www.eastside-online.org
Vol. 48 No. 5
Cherry Hill High School East: 1750 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
February 2014
Thespians prepare for spring musical, “Aida” ■ By Kaitlyn Boyle (‘17)
Eastside Staff
The East Theater Department is taking students on a trip back to ancient Egypt with this year’s spring musical, “Aida”. The show follows the tragic Romeo and Juliet-like story with a historical twist. It opens at a history museum, where a young man and woman walk in and glance at each other. They read the inscription on an Egyptian tomb, and suddenly the story travels back 3,000-4,000 years to ancient Egypt. Aida, a Nubian princess, is enslaved by Radames, the man next in line to become pharaoh. Radames is betrothed to the current pharaoh’s daughter; however, he begins to fall in love with Aida. “It’s a forbidden love story,” said Mr. Tom Weaver, head of the Theater Department. Despite many tragic events, the couple eventually finds a way to be together for all of eternity—although not in the way they had hoped. The end of the play returns to the museum, where the young man and woman once again lock eyes. “You can see there’s an attraction,” said Weaver. “Then, that’s it. Blackout.” Although the Theater Department performed “Aida” nine years ago, students and staff had no difficulty in bringing it back once again, thanks to a suggestion from the vocal director, Ms. Cindy Persichetti. “[The choice] was a combination of it fits our students, student reaction, and Cindy Persichetti,” said Weaver. The students were extremely excited when they heard that “Aida” was being considered for the spring musical. “The story is so breathtaking,” said Max Hoffman (‘14), Red Cast Radames, “and I am so excited to be able to share it with an audience.” Chelsea Campbell (‘14), White Cast Aida, has loved the play from a very young age. “Ever since I was seven, it’s been my dream to sing these amazing songs and play this part of Aida,” said Campbell. “Each song portrays the mood of each scene so well, and all the songs are just so much fun to sing. The music will make the overall experience of ‘Aida’ incredible.”
The 90’s pop rock music was composed by Elton John, and the lyrics were written by Tim Rice. The musical won numerous Tony awards, including one for best score. “Elton John is an amazing composer,” said Elisabeth Siegel (‘14), Red Cast Aida, “and there really is no weak spot in any of the songs.” Of the ninety-plus students who auditioned for the play, Weaver said that the students chosen as the leads truly excelled in their acting and vocal skills. “The people playing Radames and Aida have got to be extremely passionate onstage. We have got to believe they fall in love,” said Weaver. In addition to incredible acting and amazing songs, another unique aspect of “Aida” is the lighting and the costumes. The manipulative stage lighting will give the audience the idea that they are actually in Egypt, and the costumes present the idea of a truly timeless love story. Stage crew has also managed to tie in a major symbol of the show, the eye of Horus, meaning healing, wholeness, strength and perfection. In the middle kingdom, it was said that the dead put this in their coffin facing east so they could see out to the rising sun. This common symbol in Egyptian artwork can also be found all around Weaver’s office, anywhere from the pages of numerous textbooks to intricate blue prints rolled up across his desk. The stage crew has constructed a giant 3D mobile of the eye, and certain pieces will fly in and out of the stage at different scenes. “This will have a rear projection screen in it,” said Weaver, “and [English Teacher] Mr. Gambino is going to project certain film and certain pictures in there during certain scenes in the show.” Additionally, the backdrop for the show is a giant eye of Horus. Weaver, along with many of the actors and actresses participating in the play, believes that the East community will thoroughly enjoy this production. “This show is unique because it speaks to anyone who has ever wanted to follow their heart or go against societal expectations,” said Evan Brody (‘14),White Cast Radames. “Aida” will be performed on February 28 and March 1,7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. and March 2 and 9 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.
East Theater practices colorblind casting for “Aida” ■ By Kayla Schorr (‘14)
Eastside Editor-in-Chief
Having a blonde Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” would not thwart the understanding of the show’s plot. A man plays the leading player in “Pippin” just as well as a woman. Although the audience often perceives an African American to fulfill the role of Aida, the protagonist’s race truly does not influence the plot of this musical. “It is the classic tale of forbidden love that we see in all sorts of movies and books today,” said Mr. Tom Weaver, “Aida” director. “It is not about skin color. It is about two opposing cultures.” “Aida” highlights a love affair between Aida, an enslaved Nubian princess, and Radames, an Egyptian military commander. Like Romeo and
Juliet, Aida and Radames determine to love each other despite the hatred they are expected to possess for each other. “At the end of the day, it comes down to who is right for the part,” said Chelsea Campbell (‘14), White Cast Aida. Weaver has a theory of colorblind casting, in which role fulfillment is not selected due to race or ethnic background; it is associated with who can play the role the best. “Although most people think that Aida should be black and Radames should be white because that’s the way they did it on Broadway, and historically, that would make some sense, but in this day and age, we are doing everything we can to avoid race issues,” said Weaver. Elisabeth Siegel (‘14), Red Cast Aida, said that productions are currently modifying their typical
roles to suit other races because there aren’t many roles intended for non-white ethnicities. She said that Javert in “Les Miserables” is an ideal example of colorblind casting since he is now typically played by an African American man although the role is written for a white French man. “The world is becoming more accepting of all races, and colorblind casting definitely shows that,” Siegel said. The concept here is that anyone can play a role despite his or her appearance. The audience ultimately grasps the actors’ portrayals of their characters and the storyline of the production, not their skin color. For more information on the spring musical, “Aida,” refer to Pg. 2
Background art by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
Photos by Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor
The East Theater Department has been hard at work during rehearsals for the upcoming spring musical, “Aida.”
Inside This Issue
Marzano Method comes into play News/Features, Pg. 3
Students watch shows on Netflix Entertainment, Pg. 12
East alum continues to play soccer Sports, Pg. 19
Page 2
NEWS/FEATURES EASTSIDE
Science team prepares for state competition ■ By Steve Mirsen (‘16) For Eastside
BOE logo by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
T h i s month, the audience at the Action meeting was peppered with familLydia iar faces. GeorgeKoku (‘14) I n d i v i d u a l members of the Cherry Board of Education Hill African Representative A m e r i c a n Civic Association (CHAACA) arose to speak about their feelings regarding Dr. Chapman’s appointment, emphasizing and suggesting that while they were excited for him in continuing this chapter of his life, due to a void left where he once filled, Dr. Chapman should remain involved in the Board of Education’s multicultural committees. Patricia McCargo, one of CHAACA’s leaders, also congratulated Dr. Joe Meloche on his filling of Dr. Chapman’s previous position as Assistant Superintendent. Following the public comments and congratulatory sentiments expressed from many of the BOE members, both Dr. Chapman and Dr. Meloche rose to give short speeches. Addressing the audience and the Board, Dr. Chapman thanked everyone for giving him this opportunity. He expressed his love for his position at East, stating that “It [the position] was something I think was meant to be.” Dr. Meloche echoed his statements, revealing his opinion that Dr. Chapman is “going back to one of the greatest positions” in education. According to Dr. Reusche, the Board has discussed new protocol for handling these weather conditions, protocol which will be posted soon on the district website. The following are highlights of some of the core aspects of the protocol: 1. The Board will not call our houses before 5:45 a.m. if a call is made for inclement weather. 2. When the governor calls a “state of emergency,” that doesn’t mean schools are required to close. Should schools close, they are actually required by the state to make up the lost day. 3. If a “state of emergency” should be called, the Board will now let us know within an hour its decision process. So periodically, we will receive updates. 4. Dr. Reusche said that early notification is nice, but it is not always possible given the amount of data the Board has to review. Whenever it is possible to notify us the night before, it will. Moving through the Action agenda swiftly, as there were no points of controversy or confusion, the Board was able to conclude the meeting at around 8:30 p.m.
February 2014
The Cherry Hill East science team recently qualified for the state championship by winning a regional competition and taking fourth place out of 25 teams. On March 11, the team will compete against the top twenty-five science teams in New Jersey. The teams participate in Science Olympia, a national organization in which teams from different schools compete. The topics are physical science, biology, physics, earth science and engineering. Many other schools in the region have an option to take a Science Olympiad elective at school, while the forty East science team members only meet as a club, doing the majority of the research and work on their own time. Although all forty members were able to compete in regionals,
only twenty of these students will be able to represent East in the state-level competition. The club’s advisor, Mrs. Susanne Casey, along with co-presidents Nikhil Shukla (’14) and Sagar Desai (’14), are in the process of deciding which students will get to move on. In the state championship, Casey said, “the topics become much more extensive,” so members who have extensive knowledge and passion for their subjects, as well as students with good past performances, will be the ones who move forward. The problem is that many more than the twenty-student limit fit these criteria, which will make the decision process difficult. “They are extremely motivated,” said Casey. “You see them really excited and cheering… it’s really neat to see how excited the students get.” East’s chances in States
look promising. Students difficult choices to make as have been winning first the science team prepares place in the rocks and minfor March’s state competierals event in the earth tion. science topic, others winning second place in experimental design in the chemi s t r y topic, as well as winning events in engineering, along w i t h m a n y o t h e r c a t egories. Casey, Shukla and DeAndi Leff (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor sai will Evan Tucker (‘15) and Mahir Sufian (‘14) have some work on their project for Science Olympia.
Demogorgon finds new success in contest ■ Haley Schultz (‘14)
Eastside News/Features Editor
Demogorgon, East’s literary and art magazine, won a first place award from the American Scholastic Press Association (ASPA). This year, the magazine received its highest rating; Krystle Carkeek (‘13) won first place for her art. This year is not the first year Demogorgon has entered the contest, but it was the first year it was recognized for this award. “We have had years where students didn’t need the outside recognition,” said Mrs. Skye Silverstein, the magazine’s advisor. “Students thought entering the contests missed the
Andi Leff (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor Demogorgon scored well in the ASPA competition. point. Demo is a safe space issue, which is the issue for them to be creative.” that won first place. Silverstein said that the She said, “[The] layout layout was best in this past was different in this past is-
sue because students used InDesign.” All of the art, writing and photos that go in the magazine are entirely produced by East students. “The first half of the year is dedicated to finding topnotch writing,” said Silverstein. “We evaluate each piece by its merits and pair it up with art submissions.” Silverstein said that the incredible artists and writers at East help make the magazine great. “Something nice about the award is the heightened awareness that we exist. It’s also something nice for the students to have for their resumes,” said Silvertein.
Casting plays an important role in the success of “Aida” ■ ByRachel Cohen (‘15)
Eastside Editor-in-Chief
the student’s believability as a specific character and his or her chemistry with other actors, are also important in casting roles. “A lot of kids memorize
For every show at East, the casting process is the same. If a student wants to be in a show, he or she must audition and learn audition processes through singing and dancing workshops that are offered by the Theater Department. After the students audition, they get a callback, which focuses on how well the students can act, rather than how well they can sing and dance, which is what the audition focuses on. “It makes no Jordan Stein (14)/ Eastside Photo Editor sense to call someThe cast of “Aida” rehearses. body back—like for the part of Aida or Radames—to see how well their lines, memorize their they can act if they can’t dancing, do really well on sing it. So the first thing we all the technical aspects of find out is if they can sing it the audition, but aren’t reand dance it. Once they hit ally believable, they’re a those two things, then durlittle stiff,” said Weaver. ing the callbacks, we find For “Aida,” chemistry out if they can actually act played an important part in it out,” said Mr. Tom Weavcasting for the major roles. er, the head of the Theater Actors with great chemistry Department. must play the roles of Aida Other factors, such as and Radames because the
audience needs to believe that they are in love. The red cast Aida and Radames, Elisabeth Siegel (’14) and Max Hoffman (’14), and the white cast Aida and Radames, Chelsea Campbell (’14) and Evan Brody (’14), had an immediate connection with each other at callbacks. “At callbacks, when Elisabeth was singing a song to Max, they had a chemistry…there was an energy there that just worked really well. When we put Evan together with Chelsea, I could see the same thing. They were comfortable with each other,” said Weaver. “[The actors have] got to harmonize together. They’ve got to be able to sing together and trust each other.” While experience usually helps in auditioning, it is the student’s talent that actually gets them the part. “The kids who have lots of stage time often audition a little bit better than the younger rookies, but there are exceptions to the rule,” said Weaver. “We have three freshmen in three decent-sized parts. That’s a rarity…‘Aida’ is a very strong show vocally…and these three freshmen were
really strong vocally. It really surprised us, and [they] actually stole the roles away from upperclassmen. [This] is living proof that you get your parts based on your talent, not on whether you’re a freshman or a senior.” With everything that goes into casting a show, Weaver is very confident in both of his casts for “Aida.” Weaver said, “We just blocked ‘The Gods Love Nubia’. It’s a Nubian slave camp song [that is] very powerful, very soulful and very emotional. When I watched them sing it and perform it and feel it as actors, I said to my colleague Sandy Makofsky, our choreographer and co-director, ‘We’ve got it, this is it. We’re here. These kids are good.. The it is the soul, the special feel that will make the audience go crazy. You never know how that’s going to pan out, but I just discovered the other day that it’s going to pan out very very well. It’s going to make people want to come back for a second or third show.” Come out to see “Aida” and be blown away by either of the casts; they were chosen with great care.
NEWS/FEATURES
February 2014
EASTSIDE
Page 3
Kritz fosters creativity in all aspects of life ting dressed up. She loves getting dressed up so much that she buys prom dresses from Many students have dethrift shops just to wear sires to travel to certain them around the house. places or to dress certain Though she has never ways, but when is the last gone to a prom, Kritz time those students actualowns a few prom dressly followed their whim and es that she enjoys putwent through with it? ting her own touch on, Many people hesitate even if she only gets to when it comes to change stroll around in them in or doing something out of her house. instinct because of fear of “I love dressing up what will be said about and feeling fancy and them. Conversely, this is just feeling good about not Alison Kritz’s (’15) way myself. Just different of thinking. She does anycombinations of colors thing that allows her to just make me feel good. channel her creativity, even And then also, it’s fun if it is dying her hair lavenbecause some days I Courtesy of Alison Kritz (‘15) der because a mermaid in decide ‘Oh today I want her dream told her to do so. be a fairy princess,’ Kritz immersed herself in German culture last summer. Able to remember all her so I wear a fun ‘magidreams, Kritz said she had cal’ tutu and a flower Kritz wants to travel the guage classes. Since she a dream that she visited a crown. It’s just fun because world, but like most teenagdedicates a lot of effort and mermaid with luscious lilac [I can be] a lot of different ers, she too faces the strugtime to learning sign lanhair who encouraged her characters,” Kritz said. gle of paying for travel exguage to its fullest, Kritz is to dye her hair the same In middle school, Kritz penses. Her desire to travel even considering making it color. even used to paint shoes. to Germany caused Kritz a career by becoming an in“I woke up [from my She started off by just paintto start saving her money terpreter. dream] and was like ‘Well ing her own pair of white in fifth grade in order to Kritz loves helping peoif a mermaid said so, why Converse. A few people took be able to pay for this jourple, which is why she has not?’ and so I did. I asked notice of her innovative deney. After five years, in the been volunteering at her my mom and then I [dyed signs and began approachsummer of 2013, Kritz had synagogue every Sunday it],” Kritz said. ing her to ask if she would saved up enough money to morning for the past four Aside from dying her paint their shoes. Her pasbe able to venture to Geryears. She donates her time hair, Kritz enjoys dressing sion for art impelled her many for a month alongside to disabled kids by doing up differently than what is to say “yes” and she began her best friend. She was various activities with them considered the social norm. painting shoes for whomevable to afford a plane ticket and developing a friendship She loves wearing clothing er asked. Aside from being along with extra spending with them. Kritz loves volthat vary in color, patterns able to create art, she loved money to visit Heidelberg, unteering her time to disand designs, and would not the excitement of seeing her Munich, Nuremberg and abled kids and is learning be able to settle for a pair artwork on others as they Hamburg. sign language in hopes of of sweatpants or a sweatwalked the halls with their “We went hiking on the using these skills for a fushirt since she loves getpersonalized shoes. Alps and it was so gorture career. geous. We didn’t [realize] Kritz has an eclectic we would be hiking, so schedule with so much goof course [my best friend ing on, from sewing her and I] wore these little own touches on clothes to sundresses,” Kritz said. painting shoes to saving “You’re just up on this up for her next destination mountain and you look out to travel. She loves followand it’s all mountains. Half ing her whim and letting it of your head is saying ‘Oh take her wherever. my gosh, if I fall I’m gonna “[I’m] adventurous. I love die,’ [and] the other half is going on adventures. The just ‘What is going on? This best part is not knowing is so cool.’” what’s going to happen,” Kritz loves to travel and Kritz said. hopes to do more of it in the So next time you see Alfuture. For now, she just lison Kritz in the hallway collects mementos that her and she’s sporting a new friends bring back for her hairstyle or a new style of clothing, ask her about it Courtesy of Alison Kritz (‘15) whenever they travel to a different country. because there is sure to be Kritz poses with Germany’s unique sites. Kritz also takes sign lana good story behind it. ■ By Meghna Kothari (‘15)
Eastside News/Features Editor
East integrates Marzano Method into education system ■ By Bianca Maggio (‘17)
For Eastside
As of the 2013-2014 school year, Cherry Hill High School East has adopted Dr. Robert Marzano’s Teacher Evaluation Model. The New Jersey Department of Education has created New Jersey Professional Standards for teachers to help integrate the Marzano Method into their education system. New Jersey now joins nine other states in using this method, including Arizona, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Virginia and Washington. The Marzano Teacher Evaluation Model recognizes a comprehensive set of practices, including 60 elements, directly associated with enhancing a student’s performance. This is separated into four domains that guide teachers to get the best possible usage out of this method. The four
domains are Classroom Strategies and Behaviors, Planning and Preparing, Reflecting on Teaching, and Collegiality and Profession-
both the teachers and students. Sometimes it is difficult to incorporate it into a high school environment; it seems to fit an elementary
Meghna Kothari (‘15)/Eastside News/Features Editor
The method is posted in some classrooms. alism. Teachers have various opinions on this new system. “It’s effective… I’ve found it to be able to focus
school environment better,” said Mrs. Janine Cooney, an English teacher who has been teaching at East for 14 years. Students have noticed
that their teachers have been writing objectives or have been presenting learning goals to their class in the beginning of each session, which helps prepare the class for their upcoming activities. In addition, teachers are able to stay on task throughout the class. When students were asked if they thought the Marzano Method is effective, many of them were not aware of the specific term. But once it was actually explained, they recognized the method’s use in their classrooms. “It is effective for me,” said Jordan Madrid (’17). “It helps me remember things for tests. I just think back to the day that goal was met.” Although the Marzano Method is only in its first year of use at East, improvements have already been noted. This new method could have long-lasting effects on both the teachers and the students in class.
Logo by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
This year’s school SGA officers answer questions about East and SGA:
Ross Peterzell (‘14) President
David LinEvan sky (‘14) Bloom (‘14) Vice Vice President President
Eric Grayson (‘15) Vice President
Sam Amon (‘15) Vice President
All headshots by Andi Leff (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor
1. What made you decide to get involved in school-wide SGA? Evan Bloom (‘14): I always wanted to get my name out there, make new friends and meet new people. I thought the best way to do that was through SGA. David Linsky (‘14): I wanted to be able to make changes and plan events for the school. Sam Amon (‘15): I decided to get involved in schoolwide SGA because I wanted to unify the scholars of East more than ever before. 2. What is your favorite thing about East? Eric Grayson (‘15): You can really find your own niche. There’s really a place for everybody. Ross Peterzell (‘14): I feel like our school is in a different category than every other school because we have so much to offer. Sam Amon (‘15): My favorite thing about East is that you can always meet new people 3. What inspired you to get involved in your class SGA? Evan Bloom (‘14): I wanted to help lead the class. David Linsky (‘14): I felt like I had good ideas and was able to represent the class well. Sam Amon (‘15): I was involved in SGA at Rosa and had a good experience and I wanted to continue to improve the school I attended. The only way to do that was to run for class SGA. 4. What is one word that describes your SGA experience? Eric Grayson (‘15): Magical. Ross Peterzell (‘14): Memorable. Sam Amon (‘15): Riveting.
NEWS/FEATURES
Page 4
EASTSIDE
February 2014
Chapman named permanent principal of East ■ By Rachel Cohen (‘15)
Eastside Editor-in-Chief
Dr. Lawyer Chapman started the 2013-2014 school year at Cherry Hill East as the interim principal. He had full intentions to leave after this school year came to a close and to return to his job as assistant superintendent of Cherry Hill Public Schools. However, over the course of a few months, Chapman began to change his mind about leaving. Consequently, Chapman asked Dr. Maureen Reusche, the superintendent of Cherry Hill Public Schools, if he could step down from his position as assistant superintendent to become East’s permanent principal. After going to the Board of Education to recommend that Chapman stay as principal, Reusche announced to the East staff at the staff meeting on January 15 that she made the recommendation to the board. The board approved his staying as principal on January 28. Chapman’s desire to stay at East did not form overnight. He never thought that he would end up staying at East, but as the months went on, Chapman realized that he wanted to stay. “It was a combination of things that came about all at once…students asking me to stay, staff asking me to stay, and then for this
love and warmth and carhere is where I want to be.” students, that I do not want ing that I saw [at East],” As principal, Chapman to be in an office,” Chapsaid Chapman as he reflectrarely stays in his office; he man said. ed on what made him want is always walking around The way in which Chapto stay at East. the school and interacting man reaches out to all memChapbers of m a n East has quickly truly imbecame pressed i m students pressed and staff. with the He has a characgenuine ter of interest East. Evin the ery day, activities Chapman and acahas said demics in his faat East mous anand the nouncestaff and m e n t s students t h a t truly ap“Cherry preciate Hill East this. is a com“When munity of Dr. Rescholars u s c h e with a informed lifestyle of the staff kindness, that she striving was gofor exceling to lence in make the all that recomwe do,” mendaand he tion to truly beJordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor the board lieves in Dr. Chapman awaits becoming permanent principal of East. [that I this statestay as ment. princi“It is a caring commuwith students and staff. In pal], the faculty gave me a nity. It is a community of fact, this is one of the asstanding ovation... It was scholars, and I enjoy being pects of his job as principal one of the high points of my around scholars. If there’s that he enjoys most. As aslife, where a staff of teachanything I enjoy doing, I sistant superintendent, he ers and administrators enjoy being around scholdid not get to interact with would think enough of me ars,” Chapman said with a students as much. to give me a standing ovasmile. “And so, that’s what “East has helped me to tion,” said Chapman. we have here at East and see that I want to be around Students also think high-
Logo by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director Photos by Meghna Kothari (‘15)/ Eastside News/Features Editor Art by Haley Schultz (‘14)/ Eastside News/Features Editor
We asked...
Andrew Bowen (‘16)
Pooja Rambhia (‘15)
If you could own anyone’s wardrobe in the school, whose would it be?
What TV show would you say your life is most like?
Mr. Cucinotti
“Keeping Up with the Kardashians”
Callie Scott (‘15)
“Modern Family”
My own
“Breaking Bad”
Mr. Dilks
“Awkward”
Which winter Which olympic sport celebrity did you wish would you you partici- like to date? pated in?
Ice Dancing
Ryan Gosling
Dave Franco Curling
Hockey
Emma Stone
Sam Lyons (‘14)
Ms. Ngyuen
S n o w b o a r d - Theo James ing
ly of Chapman. “Dr. Chapman has been a very positive influence during his time at East thus far and I’m sure he will continue to be. He is genuinely interested in all that is going on at the school and has made a real effort to be involved,” said Eric Grayson (‘15), East Vice President. Mr. Joseph Dilks, a math teacher as well as the Robotics Club advisor at East, said, “[Chapman] has shown an interest in the Robotics Club and has even talked about the potential for starting a programming course here at East. He has had meetings with me to try to implement that and push it forward, so I am delighted that he is going to remain with us.” As for any future plans or goals for the upcoming years, Chapman hopes to continue to build relationships with the East community and, of course, to continue his announcements. “I want to continue to improve on the lifestyle of kindness and gratitude because I think that the more that we can realize how important it is to be kind to one another, to be giving to one another, to be grateful for what we have, I think that East will become even a greater school.” Chapman’s positivity, character and enthusiasm will continue to affect East in incredible ways and will allow East to grow as a great school over the upcoming years.
OPINIONS
February 2014
EASTSIDE
Page 5
Early notifications for snow days ensure safety
would certainly help to avoid these stressful situations by giving them extra time to make plans. When asked why the district often waits until the morning to declare snow days, Superintendent Dr. Maureen Reusche wrote in an e-mail, “We prefer to make our decisions based on both forecasts and actual transportation conditions.” Reusche pointed out that the December 10 snow day decision was based solely on forecast and it turned out that schools could have been opened. Yet, is it not safer to remain on the side of caution? As far as taking away other scheduled days off before adding extra school days to the end of the year, Reusche wrote, “We work to be mindful of the timing for the start of summer programs.” By June, students and
teachers are ready to get out for the summer sooner rather than later, so it is commendable that the district instead tries to take away other scheduled days off, such as Presidents’ Day and the March 14 teacher in-service. But as the snow days pile up, adding to the end of the year becomes inevitable. The district’s handling of the storm on January 21 proved to be dangerous. Despite news coverage the night before the storm predicting 6 to 12 inches, the district stood by its “late notification” policy. Most area schools had half-days and early dismissal schedules announced the night before. Cherry Hill, however, only made its early dismissal announcements at around 8:30 a.m., and dismissed high schools only 1 hour early, middle schools 45 minutes early, and ele-
mentary schools at regular time, leading to a predictable surge of problems. Before 2:30 p.m., Governor Chris Christie declared a State of Emergency and advised people to stay off the roads, but many of Cherry Hill’s oldest students were still on their way home, while elementary school students were still in school. Buses, inexperienced student drivers, as well as students walking home from school and from bus stops, all faced blinding snow and slippery conditions as they were forced to travel into the heart of the storm. A Cherry Hill parent, Marie Alonso, summed up the situation in an interview with the Courier Post. “I think this shows more of a regard for keeping the school open than protecting the safety of students, teachers and parents. It
was more important to somebody to have another day on the books than it was to have people be safe,” she said. Cherry Hill school district administrator Dr. Joseph Meloche defended the district’s late decision, saying, “Officials set the schedule Tuesday morning after considering overnight changes in the weather forecast and contacting our transportation providers.” But with the safety of students and staff at risk, and the majority of surrounding districts announcing early dismissals the night before, there was no reason that Cherry Hill could not have implemented a typical halfday schedule, in which all students are dismissed by 1 p.m., and announced it earlier. Although parents, students and teachers would like to know before going to bed what the outcome of a potential snow day will be for varying reasons, weather reports are not always 100 percent certain. However, realizing that the safety of so many individuals is affected by this important decision—including elementary school students, newly licensed drivers, teachers, staff and parents on the road—cancelling school for a forecasted snowfall the night before is a smart precaution that puts the safety of all Cherry Hill students, faculty, staff and parents ahead of anything else.
plying natural gas instead of fossil fuels is a large step in the direction of sustainability. But the detrimental impact it would inflict upon the 1.1 million acres of land known as the Pine Barrens is too great, and therefore it is laudatory that the plan was rejected. The Pine Barrens occupy 22 percent of the entire state. Centuries of organisms inhabiting this enormous slice of land would be ruined if this pipeline is installed in the heart of the Pine Barrens. Additionally, the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer, which serves a vital ecological function and supplies drinking water to many people, is located in the vicinity of the proposed
pipe. It is impossible to put a 24-inch diameter pipe in the middle of a National Reserve without any repercussions. The outcome would be an extreme decline in the growth of organisms that have called the Pine Barrens their home for millions of years. Since the Pinelands is a National Reserve, this area should ultimately be protected by the United States government. This habitat should not even be considered for this kind of construction. It is safe to say that if a corporation proposed to put a pipeline like this in the middle of Yellowstone National Park, the idea would be shot down imme-
diately. Yellowstone National Park may be bigger and more well-known in the United States, but that certainly does not make its inhabitants any more important than the organisms that have inhabited the Pinelands National Reserve for centuries before us. The creation of jobs is a definite plus in the discussion of the pipeline. It would create jobs for those who can manufacture the parts needed to put together the pipeline, ship the parts to where they needed to go, and actually construct the pipeline where it is designated to go. The jobs are, of course, a large factor, but should not the environmental concerns override the
fact that the pipeline would create jobs? And what is more than the environmental concerns is the risk this pipeline would be putting on the most beautiful part of New Jersey. This 22 percent of New Jersey is too much to risk losing. It is a major factor in identifying our state. Next to things like Bruce Springsteen and the shore, the Pinelands National Reserve is how people know New Jersey. To simply drop a 24-inch diameter pipe in the middle of New Jersey shows how much we care about the inhabitants of 1.1 acres that make up our state. Such an outrageous idea should never again be considered.
■ By Ben Goldsmith (‘17)
For Eastside
Having a day off from school due to snow is a great and relieving break in the school week. But snow days could be enjoyed much more if students found out the night before instead of having to wake up extra early to hear the school district’s decision. When all the weather reports are calling for snow, Cherry Hill should consider taking the lead from surrounding school districts and making the decision the night before. From the student’s perspective, a snow day— whether spent sledding, building snowmen, or catching up on sleep and homework—is a wonderful thing. For teachers also, disregarding inconveniences such as having to reschedule lesson plans and adjusting their schedules, a snow day probably brings a much-needed break. Parents, especially those with young children, are the group most negatively affected by our district’s habit of waiting until the last minute to announce snow days. For parents with young students, it can be a real challenge trying to scramble at 5 a.m. to figure out who will watch their children on a snow day when they have to be at work. Allowing them to know the night before
Courtesy of chclc.org
Gas pipeline would threaten the Pine Barrens ■ By Molly Schultz (‘14) Eastside Humor Editor
South Jersey Gas Corporation, based in Atlantic City, had proposed the construction of a natural gas pipeline that would run 22 miles from Cumberland County to Cape May County. A total of 14 miles of the 22-mile pipeline would be placed on the Pinelands National Reserve in New Jersey. The plan was rejected on January 10 by the New Jersey Pinelands Commission. Since the pipeline would supply natural gas, it could reduce air pollution around the areas in which the pipeline would be installed. Sup-
Forest and Pipeline by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
OPINIONS
Page 6
EASTSIDE
February 2014
Should juveniles be sentenced to life in prison without parole? ■ By Talia Balakirsky (‘14) Eastside Staff
Recently, the debate over whether or not juveniles should be allowed to receive mandatory life sentences without parole has become increasingly heated. Last year, Supreme Court Case Miller v. Alabama declared that juveniles can no longer receive these sentences. However, if juvenile criminals are not punished to the same magnitude as adult felons in the same situations, more crimes will be committed and more lives will be lost. In the last few months, there has been a significant rise in juvenile violence in schools that has led to numerous injuries and deaths of innocent children. No matter the age of the felon, the lives lost cannot be brought back. The same holds true when crimes are committed by adults. When standing trial for such extreme crimes like murder, the jury and judge must carefully consider every aspect of the case to make a fair ruling. If a court decides that the crime committed by a juvenile was so extraordinary as to deserve a mandatory life sentence without parole, it is ultimately the only decision that will be made on the case overall. If, for instance, the case was reopened for evaluation after a juvenile has spent a certain time in jail, it is unlikely that the court will decide on a different decision as the crime itself remains
the same. Furthermore, allowing juveniles to dismiss a mandatory life sentence with parole can lead to various detrimental issues later in the youth’s life. It is understood that something drove the juvenile to commit the crime suitable for a life sentence, and something set the child in his or her ways. However, releasing juveniles on parole cannot only cause the child to believe that his or her actions can be redone without any major repercussions, but also possibly lead the juvenile to repeat these actions if they are placed in a similar situation or are given the chance to act out. Many have argued that children deserve a second chance to prove themselves in a seemingly harsh world. Yet, at the end of the day, the immense crimes that they have committed cannot be reversed or erased. A child under the age of eighteen committing a major crime compared to an adult committing a major crime should be one and the same; both are humans that made a decision to act in the way that they did, which should be met with a puni s h ment suitable to the crime c o m mited.
2,ooo
■ By Alex Grayson (‘14) Eastside Opinions Editor
Inmates currently
serving life sentences for crimes committed
under the age of
eighteen Is it right?
It is the responsibility of the US Judicial System to recognize that sometimes the punishment should not fit the crime. Not every offender can be haphazardly thrown onto Lady Justice’s scale and sentenced accordingly. There is a culmination of factors that need to be considered. One fundamental factor is culpability: the offender’s blameworthiness for the crime committed. It was determined by the Supreme Court in Atkins v. Virginia that mentally retarded individuals cannot receive the death penalty because it would be in violation of their Eighth Amendment right that protects against “cruel and unusual punishment.” This decision makes sense as cognitive deficiencies clearly lower a defendant’s culpability. However, this pragmatic view has failed to transfer over to the issue of sentencing juvenile offenders. All too often, the courts see criminals under the age of 18 as legal adults. It is understandable; most of these juveniles are brought i n t o court f o r malicious crimes a n d h e i -
nous homicides that have shaken entire communities. It is hard to suppress the emotion and extend these hardened offenders any tinge of sympathy when the blood on their hands has yet to dry. Make no mistake: it is understandable, but not excusable. Juvenile offenders are physiologically and psychologically less culpable than adult offenders. The frontal cortex of their brain, which controls judgment, decision-making and all impulses, does not fully mature until around the age of 25. Also, the instinctual parts of the human brain fully develop before the regions that help control impulses. This lack of control is one of the reasons why rental car agencies around the world only rent to individuals above the age of 25. Additionally, the amygdala, which is the part of the brain responsible for emotional, rageful responses and gut reactions, reaches full development before the frontal lobe, which controls impulses and rational decision-making. According to Frances Jensen, a pediatric neurologist at Children’s Hospital in Boston, “Teenagers are less likely to use the part of the brain that asks, ‘Is this a good idea? What is the consequence of this action?’” We must recognize that children who commit crimes are less culpable and should be treated as such. It is nothing short of “cruel and unusual” to hold juvenile offenders to the same judicial standards as adults.
Art by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
East needs to offer a wider selection of intramural sports ■ By Bianca Maggio (‘17) For Eastside
As a Cherry Hill East student, it is evident that a variety of sports and activities are offered. However, only a limited number of students participate in them. Most high school sports are terribly competitive and are taken extremely seriously. It is important to be involved in high school activities, especially sports, as it makes high school more enjoyable and looks good on a college application. However, East lacks intramural sports, which allow students to stay fit, make friends and have fun while playing sports in a less-competitive setting. Intramural sports also allow more students to play than varsity and junior varsity sports. The addition of more intramural sports would be extremely beneficial to East students. In most colleges, intramural sports are available to students who would like to expand their friend base, help the students unwind, and keep the “freshman 15” off (the 15 pounds col-
lege freshmen are rumored to gain). Research from the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association found that colleges that offer intramural sports were favored among others. Incoming college students
tend to base some of their decisions on the campus’ fitness and recreation programs. The research also demonstrated that students involved in an intramural sport, combined with a balanced schedule, ultimately
Intramural Sports
performed better in class and enjoyed their academic experience more. College sports are a big part of maintaining a stable college lifestyle. In addition, intramural sports can help students grasp a little relief
Competitive Sports Home 10
Away 23
Helena Sirken(‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
Intramural sports give students the chance to have fun while staying in shape.
from their academic work without the stress of worrying about winning or losing that comes with competitive sports. Because of the social, physical and mental advantages, East students would benefit tremendously from intramural sports, just like college students do. “I think there should be intramural sports at East. Then there would be a ‘development stage’ for students who are beginners in a sport,” said Sung Kwang Oh (’17). “This takes away the fear of being rejected from a team.” Many East sports are cut sports which require competitive try-outs, so students who have not played a sport before high school often do not have a chance of even making a team. “Having intramural teams at East would be good for people who are not very skilled at a sport,” said Megan O’Rourke (’17). “It gives everyone a chance.” Intramural sports at East would provide several opportunities for inexperienced athletes who want to learn more about a specific sport, or for students who want a fun way to stay fit.
OPINIONS
February 2014
EASTSIDE
Page 7
International intervention needed in South Sudan ■ By Rui Zhang (‘15)
For Eastside
The day of a nation’s independence is always a special one. It marks the day on which the nation was born, when liberation from oppression finally became a reality and not simply a
dream. But for the South Sudanese people, liberation has also brought about a new internal struggle. South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, which obtained independence from Sudan in 2011 with the help of international powers, is once again on the brink of war and violence. The inter-
Lucy He (‘15)/ Eastside Staff
Oppressive troops hold captives in South Sudan.
national community must take decisive action to avert this, as new conflict would erase the sacrifices made in the decades past. The current international response in South Sudan is insufficient to curb the violence. The UNMISS (UN Mission in South Sudan) peacekeeping mission is unable to contain the violence in the country with its current strength of 5,000. Spread thin across the country and with villages being attacked by thousands, UNMISS is unable to stem the violence without significant support from the South Sudanese government. Therefore, the international community needs to make a stronger commitment towards peace in South Sudan. It is imperative that the nations of the world help South Sudan establish a long-term constitution, a functioning legal system, and the institutions necessary to keep the peace.
The instability in the region also contains signs of possible genocide, especially in the Jonglei region. There are reports that the Sudanese People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) has killed, tortured and raped hundreds of people as well as burned numerous villages, often with the people still inside the houses. Acts of violence such as these are not tolerable. In addition, the UN has found mass graves in two parts of South Sudan. If this is allowed to continue without international intervention, it is very likely that, due to an ineffective government, a situation similar to the Rwandan genocide, which resulted in over half a million lives lost in about a hundred days—or the population of Cherry Hill seven times over—will occur. These actions must be swiftly stopped and the South Sudanese government must be properly prepared to handle the situa-
tion and any future crises. With the current state of the South Sudanese government, it seems that international intervention is the only way to achieve long-term peace. The independence of the country must be preserved, for the good of the people and for the entire Horn of Africa. The lives of millions and the peace of a region is currently at stake and only swift and decisive action on the part of the UN and other nations can avert war. One of the top priorities of the international community should be the stabilization of the Horn of Africa. It serves as one of the major trading regions in the world and holds cultural importance in Africa. Without significant international action, in addition to the potential loss of millions of lives, chaos in the region would seriously disrupt the African continent and would certainly damage the international economy.
Library study hall policy must be implemented more flexibly ■ By Gilana Levavi (‘14)
Eastside Opinions Editor
In November, a policy was instituted that limits the number of students permitted to use the library during study hall to just three students per study hall classroom, provided they have their names written on a specially-designed pass, and have indicated whether their purpose for using the library is “word processing,” “group work” or “research.” With often four or five study halls per period, the librarians said, and each sending 10 to 12 students to the library, usually to do computer work, the library could not accommodate that volume of students before this new policy was introduced. “It created an environment that wasn’t one of best practice, [and was not] conducive to learning,” Ms. Abbey Greenblatt, East librarian, said. Though the reasons behind the new policy are understandable, it has significant flaws. Setting a hard limit to the number of students permitted to use the library contradicts the library’s function
as an accessible study space and resource center. “The last thing we want is for students to feel that we don’t want them here,” said East librarian Ms. Julie Rion. Rather than setting a rigid limit, the problem should be approached with a more flexible attitude consistent with this desire to make the library a welcoming environment. If more than three students wish to use the library, study hall teachers should always call the library to ask if space is available, rather than automatically denying the additional students access to the library. And the librarians should _be open to allowing more students to come if there is availability. “The idea is not to limit [students], but the problem is when you send fifty kids and only have 12 computers, what else can we do?” Greenblatt said. Maintaining the lack of computers to be the main impetus for this policy, Greenblatt said that the librarians have made a presentation to Dr.
Chapman requesting more computers. Though having more computers would definitely be advantageous, Cherry Hill is a well-resourced district compared to many public schools around the country. Before adding more comp u t - ers, we must ensure that we are using the resources that we already have as efficiently as possible. All of the working computers in the library and the library computer lab should be open to students’ use, and when possible, study halls should be held in classroom that have computers. The librarians also said that with the Bring Your Own Device Policy, she hopes that students will be able to get computer-based assignments done anywhere, using their own electronic devices. This is indeed a terrific policy, and students who can should continue to take advantage of it. The library study hall policy stems from a valid problem, but must be carried out in a more flexible manner that allows the library to function as an accessible resource for all East students.
Pass photo by Andi Leff (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor
Horse-drawn carriages have no place in modern-day cities ■ By Shari Boiskin (‘17)
Eastside Staff
When strolling down the tourist-packed streets of Old City and Center City Philadelphia, it is almost impossible not to encounter a horse-drawn carriage. Horse-drawn carriages have been used as tourist attractions in cities since the 1800s when cars became the primary mode of transportation. But do these horses belong in modern-day cities? Ed Coffin, a spokesman for the Peace Advocacy Network (PAN), does not believe so. PAN has made great efforts against having horses in the city through pamphlets, handouts, petitions, and letters to council members and to the mayor of Philadelphia, Michael Nutter. While having horsedrawn carriages as a tourist attraction does rake in money, the effects on the horses themselves are detrimental. Having horsedrawn carriages in the city, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) spokesman Bret Hop-
man, “is unnatural, unnecment of the horses, there in the road, social media essary and an undeniable have been dozens of cases went crazy over the horsestrain on the horses’ quality of collisions between pedesdrawn carriages in the city. of life.” And Brandon Gittletrians, cars and the horses, “At least once a year we man, PAN’s Horse-Drawn which not only endangers have some sort of carriage Carriage Legislative Direcanimals, but humans too. accident,” said Coffin. tor, said “it is time to ban After the incident last year However, there are only the cruel horse-drawn carwhen a horse fell due to an two horse-drawn carriage riage industry.” open manhole or an indent companies in Philadelphia: There a r e rules o u t lining how the horses should be treated, created by the city of Philadelphia. According to a 2010 article by PAN, those rules are seldom followed, resulting in sickly, abused horses. Alison Wooten(‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor Besides the treat- A horse lugs a tourist-filled carriage through Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Carriage Company and ‘76 Carriage Company. The industry is not as big or as close to the scale of the horse drawncarriage business in New York City, and therefore it would not be extremely difficult for the companies to switch to using an alternative like New York Mayor Bill de Blasio’s idea of using electric antique-styled cars instead of horses. De Blasio’s more humane and eco-friendly substitute, which still allows tourists to enjoy a historic experience, can easily be introduced to Philadelphia streets. In the beginning, having horse-drawn carriages in the city may have seemed like a brilliant idea, but now it only creates problems. With all of these issues circling the business, how long can it last? Many say it would be an embarrassment for Philadelphia to continue with this cruel practice when even New York is calling it quits. Horse-drawn carriages are not crucial to Philadelphia’s economy, nor are they necessary, for they endanger both the horses and humans. The time of horsedrawn carriages is over.
EDITORIAL
Page 8
EASTSIDE
February 2014
Cherry Hill High School East
Editorials represent the views and opinions of the Eastside Editorial Board.
Tax plastic bags for a better environment and human health After throwing a plastic bag away, it will sit in the same landfill or possibly float away into the ocean. If we keep using plastic bags without knowing the cost they incur on our environment, humans will continue to use these single-use, disposable items blindly until we have no recourse. A single plastic bag can take up to 1,000 years to decompose and, even after it decomposes, it still remains toxic to the environment. Plastic bags are not only detrimental to the environment, but they are also harmful to our health. If these types of plastics make their way into the ocean, they will form into smaller particles that are consumed by fish. As humans eat the fish, the plastic contaminants directly affect our health through consuming fish. As a result of the plastic bags’ detrimental effects to the environment and to
people, the state of New in our oceans translate to a Jersey should urge the use better environment. of reusable bags in superAlong with these effects, markets by placing a tax on plastic bags are made plastic bags. out of Petroleum—a Instead of usnon-renewable fosing plastic bags sil fuel, which to carry items causes more home from the damage to the supermarket, environment. people can use The burning reusable bags. of this fossil In the instance fuel to make that a person plastic bags either forgot his leads to nuor her reusable merous envibag or would ronmental like a plastic concerns. If bag to carry his fewer plastic or her items, the bags are used, store could charge there will be a Helena Sirken (‘15)/ smaller a price for it. deEastside Art Director The shoppers mand for the would have to pay, for inuse of this harmful fossil stance, a nickel for a plastic fuel. bag. This tax would encourStores like Aldi have alage shoppers to remember ready begun to tax their their reusable bags, which plastic bags, but this hapwould in time reduce our pens on a more indepencarbon footprint. Fewer dent level. If this tax were plastic bags in landfills and more of a state-wide man-
date, more stores would make a difference. The first tier of mandates would tax plastic bags only in grocery stores such as Shop Rite, ACME and Wegmans. After seeing how this system works in grocery stores and how many plastic bags were saved, the second tier would include a tax on plastic bags in department and clothing stores such as JCPenny, Macy’s and Nordstrom. Toting reusable bags to the store should not be viewed as an inconvenience; shoppers should view plastic bags as more of an inconvenience to their health. Since plastic bags are a single-use item, many shoppers use these plastic bags only once and then throw them away. But one use causes decades of the same plastic bag sitting in a landfill or contaminating the ocean and the organisms that inhabit it.
1750 Kresson Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 Phone: (856) 424-2222, ext. 2087 Fax: (856) 424-3509
Eastside Online http://www.eastside-online.org
Publisher
Fort Nassau Graphics Thorofare, NJ
Letters to the Editor
Submit signed letters to F087 Corrections: The story about New Year’s Eve in the Entertainment section of the December issue that was attributed to Emelia Keller (‘17) was actually written by Olivia Gross (‘17). Also, the art of the Knighthorse Theater Co. in the Underground section that was attributed to Helena Sirken (‘15) was actually drawn by Rachel Pacitti (‘15).
Letters to the Editor: Biology teachers offer their views on dissections at East As one of the teachers of biology at East who frequently use specimens for dissection, I want to respond to Jenna Myers’s Opinions story in the January issue of Eastside. First, Human Anatomy was singled out for “efficient” use of specimens. Readers should know that each and every one of the courses that use animal specimens use them for multiple lab cycles so that all of the body systems can be explored. The fewest number of specimens needed is always a consideration. Second, contrary to the author’s implication, it is department policy that each teacher allows students to complete alternate assignments if they are opposed to dissection. No student is ever forced to participate. Third, the author quoted one student’s feelings
about dissection as being “gruesome.” It was not stated if this student is actually a member of a biology course that uses animal specimens. If the author would like to read comments about the pros and cons of dissection from current anatomy students, I have 120 available. Last, it seemed as though the author implied that the use of animal specimens was a direct cause for “the excessive number of animals being killed annually.” This point needs direct clarification. I spoke with a representative from one of the biological companies that supplies our specimens — I asked specifically about the source for cats and fetal pigs. Preserved cats come from public shelters that must euthanize because they do not have the resources to care for all of the unwanted animals.
These euthanized animals are either used for educational purposes or disposed of. Cats are NOT killed specifically for dissection. Fetal pigs are part of the meat industry. At slaughter, a sow may unknowingly be pregnant and the fetuses do not survive. Additionally, some fetal pigs come from those that are stillborn. Even adequate care at farms does not guarantee survival for every fetus born. Again, these animals would be disposed of if they were not used in a valuable educational process. So perhaps the real issue is not the use of animal specimens in the classroom, but rather our reliance on meat consumption and the abundance of abandoned animals. -Dr. Kim Achilly East Biology Teacher
I would like to take this opportunity to respond to the Opinions article concerning use of preserved specimens [in the January 2014 issue] as learning tools in biology classes. There are two points, in particular, to which I will clarify. The first is the writer’s perception that everyone has to participate in the hands-on dissection of fetal pigs in the introductory biology course. This is absolutely false. Students are encouraged to participate but are not forced to do so. Students have the option of using virtual dissection sources to explore the anatomy of mammals, in particular pigs. The purpose of including this activity in the Biology I curriculum is to give students the opportunity to view a mammal similar to themselves in terms of what is inside of our bodies. Of course there is always a debate as to whether this is necessary or not, but it gives students a quick look at what is going on inside of themselves and may pique their curiosity to explore further. Think about the number of times one sees a doctor and is told that something is wrong inside of them yet he or she has no idea what the physician is
referring to. When one takes an objective view of the purpose of dissection, one should be able to realize this offers students a chance to understand some of these things. Most likely he or she will never have the opportunity again. I had a student who was “grossed out” by the pig dissection at first but ended up leading her group’s dissection. Today she is a surgeon. In Vertebrate Anatomy, students are required to be hands-on relative to dissection, as this is the basis of studying vertebrates. Students know this is required because the course description specifically states this. The second point was that of the unnecessary use of “too many specimens.” When I was interviewed, the writer did not ask why the number of specimens per group was used, only how many. In the introductory biology courses there was one fetal pig per pair. This was when the curriculum focused heavily on body systems. Now, with a change in the curriculum to one with less focus on body systems, one specimen is used per group of four. Why four and not more? There is not enough
room around one fetal pig for more students to effectively view the specimen’s internal organs and certainly it is not safe to have more than four people participate in dissecting with scalpels. In Vertebrate Anatomy, most students are interested in pursuing a career in a medical field. This course offers an intense, up close, handson opportunity for these students to observe specimens up close in a real, not virtual, situation. It also provides a setting to compare organisms’ organs/systems, develop tactile skills and synthesize ideas relating to the way organisms evolve and why systems develop as they do. To do this, one must be able to be close, very close, to the specimens. Therefore one animal is used per group of two students. Any larger grouping would defeat the purpose of the course. I do not teach any biology classes this year, but I invite the writer to come and interview the students in my Vertebrate Anatomy class to see how they perceive their work and purpose for participating in dissections. -Mr. Lee Troutman East Biology Teacher
Managing Editor: Thomas Hudson
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
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
Eastside’s Staffer of the Month November: Kaitlyn Boyle (‘17) December: Grace Shen (‘16) January: Steve Mirsen (‘16)
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 “@eastsideonline.org,” ie: kaylin. magosin@eastsideonline.org. (Note: There is a dash between “eastside” and “online”)
February 2014
COMICS EASTSIDE
CHE is Watching... Always Watching by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
Super Scholar by Ben Abbaszadeh (‘15)/ For Eastside
Save the Dates For Summer Fun and Learning! Cherry Hill School District will once again offer a summer enrichment program. Summer 2014 classes will be offered in Ceramics, Theater, Computer Graphics, Food Science, SAT Prep, College Essay Writing and Photography, just to name a few. Where? Cherry Hill High School East When? July 28-31, August 4-7, and August 11-14 Who? Students in grades 6 through 11 are welcome to join in the fun. Class offerings and registration information will be available in April. Questions? Contact Margaret Regan at Mregan@chclc.org.
“Dat L” by Haley Schultz (‘14)/ Eastside News/Features Editor
Page 9
COMMUNITY
Chow down and check out South Jersey’s best cheesesteaks Page 10
EASTSIDE
February 2014
P.J. Whellihans
■ By Kaylin Magosin (‘14)
■ By Jacob Borowsky (‘16)
February 2014
DiVello’s
Eastside Editor-In-Chief
Eastside Sports Editor
T h e immaculate blend of thinsliced beef, onions and melted cheese goes flawlessly in sandwich form. P.J.’s pub’s very own Cheesesteak Nachos replaces the bun with nachos and its own nacho sauce—a combination more delicious than the original. The delectable nachos go perfectly as either an appetizer or a meal on their own. The nachos’ only problems may be the colossal amount of nacho cheese and many uncovered nachos that accumulate at the bottom, beneath the grilled onions, cheese and steak-covered top. Aside from that minor inconsistency, the appetizer is one of P.J.’s best dishes, a perfect variation of Philadelphia’s favorite food.
Kaylin Magosin (‘14)/ Eastside Editor-In-Chief
DiVello’s makes tasty cheesesteaks for South Jersey.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
T h i s DiVello’s cheesesteak was not very messy, as the contents mostly stayed inside the soft roll. Thus, it was easy to eat. I got an original cheesesteak—steak mixed with melted American cheese. I also ordered it with fried onions and ate it with a moderate amount of ketchup. The meat was juicy and shredded thinly so that it was easy to chew. The cheesesteak was ready within 10 minutes and served warm but not hot enough that I would burn my mouth if I ate it right away. There was a nice balance of meat, cheese and onions, and they were mixed thoroughly so that when I took a bite, I tasted all three.
Phil’s Deli
■ By Liza Rothkoff (‘16)
■ By Liam Mahoney (‘14)
Eastside Staff
For Eastside
Jersey Mike’s Subs, located in multiple locations in South Jersey and around the nation, brings the taste of the famous Philadelphia cheesesteak around America. Jersey Mike’s Famous Philly Cheesesteak is aimed to please. The cheesesteak can be ordered with either steak or chicken and comes with grilled onions and peppers. The cheesesteak, more cheesy than most cheesesteaks, seemed almost too cheesy. The thinly sliced steak is served with a golden bun. The bun was soggy due to the gooey texture of the cheese. Overall, the cheesesteak from Jersey Mike’s Subs is not the best in South Jersey, but still satisfying.
Eastside’s picks Twelve Eastside editors blind-tasted six different cheesesteaks from Pizza Fresca, Vito’s, Cherry Hill Pizza, Romanza, The Boyz and Healthy Garden.
Best: Most enticing cheesesteak: The Boyz Best quality meat: The Boyz Best quality cheese: Healthy Garden Best quality bread: The Boyz Taste: The Boyz Best presentation: Vito’s Worst: Least enticing cheesesteak: Pizza Fresca Worst quality meat: Pizza Fresca Worst quality cheese: Cherry Hill Pizza Worst quality bread: Pizza Fresca Taste: Romanza Messiest: Pizza Fresca Worst presentation: Pizza Fresca
For me, the key to any good cheesesteak is in the bread. Without a good roll, the sandwich will fall flat. So as I took my first bite of my cheesesteak from Phil’s Deli, I was happy to find a quality roll. The rest was history. The sandwich held together nicely, the steak to provolone ratio was just right, and I was left feeling satisfied. If anything, the meat was a little on the dry side, but it was countered nicely by the sharpness of the provolone. Overall, I commend Phil’s Deli on its classic Philly Cheesesteak. Julia Rothkoff (‘16)/ Eastside Community Editor
Jersey Mike’s Subs brings a taste of the Philly cheesesteak all around the nation. ■ By Julia Rothkoff (‘16) Eastside Community Editor
In the early 20th century, cheesesteaks first appeared in Philadelphia. Hot dog vendor, Pat Oliveri, and his brother, Harry Oliveri, are often credited with inventing the first Philadelphia cheesesteak, when Oliveri made a hot steak sandwich out of sauteed steak and a long roll. The warm sandwich, made with sliced meat and melted cheese on a long hoagie roll, has become a popular item among locals of Philadelphia. Oliveri soon opened up Pat’s King of Steaks on 9th Street in Philadelphia. Soon, a friendly rivalry started when J o e y Vento opened up Geno’s Steaks across the street from Pat’s King of Steaks. Many people think that Vento was the first person to put cheese into a cheesesteak. Both Pat’s King of Steaks and Gino’s continue to thrive as businesses. They are both open 24 hours a day and their creations continue to satisfy taste buds locally and nationally alike. Variations of the cheesesteaks have become popular recently. Local restaurants like Iron
Hill Brewery and Catelli Duo are offering cheesesteak egg rolls on their menus. Purists of the cheesesteak may enjoy a cheesesteak hoagie, which is a cold cheesesteak with cheese, steak, lettuce and tomato. People who are not fans of red meat may enjoy a chicken cheesesteak, a traditional cheesesteak that substitutes steak for chicken. Pizza lovers would enjoy a pizza cheesesteak, a cheesesteak with steak, mozarella cheese and marinara sauce. People who have a gluten-free diet can also enjoy the taste of the classic Philadelphia cheesesteak, but without the bread. Cheesesteak soup contains chicken broth, onions, cheddar cheese, parsley and beef steak. Cubes of b a k e d bread can also be added to the soup for gluten eaters. Vegetarians may enjoy a vegetarian cheesesteak. These untraditional cheesesteaks substitute portobello mushrooms for steak. The warm sandwich is completed with provolone cheese, onions and a long, toasted hoagie roll Traditional or untraditional, cheesesteaks are sure to delight the locals of Philadelphia and people all around the country with a classic taste of Philadelphia.
More cheesesteak restaurants in the area: Chick’s Deli: 906 Township Lane Cherry Hill, NJ People’s Pizza: 1500 Rte. 38 Cherry Hill, NJ Tony Luke’s Cheesesteaks: 39 East Oregon Avenue Philadelphia, PA
How to make a cheesesteak:
EASTSIDE
Cheesesteak 101:
A cheesesteak, also known as a Philadelphia cheesesteak, Philly cheesesteak, cheesesteak sandwich or steak and cheese, is a sandwich made from thinly sliced pieces of steak and melted cheese in a long roll. Place of Origin: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Creators: Pat and Harry Olivieri Serving Temperature: Hot Main Ingredients: Meat: Rib-eye Top round Bread: Amoroso Vilotti-Pisanelli Cheese: Cheez Whiz Provolone American
Cook time: 10 minutes
Popular Add-ons: Sauteed onions Ingredients: Peppers 1 hoagie roll 1/4 pound of thinly sliced meat Mushrooms 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/4 pound of cheese (Provolone, Mayonnaise American, Cheez Wiz) Hot sauce Salt Salt Ground black pepper Pepper 1 onion Ketchup
Directions: 1.) Cover a heated griddle with vegetable oil. 2.) Put a sliced onion on the Sal Vito Pizza: griddle and cook until carmel910 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd. ized. Voorhees, NJ 3.) Add the sliced meat to the griddle and cook until the meat is not pink. Phil’s Deli and Market: 4.) Add salt and pepper. 2079 Marlton Pike East 5.) Mix the salt, pepper, meat and onion together. Cherry Hill, NJ 6.) Put the cheese on top of the meat and cook until the cheese Gaetano’s Steaks is melted. 7.) Use a spatula to transfer the Subs & Pizza: 15 North Burnt Mill Rd. meat and cheese from the griddle onto the soft hoagie roll. Cherry Hill, NJ 8.) Slice the sandwich in half.
Calories: 759 per serving Variations: A cheesesteak made with chicken instead of beef is called a chicken cheesesteak. A cheesteak topped with pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese is a pizza steak. Another variation is the cheesesteak hoagie, which contains lettuce and tomato. Ingredients art by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director All cheesesteaks by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director Cheesesteak 101 by Allie Grossman (‘16)/ Eastside Community Editor
Page 11
ENTERTAINMENT
Page 12
EASTSIDE
February 2014
Fallon brings a new perspective to “The Tonight Show”
■ By Jenna Wilson (‘15)
Eastside News/Features Editor
Another television era began on February 17, when Jimmy Fallon took over “The Tonight Show.” The first promos for Fallon were released on January 6, and since then, America eagerly anticipated Fallon’s takeover. With its new host, the show has also gained a new location, as it moved back to New York’s Rockefeller Center. Johnny Carson had moved the show, which first premiered in 1954, from Manhattan to Los Angeles in 1972. “The Tonight Show” is currently the longest running, regularly scheduled entertainment program in the United States. Fallon now joins the legacy as the show’s fifth host. Steve Allen hosted the show from its birth in 1954 to 1957. Jack Paar succeeded him, hosting the show from 1957 to 1962. Johnny Carson, who took over for Paar, hosted the show for 30 years, from 1962 to 1992, and is arguably the most recognizable host in “The Tonight Show” history. Carson and his sidekick Ed McMahon had audiences in stitches for the duration of their stay, especially with
their iconic “Carnac the Magnificent” sketch. Jay Leno, the last host, took the stage from 1992 until 2009, when Conan O’Brien took over for one year. He was quickly replaced in 2010 when Leno returned, and now hosts his own show, “Conan,” on TBS. For the last five y e a r s , F a l l o n hosted N B C ’ s “ L a t e Night,” a position he took over after Conan O’Brien left in 2009. Fallon first started on “Saturday Night Live” in 1998 as a featured p l a y e r and later became a full-time cast member in 1999. He
was co-anchor of “Weekend Update” with Tina Fey from 2000 to 2004, in addition to playing other recurring characters, such as the infamous Boston native, Sully, before he left SNL to
pursue a film career. He returned to SNL when he hosted in December 2011 and December 2013. His performance in 2011 earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding
Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
Netflix allows students to catch up on series
■ By Brooke Greenberg (‘17)
a trip to pick up a VHS or DVD, and gives the same immediate access to YouTube videos and the internet.” Since founded in 1997 by DVD rental store Blockbuster Reed Hastings and Marc Ranwent out of business due to the dolph, Netflix has developed trumping success of Netflix and into a huge success all across the instant globe. By videos. bringing Blockpopular buster movies did not and teleoffer the vision TV opshows to t i o n s peoples’ that Nethomes, flix has. Netflix— Cohen and other said, “I streamwatch ing sights a lot of such as random Hulu— shows have inand movstantly ies that become I have a revolus o m e tion in t i m e s technolseen or ogy, as not. I well as mainly a convewatch nience for Screenshot by Alison Wooten (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor ‘ D o c t o r its users. Who.’” N e t f - The Netflix home page shows the most popular programs available. Netlix offers flix is a wide and TV shows,” Sobel said. a great way to discover shows range of movies from all genres, Many people watch certain and movies that you may not including new movies such as TV shows and movies, especialhave seen or heard of before 007 Skyfall, Safe Haven and ly because they are offered exbecause it combines recent hits The Guilt Trip. Netflix also ofclusively on Netflix. Netflix ofwith old time classics. Netflix fers several TV shows such as fers complete seasons of shows offers opportunities to catch up “New Girl,” “Pretty Little Liars” on and off the air. For example, on a show before the finale airs and “Orange is the New Black,” Netflix has the entire 121-epon television because of its vast which is a Netflix original seisode compilation of “Gossip selections. ries. Netflix currently has apGirl,” though the series ended In addition, Netflix offers a proximately forty million users, in 2012. DVD rental system, which inbut the number keeps growing. Lewis Cohen (’15) said, “I cludes many newer titles and a Students at East often use think Netflix is such a success one-day shipping policy. Users Netflix on both weekends and because it takes the idea of simply select the movie online school nights to watch entire sewatching a TV show or movie, to watch and it is sent through ries from the very first episode which not too long ago required the mail the next day. to the very last episode with no Eastside Staff
commercial interruption. Jacob Sobel (’16) said he watches “Breaking Bad,” “Mad Men” and “Archer” on Netflix. “I think Netflix is such a success because it offers a wide range of diversity between films
Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. He is the only late night host to have a Grammy, winning for his comedic album, Blow Your Pants Off. Following in Fallon’s footsteps from the “Weekend Update” seat to the “Late Night” set is Seth Meyers, who took over Fallon’s esteemed seat on February 24. Meyers joined the SNL cast in 2001 and has hosted “Weekend Update” since 2006, first co-anchoring with Amy Poehler and then by himself. This season, he co-hosts with Cecily Strong. Strong will continue hosting “Weekend Update” a f t e r Meyer’s depature, solely. With their accolade-filled comedic pasts, Meyers and Fallon are poised to continue the late night traditions of musical sketches, news parodies and flawless interviewing, all while keeping audiences laughing until the sun comes up.
Britney Spears did it again... in Las Vegas ■ By Abby Hoffman (‘14) Eastside Entertainment Editor
her eighth studio album. Overall, “Britney: Piece of Me” com bines a high-energy concert with a vivacious nightclub feel. The award-winning pop star has sold 100 million albums internationally; now is your chance to catch Spears’ increasingly popular show and witness a sensational d i s play of music,
Back and “Stronger” than ever, Britney Spears proves she is finally ready to work hard for an official, positive comeback in her new Las Vegas show entitled “Britney: Piece of Me.” This production first officially commenced on December 27, 2013, at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Cas i n o dance, on the c o s Las Vegas tumes strip. and surIncludp r i s e ed in the tricks. show is The show work from is expected throughto run for o u t the next two Spears’ years. 15-plus In the years of end, Britney stardom. Spears Without a Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside is “Born Art Director to Make doubt, Y o u y o u Happy.” will know almost Let’s just hope every single song in she accomplishes the set. her goal through Britney herself the success of her performs various new show, “Britney: dance hits, along Piece of Me.” with tracks from
What shows on Netflix do your Eastside editors prefer to watch in their spare time? 1. “Gossip Girl” 2. “Orange is the New Black” 3. “Parks and Recreation” 4. “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” 5. “One Tree Hill” 6. “The Office” 7. “Breaking Bad” 8. “New Girl” 9. “Skins” 10. “Dexter”
February 2014
ENTERTAINMENT EASTSIDE
Page 13
From the little screen to the big screen: 21 Jump Street ■ By Meghna Kothari (‘15) Eastside News/Features Editor
The months between January and March in the entertainment world are known as awards season. There have been countless red carpet moments at ceremonies and events that have left those watching in either complete amazement or in complete shock over the choice of attire some of the celebrities selected. Some celebrities nail the perfect red carpet look for each event they go to while others seem to always make the list for worst dressed. Maybe fashion police would have a harder time judging stars on their style choices if stars just paid closer attention to the do’s and don’ts of the red carpet, which includes good and bad fashion choices made by celebrities in the past. Do dress modernly and with class, but don’t try to be too trendy and youthful. Viewers love seeing a classic tux or a dress that exhorts sophistication. Charlize Theron exemplified class when she wore an all-white strapless peplum dress at the 2013 Oscars. Nonetheless, at the same event, Jane Fonda wore a bright yellow long-sleeved dress that most agreed was a bit too vibrant for her and put her in the category for one of the worst dressed. Critics and viewers like seeing contemporary yet refined outfits over outfits that try too hard to look ripe. Do add color, pattern and sparkle to your look, but don’t use anything in excess. Robert Pattinson embraces color by wearing a differently colored suit at any ceremony; his most recent outfit was a spruce emerald suit at the Break-
ing Dawn: Part 2 premiere. Ryan Gosling, however, was not so successful in looking the best in a dark green, entirely velvet suit at the premier for his movie, The Place Beyond the Pines. Adding colors and experimenting with different textures with your wardrobe is a great idea as long as it is done in moderation. Do be bold, but don’t show too much. Celebrities often make the mistake of getting too risqué with their wardrobe, such as Rihanna at the 2011 Grammys, where she wore an utterly sheer dress with furry white stripes. Heidi Klum did it the right way at the award ceremony by choosing a slimming gold dress with an open back and slit at the bottom of the dress that showed just the right amount of skin. It is acceptable to be a bit daring, but it is always a bad idea to be too racy. Do tailor clothes, but don’t alter them too much. It is always adequate to tailor a suit or dress so that it looks like it was made for no better person than you. However, tailoring it too much to the point where it looks like it may be a size too small, or not tailoring it enough in which it looks a few sizes too big or too small, can be an issue. Quentin Tarantino tried to mix the look of a Japanese tux with an American tux, but it just resulted in what looked like an oversized blazer that was not to his fitting at the 2010 Golden Globes. In contrast, Leonardo DiCaprio looked dapper at the ceremony in a simple yet classic black tux that fit him like a glove. Overall, the fashion world is all about experimentation and innovation, but some pieces of clothing are best left off the red carpet.
Past trends become current
Art by Grace Shen (‘16)/ For Eastside
estimate to say that over half of Eastside Staff the female populaPeople look back on any past detion at Cherry cade and ask themselves, “What was Hill East owns I thinking when I wore that?” Yet, at least one pair somehow, these fashion trends are reof leggings. cycled decade after decade, with a few The types tweaks here and there. of leggings toThe reason that fashion trends day have also keep returning is that designers look evolved, includto the past for inspiration. The deing the nowsigners revamp those famous styles trendy “jegging” to incorporate a more modern look. fad. Jeggings Fashion statements are rarely origiare a recent nal, but with minor updates the devariation of legJordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor sign can seem brand new. gings; they are Crop tops are the latest trend in fashion. From patterns to material, fashleggings that ion has evolved in order to modernize take certain atBy the 1990s, the crop top reapstyles. However, some trends come tributes from a pair of jeans, such as peared in the form of the bustier, back because they are just univercolor and style, and particularly a coland by the mid-1990s, the crop top sally enjoyed; for example, leggings. ored seam down the side. took the form of the baby doll shirt, Leggings first entered the fashion Leggings today also have different a cropped tight-fitting T-shirt, which world in the 1960s, as trousers simipatterns, such as aztec designs and often featured graphic logos. lar to capris pants but much tighter. writing down the side. Leggings can Within the 1990s, Britney Spears Now, over fifty years later, it is a fair be seen as one of the most versatile rocked crop tops in her daily attire pieces of clothing a person can and her music videos. Also, Tiffani have in one’s closet. Leggings Amber-Thiessen’s “Saved by the Bell” range from the classic black character, Kelly Kapowski, famously to multi-colored and designed bared her midriff in several episodes pants. Since their creation of the series. This hot new trend over fifty years ago, leggings caused for girls everywhere to start continue to flourish in the wearing cropped tops. With celebrifashion industry. ties’ appeal of crop tops, girls wantAnother returning trend is ed to replicate the stars’ looks and the highly esteemed crop top. bought different styles of the top. During the mid-1980s, the Long-sleeved crop tops and cropped famous film Flashdance first turtlenecks also became extremely premiered the famous cut-off fashionable in order to bring the hotsweater. Soon after, pop star test trend to the coldest of seasons. By Madonna caused a controverthe late 1990s, crop tops had become sy when she danced in a mesh so mainstream that many schools crop top in her music video for began banning the garment in their the song “Lucky Star.” dress code. Also during the 1980s, cutNow, the crop top can be found at off crop tops became a popular most popular stores. In order to refashion item thanks to the invent the crop top, designers have aerobics craze. It became comincorporated different styles and new mon for girls to chop off seclengths and structure in the top. It is tions of their workout wear a staple for girls all over the world. to create a loose-fitting top, Take one look back at your parents’ which was often worn over a photo albums from 20-plus years ago body suit. The crop top has and you might recognize some curJordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor gone through many transforrent trends shown in a very different mations throughout the years. Leggings are always in style. light. ■ By Leah Korn (‘16)
■ By Dani Roth (‘15) Eastside Entertainment Editor
Although 21 Jump Street is known today as the hilarious collaboration between Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, twenty- five years ago it was known as a dramatic television series which starred fresh-faced actors, such as Johnny Depp and Holly Robinson Peete. 21 Jump Street, though released two years ago, is regarded as one of the best comedic, action-packed films. In contrast, viewers of the hit series consider the show as one of the best crime drama television series. Having five seasons between 1987 and 1991, the television show offered scenes of crime investigation and mystery. Similar to the movie, the series focuses on a young squad of police officers located at the headquarters, 21 Jump Street. There, the young-looking officers go undercover in high schools, colleges and other teenage venues. Each episode centers on a specific crime the squad is assigned to. The show covers issues such as alcoholism, hate crimes, drug abuse, homophobia, AIDS, child abuse and sexual promiscuity. Similarly, each problem is often solved by the end of the hour-long episode, giving an implicit moral about the impact of a particular activity. Some episodes were followed by public service announcements featuring cast members. Though the series focuses heavily on dramatic issues, the film features a highly comedic tone. The film focuses primarily on Hill and Tatum’s character developments, as well as them returning to their old high school. This action -packed film concentrates on bringing together former high school foes who go undercover together as high school students to bust a drug ring. With outrageously hilarious dialogue, the duo winds up slipping back into their adolescent ways, causing hysterically disastrous results. 22 Jump Street, a sequel of 21 Jump Street is in production and is expected to be released on June 13, 2014. The sequel continues to focus on Hill and Tatum as undercover officers. 22 Jump Street centers around the duo’s new assignment: college. The film is expected to be a success. Art by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
UNDERGROUND
Page 14
EASTSIDE
February 2014
Netflix and Hulu offer shows and movies original to the Internet ■ By Rebecca Cohen (‘15) Eastside Underground Editor
The realm of Netflix, an onlinestreaming source of media, has quickly taken over the lives of many, ranging from teenagers to adults. No longer must a user wait for Netflix to send him one of his three allotted DVDs, but by paying per month, the user is invited into a virtual world of television and movies at the touch of a button. With only 15 seconds between episodes of a given series, users are hooked at the first use, falling in love with this reliable and addicting source of media from day one. Netflix.com is the home of thousands of TV series and movies for users to watch 24/7. Many use this database as a way to catch up on shows they missed on TV, to watch older TV shows they never g o t the chance to watch live, or to watch endless hours o f endlessy available movies. Not only does Netflix make shows that once aired on TV accessible, but starting in 2012, when the new site’s popularity began to grow, Netflix also put out original shows to its service that are not on TV and can only be viewed on Netflix.com by paid users. This immediately brought more popularity
to the exponentially growing number of users of Netflix. Since there was no other way to watch these shows, users binge-watched episode by episode. What kept them coming back, though, was the fact that Netflix only released a limited number of episodes or seasons at a time. After finishing the alotted hours of entertainment, users had to wait impatiently for the next release of the everso-addicting collection of new media. Month after month, users returned to watch their favorite online-only shows. Probably the most popular TV show that came out of these additions to the Netflix library is “Orange is the New Black,” a show about women delinquents that takes place in a jail. But, contrary to popular belief, this is not the only available Netflix original. There is a wide world of others
that have been added to the website over the course of its success. In addition to “Orange is the New Black,” Netflix provides a plethora of other originals for users including “House of Cards,” “Hemlock Grove,” “Lilyhammer” and many more. “Arrested Development,” a popular show once aired on TV, made the
Flick em’ collect em’: Crazy Bones!
■ By Izzy Kaminer (‘15) Eastside Staff
Crazy Bones: a game surely many readers remember playing as children. Whether it was throwing the small plastic figurines at each other, collecting them, or actually playing them in the “correct” manner, the Crazy Bone craze consumed m a n y childhoods. For those who never took part in the fad, Gogo’s Crazy Bones are small plastic figurines with faces and personalities. There are different “series” of Bones, however. Each series has a theme and contains different characters. Some of these began as variations of the “original” Bones while others are entirely new. Despite the similarities, each variation is still an entirely new Bone with a new name and personality. There are hundreds of different Crazy Bones, some more rare and valuable than others. How does one play with Crazy Bones? It’s fairly simple. The most common way to play is for each
player to pick one “Bone.” Then, one can “teleport” the Bone to anywhere along a surface. When one chooses to attack, he or she must flick his or her Bone at an opponent’s Bone. If the opposing Bone is hit, it is out; if the shot misses, the game continues. There are also a variety of online games that can be played using Crazy Bones. The Gogo website offers a plethora of games that use its Bones, among other products, to play. Since their rise to popularity, Crazy Bones have been vastly marketed to children. Elementary-aged boys and girls were the most common participants in the 2006-2007 craze of Crazy Bones. Mostly, though, boys developed infatuations with these plastic figurines. They collected them by the dozen, traded them with friends, and played games with them. Now these kids w h o developed the craze are seven years older, but they still enjoy the games. The once beloved Crazy Bones deserve to be out of the vault for kids to enjoy just as the kids in 2006 and 2007 did. Let’s bring the craze back! Logo and art by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
decision to premier its fourth season as only on Netflix, which turned out to be a huge success. This forced non-users who were fans of “Arrested Development” to subscribe to Netflix, which clearly enhanced its success and popularity. This was a
smart choice for both the TV producers and Netflix because it brought much hype to this new way of releasing a show, and to Netflix because there was no other way to watch the much-anticipated fourth season of the show. Netflix also produces original movies and documentaries, one of which, The Square, was nominated for an Academy Award. This was the first time a Netflix original had been nominated for such a prestegious award. The entertainment provided by Netflix clearly is proven to be entertaining due to the awards they have won in addition to the various viewers of the original shows. Likewise, hulu.com, another internet-based streaming source of entertainment, provides original shows for its paid users, in addi-
tion to reruns of TV shows for free, though to access those which are original to the service, a user must pay a monthly fee. Since Hulu is less popular than is Netflix, these shows easily go under the radar, despite the fact that, according to mashable.com, they surpassed 4 million subscribers, doubling the user base in the past year. Recently, Hulu added new original series to its database, including “The Awesomes,” “Moone Boy,” “Behind the Mask,” “The Wrong Mans,” “Quick Draw,” “East Los High” and “Mother Up!” which have clearly been proven popular due to the influx of new users, clearly excited to watch these new series because they continue to watch, quickly bringing much more popularity to Netflix’s small competition. Online-streaming sites have produced many original series that have become unique to this generation’s way to access media. Virtually any TV show or movie is available at the easy touch of a button. Many have been made for users to enjoy and, therefore, the number of online-streaming fans in the past year or two has increased by incredible amounts. This fad is spreading fast among all generations who love the ability to watch anything, anytime, anywhere. “Netflix” and “HuluPlus” logos by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
UNDERGROUND
February 2014
EASTSIDE
Page 15
Hackathons lead the rise of the teenage programmer ■ By Bogdan Vitoc (‘16)
Eastside Underground Editor
organized events bringing together programmers in one place for a set period of time) spread like wildfire. Just 15 years later, the hackathon scene is probably one of the fastest-growing movements in America. No longer community projects like OpenBSD or geek-only gatherings in messy basements, hackathons have become massive contests where teams collaborate to create amazing technology—there is often no requirement for what the cre-
always won by the oldest. In fact, high school students are often the most astonishing. Super-motivated and eager to prove that they can do anything, it is not uncommon for high school students to beat college students and “experts.” A prominent example of this high school mentality of “I can do anything” is Conrad Kramer (‘14). In the past six months he has won three large hackathons: PennApps Fall 2013, which hosted 1,100 high
both novices and tech whizzes. “[During MHacks] I had the unique opportunity to see Samplify evolve from a simple mockup to one of the most impressive hacks ever built in a weekend… and two of the three members had never built an app before. They had a crazy idea and nothing was going to stop them from building it,” writes David Fontenot, the creator of MHacks, about the Android app Samplify, which was created during the MHacks III.
Hacking. Many people are familiar with the term, using it alongside words like “illegal,” “virus” and “piracy.” They believe it means “using a computer to gain unauthorized access to data.” They label hackers as superpowered evil computer nerds, sitting in basements behind small desks laughing at all the accounts they have stolen. They would not be technically wrong in this belief, because it is, as a matter of fact, along the lines of the definitions given by major dictionaries. But these dictionaries need to be updated. Recently, a new type of hacker has emerged. These hackers try to set themselves apart from the popular definition; they even look down on hackers with malicious intent, instead asserting that, for them at least, hacking means building something useful with a computer. They have no intention to do harm, but only to use something they are incredibly good at—programming—for good and for their own enjoyment. Although growing in number, the hacker population is still sparse. A few years ago, being a hacker was lonely. With few to rally with, hackers had to rely on instant messaging to communicate amongst themselves across states and even countries. “I know everyone Bogdan Vitoc (‘16)/ Eastside Underground Editor here... even if I’ve never Evan Klein (‘14), Conrad Kramer (‘14) and Jared Wright (‘14) show their hack at PennApps Spring 2014. met them, never talked to them, may never hear from them again... I know you all…,” ation, called a hack, must be. With school and college students in the “This is what hackathons are all wrote a hacker under the handle food, drink and even transportation Engineering Department of the Uniabout.” of “The Mentor” in a short essay ensured, hackathons range from 24 versity of Pennsylvania; MHacks For just 15 years, the change in named The Hacker Manifesto. to 72 hours, during which sleep is III, a 1000-person event on January what teens can do has taken such a But today, things are changing neglected, coffee is worshiped and 17-19 at Quicken Loans headquarpivotal turn that the parents of the for hackers. The government, comlaptops are never turned off. ters in Detroit; and HackNY, a 24late 20th century “classic American panies and regular people seem to Sponsored by large companies hour hackathon at the New York family” likely could have never prehave gotten over their fear of bad like Facebook, Yahoo! and Apple, University. dicted it. hackers. Instead, a complete reverhackathons have become unique “[A hackathon] means an opporWith hackathons as an imporsal in the perception of hackers is opportunities for aspiring tech entunity to work on my programming tant propagator of productivity underway. trepreneurs where the playing field skills and meet people with similar (along other new competitions such In 1999, OpenBSD (a software is even for all. At any of the probinterests,” said Kramer. “It’s also as massive online science fairs and company) took ten software developably hundreds of hackathons in the a chance to win a lot of prizes and worldwide robotics competitions), ers and had them program together US, high school students, college money.” teens have empowered themselves in what is considered the first hackstudents and professionals compete But while hackathons carry a to try to change the stereotype of athon ever. Although the OpenBSD against one another, racing to prostrong sense of competition, they the lazy, unmotivated adolescent hackathon was small and obscure, duce the winning hack. are just as much about providing a into an image of a hardworking the idea of hackathons (essentially Surprisingly, hackathons are not salubrious learning experience for teen with a hunger for life.
MySpace redesign spurs new interest in the old site ■ By Emma Silverstone (‘15)
Eastside Staff
MySpace, the popular musicsharing social media website, has gone through a massive change: it is now a website for streaming music. Like the popular website Spotify, it allows users to stream music online for free. A sleek page design and easy-to-use controls have aided the website in an attempt to make itself well-known again. The first page of the website is a sign-up page. The user is asked to provide his or her full name, gender, birth date and email address, along with a username and password. The user can choose to sign up using his or her Facebook or Twitter accounts if he or she would prefer. After providing the general information, the user is led to a page that asks his or her interests. This helps MySpace filter advertisements while the user listens to music. Once the user chooses his or her interests, he
or she is taken to another page that serves as his or her “profile.” The user can add photos and make blog posts on the profile. The home page allows the user to customize his or her “stream,” which is available when going to the home page. The user can choose what type of content shows up when he or she enter the site, like photos, videos and news articles. Clicking on the “discover” button on the bottom of the screen and then clicking the “music” button located to the left of the screen allows the user to listen to music. The main Music page shows the most popular songs that are played on the site, but the user can choose between genres such as pop, rap, rock, alternative, electronic and many more. There are few advertisements that interrupt the user’s listening experience. The user is able to go through the site and listen to music with little interruption by video ads. When there is an advertisement, it is usually in the corner of the screen
Emma Silverstone (‘15)/ Eastside Staff
A screenshot of MySpace’s new layout. and lasts about 15 seconds. tinuing the aspect of a profile page. Although MySpace went through The reason for MySpace’s redea change to enhance its website by sign attempt was to help assimilate focusing more on music, it still has the once popular social media site a social media angle. The profile opback into everyday life, hoping that tion allows users to post their own the addition of a new design and videos, photos and blog posts, conmusic integration will do just that.
HUMOR
Page 16
EASTSIDE
February 2014
Schapman surprises East community with new album Jordan Schmidt (‘14) ■ By
Eastside Staff
Dr. Lawyer Schapman stunned the students of Cherry Hill East by releasing a surprise album, similar to Beyoncé’s, on the morning of Tuesday, January 14. After nearing the end of his first semester as East’s principal, Schapman felt that the scholars were ready for an album of scholarly tunes. The album, which had been in development in secrecy since last October, follows a similar tactic to Ms. Knowles’ strategy. She too produced her album in secrecy and released it in one night. Schapman’s album also became an overnight sensation. “Yes, I am a fan of Beyoncé,” said Schapman, “she is one of my all-time favorites.”
He added, “I felt I needed to pay my respect to an all-time hero of mine, and in doing so, enrich the scholars of East with my own musical stylings.” The album features a collection of Dr. Schapman’s twelve finest morning speeches, all backed by occasional drumbeats and faint guitar. The album’s smash single is “A Random Act of Kindness,” which was a hit at East for about a day, until people went back to singing “Royals.” Other tracks include “This Fire Drill was a Success,” “Come to Dodgeball,” Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor the awe-inspiring “This Reminds Me Dr. Schapman poses for his new of a Quote by Ralph album.
Waldo Emerson” and the critically-panned “Happy Birthday Dear Scholar.” “This song is a ripoff. I swear I’ve heard something exactly like this before,” said one critic of the latter song. Schapman was the sole vocalist for all songs but one: “Newspapers are for Reading,” which has background vocals by Mr. Nick Creedman. Schapman spoke fondly of the experience he had while recording, saying he wishes he could record all the time. The student response to the album has been overwhelming. Numerous scholars are already calling it ‘Best Album by a
Teacher Scholar’ for 2014. Schapman’s album has become such a success that it was nominated for numerous awards at the Grammys. “It was a huge surprise that Lorde won over me,” said Schapman. Scholars at East are also surprised that Schapman did not win. “This album spoke to me in an emotional way. I feel like Dr. Schapman wants to help me truly live my life. He deserved that Grammy,” said Cedric Kellsky (‘16) as he wiped the tears from his eyes. So what’s next for Schapman? “Some people have offered to produce my next album,” he said. He then looked over his shoulders, grinned, and whispered, “And Pharrell Williams is one of them.”
ter spending a few hours hunting in North Jersey, he brought his catch to East. He dragged his ducks through the halls and into the cafeteria for Miss Kay to cook. “There were all these birds just waiting to be hunted and eaten by me and the students here at East,” Jase said. Missy Robertson, Jase’s wife, took over D-Wing and taught the music classes. Sixt e e n- y e a r- o l d Sadie Robertson, daughter of Willie, taught Driver’s Ed. During the after-school hours, Phil Robertson, a college football star, coached the football team with his winning plays. Phil’s younger brother and Vietnam veteran Si Robertson, better known as Uncle Si, taught US
History II. “Hey! These stories about ‘nam are 95% true! The other 5% is made-up,” Si said. The Robertson’s full day
Students experience Duck Dynasty as the Robertson family visits East ■ By Kristen Magosin (‘17) For Eastside
Amidst the Robertson family’s busy schedule of duck hunting, making duck calls, filming for their hit TV series Duck Dynasty, mak-
ing other television appearances related to ducks and spending time with family while talking about ducks, the Robertsons made time to stop by East after the
New Year. This large family made quite an impact when they visited. Willie Robertson, the CEO of Duck Commander, was determined to be CEO of East and convinced Dr. Schapman that he would speak after the flag salute. “Here’s some advice for y’all scholars: every action in life begins with a decision and unfortunately we don’t always make the best ones. So y’all better make some good decisions today!” Willie said. Willie’s mom, Miss Kay, came to East and began running the cafeteria after convincing Aramark to
leave. According to several students who bought lunch that day, Miss Kay cooked many unusual meals. Instead of sandwiches, she made roasted duck. Frog legs were served in place of French fries. Sweet tea was served in Mason jars. Willie’s older brother, Jase Robertson, immediately obtained a New Jersey hunting license. Af-
Rebecca Cohen (‘15) ■ By
at their beloved rave. about their favorite things love in the past few weeks. They politely knock on until all hours of the night. This fad is growing rapidly the door of the abandoned With much investigaacross the United States, as warehouse that is hosting tion, it has been discovproven by the many daily the rave. As a friend anered that “raves” are not, Instagram posts after one swers the knock, they all in fact, huge concerts with of these events. Raves are quietly go in and say “hello” glowing lights and a whole a great way to learn about to the others who are allot of neon. Instead, small new aspects of teenage culready sitting on a destroyed groups of teens sit around ture in a harmless environcouch and enjoying cheese and rave about some of the ment which many seem to and crackers. There is not things they have grown to enjoy. a red cup in sight; instead, cans of soda and iced tea abound. Once everyone on the guest list is in the living room enjoying snacks, the rave begins. “How amazing was ‘Catching Fire?!’” said Keshav Grayson (‘15). “I just read the best book! You are all going to love it,” said Abby Schultz (‘14). The excitement grows with each discussion about a Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor new fad. The kids continue to rave Students rave about their favorite books at last Friday’s rave.
Washing your face with toothpaste so your face sparkles. Head-banging to Rita Ora in the car. Making faces at babies in cars passing by. Accidentally burning your eyes with conditioner. Making pasta for dinner because it’s the only thing you know how to make other than cereal. Wearing hot pink pajamas with cats on them. Eating your homework because you want to be a dog.
Photo illustrations by Kaylin Magosin (‘14)/ Eastside Editor-in-Chief
Students praise books, music and movies at raves Eastside Underground Editor
Logo by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
spent at East has impacted the entire East community. Some teachers have already started to sport full beards and wear bandanas. And if you see a duck, there will probably be a herd of students running behind it.
Kids across South Jersey have been tweeting about this day for weeks. Their countdown apps on their iPhones declare today as “the day.” Girls everywhere are flat-ironing their hair, applying too much make-up to their faces, and strategically placing three to five neon-colored dots under one of their eyes. Everyone hussies up in the brightest and most revealing attire. Boys tie bandanas around their mouths, and just as they are about to exit their homes, all of the kids cover up their arms in as much kandi as they can find around their bedroom. While simultaneously taking multiple iPhone selfies, these kids migrate to a similar location in the depths of Philly. The excitement runs rampant as they get closer. Finally, the multitudes of teens arrive
HUMOR
February 2014
EASTSIDE
Page 17
Yahoo! story wins Pulitzer Prize
■ By Alex Grayson (‘14)
Eastside Opinions Editor
Jonathan Goldman, an interning writer for Yahoo! news, was awarded the 2013 Pulitzer Prize in Investigative Reporting for his article, “Sizzling bods of the ‘Real Housewives.’” “You know, man, I was stunned,” Goldman said. “I don’t usually get mail and it was super chill to get one of them envelopes.” When asked about his inspiration for the acclaimed article, Goldman said, “The idea for the article came out of nowhere, it was totally surreal. I was just eating Cheetos, like you know I do, and watching some Bra-
vo and I was all like, ‘woah dude, these housewives be super fine.’” From there, Goldman proceeded to pick his ten favorite Housewives from all over the nation, and he wrote a brief summary for each pick. The summaries consisted mostly of subjective praise and anatomical observations. “I’ll tell you this much, the investigation required a lot of effort, they was just all so hot,” Goldman said. “But it was totes worth it in the end.” Goldman’s “Sizzling bods of the ‘Real Housewives’” article appeared on the homepage of Yahoo.com
and accumulated a total of 230,298 reads. Shortly thereafter, the Pulitzer Prize Board received numerous tips and ultimately nominated Goldman for his “deeply thoughtful and profoundly inspiring display of true investigative journalism.” “Sizzling bods of the ‘Real Housewives’” was almost beaten by Scientific America for its article “Sustainable water purifying solutions in North Sudanese refugee camps.” The president of the Pulitzer Board said, “In retrospect, I would feel foolish if we had chosen that sustainability piece. There was a very clear winner and I am
proud of my committee for making that distinction.” As for Goldman, he will indeed be riding the momentum of his Pulitzer Prize. At the Pulitzer Award press conference, Goldman shared future plans. “Yeah, I know I always say I is in the ‘J’ game for the cash-cash-money, but there is more to this journalism than hustling homies. I plan on taking it to the next level and doing something that matters.” Goldman later posted on his blog that he will be doing an in-depth report on the evolution of “Sugar Bear” from “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.”
The answer to Clay Aiken’s dreams is only a touch away
being serious. A week before he announced his Eastside News/Features Editor run, that is what woke me up in the middle of “When the answer the night.” to all my dreams is as Randy Jackson, anclose as a touch away, other judge on Aiken’s why am I here holding season, had a different back what I’m trying to reaction regarding Aisay? Well, here’s what I ken’s decision. have to say—I’m running “It’s cool, dog,” he for Congress.” And with shrugged. those lyrics from his 2003 Paula Abdul had exsong “This is the Night,” tremely kind words to Clay Aiken formally ansay about Aiken. nounced his run for the “He’s a beautiful per2014 California Senate son. He really is. Beautiseat. ful,” she said. Aiken, who finished Additionally, it has second on season two of been announced that vot“American Idol,” said that ers will be able to text or he will not lose again. call in their votes by call“This is the night ing 1-800-Congress or where we capture forever texting in CONGRESS and all our tomorrows beIDOL. gin. After tonight, we will This just in: Through never be lonely again. an exorbitant number of Because I’ll be the Context-in votes, it has been gressman,” Aiken said, announced that Ruben though the audience Studdard has won the was not sure who he was congressional election. speaking to, a lost love or Out of a total of 24 milthe voters. lion votes, Studdard finThe Congressional ished just 134,000 votes debate, sponsored by ahead of Aiken. Studdard Coca-Cola, was held last Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director announced he would be week and hosted by Ryan Clay Aiken uses his hit single “This is the Night” to persuade focused on reducing CaliSecrest. When asked to voters to elect him. fornia’s obesity rate and comment, Secrest said, will take office now that “This… is a Congressiohe is finished with this nal debate.” season of “The Biggest When asked about Aiare only so many words I He also added, “I can Loser.” ken’s decision to run for can drag out of my vocabuinterview him on my radio “This was another race I Congress, former American lary to say how awful this show and that’ll probably was thrilled not to lose. The Idol Judge Simon Cowell is,” Cowell said. “It was bring me more listeners. So only thing I’m losing is the had harsh words for Aiken. exactly identical to a nightI’m all for him running.” weight,” Studdard said. “It’s a no from me. There mare I had last week. I’m ■ By Jenna Wilson (‘15)
Logo by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director
Student seeks to impress principal by Google-ing “scholarly quotes.” Students host “walk out” to Wawa during Lunch Break 1. Aramark installs selfserve deep fryer to carts. Students ask to use the green side of Scantron sheets. Dr. Scheuche blocks students on Twitter for their tweets complaining about snow days. Dr. O’Schmeeza reaches level 549 on Flappy Bird. Aramark wins Best of South Jersey Award for Mozzarella Sticks. Dr. Schapman appeals to Board: not enough bake sales. English teachers assign Diary of a Wimpy Kid for summer reading. Random student on topleft of East website intends to speak at graduation. Minesweeper added to Gym curriculum. Faculty member creates website to campaign for superlative. The Polar Vortex proves to be a vortex filled with polar bears. Justin Beiber wins “Good Samaritan” award; taxi drivers enraged. The topic Effects of Flappy Bird on the Human Brain is added to the Psychology curriculum.
John Green’s Looking For Alaska entices readers ■ By Rachel Brill (‘15)
Eastside Staff
I had to trudge my way through John Green’s astronomical textbook The Fault in Our Stars, so I hesitated to pick up Looking for Alaska, expecting another dense academic read. What I discovered was absolutely fabulous. Imagine the entire state of Alaska disappearing in one night—a premise which at first seems far-fetched but will quickly captivate every reader. The story follows a team of America’s most renowned scientists, spies and land disappearance experts who have been dispatched to rediscover this lost land. As the team searches for
clues to help them in their hunt for the missing state, m a n y Americans begin to lose all hope. I n one terrifying scene, the presi d e n t actually approves a law to officially decrease the number of stars on the flag to forty-Haley Schultz (‘14)/ nine. The National Flag Rights Fan Club (NFRFC), of course, does its best to fight against this
injustice. Looking for Alaska is one of those books that simply cannot be put down. Everyone should read this book, except residents of Alaska, who may find it too scary for their taste. In fact, two Alaskans suffered from Looking for Alaska-induced heart attacks within the first three months of the book’s publication. In Eastside News/ any case, I now Features Editor include this as one of my favorite books and I look forward to reading more of Green’s work.
Praise for Looking for Alaska... Looking For Alaska is a telling tale about the country’s search for the beloved state. When the state of Alaska goes missing, it is up to prestigious land disappearance experts to find it. Find out in this novel whether or not the country finds Alaska. “Looking For Alaska will have you finding the state on a map...” -The Boston Earth “John Green’s finest work... A novel to make you ponder life.” -Chicago Moon “Read it and tremble.”
-Persons
“I can’t imagine modern American literature without it.” -Them Weekly “Gripping! I was on the edge of my seat. Even after I finished, I stayed up several nights just thinking about it... one of the most suspenseful mysteries of the decade.” -Georgia O’Schmeep
SPORTS
Page 18
EASTSIDE
February 2014
East’s basketball teams dominate Olympic Conference Girls’ varsity basketball plays well in adjustment year so far
Nick Ciocco (‘14)/ Eastside Sports Editor
Rachel Rivera (‘14) plays defense.
Nick Ciocco (‘14)/ Eastside Sports Editor
Owens talks strategy after the third quarter.
Nick Ciocco (‘14)/ Eastside Sports Editor
Sarah Birchmeier (‘14) fights for the ball while Cassidy Rosen-Swell (‘16) (left) and Katie O’Brien (‘14) (right) follow.
The girls’ varsity basketball team is doing rather well this season, considering it is a transition year. The girls are adjusting to new head coach, Mr. Kevin Owens, who seems to be beneficial to their performance. The team currently has a record of 7-13, which is already a huge improvement from its 2-19 season last year. The girls’ record this season does not really indicate how strong of a team it is. Of the thirteen losses, five of them were losses in which they were within
ten points of the opponent and the others were against difficult teams that are highly ranked. The team recently held its first “Pink Out” game on February 1 in order to raise money for breast cancer research. The girls all wore pink Tshirts in warm-ups and while on the bench. These shirts were also sold to those in attendance and all proceeds went to their fundraiser. The game drew a big crowd and the Lady Cougars will finish out this season strongly.
Nick Ciocco (‘14)/ Eastside Sports Editor
Owens talks to the entire girls’ varsity team before a game at Cherry Hill East.
Boys’ varsity basketball is doing more than what everyone expected Before the start of the 2013-2014 season, there were not high expectations for the boys’ varsity basketball team. The team only had two returning starters and were not anywhere near the top of the pre-season rankings. The team has managed to do more than anybody could have expected this season. The boys started off strong, winning four straight games and lost a heartbreaker to cross-town rival Cherry Hill West over winter break. The loss was just what the team needed, as it then went on an eleven-game winning streak that expanded all the way Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor through the month of January Austin Wetzler (‘14) into February. Jake Silpe (‘15) has shown blocks a shot.
to be one of the elite point guards in all of South Jersey and really controls the game at his own pace. Tommy Smierciak (‘14) has been really strong down low, especially working with rising Group IV star Timmy Perry (‘16), who has been an absolute powerhouse down low. The team is very reliant on incredible passing from Smierciak and Perry but also looks to the outside a lot for Austin Wetzler (‘14) for an almost guaranteed three-pointer. Also, Josh Brown (‘15) has been key off the bench. The team is the number one seed in South Jersey Group IV and the playoffs will be highly anticipated.
Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor
Tommy Smierciak (‘14) shoots a three.
Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor
Timmy Perry (‘16) goes for a dunk.
Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor
Josh Bonner (‘14) dances while the team is in a huddle.
All write-ups by Nick Ciocco (‘14)/ Eastside Sports Editor
February 2014
SPORTS EASTSIDE
Page 19
East alum Kates Club Scout: the Badminton Club continues his success
lightning-fast reflexes. If you want to train like an Olympian, try playing badminton. Badminton is, sadly, a “Give it a try. You will sport which is judged by have fun, and it will be many people worth it,” who misunsaid Presiderstand it. dent Romell It suffers C o r p u z from the pop(’14). ular image of The club giggling chilwelcomes dren waving everyone their tiny who wants rackets at to play. the pretty There is no feathered pressure to ball in a garbe an expert den. of the game On the or even to contrary, have played members of before. The the Badminclub enton Club take forces the the fun sport rule that and combine violence is it with a not tolerhealthy dose ated, but of competiwelcomes a tion. If you competitive are looking spirit and to try a new enthusiasm. Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor sport that is The club ofeasy to learn President Romell Corpuz and VP Weslie Chiu. fers a place and play, for everyone check out the Badminton the appearance of badminto enjoy this sport. It is perClub, where you are welton’s flimsy rackets and fect for those who are into come to join in and play. weightless birdie. They may tennis or pride themselves The Badminton Club be puzzled by its status as on having an amazing backoffers East students the a competitive sport. They hand. The Badminton Club chance to get involved in probably do not realize that offers the chance to build the fast-paced and exciting badminton is the world’s new friendships and play a sport enjoyed by athletes fastest racket sport. Playfun game at the same time. worldwide. ers can cover more than a “Everyone has a smile on The basic idea of badmile from their swift movetheir face… everyone has a minton is to hit the shuttlements in a match. fun time,” said Corpuz. cock (also called a bird or Badminton debuted as For anyone looking to birdie) with your racket so an Olympic sport in 1992, join the Badminton Club, that it passes over the net but its history dates back bring shoes and be ready to and lands inside your opto ancient Greece and early compete. The club meets in ponent’s half of the court. far-eastern civilizations. the East Gym after school Whenever this happens, Badminton athletes show on Tuesdays and Thursdays the hitter has won a rally, stamina, strength and during the spring and fall. ■ By Luke Hinrichs (‘17)
Sports Review All-American Division III First Team in 2011 and Second Team in 2013. He earned himself Brandon Kates (‘09) is the honor of being on the driven by his love and pasAll-Landmark Conference sion for soccer. After graduFirst Team in 2010 as well ating in as Second 2009, he Team in contin2011. He ued with was also his pasn a m e d sion and a D3socplayed Dicer.com vision III Thirdsoccer at Team AllSusqueAmerican h a n n a in 2012. UniverAfter sity. his gradu“It was ation from exactly Susquewhat I h a n n a was lookUnivering for,” sity in s a i d 2013, he Kates. “I went on to knew I coach for could play the men’s soccer Courtesy of onusports.com s o c c e r there and Kates fights for the ball during a team at not have tournament game against Ohio Lycoming to give up Northern. College, my paswhere he sion.” earned himself recognition Before he went to Susqueas a member of the Nationhanna, Kates played four al Soccer Coaches Associayears of soccer at East. tion of America (NSCAA) Kates explained that Division III All-Mid AtlanEast “definitely got [him] tic Regional Team in 2013. ready for college and club The team recently won its seasons.” first conference title in the Kates’ skills as a soccer NCAA Division III Soccer player grew throughout his Tournament. college career. “At first I wasn’t sure “Freshman year I didn’t what I wanted to do, but play as much as I would I couldn’t really get away have hoped. After working from soccer because I loved hard I started playing in it,” said Kates. “Ultimately each game,” Kates said. it was what I wanted to do Kates made the Jewish and I love it.” ■ By Haley Schultz (‘14)
Eastside News/Features Editor
Eastside Staff
earning the hitter a point. The first player to reach 21 points, winning by two, is the winner. Casual viewers of the sport are often misled by
East students cherish volleyball as gym’s most competitive sport
A senior physical education class partakes in the beloved game of gym volleyball in the DiBart Gym. ■ By Nick Ciocco (‘14) play, even if they aren’t the everybody.” involved. best,” said Jake Cominsky Volleyball does indeed “It’s great because so Eastside Sports Editor (’14). have more room for error, many of the girls really enThe volleyball unit in and is a sport that does not joy it and everyone is able In high schools all across physical education class rely solely on oneself and to be successful in some the country, physical eduprovides more opportunidoes not require a tremenway out on the court,” said cation is a mandatory reties for everyone to pardous amount of skill. Mr. Neil Mullin, physical quirement each year. At ticipate, as each team has “If the ball comes to you, education teacher. Cherry Hill East, it is no six players on the court at all you have to do is hit For many of the seniors, secret that some students a time. Gym teachers have it up in the air and your the volleyball unit may be are very fond of the class also implemented a rotation teammates can bail each the last time they ever play while others do not see the system which ensures that other out,” said Mr. Michael volleyball. class’s value. everyone receives equal Brown, physical education Mike Cerota (‘14) said, For whatever reason, playing time. teacher. “It’s probably the most fun however, there is always “It is the best co-ed sport,” The unit provides some activity we do and it’s not one unit year after year in said Mr. Jason Speller, unity between many una sport you can play all the which the majority of each physical education teacher. inspired students who are time. Gym class and the grade chooses to participate “It is the most team-oriapathetic toward gym class beach are the only times we to full potential: volleyball. ented sport we play, and and those who enjoy it thorreally get to play.” “It gets so competitive there is more room for eroughly, as both athletes Luckily for the student because everybody can ror, which makes it fun for and non-athletes can get population at East, every
Alyssa Disanti (‘14)/ Eastside Staff
grade level does its own volleyball unit each year, unlike most physical education units. Sophomores like Matt Fleisher (‘16) will be returning to play the sport for their second year, and some are anticipating an exciting time. “[I] love how you can choose your team and try to dominate your friends in your gym class,” said Fleisher. Everyone has his or her own opinion about physical education. For many students at East, volleyball is the one unit that brings everyone together as East’s most cherished gym sport.
SPORTS
February 2014
EASTSIDE
Page 20
Swenson continues to sweat it out on the wrestling mat though he is honored to be captain, the hardest part is motivating younger wrestlers who find difficulty adHulk Hogan, The Rock, justing to the intense work Roddy Piper and it takes to win in John Cena: many high school wreswrestling fans tling. around the world As captain, Swview these four enson also stays at men as their hepractice for an exroes or favorites. tra half-hour each For many fans at day, watching wresEast, Patrick Swtling tape in order enson (’14), the to help improve his captain of East’s fellow teammates’ varsity wrestling techniques. team, fulfills the “When I help the role as East’s wreskids who don’t retling favorite. ally understand, it Swenson began helps me pick up on wrestling at three stuff that I could be years old in a midgdoing better too,” et club program, Swenson said. just like one would Throughout for football. Fifteen his wrestling cayears later, Swenreer, Swenson said son has wrestled that standing is on East’s varsity the most imporwrestling team for tant thing he has all four of his high learned because he school years. So far, had little ability on his record this year his feet when he is 28-1, proving his first started. worth as the team’s After losing a captain. match, Swenson In order to watches the video achieve his athletic to see what he could excellence, Swenhave done better. son adheres to a He then looks up rigorous training that opponent’s reschedule. He wrescord and analyzes tles for at least 24 how he did against hours per week kids that Swenson Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor has also wrestled. and tries to go to the gym as much as Swenson meaneuvers to pin his opponent en route to one of his many victories. Although wrespossible in order to tling may be an inmaintain his peak physical ing his work ethic better, be, and the least I can do is ranked sixth in the nation tense sport, Pat Swenson form. He strives to take afwhich transformed him do that,” said Swenson. for Division III schools. shows amazing sportsmanter his assistant coach from into a well-rounded wresWrestling has taught When asked about being ship and is one of East’s top last year, Coach Paul Contler. Swenson to stay focused the leader of a young team, wrestlers in the history of ner, as Conner deeply inSwenson also said that and to work for what he Swenson explained that alits program.
■ By Ethan Tinkleman (‘16)
Eastside Staff
spired Swenson and influenced his wrestling style. Wrestling Coach Mike Brown has also greatly influenced Swenson by mak-
his father motivates him to wrestle his hardest in every match. “[My father] just wants to see me at the best I can
truly wants. He plans on wrestling at a Division III college, and is contemplating going to Wilkes University, which is
East legend Valore adjusting well to new coaching role at Camden ■ By Jacob Borowsky (‘16)
Eastside Sports Editior
South Jersey legend John Valore has found a new home at Camden High. Valore coached the Cherry Hill East boys’ varsity basketball team for four decades and has acquired many prestigous accolades, such as earning over 500 wins and counting. Jacob Borowsky: How does the environment at Camden compare to Cherry Hill East? JV: There’s no question that [both] environments, from a basketball standpoint, [have] students who are enthusiastic about basketball. I think the kids from Camden, overall, play basketball all year round. The kids who play in the program love the game of basketball and want to be the best they possibly can. The players from East play basketball—but I don’t think they play with the same concentration and consistency that the kids from Camden do. [Camden students] take basketball very seriously. JB: How has the season been so far for Camden? JV: No question about it, we’ve been very competitive. We lost to East—we didn’t shoot the ball well that night. We shot 4-24
from the three, and I think if we made a couple of more baskets, it would have been a different game coming down to the end. We played St. Anthony’s, one of the best teams in the nation and the second best team in the state, and we were very competitive, but we didn’t shoot the ball well. So two of our now six losses were because we didn’t shoot the ball well, and when you shoot well, good things happen. JB: What is your coaching style like and how does it reflect onto the kids at Camden?
JV: The kids love the game, and I believe they love the system. We get the ball down as quickly as possible and look for the first opportunity—whether it be a three or a two, and I think they enjoy that kind of basketball. Right now, they’re taking as many threes as they possibly can in a game, and they’re also looking inside well. We have some very quality players inside. So, if you look downward at the court, we play outsideinside, and once we get into the offense, we’re insideoutside. JB: What are some key tools that you use to prepare players for game day? JV: Basically, I do the same thing I did at Cherry Hill East: I do the same
thing over and over—it’s very repetitious. We try to run our system as much as we possibly can. We have breakdown drills for quickness up the floor, we concentrate on our manto-man offense, and we concentrate on our defense—there’s no difference. As a coach, you just coach the same way whether you’re at Cherry Hill East, or Camden High School, or anywhere. The question is, when the players come to practice, are they focused? Do they concentrate? If they do, whether you’re at East or Camden, you’ll have a very successful practice a n d season.
JB: What a r e s o m e of the goals you’ve had in your first season at Camden, and do you feel like you’ve fulfilled them thus far? JV: I don’t know if we’ve
fulfilled any goals. Being a first year coach at Camden, you’re in a situation where you try to do the best you can and try to get the players to understand how I like to play the game. As we get further into the seas o n , e v ery
day I feel like the players understand the system more. The ultimate goal is just to do the best that we possibly can through the playoffs, and maybe eventually it’ll lead us to state playoffs at the next level. JB: How much longer do you envision your coaching career lasting? JV: As long as I have good health, I can see myself coaching at Camden until they hire someone else. If not, I could continue coaching in another situation. I love coaching, it’s all about coaching for me. JB: Could you ever see yourself returning to coach at East? JV: Well, you can’t know what’s in the future. Right now, I’m very pleased to be given the opportunity to coach in the Olympic Conference and compete with a v e r y c o m petitive team.
Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor
Valore passionately coaches a Camden game.