameplay on a weekly basis. This averages out to Popularity Outside of Popularity Inside East be approximately an hour East Obviously Fortnite has and a half of screen time a By this time, almost evgrown in popularity; howday, at minimum. One stueryone has witnessed the ever, its impact in the dent even mentions that he Fortnite craze first hand, East community has also will play whenever he has whether through themover a 20-minute block. It is not uncommon for some students to go home after school — taking a much needed break from classwork, homework, and studying — and hop on their console or mobile phone, for hours at a time due to the pure enjoyment they get from the game.

Fortnite draws many teenagers because the game is so unique; one can build massive structures, carry healing items and knock down opposing players with various weapons.

Andy Murphy (‘19) said that Andrew Maier (‘20)/ Eastside Staff part of the reaMatan Malka (‘20) wins the Fortnite Battle Royale game on his phone. The release of a moson for the excesbile version of the game has led to an increase of players around Cherry Hill East. sive amount of time spent playing Fortnite are selves, a sibling, friend or How many hours do you play Fortnite on a weekly the squad and duos especially social media. basis? gameplay modes.

Fortnite Battle Royale is “These modes ala free-to-play, 100-playlow [an individual] er, “Battle Royale”-style to play with his or game developed by Epic her friends and talk Games in which players, 10% strategies over their either solo or with their headsets,” said Murfriends, aim to eliminate 37% phy. the enemies and be the 17% Additionally, last man standing.

Murphy said that Fortnite has become another reason the widely popular over the game can be played past few months, and 13% for many hours on there are many reasons a weekly basis is for this rapid growth. the fact that Epic A study by Epic Games 20% 3% Games, the developfound that as of February er, releases constant 8, 3.4 million people play updates. the game; that number “They release a is assumed to have since I do not play Fortnite 1-3 hours 3-5 hours new limited time risen. Even those who do mode (LTM) every not play the video game 5-7 hours 7-10 hours 10+ hours week that limits you can probably tell you exto a [specific] weapactly what it is about betions, deriving from the been tremendous. A suron. For example, last week cause of how popular it has dances that a player can vey of over 100 students at they had an only-explosives become, not just among the purchase for their characCherry Hill East reveals LTM.” common player, but also ters in game, on the bench that Fortnite has become According to the suramong celebrities and athduring their magical run in heavily integrated into the vey, others mentioned the letes. the NCAA tournament. daily lives of many high updates put out “cool new Even streamers on webL o s items” sites such as Twitch and Angeles b i YouTube have become Lakers weekly. somewhat of celebrities players For inthemselves. For example, J o s h stance, Tyler Blevins, known as H a r t i n Ninja, has become popua n d March, lar due to his unmatched Kyle Kuzma profusely talk they released “loot Llaskills for the game that about the game on social mas” which, if found, gave he displays on his “Twitch media, with Hart even gothe player many materials streams” and YouTube viding as far as doing the “apto build as well as ammueos. It is estimated that plying a bandage” ritual nition for weapons. FurNinja makes roughly fivefrom Fortnite to himself ther, in mid-April they hundred thousand dollars a in an NBA game. The exreleased “port-a-fort,” a month simply from garnerposure that these athletes portable fort capable of being millions of views on his and celebrities are giving ing built with the click of a streams and videos. the game has led to an even single button.

Those unaware of Ninja larger increase in player It remains to be seen if and perhaps even Fortnite count since the game took Fortnite will stick around became knowledgeable off. for a while or if it is just about the game when on With no decline in sight, the latest fad. Regardless, March 7, Ninja streamed Fortnite will seemingly it has spontaneously risen Fortnite on Twitch, playcontinue to dominate the in the East community ing with rappers Drake gaming community as well and students are feeling and Travi$ Scott as well as as media itself. As long as its impact.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide Epic Games continues to receiver Juju Smith-SchusInfographics by David Le keep players invested, peoter. The stream topped off (‘18)/ Eastside Underground ple of all interests will conat 600,000 viewers that Editor ■ By Jacob Stein (‘19) and Jared Garfinkle (‘19)

night, not counting those who watched the stream after it had concluded.

From there, Fortnite began to permeate across other platforms other than Twitch and YouTube, which only increased its popularity. The UMBC men’s basketball team performed Fortnite celebra-

Page 15

tinue to see the game skyrocket and stay as popular, if not more popular, than it is now for the foreseeable future.

■ By Eli Weitzman (‘20) Eastside Webmaster

On April 10 and 11, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg gave testimony in front of Congress in response to Facebook’s scandal with Cambridge Analytica. In this scandal, it was alleged that Facebook’s user profile data was being exploited by the research firm Cambridge Analytica and being sold to other organizations with the hopes of utilizing the data to influence a private organization’s cause. For example, during the 2016 election, the Trump, Cruz and Carson campaigns all utilized Cambridge Analytica services to try to sway voters in their direction. With all that said, is Facebook to blame, or Cambridge Analytica? And what can we really do to help ourselves if this happens again?

Well, both companies are at fault. Facebook is to blame for its opening up of its user data to research organizations without proper vetting beforehand. As well, Facebook is to blame for the over excessive information collection.

Nevertheless, Cambridge Analytica didn’t necessarily have to use the information for its paid services, violating user privacy and all that. So, the whole issue is a wrong for both parties.

So now that we know the issues, is there any way we can prevent this from happening again? Well, sort of.

First of all, if you haven’t heard this emphasized already, be careful what you post and store on your social media accounts. If you put everything about yourself on a social site, it may be vulnerable to being discovered and consequently exploited. In addition, we have to realize that these “free” social sites almost always have a catch. It’s how they make money to sustain themselves.

In addition, at the time of writing this column, it was just announced that Cambridge Analytica whistleblower, Christopher Wylie, would be testifying before congress in the next week.

I predict that in the coming weeks, we should hear more and more, as we start to discover the extent of how much information Facebook is truly collecting.

Overall, the whole scandal of Facebook and Cambridge Analytica was a terrible breach of privacy. No one’s information should be shared and manipulated in that way. Both sides were in the wrong. Is this what we want social media to do?

Do we want them to control our lives and know everything about us?

Logo by Eli Weitzman (‘20)/ Eastside Webmaster

UNDERGROUND

Page 16

EASTSIDE

May 2018

Absurd laws exist in New Jersey ■ By David Le (‘18)

Eastside Underground Editor

Our society is structured around a variety of institutions that maintain order. These, of course, refer to rules, regulations, licensing and other aspects of the legal system. But people, having no time in their busy schedules to meticulously organize and sort every facet of government, just group them under the standard laws.

Many of you follow these laws — at least, one would hope. Yet, we all know the government isn’t that simple: each state and each town in those states has a wide variety of laws citizens must follow.

Sure, some laws are a little different compared to other states, like New Jersey’s famous, “illegal to pump your own gas” law.

However, many of these specialized laws are reasonable, even logical, considering the particular environment or circumstances of that area. Others? Not so much. Some of the laws are confusing, or at times, borderline ridiculous. Many of these laws are simply out-

dated legislation that no one ever decided to remove.

While the rest, and coincidentally the strangest, turn out to be the work of some quirky politician.

In New Jersey, there are multiple laws that seem simple enough, yet are actually somewhat ambiguous or laughingly obvious upon further inspection. Honking before passing any type of transportation is one such example. While theoretically it sounds like a safe precaution, the law requires drivers to honk at anyone and anything they pass. Such use of the all-mighty power of the horn doesn’t necessarily promote “safety,” and more often than not, it promotes annoyance.

Then, of course, there is the infamous “illegal bullet-proof vest” law. This law states, quite bluntly, that it is illegal to wear a bullet-proof vest while committing a murder.

Although, one would think that a murderer wouldn’t consider a particular dresscode when committing a crime, so it seems that this law is slightly redundant.

The list goes on, with many laws revealing a lack of common sense or redundancy from the lawmakers.

There are also state

laws that are outdated or are no longer relevant, yet have not been removed. For example, it is illegal for a man to knit during the fishing season, automobiles are not allowed to pass horse-drawn carriages on the street and it is illegal to delay or detain a homing pigeon. While it’s safe to assume a New Jersey police officer is never going to arrest or fine you for violating any of these laws, they are still technically covered.

Other outdated laws were religiously motivated and have been repealed. At the time, the government still had a strong relationship with Christianity; thus, laws were made that outlawed “inappropriate conduct,” such as the prohibition of profanity in Raritan Township or the ban on boiling bones in Sea Isle City.

Some towns have had strange or quirky politicians, and coincidentally, also have had the strangest laws.

While many of these laws are officially no longer in existence or

have been forgotten, they still linger in the town’s history. Take Trenton, for instance. There once existed something called the “pickle ordinance,” which the Mayor of Trenton at that time put into place. The law effectively banned people from throwing “bad pickles” into the street and from publicly eating pickles on Sunday.

Why, you ask? It was not for the greater good of the town, the townspeople, or even the government.

The Mayor of Trenton simply didn’t like pickles. The law, of course, was repealed soon after.

Although these are not really considered “laws,” New Jersey also declares and makes official days of celebration. While many of these days honor certain people, cultures or even food items, some days are confusing at best. One particular day is New Jersey Credit Union Day: the third Thursday of October is designated as “New Jersey Credit Union Day” and citizens of the state should

observe the day with appropriate activities and programs. To this day it remains uncertain as to what “appropriate activities and programs” the law refers to, or why the New Jersey Credit Union deserves its own day. One would imagine parades or at least a mention in the state newsletter, but it seems as if this particular day has been forgotten.

Despite the increasingly complicated aspects of law and the struggle to navigate the legal system, you can always count on New Jersey’s strange or unknown laws to give you a chuckle — or at least, leave you scratching your head.

Want to see a retired NJ state police officer’s opinion on these odd laws? Check out Eastside Online for the interview.

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Art by Rose Ni (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director Art by Jiseon Lee (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor Photo Illustration by David Le (‘18)/ Eastside Underground Editor

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UNDERGROUND

May 2018

EASTSIDE

Page 17

The Bird is the Word A winged pet trend takes flight at East ■ By Jake Silvert (‘20)

Eastside Staff

“Happy Easter Jonathan! Here — twenty chickens!”

This is what you would have heard had you been a part of the Guaracino family Easter celebration.

Jonathan Guaracino (‘19) is one of the members of the surprisingly large bird-owning community at Cherry Hill East.

Whether they are rescues or everyday pets, the

son, and then immediately demand a correction box in the June issue of Eastside after discovering the cost of single male or female chicken is thirteen dollars, hold your chickens. The price only goes as low as a $1.50 as long as the buyer is unaware of the chicken’s gender.

Male chickens are killed for their inability to lay eggs and unsuitability in chicken-meat production; therefore, if you are looking to have a hearty break-

her pigeon Fluffy, whom she can hold and enjoy

and Wilson claim that the experience is a fulfilling

Bay Wilson (‘19)/ For Eastside

Fluffy the pigeon enjoys being held by the family.

Jonathan Guaracino (‘19)/ For Eastside

One of Guaracino’s chickens sits on his lap. amount of bird poop piling up in homes within a fivemile East radius is quite bewildering.

Guaracino made a strong case to his mother for the purchasing of chickens, which included the little work required and the calming chirping his pets would make.

“It helps relax you to go to sleep,” said Guaracino when describing the effects of the nearby coop, which resides in his living room.

His chickens are of a special breed and only grow to about 5 inches in height and no more than a pound and a half in weight. These unique birds only cost the family thirty dollars – money well spent.

Interestingly enough, this economical margin springs from a certain secret about the chickens: gender.

If you go out and buy chickens, for whatever rea-

its calmness. Fluffy also makes little noises, not chirping like most other birds, but stays strictly to upbeat coos. Despite Wilson’s favoritism towards Fluffy, she also enjoys the singing of Scout, her parakeet, who does a fantastic rendition of “Tequila” by The Champs.

While the idea of owning birds may seem a little over the top, Guaracino

and wholesome one.

Whether or not you are a bird person, these East students show that the feathered animals can make an excellent addition to the home of any Cherry Hill family.

So, despite the seemingly uncommon practice of owning and caring for these feathered friends, perhaps this trend may soon take flight.

fast, I suggest you invest in female chickens, for you will have both eggs and meat on your plate.

As aforementioned, the Guaracinos do not stand alone in their bird ownership, as Bay Wilson (‘19) and her family also have the winged pets.

While Wilson’s birds may not be able to compete with those of Guaracino in sheer number, Wilson’s feathered friends triumph in diversity.

Wilson has been caring for four ducks of eight years, a pigeon of seven years by the name of “Fluffy” and a cockatiel of eight years.

Believe it or not, two of Wilson ducks were Bay Wilson (‘19)/ For Eastside also Easter presents… Two of the Wilson family’s birds sit together: Fluffy the what happened to pigeon (top) and Scout the parakeet (bottom). chocolate?

Of Wilson’s birds, Art by Danny Kahn (‘18)/ Eastside Staff she connects most with

Photo Illustration by David Le (‘18)/ Eastside Underground Editor

Page 18

SPECIAL EASTSIDE

May 2018

Junior Prom: a little party never killed nobody

Hope Rosenblatt (‘18)/ Eastside Editor-in-Chief

Kevin Naddeo (‘19) (center) and friends pose for a picture in the midst of a fun-filled evening at Auletto’s Caterers in Deptford Township.

Jiseon Lee (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Julia Benedetto (‘19), Mandi Karpo (‘19), Sophia Gross (‘19), Ellie Weinberg (‘19) and Olivia Houston (‘19) sport an array of colorful dresses.

Hope Rosenblatt (‘18)/ Eastside Editor-in-Chief

Anthony Gambino (‘19), Zach Meyers (‘19), Anthony Fiore (‘19) and Nate Bristow (‘19) show off their dapper attire.

Jiseon Lee (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor

The Class of 2019 gets groovy after dinner.

Hope Rosenblatt (‘18)/ Eastside Editor-in-Chief

Lindsay Weinberg (‘19), Chloe Garber (‘19) and Melissa Kim (‘19) take a break from dancing at prom.

SPORTS

May 2018

EASTSIDE

East students prove dance is a sport

event.

“I get very nervous every time before I perform, but When discussing the during it, it’s the best feelmost rigorous sports, the ing ever. I love performing,” activities usually brought said Lindsay Kaplan (‘19). up are the highly-popuSome dance studios also larized high school sports: offer extra performances basketball, football, track, for the dancers. One lolacrosse and basecal studio, Jazz ball. The one sport Unlimited, has that is commongiven its dancers ly overlooked is the chance to perdance. form at the 76ers Students of difhalftime show, ferent genders the Orange Bowl and ages dance for halftime show and hours a week, yet at a parade in Disdance is often disney World. These missed when disperformances are cussing whether in front of thouit is a sport or not. sands of people Dance, like socand are memocer, is a sport that rable moments for many kids particithese dancers. pate in at a young Two of the age, but they fail things that keep to continue with the dancers comthe sport as they ing back every grow up. year are their The students passion for dance who still engage and the close in dance as high friendships they school students have formed. For spend hours a them, being with week after school the same people going to their refor around twenspective studios ty hours a week to train just like can be stressful, Photo Courtesy of Maddie Altman (‘20) any other athlete but it also helps Maddie Altman (‘20) dances on stage at a competition. would. create lifelong “As dancers, friendships. it’s very aggravating when said Avery Esposito (‘20). the other dancers. And the “The girls I dance with I people don’t understand For most dancers, dance teachers put a lot of preshave known since forever. the amount of effort [we] competitions can be exsure on you because you They’re my sisters. They’re put in... We train like every tremely competitive and need to succeed and meet my family,” said Altman. other sport,” said Maddie nerve-racking; they are their standards.”

Dancing is an extremely Altman (‘20). some of the dancers’ biggest Although performing in demanding sport, yet these Some of the dancers at moments. front of hundreds of peoathletic dancers go to the East practice for at least Most dancers compete ple at competitions may studio almost every day four hours, five days a week, around four times a year make the average person to continue building upon which is a large amount of between January and May. extremely nervous, these their passion. time compared to that of These competitions take dancers have learned to So before you decide most school sports. place in schools, theaters embrace their nerves and whether dance is a sport The athletic ability reand convention centers push through the adrenaor not, make sure you are quired to perform at high across the country. line rush. aware of all of the work levels of dance can be “Competitions are very They live for these perthat goes into the activity, greater than most sports, intense and intimidating, formances and feed off and maybe try to do some yet dancers still find a but they can be a confithe competitiveness of the moves yourself.

■ By Adam Dashevsky (‘19)

Eastside Sports Editor

way to juggle their passion for dance with all of their school work.

“Dance is like a stress relief. Every time I enter the studio I feel like a weight is lifted off my shoulders. It’s a nice way to express how I feel through movement,”

dence booster. You take elements from competitions to use throughout your everyday life,” said Mandi Karpo (‘19).

Esposito said, “[The competitions are] very serious and competitive. It’s very intimidating when you see

Page 19

Dancer’s Digest

■ By Louis Zimmermann (‘18) Eastside Opinions Editor

Twenty hours, six styles, 12 classes and six out of seven days.

In a nutshell of numbers, this is what my week consists of as a competitive dancer. This routine starts in September and ends in June. Because of this immense training and energy I put into dance, I cannot stand by hearing another person exclaim that dance is not a sport.

I frequently get the question, “Do you play any sports?” When my answer that follows is dance, I often get confused stares that are quickly covered up by another generic question.

It is evident that most see dance as an artform. However, that does not limit its ability to be seen as a sport as well, even if scoreboards and nets are not necessarily involved.

The physicality of most committed dancers should in and of itself eliminate the wavering question of whether or not dance is a sport. Simply perform a Google search of Misty Copeland and see that dance trains every muscle in one’s body, and all of these muscles are constantly engaged while performing on stage. It is time to eliminate the mindset of dance being simply an art to stop undermining the athleticism of dancers.

Go to eastside-online. org for the full article!

Chance kills the competition in an East uniform ■ By Jacob Kernis (‘20)

Eastside Sports Editor

6’1” and touches 11 feet high. Offers from an assortment of schools. Threeyear varsity athlete Curtis Chance (’18) has become the face of the Cherry Hill East Boys’ Volleyball team during his three-year journey through the sport that has bred immediate success. Throughout the early days of Chance’s childhood and teenage life, he competed in basketball. Like many other boys his age, he gravitated to the admiration and athleticism of basketball and football. However, while he was shooting a ball through a hoop or scoring a touchdown, another sport was calling his name: volleyball.

Chance tried out but failed to make the basketball team his freshman year. It was not until this setback that Chance considered volleyball as a possibility.

“I didn’t make the basketball team my freshman year, so I decided to try out for volleyball,” said Chance.

Chance was selected to the team and never looked back. He went on to play varsity volleyball in his sophomore, junior and is

amid his senior season.

Jersey Volleyball and dur“It’s my turn, so now I “Once I got into volleying the spring he plays for have to be [a leader],” said ball, it went over everyEast. Next year, Chance Chance. thing. I wanted to stay with will be continuing his volAs well as having perit,” said Chance. leyball career at Lancaster sonal success, his demeanor H i s on the court commitinjects conment to fidence and the sport a sense of has gottrust for ten him the rest of the posithe team. tion of He is their captain of leader. the East “He gets team as a kill on the well as court and it being on brings up track for all of our a 200-kill confidence season and drive and reto finish the ceiving game,” said multiple Victor Chan college of(’18), twofers. Most year varsity of all, he player and w a n t s Chance’s to be resetter. m e m Chan’s bered as role on the a hard team, to Andrew Maier (‘20)/ Eastside Staff worker. set the ball Curtis Chance (‘18) leaps in the air to get ready for a kill.

Calling in the air volleyball to the front his “main focus,” Chance Bible College. row for a kill forces him to plays it year-round to stay Chance has considerable be in constant communicain shape and improve his talent due to his freakish tion with Chance. game. He plays beach volleaping ability and the pow“He’s one of those leadleyball during the summer er behind his kills, but his ers that can really motivate at Great American Volleyrole as a leader is more imyou during bad times and ball (GAV), during the winportant than being a great encourage you during your ter he plays club for South talent. good ones,” said Chan.

Chance is also “one of the nicest guys [Chan] knows,” he added.

Although his success with volleyball has been eminent, his physical athleticism might call for a great basketball player.

However, after being introduced to volleyball, the game overtook any thought of a potential return to basketball.

“I like the environment around volleyball, the kids around it, and I know I’m going to play in college…” said Chance. “[I want to be remembered] as someone who helped the program, someone who can lead the team and hopefully get them a state title.”

Looking back at his three-year journey, going from not making the basketball team to becoming a successful volleyball player, Chance went on a path most athletes do not expect to take. While other sports were always an option for Chance, he found a special connection to a sport most do not consider a highlyregarded one.

His story is not unlike many others in the sense that a failure in one sport led to success in another, but Chance’s immediate and large success separates him from the rest.

SPORTS

May 2018

EASTSIDE

Page 20

Cohen flies over the bar to set East records ■ By Sophie Levine (‘19)

Eastside Sports Editor

In the history of Cherry Hill East track and field, no one has raised the bar higher in women’s pole vaulting than Alana Cohen (‘18).

Cohen, who started pole vaulting just four years ago, broke the East record three times since her freshman year.Cohen’s story did not exactly commence her career like other athletes who participate in the sport.

Throughout elementary school, Cohen was a standout gymnast. She competed in a copious amount of competitions, winning many of them. Gymnastics continued to be her sport throughout middle school, but when she reached high school, Cohen knew it was time for a change.

“I quit coming into high school because [gymnastics] took up way too much time and I wanted to get good grades,” Cohen said.

The question for Cohen remained: what would she play in high school? She knew she wanted to compete on a sports team, but she did not know which one.

So, after thinking it over, Cohen decided to take up pole vaulting, a field sport that allowed her to be on East’s track and field team.

“I started pole vaulting because a lot of gymnasts start either pole vaulting or diving. I tried pole vaulting and ended up really liking it,” said Cohen.

The premise of pole vaulting is as follows: one sprints down the runway with his or her pole, jumps

over a bar and lands on a mat. The sport takes a lot of strength, speed and agility in order to succeed, three abilities that Cohen learned from gymnastics.

After making the move from gymnastics, her parents were extremely supportive.

“My mom and my dad were very helpful driving me to and from practices.

Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, which is about 45 minutes from East. She goes there by herself for an hour and a half to practice with a coach that specializes in pole vaulting. In addition to jumping, Cohen usually does lifting or cardio to help her stay in shape. She goes to the track to build her speed, which assists her when sprinting down the

all of the practice that Cohen participates in led her to beat her own record three times.

First, Cohen set the previous East record in her junior year at the New Jersey state competition with a vault of nine feet six inches. Then in the spring, she landed a vault of ten feet.

Cohen did not stop there.

Since that vault last spring,

Andrew Maier (‘20)/ Eastside Staff

Alana Cohen (‘18) soars over the bar during a meet, hoping to set another record.

Cohen beat her own record a third time, with a vault of ten feet six inches, one whole foot higher than the first time she broke the record.

In addition to breaking all sorts of records, Cohen has won the All-Conference plaque, gotten second, third

and fourth at Sectionals, fourth and sixth at States and the MVP award of the track team. Cohen also won the Most Improved award and made it to the Meet of Champions twice over the course of her high school career.

All of Cohen’s hardware proves that she is a tremendous pole vaulter, but it is her leadership that allows her to stand out from the rest. Longtime friend and current teammate Caroline Kelly (‘20) has known Cohen since she was nine years old. Kelly sees how much of a valuable asset that Cohen is to the track and field team.

“When I look over, I always see her coaching and helping others,” said Kelly, who is a sprinter.

Kelly and the rest of her teammates cherish the advice she gives them. Coach Mrs. Yanell Holiday, who is in her second year of coaching, also heavily relies on Cohen’s leadership to assist the team.

“She is a great example as to how to practice. She is a type of young lady that leads by example,” said Holiday.

Cohen absolutely loves pole vaulting. She is elated that she made the switch from gymnastics, and she enjoys all of the fun that the sport brings.

“When I stopped doing it for a while, I missed all of the fun it brought,” Cohen said.

The sky is truly the limit for Cohen, who continues to have another remarkable season.

They kept pushing me to keep going with it,” said Cohen.

Cohen practices at least six days a week, but with the track and field season in full swing, she finds herself practicing every day of the week. She goes to Philadelphia Jumps Club in

runway for a vault.

All of the long, strenuous hours of practice that Cohen does helps her on the vault, both physically and mentally.

Without the hours of practice, Cohen would not be nearly as good as she is today. As a matter of fact,

also gymnasts, and they persuaded her to try it out.

Balderstone began at age seven, when she started taking classes with a friend. At the time, she was at Will-Moor Gymnastics. Balderstone started out only doing trampoline events but quickly made her way into four major events.

Balderstone switched to TNT Gymnastics, where she met Anderson in 2016.

Anderson and Balderstone became friends when they were placed on the same team.

They realized they had many similarities and connections which helped shape their friendship. Both girls agree that going to the same school made their friendship stronger.

Anderson said, “Gymnastics shaped our friendship because I see [Balderstone] practically everyday of the week.”

Practices for Anderson and Balderstone are extremely intense. The girls

practice from 3:30 p.m. to “Communication beested in the College of Wil7:30 p.m. during the weektween athletes and college liam and Mary and George days. On the weekends the coaches is limited, so [the Washington University for girls are usually busy comathlete] just has to reach Division I gymnastics. Anpeting at meets. out and update the coaches derson is looking at schools During the comlike Temple, Towpetition season, from son and Ursinus.

December through Anderson’s sister April, Balderstone currently attends usually competes in Temple and is on about seven competithe gymnastics tions. team.

During the sumAs high school mer, the girls follow students, the the same schedule, girls have a lot of but practices are ususchool work and ally earlier in the responsibilities. morning.

Anderson Anderson believes and Balderstone are the best way to constantly training stay on top of and improving their things is to prioriskill level, even durtize. She believes ing the off season. school comes first, Courtesy of Aliyah Anderson (‘19) so The recruitment she leaves process differs for ev- Anderson flips on the balance beam. practice early or ery gymnast. Most will skip it all toyoung recruits create gether if she truly websites or YouTube chanon [their] schedules and needs to. nels to show colleges key progress in the gym,” said “I’ve learned that time skills they endure to make Anderson. management is very imthem stand out from other For Balderstone, the proportant and I use my study athletes. cess is slightly different behall wisely,” said Anderson.

College coaches are also cause she is still young, as Anderson and Balderat various meets throughonly a sophomore. College stone have been through so out the season, and somecoaches can only speak dimuch together, from sorrow times come directly to pracrectly to juniors and seniors to happiness, and they both tices to watch and observe in high school. know they will have each the gymnasts.

Balderstone said, “The other’s backs through these If colleges are not lookprocess depends on the renext few years with the coling directly at a gymnast, lationship between my curlege recruitment process. it becomes the job of the rent coach[es] and potential Both athletes have sacrigymnast to reach out to college coaches.” ficed so much, but the girls colleges through email and Both girls have colleges both said they would not show his/her interest in the that they would love to go trade their experiences for school. to. Balderstone is interthe world.

Elite gymnasts and best friends balance school and the college recruitment process in working together ■ By Allie Graham (‘20) Eastside Staff

Like most sports, the college recruitment process for gymnastics is stressful. Years of training and practice are put to the test to potentially be an athlete for some of the best schools in the country. It helps to have someone who knows exactly what you’re going through during the process.

Aliyah Anderson (‘19) and Susie Balderstone (‘20) are best friends who not only go to school together, but both are level ten gymnasts for TNT Gymnastics and going through the intense college recruiting process together.

Both Anderson and Balders t o n e started gymnastics at a young a g e .

A n ders o n started at age six and has been a competitive gymnast for ten years. She got involved with the sport because she has three older sisters who were

Courtesy of Aliyah Anderson (‘19)

Anderson (bottom) and Balderstone (top) always have each other’s backs.