www.eastside-online.org
Vol. 48 No. 1
Cherry Hill High School East: 1750 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
October 2013
East welcomes Dr. Lawyer Chapman ■ By Jenna Wilson (‘15)
Eastside News/Features Editor
forward to doing,” Chapman said. Being with students is one thing that drew Chapman back to the job. “There’s a lot of data that says that when students feel they have relationships with adults at school that they do better, that they achieve more. I want students to
towards success. “I want everyone to get off to a good day. I want to find some way to motivate students and staff. That’s my way of motivating people. I feel if people are motivated that they will work harder,” he said. Chapman often stresses the importance of a solid work ethic. “If you work hard, put a lot of effort into your work and at all times give 110%, you are going to be successful. If you fail, try again and try again. But you will
While it may seem like a daunting goal to know the name of every student and faculty member at Cherry Hill East, interim principal Dr. Lawyer Chapman is up for the challenge. “I have a strong desire to have a relationship with each and every student, staff member and family,” Chapman said. “I want to get to know every single student, and I want every single student to get to know me.” Chapman has already made headway on his goal; he speaks with students on a daily basis. Students and staff will not find him locked in his office or with meeting after meeting scheduled—instead, he roams the halls, stopping to talk with students and staff, asking them about their day, giving them encouragement and making conversation. “I have really been very impressed, very pleased with the reception, so I feel so comfortable here,” Chapman said. Before coming to East, Chapman served as an assistant superintendent of Cherry Hill Public Schools for nine years. While he never worked directly in the building, part of his job as an assistant superintendent required him to supervise East. Chapman is no stranger to being a principal—he was principal at Thomas Paine Elementary School in Cherry Hill and Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor William Penn High School in PhiladelDr. Chapman has over 56 years of experience in education. phia. He also served as an assistant printhing that I can to make all cipal at Cherry Hill High see me, know that I am apbe successful,” he said. students be successful here School West. Chapman has proachable, know that I Chapman said he wishes at East. That’s very imporover 56 years of experience want to talk to them, know to inspire the students of tant, for all students to feel in education. that I care very much about East to work as hard as they successful, so I am willing “When I was asked by the them and that I am here for can and to learn as much as to do whatever necessary in superintendent if I would them, whatever their needs they can. order to make that happen,” come and be the principal are. I am there to meet those He said, “I often talk said Chapman. here, I jumped at the noneeds,” he said. about East being a comOne way he attempts to tion that I could do that. Chapman emphasizes munity of scholars. I truly inspire success is to start I know that East is a wonthat his main goal for his believe that. And I want to every day off with an anderful school, an outstandtime at East is to help stumake that a part of how stunouncement at 7:30 a.m. as ing school, and the oppordents be successful. dents feel about themselves. a way to motivate the stutunity for me to work here “I really care about [the I really want them to feel dents and faculty to work was something that I looked students], I want to do everythat they are scholars.”
Inside This Issue
Faculty hits stage News/Features, Pg. 2
JT still shines Entertainment, Pg. 8
Students voice their opinions of Dr. Lawyer Chapman:
“He’s a good principal. He’s well-spoken and he knows what he’s doing. He’s a great leader.” - Eric Landis (‘17) “I feel as if he’s investing himself in the East community, showing us he really cares about the students and the school.” - Aaron Molotsky (‘15) “He’s putting in a lot of effort to make the school better. He’s getting students more motivated. He’s very enthusiastic about supporting East.” - Emily Lewis (‘15) “I think that when he gets on the loudspeaker and gives us a motivational talk, it really builds my confidence for the rest of the day and it’s a positive start to my day.” - Cheyanna Baker (‘14) “He makes a really good impact on people and he makes people remember him.” - Arisa Komatsu (‘14) “He really gets involved and he’s really trying to get involved with the students.” - Megan Sooy (‘14) “He’s very focused on having his students be scholarly and he’s very enthusastic about having us be educationally advanced.” - Katia Bennett (‘16)
Soccer enters new era Sports, Pg. 12
Page 2
NEWS/FEATURES EASTSIDE
Faculty musical is sure to be sweet
October 2013
All of the changes that SGA has undergone thus far have only been posiRoss Peterzell tive. SGA is striving (‘14) to reach the SGA President goal of unifying the entire school. With the addition of new advisor, Ms. Germscheid, every day is efficient. Entering my last year at East, I truly want to make the best out of it and I wish the same for the student body. It’s only October and I am so impressed with SGA.
Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor
The faculty rehearses a number for Charlie and the College Factory.
Faculty musical replaces chocolate with college ■ By Haley Schultz (‘14) Eastside News/Features Editor
It is always interesting to see teachers on stage performing in their very own show. Those who loved 2011’s The Wuz were excited to find out that the East faculty has been working on another faculty musical, which will hit the auditorium on October 25. “It’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but we sort of morphed it into Charlie and the College Factory. It’s a high school play and we’re using the high school staff, so we figured we’ll try and get a different moral in the story, so we kind of incorporated different East aspects or just high school aspects in general to, ultimately, come to the point that the race towards college isn’t the only thing and the most important thing,” said Mr. Bert Figueroa, who worked closely with Mr. Pete Gambino and Mr. Greg Gagliardi on writing the play. “It’s kind of like who you are, how you spend your time here at high school, not just where it’s going to get you. So the focus is more geared toward being the best person you can be where you are and with what you have.” This play is taken seriously by all the teachers, considering that a good number of faculty members
auditioned for the play. The trio of writers and director Mr. Tom Weaver sat in a room and made the cast list. “It was really hard, I mean it was hard to do, and the faculty members read for it and they really were excited about it. We tried to pick the people that would be best for the audience and to carry out the part and, as we saw it, the personality of the character,” said Figueroa. But after the seriousness, the fun begins. “It’s a great way for the faculty to bond, and it’s fun,” said Mrs. Pat Dilba, who plays Candy. The faculty is excited to get on stage and give a great show. “I have zero talent but lots of enthusiasm,” said Mr. Bill Kovnat, who plays Shakespeare. “You throw me up on stage and just say ‘do something,’ I can do anything you want. I can adlib an entire show if I have to.” Mrs. Katie Kelly, who plays an MDU graduate, also has a positive attitude about the faculty musical. “I’m really excited to do this again. The first time was so much fun and when I was in high school, I think I was afraid to do musical theatre and I’m having so much fun doing it now,” said Kelly. Ms. Lisa Hamill
can attest to the nervousness that some of the teachers feel. “I’m nervous about singing. I have a whole song that apparently is, quote, my big number, and I am a little nervous about it,” said Hamill. The show does not come without a good cause. “It’s not just something we’re doing for fun, it’s an actual fundraiser that we’re really hoping will excite people to come on out and support our school and support Moose’s scholarship fund. It’s an Education Foundation, which is scholarships for you [students] and then Moose’s fund, which is for thespians. So that’s what we’re raising money for,” said Gambino. As Dilba said, the sold-out nature of The Wuz adds to the popularity of this show. “The show sold out in, like, two days. And so that’s very gratifying. I guess the kids do want to see us in a different way,” Dilba said. Added Gambino, “It’s a way for us to make fun of you in an educational way.” Mr. George Zografos, who is now at Rosa International Middle School this year as a new assistant principal, is coming back to join his friends on stage. Zogarafos, who plays one of the Bumpa Lumpas, said he is participating in the musical because of
his East pride “and for Mr. Musumeci, that’s the reason why I did this, he talked me into this.” Zografos added, “Also I had such a good time with The Wuz, just to see all my new friends again.” Weaver directed some of the same teachers in The Wuz and said he could not wait to start directing this new play. “We usually teach kids together, we struggle through union matters together, we deal with new teaching methods and things like that that we’re instructed to do, whining about new schedules or the half hour earlier in the morning. Now all of a sudden I’m doing something fun with them,” said Weaver. “And we can enjoy each other’s company more as friends and less as colleagues.” Weaver said that there is a special bond among those who perform in plays, regardless of age. “They realize that they have invested a lot of time into the rehearsals and there’s a great investment of creativity, of time, and when you perform, you run the risk of people criticizing you. So actors take chances that a lot of people won’t take, so that’s what makes them nervous, but that also is what bonds us together. So I’m kind of proud of them for that reason too,” said Weaver.
Art by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
This year SGA has a lot of g r e a t things planned for the senior class. Maddy The seBerman niors are (‘14) excited to start senior activities like dominating Spirit Week and Powder Puff. After that, SGA will get busy with designing class apparel and planning the Senior Prom! It’s going to be a great year for the Class of 2014! Without a doubt, my #1 goal for this year w o u l d be to not come in Sam Snyder last again for Spirit (‘15) W e e k . As the underdogs, the juniors will surprise everyone when we blow out every other class, beating even the seniors for first place. And once that feat is accomplished, we will raise enough money to throw the best Junior Prom East has seen. We have a great new group of representatives and officers that will help lead the junior class to a very successful year. I have m a n y plans for the school year bet w e e n Cotillion Kennedy and Prom. Omari There is so (‘16) much for the officers and representatives to do to plan for Spirit Week and other school functions. The Sophomore SGA plan for the year is: “win everything and leave nothing for the rest.” I firmly believe that with this motto, we can achieve success. Results of Class of 2017 Elections: President: Sung Kwang Oh Vice Presidents: Kevin Chen Jordyn Elkan Julia Wolf SGA logo by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
October 2013
COMMUNITY EASTSIDE
Page 3
Springdale Farms embraces the fall harvest season ■ By Allie Grossman (‘16)
Eastside Community Editor
It’s that time of the year again: leaves are drifting downward from the trees and people are starting to carve pumpkins into jacko-lanterns. The beginning of fall marks the beginning of the many activities that come to life at Springdale
Farms in Cherry Hill. The activities range from corn mazes to pumpkin picking. Jackie Caputo, the event coordinator at Springdale Farms, said children of all ages enjoy the corn maze. “The most popular time teenagers enjoy the maze is Flashlight Fridays because it is dark,” said Caputo.
Caputo also explained how the farm uses a different kind of corn in the corn maze—the same kind that is used in cereals. The corn they use is field corn, not sweet corn. “I personally have never been able to finish the maze,” said Caputo, who rated the difficulty of the maze an eight out of ten.
Luckily, for those people who can rarely find their way out, there is always someone in the watchtower for guidance. “We are the only ones around who do campfire hayrides and the only local farm who does corn mazes,” said Caputo. Another popular event that takes place is pump-
Andi Leff (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor
The Corn Maze runs September 13 to November 3, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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kin picking. This event is so popular that they never really have a surplus. “But if we do [have a surplus], Ponzio’s purchases the pumpkins, as well as The Tortilla Press,” said Caputo. Clearly, there are many things to look forward to this fall. Which activity will you first attend?
Westmont Market offers fresh food ■ By Julia Rothkoff (‘16)
Eastside Community Editor
From May through October, farmers markets are in full swing. Typically held outdoors, farmers markets host vendors who sell fruits, vegetables and other products. The Westmont Market is available to help fulfill people’s mid-week produce needs. The Westmont Market, which is the smallest of all the farmers markets in the area, is open every Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and runs from the first Wednesday in May to the last Wednesday in October. Douglas Kelly, the market director of the Westmont Market, said that the majority of its vendors are nearby from areas in South Jersey, Philadelphia, Cape May, Mays Landing, Vineland and Swedesboro. For dinner, the market has a salad stand called
Kevin’s Salad Station that has a wide variety of ingredients and homemade salad dressings. To complete the dinner, there is a vendor selling homemade fruit juices filled with antioxidants. According to Kelly, the market is the busiest during the middle of the summer. “[In] June, July and August, we rocked it,” Kelly said. As for why the Westmont Market stands out from the other markets in the area, Kelly said, “Our mid-week timing is perfect for shopping while you commute home. Plus, we have dinner [and the market’s] location is adorable.” Towards the end of the market, a perky woman named Brooke Dodds mans the stand for her homemade empanadas. Dodds’ stand is called Empanada Mama’s and she creates many vari-
eties of empanadas, including gluten-free ones. Dodds’ stand at the Westmont Market has been going well and is generally busy. “I would say [the busiest time] is summertime. As for time of day, dinner is the busiest, so five and six o’clock,” Dodds said. Dodds also noted that seventy-five percent of the ingredients that she uses to make her empanadas are grown at local farms. When asked why the Westmont Market stands out from the rest of the markets in the area, Dodds said, “the people are really great; the customers and the people are really nice. It is just a really great overall feel.” The Westmont Market provides an excellent shopping atmosphere and thus is a great place to buy and eat locally grown foods when the season is right.
Christy Marrella-Davis College Consultant
311 Tearose Lane Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 Home: 856.795.4143 • Mobile: 609.744.8666 Email: cmarrella@aol.com
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Julia Rothkoff (‘16)/ Eastside Community Editor
Frequent shoppers browse through the Westmost Farmers Market. For more information, visit www.westmontfarmersmarket.com.
OPINIONS
Page 4
EASTSIDE
October 2013
Stop fracking, start using renewable energy
■ By Gilana Levavi (‘14) Eastside Opinions Editor
Can you imagine being able to ignite the water that comes out of your tap? That rather than extinguishing fire, the water from your tap would burst into a flame when it comes in contact with a lit match? This seemingly absurd idea becomes a feasible reality when a process called hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” is used to reach underground natural gas. Humanity’s need for fuel to power our modern civilizations is endless. Many of the sources of this fuel, however, are not endless; they are finite, limited resources. And the use of many of these resources has endless, irreversible, environmental and human health repercussions. In Cherry Hill, natural gas is a major fuel source used for such purposes as heat and cooking. Natural gas is found below ground, trapped between and within rock formations. A particularly gas-rich rock formation, known as Marcellus-Shale, is located nearby, in large sections of
Pennsylvania, upstate New York, The pressurized fluid travels Ohio and West Virginia. through the perforations to Although argued to be the create fractures in the surcleanest fossil fuel, the fact rerounding rock formations, almains that shale gas is, in fact, lowing the gas to flow into the a fossil fuel, which is not renewpipes and up to the ground able within a time frame relevant surface where it is collected to humans. As and transa fossil feul, Hydraulic fracturing, a meth- ported for natural gas use. also releases od used to extract natural gas T h e carbon dioxide from underground, uses toxic, f r a c k i n g into the atmoconcancer-causing chemicals in fluid sphere when tains chemclose proximity to the water icals known burned, contributing to clito be toxic sources that fill our taps. mate change. and carNot only cinogenic, that, but hydraulic fracturing, such as lead, uranium, merthe process used to extract natucury, ethylene glycol, radium, ral gas from these rock formamethanol, hydrochloric acid tions, is toxic. and formaldehyde. Fracking To begin the fracking process, is often performed in close a vertical pipeline is drilled into proximity to underground the ground. Then, at the bottom aquifers that supply drinking of this vertical shaft, a horizonwater to residential areas, so tal pipe line is drilled. Small these virulent toxins, as well perforations are made in this as methane gas, easily leak horizontal pipe using electriinto the water supply, leadcal charges. Next, a highing to the potential for flampressure fluid containing ing faucets. water, sand and chemicals Additionally, the process is injected into the pipes. requires huge amounts of
clean water: about 8 million gallons per fracking process. Some of the fracking fluid is recovered back to the ground surface after fracking and left to evaporate in open pits, releasing the toxins into the air, while the rest continues to contaminate soil and water supplies as it sits in undeground pools. Current technology does not allow used fracking fluid to be purified. In a world where water is a finite resource, and millions lack enough clean water to quench their thirsts, we cannot afford to contaminate what little water we have. Although fracking has arguably created jobs and improved the economic conditions in some areas, it has done so at profound, long-lasting costs to the environment and human health. Fracking must be stopped. Instead, we need to focus our efforts on improving the efficiency and use of truly clean, renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind power, which can create not only jobs, but also a sustainable, healthy future for our planet and ourselves.
Art by Helena Sirken (‘15) / Eastside Art Director
Cherry Hill applicants must meet higher standards ■ By Alex Grayson (‘14)
Eastside Opinions Editor
When it comes to the college admissions process, we, the residents of Cherry Hill, are disadvantaged by our advantages. There is simply no muffling the loud cries of privilege that our quaint town of Cherry Hill exudes. And it’s not without cause – most Cherry Hill residents are highly privileged financially and academically. The 2010 census revealed that the Cherry Hill median family income was $105,786 - two and a half times higher than the national median. Regardless of your own personal condition, you are judged by the address line on your application. For the majority, it is a fair assessment. Despite what your tear-inducing college essay might read, most of us are all in the same over-packed boat: the boat of upper-middle-class privilege. “Roughing it” in the “scary” metropolis of Philadelphia doesn’t make us
any less privileged. On the public high schools in the tremendous weight on an same note, domestic hicnation. admissions process that is cups – like a messy divorce As cliché as it sounds, the becoming more common. or a less-than-perfect finanfacts speak for themselves. The “admissions procial situation – doesn’t deWe are, in the grandest cess” I am talking about is tract from our privilege. sense of the word, privithe “holistic” process. The For all of us, we are the leged, if not economically, holistic process is sweepbeneficiary and therefore surely educationally – and ing the dark, enigmatic the victims of educational this very privilege bears world of undergraduate adprivilege. missions and has O u r slowly emerged as schools are a ubiquitous staamongst the ple for competitive best in the schools. nation. East An MIT admisreceived the sions officer offers Blue Ribbon a loose definition: Award from “[The] ‘holistic adthe U.S. Demissions process’ partment of essentially means Education. that [we] take The New into account many Jersey Dedifferent factors, partment and that we unof Educaderstand that it tion named is the interaction East a “Star of these myriad School.” factors which conOur SAT stitutes the appliscores far cant.” exceed state The holistic adand namissions process tional averdoesn’t solely rely ages. Adon merit and the ditionally, humdrum list of Newsweek extracurricular acranked East tivities. It looks at this year the bigger picture. in the top 2 And the bigHelena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director percent out This student boasts near-perfect grades and scores ger picture under of 21,000 but is rejected nonetheless. this process, for us
Cherry Hill East students, is bleak. Sure, the great majority of East students are hardworking academic warriors – dominating a multitude of AP courses and landing in that 1800 range on their SAT’s with admirable finesse. But, academic excellence is not enough to set oneself apart in that vast sea of applicants when coming from Cherry Hill. Admission officers have become increasingly savvy – they are cognizant of the correlation between SAT scores and family income. They also, furthermore, know that the great majority of us have the academic cavalry at our disposal— whether it be one tutor or five tutors. Our strong academic capability is frankly underwhelming to most universities. I mean, we live in Cherry Hill. Most of us aren’t working side jobs to help our parents keep up with bills and very few of us are living in wretched conditions, dodging bullets. The overwhelming majority of us go to school, attend to our activities, and do our school work. It’s not See STANDARDS, pg. 5
OPINIONS
October 2013
EASTSIDE
Page 5
Use tablets in school to save costs, trees and back pain ■ By Keshav Amaro (‘15)
Eastside Opinions Editor
Welcome back! The school year begins again. We all rush to a local Staples or Office Depot to get the basic necessities. Binders, notebooks, folders and pens are all on the agenda and we as students end up with cumbersome backpacks and back pain as
we shuffle these supplies to and from school. Technology is changing the way the world does business, so why not our classrooms? Many schools, such as the Cherry Hill Public Schools, are taking the education of their students to the next level with WiFi network access. More and more classrooms are equipped with
Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
The cost of school supplies stacks up.
up-to-date technology and students can now bring their own devices to school thanks to the “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) policy instituted this year. Thus paperless solutions are within our reach. Distance learning can take away from social interactions that are vital to the high school environment. Online classes are fine for the homeschooler. But the rigor of any high school education could be more easily managed through the use of a tablet for each student. The Internet provides an extremely wide source of information and being able to access it could increase our knowledge bank and increase test scores and productivity. East Orange Campus High School in Essex County, NJ, decided to put a brand new Galaxy Tablet in the hands of every senior student. Now, with the help of a partnership with Verizon, students can download every textbook they need onto their tablets while having the power of the Internet at their disposal. The students won’t have to worry about losing their tablets either because of the builtin GPS navigation system, which allows students to track their device as well as deactivate it. The web on the tablet is restricted, with sites like YouTube, Facebook and Twitter blocked. It is a much healthier and more eco-friendly alternative. Tablets present a better solution for lighter backpacks and easier realtime information for students and teachers alike. The cost effectiveness of a tablet will, over time, prove its worth. If a high school issues a student a tablet entering the ninth grade, then that student would keep that tablet for his entire school experience. By preventing the excessive purchase of school supplies
Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
A student works on her iPad with a stylus. and giving students easy access to knowledge, this will save time and money. Having a brand new tablet (just a bigger smart phone) in front of them could also potentially recapture the interest of students who were previously not motivated. Right now, there are schools where students are required to have tablets. A school district in Winnipeg, Canada, requires that all students from sixth grade to eighth grade carry an iPad. “The iPad will become the essential learning tool in the classroom,” said Principal Andrew Mead of George Waters Middle School, “just as a basketball … would be to a basketball game.” The tablets will replace textbooks and many of the students’ worksheets this upcoming year and over
1,000 students received free tablets. Many students look forward to working on them this school year. All in all, school-related tablet use would benefit all students. Schools all around the world are starting to implement this newfound technology into everyday school life. Teachers and administrators in Salem County, NJ, use the iPad 2 for board meetings and attendance, and schools in Canada and Finland use them as alternatives to textbooks for everyday school life. Devices accessible to us, such as stationary computers in school libraries and classrooms, are not used efficiently or frequently enough to improve our education. But a convenient, cost-effective tablet for each student would prove worthwhile in the end.
lives, practically devoid of any substantial adversity, we really need the wow factor to get into the competitive schools. Unfortunately for us, just about everything we do at East to distinguish ourselves inevitably has some nuance of privilege, whether it be DECA conventions, a varsity sport, Habitat for Humanity or even acting in a school play. The mere fact that we have the time and resources to take part in these activities alludes to privilege. Our stellar academic ability is expected and most of our activities come across with “smacks of
privilege.” We didn’t choose to live in Cherry Hill – most of us were born into this life. But, nonetheless, we are disadvantaged by our advantages. Our steadfast commitment to academics and astonishing devotion to extracurriculars is viewed in the lesser. We are held to higher standards because of our upper-middleclass backgrounds. With the rigid implementation of proposition 209 and the eradication of affirmative action, universities trying to diversify are walking a fine line between fairness and outright discrimination.
The untold standards of admissions Continued from pg. 4 as easy as it sounds, I know. But it’s the expectation that comes along with the zip code. Ruth Starkman, an application reader for UC-Berkley and a New York Times writer, was repeatedly told to look for “stressors” defined by Berkeley as “socioeconomic disadvantages that admissions offices can use to increase diversity.” Starkman writes, “We had been told to read for the authentic voice over students whose writing bragged of … anything that ‘smacks of privilege.’” With our comfortable
Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
EDITORIAL
Page 6
EASTSIDE
Editorials represent the views and opinions of the Eastside Editorial Board.
Lab system better but still has kinks
Students should have more control over the process of labbing out Our school is changing...again. Since introducing the new schedule last year, our district has decided to carry out more changes by modifying the lab system. This year, labs are no longer two consecutive periods. Instead, students have science classes five out of the six days with the long day – the day with four 88-minute classes – used for the lab. Since classes are longer this year, two back-toback periods would have lasted virtually two hours. Studies support that students can only concentrate for approximately 20 minutes at a time unless otherwise engaged in some sort of activity. Changes in scenery and learning material are necessary to refresh a student’s mind. With the experiment now taking place during the 88-minute period and our lab-out period taking place on the day we would not have science, teachers can now be more productive in class. This new system allows for a better use of class time since there is less time to fill up. It reduces the amount of confusion with due dates and class assignments since there is only one day the class
does not meet. Also, it allows classes to be taught more effectively. However, the school has done nothing to improve the still unjust “order of labbing.” Currently a student can only lab out of study hall, music electives and gym, in that order. Students should not be forced to lab
only lab out of music? If the district reasons that one can miss a music class without being left behind, then it is terribly mistaken. The chorus and the band utilize that class time to focus on details as a whole and prepare for their performances. The class is supposed to be a time in which it is guaranteed that every member will be there, but if two or three people are labbing out, the teacher will not want to waste class time the next day to explain just to them what they missed. Also, if ten or fifteen students lab out, the class is unproductive with many students not present. Students should have the choice of labbing out of any class that does not have a level (R, A, H or AP) attached to it. Some students may choose to lab out of physical education, for example, while other may choose to lab out of art. In this way, the individual student will choose to lab out of the class that he or she can most afford to miss. Although the removal of the double-period lab Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director is a great achievement, the lab system still has out of their study halls. Students who its problems. The system increases participate in sports or hold a partthe effectiveness of class time and time job rely heavily on study hall to decreases the confusion amongst the do schoolwork that they do not have science classes, but it also provides an the time to do at home. Besides, what unfair choice in lab electives and premakes music electives less important vents students from taking the classes than other electives that students can they want.
October 2013
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Editors to readers: Eastside adopts software changes
Eastside has gone through a variety of changes for the 2013-2014 school year, hence the small size of this issue. For thirteen years, Eastside has been designed via Quark XPress 6.0, which could not be installed on Windows 7, the operating system to which the Cherry Hill School District has switched. Eastside now utilizes Adobe InDesign, a modernized version of the previous design medium. As the board undergoes changes with the updated design protocol, Eastside expects to gradually adjust. Eastside ensures that the future issues will be longer in length; however, the first issue had to be condensed as editors learned and practiced with the new software.
Friends of Eastside
Benefactors
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Contributors
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Advocates
Editors-in-Chief: Rachel Cohen, Kaylin Magosin, Kayla Schorr
News/Features Editors Meghna Kothari Haley Schultz Jenna Wilson
Opinions Editors Keshav Amaro Alex Grayson Gilana Levavi
Photo Editors Andi Leff Jordan Stein Ali Wooten
Sports Editors Jacob Borowsky Nick Ciocco Marlee Zeitz
Entertainment Editors Abby Hoffman Dani Roth
Video Editor Eric Thompson
Community Editors Allie Grossman Julia Rothkoff Underground Editors Rebecca Cohen Bogdan Vitoc
Humor Editors Lanxi Li Molly Schultz
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Radio Managers Brielle Clearfield Frankie Rossetti Art Directors Rachel Pacitti Helena Sirken
Webmaster Maya Mintz Business Managers Abe Granoff David Linsky Adviser Mr. Greg Gagliardi
Contact the Board: To contact a member of the Eastside Editorial Board via email, type the person’s first name followed by a period, then his or her last name followed by “@eastside-online. org,” ie: bogdan.vitoc@ eastside-online.org. (Note: There is a dash between “eastside” and “online”)
COMICS
October 2013
EASTSIDE
Victims Of Early Start Time by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
The Evolution Of Miley Cyrus by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
Attitudes by Lucy He (‘15)/ Eastside Staff
A Message From Demogorgon “Hello. This is a message sponsored by Demogorgon, your friendly and slightly menacing high school literary magazine. Perhaps you have heard of us. Perhaps you haven’t. It doesn’t really matter, because now you know of our existence, and therefore should be compelled to follow these... Suggestions. A literary magazine requires sustenance. Sustenance comes from the minds of our freshmeat - I mean freshmen - sophomores, juniors, and even seniors, stricken by the greatest high school disease of senioritis. With the minds of our student body -- minds forming aimless thoughts into words, poems, stories -- we keep this hungry magazine at bay. Your words fuel our fires. And- and if you don’t like to write, but use your mind and talent for the visual arts? The magazine likes pictures, too. Photographs, paintings, interesting doodles with interesting people -- we’re happy for it all. So consider submitting for the Demogorgon Literary Magazine, based in B246 with meetings every Monday. Submit through eastdemogorgon@gmail.com, and perhaps even follow our Twitter, @eastdemogorgon. Consider it, be compelled, be unable to fight the instinct that leads you to send your poetry, short stories, art, and photography to us. Feed the magazine, or it shall feed on you. Okay, not really. But seriously, though, please contact and send anything you’re proud of, or maybe even not so proud of. We’re happy for all submissions, so please - Send something in.”
If YOU want to see your COMIC here... Contact the Art Department. E-mail art@eastside-online.org
Page 7
ENTERTAINMENT
Page 8
EASTSIDE
October 2013
“Trophy Timberlake has no plans to say “Bye, Bye, Bye” Wife” ■ By Abby Hoffman (‘14) Sync became a huge hit, alongside Cameron Diaz “Where is the Love?” and first in Europe and then and Friends With Benefits T.I for “Dead and Gone.” meets high in America. With a wide alongside Mila KuHe was nominated for mulWhether it is Justin Timvariety of hit singles rangnis. He produced tiple Grammy Awards impressive ability ing from “Tearin’ Up My and provided and has won four expectations berlake’s to sing, dance and act—also Heart” to “Bye, Bye, Bye,” vocals for Primetime Emmys Eastside Entertainment Editor
■ By Dani Roth (‘15)
Eastside Entertainment Editor
While Malin Akerman’s new ABC sitcom “Trophy Wife” is anticipated to receive high ratings, don’t let the title fool you. The half-hour sitcom revolves around Kate, Akerman’s character and the protagonist of the show, who recently married an older man named Pete (Bradley Whitford). Still in the honeymoon phase of the relationship, Kate expects baggage and is willing to accept whatever comes along with her new husband, but nothing could have prepared her for his two ex-wives (Marcia Gay Harden and Michaela Watkins). One is a condescending surgeon while the other is a hippie. In addition to the wives, three children played by Ryan Lee, Bailee Madison and Albert Tsai are added into the mix. Kate may give the impression of being a “trophy wife,” but in reality she is a walking catastrophe. The show follows Kate through her daily routine, exposing both her personal and social lives as she evolves from an irresponsible partier to a responsible housewife and mother. Kate and her husband’s romantic chemistry is easygoing and depicts a true relationship. “Trophy Wife” airs on Tuesdays nights at 9:30.
called the “triple threat”— Timberlake and his fellow or his intensely good looks, bandmates were able to people all over the world garner a lot of recognition swoon at the thought of in a short amount of time. Timberlake… and for good However, Timberlake ultireason. mately decidIn 1992, ed to go solo, at the age of a heartbreak11, Timbering yet neces“From ‘Star lake made sary move that his debut helped to reon the Search’ to ‘Mirrors’ vamp his imtelevision and everything in age.W i t h ‘ N show “Star Search,” Sync behind between, Justin where he him, Timberperformed lake proceeded Timberlake’s renditions in his career, of vari- career is one of the making his ous counofficial actmost famous try muing debut sic songs. Hollywood success in 2004. From there The first he was cast role Timstories to date.” in “The berlake Mickey acceptM o u s e e d Club,” a rew a s stored television program as a journalist in that eased stars such as Edison Force, a Britney Spears, Christina movie that went Aguilera and Timberlake straight to DVD. into the world of fame and However, he voiced fortune. On this show, TimPrince Artie Penberlake performed sketch dragon in the animatcomedy, sang in music ed film Shrek the Third, videos and live concerts a hit in theaters nationand participated in “theme wide. days” in which the entire Also around this time, cast dressed and acted a Timberlake decided to recertain way in order to furcord a new album, therether entertain viewers. fore making a vocal comeAfter “The Mickey Mouse back with the release of Club” ended its final seaFutureSex/LoveSounds in son in 1994, Timberlake September 2006. put his singing abilities to From this point on, Timproper use, helping to form berlake’s career continued the band ‘N Sync. As a fiveon an upward spiral. He member all-boy band, ‘N starred in Bad Teacher
Disney reinvents films in 3D
screen. “We’re thrilled to give audiences of all ages the Today, Disney films chance to experience these from the 1990’s to the early beloved tales in an excit2000’s are recognized as ing new way with 3D,” said household gold… if you posAlan Bergman, president of sess the The Walt Disoriginal ney Studios, versions in a press reon VHS lease. or even The Lion the more King and modernBeauty and the ized verBeast opened sions on in theaters for D V D , two weeks and consider debuted Bluyourself Ray editions lucky. following their R e productions on cently, the big screen. though, Disney also Disney re-released has deFinding Nemo cided to and Monsters recirInc. in order culate to publicize its most their sequels. popular Together, the films in four films 3D in grossed aporder to proximately promote $213 million. the BluIn the Ray reupcoming leases. Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director months, DisOrigi- Disney 3D wows audiences around the nation. ney is expectn a l l y , ed to release Disney two new 3D planned to only premiere been able to appreciate the films in theaters. The Lion King in all of its timeless stories and now Audiences of all ages fi3D glory; however, with its have the privilege to see nally have the chance to unexpected success at the the films like never before revisit their childhoods and box office, more films are in 3D. Younger generarelive classics that most set to return. tions can now see the films would consider “tales as old As of January 2012, for the first time on the big as time.” ■ By Dani Roth (‘15)
Eastside Entertainment Editor
three Disney classics have already been released back in theaters for a limited time, including Beauty and the Beast, Finding Nemo and Monsters Inc. Older generations have
various albums, including Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre. He collaborated with artists in the likes of the Black Eyed Peas f o r
for his performances on “Saturday Night Live.” He recorded a large number of hit singles and albums, including his 2013 smash, The 20/20 Experience. With all of this and more under Timberlake’s belt, it is safe to say that his career is far from over and that his future is full of possibilities and triumph. Throughout the years, Timberlake has truly shown his ability to perform in any aspect of entertainment thrown his way. W h a t other person in Hollywood started their career as an actor, then became a singer/songwriter, and then once again premiered in the acting business? From “Star Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Search” to “Mirrors” Eastside Art Director and everything in-beJustin Timberlake’s career tween, Justin Timberhas made him one of the most lake is one of the most recognizable celebrities in the famous Hollywood succountry. cess stories to date. Look out for these upcoming album releases: October 22 Katy Perry, Prism October 29 Kelly Clarkson, Wrapped in Red November 5 Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP 2 November 11 Lady Gaga, Artpop November 19 Chris Brown, X November 25 One Direction, Midnight Memories
THIS COULD BE YOUR AD! But it’s not... so you’re missing out. If interested... E-mail business@eastside-online.org
October 2013
UNDERGROUND EASTSIDE
Page 9
Click, touch, move: interactions with technology ■ By Bogdan Vitoc (‘16)
Eastside Underground Editor
Thirty-five years ago, interaction with computers was limited to punching a few small characters out of a cardboard "punched card" and feeding it into a computer to analyze and spit out an answer on a bulky black-and-white monitor— after some heavy computing, of course. Obviously technology has advanced tremendously since then, and with it so have our methods of human-to-computer interaction. When Apple released its first mouse with the Lisa computer system in 1983, it brought the mouse out of obscurity and into the
hands of the consumer. The user could interact with computers much more directly than through the already existing keyboard. The interaction felt almost natural and the barrier of communication between person and device began to fade. The mouse was the first step to forming a trend of more natural computer interactions. The touchscreen followed. It allowed for the first time the ability to interact without the need of peripherals, but more importantly it provided just the right conditions for smartphones and tablets to appear. Their inherit simplicity and small size has led them
to be a staple for areas from presentations to gaming. While probably not capable of completely eradicating the computer, smartphones and tablets have rendered many people without the need for anything else. The next interaction revolution is happening right now. That is, motion control, especially that without the need of peripheral devices. Peripheral-free motion control—sorry, Wii—entered the game with Microsoft's three-eyed Kinect sensor. While much hyped, the Kinect fell short of many expectations due to inaccuracy, a comparatively small list of games and an operating system that was not
Kinect-friendly at the time of release. What set out to revolutionize gaming became the dusty toy of those who only use it to capture a brief moment of interest from others who have not seen it. Still, as the first of its kind, it does deserve ample merit. Apart from the gaming world, motion sensing technology is taking off in computers. Currently taking the center stage is David Holz and Michael Buckwald's new 80-dollar product, the Leap Motion Controller. This small device, which looks like a shrunken iPhone, is capable of detecting movements up to 1/100th of a millimeter (200 times better than the
current Kinect). Unveiled at the South by Southwest conference to an audience of bored developers who were transformed into ardent fans, the tiny device promises to bring motion control to the computer. Leap Motion Controllers’ app store, named Airspace, already houses many innovative drawing apps, maps and games. With the help of virtual assistants being developed to understand verbal requests, the Leap Motion Controller, or some similar product, will hopefully make it possible to venture into new territory of natural, just-feels-right, human-to-computer communication.
Haley Schultz (‘14)/ Eastside News/Features Editor
Interaction with technology has evolved from mouse, to touch, and now to motion, creating a more natrual communication.
Bands of Brotherly Love ■ By Rebecca Cohen (‘15)
Eastside Underground Editor
If you take a trip over the Ben Franklin Bridge, not only will you be in the home of the Liberty Bell, but you will also be in the center of a city with an extremely lively music scene. Philly is the home of famous artists such as Pink, Boyz II Men and Chiddy Bang, but underneath their radio-hit singles over the years, there is an entire world of eclectic music that hails from the City of Brotherly Love. The Wonder Years is a six-piece pop-punk band that formed in 2005. Since then, they have released four full-length albums and have gained fans worldwide. Their music has a hard rock/hardcore sound that sometimes features s o m e “screamo” elements. They sing about teen anger and hating their hometown, which attracts many high school teens whom feel the same way. When they play a hometown show, you can usually find them taking the stage of the TLA on South Street. On a totally different music note, Meek Mill also calls Philadelphia his hometown. He is a rap artist who started making music in 2003 and was signed to T.I.’s Grand Hustle label in 2011. Meek Mill is trying to make a comeback into the music scene since starting in 2003 when he solely released mixtapes. Nine years later, in 2012, he released his first full-length album, Dreams and Nightmares. Mill is also the owner of his own record company, Dream Chasers. He collaborates often with other hip-hop artists such as Drake and Big Sean. Some of his hit songs
include “Ima Boss” and “Amen.” His songs are catchy and are well-liked by avid hip-hop listeners. Even closer than Philly, Man Overboard formed right down the road in Mt. Laurel. Its members began to make music in 2008 and since then, the five-person band has received an increasing number of listeners. Its music has the typical alternative-pop sound, very much like a Blink182-type band. The band’s three fulllength albums have been hits among fans and its song “Love Your Friends, Die Laughing” seems to be a common favorite. Man Overboard falls into the same category as The Wonder Years and can be caught in concert at one of Philly’s smaller venues. Finally, The Starting Line is an older band that started in 1999, and the members are still frequent performers and have retained a solid fan base. Its music, too, falls into the alternative genre and the band often performs at venues such as the TLA and The Electric Factory. Its five studio albums have been keeping fans interested since The Starting Line’s first release in 2002. Eleven years later, fans still go to see this band play live. Lying deep beneath the top layer of mainstream music flowing out of Philly is the diverse music that the city is known for. So close to home, there are many lesser-known musicians out there that are worth a listen. These various artists are what make Philadelphia’s music scene so interesting, and each of these artists plays an important role in the culture of the city. The Wonder Years and Meek Mill logos by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director Man Overboard and The Starting Line logos by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
HUMOR
Page 10
EASTSIDE
East student finds alligator on third floor ■ By Lanxi Li (‘16)
Eastside Humor Editor
East students have heard about the swimming pool on the third floor, but strangely the News/Features section has never published a story about this exciting place. It almost seems as if nothing happens there, but for John A. Smith (‘17), this doesn’t hold true. Smith reportedly discovered an alligator inside the swimming pool on East’s third floor after spending roughly thirty minutes trying to find his science class on his first day of school. “I wasn’t really looking for the swimming pool or anything,” said Smith. “I was just kind of walking along, trying to figure out where my science classroom was. Then I saw this door that said ‘pool’ on it, so I opened it, since at that point I figured I had missed my class already.” According to Smith, the swimming pool on the third
floor contained no lifefloor of East is scientificalother dimension, allowing guards, two other freshmen ly impossible. But I didn’t him to enter a room which and exactly one alligator. understand anything that did not exist. He also pro“The alligator even happened on my first day fessed a great love for scitalked to me, which made at East, anyway.” ence-fiction B-movies. sense, because it looked “Those two things are tokind of like a cartoon allitally unconnected, though,” gator,” said Smith. “It told he said. me to go to a room that acAll three freshmen attually existed and walked tested that after exchangme to class.” ing polite hellos, the alligaErwin Rodinger (’17) and tor directed each of them Mildred Johnson (’17), the to their science classes. “It two other freshmen in the even wrote us late passes,” nonexistent room, both adsaid Johnson. mitted that they, too, had Further sightings been looking for of the alligator on their respective the third floor science classes. can be “Honestly, I was more lost than a cat in a box,” said Rodinger. T he alliga “Fortunatetor gree ts studen ly, though, ts as the Lanxi Li (‘16)/ East y arrive si the alliat the th de Humor Editor ird floor gator told me that all I . had to do was go down the Smith hall and take a left. It was hypothesized that wandervery helpful, except for the ing in vast, clueless circles reported by fact that I’m pretty sure a for an extended period of emailing humorsection@ swimming pool on the third time twisted him into annonexistenturl.com.
Teachers create classes based on Facebook posts ■ By Molly Schultz (‘14)
Eastside Humor Editor
Every August, students await the arrival of their schedules via mail so they can share their classes with friends and family on Facebook. Students can therefore gather who they share classes with and which classes other students are taking. The moment the schedules arrive in the mail, hordes of East students drop whatever they’re doing, open up their computers, log onto Facebook and
begin constructing their statuses, showing fellow East students as well as Facebook friends their teachers, classes and classrooms. Some East students even take this system a step further by using Facebook to forge new relationships with their peers. “It’s a surefire way to know the schedule of your crush... almost immediately,” said Leo Houser (‘14). “The minute Cindy Jones posted her schedule, I tried to show up at her classes and... wait, Cindy isn’t go-
Photo illustration by Lanxi Li (‘16)/ Eastside Humor Editor
Student updates Facebook to match her new schedule.
ing to read this, right?” East students, parents and teachers have all widely observed these statuses. “When we first noticed it a few years ago, we decided to take advantage of it,” said Mr. Mike Weiss, an East psychology teacher. While students share their schedule information primarily to socialize with one another, teachers also use these Facebook posts to construct their class lists for the beginning of the school year. In late August, Jen Erick (‘16) administered a survey to 200 East faculty members. She asked for the number of faculty members with Facebook accounts and their primary reasons for having these accounts. In fact, 98 percent of those surveyed had a Facebook account, and all of the faculty members who did said they kept an account primarily to aid in the construction of their class lists. “We give the students a week to put up their schedules because while some of them are eager to know who’s in their classes, some of them procrastinate,” said Weiss. “The system is a lot easier than waiting for our class lists come the first day of school.”
The new Facebook app ClassListMania tries to aid this process by searching for mentions of teachers’ names, class names and room numbers. Most teachers agree that the new Facebook system is more convenient than waiting for their traditional class lists. However, the two percent of teachers without Facebook accounts wonder about the fairness of the system. “It is better to wait until the first day of school because this teaches us to be patient and not judge a book by its cover or a child by their name,” said English teacher Ms. Daisy Schwartz. Mrs. Jennifer O’Sullivan, an East chemistry teacher, agrees. “Sometimes it’s impossible to make a definitive class list, because some students don’t put their real names on their profile. I had a student once who was Lind Zee on Facebook but Lindsey McDonagall in real life.” Students without Facebook accounts present another problem. “Simply, we have to wait until the first day of school,” said Weiss. “That’s my only complaint.”
O’Schmeeza’s retirement calls for a wild ride ■ By Kayla Schorr (‘14) Eastside Editor-in-Chief
Eastside sat down with former Cherry Hill East Principal Dr. Ron O’Schmeeza to catch up on his life after retiring from education. E: So, Dr. O’Schmeeza, what have you been doing with your spare time now that you are no longer among the community of East scholars? RO: I have been doing a lot of activities that I wouldn’t typically do during my time at East. I have been doing heavy traveling to exotic places, like Honduras, Gha-
na and Tallahassee. My favorite of the three was Tallahassee, because I got the opportunity to play golf with some old friends.
just in time for the school to start at 7:30. I’m happy I am not there for that.
E: What have you been doing in these places?
E: What do you miss most about East?
RO: Well, I went on a fullfledged African safari in Ghana and bought a nice safari hat for myself. Wherever I am, I stay out as late as possible and soak in as many cultural experiences as possible. It is definitely different for me. E: Are you at all nostalgic for your days as a Cougar? RO: No. I’m glad I got out
RO: I think I miss the school spirit the most. I really enjoyed pep rallies and Spirit Week.
Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
O’ Schmeeza poses on his safari.
E: Are you enjoying your time off from being our principal?
RO: Although I enjoy the time off from being the prin-
cipal of the school, I will always cherish my years at East since the school first opened in 1968. It was truly a pleasure.
October 2013
■ By Scholly Multz (‘14) Eastside Humor Editor
As a user of both mobile apps Vine and Instagram, I have a few comments on the seconds differentiating the two apps. Users of Vine have a maximum of seven seconds for each post. Seven seconds! I know it may not seem like a lot, because it really isn’t. The other day I was creating a Vine for my tenfollower fan base and my words kept getting cut off by those measley seconds that make Vine and Instagram different. It was considerably the most excruciating seven seconds of my life. Seven seconds that, mind you, I will never get back. Don’t waste your time on Vine. Skip right to Instagram, as they have a video limit of thirteen seconds. Some users find it difficult to express all they need to say on Vine in such a confined length of time. Thus, the revolution of Instagram’s Instavideo feature allows that extra eight seconds for cell-phone users to finish their thoughts. A longer post about “haters” ending with “haters make me famous” would probably be cut off if it were posted on Vine. Those extra eight seconds from Instagram, however, allow the user to go beyond even the fame that the word “haters” can provide. The question is pressing. After that baby you’ve recorded using Vine says something funny as soon as the seven seconds are up, or when you have too many thoughts on waking up for school that it doesn’t all fit into the Vine, what do you do? Are seven seconds enough? The extra eight seconds provided by Instagram can turn a mediocre video into one likely to make it to the popular page. It all depends on what that nine-year-old says, how relatable your how-to video is, or if that corgi does something cute. Some Instagram users say that the extra eight seconds almost make the video too long. The simple Vine posts are usually the most popular. But isn’t the point of Instavideo to give your Vine that extra push? The decision between using Vine and Instagram is a tough one, but it all depends on whether or not you need those added eight seconds. If you think “I wish I had more time” after a Vine post, turn to Instagram video. Even if it is just a mobile app, those extra eight seconds may be life-changing. Art by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director Photo by Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor
SPORTS
October 2013
EASTSIDE
Page 11
Lacrosse star Stern commits to Penn State ■ By Nick Ciocco (‘14)
Eastside Sports Editor
Brandon Stern (’15) went on his first and only college visit for lacrosse on June 28, 2013. The school he committed to that day was Pennsylvania State University. “They saw me play a couple of times during the beginning of the summer and asked me to come out for a visit,” Stern said about the Penn State coaching staff. Stern carried his high school lacrosse success with him entering the summer season and quickly made the best of his opportunities. Stern was playing on the South Jersey Shamrocks, his travel lacrosse team, when coaches from Penn State noticed his talents on the lacrosse field. Visiting Penn State for his first college visit made the experience more exciting for Stern. He had previously been up to the school to watch some Nittany Lions football games at Beaver Stadium. By touring the entire campus at University Park, he gained more knowledge of the school itself aside from just the school’s great sports programs.
The first part of the visit was between the Penn State men’s lacrosse coaching staff, Stern and his parents. “We sat in a conference r o o m and discussed a c a demics and a l s o what it is like to be a Penn
career. “I fell in love with it right away,” said Stern about the Penn State campus. Lastly, once the tour of the campus and the facilities w a s over, Stern a n d his pare n t s found
State lacrosse player,” Stern said Next, Stern was taken on a tour of the campus where classes are alongside dorms and student housing. After that, he was brought to the athletic facilities to check out where he could possibly be playing his college Courtesy of Brandon Stern (‘15)
Brandon Stern committed to Penn State before his junior year.
themselves back in a conference room to discuss offers. Just like that, Stern made his verbal commitment to Penn State. Recently on September 7, Stern went up t o
Penn State for a second visit. This visit was much different from the previous one because he had the opportunity to meet the students on campus in addition to touring. “I got up to the campus a few hours before the football game and got to meet all of the players currently on the team,” Stern said. Another benefit of the visit was that Stern had the opportunity to meet the other players in his class that have been recruited to play at the school. Meeting the kids he is going to play with in the future was the whole point of the visit, Stern said. Besides meeting his future teammates, Stern also got to enjoy the football game alongside the lacrosse team. Once the game was over, the players took him to many different restaurants and he stayed in the dorms overnight to end his long day. Brandon Stern still has two more years remaining at Cherry Hill East. However, the lacrosse standout should have no issues making the transition from being a Cougar to being a Nittany Lion.
Brandon Stern’s Career Statistics (2012 and 2013 seasons) Stern has 45 goals on 143 shots, which means Stern scored on 32 percent of the shots he took. With 20 assists, Stern has shown that he does not have to take every shot to help the Cougars get goals. Stern has 71 ground balls, which occur when a player picks the ball up from the ground after the ball is dropped by an opposing player. A ball thrown and intercepted by the opposing team is also considered a ground ball for the person intercepting the pass. With 16 caused turnovers, Stern has also shown that he can play some defense and force turnovers to get the Cougars the ball. Stern has been awarded 2nd Team All-Conference both years.
New Jersey makes a push for better sportsmanship ■ By Taylor Loiacono (‘17) For Eastside
"There will be no tolerance for negative statements or actions _between opposing players or coaches. This includes taunting, baiting, berating opponents or 'trash talking' or actions which ridicule or cause embarrassment to them. It also includes harassing conduct related to race, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or religion. If such comments are heard, a penalty will be assessed immediately. We have been instructed not to issue warnings. It is your responsibility to remind your team of this policy." The above statement is one that has been introduced this fall sports season by New Jersey public
high schools, in association with the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA), in efforts to cut biased trash talk and discrimination out of all high school sports in the state. These actions are being executed by the reading of this statement from a card, which will let athletes know that no form of trash talking will be tolerated. Prior to the start of every game, the referee will read this sportsmanship card to all players, coaches and fans in attendance. An offense to the new rule will not go by unnoticed, according to the new policy, and offenders are to be reprimanded immediately. Breaking any of these new guidelines are grounds for suspension from the current game in progress as well as
HUMP DAY SPECIAL!!! BRING IN YOUR STUDENT ID BETWEEN 3 TO 7 P.M. EVERY WEDNESDAY AND GET A BUY ONE GET ONE SMALL!!! NO OTHER OFFERS/ COUPONS CAN BE USED. VOORHEES ONLY. 1150 WHITE HORSE RD.
Jacob Borowsky (‘16)/Eastside Sports Editor
Athletic Director Dr. John Burns holds the new statement at his desk. the two games to follow. In talk are now punishable. of negative language that addition, the referee is now The new rules are not involves an athlete’s genheld accountable with doconly subject to players der, race, religion, disabilumenting each infraction and coaches. All fans must ity or sexual orientation so the state can keep track abide by the new rules as has no place in sports. It of the offenses. Depending well. If fans are heard makis my hope that these rules on the severare enforced ity of the of- “There will be no tolerance for negative statements consistently, fense, the proin all sports, prietor may or actions between opposing players and coaches.” by the referface a law suit ees, and that or charges. coaches, athThe sudden change is ing crude and offensive reletic directors and princithe result of an incident marks during a contest, pals discipline violators last year at a Thanksgivthey will first be warned, fiercely,” said physical eding Day football matchup and on second offense, ucation teacher and junior between two New Jersey ejected. varsity boys’ soccer coach teams, during which a “Through my time as an Mr. Mike Melograna. player was accused of raathlete at East, after ten If these rules are encial taunting. Drawing years of coaching basketforced as strictly as NJthe line between playful, ball and six seasons coachSIAA says they will be, sportsman-like ‘trash talk’ ing soccer, the new push sports throughout the state and offensive, berating to eliminate negative comshould become a friendlier trash talk will no longer be ments is strongly needed environment for all athan issue. All forms of trash and way overdue. The use letes.
SPORTS
October 2013
EASTSIDE
Page 12
Stein to continue boys’ soccer success post-Moehlmann ■ By Jacob Borowsky (‘16)
Eastside Sports Editor
Mr. Dennis Stein, a special education teacher at East, is now in his first season as the boys’ soccer head coach, replacing Mr. Karl Moehlmann, East German teacher who retired last spring after successfully coaching at East for 25 seasons. Stein has taught at Cherry Hill East for two years. He agreed to an interview with Eastside to speak about his experience and hopes for this season and the future.
enal goal of mine.
JB: Do you have any
short-term goals in addition to these long-term goals? DS: The short-term
goals would be to really lay the groundwork for the way that I do things. I’m sure
JB: Do you have a specific coaching style, would you say? DS: I’m definitely defensive minded, with a huge emphasis on fitness. If you can’t run, you cannot play soccer.
Jacob Borowsky: So to begin, let’s hear something about yourself. DS: So, this is my second year in the district, I’ve been teaching and coaching in Los Angeles prior to [these two years], and I have 11 years of teaching experience in biology out in Los Angeles, and I have ten years of coaching experience in Los Angeles as well. I’m a New Jersey native, and after college I moved out to California, but my family and I moved back last year. JB: Many people have been calling this season a “start of a new era” after Coach Moehlmann’s departure after 25 years, so do you have any major plans for the “Stein era?” DS: Survive? Coach is and was a legend, and so I’d just like to continue some of the success that he’s had, and if I could be here for as long as he was and have as much success as he has, that would be a phenom-
that I’m doing things differently than Coach Karl did, and the short-term goal is to have kids buy into that, have them see the success in that, so that as we continue down the road, they build the foundation of that program. So, the short-term is to hopefully see some success in games, as well as having kids to lay the groundwork for the future of the program.
Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor
Coach Dennis Stein returns to New Jersey after ten years of coaching in Los Angeles, California.
JB: How would you say your experience in Los Angeles has affected your coming back to New Jersey? DS: It’s funny, when I went into coaching in LA, I was younger, and I thought of myself as a soccer player, not a soccer coach, and over the course of the ten years there, I did less playing and more coaching. So, I bring back the experience that I’ve worked for teenagers for ten years, and granted it’s on the other side of the country, but [the soccer player is] still a teenager, and [the player] is still a developing player. A developing player no matter where [he is], is going to go through the same stages of development, essentially. There are different scenarios and different backgrounds, and other stories going on between those kids, but the soccer is the same, I think.
Boys’varsity cross country team has high hopes ■ By Jacob Borowsky (‘16) and Marlee Zeitz (‘16)
Eastside Sports Editors
The boys’ varsity cross country team has made it clear that its runners strive for excellence. This year’s team is expecting even more this season. After a second place finish at the Sectional Finals last season, the team plans on focusing less on Sectionals and more on excelling at States this season. “In the past, we weren’t looking as good as we are this year. This year we’re looking to go on and win States and accomplish some bigger things than we everhave before,” said Captain Ben Dillon (‘14). Last season, Dillon placed fifth place in Sectionals and twenty-third in States. “This year we are looking for some really big improvements from that,” Dillon added. Aaron Groff (‘16), secondyear runner for the team, is proud of the team’s progress so far. “We’ve had four AllOlympic Conference runners, and we’d like to maintain or improve on that, for sure. It’s looking pretty positive so far,” said Groff. Currently, the team is practicing and preparing to win the dual meets that are coming up. After States, the team
plans to attend the Meet of Champions. They have high hopes for the meet and have already begun preparations for it. “After the Meet of Cham-
Courtesy of Ben Dillon (‘14)
Dillon takes the lead during a meet.
pions, we are just going to try to build our base back up for miles and have a good spring track season,” said Dillon of his goals for the season. Mr. Matt Cieslik, Rosa International Middle School teacher, is currently the coach and serves as a big
Courtesy of Dan Helfand (‘15)
Helfand leads East to a victory.
influence on the runners. “He’s a great cross country coach. He has helped us
Courtesy of Aaron Groff (‘16)
Groff runs toward the finish line.
all come to realize our own goals and knowing your goals helps materialize them. On top of that, he has really built us by not just focusing on the best runners but focusing on every single runner on the team and by that we have a solid team from ground up,” said Groff. Dillon said that goals have affected the way the team practices. “Once our coach realized how big our goals are set for this year, he kind of raised our mileage and how hard we are going to go at practice and how we are going to train, so this year he wrote a schedule to help us succeed at our meets,” said Dillon With the support and help of the coaches and fellow members of the team, the runners are supporting each other along the way. “We would like to get all five of our scoring varsity runners under seventeen minutes,” said Dan Helfand (‘15). “That would be outstanding.” East cross country has been significantly improving every year because of runners such as Dillon, Groff and Helfand running varsity since their freshman year. The team is determined to have much succes at Sectionals and are hopeful to win it all at the state championship.