Eastside: November 2018

www.eastside-online.org

Vol. 52 No. 2

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

November 2018

SEE PG. 10-11

Photo and Photo Illustration Asher

by Andrew Maier (‘20)/Eastside Eastside Photo Photo Editor Maitin (‘17)/ Editor

Inside This Issue

Potential infrastructure updates after bond vote News, Pg. 2

Change of plans for Maitre Gims concert Features, Pg. 5

Sword dancers compete in ancient Korean arts Culture, Pg. 17

NEWS

Page 2

EASTSIDE

Students share takes on bond referendum ■ By Defne Alpdogan (‘20) and Aine Pipe (‘20)

Eastside News Editors

On December 11, Cherry Hill residents will vote on the Board of Education’s multi-million-dollar bond referendum. This initiative,

district chose a special election to avoid conflict with a state-wide security bond that ended up passing this month.

These renovations come to the voting booth in the form of three ballot questions, with each question dealing with different reno-

environment,” said Mihoko Zheng (‘20), the in-school security coordinator for Cherry Hill East’s chapter of Never Again.

According to the bond referendum website on the Cherry Hill Public School District’s webpage, other changes in the second and

excited about the prospect of renovations and new amenities for their field, as they believe the new changes may help with increasing school spirit and attendence at football games.

“I mean, we need lights.

We can’t have Friday night games anymore,” said Ja-

Danny Kahn (‘19)/ Eastside Art Director

If voters approve the bond, East students can expect to see changes in the auditorium and football field. which the BOE views as paramount, aims to make adjustments to the Cherry Hill School District’s buildings. At Cherry Hill East specifically, prospective changes include fixing the infrastructure, renovating the auditorium and adding new lights and bleachers to the football field.

The changes that will come if the bond is approved will affect the entire district, as unique infrastructure updates are proposed for every Cherry Hill public school building.

The BOE decided what it finds necessary to create long-term benefits for each specific school, which will make for better learning environments.

The BOE has chosen the end of 2018 for the referendum because the Cherry Hill district will be debtfree next year. Without the debts, the district can borrow 210 million for the proposed renovations. The

vations to the building. The majority of the first question deals with security, and some of the proposals for East dealing with security involve new cameras, a new main entrance system and a key card access in the main entrance.

“For the main entrance there will be another set of doors; you will come in, stand there, prove who you are, why you are here, that kind of thing, and then we will buzz you in there,” said East Principal Dr. Dennis Perry.

The security changes that the referendum proposes will be instituted if the public votes to pass the first question it lists.

“I honestly have no idea how homeowners will feel about this because a lot of people move out due to the already high property taxes, but I know to perhaps some parents, they would be glad that their kids will be in a safer and cleaner

third questions on the referendum include a new roof, upgraded windows, heating and air conditioning replacements, repairing of the exterior walls, auditorium renovations and football field upgrades.

For their part, students in the East Theater Department are excited about the prospect of a renovated auditorium but simultaneously find the parting with older attributes of the auditorium bittersweet due to the nostalgia it still holds.

“I think the theater is a very special place for the theater department,” said Cassie Cuddihy (‘19), Thespian Society publicist. “I think it will enhance the shows and the productions that we do because a nicer auditorium means a nicer space, but I think also the old theater has a special place in the people’s hearts and the Theater Department.”

The football team is also

meel Worthy (‘20), who plays on the East football team. “It would be more hype than a Saturday morning game. No one can really show up on Saturday mornings; it would be better on Friday nights.”

However, all of the changes are tied to the results that come in on December 11. Once the township votes on December 11, the district will seek out contractors and immediately start building on the approved changes. For the changes proposed in Question 3, Questions 1 and 2 have to pass first. Otherwise, no changes can be made to East.

“The challenge is that if your parents are real[ly] excited for the auditorium or they are real[ly] excited for Johnson getting an allpurpose room, Question 1 has to pass in order for Question 2 to pass...in order for Question 3 to be allowed to pass,” said Perry.

■ By Lauren Smith (‘20)

miss something they don’t want to miss.”

In the past, detention policies at East have had

ally address and build a relationship with them.

First-time offenders are often given a warning un-

“I give a first warning before, sometimes, since kids are kids – not all students are with it all the time.

Some kids forget instructions,” said Papa.

Whenever a student receives a white card, his or her parents will now be informed through an email.

East used to send parents these notices by mail; however, this proved to be ineffective since many students were able to throw away or hide the notification from their parents. With this new policy, parents are directly informed as soon as possible.

“I want to change behavior, not make [students] feel bad,” said Papa. “Kids are kids. They have lapses of judgment. I don’t want to ruin their day, but I want to make them better.”

Since Papa is “goal orientated and all about results,” decisions about whether the policy remains cannot be made until data can be collected and the policy’s results can be reviewed.

Papa implements East detention policy changes Eastside Staff

Beginning this school year, East has put into place a new policy, which states that students who recieve detention are now to report during lunch break (LB) One or Two rather than staying after school.

This comes alongside a new policy that will bolster communication with parents about their children’s discipline. These changes began with East assistant principal and disciplinarian Mr. Lou Papa, who was previously in charge of discipline at Cherry Hill West.

“Sometimes [detention] is too much about punishment,” said Papa. “My goal with someone who is not doing what they’re supposed to is to get them to do what they are supposed to. Isn’t it more of an imposition to miss the entire lunch? By missing their break in the day it’s incentive for students to stay out of trouble.

It’s more effective if they

Jiseon Lee (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Detention is now held in a classroom during lunch. limited success; however, less their offense breaks Papa is hoping to change the law. Minor infractions, this with his new policy. such as wearing a hat or Students who break rules cutting class during a lab now must meet with Papa period, will result in a dein order for him to persontention during the LBs.

November 2018

UPDATE

■ By Julia Langmuir (‘19) East BOE Representative

On October 2, the Board of Education held a special action meeting to approve three ballot questions for the Special Election for the 2018 Bond Referendum, which will take place on December 11.

The BOE has been analyzing issues in the school district for at least the past decade, and the bond’s approval is the first step in improving district schools.

Of course, the major concern of the students and faculty here at East is how the Bond will impact our school. In recent years, students at East have been vocal about the need for improved school security, auditorium renovations, and renovated athletic facilities. The bond referendum addresses each of these issues and dozens more in other schools. Each issue was placed based on how strongly it is prioritized by the district..

Question 1 is tax-negligible, meaning it will cause no increase in taxes for average homes in Cherry Hill.

If Question 1 is passed, every school in the district will see increased security.

The construction of security vestibules and the installation of updated security cameras were prioritized at all schools.

Question 2 is not taxnegligible, so there will be an increase in taxes. At East, Question 2 will address infrastructure issues at the school including partial roof replacements, partial HVAC replacements, electrical upgrades and hallway light replacements. Question 3 includes many of the changes students have been hoping to see. If it is passed, East will see auditorium renovations as well as athletic facility improvements like lights, stands and a press box at the turf field.

In order for Question 1 to remain tax-negligible, increasing the likelihood that the security changes would pass and be implemented as soon as possible across the district, more expensive and less urgent changes were placed in Questions 2 and 3. This does not necessarily imply that these changes will not occur; it simply depends on the outcome of the election.

Question 2 cannot pass unless Question 1 passes; similarly, Question 3 cannot pass unless both Questions 1 and 2 pass. Although the BOE needed to divide the issues into three questions, they strongly believe that all of them to be necessary changes that should happen in the district.

Voter registration for the election closes 21 days before the election date. More information regarding the bond can be found on the district website.

Art by Sam Dayton (‘19)/ Eastside Art Director

NEWS

November 2018

EASTSIDE

Page 3

It’s hot and it’s cold: a look at East’s HVAC system ■ By Aine Pipe (‘20)

Eastside News Editor

Despite all of the varying factors that contribute to a particular student’s experience at Cherry Hill East, there is one constant: all East students share the building, and the vast majority of the building shares a central climate control system. This heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system has become a source of ire for East students. Approximately 74 percent of East students believe that East’s HVAC system does not work well, according to a recent poll.

B-Wing (19 percent).

Conversely, a large plurality of the respondents (46 percent) reported that they believe that C-Wing is the coldest wing of the school. Of those students, 27 percent specified that

Some take the opposite approach, like Mary Kate McCurdy (‘21).

“I don’t want to wear too many clothes in case [it’s] super hot in my classes,” she said.

All of these stats beg one

actually fairly unique in the district, according to Doyle, because it runs based on a centralized system rather than through individual window units, like one might see at the elementary and middle schools.

What Students Think: Taken by grade level, sophomores were the most dissatisfied with the East’s HVAC system, as 86 percent of the class’s respondents reported that they believed the system was ineffective. Juniors were the next most dissatisfied, at 82 percent. Only 57 percent of seniors said they believed the HVAC system did not work well, and only 29 percent of freshmen agreed with that assessment.

Of all those who reported dissatisfaction, 60 percent said they believed there is an equal number of rooms at East that are too hot and too cold, while 17 percent thought most rooms were too hot, and 16 percent of students believed that most rooms were too cold (6 percent declined to answer).

East students, therefore, believe that temperatures fluctuate drastically between different parts of the school, which would amount to a major shortcoming of the HVAC system.

Thirty-five percent of respondents dubbed F-Wing – the only hallway in the school controlled by window HVAC units – the hottest hallway in the school, with second place going to

Aine Pipe (‘20)/ Eastside News Editor

The window units in F-Wing as seen from the side of the school; F-Wing is the only wing in the school to use this specific type of external unit. third-floor C-Wing is East’s coldest hallway. B-Wing was also the runner-up for this honor, garnering the vote of 38 percent of respondents.

When asked whether East’s fluctuating temperatures influenced their choice of dress, 62 percent said that it did, while 38 percent said that it did not.

“I dress in layers so I don’t get too hot or too cold,” said Erin Varevice (‘20).

question: why is the HVAC so ineffective?

Eastside Investigates: In order to figure out the reasons behind the dissatisfactory performance of East’s HVAC systems, Eastside investigated, speaking to Principal Dr. Dennis Perry and Mr. John Doyle, who runs repairs on the system.

East’s HVAC system is

The central system runs by routing cold and warm water throughout the school and using it to condition classroom temperatures to the district standard of 74 degrees, with varying success. Mr. Tom Raio, a district employee, manages the central system from an office that is not on the East campus; he also manages the HVAC system of the district’s other 18 schools.

F-Wing, however, is an ex-

ception to this system, as its HVAC runs through window units.

“The whole school is not air-conditioned,” said Doyle. “We have the back end of the school is not airconditioned, a lot of hallways are not...the gyms are not air-conditioned, so we have a clash.”

Yet another issue with the central heating system is, according to Doyle, the rising levels of heat and humidity over the past couple of years. The dew points – the temperature below which water droplets can form in the atmosphere – this summer were exceptionally high, which in turn has made it difficult for HVAC units to perform their job.

“This past summer, dew points have been over 70 percent...and that really affects the unit,” said Doyle.

“It’s very hard to keep the rooms at a cool temperature.”

In addition to overheating or freezing students, this phenomenon also contributes to the mold problems that plagued East this summer.

“When we talk about mold...[it] comes about as a result of moisture in the air, and so if you use a chiller, it’s not removing the moisture from the air,” Perry said.

However, there is hope.

The district has been adding dehumidifiers to East classrooms slowly over the course of the year and hopes to continue to do so in the years to come.

Additionally, the bond referendum in December, if passed, will allocate funds to fix HVAC systems “at select areas,” though neither the district website nor Doyle can specify any further than that.

Until then, however, East’s HVAC system will just have to live with the disappointment of 74 percent of East’s students.

East Students on the HVAC C-Wing F-Wing feels the coldest to students

feels the hottest to students

74%

50%

Sophomore Class

Freshman Class

student disapproval

least satisfied

of classrooms are too hot or too cold

most satisfied

Art by Ali Koenig (‘20)/ Eastside Managing Editor. Infographic by Giana Maccarella (‘20)/ Eastside News Editor

Page 4

SPECIAL EASTSIDE

November 2018

Inktober: East artists’ daily ink-spiration 1: Poison - by Jeanie No (‘19)

2: Tranquil - by Harry Cohen (‘19)

3: Roasted - by Hannah Sullivan (‘20)

4: Spell - by Macey Baran (‘20)

5: Chicken - by Jeanie No (‘19)

6: Drooling - by Macey Baran (‘20)

7: Exhausted - by Harry Cohen (‘19)

8: Star - by Harry Cohen (‘19)

9: Precious - by Macey Baran (‘20)

10: Flowing - by Jeanie No (‘19)

11: Cruel - by Ramya Kalyan (‘21)

12: Whale - by Michelle Lin (‘21)

13: Guarded - by Alyssa Do (‘19)

14: Clock - by Alyssa Do (‘19)

15: Weak - by Hannah Sullivan (‘20)

16: Angular - by Hannah Sullivan(‘20)

17: Swollen - by Danny Kahn (‘19)

18: Bottle - by Michelle Lin (‘21)

19: Scorched - by Vrinda Vinod (‘20)

20: Breakable - by Maddy Cicha (‘19)

21: Drain - by Alyssa Do (‘19)

22: Expensive - by Vrinda Vinod (‘20)

23: Muddy - by Melina Imbert (‘21)

24: Chop - by Vrinda Vinod (‘20)

25: Prickly - by Michelle Lin (‘21)

26: Stretch - by Jeanie No (‘19)

27: Thunder - by Jeanie No (‘19)

28: Gift - by Alyssa Do (‘19)

29: Double - by Vrinda Vinod (‘20)

30: Jolt - by Hannah Sullivan (‘20)

31: Slice - by Hannah Sulivan (‘20)

These pieces were created for extra credit by the students of Mrs. Buote’s AP Studio Art class. All work was based on official daily prompts released by the Inktober website every day during the month of October. The artists featured on this page chose to hand in their work to Eastside for consideration, and the pieces that appear were selected by the Eastside Art Directors.

Layout by Ilana Arougheti (‘19)/Eastside Editor-in-Chief, Danny Kahn (‘19)/Eastside Art Director and Giana Maccarella (‘20)/Eastside News Editor Art curated by Danny Kahn (‘19)/Eastside Art Director and Sam Dayton (‘19)/Eastside Art Director

November 2018

FEATURES EASTSIDE

Page 5

Maître Gims cancels concert at the last minute ■ By Karissa Murray (‘20)

Eastside Features Editor

It’s an exciting day for any French student when the teacher pulls up YouTube and types “Maître Gims” into the search bar.

Both Mrs. Kristen Phillips and Mrs. Carmela Griffo frequently use his most popular songs, like “La même” or “Est-ce Que Tu M’aimes?” to supplement their lessons, expose their students to modern French culture, or just add some fun after tedious textbook learning.

“I happened upon his second album, and when I started playing it in class, I got a huge reaction,” Phillips said. “Everyone would always want to hear certain songs and was really enjoying it, and it gave me an idea.”

It was an even more exciting day when Phillips announced to her classes that the French pop star they had come to love would soon be walking the halls of East. Phillips began contacting Gims’s management company almost two years ago. Multiple attempts at arranging some kind of event never worked out. Meanwhile, Gims was gaining popularity, especially on his social media platforms. After she commented on one of his posts, Gims’s management directly messaged Phillips.

With the support of the

East administration, they have him come.” two of them and we were were able to make a Maître Despite the best intenjust the victims. We weren’t Gims concert at East a postions on both sides, the the only ones. They also sibility. concert was canceled at the pulled a show in Colorado. “ [ M r s .

Phillips] did a tremendous amount of work in cultivating a relationship with them so that he would be able to come here and do the show,” said East Principal Dr. Dennis Perry. “[Maître Gims’ management] was looking for ways to expand his market into the United States.

In speaking with Mrs. Karissa Murray (‘20)/ Eastside Features Editor Phillips, they started A student-created welcome display crumbles after the cancellation. to see that maybe it would be a good last minute due to internal It was something internal; idea to start playing high issues relating to Maître there was nothing here that schools. Just think about Gims’ management, which caused it.” the exposure that he would saw some changes a couple On the morning of Monget here. You think, ‘Oh of weeks before the concert. day, October 29, Phillips well, it’s just a little high “There was definitely received notification by text school,’ but there would be some sort of managerial that the Maître Gims cona thousand students there struggle,” Phillips said. cert was off. all taking video with their “[Maître Gims is] overseas, “The official reason they phones and posting it, and and he has his group of gave is ‘force majeure,’ you know he would reach a handlers over there. Then which was part of the conhundred times that amount he has his group of hantract saying that due to of people. So it was attracdlers in the States. I think factors beyond his control, tive to them to do it and there was some sort of conhe could no longer attend,” it was really cool for us to tractual issue between the Phillips said.

According to Phillips, Maître Gims was apologetic and is upset knowing he has disappointed students.

He hopes to do something in the future to make amends.

No money was lost and all reimbursement checks were sent out on November 10. Phillips does not expect this will prevent the World Language Department from being able to bring in speakers and other cultural enrichments in the future.

“I don’t think anyone’s more disappointed than me… but I don’t regret trying to make it happen,” Phillips said.

The extensive amount of work it took to put this together was astounding, which is why Phillips and the World Language Department found it so heartbreaking to not be able to see it come to fruition. But by even attempting to host an event like this, East truly prioritized the importance of world language in education; Phillips said that she found the East administration and student body receptive and sympathetic during the entire concert ordeal.

Although the Maître Gims concert ultimately was called off, many students feel that East’s efforts to try to bring an international, multilingual pop star to the school has still been valuable to students in ways that go far further than the classroom.

Student drivers put the “car” in carelessness

■ By Sam Grossman (‘19)

Eastside Features Editor

When the clock strikes 2:30, the rush to escape East’s premises begins.

While freshmen, sophomores and most of the juniors take a leisurely stroll to the school’s exits, seniors and the elite juniors who can drive make a mad dash to their cars. The sooner students can get in line, the better of a chance they have to beat the buses and get onto Kresson Road.

Tragically, cars and teens can be a fatal combination. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle fatality is the leading cause of death for teens. In 2015, 2,333 teens were killed in car accidents and a whopping 235,845 were treated for injuries suffered from motor vehicle crashes. Six teens die each day from vehicle accidents.

In general, drivers aged 16 to 19 are three times more likely to get in an accident than drivers aged 20 and older. The government has put laws in place specifically to protect teen drivers, like curfew or passenger restrictions, but these regulations can only do so much.

One

might fear a parking lot filled with newly licensed drivers trying to get away as quickly as possible is sure to be a more expensive version of bumper cars, but thankfully, car accidents at East are rare.

“There’s probably less than ten [accidents] a year,” Campus Security Officer Mr. Kevin Faller said.

“It’s not as frequent as you’d think.”

But when it does happen, he says, it’s due to carelessness.

“Students’ minds are not on driving,” Faller said.

“They want to get out of here, you know? It’s a lot of chaos. We take for granted that [a car] is a 2,000-pound machine we’re operating.

We have to be aware of that. Things can go wrong.

They can go wrong horrifically.”

Michael Poulshock (‘19) was involved in a double accident in the East parking lot. He pulled in at 7:15 a.m. to find an accident had already occured in his usual parking spot. The person’s car was totaled but nobody was injured.

Andrew Maier (20)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Students make a valiant effort to escape the parking lot before the buses.

“I was backing up [away from the accident] and someone was driving around 20 miles per hour and he hit the back of my car,” he said. “It was awkward.”

Luckily, Poulshock was safe and there was little damage to his car, but it had to be reported.

“They race around the parking lot because they’re stupid students. I know three of 537 seniors at East I can trust to drive,” Poulshock said.

It’s important to distinguish between reckless driving and careless driving.

“Reckless is more purposeful, like road rage,”

said Faller. “Careless driving is just not paying attention. The fines and the points assigned to each are quite different.”

Careless driving tends to rack up the most parking citations. The CDC reports that among male drivers between 15 and 20 years old who were involved in fatal crashes in 2015, 32 percent were speeding and 22 percent had been drinking.

“I had an incident a year and a half ago when a driver pulled out of the student parking lot at a high rate of speed, went up the curb, and just barely missed the crossguard,” Faller said.

“He was issued a summons for that for careless driving.”

Although there are still incidents every once in a while, Faller believes that

most East students are safe drivers, and accidents can happen to anyone.

“Most of these students are safe drivers, and I understand at 2:30 you wanna be somewhere else,” he said. “Normally all traffic is out by 2:45 anyway. You can extend your life by being smart, so slow down and live to fight another day.”

After a grueling seven hours of school, the final bell’s ring can be the greatest sound in the world. But safety and patience in the parking lot are more important than getting home quickly.

The last thing anyone wants to do at the end of the day is swap insurance information with a fellow student.

Art by Isabella Witting (‘20)/ For Eastside

FEATURES

Page 6

EASTSIDE

November 2018

Day of the Dead continues to celebrate life ■ By Samantha Roehl (‘20)

Eastside Features Editor

Cemeteries alight in candlelight vigils as kites fly above the gravestones. Adults talk while children laugh and eat multicolored sugar skulls. Golden flowers dust the ground as people honor their ancestors, paying tribute to those who are gone but not forgotten.

The Day of the Dead (El Día de Los Muertos) is a holiday that originated with the indigenous people of many Spanish-speaking countries, in which people honor their dead through offerings and celebrations. Having seen a huge resugence in popularity over the past fifty years, Day of the Dead traditions vary wildly throughout Latin America.

“It happens in different parts of Latin America in different ways,” said Dr. Regina Marchi, Professor in the Department of Latino Studies at Rutgers University. “But the idea is that people remember their deceased relatives, and they pray for them, they go to the cemetery and leave flowers, they make altars in their homes… it’s a time to remember and connect with deceased relatives.”

The celebration originated thousands of years ago when the indigenous peoples of Latin America would have ancestral rituals tied to harvest festivals. Portions of the harvests would be offered to the familial spirits, as they believed honoring their ancestors would lead to them continuing to receive bountiful harvests. When

Catholic missionaries arrived in these Latin-American countries, they Christianized the indigenous people and made the festivals take place on All Saints Day and All Souls Day, November 1 and 2, respectively, in an attempt to make them less “pagan” and more in line with Catholic beliefs.

Day of the Dead is celebrated all throughout LatinAmerican countries along with every state in the US. The current Day of the Dead celebrations that take place around the world are a mixture of indigenous and Catholic practices. Though celebrations vary immensely throughout Latin America, many follow a very similar formula.

“Every single year, at one point in October… [my mom] opens the door and she lays dead [marigold] petals on the floor and she lays it all the way to where this table is,” said Stephanie Sanchez (‘22).

“It’s a table that has a picture of the people who have passed away and the things that they like, such as alcohol or candy or their favorite food. And then she leaves the door open until the night.”

Leaving offerings for the dead, be it at a household altar or a gravestone, is a common way to celebrate. In some countries, they have “pan de muerto” or “bread of the dead.” In Mexico, sugar skulls are another popular symbol.

Some of the most universal symbols are marigolds, also known by the Aztec word “cempasuchil,” which are flowers that have commonly been used to remember the dead.

Some have candlelit vigils in riachi at the grave. So here it’s the cemetery, where families like, how would I look if I go to sometimes sleep overnight as [a] cemetery and play mariamariachi bands serenade the chi?” said Intriago. dead.

Throughout the last halfThough some might percentury, Day of the Dead ceive Day of the Dead as a Hishas gone from being a holipanic version of Halloween, day celebrated only by the due to the fact that they take Latin American descendants place during similar times, the of indigenous peoples to bemodern relationship between ing widely embraced by Histhe two is very loose. While panic people overall. Culture Halloween is about dressing and tourism industries thrive up and trick-or-treating, Day as more people embrace the of the Dead is a celebration of mindset in which celebrating loved ones. the lives of loved ones after “The good thing about that they have passed is not a somcelebration is it brings family ber affair. together. People that are re“Day of the Dead is very ally far away will try to make colorful, it’s very joyous, it’s it to that cemetery. So you will about celebrating the deceased see people you haven’t seen but really about remembering in a whole year and you will their lives… There’s music, see them… for the purpose there’s food, people are laughof celebrating the life of their ing, kids are running around deceased,” said Ms. Vanessa in cemeteries,” said Marchi.

Intriago, a Spanish teacher at “And in a way that’s very East. healing, it’s a way to help Day of the Dead celebrayou heal from the tions in America and throughp a i n out Latin American counof loss.” tries have increased since the 1970s, when the Chicano movement, spearheaded by Mexican-American activists, began to encourage the celebration of Day of the Dead as a statement of cultural identity. However, there is still an underlying belief in America of death being dark and macabre.

“Here it wouldn’t be normal… You can’t spend the night at the cemetery. Over there it’s part of [the culture]...

When someone dies… they get mariachis Art by Danny Kahn (‘19)/ Eastside Art Director and they play maBorder by Sam Dayton (‘19)/ Eastside Art Director

School lunch scatters students to unusual places ■ By Aine Pipe (‘20)

Eastside News Editor

Throngs of people swarm through the East hallways as the bell signaling the start of lunch blares through the halls. For many students, this sound kicks off the race to get a seat in the cafeteria or courtyard and wolf down lunch. Some students, however, break bread in other, more unique, places.

Campus Security Officer Mr. Kevin Faller offered his take on the possible security risks of having students spread out, while admitting that there is no other way to have over 1,000 students eat lunch at the same time.

“From a security standpoint, it’s better to have everyone in the same location, but from a sanitary perspective, it’s much better to eat in a lunchroom than in a bathroom or on the floor, but that’s not my call,” said Faller. “We have limited space here and the way it’s set up right now, the students get to go wherever they have to go...it’s out of our control.”

In F-wing, the industrial appearance of F068, East’s Small Engines room, could seem unassuming to an untrained eye peering in dur-

ing the lunch breaks. However, the room is the lunch hour home to the talented musicians of Inspiration East.

“It’s this music program...currently there are five other kids [in Inspira-

sit, most camping on the desk that lies at the gateway to F-Wing.

“It’s like our personal spot, no one else goes here except us,” said Elion Jance (‘20).

Farther down the hall,

ers got mad at us, so we moved here,” said Sibony.

The wing rounds out at the up stairway to second and third-floor C-Wing, where Nicolas Bersaglia (‘21), Fawaz Ehmedi (‘21), Dylan Gelman (‘21), Madeline Marinelarena (‘21) and Pat Verreccnia (‘21) eat lunch near the air conditioning.

Together, they form what they lovingly refer to as their own little “custom breakfast club.”

“It’s kind of like away from everyone else, it...gives us our own space, it makes us feel more together, less distracted by other people...

Jiseon Lee (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor and drama,” said Students spend their lunch period in F-Wing. enjoying a break.

Ehmedi. tion East]...I also do my in front of the weight room, In the farthest reaches of homework here, it’s a pretCiara Ortiz (‘20), Marly A-Wing lies one of the most ty chill place,” said Omer Gates (‘20) and Simon Siboremote lunch locations for Koral (‘21), the band’s bass ny (‘20) enjoy their midday students: the office of Ms. player. meal and a lively conversaYanell Holiday, the StuThen, in front of the “We, tion. dent Advocate at East. It the people” mural, a meta“We used to sit [in the provides a quiet place for phorical band of brothers stairwell], but then teachfriendly conversation away

from the chaos of the rest of the building.

“I can talk to my friends without having to talk over other people,” said Alexis Turner (‘21).

Meanwhile, other students enjoy their lunch just across from the cafeterias in the auditorium, like Erin Hurley (‘19).

“The [cafeteria] is too loud and too hot. I only sat in the [cafeteria] for one month freshman year and then I stopped,” said Hurley.

Close to the auditorium, some students choose to spend the LBs in the office of Mr. Tom Weaver and Mr. Pete Gambino.

“I kind of just hang out in here because I stage manage so I have to come in here and ask [Weaver] stuff and if I have any jobs to do…” said Taryn Rumell (‘19).

Where and who students spend their lunch with can make or break their East experience on a daily basis.

Whether they spend their lunch in the cafeteria with hundreds of students or tucked away in rooms off of the beaten path with their closest friends, everyone needs their place to find refuge and relief from the stress of a hectic school day.

November 2018

EASTSIDE

Page 7

COMMUNITY

Page 8

EASTSIDE

Denim American Bistro replaces The Farmhouse

Denim sits in its newly renovated building.

Monroe and James Dean.

To create these intricate pieces of art, Berry used pieces of jeans that were donated to him and used different washes of jeans as his color palette. The walls are painted a true denim color, with denim roses placed on each of the tables. The outdoor section will include a garden and spacious patio for private events and comfortable outdoor dining.

Since The Farmhouse closed this August due to a significant demand of revenue for all of the expenses of the business, Murray hopes to avoid the mistakes of his predecessors by curating a more accessible, dressed-down menu.

“The Farmhouse menu [cost] easily fifty percent more than Denim... entrees [ranged] from 26 to 44 dollars at The Farmhouse, with Denim’s most expensive item at only 25 dollars,” said Murray.

Denim’s menu is modern American. Although some of its techniques are Euro-

founder David Murray’s extensive culinary experience includes working as a chef at the Borgata in Atlantic City as well as the executive chef of The Gables at Chadds Ford. After 15 years of cooking and restaurant consulting, Murray decided it was time to open a restaurant of his own.

Murray was originally hired as a consultant to help open The Farmhouse.

He went on to work as a chef there for the first six months after opening, then parted ways with the restaurant.

However, when The Farmhouse closed due to increased food costs and decreased sales, Murray saw an opportunity to kick-

the restaurant was about, and I looked at the jeans that Mila was wearing and said, ‘What about denim?’... it instantly clicked,” said Murray.

Murray hopes to bring a unique twist to the South Jersey restaurant scene by mixing fine and relaxed dining, all in a more laidback atmosphere.

“When someone calls for a reservation, with a name like Denim, it should be clear what the dress code is,” said Murray. “You don’t need to wear a collared shirt or pressed pants.”

Inside the restaurant, denim canvas art curated

by U.K. artist Ian Berry adorns the walls, showcasing figures such as Marilyn

Denim’s comforting interior features a family-roomesque dining area and soft, neutral colors.

■ By Nashita Ali (‘19)

trails for the time being.

In 2010, Cherry Hill Parks and Recreation, along with the Township Board, proposed to officially transform these open spaces into small trails. The Council accepted this proposal on the condition that volun-

■ By Nashita Ali (‘19) and Allie Graham (‘20)

Eastside Community Editor and Eastside Staff

In its newly renovated 1859 colonial-style building, Denim American Bistro introduces a new urbanchic restaurant to what was formerly known as The Farmhouse.

A graduate of The Academy of Culinary Arts,

start his own business and placed a bid on the space.

While Murray and his wife were en route to Miami, the inspiration for the restaurant name came from a Cosmopolitan magazine Murray’s wife was reading at the airport, featuring Mila Kunis sporting a denim jumper.

“We wanted one word that would describe what

Maddy Cicha (‘19)/ Eastside Community Editor

pean, Denim uses American ingredients, implementing new cooking styles recent to the past five years to create dishes like beet beignets, which puts a twist on the classic New Orleans donuts.

Murray hopes to break a new market with a restaurant tendered towards the present generation.

While trying Murray’s Korean BBQ Braised Short Ribs or Butternut Squash Gnocchi, visitors can hear Ed Sheeran or even acoustic versions of Fetty Wap’s “Trap Queen” playing over the speakers.

“Restaurants in South Jersey try to cater to the Baby Boomers more than anyone else... no one thinks about the Millennials,” said Murray.

Murray’s goal is to assure that the environment of the new eatery is fun and inviting, while at the same time convincing customers to pay Denim another visit.

Denim is open every Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Courtesy of denimbyob.com

Cherry Hill provides autumn-perfect nature trails Eastside Community Editor

Cherry Hill’s nature trails provide residents with the perfect place to get out and run, bike, walk their dogs or take a leisurely stroll.

Nashita Ali (‘19)/ Eastside Community Editor

The Kresson Trails lead to different scenic routes.

All ten of Cherry Hill’s teers would help keep the trails were developed by trails clean. the Environmental Board Jay Jones, a member of on open spaces owned by Cherry Hill’s Environmenthe township. In areas with tal Board and organizer of woods, some people had crethe Cherry Hill Trail Crew, ated their own makeshift helped develop the Kresson

Trails alongside the Jersey Action Riders, a Cherry Hill chapter of the Jersey Off-Road Bicycle Association.

“The mountain bike community went in and developed a trail system [in Kresson], which then got adopted into the overall trail system in Cherry Hill,” said Jones.

The entrance to Kresson Trails is located on Kresson Road, by the intersection of Springdale. It offers seven different routes ranging from 0.32 miles to 0.92 miles. The Kresson Trails are most commonly used by bike riders, who participate in weekly organized rides and mountain bike clinics.

For a more scenic trail, the Barclay Farmstead trails offer three different routes located on an eighteenth century farmstead, totaling about threefourths of a mile.

Although Barclay is one of the shorter trails, it stands out for its history and diverse natural habitats. The trails reside on Barclay Farmstead, a 32-acre property that preserves the agrarian lifestyle practiced in 1816. The trails venture into different habitats such as a mature forest, a pond, a riparian and wetlands. The trails are

a hotspot for bird lovers, as they were named one of the New Jersey Audubon’s Birding and Wildlife Viewing Trails.

Barclay Farmstead includes a nature trail, a handicap-accessible trail and a hiking trail. The nature trail educates visitors about soil, vegetation, wetlands, birds and biodiversity to give them a better understanding of nature.

Outside of Cherry Hill, Jones recommends the Black Run Preserve located in Evesham Township.

“The Black Run Preserve is the headwater of the Pinelands,” said Jones.

“It’s got some amazing pristine bogs and savannahs, as well as a [five-kilometer] running trail.”

The 1300-acre facility offers typical recreational activities such as biking, trail running and bird watching, but nature photography, nature study and geocaching are popular adventures as well. Geocaching is a large-scale treasure hunt where people use an app and GPS coordinates to discover hidden capsules called geocaches.

This fall, make sure to take advantage of the cool weather and visit one of the many nature trails South Jersey has to offer.

November 2018

your Marathon 101

■ By Maddy Cicha (‘19)

Eastside Community Editor

Running their first marathon (or halfmarathon) seems like a far-off dream for runners and athletes across the country.

However, this incredible accomplishment may be closer than you think. The annual Philadelphia Marathon was held on November 17 this year. Since then, there are dozens of races throughout the South Jersey area. Are you ready for the challenge?

Here’s how to get your best performance for those harsh 26.2 miles this winter, or next spring: Of course, training leading up to the race is one of the most important parts to making sure your muscles are prepared. Find a plan that will build up your mileage gradually, slowly increasing your endurance and cardiovascular strength.

Equally as important as physical preparedness is the right mental state.

Personally, podcasts help distract me on runs. Be sure to find what works for you to keep a positive attitude, whether that’s a radio show, upbeat playlist or even calm silence. Stay confident, check out the race course before the day of the event to familiarize yourself and make a raceday plan.

Resting your body in between workouts is essential for muscle recovery. About 30 minutes after working out, refuel your muscles with protein shakes, chocolate milk or foods with a 3:1 ratio of protein to carbs.

Right after running, always stretch and drink ice water to reduce inflammation.

The day of your race, wear the right stuff. Comfortable, supportive socks and shoes are so important to your run, as you’re going to be applying a lot of impact onto your feet for hours at a time. Some runners actually cover their feet in a small amount of Vaseline to avoid blisters. Wear layers in case it’s chilly, as you can remove them once you start to warm up.

As far as diet goes, avoid dairy a day or two before because it could upset your stomach during the race.

Eat a good amount of carbohydrates the day before for short-term energy during the run. Throughout the week, be sure to stay very hydrated in preparation for the water you’ll lose through sweating and exhaling over a couple intense hours. Get plenty of sleep for the entire week before the race ― this will help your body stay energized!

Whether you’re running the full, the half or maybe another race next spring, stay positive. You can do this! Make sure to prep your body fully, matching your physical state to your mental on race day.

COMMUNITY

November 2018

EASTSIDE

Fall in love with Johnson’s Corner Farm

Page 9

■ By Ali Koenig (‘20)

■ By Nashita Ali (‘19), Maddy Cicha (‘19) and Shir Goldfinger (‘19) Eastside Community Editors

c e n i e

For anyone looking for the ultimate fall experience, Johnson’s Corner Farm is definitely the place to go. Perfect for children, families, dates and friends, Johnson’s has people of all ages shopping at the market, grabbing a bite at the food stands or participating in the various activities the farm has to offer. The outside of the market first catches the eye and is painted in a rusty red, yellow and pale blue color scheme.

T h e majority of the woodwork such as the playground, hayrides and gift shop are painted the same rusty red color, giving off an overall homey feel. The colorfully painted cut-out stands that are scattered around the playground and corn maze make for the perfect photo ops for kids and families. The open space across from the market filled with tents, benches and tables allows visitors to socialize while enjoying the weather, eating ice cream, or resting after a day full of hayrides, apple picking, playing with animals and more.

Offering everything from produce to sunflower fields, Johnson’s is the perfect place to get into the fall spirit.

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Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford, NJ, is a South Jersey fall-time staple. Though the farm is still open all year, all through September, October and November, the whole family can enjoy a day of hayrides, a weekend corn maze and even fresh fall produce. Last month, Eastside’s Community Section visited Johnson’s Corner Farm to check out the market, animals and ambience of the landmark farm during its prime season. Below, find out Community’s views on different aspects of Johnson’s this year.

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From classic apple cider donuts to specialty wraps and sandwiches, Johnson’s Corner Farm has it all. Visitors can pick up delicious salads and sandwiches, fresh fruits and vegetables, a variety of baked treats and even an assortment of delicious jams and preserves at the market. For those looking to enjoy the activities on the farm and just want a quick bite to eat for lunch, the prepared meals, salads and sandwiches are the way to go. Whether it’s by grabbing a filling egg salad sandwich or munching on a plate of warm eggplant parmesan, you are sure to be left satisfied and full, ready for the day’s upcoming activities. However, for those not completely full from lunch, the market’s titanic variety of baked desserts and treats will not disappoint. A family-favorite and all-time classic, Johnson’s apple cider donuts, coated in a mouth-watering sugar and cinnamon mixture, bring the flavors of fall straight to you. And although the donuts are often the main attraction, the pies and jams should not be overlooked, as they are also well worth the visit. Ranging from apple to pumpkin to berry, the assortment of pies will leave every member of your family ecstatic, and the multitude of jam flavors are perfect for enjoying at home. Whether you are looking for lunch, something to snack on as a dessert or just something to take home for your own baking, Johnson’s market has got you covered.

Art by Sam Dayton (‘19)/ Eastside Art Director

Art by Danny Kahn (‘19)/ Eastside Art Director

Maddy Cicha (‘19)/ Eastside Community Editor

The sunflowers of Johnson’s Farms can be viewed from a hayride to the picking fields.

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For early October, the selection of fall produce that could be picked in fields, after taking a hayride, was certainly underwhelming. While there were many types of apples to choose from, the trees seemed near-bare at first glance. The rows and rows of apple trees made up for the small selection on each tree, but to obtain a good amount of apples, you would need to stroll up and down those rows, searching for trees that were still plentiful in fruit. Plus, the most impressive pumpkins were not available for picking in the field.

In actuality, the pumpkin fields seemed as sparse as the apple trees. By the market, Johnson’s had giant bins of prepicked and priced pumpkins of various sizes. These bins held pumpkins that were much more impressive than the selection in the fields. “For over twenty-five years families have been flocking to our farm to enjoy the grandeur of finding that perfect pumpkin in our pumpkin patch,” said Johnson’s via its website.

If you are looking for the perfect pumpkin pie this month, skip the hayride and opt for a pre-picked pumpkin.

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Art by Danny Kahn (‘19)/ Eastside Art Director

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During Johnson’s Farm’s Fall Festival, activities include live music, Gem Mining for kids, a corn maze, hayrides, an animal farm and a food tent with fastfood items like loaded nachos, pulled pork and tater tots. The live music is a fun touch, although “live” consists of a DJ booth.

The corn maze is intriguing and challenging, especially when you receive an interactive map upon entering. The map includes spaces for hole punches, which visitors collect at different landmarks within the puzzle. The hayride is fun, and the drivers are very friendly. One was even wearing a large pumpkin-shaped hat. The ride is made more enjoyable when it cruises through sunflower fields and a pretty barnhouse. The animal farm displays adorable goats, ducklings, sheep and other farm animals. Gem Mining, a new addition this year, is an interactive experience for kids to get their own hands dirty working on the farm. Overall, the plentiful and engaging activities Johnson’s Corner Farm offers during the Fall Festival are enough to entertain the whole family for the day.

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Art by Gregory Rothkoff (‘19)/ Eastside Opinions Editor

Page 10

SPORTS

Cherry Hill East Athletic Transfers EASTSIDE

November 2018

November 2018

EASTSIDE

Page 11

Athletic transfers can drastically improve a high school team. From rival teams, private schools and far-off states, these six Cherry Hill East student athletes hope to bring a fresh perspective to their sports of choice.

“I originally just wanted [Kachenmeister] to come to East because I thought it would be a great experience for him and he would be able to meet a lot of new people… later I realized how much he could help the athletics.” – Eddie Grant (‘20)

Chris Lembo (‘20) ■ By Michael Poulshock (‘19) Eastside Staff

Although East is not particularly known for its athletics, there are a number of talented athletes who have had outstanding high school careers. In recent years, especially, there has been an increasing number of student athletes who have transferred who have helped East athletics become more competitive.

Chris Lembo (‘20) toured Bishop Eustace, Cherry Hill East and St. Joseph’s prior to his freshman year, ultimately deciding to enroll at Bishop Eustace. He chose Eustace because his siblings attended the school and because of the open campus it offers. However, he was not pleased at Eustace and began to shadow at East as he planned to transition his sophomore year.

Lembo said, “My transition to East was pretty smooth because I shadowed my freshman year and knew how East operated.”

Unlike many students who transfer to East, Lembo shadowed, which allowed him to learn the schedule of East in

terms of the schedi n g crowded h a l l ways, a phen o m e n o n hadn’t renoticed at stace.

block u l and

h e ally Eu-

For Lembo, acclimating socially was easy. It was the academics that took some time to adjust to. Lembo mentioned how classes at East are naturally more rigorous because of the more in-depth curriculum. He is also surrounded by students with strong work ethics when it comes to completing assignments and preparing for tests.

Lembo said, “I went from being one of the smartest kids in my class to just another student trying to earn a good grade.”

Nevertheless, he earned a spot on the varsity lacrosse team and helped the team last year.

He looks forward to the upcoming season because of the improved roster and opportunity to make the playoffs.

Lembo said, “This year’s goal is to be competitive in the conference and to earn a spot in the playoffs.”

His personal goal is to have ten assists and ten goals, but Lembo ultimately wants the team to live up to its potential and to dominate from start to finish.

Andy Murphy (‘19) ■ By Allie Graham (‘20) Eastside Staff

Andy Murphy (‘19) has made his presence known on the boys’ swim team and the lacrosse team in his first year at Cherry Hill East. Murphy transferred to East in his junior year of high school. He spent the first half of high school at St. Augustine Preparatory School, an allmale private school.

Murphy said he initially decided to go to St. Augustine Prep because it is a smaller school, so he thought he would get more one-on-one learning. However, the daily commute from Cherry Hill to Buena Vista Township was the reason he transferred to East. Murphy has lived in Cherry Hill his entire life; he already had many friends that went to East, so he said the adjustment was not difficult. Murphy’s older brother also went to East, so he knew the school better than most new students.

For Murphy, the decision to swim at East was obvious.

“I’ve been swimming my whole life, so I obviously knew I was going to swim when I got [to East],” said Murphy.

In his one year of swimming for East, Murphy participated in three events at Individual States.

His 200-meter medley re-

lay in which he swam the 50-meter butterfly placed second. Murphy also swam the 100-meter butterfly, which he considers his best event, and the 200-meter freestyle relay.

Along with all of the talent Murphy brings to the swim team, he is also a key player on the lacrosse field, just as he was at St. Augustine. Although, as with swimming, Murphy has played lacrosse for the majority of his life, if he had to choose between the two sports, he would pick swimming.

“I love to work out, and swim gives you a great cardio workout,” said Murphy.

Though Murphy does not want to swim in college, he said he would think about possibly joining a swimming club when the time comes.

Murphy is looking forward to his senior year and what this new season will have in store for him and the rest of the Cougars.

Aayinde Smith (‘20) ■ By Ali Koenig (‘20) Eastside Managing Editor

This year, there was a spiking new addition to the Cherry Hill East girls’ volleyball roster.

Aayinde Smith (‘20) transferred to East from Lakeview Centennial High School in Garland, Texas, over the summer because her brother, Zhaire Smith, was drafted by the Phoenix Suns and traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Though Smith plays basketball and participates in track, she mainly focuses her passion and energy on volleyball, a sport that she has been playing since eighth grade.

Even though she is now blocking and serving in a gymnasium almost 1,500 miles away from her old school, Smith says that she has not had much trouble adjusting to East’s climate, both academically and socially.

“There’s not much that’s different,” she said. “The biggest thing was just adjusting to a new area, but it hasn’t been very hard… and so far, playing [volleyball] at East has been really good. I really, really like it.”

On her volleyball team back in Garland, Texas, Smith and her team were a contender for a cov-

e t e d ship. may t h e she i n g make East v o l team

championHer team have lost title last year, but is lookto help t h e girls’ leyball a

competitive and successful team at East.

“I wanted to get Blocker of the Year [last season], but I came up just short because I had an injury,” said Smith. “I had tendonitis in my knee, so I had to sit out for a few games. That’s actually one of my goals to accomplish this year, though – Blocker of the Year, or something like that.”

However, Smith understands that Blocker of the Year is not the end-all and be-all of her volleyball career at East; she has aspirations much larger than any single title or status. “[My goals for the season are] mostly to get some colleges looking at me and to make sure to make an impact on the volleyball team at a new school,” Smith said. “I want to be a good team player.”

Her teammates are excited for her to help the program.

“She’s a powerhouse. She’s a great addition to the team...every time she gets set you can pretty much anticipate that we will get the next point,” said Lori Pacuku (‘19).

As she gets to start fresh, Smith hopes to leverage her athleticism, sportsmanship and passion for the game to set the girls’ volleyball team up for its best seasons yet.

Jenkins Kachenmeister (‘20) ■ By Jacob Kernis (‘20) Eastside Sports Editor

Some students might not be aware of new student Jenkins Kachenmeister (‘20), but the transfer from Baptist Regional High School in Haddon Heights looks to have a significant impact on the Cherry Hill East soccer, basketball and baseball teams that he plans on joining this year.

Although Kachenmeister lived in Cherry Hill, his mother wanted him to go to a private school, so he went to Baptist Regional. He was a strong and successful athlete at Baptist Regional for his freshman and sophomore years. On the varsity baseball team, he had the highest batting average at .350. Then, Kachenmeister’s friend, varsity soccer player Eddie Grant (‘20), asked him to play soccer for Cherry Hill East and convinced him to enroll in the school for his junior and senior year.

“I originally just wanted him to come to East because I thought it would be a great experience for him and he would be able to meet a lot of new people… later I realized how much he could help the athletics,” said Grant.

Unfortunately, Kachenmeis-

ter was a b l e particifor a p o r of the season the rule transfer letes

not t o pate large tion soccer due to t h a t a t h a r e

not allowed to participate in sports for their first month.

Since the soccer season has come to an end, Kachenmeister has his mind set upon the upcoming basketball season. He plays the power forward and center positions. With his physical attributes, standing 6’2” with a long reach, he believes he can be an asset to the team.

Although he plays basketball and soccer at a high level, he considers baseball his most successful sport.

“My best [sport] would probably be baseball because I’ve been playing that since I was eight,” said Kachenmeister. “I know the game and love the game.”

His father taught him the game of baseball, and he has played it since he was little.

He can play any position on the field besides catcher, but he prefers center field.

Kachenmeister wants to have a successful Cherry Hill East athletic career, but his main goal is to help the teams he will play for in the wins category.

The three-sport athlete is promising and the transfer looks to make an impact on the East sports community.

Mitchell Donovan (‘19) ■ By Claire McFadden (‘19) Eastside Staff

East quarterback Mitchell Donovan (‘19) has been playing football since he was little.

His commitment to the sport has given him the valuable experience of being a part of several teams and growing under the direction of many different coaches. Donovan has also had the unique experience of playing for two separate schools during his high school career.

Donovan attended East his freshman and sophomore years, but as junior year approached, he considered other opportunities. Donovan chose to transfer to St. Joseph’s High School. St. Joe’s provided him with a new atmosphere.

“I wanted to transfer to Saint Joe’s for the college opportunities it would give me,” Donovan said.

St. Joe’s has one of the strongest football teams in the state.

Last season, Donovan adjusted well to the team and helped the Wildcats to a 12-0 record and the New Jersey State Championship. Winning a state championship is an accomplishment that high school players dream

of, and van was ful that decito exn e w p o r nities off. tend-

Donograteh i s sion plore optupaid At-

ing St. Joe’s required Donovan to adjust to a new environment where the entire student population of about 400 is smaller than each grade size at East.

“At first it was weird not knowing anybody, I was pretty much starting from scratch,” he said. “But halfway through the year, I was comfortable.”

However, by the end of his junior year, Donovan decided to return to East. He felt his priorities best matched those at East, where the difficulty of the academics would prepare him for college and beyond. In addition, East had recently hired a new football coach, Mr. Andrew Daley, and Donovan wanted to be a part of the next chapter of East football.

This season, Donovan was a big part of the Cougars’ recent success.

“I really want to finish out the season the best we can and win the East-West game,” Donovan said.

Donovan is not sure if he will pursue college football, but he is confident in his commitment to continuing the growth of the Cougars.

Photos by Andrew Maier (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor Photo illustrations by Andrew Maier (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor and Eli Weitzman (‘20)/ Eastside Webmaster Background photos by Jacob Kernis (‘20)/ Eastside Sports Editor and Eli Weitzman (‘20)/ Eastside Webmaster

Erica Brunson (‘19)

■ By Ross Cogan (‘19) Eastside Staff

Walking the red and white halls of East, having to take new classes, meeting new teachers and making new friends can be nerve-racking.

For Erica Brunson (‘19), all it took was moving from her old home in Voorhees to her new town, Cherry Hill, for her academic, athletic and social life to change.

Brunson spent her freshman year at Eastern Regional High School in Voorhees. She played for Eastern’s basketball program and successfully found a way to balance her athletics with multiple honors-level courses.

Shortly after her successful freshman year, the Brunson family made the short fifteenminute drive to its new home, introducing Brunson to another new school in the town right next to her old town, with new classes, new teachers and the added pressure of having to make new friends.

Brunson said, “Academically, East was a huge step-up from Eastern.”

After breezing through her

freshman year in all honors classes, East provided a greater challenge which made acclimating to her new school

slower and more difficult, but more valuable as well.

The increased difficulty in academics was not the only challenge that Brunson faced.

After becoming the captain of the basketball team, Brunson had to form strong connections with her coaches in order to ensure success.

“I have had four different coaches all four years,” Brunson said.

This made fostering a player-coach relationship, which is necessary to win games, difficult for Brunson. But she was able to make up for this instability by establishing valuable relationships with each of her teammates.

Still, with another new girls’ basketball coach for her senior year, behind Brunson, the team will take the court each game with pride and confidence.

Page 12

COMICS EASTSIDE

November 2018

Pumpkin Spice Fever by Danny Kahn (‘19)/ Eastside Art Director

Math by Amanda Chen (‘21)/ Eastside Staff

Different But the Same by Samantha Dayton (‘19)/ Eastside Art Director

The Comical Reaction by Shir Goldfinger (‘19)/ Eastside Community Editor

Halloween in 2018 by Jackson Davis (‘22 )/ Eastside Staff

INTERESTED IN DRAWING FOR EASTSIDE? COME TO F087 DURING LB1 AND 2.

EDITORIAL

November 2018

EASTSIDE

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

Financial Literacy needs consistency Lack of resources and too many discrepancies among teachers continue to plague required class year after year

Each year, Cherry Hill East says farewell to an educated class of scholars.

However, in focusing so heavily on academics, the school often overlooks the very fundamentals of education: life skills.

Cherry Hill’s Financial Literacy curriculum, though only implemented at East five years ago, is currently failing to equip students with proper life skills. Eastside believes that in order to ensure that all students who take Financial Literacy are similarly and adequately prepared for future self-sufficiency, heavier standardization and modernization of the curriculum between classes must be strongly enforced.

Eastside believes that East and West administration’s recent decision to restrict Financial Literacy to juniors and seniors is a step in the right direction, as the course curriculum is most applicable to older students. However, it believes this policy should be modified to allow only second semester sophomores through first semester seniors to take it instead.

By senior year, especially the second semester, the lessons about choosing a college and applying for financial aid will be too late.

Late tenth to early twelfth grade is an optimal time to begin college and career planning, and Financial Literacy can jumpstart that process.

Currently, history, math and business teachers are eligible statewide

to instruct Financial Literacy classes. Though these teachers are provided with a list of general topics to cover, they receive little additional support; thus, a major part of a class’ direction depends upon the teacher’s individual background. Further, teachers’ opinions on what should be taught in the course are not currently taken into account, forcing some of them to teach a class in which they have no educational experience or personal stake.

As a result, students’ experiences in different sections of the same course vary dramatically. Some teachers assign projects, while others tell anecdotes; some give quizzes, while others check for completion. Some teachers spend weeks teaching about the economy, while others might only spend a day; some teachers emphasize career development and planning, while others might focus on retirement investing. This lack of a uniform curriculum makes it difficult to ensure that all students are learning the material to a certain standard, and it unfairly gives students in certain classes a much lighter or heavier workload than others.

For the majority of classes in the building, teachers choose their own resources and reference materials and work towards either their own final exams or AP exams. This allows teachers to understand exactly where the skills taught in their classes will ultimate-

Platinum: The Rothkoff Family Hong Fei Jingli Cai The Hoffman Family

Michael Fleisher

Gold: Michael and Donna Koenig Bob and Frances Lindaberry The Weinstock Family Mia Gagliardi Aimee and Rick Sitnick Sprimont Lindsay Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Fleisher

Silver: Diane Oesan Laurie and Eric Grossman Sy and Florence Jerome Jillian Koenig Mark and Judy Hansen Joan Hoenes Karyl Murray Sarah Zheng Jinhee An The Goldfinger Family The Cicha Family Evan Kahn

ly be used, so they can ensure any secondary source used is helpful in the long run. However, Financial Literacy has a more fluid final goal of preparing students for self-sufficiency in real life. Since the outcome of the course is less distinct, significant variations in course curriculum can only worsen the existing issue of every Financial Literacy course preparing students unequally in basic life skills.

Further, the state of New Jersey does not require or provide any course preparing teachers to teach Financial Literacy, instead granting history, business and math majors automatic certification in the subject.

Overall, Eastside finds that the circumstances and prerequisites that shape a Financial Literacy course experience are inherently, and problematically, wider than those governing any other class.

To bridge this divide, the general standard of selfselected resources should be waived for Financial Literacy periods. Teachers should be provided with specific textbooks, assessments and major assignments so that one student does not emerge knowing only about career advice while another student is only confident in balancing a checkbook.

To promote unity, Eastside believes that East must invest in developing new Financial Literacy resources and lesson plans with input from teachers and students.

Teachers would not have to strictly abide by these, but they would provide a baseline to work off of, reducing the burden on instructors and equalizing opportunity for students.

These lessons should emphasize money-managing skills in the twenty-first century, such as using technology to track finances and using credit cards responsibly in the age of impulsive online shopping and tap-topay.

Further, students who take Introduction to Business should be able to count that as a substitute to their Financial Literacy requirement, just as a wide variety of vaguely related classes can already be substituted for each other to fulfill East’s fine arts requirement. Already, Financial Literacy is a district tradition rather than a state mandate. If the course does not drastically improve and become more relevant to modern times, Eastside believes that it should not be a graduation requirement at all.

At East, there is a stigma surrounding Financial Literacy as an unhelpful or burdensome class, when it can in fact be a pivotal stepping-stone in student development and in learning how to handle finances.

It is in the school’s best interest to reevaluate the Financial Literacy curriculum with the needs of the current economy in mind and to make the proper adjustments so as to best prepare students for a life of economic stability.

Friends of Eastside David and Annie Maier Ruihe Lin Barbara Roehl The Graff Family Christine and Chris Benedetto Mehmut Budak The Rosen Family The Dashevsky Family The Shin Family Hydar and Sufia Ali Fahmida Yeasmin Sherri and Dave Culver Gina Maccarella Harry Green

Tom and Kathy Xenakis Kevin and Jennifer Lindaberry Mr. Greg Rouen Bronze: Alan and Cherie Finkelstein Laura Mitchell Isabella Dayton Lynne Reynard Marilyn Koenig Scott Klear Lillian Halden Ms. Noreen Cunningham

Page 13

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OPINIONS

Page 14

EASTSIDE

November 2018

The College Board needs to stop recycling tests ■ By Julia Benedetto (‘19)

Eastside Opinions Editor

The SAT is an important test that most high school students will take at least once during their high school career. Many students undergo hours of extra preparation to ready themselves for the SAT, whether it’s through completing multiple practice tests or working with tutors. Therefore, it is extremely unfair when certain students have advantages due to recycled tests being administered on official dates.

After the August 2018 SAT, reports emerged that the test administered in the U.S. was the same version as the October 2017 test that had been administered in Asia. Since this test had already been taken by so many students, documents with answer keys were

posted on sites such as Reddit. Many students took to tweeting the College Board after the August date, asking if it knew that so many people had already seen its test. This then created a frenzy of worried students and parents who feared that scores would be cancelled or postponed.

In response to these allegations, the College Board promised it would cancel any scores of those who cheated and would run “comprehensive statistical analysis of certain test scores” that seemed suspect to cheating. But how would the College Board possibly know who cheated and who did not?

The only way to even remotely suspect that a student had cheated would be if they had a massive score leap from their previous SAT score. However, it

would be unfair to accuse someone of cheating when they might have actually just studied more for the August t e s t

than for a previous one. It would have been difficult, if not impossible, for the College Board to identify which

students had unfair advantages; therefore, many got away without penalty.

This is not the first time the College Board has faced problems with repeated material. In February of 2017, it was reported that parts of the January 2017 exam given in Asia had already been administered in June of 2016 in the United States and that many students in China and South Korea had prior access to this test.

In the past, the College Board has had to cancel test scores from entire countries in cases when scores were compromised.

Fortunately, most test scores from the August date were released on time, yet it still leaves the unresolved issue of students cheating on the test and getting away with it. It is unfair to

students who work really hard to achieve high scores to have their scores put in danger of being cancelled because of the actions of a few. One way to avoid this situation again is if the College Board stops administering recycled tests completely. Or, by turning the SAT into a computerized test and making every test different for every student, the issue of students gaining access to leaked information would be solved.

No more students should have to feel the worry of their money and hard work being thrown away because others had access to the test before taking it. The College Board needs to take into account the amount of leaked information students are gaining access to and work to solve the problem.

tance to use the restroom.

As of now, East security has started locking some of the school’s bathrooms as needed during the lunch breaks. This comes amid a string of anti-drug-use protocols implemented in the school.

Students who have medical issues are unfairly penalized with this policy in place. If students have a medical condition like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and require a restroom, they would have no way of using the one closest to them. There are no supervisors that could (or would) open the nearest bathroom for them, so they would have to go the same distance as anyone else to use the bathroom.

Additionally, this policy represents a greater issue because it implements collective punishment for

all students. It is unfair to penalize all on the basis of the actions of a few. The students who are acting inappropriately in the bathroom should be the ones who have to journey farther in the school. Students who improperly use the bathrooms should be denied use of the bathroom during set times of the day.

Of course, schools cannot put cameras in the bathrooms to monitor student activity. However, many schools have started requiring students to sign in and out of bathrooms. Having a supervisor stand near a bathroom and control this process could potentially decrease the need for locking bathrooms. This way, administration could know who was in the bathroom and when, if at all, any situations were to arise. Additionally, this supervisor

could be trained in resolving these situations if they occur on their watch.

If bathrooms are going to be locked during a one-hour period of the day, why are they not locked for the other six hours of the school day? Of course, students have more freedom to roam throughout the building during the lunch break, but that should not change the nature of the bathroom facilities.

East’s new protocols have also caused a strain on students’ degree of freedom when using the bathroom without breaking the rules. There have been instances of bathroom monitors causing female students to feel uncomfortable when they are using the bathroom by going into the bathroom and making sure nothing nefarious is occuring. High school students

should have the freedom to use the bathroom without being put under unearned suspicion.

Some might say that the East administration has tried to give students more freedom lately, with programs such as homeroom choice. Yet these new protocols have proved that East still believes students need someone looking over their shoulder at all times, even in the most intimate of settings: the bathroom. This policy has undone East’s efforts.

It is understandably tough to find a balance between campus security and student freedom. However, East must work to find a different way to handle this situation that does not include restricting students’ bathroom access during the school day. Students deseve this basic freedom.

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

Locking bathrooms is detrimental to students ■ By Gregory Rothkoff (‘19)

Eastside Opinions Editor

A student has been waiting all morning to use the bathroom, not wanting to miss out on class time. They think that they will be safe to wait until lunch break and then use the bathroom conveniently located next to their homeroom. Unfortunately, this student may be stopped by a locked door if they do not happen to be near an open bathroom.

This anecdote reflects a situation many students come across frequently ever since East returned to its on-again-off-again policy of locking bathrooms during the lunch breaks to combat vaping in school. Locking bathrooms in the school causes many unfair challenges to students, not the least of which is making them walk a farther dis-

November 2018

OPINIONS EASTSIDE

Page 15

Cherry Hill residents must approve bond ■ By Julia Langmuir (‘19) and Craig Robinson (‘19)

Special to Eastside

As Board of Education Representatives, we have seen firsthand the concerns of the student body for the inadequate infrastructure at East and the work of the Board of Education to resolve them. In recent years, students have presented a need for auditorium renovations, increased security and athletic facility improvements. After seeing the issues in our school as well as issues in the entire district from both the perspective of two concerned and passionate students and now from the viewpoint of the Board of Education, we are able to say with confidence that the 2018 bond is a great step in the right direction for the Cherry Hill Public School District.

Despite the evident improvements of security and infrastructure in the bond referendum, some residents are urging others to vote “NO” on December 11. These residents believe that this initiative does not feature enough security improvements; they believe that the referendum should enable the Cherry Hill Public School District to utilize automatic locked-door technology. Additionally, they criticize the amount spent on office refurbishment, saying the money could go towards other security solutions.

However, there are some misconceptions present in their criticism of the bond referendum.

Ultimately, spending taxpayer dollars on automatic locked-door technology is simply not cost-effective. There is an easier solution that would

be more effective than the initiation of automatically locked doors. Instead of investing in automatic locks, Cherry Hill administrators should enforce a stricter manual locked-door policy by mandating personnel to lock their classroom doors while class is in session.

vestibules in all 19 Cherry Hill Public Schools. It is a misconception that the Cherry Hill Board of Education is utilizing this money to refurbish offices only for the embellishment of its infrastructure. Rather, the Board of Education is taking this necessary step

as any project maintains the foundation of the building. If the district were to attempt to tear down and rebuild schools, the projects would not qualify for the renovation funding from the state, making it a much more expensive project.

Furthermore, the bond

attends to the needs of every school with an equal level of concern. Issues that have been tabled for years are addressed and prioritized in the bond referendum. For example, the asbestos in the ceilings of Carusi Middle School has made it nearly impossible for any type of construction to be done in the building, but the bond referendum calls for asbestos abatement in 17 schools across the district. The bond isn’t only looking at recent prob-

lems that have presented themselves across the district. The Board of Education has worked diligently to come up with solutions to both the current issues concerning the population as well as the infrastructure changes that have been put off for far too long.

Although some fear the 210-million-dollar total cost of all three questions, when the cost is broken down it is much less daunting. Question 1, the portion of the bond primarily focusing on increasing security in the district, will not raise taxes. Since CHPS will be debt free in 2019, it is the ideal time to borrow money from the state. For the average home, even with Question 1 approved, annual taxes would be approximately 4 dollars lower than they are currently. What about the more expensive projects?

If Questions 1 and 2 pass, then Question 3, the question that would involve the improvement of all issues and projects listed in all three questions of the bond, would increase annual taxes for the average household by 232 dollars, or approximately 64 cents a day.

As students, we are witnesses to detrimental issues in each of the school buildings. We should support the efforts of the district to address these problems, to come up with solutions and to improve the educational experience of every student in the Cherry Hill Public School District. We know better than anyone else how much our schools are in need of these changes, and now we need to take the responsibility to advocate for the future of our schools and our fellow students.

staying after school receive an exempuntil 5 p.m. (or tion from gym, a later) for practices student must comand traveling near plete 150 minutes and far for games, of physical activity meets and matches. per week and hand Being a part of an in a signed letter East team may also from their coach and include weekend parent plus a log games and practracking their actices.

Obviously, tivity. If you divide if you are a part the 150 minutes by of an East sports the five school days team, there is a lot in a week, that’s 30 of physical activity minutes of physiinvolved. Some stucal activity per day, dents may even be and East student a part of multiple athletes are exerathletic teams over cising well over 30 the course of a year, minutes each day. participating in fall, Additionally, it winter and spring should be easier for sports. By being a students who play part of an East athEast sports to be exletic team, students empt from gym, as should be able to retheir activity levels ceive an exemption and participation from gym due to the can be monitored copious amounts much more easily of physical activthan someone who ity their sport reis playing an outAndrew Maier (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor side sport and just quires. There is no reason for students An East student athlete must participate handing in a log. who will be active in double the physical activity of others.

Plus, many students after school at pracwho play club sports fitness among already hightice to be forced to particijust hand in the required performing athletes. pate in playing a game of participation letter and Some East students are badminton or running the immediately receive an exable to receive exemptions mile during the school day, emption without anyone due to the participation in when these activities may actually checking up on an outside club sport, so use crucial energy and are if they are really achievwhy can’t the same be done not necessary to promote ing the required amount of for East sports? In order to

physical activity, as the log is not due until the semester of gym is over. This is unfair to students who are obviously meeting the same time requirements by participating in an East sport yet are still unable to get the same gym class exemption.

Receiving an exemption from gym could be extremely beneficial to many student athletes. Most commonly, a student who is exempt from gym will receive a study hall during his or her gym period. For students who have busy practice and game schedules, trying to balance classes and homework can be a challenge. Having the option to have a study hall, or maybe even an additional one, could benefit student athletes greatly.

Given their heavy athletic regimens, East students should be given the option from administration to be exempt from gym if they participate in an East sport, as it can benefit them academically and allow for more rest. Student athletes are already under a large amount of physical exertion, so forcing them to participate in gym is unnecessarily adding to their burden.

Taryn Rumell (‘19)/ For Eastside

The bond would provide East with funding for improvements within the school.

This is an effort that Never Again CHE, a student-run advocacy group at East which supports the prevention of gun violence, has recently promoted.

This policy not only would be costless, but it would also be an effective security measure that would increase student safety if an intruder were to ever enter the building.

Regarding the office refurbishment, these renovations play a crucial role in the development of security

in order to initiate the creation of security vestibules, an effective way to limit visitors’ access of the school building.

Others argue the district should have torn down the schools and built entirely new buildings instead of taking on multiple large renovation projects. This issue ultimately comes down to the funding provided by the state. The state of New Jersey will provide funding, 143 dollars per square foot of renovations, so long

Student athletes should be excused from gym ■ By Julia Benedetto (‘19)

Eastside Opinions Editor

It has become second nature to many East students for years now to stay at school long after all the buses and all the other kids have filed out. It has become second nature to many kids to walk to the Decou or Richterman fields, to head to the DiBart Gym or to walk out onto the track for a two-hour practice after a day at school. It has become second nature to many students at East to become student athletes.

Sports dominate a huge proportion of East’s school dynamic and there is no denying that athletic program participation within the student body is high.

As students continue to dedicate their time and energy to being a part of East’s many sports teams, this intensive commitment should allow them to qualify for an exemption from East’s physical education classes.

East offers a wide variety of sports to all students.

Many East students love being a part of an East sports team, but joining a team requires a lot of commitment.

East’s student athletes spend multiple days a week

OPINIONS

Page 16

EASTSIDE

November 2018

The Kavanaugh confirmation controversy Should mistakes made in the past be able to impact you in the future?

YES

■ By Naomi Bereketab (‘21)

Eastside Staff

Over the past several weeks, the name Kavanaugh has dominated the news cycle. Brett Kavanaugh, the new Supreme Court Justice, has been accused of sexually assaulting Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. This alleged incident occurred 36 years ago.

Even after Kavanaugh’s recent appointment to the Supreme Court, there has been a massive debate about whether Kavanaugh is innocent or guilty.

However, despite the media messages of nationwide 24-hour news cycles, some people don’t think it matters whether or not Kavanaugh actually assaulted Ford. Some argue that the incident occured so long ago that Kavanaugh shouldn’t face any consequences, no matter what did or didn’t happen. As Americans nationwide are beginning to realize, this high-profile situation begs the question: should a mistake someone made far in the past be able to impact his or her life professionally many years removed from the incident?

One could easily conclude that, legally, there absolutely should be punishment for old crimes even if the crime or mistake hasn’t been discovered for several decades. Law students learn that the five purposes for punishment or prison are deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation, retribution and restitution.

All of these purposes are still extremely, if not more, relevant after a long period of time.

Deterrence is particularly important. Letting negative incidents go without consequence because of a long period of time sets an unhealthy precedent. Without consequences for actions, people may feel more inclined to repeat them. By officially punishing people for crimes or misbehavior even decades later, a firm

precedent is created for future generations and hopefully less people will make those same mistakes. The concept of restitution is also very significant here.

Usually when a mistake is made, someone is hurt by it. For example, in the Kavanaugh situation, if he actually did sexually assault Ford, it’s unacceptable and frankly cruel for her to have suffered so much, while he gets to live his life.

Many argue that people change over a course of decades, and they aren’t the same person who committed the crime. While it is certainly true that people can change, this rosy view of the world isn’t realistic.

Even with proper rehabilitation in a prison or on probation, there are many people who are repeat offenders.

Another common counterpoint is that people may struggle financially from past missteps. Although it’s unfortunate that finances will become an issue, there should be repercussions just like any crime. Whoever committed this mistake knew when doing do that it wasn’t allowed and still proceeded to do so. People shouldn’t be rewarded for being “lucky” and getting away with it for a long period of time.

In any environment, public or private, there should be a level of trust and safety. It is unethical to put others at risk by not disciplining people properly. At minimum, there should be a requirement for people in situations like Kavanaugh’s to attend a varying amount of hours in therapy to verify they are unlikely to repeat their crimes. Even if a person has evolved, there is a debt to society that must be paid, and depending on the severity of the past mistake, the consequence should range from mandated therapy to community service to prison.

■ By Remy Abrams (‘21)

NO

Eastside Staff

Julia Benedetto (‘19)/ Eastside Opinions Editor

Every day, the average person confronts an unthinkable amount of decisions. To expect perfection in every single decision is completely absurd.

The human brain is not fully developed until the age of 25, which can help to explain – if not rationalize – the impulsive and sometimes irrational decisions teenagers tend to make. Bad decisions are a part of life. The teenage years are marked by difficult situations and learning from experiences to better oneself for the future. As people grow, their knowledge is enhanced by the people and experiences they encounter. Perspectives and views of the world change as a result of the unfamiliar things with which people come in contact. Their views are incorporated into their lives, substantially improving the decisions they make.

The inclusion of foreign ideas and opinions in our everyday lives allows us to open our minds to new aspects of life.

People say that good judgement comes from experience and experience comes from bad judgement.

Past mistakes should not define our future, but the way they are corrected can outline what is to come later in life.

Today, teenagers are constantly reminded that whatever happens will never go away. This perception of one’s childhood and adolescent years creates a toxic lifestyle. In life, there are inexcusable actions like rape and murder that, if proven to have occured, deserve no forgiveness, only punishment to the highest extent. However, the typically imma-

ture and childish behavior high school and college students participate in do not deserve this kind of treatment. As young, inexperienced and immature kids, the decisions we make now should not have the ability to affect us in the distant future, professionally or socially.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who was recently confirmed to the United States Supreme Court, was accused of sexual assault that dated back to his high school and college years at Georgetown Prep and Yale University, respectively.

Evidently, if these accusation were found to be true, he would deserve a revocation of his nomination to the Supreme Court and perhaps even an actual criminal trial. Nevertheless, they are not worthy of ruining a man’s lifetime of hard work 38 years into the future.

Kavanaugh spent decades of his life working towards this dream position.

His case is high-profile, but he is surely not alone worldwide in coming under scrutiny for long-past adolescent actions. The fact that his dream could have been destroyed in days, merely due to unproven accusations of his behavior from his young adult years that were brought to the public’s attention, is baffling.

No one should be deprived of the opportunity to pursue his or her dreams because of immature decisions made in the past. In 30 years, people change; they become more mature and more thoughtful thinkers.

Therefore, one’s past should have a limited impact on their ability to achieve their dreams and goals. As previously noted, your past does not define you; each struggle is a stepping block to reach your true potential. It is impossible to reach what is in front of you until you let go of what is behind you.

Infographic by Julia Benedetto (‘19)/ Eastside Opinions Editor

CULTURE

November 2018

EASTSIDE

Page 17

Sword dancers take a stab at ancient arts Thanks-

giving Movie and Television Picks

■ By Zoe Culver (‘19)

Eastside Culture Editor

When you hear “sword dancing,” what do you think of?

While the first thing that comes to mind might be knights in shining armor, the ancient performance of sword dancing is actually a graceful, even beautiful, dance displaying Korean tradition.

Sword dancing is a traditional mode of performance from South Korea.

This dance is an elegant display of Korean culture.

It is flowy, soft and usually performed in groups.

Also known as Geommu, it was started over a thousand years ago in South Korea because of an ancient legend. The story says that Hwangchang, a young sword dancer, was performing for a king in a rival kingdom. During his performance, he killed the king with his sword. After his dance, the people of his kingdom celebrated his victory by continuing to sword dance. Since then,

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, reflection and, of course, great entertainment. These movies and television shows cover themes of family and community, perfect for viewing around the Thanksgiving weekend.

“October Sky” A teenager from a small mining town has aspirations of touching the stars and works towards his goal with the help of his community. If only his father supported his dreams...

Jaclyn Kim (‘21)/ Eastside Staff

KSSNJ members pose with their swords at a Korean dance competition.

February, it competed in the Asian Performing Arts Competition and won the New York Consul General Award.

For its performances, the team wears traditional Korean costumes, shipped to the United States directly from Korea.

The performers wear hanboks, which are long silk and satin dresses.

In addition to the dresses, the performers carry, of course, two swords. However, the swords used for sword dancing are not exJaclyn Kim (‘21)/ Eastside Staff actly what you KSSNJ members are dressed to dance in traditional clothing. might imagine them to with the Korean School be. While they do have the this Korean tradition has South New Jersey Dance same basic shape of what continued and made its Group, also known as KSSyou might expect of a traway across the world. Its NJ. The team only has ditional sword, they are impacts are so pervasive eight members, three of curved at the top, ending in that, to this day, the dance whom attend Cherry Hill a point on the side. On some is still performed.

East. As a part Alissa (‘20) and Amanda of the Korean Kim (‘21) have been sword community, dancing since elementary the team not school, when they began only performs learning about Korean tralocally but ditions. also competes “We were at a Korean against other school and they were holding cult u r a l dances,” Alissa said.

“Our parents just signed us up for it because they thought it would be good for

us.”

The two currently dance

swords, a tassel is attached to the end and to the handle as decoration. Although this may seem like it makes sword dancing less dangerous, the dancers still must be very careful. It is especially important since, as Alissa said, “after like one practice or one performance or competition... it’s really tiring.”

As a Korean dance team, the group does more than just sword dancing. They also perform a three-drum dance, one-drum dance and fan dance, all of which are prominent in traditional Korean dance culture.

“Each dance has a meaning behind it,” said Amanda. “Each meaning is special to how the dance came to be and why we still do these things today.”

Numerous generations of Korean-Americans come to the United States. It is through groups like the KSSNJ team that Korean-Americans are able to preserve their culture and share their traditions with new people.

“We dance so that future generations can know about it and can have the spirit in them to keep [sword dancing],” said Amanda.

“Freedom Writers” An English teacher working in an inner-city school divided by gang violence works hard to be an inspiration to her students.

“We Bought a Zoo” A single father struggling to maintain a relationship with his children makes a major decision without considering the consequences: he buys a zoo.

“Toy Story” A toy cowboy struggles to deal with the fact that his owner is growing up and may no longer need him.

“My Neighbor Totoro” Two girls move into a new home with their father and discover that the nearby woods contain magical secrets that change their views of the world.

“ET: The Extra-Terrestrial” A young boy finds an abandoned alien in the woods and must keep the alien secret until he is able to find his way home.

“Chicken Run” The chickens of an egg farm must work together with a runaway American show-chicken to escape their oppressive owners.

“Jane the Virgin” A young woman’s life is changed forever when she mysteriously becomes pregnant with the child of a man who is not her boyfriend.

“The Fosters” A multitude of adopted and foster children navigate personal crises, exploring gender, family and identity issues and celebrating personal milestones along the way.

Korean d a n c e teams.

The team has been successful in competition this p a s t year.

I n

“Modern Family” This show examines a series of unique family relationships.

Haley Lopez (‘19)/ Eastside Staff Jaclyn Kim (‘21)/ Eastside Staff

KSSNJ dancers perform a routine for a Cherry Hill audience.

“Brady Bunch” This traditional sitcom shaped the style of family dramas that would be used by TV shows for years to come. Disney Channel’s original series and many other modern comedies have taken their formula from this ‘70s TV classic.

CULTURE

Page 18

EASTSIDE

Concert ticket prices reach prohibitive rates ■ By Claire Joanson (‘19)

Eastside Culture Editor

As time goes by, most everything seems to get more and more expensive.

It seems like one day gas costs $2.50 and the next it’s three bucks. Retailers slowly hike up their prices to compete with the beast of inflation. A supposedly quick Target run somehow ends up costing $78. You are not going crazy. This is really happening. However, one product in particular rises in cost much faster than all the others: concert tickets. The good ol’ days of not having to break the bank for floor seats to a Lady Gaga concert are long over.

In recent years, concert tickets have been steadily rising at a price rate higher than that of inflation. According to a report by trade company Pollstar, ticket prices hit an all-time high in 2015. They have been increasing steadily for a long time, but soared rapidly in cost from 2010 to 2015. In North America, they rose an average of 20 percent in price over that five-year span.

There are many factors that go into the ticket price of a concert. Artists must account for the cost of producing an awe-worthy performance, with artists spending thousands a night to put on an average show. This price includes

renting the venue itself, which typically increases in cost as the seating capacity grows (which is why a show at the Wells Fargo center will likely empty your wallet more than one at a smaller venue, like the Tower Theater in Philadelphia). The lights, pyrotechnics and basic production of the show also cost a pretty penny at the expense of the performance company. They must also account for all transportation costs of the artist and all crew, including tour buses,

Haley Lopez (‘19)/ Eastside Staff

hotel rooms and set pieces, which must all travel large distances, sometimes even across the world. Tours are extremely expensive to put

on – but very, very worth the cost.

The profit margin of going on tour is extremely significant. A two-and-a half-hour show of a popular act can make millions of dollars from ticket sales alone, even before factoring in merchandise sales and the subsequent surge of album purchases that typically follow a show. If the average person at a concert is paying 100 dollars and the venue fits 50,000 people, five million dollars could b e

made in just one night of a tour...with large-scale tours typically having dozens of dates. Taylor Swift’s “Reputation” Tour is expected to make over 400 million dollars in profit. While some artists, like Swift, are able to defend their ticket prices due to the sheer productive

magnitude of the shows they produce, many artists struggle to defend a hefty price tag to their fans, leading to a deficit in those who will actually pay to see a live performance.

In a survey taken by over 100 East students of all grade levels, 82 percent reported that they have at some point in their lives opted not to go to a concert due to the price. This number reflects a growing number of people frustrated with how expensive tickets have become of late.

Jack Quarry (‘19) said, “Some concerts can be hundreds of dollars, and if you don’t get tickets right away, then the prices increase even more...not everyone has that much money to spend on just one concert.”

Quarry’s attitude is similar to that of many at East, with 68 percent of students reporting that they have noticed an increased cost in concert tickets over the past five years.

Many music experts cite streaming as one of the prime reasons that ticket prices have soared in recent years, with music sales shifting from a direct purchase of albums to the pennies earned with streaming. Artists need to get their money from somewhere... and if it’s not going to be in the album itself, they’re going to be taking it from their increasing tour prices.

Board games make a resurgence in 2018 ■ By Henry Nolan (‘19)

Eastside Culture Editor

In recent years, tabletop gaming has seen a renewed spike in popularity.

The term “tabletop game” is used to refer to board games, card games or any other game that is played over a table, as opposed to on a screen or in a field. The most famous examples of this include Sorry, Risk and Connect 4, but the extent to which such games reach is much broader.

Recent tabletop games have become much more complex. Mr. Jacob Winegrad, an East physical science teacher who has been a fan of board games since he was in college, said that when examined, older games are really quite simple.

Modern tabletop games are much more focused on skill and strategy.

A popular trend now is to take classic game mechanics and expand on them to make a more fleshedout game. Five Tribes, for example, takes the traditional mechanics of Mancala and expands them to create a game themed around the stories of 1,001 Nights.

DiXit tweaks the idea behind Pictionary to make it more thoughtbased and causes players to think empathetically about their opponents.

Mysterium combines this concept with that of Clue to create a totally new game.

In addition to these revi-

thematic sources. In Gloom, the players are asked to tell stories of their

characters’ miserable lives in order to create a fully immersive experience, and the scenarios of Dead of Winter play out like an episode of “The Walking Dead.”

This emphasis on a specific atmosphere created by a game is reminiscent of the immersiveness popularized by Dungeons and Dragons.

Some of the newer tabletop games stray from the typical player-versus-player style of gaming, and instead take the approach of Christian Torres (‘20)/For Eastside all players versus the game. Game-designer Students play Connect 4 while eating lunch.

Matt Leacock, creator of Pandemic, Forbidsions of traditional games, den Island and Forbidden “Risk, when it comes modern tabletop games are Desert, is one of the most down to it, is mostly luckmuch more focused on their well-known creators of cobased,” Winegrad said.

operative tabletop games.

His games feature multiple ways that a group can lose, and only one, challengingto-achieve way of winning, as well as a built-in method to set the game’s difficulty.

Multiple online shows in which you can watch people play tabletop games live have been greenlit over the years. These include Table Flip, WatchItPlayed and TableTop with Wil Wheaton. These videos serve the board-gaming community by introducing people to games that they had previously never heard of.

At East, a new club was formed last school year dedicated to enjoying tabletop games. Winegrad leads the club. He said he finds something special in “having a tactile medium, on a table, with friends.”

He loves the strategy that players can develop during a game, and the rewarding feeling when that strategy works out.

In the Tabletop Club, students get together and play games each Friday.

Winegrad said that at the moment it is mostly Warhammer, a role playing game with figurines. However, Winegrad hopes to expand to more types of board games, growing the club in the near future.

Art by Danny Kahn (‘19)/ Eastside Art Director

November 2018

■ By Eli Weitzman (‘20) Eastside Webmaster

L e t ’ s talk about leaks. Not to be confused with the vegetable or the term for a rupture in a boat’s exterior, leaks in the tech world represent the action of exposing the secret plans of a company’s future product releases. And they’ve likely happened to all of your favorite apps and companies.

September and October are technology launch season. Apple, LG, Microsoft and Google all have events within these two months when they launch new products.

Apple’s new iPhones both leaked months before their event, thanks to the sleuths of the tech world.

But Apple isn’t the only company to suffer from a leaking problem. LG also experienced a leak this year when its event on October 1 revealed the brandnew LG V40 ThinQ, its latest smartphone, was leaked in full the week before the event.

Even Microsoft, known for confidentiality, experienced a small leak. It held an event on October 2 where it launched some brand-new devices. But in reality, only one leaked fact was truly confirmed at launch: there is now a black color option of the Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Pro 6.

This leads me to the biggest leak of all. Google hosted its “Made by Google” event on October 9. In the past month, every device has been leaked. Probably the most infamous of leaks was Google’s Pixel 3 XL, which leaked the specifications and features of the device long before its announcement. One of the most notable leaks for the Pixel 3 XL was a month or two back, when a prototype was discovered in a Lyft by the driver and shown off to the web. In addition, details about the phone have been continually leaked.

Yet the most intriguing wasn’t even a leak at all. In China, one electronics store started selling the Pixel 3 and 3 XLs. The issue with this — and why it’s made its way onto my list — is that they started selling these phones a week before Google launched them.

Technology leaks have started to become more prevalent today, as the basis for giving consumers small “nibbles” of information. Sometimes, leaks can be taken too far, which totally ruins the product launch in its entirety.

Hopefully leaks become less disruptive, and return as just non-disruptive peeks of what’s to come.

Otherwise, future tech launches could become very, very boring.

SPORTS

November 2018

EASTSIDE

East grad takes on the NBA market

ketball coach or a lawyer. He helped coach East basketball for three years while in law school. After graduating Over the years, many East students from the Temple University Beasley have become household names after School of Law and receiving his Juris graduating. Personalities such as Los Doctorate, Rose went on to work as a Angeles Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershprosecutor and coach basketball for iser (‘76) and singer-songwriter Toby two years at Rutgers University-CamLightman (‘96) may come to mind as den. Shortly after that, he became a notable East alums. East prides itself partner of the South Jersey law firm as a respected institution of learning Sherman, Silverstein, Kohl, Rose and that breeds intelligent and capable Podolsky. students, and The first there is no betprofessional ter example of basketball that standard player whom than Leon Rose Rose repre(‘79). sented was Rose, a NaTemple gradtional Basketuate Rick ball Association Brunson. superagent, has Brunson represented would later players such as start a family Lebron James, of his own, as Chris Paul and his son Jalen Carmelo Antho– whom Rose ny. Before Rose also reprecould become sents – was the top sports recently agent that he is drafted by today, he first the Dallas had to walk the Mavericks. same halls as Rose said, East students “That’s realdo now. ly special, go“The late ‘70s ing full circle was an interestwith a father ing time,” said and son.”

Rose. “I enjoyed Rose aphigh school... preciates Growing up, that his job my passion was is not just basketball.” special for Rose had a Courtesy of Brooke Rose him, but for very success- Rose (left) celebrates with Lebron James after James’ first championship. his clients as ful high school well. He ensports career, as he was inducted into Carlisle, PA. Playing any sport at the joys helping them make their dreams the East Basketball Hall of Fame. collegiate level takes a lot of time and come true by getting them the opporRose was coached by John Valore, a dedication, but Rose was able to suctunity to play in the NBA. Rose has legendary coaching presence in East ceed at all of his goals. become known around the basketball “I always felt the athletindustry as a master negotiator. His ics helped me budget my time current clients range from Hall of better,” said Rose. “When you Famers such as Allen Iverson to relaknow you have to be at practice tively unknown players who aspire to or games, then you have to get earn a spot on an NBA roster. your work done on time.”

As an active member of the Betty Rose did not always aspire to and Milton Katz Jewish Commube a sports agent during his unnity Center, Rose has helped coach his children at the annual JCC Maccabi Games for the last seven years.

Back in 2013, the JCC honored Rose with the Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award.

“I should have given the JCC an award for allowing me to be able to SAT/ACT Prep coach in the MacTutoring and Enrichment cabi Games for seven years and share Homework Help those experiences with my children,” New Year, New Goals, New Possibilities. said Rose. “It was Every fall is a fresh start. Whether truly special.” your child’s math background is one With his clients spread across the of success or struggle, Mathnasium country, one would can transform their school year. The think Rose would Mathnasium Method™ gives them the live in a big entersolid math and critical thinking skills tainment business they’ll need for their SAT/ACT, graduacity such as New York City or Los tion, and beyond. We’re the authority in Angeles. However, math education, with over 900 learning unlike many of his institutions worldwide. peers, Rose opted to raise his kids and Schedule a comprehensive live in Cherry Hill, the town that has assessment today! always supported Changing Lives Through Math ™ him. He made sure to attend every one Courtesy of Brooke Rose of his children’s basRose greets clients Chris Paul, the Houston ketball games when Rockets point guard, and Joel Embiid, who they were students, plays center for the Philadelphia 76ers. and he continually dergraduate studies. Rose was supports his local community.

874 a political science major and Rose hopes to continue to make his education minor and became community proud, assist in making certified to teach high school his clients’ dreams come true and be history. He wanted to be a basthe best father possible.

■ By Adam Dashevsky (‘19)

Eastside Sports Editor

and South Jersey. The two shared a very close bond during their time together, and Valore is beyond happy to see the success Rose has attained in his career.

Valore said, “The most important thing that I want [people] to be aware of is Leon the person. His senior year, I reached out to [him] and asked him if he would be the godfather to my son.”

Rose went on to play Division III basketball at Dickinson College in

Page 19

Liang at home on the tennis court ■ By Sophia Liang (‘19)

Eastside Editor-in-Chief

O n a sundrenched August morning, I stepped onto the East tennis courts as a freshman, my heart pounding, fingers nervously fiddling with my racquet. It was the first day of preseason, and I couldn’t shake off one nagging thought — I didn’t belong there.

Sure, I played tennis, but I wasn’t a tennis player.

There’s a difference, you see. Tennis players are quick and strong. I was klutzy and heavy-handed, and the very first time I tried to hit a serve, my toss hit me in the face and bent my glasses. Tennis players are confident and assertive.

I was shy and awkward and perpetually had my nose stuck in a book. I looked around at the forehands whizzing by and the girls who seemed impossibly better than me, and I thought that maybe I just wasn’t cut out for this sport.

This isn’t a story about finally uncovering my hidden athletic talents or leading my team to victory in The Big Game. My next four seasons would have their fair share of double faults, missed shots, sprained ankles and bitter defeats. But along the way, there was also cheering from the bleachers and off-key singing on the bus.

There were aces, high-fives and “you got this.” There was sweat and sunscreen and a sisterhood unlike any I’ve ever experienced.

As my senior season drew to a close and I counted down the milestones one-by-one — last pop of a freshly-opened ball can, last scuffle for the snacks, last time pulling on an East uniform in the locker room — I was incredibly proud to say goodbye on such a high note. If you’d told me in freshman year that I’d eventually be playing varsity for a team that swept the Olympic Conference and the sectional title, I would’ve laughed. I didn’t belong there. I wasn’t cut out for that. I couldn’t have imagined how deeply influential two coaches, 40 teammates and one sport can be. Now I’m the one slamming forehands at opponents, and the talented girls I once admired have become friends who push me to work harder every day. I left those four seasons as a better teammate, a tougher competitor and a tennis player in my own right.

On a crisp October afternoon three years later, my team and I held up our sectional title trophy, our smiles glowing, cheeks flushed with cold and joy.

And as I ran onto the court into a giant group hug, I finally felt like I was home.

November 2018

SPORTS EASTSIDE

Page 20

Cutler represents the U.S. in street hockey ■ By Sophie Levine (‘19)

Eastside Sports Editor

Even in this day and age, there seems to be a stigma centered around which gender can play which sports. For example, many females tend to play softball instead of baseball and field hockey instead of street hockey. However, to Julia Cutler (‘20), that stigma does not exist.

This past summer, Cutler participated in the U20 Women’s Street Hockey Tournament in the Czech Republic. She played on the United States Under 20 team as a 16-year-old.

Her journey to this tournament was not an easy feat.

Cutler started her street hockey career when she was eight or nine years old.

Her brothers inspired her to start playing, as they were both street hockey players as well. Forced to sit and watch at her brothers’ games, most times in the dead of winter, Cutler decided to lace up her sneakers and step onto the court herself.

“My parents wouldn’t leave me home alone, and it was cold in the winter, so I did not want to sit there another season, so I decided to play,” said Cutler.

Cutler started playing for Marlton Street Hockey that next winter. She happened to be the only female player on the team, which was very new to her. At first, Cutler said being on a team with all boys was a little bit awkward, especially since she was so young. However, as time went on, she was able to adjust to the environment.

Cutler said, “I was very shy at first, but then we all got close and always spent hours and hours at tournaments together traveling around.”

Cutler’s street hockey team would practice every week and participate in tournaments in the spring. In the winter, she would play in a recreational league. In the spring, Cutler played for a travel team. Despite having to try out for the team, she made the cut, and when she was eleven, Cutler and her team traveled to Montreal to play in the Montreal Cup. Her team won that tournament, an achievement that, to this day, she is very proud of.

As Cutler grew older, she aged out of the Marlton Street Hockey League.

She then moved on to play on a team in Philadelphia.

The team plays in many tournaments, which is how she was able to move up to play on the United States U20 team. Since the team is not part of a set league, they channel all of their time and energy into tournaments. Cutler plays either as a right wing or left wing forward.

Cutler’s experience with Team USA started last winter when someone encouraged her to give it a try. She attended the tryouts last summer with her brothers and a friend, and the rest is histo-

ry. Since it was the team’s first year playing, Cutler said she “kind of felt like this was unorganized, but [the team] got through it.” Together they put together a few practices and then played in a couple of tournaments in the fall and winter.

They also went to places such as Massachusetts and Connecticut to play in high-level tournaments.

This past July, the team traveled to the Czech Republic to play in a tournament, in which it versed Slovakia, Canada, Great Britain and the Czech Republic.

Courtesy of Julia Cutler (‘20) Despite playing Cutler traveled with her U20 Women’s United States National Street Hockey Team to the Czech against some Republic this summer to play in an international tournament. of the highest competition hockey. This helped her Canada and Slovakia… I in the women’s U20 age team come out victorious was the only American to group, Cutler was able to over Great Britain, with win,” said Cutler. hold her own. a final score of 4-0.

Team USA made it all “Czech was really good, To top it all off, Cutthe way to the Bronze MedSlovakia was really good, ler was named the al Game against Slovakia Canada was really good, MVP of that game. but lost the game due to a Great Britain was horIn addition, Cutgoal that was not counted. rible, and USA ler was one of The team lost 1-0. was right there at seven players Although her team lost fourth, and that’s selected in the in the Bronze Medal Game, exactly how the whole tournathe experience was neverresults turned ment to retheless amazing for Cutler. out,” Cutler said. ceive the AllShe was even featured on Throughout Star Award.

Czech television for a postthe tournament, “The other game interview, a segment Cutler won a copipeople that that showed highlights ous amount of ingot that from her game against dividual and team award were Great Britain, along with awards. In the first f r o m questions about the game. game she played, Great “I couldn’t understand against Great Britthem because their accents Britain, Cutler ain, were so heavy, so I was scored the basically just guessing the first hatanswers,” said Cutler. trick (three Cutler, also a member of goals by the East field hockey team, one playsaid that her hockey skills er in one can help her and hurt her game) in when it comes to field hockthe hisey. She described her play tory of as “awkward” because she womis used to a longer stick. en’s However, hockey helps her ball stay in shape and fuels her competitive nature. As one of the few juniors to play on Varsity, she teaches some of the younger girls and shows them how to improve their game. She tries to keep a positive attitude on and off the field, which is one of the reasons she loves street hockey and field hockey.

“I love my team and the bonds we have. I also love the competitiveness that playing on the field brings,” said Cutler.

Cutler’s athletic nature and competitive drive allow her to take risks on and off the court. She works extremely hard to be successful. She was very fortunate to have the opportunity she had over the summer, and she cannot wait to continue playing street hockey and field hockey in the fall and lacrosse in the spring.

Photo and Photo Illustration by Andrew Maier (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor