Eastside: June 2017

www.eastside-online.org

Vol. 50 No. 10

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

June 2017

Asher Maitin (‘17)/ Eastside Entertainment Editor

Inside This Issue

East Celebrates New Greenhouse Grant News/Features, Pg. 2

Canter Honors Spirit of Harley Quinn Entertainment, Pg. 23

Athletes Graduate as Best of Year Sports, Pg. 28

NEWS/FEATURES

Page 2

EASTSIDE

East receives a grant to improve the greenhouse ■ By Ilana Arougheti (‘19)

Eastside Community Editor

Good news for soil, seedlings and sustainable students all around Cherry Hill East: some unique renovations are coming to the East community. A $2,000 environmental grant, currently in the process of school board approval, will be used to refurbish East’s greenhouse for year-round use.

“The thought was, we need to get this operational because a lot of environmental studies focus on stewardship of the environment and sustainability,” said Mr. Jason DeFuria, an Environmental Studies and Biology 1 teacher. “And we want to be able to run experiments that really demonstrate that.”

DeFuria, who represents East on the district-wide Green Team along with Ms. Gina Oh, Mrs. Marsha Pecker and previously Dr. Lawyer Chapman, said that the heating system in the greenhouse is currently nonfunctional. As a result, Environmental Studies classes are only able to utilize the greenhouse for cropgrowing experimentation from September through part of October, and then again in late March through the end of May. “Usually you’re trying to start seeds in about six to eight week cycles. And the fact that you could start one seed and then you’d have to wait all year to do your second trial of it, that was a huge problem,” said DeFuria.

DeFuria said the greenhouse grant was identified through Sustainable Jersey

for Schools, an accreditation organization with whom East is currently certified at the bronze level. This initial certification was spearheaded by DeFuria, Oh and MacPherson, with a little help from friendly neighborhood eco-advocates, Sustainable Cherry Hill.

“They said, ‘Hey, is the Cherry Hill School District interested in doing this?

And if you’re interested, do you guys want some help?’...

Caren Kaufman came in, who’s the current president of Sustainable Cherry Hill, and said ‘Let’s look through what you currently do, and let’s see if we can get you accredited at this level,” DeFuria said.

The accreditation process included audits of various programs in the schools, such as energy use, trash use and health/gym curriculum, in order to assess the school’s current level of beneficial and environmentally friendly practices.

So, how exactly is the East greenhouse being updated? The majority of the $2,000 will go toward a new heating system, enabling year-round usage. However, the greenhouse door will also be replaced; currently it is problematically prone to drafts, leakage and heat loss.

“We had a little bit of

money left over to play with, so we said, ‘Well, the door will be the next thing that will probably help a lot with the efficiency,’” said DeFuria.

The upgrade will also include new grow lights and new planting materials, such as pots and soils, which were awarded as a result of a separate grant from the PTA. While the door a n d

Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director

heating system will allow for essential improvement to the basic functioning of the greenhouse, the lights and materials will further enhance the Environmental Studies curriculum.

Students will be able to set and control new variables, like light quality and amounts of light, as well as soil composition, during their experimentation with various plants.

“A lot of what we currently do is theoretical,” said DeFuria, “and it’s real-

ly hard, especially being in such a big high school that doesn’t necessarily have land spots where you can go out and necessarily do a lot of research. This will help us be more hands-on.”

The goal is to have the greenhouse completed by the end of this summer, and from there on out the schoolwide and districtwide Green Teams have even more big plans for the future sustainability of East.

“The students are always saying, we need to get solar panels,” said DeFuria. “And that is going to be a big revolution….

We’re at a point where it might be feasible and we can start to phase some in.”

As district approval for the greenhouse grant is eagerly awaited and preparations for construction begin, DeFuria encourages students to stay aware of, and involved with, East’s sustainability initiatives.

The more interest that the student body shows, the more expedient future environmental initiatives can become.

“We are always looking to be better as a school,” he said. “You have to look at, ‘how are you going to lay out a plan that will really show people that this matters?’ This is where we’re trying to go.”

Thurston manages East’s Food Services Department “I am big on animals, substitute and then moved turn everything on, receive ■ By Louis Zimmermann (‘18)

to West. After, Thurston became the manager for Carusi Middle School, “Being surrounded by moved back to West, the people I work alongside and came full circle and the respectful kids I get back to East, where to help each day, I can truly she works today. say that I love my job,” said “Particularly, I Phyllis Thurston, Manager love working at East of East’s Food Service Debecause it brings partment back memories of my After working 34 years youngin the er self.

Food SerThe kids vice Deconstantly partment, say ‘thank Thurston you’, ‘have has never a nice day’, regretand ‘how ted a day was your of her job day?’ I also in the inlove the peodustry ple I work she has with: they learned to are pleaslove. ant, they Before have great she bework ethcame very ics, and they involved love and care in what about the she is paskids,” said sionate Liz Lee (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor Thurston. about to Thurston checks out a student in Cafeteria 1.

Thurston this day, insists that Thurston free again.” the motivation behind her attended Cherry Hill High Thurston is still influenjob comes from being a School West, but did not attial in the aiding of animals mom because she loves betend college. After graduatto this day and persuaded ing with kids. This motivaing high school, Thurston her daughter to become intion drives her to perform involved herself in animal volved in PETA, the largest her job to the fullest and welfare and later on beanimal rights organization provide food for a student came a mother of two. As in the world. body of over 2,000 kids. an animal rights activist, Thurston started her food “In the morning, I open Thurston became very inservices career as an East up all of the equipment, volved in animal rescuing.

Eastside News/Features Editor

which involves the rescue of animals, the spay and neutering of animals and bringing animals to local welfare centers,” said Thurston. “I’ve been involved with spaying and neutering large colonies of stray cats. We track them and take them to the shelter to be fixed, but then set them

the orders that come in, and then I go on t h e floor, help m y staff, a n d r u n t h e register,” said Thurston.

“I also do paperwork, cash out register drawers, and deal with any problems that arise throughout the day.”

Remaining in Cherry Hill and with the Cherry Hill School District for her entire life may have been Thurston’s best decision.

She loves that she can live with the motto she claims to be “ensure that the kids live a healthy life by eating healthy.” She even said that certain students come to her daily asking for vegetables over the packaged junk food, such as potato chips or Pop Tarts.

“I just think [East] is a wonderful place to work. I enjoy being here day and in and day out, I love working with the staff, it’s a complete convenience for me as a mom, and I enjoy serving kids. I hope they enjoy me.”

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

The (final) Boyling Point

June 2017

■ By Kaitlyn Boyle (‘17) Eastside Editor-In-Chief

Dear Cherry Hill High School East, I am writing you this final letter as a thank you for all that you have done for me. My mom has always stressed the importance of hand-written thank-you cards, so I guess a column in the best print school newspaper in the country is a pretty adequate substitute.

I would first like to thank you for introducing me to some of the most amazing people that I will ever meet. The Class of 2017 is a group of brilliant students who are going to do amazing things over the next few decades, and I can’t wait to see how far they go.

Furthermore, the teachers at East have inspired and encouraged me throughout all of my endeavours. I am certain that some of these educators will be influential mentors for the rest of my life.

Additionally, thank you for offering some of the best extracurricular opportunities in the country. I enjoyed spending more than the typical seven hours a day with you as I stayed after school for Eastside layouts, music ensembles and science competitions. We really developed a strong bond during those twelve -hour marching band rehearsals and Science Olympiad study sessions.

Most importantly, however, I would like to thank you for helping me to discover myself. I came to you as a naive young freshman with big dreams, never anticipating the extent to which you would help me to achieve those goals... and so much more. You showed me how students can have a voice and make a difference in this district as long as they keep fighting. You taught me how to become a persuasive, compelling leader. You even introduced me to my close friend, “The Boyling Point,” which became a beloved outlet for my extremely opinionated rants.

Cherry Hill East, we have had some good times and some bad times.

Thanks for some exciting memories at dodgeball, dances and concert performances. I’m sorry for all of the times that I complained about coming to meet with you at 7:30 a.m. We still have some things we need to work on (you really have to take care of your rodent situation), but I can honestly say that if I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change where I spent my four years of high school.

Sincerely,

Kaitlyn Boyle P.S. I have a younger sister. The Boyles aren’t done here yet.

June 2017

NEWS/FEATURES East says goodbye: EASTSIDE

Page 3

Mrs. Peggy Hager and Mrs. Marsha Pecker reflect on their time at East as they prepare for retirement.

Interview by Joshua Pipe (‘20)/ Eastside Staff

Mrs. Peggy Hager

Q: When did you start working at East?

A: “In October of 1999.”

Q: Over the years, what have been a few of your favorite memories?

A: “My students, obviously, I don’t want to say any names because I’ll forget some and I’ll feel bad about it later. Obviously some of our DECA experiences, when we go to the International Career Development Conference and when alumni come back to visit.”

Q: How has East changed?

A: “Well, I have written curricula for three classes including... an honors level business class that we worked on for a long time, so that has changed. There were five business teachers here when I started, now there’s only three. Still a lot of great students.”

Q: Has the building changed or has the culture changed?

A: “No, the building has not changed, maybe deteriorated a little. I would say, I think the culture’s changed some, obviously camaraderie between the teachers, and now, I think because we don’t have common areas, we all have our own little departments, we don’t really get to intermingle with our colleagues that much.”

Q: So the camaraderie has decreased?

A: “Yes.” Q: Has student attitude changed?

A: “It’s kind of hard to say; sometimes I think yes and sometimes no, so I would say there’s been, there’s much more parent involvement than there used to be, which can be good and bad and because of it, I’ve gotten to know parents of students where I’ve maybe had their siblings, and that’s been nice.”

Q: What will you miss most about teaching?

A: “The students, I will miss that whole interaction.”

Jenn Pacitti (‘17)/ Eastside News/Features Editor

Mrs. Peggy Hager proudly displays her DECA Hall of Fame award.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: “Being able to travel, not getting up at 5:30 in the morning. Being able to spend time with my grandchildren; I also have elderly parents, so I’ll be able to spend more time with them because they live in North Dakota.”

Q: What made you decide to retire?

A: “Well, I’ve been teaching for 34 years and it was just time. I wanted to not have to always plan around a school schedule so when we wanted to travel, we don’t always have to go when other tourists are there, we can do more offseason kind of travel. When my kids need some help, I can be there. And also, my parents, I want to be able to spend a bit more time with them. They’re in their 80s, so…”

Mrs. Marsha Pecker

Interview by Jenna Simons (‘17)/ Eastside News/Features Editor

Q: When did you start working at East?

A: “Ready for this? 1985... My career started earlier than that, 1970. I started as an English teacher, Language Arts, at what is now the Rosa building. Jim Rosa was the principal there and I taught two and a half years there, and then Beck opened. So, I switched over to Beck and stayed there until 1976 when my son was born. So then, I stayed home with my two sons. And then, when I came back, I came here.”

Q: How long were you an English teacher before you were a principal?

A: “I taught English here until 1989, and then I became the assistant English chairperson...I left English in 1995, and I didn’t come back until eight years ago. [Now], I do biology and physical science as well.”

Q: Over the years, what have been a few of your favorite memories?

A: “Wow, I have so many, my goodness. Well, I loved my students, I loved being in the classroom, it was just the best. You know, great fun working with people for a year and seeing them grow... It’s interesting because my experience, I’m a humanities person at my core, but working with the science and math people has kind of changed my world view and developed my brain in different ways, so I absolutely loved working with all of them, and I still do, I mean they are the best. The people here have been just inspiring and energizing.

Working with Jim Gallagher [former principal], that was a really amazing time. We really accomplished so very much... Working with the community was amazing as well. I don’t live in Cherry Hill, but my entire educational experience, professional experience has been in this district. I spend more waking hours here than I do at home. It’s my adopted home.”

Q: How has East changed from when you first started?

A: One of the things that I found just amazing when I started working here is the human resources, and I keep talking about the people. Such intelligent, talented teachers, librarians. You know... we had a lot more administrators back then because we had different levels of administration. We didn’t all have the same perspective, but there was just an open forum of ideas, which I think is healthy... Over the years, you know with the state there’s a lot more oversight, which can be good or not so good. It can be confirming, but it also can be restrictive... I know how hard teachers work, and I think that unfortunately sometimes teachers are not as valued... Coming to school every day, and sometimes having to deal with the bureaucracy, it takes a lot away from the time teachers want to devote to the work.”

Q: What are you going to miss most about East/teaching?

A: “Everything. Well, not everything, I’ll backtrack. The nitty-gritty sometimes gets really cumbersome.

The people, every single day, every single conversation with teachers, and when I see students. My interactions with teachers, every single time, and every single day we have a really close relationship. I am just in awe, it is so exciting. I have told my teacher-colleagues and others that the stimulation, the intellectual stimulation, I’m going to miss that. I’m going to have to find it someplace else. And also the personal connections...We are like a big family... There’s just a great connection that I feel, and I’m proud to have been here all this time. I’m going to miss it, a lot. I have mixed feelings, I really do, it’s very hard.”

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: “I don’t know. First, I get up at 4:30 in the morning every day to get here, because I live in Abington, Louis Zimmermann (‘18)/ Eastside News/ Pennsylvania. I’m going to sleep until I’m ready not to sleep anymore, so that’s the first thing. I’m here so Features Editor many hours that I don’t really get a chance to exercise, or even walk. So, I want to just try and take care of Mrs. Marsha Pecker stands between an myself a bit. I will find something purposeful, I don’t know what it will be. I’m not a joiner, I don’t go out to English poster and a science poster to lunch with friends and things like that. I like to serve, to do something important, make a contribution. I demonstrate her dedication to her two fo- don’t know what it will be yet, but I have to find it. I’m not exactly thinking about that yet because I have still so much to do. I want to make sure that when I walk away from here, I leave everything in good orcuses. der.”

Page 4

COMMUNITY EASTSIDE

June 2017

Core Project expands Philly Museum of Art

tion, utilize more recycled materials and replace the current windows with double-glazed ones.

“The balance is for building our endowment The home of the famous Rocky steps, the Philand building other programs, educational proadelphia Museum of Art recently began to transigrams, digital initiatives…to keep the museum tion into the next stage of a major renovation as lively and healthy for the next century,” said a part of the Core Project. Construction began on Harrity.

March 30 and will continue over the next three In addition to the green appeal, the museum years. The main museum’s building will go under hopes to become more user-friendly by adding a reconstruction and structural additions as a part ramp system for physically disabled visitors and of architect Frank Gehry’s vision. new digital projectors to the education studios.

In a PHL17 interview, The Core ProjMuseum President Gail ect has been apHarrity said, “Frank proximated to Gehry is one of the cost $196 million, world’s most renowned just a small part architects. He’s had projof the $500 milects in the United States, lion campaign.

Europe and Asia, but this It Starts Here: is the only one in PhilaCampaign for delphia.” the Philadelphia According to the PhilMuseum of Art adelphia Museum of Art has been a mapress release, “the Core jor contributor Project will add 67,000 in fundraising square feet of new pubmillions of dollic space, an additional lars for projects 11,500 square feet for the and programs, display of the Museum’s such as the Core rich holdings of American Project, that will art, and an equal amount benefit such a of gallery space for the vast community. presentation of contemThe Philadelporary art.” phia Museum of “The real purpose of Art set a goal to this is not only to renew finish all renoSamantha Dayton (‘19)/ Eastside Staff back of house spaces and vations by 2020, building systems, but to While the public eagerly waits to see Gehry’s Core Project through to its completion, this artist’s but for the time improve the building for rendering imagines one potential style of enhancement that the museum might see. being, the conthe enjoyment of the visitors,” said Harrity. of the project, the museum will install LED lightstruction will not interfere with any visits around The museum hopes to enhance the visitor ing, reduce water consumption, improve insulathe galleries.

■ By Chelsea Stern (‘18)

Eastside Staff

experience by expanding the museum lobbies, education studios, coat checks and corridors. To improve the artistic experience in the museum, the reconstruction will add more restaurants, restrooms and areas with a view of the Philadelphia city skyline. Especially as the Philadelphia Museum of Art becomes a more widely-known attraction, visitors can pass through art collections with more ease and luxury.

Gehry has developed a more environmentally friendly image for the museum. In the final stages

Clover Market brightens up a dreary day

Design, has been vending at the Clover Market The Clover Market was in full swing as it hit for two years. the streets of Collingswood on May 7. With over Her company ninety vendors in attendance, it was a big hit for sells handcrafted all of the shopping lovers in the area. embroidered pilFounded in 2010 by Janet Gardner Long, the lows, pictures, market is a seasonal open-air market that feajewelry and othtures a rotating lineup of vendors. These vendors er home accessosell items varying from collectibles and antiques ries. to vintage jewelry and even handmade items and “This is a great original art. The market aims to provide oppormarket, it’s very tunities for independent and local artists to conwell-organized nect with customers and one another in a friendly and very well-cumarketplace environment that is free and open to rated. Janet, who the public. runs it, is very The market was located in a portion of the particular about North Atlantic Avenue parking lot and the Kitchher vendors and en & Association parking lot and all along Irvin that's a good Avenue. The location provided ample room for thing. I always all of the vendors who each had their own white do really well at tent or two to showcase their goods to customers.

Clover Market,” The entire perimeter was lined with tents placed said Goldberg. against one another. Live music could be heard People from Julia Benedetto (‘19)/ Eastside Staff while wandering from tent to tent as a few loall townships Shoppers browse a travel-themed stall featuring globes, maps and a vintage cal musicians took the stage. The smell of coffee and even states vibe. hung in the air and several food trucks lined up were found shoptowards the front of the market serving a wide ping alongside wiches and even barbeque chicken. variety of foods such as crepes, cannolis, sandone another. Adults of all ages, teenagers and Diane Goldberg, owner of Vintage Threads even small children could each find some aspect of the vast market that they personally enjoyed, whether it was an antique shop or the face painting booth. In addition to the hundreds of people roaming around the area, several dogs accompanied their owners in shopping, only making the environment feel even friendlier.

Priya Narasimhan, the founder and owner of her company Priya Means Love, has been vending at the Clover Market for a few years. Priya Means Love is a one-woman business that focuses on making all-natural products such as perfumes, deodorant, hair oils and much more.

“I think this is a pretty typical amount of people for Clover Market since it’s a pretty good sized market. I think when the weather is really nice, it can be a lot more crowded,” said Narasimhan.

Although the weather was a bit dreary, with gray skies and light rain showers here and there, the dedicated crowd took cover under tents and continued to shop. The high spirits and friendly feel of the market remained untouched even as the weather proved to be uncooperative.

With its wide variety of vendors and fun activities, the Clover Market proved itself to be an enjoyable excursion for people of all ages to minJulia Benedetto (‘19)/ Eastside Staff gle, shop and eat all while supporting local small The market’s eclectic variety of vendors was rounded out by several food trucks. businesses and artists.

■ By Julia Benedetto (‘19)

Eastside Staff

COMMUNITY

June 2017

EASTSIDE

Page 5

Innovation meets creativity at Philly’s Science Festival

who don’t know how these and insects,” said Andres the booths to which young everyday things work,” said Lee, 25, a volunteer for FMC. children flocked. Among Kat Chu, 22, a volunteer these were a station Philadelphia, the City from Drexel University, where people could of Brotherly Love: a city while running a demonuse clay to build a known for its history and its stration on the science of model of the solar sports fans, but not necessunblock and other lotions. system, a station sarily for science. The PhilThere were recurrent where people could adelphia themes in the create a chromatoScience topics around graphic T-shirt deFestival, which the sign, and a station however, booths fowhere people could s e e m s cused, such get up close and perbent on as multiple sonal with insects. changVirtual ReThere were also ing that ality, chroimpersonators of scimisconmatography, entific figures among ception. neuroscience the crowd. At a booth T h e and biology explaining the prinPhiladelbooths. There ciples of astronomy, phia Sciwere also there was an imperence Fesmultiple outsonator of Caroline tival is an of-the-box Herschel, the sister annual booths, like of William Herschel nine-day the booths (the father of astronevent that set up by ----------------------Joshua Pipe (‘20)/ Eastside Staff omy) and an eminent g e n e rthe company A festival attendee experiments with astronomer herself. ally takes FMC, which the properties of coins. “[There are] all place in were devoted kinds of science the month to explainThough the carnival was for everyone,” said ‘HerJoshua Pipe (‘20)/ Eastside Staff of April. Patrons could enjoy standalone science displays, like this ing how agopen to and enjoyed by all schel,’ 267, of the event.

This year, one sponsored by the Germantown Academy. riculture ages, the real audience Indeed, there was somethe fescan be prowas undoubtedly the kids. thing for everyone, science tival was held from April dedicated to teaching auditected from pesticides, “It’s pretty cool to see nerd or not, at the Phila21 to April 29. The last ences of all ages little facts and how humanity can dethat the kids are having delphia Science Festival’s day of the festival feaabout the scientific princirive energy from produce. a lot of fun,” said carnival science carnival. Perhaps tured a science carnival at ples that shape the planet. “[Science can save the patron Scott Sullivan, 22. one could even walk away Penn’s Landing with booths “It’s nice explaining world] through our food and There were multiple inwith their faith in fuand live entertainment. these things to people… protecting it against pests teractive stations among ture generations restored.

■ By Joshua Pipe (‘20)

Eastside Staff

The carnival ran from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and featured multiple organizations across the wide waterfront space of Penn’s Landing.

Local universities, hospitals, museums, charities and companies ran booths

Fantastic Friends provides fun, integrated social events ■ By: Ilana Aroughetti (‘19)

Eastside Community Editor

We huddled in the back of the newly renamed Big Event bowling alley, perfect strangers sprawled amongst atmospheric upholstery awaiting instructions. My friend and I were by far the youngest volunteers in the room, surrounded by a loud and confident mix of kids primarily hailing from Stockton and Rowan Universities. It was just a little bit petrifying. Yet none of that was of consequence to the day. I was there to inspire social confidence in others, not myself, and by the end of the event a few hours later, I felt pride in the fact that I had helped contribute to a Fantastic day.

Fantastic Friends is a locally founded organization that provides fun, integrated social opportunities for tweens, teens and young adults

with special needs. At each of their and kind, greeting me like an old and cheered each other on through monthly events, neurotypical volfriend; she seemed truly glad to see splits and strikes. unteers are paired with attending me, and true to the spirit of the orThroughout the course of the members in a buddy system. The ganization. Matthew was also presevent, Hacker and other organiznewly established pairs of friends ent; he has a knack for remembering ers circulated the area, passing out accompany each other for the rest of everyone’s birthday, and throughsnacks and drinks and stopping to of the event; the Fantastic Friends out our conversation speak to each and every member. website expresses a hope that this about birthdays It was evident which attendees system will allow “special needs and elemenwere repeat customers and youth, siblings, and parents [to] feel tary school, which volunteers were sealoved, supported and uplifted as his eager soned, as they had unique part of our Fantastic Friends comcheerfulfriendships, private jokes munity.” ness made and overall rapports with While I have only recently begun me smile. nearly every single person volunteering with the organization, From they passed. It made a I feel that the unique atmosphere there all first-time volunteer like of cooperation and camaraderie the volme feel my new status that persisted throughout the event unteers acutely, but also made makes Fantastic Friends an incredgathered me excited for the fuible asset to the community. in the ture possibility of I was first made aware of Fanback of becoming involved tastic Friends through my friend the alenough to be so recJenna Shmukler, a sophomore at ley for a ognized.

Several Eastern and a regular volunteer, quick demembers’ parents who in turn began her involvement briefing stayed throughout through Fantastic Friends CEO and before the the event as well. co-founder, Marissa Hacker. Hackmembers Observing the coner started the organization when started to artentment and togethershe was in eighth rive. Several lanes ness with which they observed grade. Inspired were blocked off for our group, and the happy scene, I was reminded of by the desire to as each member came in, they were Fantastic Friends’ noteworthy athelp her autistic paired with a volunteer and sent mosphere of social acceptance. twin brother Matto grab bowling shoes. My partner Since the bowling party, the t h e w , South JerHacker sey group planned has run a social carnival and organiis currently zations planning where its annual he could Fantastic truly be Friends himself prom. The within a prom will supporttake place ive envion June ronment.

17 and is W h e n geared toI arward givrived at ing special The Big needs teens Event the typical bowling prom night alley for experience. the FanI would enCourtesy of Fantastic Friends c o u r a g e tastic F r i e n d s A stuffed animal event held by Fantastic Friends includes do- anyone who event, I nations from the youth services association that works globally is looking was able with youth to improve communities. for a great to meet organizathe Hackers and I danced and sang along to tion to get involved in within the themselves. Mathe rotating queue of music videos community to consider volunteerrissa was warm played on a screen above each lane, ing for Fantastic Friends.

OPINIONS

Page 6

EASTSIDE

June 2017

“13 Reasons Why” polarizes a mental health discussion ■ By Ashley Cooper (‘17) Eastside Editor-in-Chief

Teen suicide has spiraled out of control. Proliferating in intensity with every passing day, suicide has become the second leading cause of death for teenagers. I n fact, according to the Jason Foundation, more teenagers die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease combined.

What really intrigued me about “13 Reasons Why” was its raw quality. Much too often in TV culture, serious, life-altering topics are presented in a marginalizing manner. Contrary to their TV predecessors, the producers of “13 Reasons Why” chose to display scenes of rape and suicide in a rather graphic, yet honest manner. I greatly admire the show’s tenacity in never muting or sanitizing the experience of rape or suicide. Though these scenes were extremely painful to watch, they needed to be shown in their truest form in order for viewers to fully understand the extent to which these events affect another human being. By completely showing Hannah’s gruesome suicide on “13 Reasons Why”— and the aftermath of the bloodshed that her parents inevitably find—the show reveals that suicide is anything but glamorous. It is horrific and permanent for the victim.

“13 Reasons Why” serves as a great vehicle for parental use, focusing much of its plot on Hannah’s father and mother. Often, Hannah’s parents were engaged in tumultuous arguments and subsequently emotionally neglected Hannah altogether even during her dark and scary moments. Mr. and Mrs. Baker provide an eerie and poignant reminder to parents: if the two had functioned as constant figures of support for Hannah, they may have been able to save their child’s life.

Further, “13 Reasons Why” wakes parents up to reality: the signs are not always as obvious as they appear to be on paper.

I will never forget the chilling line that Hannah Baker said regarding her depression in the show’s second to last episode, “You know what the scary thing is? It looks like nothing.”

Parents need to be aware of this reality. Suicidal teenagers may often not show any real indicators of their depression; particularly, they may try to hide the reality of their mental health from their family. The show is a visual representation of why it is so essential for parents to possess a heightened sensitivity to their child’s behavior during their adolescent years.

Most importantly, “13 Reasons Why” is a teaching vehicle for teenagers themselves. It is easy for teenagers to often have a lack of self-awareness, claiming they are not bullies even when they are clearly displaying bullying, harsh and manipulative behaviors.

The characters in “13 Reasons Why” each lack understanding of the effect they have on Hannah’s deteriorating mental health. Alex and his self-absorbed desire to rise to popularity, Sheri and her selfish lack of care for others, Bryce and his misogyny and the list goes on. Hannah’s mental health is also deteriorating on the show, and it cannot be denied that the bullies in her life only further surmounted her issues. By watching the show, teenagers very well may see themselves reflected in

P R O

get revenge is also a common theme throughout the show, as Hannah leaves all the tapes to only those peoIt seems as if the new Netflix Origiple who have harmed her such as by nal Series, “13 Reasons Why,” has means of bullying and even rape. taken the world by storm. The show Hannah does not seek help until follows the story of the late Hannah the end of the show, and when she Baker, who committed suicide and finally does, it results in her feeling left tapes for 13 respective people, exas though there is no purpose in life plaining how they contributed to her anymore. That is the final breaking death. point before her tragic suicide. HanThe show has received a considernah ultimately ends up recording that able amount of negative media atconversation as her final tape, which tention due to the fact that the show solidifies the argument she has no glamorizes suicide and barely touchreason to live. es upon mental health. A stigma is For teenagers who deal with suicidstronger than ever. Yes, the show al thoughts, as well as other mental demonstrates the heartbreak of Hanillnesses, watching “13 Reasons Why” nah’s parents after dealing with would exacerbate those sentiments, her death, as well as the resultand even display the notion that suiing effect on her friends and cide is the “right” option. After the the community show aired, Netflix decided to add attempting a trigger warning at the beginning to deal of the episodes involving rape and with the suicide. sudden Hannah did not commit suicide loss. for no reason; Hannah committed But, suicide after enduring bullying, sexual harassment and a horrific rape. It that shows suicide as an ending to her life. i s Just not the right type of ending. nothing However, the show makes it seem compared to like there is no possibility to get help the act of harm from a therapist, counselor, teacher nah’s sense that the show does to or parent. In fact, the mention of getof “living glamorize suicide. In a way, the show ting professional help was never even on” is a mere almost presents suicide as a reasondiscussed (except for the unproducfallacy. able option for those who want to estive guidance counselor visit at the Even after Hannah commits cape life. end of the show). The show makes suicide, the character of Bryce Suicide is the second leading cause it seem like if you are unable to acdoes not change his ways. of death for teens between twelve and cess help, then you are unable to be In fact, Bryce never even liseighteen years old; over 5,000 kids athelped whatsoever, which is far from tens to Hannah’s tape about him tempt suicide every single day. That the truth. even after her horrific rape that is the age group the show specifically Also depicted in the show is the he did to her. Though Hannah betargets as well as young adults. toxic relationship between Mr. Andy lieves she has control of her bully’s Currently, teens face some mental Baker and Mrs. Olivia Baker. While fate, “13 Reasons Why” presents health issues such as anxiety disorthey are dealing with the tragic loss the reality that all that “control” ders, depression, mood disorders and of Hannah, they fail to recognize the Hannah once had is completely eating disorders, just to name a few. signs of suicide that she was portrayand utterly relinquished upon her That does not even include the other ing throughout the show, including committing suicide and she is left undiagnosed mental illnesses, disorisolation. That alone makes the audiempty and barren. ders and behavioral disorders. ence feel empty and alone, while also The final episode has no real There are theories circulating leading teens with the idea that if resolution, so “13 Reasons Why” they don’t necessarily have a good relationship with their parents, or totally disengage from life, that suicide is something you can get away with.

Additionally, “13 Reasons Why” also elucidates how mental health is treated in our modern-day society: masked and stigmatized. It is shown that there are virtually no resources, but also does not mention anything resourceful that could have been used to save her including therapy. The show also seems to portray suicide as the only option when you cannot get help; that alone is implacably dangerous. Leaving her high school for the last time, Hannah Baker says these powerful words: “Some of you cared, but none of you cared enough,” leaving not only the characters in the show who are listening to her final tape, but also the audience, filled with guilt.

While “13 Reasons Why” is takLiz Lee (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor ing over the world, it is flawed in In this depiction, Ashley Cooper (‘17) and Brooke Greenberg (‘17) watch a the sense that it presents suicide critical scene in the Netflix drama, “13 Reasons Why.” as an option. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary probaround how Hannah had suffered lem. There is no problem too big that left many fans unnerved by Hanfrom depression and Post Traumatcannot be fixed, which is what the nah’s disturbing death. But this ic Stress Disorder as a result of her show fails to mention. The show prounnerving feeling is caused delibrape and bullying, but none of those vides Hannah with an easy way out to erately; it is a plea, a call-to-action are mentioned at all during any time a problem that could have and should begging for viewers of the show to in the show, which is toxic in and of have be solved. be the resolution to the teen suiitself. For a show to talk about the We need to show the world that this cide epidemic. We can make the themes that it does, the lack of mental show is nothing short of a glamorized change. illness discussion is disrespectful to suicide, leaving the audience feeling Let us rise up, let us be that those already battling mental illness pity and heartbreak. resolution, let us be an ally to and suicidal thoughts. To people sufThat final gruesome scene of Hanall of the “Hannah Bakers” we fering from mental illness, the show nah taking her own life in the bathencounter, not a foe. Let us take is implicably dangerous. The truth tub of her home left a permanent scar action into realizing the effects is that all of these disorders can be in my mind of how horrific suicide is, that words and actions have on treated, while the show does not deand how it can be prevented with getpeople. pict the reality of treatment. ting the right help.

I am not foolish enough to think For this show to portray suicide in Suicide is never an option, there is we can change another’s mental such a way, it can lead to more teens always a reason to keep living. And health altogether, but I do believe thinking suicide is an option to get out unfortunately the show fails to recogthat we can make a difference by of difficult and painful situations. nize reality. Art by Jennifer Dong (‘17)/ not being a perpetuating factor in The idea that suicide is a way to another’s demise.

Eastside Art Director the characters who contribute to Hannah’s death.

A primary concern with “13 Reasons Why” is the glamorization of teen suicide.

But in many ways “13 Reasons Why” actually shows how suicide is a devastatingly permanent solution to a temporary problem.

Some psychologists have made the claim that “13 Reasons Why” was not careful enough in its treatment of teen suicide, as the show allows Hannah to “live on” through the tapes she has made. However, viewers of the show quickly realize that Han-

■ By Brooke Greenberg (‘17)

Eastside Opinions Editor

C O N

OPINIONS

June 2017

EASTSIDE

Page 7

Removal of AP language classes urges students to continue study ■ By Kaitlyn Boyle (‘17) Eastside Editor in Chief

East is no stranger to Advanced Placement (AP) courses; with over twenty AP classes to choose from, students are free to enrich themselves in as many subjects as they please. Nevertheless, over time, some of these courses, specifically the World Language 4AP courses, grew obsolete, leading East to make the best decision all around to rename the courses.

For the 2017-2018 school year, the courses previously known as Spanish 4AP and French 4AP will now be entitled Spanish 4H and French 4H, respectively. The courses are advertised as a mix of juniors and seniors; however, they generally host a majority of juniors.

This seemingly minor notational change holds bigger implications.

Although the courses were called AP, many juniors were actually discouraged from taking the exams in order to maintain enrollment in the language during their senior year.

“I was made to feel as though I would inevitably fail if I took [the exam], rather than building up my confidence,” said Devon Leslie (‘17), who took Spanish 4AP and successfully took the AP exam during her junior year.

The juniors still had to complete months of vigorous AP preparation exercises with the knowledge that

they would not be taking the test until the following year. Nevertheless, Leslie felt adequately prepared and took the test after her junior year, choosing not to enroll in Spanish 5AP to avoid taking a similar course.

“I chose not to take 5AP because I’ve taken enough of Spanish that I felt like I had a good understanding of the language and I wanted to try another subject,” she said.

Leslie also feels that the change should not be made from 4AP to 4H because students may not be able to earn the Seal of Biliteracy, which is a special award given to successful language students. This past year, East awarded five students the Seal, including Leslie,

which will be notated on their transcripts.

In order to receive the Seal, students at East must earn a 4 or above on the AP Spanish Language and Composition or AP French Language and Composition exam during their junior year, as senior year scores will not be available by graduation.

Rachel Lim (‘17), another Seal recipient, chose to take Span-

ish 5AP even after taking the AP exam her junior year.

“I still learned new things despite having already taken the AP test,” said Lim. “It was just a little bit tiresome close to AP test time since [the students who had taken the test] still had to complete AP prep focused tasks and homeworks.”

In order for the changes to be successful, the World Language Department cannot just accept a simple name change; the Spanish and French 4H curriculums must be changed respectively.

Since they will no longer be considered AP courses, no AP preparation should be assigned as mandatory work to avoid replicating the 5AP curriculum.

Perhaps the previous two-year AP class system would make more sense if East offered both the Spanish Language and Culture and the Spanish Literature and Culture exams. That way, each year, students could be prepared for a different exam, thus varying the two curriculums.

“I probably would’ve taken another year [of Spanish] if they offered both [exams] because my [college] probably would’ve taken both,” said Leslie.

A similar structure is currently present in the English Department, with English 3AP preparing students f o r t h e Lan-

guage and Composition exam, and English 4AP teaching towards the Literature and Composition exam. This two-year option would not be available for French students, however, for there is only a French Language and Culture exam as opposed to an AP exam.

While many positives will come for East’s current student body regarding

the course change, the 4H structure may prove detrimental for future classes.

World language cuts have been made in the middle schools already, only leading to the language cuts in high school.

Typically, language-gifted students enroll in Spanish or French 2H as freshmen, leading them to finish 5AP in their senior year with the completion of an AP exam.

Over the past few years, Beck Middle School eliminated sixth grade full-year world language courses, while Rosa still has its three-year language program.

As a res u l t , B e c k s t u dents will not be as p r e pared a s they were in prev i o u s years.

S o m e students may choose to enroll in the 1H French and Spanish courses, eliminating any opportunity for them to take an AP language course, while students taking German or Latin can take an AP course during their senior year even while starting in 1H. Once more, the issue at hand reveals itself to be a district-wide problem that cannot be resolved at merely one school, but throughout the district as a whole.

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

Fifth grader shares view on Rosa as possible sixth grade center ■ By Lauren Greenberg (‘24) Woodcrest 5th Grader Future Rosa Student

Although Dr. Joe Meloche and the Board of Education announced in April that they would not be going through with the plan to make Rosa a sixth grade center, we need to hope it is not brought up again.

For almost two decades, Rosa International Middle School has been the middle school for over 700 students.

Sixth, seventh and eighth graders have had the oppourtunity to gain placement through a lottery system. Across Cherry Hill, middle school represents a new chapter in students’ lives. However, the idea of Rosa becoming a sixth grade-only school could be turning into a reality. With many district board members and administrators believing in equalizing the East and West sides of Cherry Hill, their idea may result in changing Rosa into a sixth grade-only center. Dozens of parents, teachers, and students are against the idea.

Many fifth graders are upset by the idea and the huge transition to move to either Beck or Carusi after just one year of education at Rosa.

Lizzie Mueller (‘24) is a fifth grader at Woodcrest Elementary School who was preparing for a great three years of academics at Rosa, until it was announced on April 7 that Rosa may only offer sixth grade educa- Brooke Greenberg (‘17)/ Eastside Opinions Editor tion.

Rosa International Middle School will not be a sixth grade center “It is really next year, but students worry the idea will come again soon. disappointing to know from current eighth grader at Dr. Joseph Meloche, third grade that Rosa. superintendent of Cherry you wanted to go to Rosa for Some students, parents Hill Public Schools, feels as [all three years] just to find and staff of Cherry Hill though transitioning sixth out there is a possibility of it Public Schools agree and graders to Beck Middle evolving into a Sixth Grade are against the plan of “A School and Carusi Middle Center,” said Mueller.

Clear Vision for the Future” School after one year at “It is an unnecessary including the sixth grade Rosa is a better option to change and costly,” said center. equalize our township and Matthew Muller (‘21), a

school district. Fifth graders who are preparing to be students at Rosa for all three years may have to experience seventh and eighth grade at other Cherry Hill middle schools. The plan had been outlined in September 2016 and is a negative, unnecessary addition for children at Rosa International Middle School.

The divide between the East and West sides is a problem that should be addressed another way rather than completely eliminating seventh and eighth grades from Rosa.

The school also offers a different, unique curriculum at Rosa due to the International Baccularate program that is unique to Rosa. A school that offers sixth, seventh and eighth grades invites students to have the full middle school experience like Rosa has for the past eighteen years.

Without the centralized sixth grade center, Rosa will be able to share the legacy on for many years to come.

Students await the same experience that they expect and look forward to upon their arrival of middle school, regardless of where they attend.

EDITORIAL

Page 8

EASTSIDE

June 2017

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

Mr. Bill Kovnat is Eastside’s “Person of the Year”

For the past 28 years, Mr. Bill called Studio K Photography, which is no such thing as a “perfect image.”

Kovnat has been working at Cherry allows him to bring profesional experiKovnat’s mentality of teaching a Hill East as a fine arts teacher, speence into the classroom. photography class is different from a cifically as a photography teacher. For On one of the first days of photogtypical art class. Kovnat constantly nearly three decades, Kovnat has posiraphy class, Kov tells his students a stresses the concept that his class is a tively impacted his students, going out “purple cow” analogy to help inspire “stress-free zone”: he wants no outside of his way to make East a more amihis students. In this talk, Kovnat says stressors to enter the room and only able environment. how younger kids always draw cows wants students to be able to use his In fact, since class as a meEastside first dium to channel began its Pertheir creativity. son of the Year “It’s not about Award in 2003, the grade,” he Kovnat has been often says. It is a top-four finalabout attemptist in six differing to capture ent years, unbeand use a fracknownst to him tion of the passince finalists sion Kovnat are always kept brings each day secret. This year, and the exciteEastside would ment in him like to acknowlwhen meeting edge Kovnat’s new students or compassion and explaining a new dedication and project. the effect he has Since Kovnat had on the East is extremely pasenvironment sionate about throughout his photography, he career. wants his stuAny student dents to advance who enters their learning in Kovnat’s room every way possion a typical day ble. If a student will be treated is interested in the same. At the photography, Jenna Myers (‘17)/ Eastside Managing Editor beginning of each he’ll aid them in Mr. Bill Kovnat accompanies his Advanced Photography students on a field class, Kovnat, the darkroom, or Kov, as he is trip to Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens to enhance their photography skills. teach them how known, always to Photoshop imsays, “Alright, let’s get to work!” That as black and white while one student ages, let them use camera equipment perfectly explains Kovnat’s old-school, might draw a cow purple. He uses and make sure the student produces blue-collar mentality: pour your heart this analogy because he wants all of the highest quality image. into your work and it will pay off. Pashis students to be the student who His appreciation for his students sion, dedication and experience can draws the purple cow—as a student is expressed in the opportunities he lead to a masterpiece. who makes something that’s not typipresents to his photography students While Kovnat is often the one becal. He applies this analogy multiple because he treats them like profeshind the camera capturing an image of times throughout the year to constantsional photographers. This past year, another who has earned a prestigious ly remind students to be creative with Kovnat has given students the ophonor, he himself deserves gratitude their photography projects. portunity to go to Reading Terminal and appreciation. Outside of teachFor Kovnat’s teaching style, he is Market, Longwood Gardens, Eastern ing, Kovnat takes pictures for theatre, generally a very hands-off person. For State Penitentiary and Philadelphia’s character education, student governevery photography unit, he teaches his Magic Garden. Later in June, Kovnat ment, athletics and many other groups students the basics and lets the stuand some students will be spending and school events. When Kovnat takes dents take control of it in their own seven days in Belize to enhance their pictures of East students who don’t way. With this teaching style, every photography experiences in a foreign have him as a teacher, he treats them image produced will look completely country. In his Advanced Photography the same way he would treat his phounique and interesting. Not only that, class, Kovnat brought in a worker from tography students: with respect and but in class, Kovnat focuses on both a Philadelphia marketing company to sincerity with some added humor. film and digital aspects of photograprovide students with advice on their At East, Kovnat is also the leader of phy so students gain a deeper underPhotoshop skills and to provide realthe Photography Club, which lets peostanding of the conventions. world context to the work they were ple shoot pictures, develop film, mount When it comes to critiquing assignproducing. Kovnat also announces images, Photoshop pictures and use ments, nothing negative leaves Kov’s photography opportunities and jobs the studio so that they can get a full mouth. He remains constructive after such as taking pictures over the sumphotography experience without takmost units, having a critique session mer for the JCC Summer Camp. ing a photography course. Along with for students who display their photos.

Kovnat’s huge passion for photogthe Photography Club, Kovnat runs Kovnat always compliments how great raphy and his selflessness towards the the Performing and Visual Arts Socithe pictures look and tells the students East community portray him as an ety (PAVAS) with Mrs. Cathie Morgan how they can improve in future units. admirable figure. All of his hard work and takes care of a portion of the anHis input motivates students to work is greatly appreciated by students, nual art show. harder. When it comes to grading photeachers and even strangers. His recOutside of school, Kovnat owns a tos, Kovnat never gives students a 100 ognition as Person of the Year is an photography business with his wife percent because he believes that there honor that is long overdue.

Eastside 2016-2017 Editorial Board

Managing Editor: Jenna Myers Editors-in-Chief: Kaitlyn Boyle, Ashley Cooper, Luke Hinrichs Adviser: Mr. Greg Gagliardi

News/Features Editors Jenn Pacitti Jenna Simons Louis Zimmermann

Community Editors Ilana Arougheti Sara Messinger Gregory Rothkoff

Sports Editors Elissa Cohen Courtney Finnegan Drew Hoffman

Underground Editors Shari Boiskin Eric First Jared Fisch

Opinions Editors Brooke Greenberg Joe Levin Ezra Nugiel

Entertainment Editors Sari Cohen Asher Maitin Hope Rosenblatt

Photo Editors Emelia Keller Liz Lee Video Editor Luke Shin Multimedia Directors Ben Goldsmith Josh Sodicoff Humor Editor Danny Naddeo

Cherry Hill High School East 1750 Kresson Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 Phone: (856) 424-2222, ext.2087 Fax: (856) 424-3509

Eastside Online

http://www.eastsideonline.org

Publisher

School Paper Express Wappingers Falls, NY

Letters to the Editor

Submit signed letters to F087 Eastside’s Person of the Year is a four-stage process, which includes members of the Eastside Editorial Board voting at each stage.

The award originated in 2003 in order to recognize members of the school who have made a superior scholastic impact.

Recipients receive a personal plaque in addition to being listed on a plaque next to the Hall of Fame bulletin board.

Past Recipients: 2003: Mr. Matthew Carr 2004: Ms. Elizabeth McLeester 2005: Mr. Tony Mancini 2006: Ms. Marilyn DiCiurcio 2007: Mrs. Linda Heath 2008: Mr. Jonathon Strout 2009: Mr. Charles Musumeci 2010: Mr. Rick Friedman 2011: Mr. Gregory Rouen 2012: Mr. Pete Gambino 2013: Mr. Karl Moehlmann 2014: Ms. Gina Oh 2015: Mr. Tim Locke 2016: Mr. Joseph Dilks

Contact the Board: To contact a member of the Eastside Editorial Board via email, type the person’s first name folWebmasters lowed by a period, Gabriella Friedman then his or her last name followed by Nafessa Jaigirdar “@eastside-online.

Business Managers org,” ie: jenna.myers@eastside-online.

Alon Goldfinger org.

Art Directors Sabrina DeAbreu Jennifer Dong

Abigail Richman Tech Director Kevin Chen

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

SENIORS ‘17

Guess the identity of these seniors’ younger selves!

June 2017

EASTSIDE

8

1

17

2

18

3

20

5

29

55 56

51 44

36

37

45 46

38

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15

7

54

28

14

7

42

57

58 30

16

53

35 27

21 13 22

66

50 43

26

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52 49

34

12

48

41

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25 19 10

Page A

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For the answers, go to Page E!

24 31

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47 59

Collage by Jenna Simons (‘17)/ Eastside News/Features Editor

SENIORS ‘17

Page B

EASTSIDE

Zarifis

Jenna Myers (‘17)/Eastside Managing Editor

Originating from Greece, Alex and Filiana Zarifis have a bond that travels across the Atlantic Ocean.

Alex, who is very persistent and caring, has a personality disparity with Filiana, who always speaks her mind. The Zarifis twins, who said they always stand up for each other in any situation, are a true testament to having a strong twin bond. Even though they look different and act differently, they are always there for each other no matter what. They enjoy going out to shop and eat together and can always get the other twin’s order right at any restaurant.

Brooke Greenberg (‘17)/ Eastside Opinions Editor

Yanasov

Asher Maitin (‘17)/ Eastside Entertainment Editor

Stephanie and Natalie Yanasov, who respectively call each other “Steph” and “Nat,” could be found on the East tennis courts during the girls’ tennis season. The Yanasovs, who note that a favorite memory was throwing a party down the shore, love to have fun. Stephanie is known as more of the extrovert of the duo while Natalie is more introverted. The Yanasovs also enjoy shopping, going down the shore, going to Philly and enjoying nature walks.

Brooke Greenberg (‘17)/ Eastside Opinions Editor

Walter

Asher Maitin (‘17)/ Eastside Entertainment Editor

Having the same friend group, hobbies and interests, it is hard to tell Alyssa and Donald, or as Alyssa calls him, ‘Don’, apart. Both are athletes, and two of their favorite activities are swimming and going to the gym together. Alyssa believes herself to be more meticulous than Donald. Alyssa remembers that when they were both kids, Donald taught her how to climb trees in their yard. Alyssa will be attending the University of New Hampshire while Donald will be attending Rowan to pursue a career in the Air Force.

Gregory Rothkoff (‘19)/Eastside Community Editor

T W I N S A T

June 2017

Bogutz

Jenna Myers (‘17)/ Eastside Managing Edi-

Everything from their music tastes to their personal hobbies differs when it comes to the Bogutz twins, yet they truly are each other’s best friend.

They both enjoy talking to one another, especially in their intense political discussions. Ryan calls Sean his best conversational partner; they can talk to each other for hours about anything, especially while walking around New York City. Their relationship will be hard to leave behind as they move forward in their lives.

Gregory Rothkoff (‘19)/ Eastside Community Editor

Schwartz

Jenna Myers (‘17)/ Eastside Managing

The Schwartzes both believe each other possess great artistic abilities; however, Allie admits that Lisa is a little further ahead in animating and sculpting aspects.They are each other’s best art buddies who rely on each other for homework and can easily talk to each other about anything. Although they could not pinpoint a specific favorite memory of each other, they both have enjoyed watching each other grow up.Their close bond will remain, as both will be attending Fairleigh Dickinson University next year.

Gregory Rothkoff (‘19)/ Eastside Community Editor

E A S T

Bar

Asher Maitin (‘17)/ Eastside Entertainment Editor

Hailing all the way from Israel, Omri and Gilad Bar have a brotherhood and friendship that spreads all the way from the weight room to the track. Known as the more analytical twin, Omri is the one to take things slower while Gilad would be the first to jump in for anything. Omri has accomplished the feat of becoming the captain of the wrestling team while Gilad would be up for a run any day. Speaking their minds is something they both like to do, especially in math. Watching TV shows is a favorite pasttime of theirs. The Bars vowed that they will always stand up for each other in any situation.

Brooke Greenberg (‘17)/ Eastside Opinions Editor

SENIORS ‘17

June 2017

EASTSIDE

Field

Jenna Myers (‘17)/ Eastside Managing Editor

On and off the track, Taegan and Greer Field are best friends. The twins, who participate in cross country, winter track and spring track are notorious for being not only runners but also identical twins. Greer is known more as the Type A twin and always puts 110% into everything she does, while Taegan is known as more Type B. Taegan also runs the 3200 while Greer runs the 1600. Despite their small differences, they both enjoy participating in Athletes Against Bullying, Habitat for Humanity and FOP aside from running.

Brooke Greenberg (‘17)/ Eastside Opinions Editor

Greenwald

Jenna Myers (‘17)/ Eastside Managing Editor

Melissa and Lexi Greewald exude positivity. Although they are easy to tell apart, they share the same sense of humor, interests and the ability to make each other laugh. Lexi, or “Boddee,” is frequently correct, according to her sister, and tends to be more outgoing, whereas Melissa, or “Deedee,” can recall interesting facts and takes longer to warm up to people. They may soon be splitting ways, as Lexi wants to study the sciences and find a career in that field whereas Melissa wants to move to Florida and work at the most magical place on Earth, Disney World.

T W I N S A T

Joshua Sodicoff (‘18)/ Eastside Multimedia Director

Page C

Camacho

Asher Maitin (‘17)/ Eastside Entertainment Editor

Often seen in East’s thespian spectacles and choir performances, Jared and Jenna Camacho have surrounded themselves with the arts at East for the past four years. The Camachos have spent their years together in the Thespian Society and East choir, including the same small group, Voce. Jared is known for being a comedian and can be found acting out comedic roles on stage. Both Jenna and Jared will be continuing their education at Temple University.

Louis Zimmermann (‘18)/ Eastside News/Features Editor

Park

Jenna Myers (‘17)/ Eastside Managing Editor

Commonly referred to by one another as ‘Bubz’ and ‘Banana,’ Bianca and Livanna Park have enjoyed memories and have ceased to leave each other’s sides during their time at East. Throughout high school, both Bianca and Livanna discovered their talents. Bianca admits that she is the cooler twin of the pair, which Livanna agrees with; however, she thinks she is the smarter one. Although she does not play competitively, Bianca enjoys playing basketball, while her sister watches with interest. They both agree that their favorite memories together at a young age revolve around summer when they would get very tan from swimming and look like raccoons because of their goggles.

Louis Zimmermann (‘18)/ Eastside News/Features Editor

West

Asher Maitin (‘17)/ Eastside Entertainment Editor

Miles and Pierce West are fraternal twins with incredibly different personalities.

While Miles is known to be a more quantitative person, Pierce enjoys logical puzzles and technology. Pierce, or “Pop,” according to Miles, is generally more cynical and prefers crude humor, whereas Miles, or “Kid-Boy,” is clumsier and forgetful. Although they have their differences, they are jokesters who like athletics and hanging out together.

Joshua Sodicoff (‘18)/ Eastside Multimedia Director

E A S T

Babitz

Asher Maitin (‘17)/ Eastside Entertainment Editor

Kelly, Keith and Kevin Babitz are most likely to be found spread all around the halls of East for their extracurriculars, participating in Robotics (Keith and Kevin) and basketball (Kelly), but always reconvene when it comes to academics. The Babitz triplets are known as some of the hardest-working students around, and they will all be attending the University of Pennsylvania next year. When not studying or hanging out after school, they could be found on Saturday nights having a sibling dinner at local quick service restaurants. They spend their time talking about schooland playing Frisbee and basketball.

Joshua Sodicoff (‘18)/ Eastside Multimedia Director

Page D

SENIORS ‘17 EASTSIDE

Senior Perspectives 2017

June 2017

Seniors say goodbye to a monumental chapter in their lives as they look forward to the years ahead.

Melanie Rausch

Jenna Simons (‘17)/ Eastside News/Features Editor

When I started school at East four years ago, I was terrified. I had just graduated eighth grade at a Jewish private school with only seven other students in my graduating class. Only three months later, I was starting high school with over five-hundred students. Needless to say, it was overwhelming. I barely knew anyone, the building was huge, and I had no idea what I was doing. But soon enough, I joined choir, I auditioned for my first East theater production, and I made some friends. I thought I had found my place, my home for the next four years.

By the end of my freshman year, I realized that my expectations were not as accurate as I had hoped. I discovered that I didn’t love theater as much as I had in middle school, but when I left it behind after the spring musical closed, I left with some of the most wonderful friends I had ever made. I spent the next three years discovering (and rediscovering) different passions of mine, most of which I hope to continue to pursue in my next adventure at Rutgers University. I had to flip every single one of my preconceptions of the ‘high school experience’ upside down, but I’m happy to say that it was all for the best.

I’ve learned a lot in my four years at East, and now I’m going to pass those lessons down to you, dear reader. Stay focused, and don’t neglect your schoolwork, because it matters more than you realize. Don’t spend time on an activity that you’re not enjoying just because it might look good for colleges; instead dedicate your valuable time to an activity you love. This will show colleges — and yourself — who you really are. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; trust me, I’ve needed so much of it along the way. But most of all, just be yourself, and throw away all of your expectations. High school is a wild roller coaster ride, but I promise, you will reach the other side alive. Windswept and lightheaded with excitement, but alive.

Nikki Pejavera

My first day of freshman year did not go as planned. It went something a little like this: a girl I knew from the East tennis team walked me to my first class. I had World Civ with Mr. Locke in B147, which seemed like it would be simple enough to find. After walking me to class, she wished me good luck and then left. Well, I turned around for one second to look for friends and wound up getting lost. I had no idea where I was. Thankfully, a student approached me and asked me what class I was looking for. After reviewing my schedule, he pointed at the door right in front of me and said, “This is your class. The one right in front of you…”

This was the first out of infinite memories I have made at East. Whether it be getting lost in the hallways, bonding with teachers, or hanging out with friends at a school event, each moment has a special place in my heart. Now, times have not always been happy these last four years, but on those days where I was feeling down, I knew that coming to school would make me feel better.

I consider myself extremely lucky to have spent the past four years in the amazing environment East has provided for us. Not only do I feel prepared for my classes in college, but also for my future jobs, internships, or whatever I will end up doing after college. As East has taught us, no path is the right path, but whatever we chose to do after, we are fully prepared to do so. I am proud to be part of this graduating class. I have made amazing memories with both teachers and peers, participated in a wide variety of activities and sports, and gained a great education. I will never forget tripping up the C-wing stairs, laughing with my teachers, screaming “Can I get a ‘Roll Cougs’?” as I plunged down Splash Mountain during Senior Trip, and participating in freshman orientation, where I got to divulge how amazing East is to the incoming freshmen. It is wild to think that it has all come to an end. Despite how much I will miss everything about the East community, I cannot wait for what is to come next. Always and Forever, Roll Cougs!

Jenna Simons (‘17)/ Eastside News/Features Editor

Most Active in Students’ Lives: Mr. Davis

Most Organized: Mr. Semus

Most Intellectual: Mr. Semus Most School-Spirited: Mr. Melograna Most Energetic: Mr. Semus Most Parental: Mr. Pierlott

Jenna Simons (‘17)/ Eastside News/Features Editor

Sam Berman

There are three pieces of advice that I would give to incoming freshmen to get the most out of their experience at East. First and foremost, get to know your school. As a Cougar, you will soon realize that learning about your school is much more than figuring out how to get from G033 to B220 in the fastest way. It means catch some school spirit, get involved in the plethora of opportunities East provides, and that although high school is hard, East is the best place to experience it. If you don’t believe me, explore a little more. You’re going to spend four important years of your life at East, so why not know the ins and outs?

The second piece of advice is to get to know your peers. East is a diverse school in terms of the personalities you will meet. Try to meet all the kids in your classes, so when you get paired up you don’t have to awkwardly introduce yourself first. If you’re an athlete, go support the amazing plays like this year’s Ragtime. If you’re a “D-winger,” head out to a basketball game and join the Countrymen in singing the infamous “Hey Baby.” Cherry Hill East is so much more than an academic powerhouse. If you connect with your peers, it will make your experience at East that much more enjoyable.

The third and final piece of advice is get to know yourself. High school is a weird time when you go from a high-pitched, short kid, to a deeper-voiced, young adult. In my time at East I have grown not only physically, but also as a person. I’ve learned my strengths and my weaknesses through the rigorous school work. I’ve found passions in things like school spirit, athletics and DECA. I even found myself dancing on stage in front of hundreds of people in Mr. East, something I never thought I would do. I encourage you to get involved in clubs you enjoy but also clubs that will push you in hopes that you can find some of your undiscovered passions as well. Despite the hardships of high school, East has given me memories that will last a lifetime. I encourage every student to get involved and work hard because in four short years, you’ll regret it if you don’t. East has been an amazing time in my life and I wouldn’t change a thing about it.

Faculty Superlatives

Most Memorable: Mr. Wood (science) Most Interesting: Mr. Wood (science) Most Influential: Mr. Locke Most Talkative: Mrs. Dorety Most Passionate: Mr. Locke Best Hair: Mr. Gambino Best Dressed: Mr. Vann

Best Quote: Mr. Semus -- “No, Victor, I will not curve this test.”

Best Advice Giver: Mr. Pierlott Best New Addition: Mrs. Jastrow Best Substitute: Mrs. Heier Funniest: Mr. Vann Friendliest: Mrs. Kelly-Radbill

SENIORS ‘17

June 2017

EASTSIDE

Senior Perspectives 2017

Page E

Seniors say goodbye to a monumental chapter in their lives as they look forward to the years ahead.

Arianna Fontanilla

Jenna Simons (‘17)/ Eastside News/Features Editor

I never expected to love Cherry Hill East as much as I do today. Whether it be the teachers who shaped my brain, the students who shaped my personality, or the school spirit that shaped my pride, East is THE place to be. As corny as it sounds, the four years here fly by so much faster than you think. I can clearly remember my first day of high school as if it were yesterday. I thought the building was huge and the schedule was impossible to remember.

Fast forward four years, and now I can navigate through these halls blindfolded and memorize my schedule after the second day.

If I was told freshman year that I would be the president of the Filipino Culture Society, leading us to place second in Multicultural Day 2017, I wouldn’t believe you. I only had two simple goals: Make FCS a family and have fun (placing second was just the cherry on top).

As tears of joy ran down my face after our MCD win, I felt my love for this school intensify.

This club taught me how to love myself and everyone I meet. Multicultural Day taught me to appreciate the accepting and diverse environment we have here at East. This prepares us to become mature human beings before we enter the real world. Not all schools have what we have. Without this, I definitely would not be the person I am today.

With a class of over 500 students in each grade, you might think that you’re just a number, but you’re not. If you mention any name from my Class of 2017 family, there is a 99.9 percent chance I can tell you about an amazing memory I have of them. The fact that I may never see these people again is a real eye opener. We all come in here as strangers and then leave as a family. We spend a chunk of our lives together as other classes come and go, and it feels like clockwork. Then when the time comes you start to feel it. You feel the “senioritis” you claimed to have junior or sophomore year (or freshman year to make up an excuse for your laziness) and you feel the excitement to leave. All the mushy stuff you hear about how “East makes you who you are” and “You’ll remember these memories forever” will hit you because it’s all true. So just accept it: we’re going to miss it here. My one tip of advice for the underclassmen would be: Don’t rush through high school, just enjoy it. This school is your home, so love your time here.

Annie Lipsett

High school, to me, is like a road trip, with the final destination being graduation, and in many cases, college. You get in your car, start off slow, and prepare for the long, not always easy road ahead. The destination — college, graduation, trade school, or whatever your dream is — is too important to drive towards without grit and perseverance. However, high school, much like life, isn’t about the destination, it’s about the journey.

Your first few miles on the road trip of high school, your freshman year, is a bit of a bumpy one. You’re still learning how to drive, how to function and run as a well-oiled machine.

There is doubt that you aren’t going down the right path, because everything is so new to you. Then, your teachers give you a map that outlines how, over the next four years, you can reach your destination of graduation. The map looks complex, overwhelming even, but something inside you says that if you don’t give up, you will make it.

Throughout all four years of high school, there are always bumps in the road. You break down, you hit a mud pile, you get lost, and it looks as if you’ll never make it to your final destination. But you still have hope, because on this road trip that is high school you meet friends. Friends, and teachers, and certainly family support you and believe in you every step of the way. With their support and your grit, you make it. After four years that seem like forever, you finally reach your ultimate destination: graduation. The road to graduation wasn’t easy; however, you are grateful you embarked on it. You are grateful you were challenged. You are grateful that you hung tough and had a support system despite every bump in the road. Now, at the end of our journey, with diploma nearly in hand, we of the Class of 2017 must continue on this road trip we call life.

Jenna Simons (‘17)/ Eastside News/Features Editor

Sung Kwang Oh

Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Baby Picture Answers: 1. Sofia Benedetto 2.Danya Trommer 3. Colin O’Donnell 4. Amanda Wallace 5. Gilad Bar 6. Kaitlyn Boyle 7. Peri Spivak 8. Kayla Kinsler 9. Ryan Savitch 10. Danny Naddeo 11. Erica Thunberg

12. Sasha Cruz 13. Zaire Bryant 14. Isabella Iacono 15. Nikki Pejavara 16. Stephanie Weinberg 17. Alyssa Cayabyab 18. Tobi Friedman 19. Emerson Levy 20. Sandra Bruno 21. Michael Chiusano 22. Zachary Kovach 23. Rachel Cogan

When I first started high school, I tried so hard to be my own person. Having had a sister who had just graduated the year before, I felt that I had to prove to everyone that yes, I am not my sister, but I will be just as successful… hopefully. With this goal, I tried to do everything. As a freshman, I ran for class president, played volleyball, and joined Bridge Tutoring, Science Olympiad, Debate and Model UN, amongst others. Then soon theatre and JSA were added to the list. But strangely enough, as time passed, participating in these activities became less about proving to everyone that I was different from my sister and more about enjoying what I do and making a meaningful difference in the club while discovering my true interests.

High school showed me many things, but most importantly, it showed me who I am as a person. It allowed me to explore different interests, allowing me to uncover parts of me that were unbeknownst to myself. It pushed me to my limits, only for me to discover that I haven’t quite reached them yet. So for you underclassmen out there, push yourselves. Join new clubs and try things that you would have never seen yourself doing before because there’s a chance that you might actually enjoy it. And don’t just stop there. Try to make a meaningful impact on that club and East as a whole. Even if it’s something simple like trying to make the bathrooms cleaner because, heck, you might actually make a difference.

You’re your only limit. I can only hope that you’ll be limitless and soar towards infinity if you ever face a vertical asymptote.

24. Jordan Shapiro 25. Joshua Santana 26. Andrea Samuels 27. Priya Kavuru 28. Kaylee Ramkissoon 29. Abby Budman 30. Will O’Kane 31. Samantha Abrams 32. Tyler Parsons 33. Rachel Lim 34. Emma Wooten 35. Christian Termine

36. Elise Goldstein 37. Courtney Finnegan 38. Brooke Greenberg 39. Pierce West 40. Samm Goldstein 41. Gabrielle Gracias 42. Sydney Faria 43. Chyna Farmer 44. Brianna Nghiem 45. Jade Clark 46. Zylasia Torres 47. Skyler Colton

48. Liz Lee 49. Maddie Phillips 50. Tommasso Cavallo 51. Jenna Simons 52. Omri Bar 53. Dahyo Coleman 54. Nitan Shanas 55. Alexis McCollum 56. Taylor Loiacono 57. Noah Preihs 58. Joelle Wachman 59. Miles West

Page F

EASTSIDE

June 2017

SUPERLATIVES

June 2017

EASTSIDE

Page G

Where’s Waldo? Crimson the Cougar?

Help us find him among all these seniors.

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30

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14

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18

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42

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1: Keith Babitz: Most Likely to Become President, Most Likely to Succeed, Biggest Heartthrob, Person Everyone Wants to Be 2: Maddie Phillips: Most Likely to Become President, Best BFF w/ Rachel Cogan 3: Griffin Dabritz: Most Likely to Host a Talk Show, Most Outgoing, Best Personality, Class Clown, Funniest 4: Dana Yi: Most Likely to Invent Something Unusual, Most Tech Savvy 5: Ryan Benson: Most Likely to Possess Random Knowledge 6: Danya Trommer: Most Likely to Host a Talk Show, Most Avid Gamer, Most Memorable, Best Twitter, Class Clown, Funniest 7: Evan Pierce: Most Likely to Invent Something Unusual, Most Tech Savvy 8: Lauren Hurley: Most Likely to Possess Random Knowledge, Best Vocabulary, Biggest Book Fanatic 9: Sung Kwang Oh: Most Likely to Pull an All-Nighter, Most Ambitious, Most Influential, Most Involved 10: Kat Koziol: Most Likely to Pull an All-Nighter 11: Kevin Chen: Most Likely to Save the World, Best Couple w/ Kaitlyn Boyle 12: Emma Thurman: Most Likely to Save the World

16 8

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33 76

1

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3

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13: Kelly Babitz: Most Likely to Succeed 14: Skyler Colton: Most Likely to Take Gym Seriously, Biggest Sports Fanatic 15: Alyson Skloff: Most Likely to Take Gym Seriously 16: Nitan Shanas: Most Likely to Update Facebook, Most Positive, Friendliest 17: Anna Qin: Most Likely to Update Facebook 18: Dan Swartz: Most Likely to Win a Nobel Prize, Best Bromance w/ Eric Kim 19: Kaitlyn Boyle: Most Likely to Win a Nobel Prize, Most Ambitious, Most Influential, Most Involved, Best Couple w/ Kevin Chen, Best Writer, Biggest Backpack, Person Everyone Wants to Be 20: Cedric Middleton: Most Likely to Win an Oscar, Best Actor 21: Jackie Orlando: Most Likely to Win an Oscar, Best Actress 22: Jake Cerota: Most Likely to Work at East, Most Enthusiastic, Most School-Spirited 23: Alexa Happ: Most Likely to Work at East, Most Enthusiastic, Most Positive, Best Morning Person 24: Sam Berman: Most Approachable, Best to Bring Home to Mom and Dad 25: Emma Wooten: Most Approachable, Friendliest

34

72 71

55

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26: Asher Maitin: Most Artistic, Most Creative, Best Instagram 27: Dani Shoshany: Most Artistic, Most Creative 28: Evan Campbell: Most Athletic 29: Sara Messinger: Most Athletic 30: Ari Friedman: Most Avid Gamer 31: Neil Patel: Most Memorable 32: Andrew Lochbihler: Most Opinionated 33: Jackie Abrams: Most Opinionated, Most Talkative 34: Gabby Friedman: Most Outgoing 35: Luke Hinrichs: Most Politically Savvy, Best Writer 36: Shari Boiskin: Most Politically Savvy 37: Kaitlyn Johnson: Most School-Spirited 38: Victor Wei: Most Studious 39: Rachel Lim: Most Studious 40: Hunter Berkowitz: Most Talkative 41: Colin O’Donnell: Most Well-Rounded 42: Ashley Cooper: Most Well-Rounded, Best Singer 43: Eric Kim: Best Bromance w/ Dan Swartz 44: Rachel Cogan: Best BFF w/ Maddie Phillips 45: Liam Burke: Best Co-Ed Friends w/ Alex Catalano, Biggest TV/Movie Fanatic

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49

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46: Alex Catalano: Best Co-Ed Friends w/ Liam Burke 47: Huy Vo: Best Dressed 48: Emelia Keller: Best Dressed, Best to Bring Home to Mom and Dad, Biggest Heartthrob 49: Basheer Jones: Best Hair 50: Sofia Benedetto: Best Hair 51: Joe Ucciferri: Best Facial Hair 52: Pierce West: Best Laugh, Best Look-Alike w/ Miles Bush, Best Snapchat 53: Annie Blum: Best Laugh 54: Miles Bush: Best Look-Alike w/ Pierce West 55: Abby Budman: Best Look-Alike w/ Hannah Gruber 56: Hannah Gruber: Best Look-Alike w/ Abby Budman 57: Emerson Levy: Best Morning Person 58: Gabrielle Hsu: Best Musician 59: Dan Kim: Best Musician 60: Megan Rose: Best Personality 61: Brad May: Best Twitter 62: Meghan Gabaly: Best Instagram 63: Justin Accardi: Best Singer 64: Ezra Nugiel: Best Smile

48

25

17 24

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65: Gabrielle Gracias: Best Smile 66: Samm Goldstein: Best Snapchat 67: Liam Fleming: Best Vocabulary, Biggest Book Fanatic 68: Alon Goldfinger: Biggest Backpack 69: Tyler Parsons: Biggest Health/Fitness Fanatic 70: Rachel Pierce: Biggest Health/Fitness Fanatic 71: Caleb Murtha: Biggest Music Fanatic, Wittiest 72: Jess Gambino: Biggest Music Fanatic 73: Karli Wulwick: Biggest Sports Fanatic 74: Gwen Kramer: Biggest TV/Movie Fanatic 75: Matt Braun: Prettiest Eyes 76: Kat Kazantsev: Prettiest Eyes 77: Kevin Babitz: Unsung Hero 78: Lia Yamamoto: Unsung Hero 79. Sarah Jang: Wittiest Headshots by Emelia Keller (‘17) and Liz Lee (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editors Art by Sabrina DeAbreu (‘18)/ Eastside Art Director Photo illustrations by Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor and Kevin Chen (‘17)/ Eastside Tech Director Layout by Ashley Cooper (‘17)/Eastside Editor-in-Chief, Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor and Jenna Myers (‘17)/ Eastside Managing Editor

SENIORS ‘17

Page H

EASTSIDE

- Celebrity Match Game -

June 2017

Can you match these celebrities to their East counterparts? Visit eastside-online.org for answers.

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June 2017

SENIORS ‘17 EASTSIDE

Page I

Eastside by the #s

# of stuffed animals in F087: 33 # of live animals in F087: 2... wait, 3... no, 2. # of times Luke H. asked for a charger: 30 # of times Gabby has gone on a tangent about nothing: 3,794,623,786,477 # of seconds of Danny’s Disney Snapchat story: 2,790 (46.5 mins) # of times Josh S has gone on a political rant: 63 # of days Ezra was not in class on time: 87 # of Eastside couples within Eastside: 4 # of times Art and Photo have begged the sections for assignments: 37 # of times Josh Pipe has been praised: 1,568,076 # of times the TV has been used: 0 # of times a board discussion continued because of people arguing for the same side of the issue: 37 # of times Ben live streamed a hockey game: 6 # of days Jenna M has gone without talking about how amazing Emelia is: 0 # of times Opinions refered to themselves as “Olitions”: 56 # of times Gabby has incorrectly distinguished between Sari and Elissa: 83 # of “Jen”s: 4 # of editorial ideas Gagz talked the board out of doing: 23 # of times Greg and Sara had to talk Ilana out of crazy layout ideas: 95,001 # of times Asher and Hope teamed up on Sari: 25 # of times Liz lost her camera: 7 # of times Drew tripped someone with his charger: 37 # of times someone messed up a game of Mafia: 9 # of times Danny has endoresed D-Wing during a board meeting: 546 # of times Joe has participated in a board discussion: 3 # of times Jennifer D has appeared in F087: 3 # of times Luke H has been biased against Gabby: 47 # of times Alon has lectured Josh S on “the bubble”: 213 # of times Kaitlyn brought up Starbucks: 497 # of times Drew asked for help with InDesign: 63 # of times the seating arrangement changed: 1 # of EastsideOnline Instagram followers: 116 # of Eastside_Online Snapchat followers: 150 # of copies of Eastside published this year: 15,400 # of EastsideNewspaper Facebook likes: 3,021 # of EastsideOnline Twitter followers: 1,849 # of EastsideOnline YouTube channel views: 534,852 # of listens on the Eastside_Radio Soundcloud account: 2,756 # of stories read on Eastside-Online this school year: 71,556 # of Eastside top-16 teams at National HS Journalism Quiz Bowl: 5 # of editors who won on-site awards at National Convention: 15 # of messages sent through Eastside Editors WhatsApp group: 5,714

Way to Go Emma! We Love You!

Mom, Dad & Alison

I wish all of the Theatre Department (cast and crew, seniors and underclassmen) the best next year. Remember that no matter what happens, we're more than a company, more than friends, we're family.

- Danny Naddeo Congratulations, Avneet!

We are so proud of you.

You are a true blessing.

We love you!

Thank you all CSA members and Ms. Simeonides for your time and dedication!

The performance this year was great and we can’t wait for next year.

Sincerely, 2016-2017 Officers<3

Dad, Mom and Harshi

Page J

SENIORS ‘17 EASTSIDE

June 2017

Eastside’s editors-in-chief and managing editor reflect on their time with Eastside

Kaitlyn Boyle: Editor-in-Chief

I typically have no trouble coming up with a lead, yet as I stare at the blank page of my final Eastside article, I am at a loss for words. There are too many things I could say, but not enough space in this issue.

The first story I ever wrote was a short News/Features piece about the 2013 spring musical, Flowers for Algernon. I remember tip-toeing into the Little Theater to interview Mr. Weaver, my heart racing as I desperately attempted to look like a poised, seasoned journalist. An introvert to this day, I still get little butterflies in my stomach right before I walk into an interview.

Eastside changed me in ways that all of Gagz’s genius lessons could never teach me how to put into words. I discovered my voice, a voice that would work towards big changes all throughout our district. I learned about the importance of student journalistic rights, and met some incredible advocates all across the country who were fighting for the same cause. I made lifelong friends, and bonded with two years of incredible leadership.

Luke, Ashley and Jenna, this year has been crazy, but also incredibly successful. Best of luck in everything you do. Julia and Liza, the two of you are some of the best people on this planet, and I am forever grateful for all of our gossip sessions during lunch. You taught me the importance of staying calm in stressful situations, and no, I do not hate you guys. Jacob, you made me laugh every day that we worked together, and your passion for Eastside was infectious.

Gagz, I cannot thank you enough for being one of the most inspiring, influential people that I will ever know (And don’t worry about not having dodgeball refs, I will be back. I’m only 20 minutes away next year).

Sari, Elissa, Hope and Jared, the four of you are a perfect combination. I am still willing to take one of your spots and come back for another year (just for Eastside), but enjoy your most exciting year on board.

Although I will be double majoring in Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Pennsylvania this fall, I will also be continuing as a writer for its newspaper, The Daily Pennsylvanian (look out for The Boyling Point). I never imagined myself as a journalist; I always knew that I would be going into medicine.

What I couldn’t have predicted, however, was the impact that journalism would have on my life. So to F087, to 6:45 a.m. distribution days, to dodgeball competitions, to lengthy editorial debates, to Gagz’s subtle humor, to my $5 interview recording app, to Secret Santas, to late night Mafia games, to journalism conventions, and most importantly, to Eastside, thank you.

To my dearest Eastside, you have truly transcended your role as a mere high school newspaper; in my heart you are an art form representing something larger than the sum of our 30person editorial board. You are an entity which lacks one sole definition, an enigma which never fails to fascinate.

During my high school career, Eastside has served as my own personal bildungsroman, my own personal educational story.

Being a part of this publication has transformed me. When I first entered the newspaper-cladded walls of F087, I was an overwhelmed pre-teen who never thought I could make it in the competitive journalism world. It seemed too fast-paced for a shy, timid introvert like me. Yet, after I spent my freshman year in Gagz’ Journalism 1 class, I knew it was exactly the place where I belonged.

Throughout my four years in Eastside, I have come to the epiphany that at the crux of journalism is humanity. Having had time to reflect, I now see that humanity is reflected in the over one-hundred pieces that I have written for Eastside. The people I interview come alive through my writing. From record store gurus to underground novelists to school principals, I have been able to humanize my interviewees from ambiguous figures to real people with genuine experiences and emotions. All of the late 10 p.m. nights have been worth it, for as a journalist I gain entrance into the intricacies of what it means to be human.

Further, I now see the potential for news to be a vehicle for social change. In “The New Genderation,” an online multimedia feature, I greatly educated members of my local community on LGBTQ+ issues which hadn’t before been brought to light in the school setting; my survey-based story, “The Cheating Truth” prompted higher levels of student integrity; an editorial I worked on, “Day 0 Holiday System,” may have the influenced the Board of Education.

Sari, Elissa and Hope, I wish you the best of luck next year as EIC’s. I am so excited to see how you develop the paper’s content next year. Jared, I am so proud to have worked with you as my Underground co-editor last school year! I learned so much from your creativity in design and headlines, and I hope you learned something from me as well (maybe? hopefully?). But really, it has truly been an honor to see you blossom into such an inspiring role model of what it means to truly be a dedicated member of Eastside. I have no doubt that you will be an extraordinary managing editor.

Eastside, you have been my source of inspiration, my forum for change and most importantly my outlet for self-expression. As an INFP, I have always had trouble effectively expressing myself through words. Yet, I no longer view my inept handle on verbalizing as a defect; I view it as a gift which has unveiled to me my true calling: writing. Through writing, I am my truest self. Through writing, I am able to reveal my deepest thoughts (which I did not even know I had been concealing). Through writing, I define myself as an individual. As I write this very final Eastside article, I am deeply saddened, for this beautiful experience is coming to a close, yet simultaneously elated, as I know my Eastside experiences have granted me with a rare gift, one which I will cherish with me forever. As John Green said, “I will get forgotten, but the stories will last.” Gagz, you have taught me that it is not the name on a byline that matters. What will remain is my content, beautifully adorned on the walls of the journalism room. Even after I take my final exit from F087, I can take solace in knowing that the zest of my reporting and the depth of my storytelling will forever thrive. So thank you Eastside, thank you Gagz, thank you everyone who has made this Eastside experience so transformative. You have all helped me in beginning my story as I now venture out into the great unknown which follows high school. You have helped me unleash the voice which has always been concealed inside me, just dying to be heard...and for that I am eternally grateful.

The journey of high school begins in blurred uncertainty. We are unsure of how to present ourselves and insecure about our places in the societal structure. Over each year, however, identities begin to solidify and take shape, and by the time we graduate, we are not fully formed individuals; we are less unsure and we stand a rung higher than when we began.

For most of my Eastside career, I preferred the comfort of writing for Sports. In this realm, I could explore my passion for writing in a socially acceptable medium, and it was safe. Yet, rarely did a sports story challenge me. I began to feel as though I was filling in the variables of an equation. At this point in my life, my world was still small, and I was disinterested in anything beyond my limited perspective. It was like living in a perpetually gated community with bleached white walls. Dissatisfied, I searched for more.

We are all climbing a ladder, rung by rung, attempting to reach something unattainable like perfection. As a freshman, I was blinded by ambition and hubris, a combination of Caesar and Odysseus, flawed yet unable to see my flaws. I cared most about my task at hand to reach the next rung of the ladder. However, around junior year, it felt as though my ladder, the ladder that I struggled to climb, was being torn from beneath my feet. My father’s job loss and the resulting financial repercussions felt stifling, and my Earth shifted. I began to reach out for balance and stability before the ladder would leave my feet and I would fall to the ground. I grasped at literature and documentaries. I grasped at knowledge and facts. And I was both comforted and unhinged by an expanding perspective and understanding.

I know now that the height I had reached was one set far beyond the sight of many who are never given the chance to take the first step, chained to the ground. I am grateful for the opportunities I had been given, which were opportunities that many are never offered. I also know now that to ere is human, that imperfection is perfection.

I warn against the ease for which apathetic tendencies are fulfilled as it corrodes and spreads like the plague. I urge the East community to know too much. Know too much so that acting becomes a moral imperative. Know too much so that you cannot ignore others in the name of selfish ambitions and selfpreservation. I am fortunate to be able to recognize my flaws as a writer and as a person because this self-awareness leads to self-improvement. Eastside has provided me the opportunity to develop my writing skills, and curiosity for knowledge has given me the chance to better myself.

While coming into East as a freshman back in 2013, I was enrolled in Journalism 1 because it’s what my sister recommended, but it wasn’t a subject I was too passionate about.

After being in Mr. Gagliardi’s Journalism 1 class for the first few months, journalism quickly became something I was passionate about. Since freshman year was such a blur, one of the only things I remember writing that year was a story on why there should be alternatives to classroom dissections. Shortly after the story was published, I received two letters to the editor from Mr. Lee Troutman and Dr. Kim Achilly. I like to think that story was my gateway into becoming something greater in Eastside: an Opinions Editor.

After serving as an Opinions Editor for my sophomore year, I became more involved with Eastside. I wrote lots of stories and would work on projects like organizing the Eastside archive with issues from the past 50 years. In my junior year, I became a Community Editor. Although I was a Community Editor last year, I think I wrote more for sections that weren’t Community. I wrote a lot of album reviews, but I also worked hard on “The New Genderation” multimedia package which is also the first—and last—time a story of mine was on the front page. That upcoming April, I ran to be Eastside’s Managing Editor for my senior year. That led me to where I am today.

This past year of being the Managing Editor has been a wild ride. From staying after school until 6 p.m. to making sure everything gets done on time, the stress gained from all those tasks is oddly going to be missed. In fact, everything that has ever happened to me while being in Eastside is going to be missed.

I’m going to miss traveling to Washington, D.C., Orlando and Indianapolis, calling Gagz out for being mafia during the National Convention, laying out pages, going to Rutgers for the Garden State Scholastic Press Association Convention, and creating great relationships with my peers. They’re definitely unforgettable memories, and none of it would have ever happened if I never took Journalism 1.

The last four years of being in Eastside have molded me into something new. Eastside is definitely a part of who I am today, and I can proudly say that it has inspired me to obtain a career in journalism after I obtain my higher education. Without further ado, I need to thank Gagz for helping me find something I’m interested in and doing it in a fun way. I never would have made it this far without your guidance.

For the 2017-2018 Eastside Editorial Board, all I want to say is enjoy your time. Don’t take your role in Eastside for granted and enjoy every moment while you can. You’re going to miss all the goofy moments in Journalism 2 before you know it. Finally, for Mr. Jared Fisch, who will be the Managing Editor next year, I think all I can say at this point is that you can do this. I wouldn’t want anyone else to replace me next year and I can’t wait and see what amazing Photos by Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor things you and the Editors-in-Chief will accomplish next year.

Ashley Cooper: Editor-in-Chief

Luke Hinrichs: Editor-in-Chief

Jenna Myers: Managing Editor

SENIORS ‘17

June 2017

EASTSIDE

Page K

Photos by Sari Cohen (‘18)/ Eastside Entertainment Editor

Eastside’s senior editors answer questions to reflect upon their time with Eastside.

Name

Photo

Emojis courtesy of iemoji.com

One word to describe the person below me is:

A headline I would write about the person above me is:

I wish _______ were my co-editor this year.

My Eastside confession is...

My favorite memory in F087 is:

Shari Boiskin

Hard-working

Eastside editor keeps anonymous subject a secret until death

Angela Merkel

I really only learned how to cut out pictures on InDesign this year.

When we won the Pacemaker Award

Kaitlyn Boyle

I don’t even know him

Cherry Hill girl becomes first female president

Jenn Pacitti

I moved Gagz’s mouse.

Saturday layout days

Kevin Chen

Renaissance woman

Boyle discovers cure to cancer

Jared

I learned InDesign this year.

Eating lunch

Ashley Cooper

Artistic

Chen saves the world

Gabby

I stayed in F087 until 11 p.m. one night.

When we first started covering the “New Genderation”

Jennifer Dong

Easygoing

Cooper leads the team

Sabrina

I do all of my art last minute.

My interview to get a position on board

Courtney Finnegan

Special

Breaking news: Dong enters F087 for the first time

Gabby

Junior year I napped on the couch when Gagz wasn’t in the room.

Anytime Brooke starts a monologue

Gabriella Friedman

Alone

Finnegan rocks socks

Nafessa

I didn’t know Gagz took attendance.

I love every memory.

Alon Goldfinger

Social

Friedman gets ten more people to find Eastside 50 years shirts

Josh Sodicoff

9/10 businesses rejected my proposals.

White elephant

Ben Goldsmith

Funny

Immigrant debates way to presidency

Drew Hoffman

I didn’t broadcast enough hockey games.

Doing podcasts

Brooke Greenberg

Eclectic

Goldsmith makes big life decisions via Snapchat

Gagz

I don’t read long stories.

When Gagz dresses up

Luke Hinrichs

Awesome

Yoga enthusiast finds out the tree pose does not turn her into a tree

Howard Zinn

I only came to an Eastside meeting freshman year because I was following a girl.

Every memory is a good memory

Emelia Keller

Lively

Hinrichs on 2036 presidential ballot

Jenna Myers

I have never written a story.

Moments of secondhand embarassment

Liz Lee

Shmeat

Keller becomes fashionista in Long Branch

Ezra

I’ve Photoshopped acne off of every headshot I’ve taken.

The gift exchange

Joe Levin

Dad

Eastside photo editor goes mad after losing her camera

Young Thug

I’m awful at InDesign.

Everyone laughing at Jared

Asher Maitin

Trendy

East student drops insane diss track on friend

Quavo

Hope is my mom.

Anytime Gabby opens her mouth

Sara Messinger

Awesome

Maitin stuns the photography world

Sung Kwang Oh

Ezra’s been cheating on me with Hope.

Working with my co-editors

Jenna Myers

Quirky

Messinger becomes FIFA World Player of the Year

Emelia Keller

I hate making headlines.

When Brooke went to talk about her aunt when Gagz sarcastically told her she could

Danny Naddeo

Missing

Woman finds dog; dies of happiness

Anyone

I only use alternative facts.

Ending the white elephant

Ezra Nugiel

Graceful

John Snow spotted at East

Nicki Minaj

Hope and I have dated the entire year.

Late-night layout sessions with A Coops

Jenn Pacitti

Fun

Nugiel comes to school on time

Kaitlyn Boyle

It took me a year to learn InDesign.

White elephant gift exchange

Jenna Simons

Opinionated

Pacitti is smarter than everyone else

Michelle Obama

I knew a Quiz Bowl answer, but I was too scared to hit the button.

When [that girl] fell, everyone was laughing, and she said she was blind

If the person below me were an emoji, he/she would be:

SENIORS ‘17

Class of 2017 college decisions Page L

EASTSIDE

June 2017

Congrats to the Class of 2017! This list was compiled based on posts in our Facebook college decisions group.

The University of Alabama Ben Goldberg Alvernia University Alexis McCollum Mike Monczewski American University Jamie Park Arcadia University Lindsey DiMartino Allison Klein University of Arizona Samantha Goldstein Arizona State University Shivane Patel School of the Art Institute of Chicago Federica Sul

Emily Carr University of Art and Design Matthew Koo Emory University Joe Lee

University of Maryland Matt Braun Kat Koziol Yash Mehta Brooke Treiman

Fairfield University Will O’Kane

University of Massachusetts - Amherst Aliya Yu

Fairleigh Dickinson University Zaire Bryant Michaela Lippert Allie Schwartz Lisa Schwartz Amanda Wallace Flagler University Hope Dickson Rory Edwards University of Florida Adia Rumell

Auburn University Julius Katz

Florida State University Jordyn Elkan

Belfast Metropolitan College Maggie Robinson

George Washington University Rachel Cogan Gabriella Friedman Fred Kim Sara Messinger

Boston University Danya Trommer Brandeis University Shari Boiskin Gabi Stahl Brown University Rachel Lim

Hampton University Dahyo Coleman University of Hartford Zoie Moore

Bryn Mawr University Julia Hablak

Harvard University Ashley Cooper Sungkwang Oh

Bucknell University Carrie Baeckstrom

Haverford College Asher Maitin

Caldwell University Jordan Madrid

High Point University Peri Spivak

Camden County College Alyssa Cayabyab Sasha Cruz Alyssa Henkel Isabella Iacono Molly Miraglia Neil Patel

Hofstra University Marc Meltzer

Carnegie Mellon University Maryia Oreshko University of Central Florida Katie Kumnick College of Charleston Julie Grayson Clemson University Jake Cerota Lucas Valladares University of Colorado Boulder Tia Michel Max Winigrad Cornell University Elizabeth Qian University of Delaware Sandra Bruno Miles Bush Emily DeHart Becca Dubin Tobi Friedman Hannah Gruber Julia Henson Kim Longa Megan Muench Lizzie Perlman Abigail Roncace Danielle Sheppard Cleo Zografos Delaware Valley University Ryan Benson Drexel University Cole Checkoff Will Givner Joesph Lapinson Julie Le Emma Myer Justin Ok Nick Reganata Adrianna Rivera Joy Rosenberg Dani Shoshany Eastern University Lily Allen East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania Chelsea James Andrew Warkala Elizabethtown College Victoria Young Emerson College Beth Jean-Louis

Hood College Liel Davis Howard University Kayla Kinsler Indiana University Meghan Gabaly Shayna Gutin Indiana University of Pennsylvania Allyson Quay University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign Gwen Kramer James Madison University Lauren Edson Johns Hopkins University Dan Swartz Johnson & Wales University Sam Brenner Kansas State University Katie Schearer Kean University Autumn Robinson KU Leuven, Belgium Jared Devos La Salle University Elizabeth Hallinan Priya Kavuru Eric Landis Michael Langmuir Billy Neale Lehigh University Gabrielle Gracias Maddie Phillips Liberty University Taegan Field Jennifer Pacitti Jacob Ropka Lincoln University Lee Moon Long Island University Destiny Childs Sydney Faria Kaylee Ramkissoon Louisiana State University Nicole Perez Marist College Alex Rodriguez Marquette University Lizzie Loesner Phillip Weinstein

University of Michigan Samuel Goldman Sarah Jang Josh Kagan Joe Levin Sam Reiter Ryan Savitch Karli Wulwick Middlebury College Ezra Nugiel Lia Yamamoto Millersville University Alexa Happ University of Minnesota Colin O’Donnell University of Mississippi Evan Saidel Monmouth University Bailey Cohen Emelia Keller Montclair State University Ethan Acaroli Megan O’Rourke Moore College of Art and Design Alex Diaz Faith Hoysted Madison Phillips Diamond Roberts Muhlenberg College Olivia Deustch Brooke Greenberg Isabel Kaufman Sarah Vetesi New England Conservatory of Music Gabrielle Hsu University of New Hampshire Alyssa Walter New York University Jamin Chen Courtney Finnegan Megan Rose Northeastern University Eric Kim Northwestern University Jackie Orlando Nova Southeastern University Rachel Mindel The Ohio State University Annie Blum Jordan Shapiro Brandon Starkman Julia Wolf University of Ottawa Sidhant Subramanian Pace University Leon Pintel University of Pennsylvania Keith Babitz Kelly Babitz Kevin Babitz Kaitlyn Boyle Kevin Chen Peter Ma Victor Wei Jesse Wu Dana Yi The Pennsylvania State University Samantha Abrams Prince Akhtar Sam Berman Hunter Berkowitz Jeff Haaz Emily Millspaugh Laura Nichter Noah Shalit Philadelphia University Natalie Hughes University of Pittsburgh Kristen Li Ally Mora Randy Sirota Alyson Skloff Manasi Thirumoorthi Emma Wooten Princeton University Jamie Goodwin Dan Kim Anna Qin

Purdue University Jess Payne Ben Vaupen Zach Sell Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Jackie Abrams Rider University Lauren Kerner University of Rochester Jennifer Dong Roosevelt Univerity: Chicago College of Performing Arts Jack Breslow Rowan University Jesse Abrams Liam Burke Noah Celfo Zach Dilks Jessica Do Julia Gabriel Kevin Gillooly Alex Hess Max Jacobs Dominic Maloney Valerie Martin Caleb Murtha Danny Naddeo Dennis Quach Nyeri Rudolph Nick Santoro Aaron Schiff Danielle Schweitzer Brittany Smith Christian Termine Kyle Tumanda Matt Vitale Donald Walter Jeffrey Wang Chris Witting Filianna Zarifis Rutgers UniversityCamden Alex DeVera Arianna Fontanilla Jay Gonzales Alexis Greenwald Melissa Greenwald Sarah Kuznets Jacob Lapinson Ryan Lee Rayanna Pearson Nitan Shanas Natalie Tagland Zahoor Tayyab Daisy Tutjamnong Alex Zarifis Rutgers University-New Brunswick Kauly Almonte Rachel Allen Cole Asroff Gilad Bar Niki Boparai Sammy Bresleau Eddison Chen Eric Chuong Jose Concepcion Salman Fahkri Claire Handley Jack Hampton Aditya Harohalli Luke Hinrichs Phi Hoang Daniel Juyoung Lee Wendy Lin Ronnie Mu Kevin Murphy Jenna Myers Ina Park Sarah Park Melanie Raush Roni Rappaport Skyler Rosen Minsoo Seon Josh Snyder Vivian Trieu Joanna Wisniewski Saint Joseph’s University Evan Campbell Michael Chiusano Jr. Francis Creagh Nikki Pejavera Joelle Wachman Saint Mary’s College of Maryland Jackson Edelman University of San Diego Miles McLeod University of the Sciences Gilda Bocco Alex Catalano Ethan Yu University of South Carolina Erica Thunberg United States Military Academy at West Point Liz Lee United States Naval Academy Tyler Parsons

University of Southern California Justin Accardi Stockton University Jake Ciocco Ali DuBois Mallory Eaton Olivia Gross Faith Kim Spencer Lincoln Ryan Taylor Justin Winter Syracuse University Andrew Consenza Hannah Goldberg Ben Goldsmith Cedric Middleton Rachel Sereta The College of New Jersey Ryan Bogutz Sasha Bojer Avneet Chawla Katie Doyle Rahul Goculdas Lauren Hollowniczky Kat Kasantzev Dan Kelly Zach Padersky Noah Priehs Giancarlo Santo Allison Shapiro Allie Shifton Brielle Triano Adina Weiss Temple University Jared Camacho Jenna Camacho Tommasso Cavallo Skyler Colton Adam Crognale Sam Donsky Jess Gambino Matt Gmitter Alon Goldfinger Adam Hauck Taylor Hoopes William Lewis Andrew Lochbiler Biral Patel Ben Reisenbach Holly Seybold Jenna Simons Grace Wechsler Miles West Texas A&M University Megan Cusick Towson University Jessica Barr Abby Budman Sierra Carey Danielle Deal Annie Lipsett Haley Pawliczek Tulane University Becky Hollenberg Stephanie Weinberg Union College Emerson Levy Ursinus University Kristen Magosin University of Vermont Sophie Baer Emma Thurman Villanova University Jude Dizon Lauren Hurley Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Sophia Benedetto West Chester University of Pennsylvania Bianca Maggio Anaiya Morris West Virginia University Jade Clark Danielle Deterville Morgan Fox Samantha Mitchell Emily Heller Chris Zubrzycki Widener University Sara Cassano Kaitlyn Johnson Pierce West William Patterson University Kevin Lee University of WisconsinMadison Elise Goldstein Ethan Sokolow Devon Stevens Yeshiva University Gabby Rose

COMICS

June 2017

EASTSIDE

Page 21

Late by Rose Ni (‘18)/ Eastside Staff

The Class of 2017 by Kevin Chen (‘17)/ Eastside Tech Director

Finals by Jonathan Calabrese (‘18)/ Eastside Staff

Congrats to next year’s Eastside Editorial Board!

Eastside 2017-2018 Editorial Board

Managing Editor: Jared Fisch Editors-in-Chief: Elissa Cohen, Sari Cohen, Hope Rosenblatt Adviser: Mr. Greg Gagliardi

News/Features Editors Ilana Arougheti Ali Koenig Joshua Pipe

Community Editors Julia Benedetto Sophia Liang Chelsea Stern

Photo Editors Jiseon Lee Dakota Rosen

Art Directors Sabrina DeAbreu Rose Ni

Sports Editors Adam Dashevsky Jacob Kernig Sophie Levine

Underground Editors Claire Joanson David Le

Video Editors Jonathan Calabrese Luke Shin

Webmasters Nafessa Jaigirdar Eli Weitzman

Multimedia Directors Adiel Davis Drew Hoffman

Business Managers Nashita Ali Abigail Richman

Opinions Editors Eric First Joshua Sodicoff Louis Zimmermann

Entertainment Editors Harry Green Gregory Rothkoff

Page 22

EASTSIDE

*Requires a pre registration. Visit register.capturepoint.com/cherryhill

June 2017

June 2017

ENTERTAINMENT EASTSIDE

Canter embodies Harley Quinn in everyday life

by being open and free with her Harley Quinn expresEastside Opinions Editor sion, but she is also servicing the East community by Walking around the being absolutely fearless halls of East, Kasey Canter and serving as an example (’17) can be found wearing to others. black platform boots with “I have never been scared bat wings coming off of the to stand up for myself and sides, wearing a backpack others. I enjoy being the adorned with skulls, donunique one, even if ning black and people judge me or red hair and, of look at me funny,” course, sporting said Canter.

Harley Quinn The Harley Quinn merchandise. enthusiast recalls Canter is not that she has not just a fan of the only gotten stares, DC Comics charbut comments as acter; she emwell regarding her bodies the charunique style. Howacter every day. ever, she believes Canter’s init has all made her fatuation with more confident.

Harley Quinn Another aspect started off as of Quinn’s life that an emotional Canter has adresponse to the opted is how she character when has become a more Canter recoggiving human benized Harley ing. By learning Quinn’s unique about Quinn’s role and special as a psychologist qualities. Harley throughout the plot Quinn’s backstoof the comics, Canry, specifically ter has been able to her career as channel her persona psychologist, Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor al style and translate it interests Canter Kasey Canter stands out among students in her Harley Quinn outfit. into action despite the greatly. responses and remarks “I love the idea October, as it was not only I am into, and things I grew from others. that she grew up wanting the month in which she was up reading or watching,” Canter said, “Some peoto help people, but then she born, but it also has the colsaid Canter. “It is interestple are scared to step out let her feelings overcome ors and the spookiness that ing how a lot of people pull of their comfort zone, but it what she really wanted,” remind Canter of her favorfrom what other people are really is okay to represent said Canter. “I love helpite character as well as her wearing rather than what something that you love.” ing people, but I do things favorite singer, Ashley Costhey are into instead.”

And, for sure, Canter based off of whether I feel tello, a rock artist.

Canter feels as if she is loves and looks up to Harit is right rather than what “I take inspiration from not only servicing herself ley Quinn.

I know is probably right or ■ By Brooke Greenberg (‘17)

wrong.”

Getting ready to look like the character tends to be an easy effort for Canter simply because the majority of the clothing she owns has an insignia on it or has red and black, Quinn’s colors.

Canter also draws inspiration from the month of

the character, inspiration from the singer, and my own personality all comes together,” Canter said.

Canter also said she uses Harley Quinn’s unique style as a means of self-expression.

“I like the idea of showing inspiration from things

Students all over the nation watch “13 Reasons Why” ■ By Sari Cohen (‘18) Eastside Entertainment Editor

Released by Netflix on March 31, “13 Reasons Why” has since taken viewers of all ages by storm.

Based on the novel by Jay Asher, this series follows the reasons that character Hannah Baker, played by Katherine Langford, takes her life.

Dylan Minnette plays the main character, Clay Jensen, as he listens to seven two-sided tapes that Hannah leaves behind.

These tapes contain the 13 reasons that contributed to Hannah’s decision to commit suicide.

The series portrays the gruesome encounters of a high school girl, including cyber bullying, rape and substance abuse.

With such vivid images, some think “13 Reasons Why” comes across as an accurate view of quite prominent problems for teenagers. Yet, others believe the collection of 13 episodes romanticizes suicide as a viable option and sends a faulty message to its viewers.

A variety of middle and high school administrators across the nation have found themselves sending e-mails to the students and parents of their respective schools regarding concerns about the

show. They fear that it may create depression and suicidal thoughts among their student bodies.

The Superintendent of Schools of the Chappaqua Central School District in New York, for example, sent an e-mail to middle and high school families with worry about the safety and well-being of students within the district.

made by the characters and/or develop revenge fantasies.”

This e-mail also provided outreach sources to help address the themes of “13 Reasons Why.” The Chappaqua Central School District as well as hundreds of other districts across the nation share concern about the series’ portrayal of school support staff, such

Dani Shoshany (‘17)/ Eastside Staff

Students immerse themselves in “13 Reasons Why.” He wrote, “While producers of the show say they hope the series can help those who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide, the National Association of School Psychologists cautions that its powerful storytelling may lead impressionable viewers to sensationalize the choices

as guidance counselors, administrators and teachers, as unhelpful to the needs of their students.

It is important to understand that East provides help for students going through troubles of any extent. Eleven guidance counselors, seven administrators and supporters, one

student assistant counselor and one student advocate keep their doors open to talk to struggling students.

Many students relate to Hannah’s problems to some degree at East, and they want to figure out the solution, but suicide is not the answer.

On May 7, Netflix announced the renewal of “13 Reasons Why” for a second season. One question remains: will this sequel create more positive attention for the series or expose the dangers of such an in-depth show? The main purpose of the second season is neither for positive nor negative attention but simply to solve unanswered storylines like that of Hannah’s parents played by Kate Walsh and Brian d’Arcy James.

Netflix’s creation of a sequel to Jay Asher’s awardwinning novel will further build up the events that pushed Hannah over the edge. As it does so, parents and school administrators will continue to stress their views on the show’s effect on their students and children, both positive and negative.

Who knows: maybe the second season will not only provide the solution for unanswered questions, but it will also tend to the concerns of viewers worldwide.

Page 23

TECH KEY ■ By Asher Maitin (‘17)

Eastside Entertainment Editor

It’s hard to believe it has reached this point, but here it is: the last TechKey of the year and probably the last Eastside will ever see.

What’s the best form of transportation in today’s society? Well, it depends on one’s needs, but innovative methods of transportation are constantly created.

Two such creative forms of transportation are the Onewheel from personal digital vehicle company Future Motion and the Boosted Board from Californiabased company Boosted.

The Onewheel is advertised as a “self-balancing electric skateboard.” As expected, the device only has one wheel. The board is motorized and can ride on more difficult terrain, such as trails and beaches. Comparatively, the Boosted Board appears as a normal longboard with four wheels and a long body. However, utilizing a remote, one can push the board forward with a range of up to 12 miles on a single charge.

The Onewheel is definitely more innovative and, personally, it feels revolutionary. It’s like a futuristic unicycle; add to that the ability to ride on surfaces such as the beach and it’s definitely worth the investment. Although, the Boosted Board solves the age-old problem of the classic skateboard junkie wanting to motorize his or her board. A motorized skateboard allows for easier transportation in areas with hills, as the Boosted Board specializes in traveling uphill.

The problem with both devices is evidently the cost. The Onewheel+, set to come out in June of 2017, will cost 1,499 dollars. The second generation Dual+ Boosted Board also cashes in at 1,499 dollars. Obviously based on the cost, the two are deemed very similar vehicles, but they differ slightly in their operating systems and layout. Still, however, they are worth legitimate investments if a person genuinely wants to use the device every day.

Another interesting device in production is very similar to the hoverboards that took over in 2016: Carr-E. The device, made

by Ford, was one of over 600 designs submitted by Ford employees for the Global Mobility Challenge, a company-wide challenge designed to help users handle city life. Although it is still too early to tell whether or not the device will be a success, it differs slightly from the other hoverboards on the market. The Carr-E is designed to look like a tire and a single charge can carry 270 pounds for 14 miles.

However you choose to transport, 2017 offers plenty of opportunities to try out new devices.

SPECIAL

#checommits17

Page 24

For more pictures, check out #checommits17 on Instagram and Twitter!

EASTSIDE

June 2017

UNDERGROUND

June 2017

EASTSIDE

Page 25

Underground Travel Spots

Still finalizing your summer vacation? Consider visiting one (or all) of these Underground Travel Spots!

Wyoming: home of the extreme Alpine Slide

lenges thrill seekers to conquer the mountain in During my visit to Wyoming last summer, I a unique way. was able to experience the thrill of riding the alUsing a chairlift, the rider is slowly carried up pine slide. I zoomed around the track at lightning the side of the mountain to the top of the course. speeds as I raced against my friends. The experiWyoming is best known for Yellowstone, the Upon hopping off of the chairlift, ridence of the slide Grand Tetons, bison and miles of unpopulated ers are then presented is unmatched, land. While Wyowith a yellow cart that as it truly feels ming owns the has been sent up on the like you are title of having back of the chairlift. flying down the smallest popThere are two cement the mountain. ulation, with just tracks to choose from While the less than 600,000 on the mountain. When slide itself is citizens, there is the operator says, “go,” the main atno shortage of adthe rider puts his or her traction, the venturous things cart on the track and view from to do throughout begins zooming down the top of the the state. In parthe mountain at speeds course is reticular, hidden in of up to 25 miles per markable. The the mountains of hour. The rider, howentire Jackson Jackson, there is ever, has control over Hole valley is a rush of excitethe speed by pulling a visible from ment waiting to Eric First (‘18)/ Eastside Underground Editor break to slow down at One must take a chair lift to get to a bird’s-eye happen. any point. view.

While the sumthe top of the mountain.

The downhill course Despite the mer is usually a Eric First (‘18)/ Eastside Underground Editor fact that most people visit Wyoming to see the slow time at many The Alpine Slide snakes down the spans over 2,500 feet as the riders experience a mixture of sharp various geysers in Yellowstone as well as the ski resorts across grassy mountainside. turns, steep drops and straight, natural beauty of the Grand Tetons, Jackson is a the nation, people open stretches of track. The alpine slide in Jacknice small town to explore. The alpine slide is an continue to speed down the slopes at Snow King son opened 39 years ago and continues to attract exhilarating ride that only adds to the enjoyment Mountain, even when there is no snow to coat the many visitors each year. of the Wyoming experience. ground. Snow King Mountain’s alpine slide chal■ By Eric First (‘18)

Eastside Underground Editor

Confederate flags, fried food, pig races and more!

■ By Shari Boiskin (‘17)

Eastside Underground Editor

Have you ever been itching for pig races, pudding food trucks, fried-everything and more Confederate flags than you can count?

Have no fear, there is a place for you: the Wayne County Fair. It has been held every year for the past 155 years in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, from August 4 to August 12.

Honesdale is a small town in northeastern Pennsylvania, near the Pocono Mountains and around an hour away from Scranton, PA. It has a main street which lays host to a few small stores, restaurants, an inn and the town bank.

Despite having a population of just over four thousand, Honesdale has seven churches. Off of the main street there is a CVS, a WalMart, a Goodwill and a few other big-name stores. The houses, which rise up into the surrounding hills, are oftentimes old, usually Victorian or Georgian colonials.

However, between August 4 and August 12, the population of Honesdale, PA, swells to over 34,000, many of the people coming from the

surrounding towns within Wayne food trucks, one of which only sells County. varieties of rice pudding.

These tens of thousands of peoA stroll through the fair reveals ple come to a very diHonesdale verse group to particiof people from pate in the all denominayearly festions of Jews tivities that visiting from the Wayne the local JewCounty Fair ish camps to has to offer: tourists vapig and horse cationing in races, amusethe Poconos, ment rides, as well as the games, fried locals from food, tractor Wayne Counsales and, at ty, who in night, musiterms of lifecal entertainstyle can be ment — often mistaken for country. Durthose from the ing the day, South. under tents, Many peothere are difple bet on the ferent types pig races. A of shows, small stand including of bleachers magic shows. sits next to There is an Shari Boiskin (‘17)/ Eastside Underground Editor a mini track area where The Wayne County Fair welcomes all. where differthere were ent breeds

compete. Each attendee of the pig races has the opportunity to fill out a form to bet on the pigs, who all have creative names. A visitor of the fair gets all this and more for the entrance price of ten dollars.

While I was working at Camp Ramah in the Poconos in Lakewood, PA, last summer, I visited the Wayne County Fair. I heard about the fair from counselors and other staff members at camp in the past, and I had been looking forward to the day when I would finally attend.

Even as a camper at Ramah, my age division held a mock-Wayne County Fair during which we fried all sorts of sweets (Oreos, chocolate bars and ice cream), wore plaid, danced to country music and participated in other activities common to the fair.

At the actual fair, I marched through the muddy fairgrounds, exposing myself to a world of prize pigs and small town life. For those who work at a camp in the Poconos or happen to find themselves in the Scranton area in early August, the Wayne County Fair is definitely worth the drive.

The Market Theatre Gum Wall is quite sticky ■ By Jared Fisch (‘18)

per year, making it the thirty-third most visited began reappearing on the bricks. tourist attraction in the world.

I visited the magnificent gum wall seven years The brick wall is within walking distance from ago, and I can attest to the fact that the Market the Market Theatre box office, hence the name Theatre Gum Wall provides one of the coolest and A germaphobe’s nightmare... plastered in “Market Theatre Gum Wall.” most unique dried up pieces of gum in all colors is the Market The tradition began in 1993. attractions one Theatre Gum Wall. Located in Seattle, WashingMembers of Unexmay ever come ton, the Gum pected Productions, across; not to Wall is one an improvisational mention, it is of two West comedy company, a pretty cool Coast landthought it would be location for a marks splatamusing if they put photo shoot. tered with gum on the wall and Although the chewing gum pushed coins into the piece of gum I (the other begum. Workers were placed on the ing Bubbleordered to clean the wall seven gum Alley gum, but after the summers ago in San Luis act started to catch is no longer Obispo, Calion, there was no there, I still fornia). The cleaning it until Nowould recomwall stands vember of 2015. mend this in an alleyCourtesy of Ted Fisch location as a Scientifically way adjacent to one of the Courtesy of Ted Fisch and architecturally Jason and Jared Fisch pose in front of the fantastic unspeaking, the sugar wall several years ago. derground oldest public A close up of the intricate gum designs. in the gum was erodtravel spot. So farmers’ maring the brick wall. The Pike Place Market Preserif you are currently planning your summer trip kets in America, Pike Place Market. vation and Development Authority steam cleaned to the West Coast, be sure to add the Market It is a surprise that the Market Theatre Gum the wall in three long days, removing over twoTheatre Gum Wall to your excursion list, and of Wall goes mostly unnoticed considering Pike thousand pounds of gum. The very next day, gum course… do not forget to bring gum!

Place Market receives around ten million visitors Eastside Underground Editor

Page 26

EASTSIDE

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SPORTS

Class of 2017 Commits:

June 2017

EASTSIDE

Page 27

Division I

Marc Meltzer: Hofstra University (Cross Country) Sara Messinger: The George Washington University (Soccer) Tyler Parsons: The U.S. Naval Academy (Cross Country) Rachel Pierce: Duquesne University (Rowing) Steph Yanosov: Quinnipiac University (Tennis)

Division II

Jordan Madrid: Caldwell University (Soccer) Josh Santana: Caldwell University (Football) Robert Sparrow: Shaw University (Soccer) Ryan Swenson: East Stroudsburg University (Football)

Division III

Garry Jackson: Western New England University (Football) Liz Lee: The U.S. Military Academy (Rowing) Megan O’Rourke: Montclair State University (Volleyball) Zach Padersky: The College of New Jersey (Baseball) Aaron Schiff: Rowan University (Swimming) Noah Shepard: Rowan University (Swimming) Ryan Taylor: Stockton University (Baseball)

Evan Campbell: Saint Joseph’s University (Lacrosse) Elise Goldstein: University of Wisconsin-Madison (Rowing) Priya Kavuru: La Salle University (Lacrosse) Lauren Kerner: Rider University (Swimming) Alexa Happ: Millersville University of PA (Cross Country) Chelsey James: East Stroudsburg University (Volleyball) Devin Brown: Montclair State University (Football) Jake Ciocco: Stockton University (Track & Field) Jackson Edelman: St. Mary’s College of Maryland (Baseball) Kevin Gillooly: Rowan University (Swimming) Zach Hall: DeSales University (Track & Field)

Oreshko spends four years as the queen of chess ■ By Sophie Levine (‘19)

Eastside Staff

Nobody has ever said the word “checkmate” in the last four years at East more than chess superstar Maryia Oreshko (‘17).

Oreshko, a four-year Varsity Board One competitor, has gone undefeated throughout her four-year chess career at East, winning forty-five out of her forty-six matches, with one draw occurring in her junior season.

Oreshko, who started playing when she was seven years old, was introduced to the game by her father. After much practice, Oreshko and her father decided to have her enter a scholastic tournament.

“I did really well [in the tournament] and I surprised myself,” said Oreshko.

It was then that Oreshko decided to pursue chess.

Little did she know what lay ahead in her chess career.

After playing throughout middle school, she arrived at East, ready to play chess against the best South Jersey high school chess players. She started at Varsity Board One, which is the position for the best on the team. With lots of hard work and dedication, Oreshko saw her game rise

to a different level.

“I practice…several times a week,” said Oreshko.

Jersey High School League Team Championship all four years, an achievement Oreshko and the rest of the

As if playing the game for East is not enough, Oreshko participates in many other tournaments and plays for

Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Maryia Oreshko (‘17) spent her four years at East excelling in chess tournaments.

In addition to winning her regular season matches, Oreshko swept all of the South Jersey individual tournaments, as well as all of the Blitz tournaments.

She also helped the East Chess Team win the South

chess team take pride in.

“She brings a great competitive spirit and camaraderie to our team and club, and has been an invaluable team captain,” said Mr. Greg Rouen, the chess advisor at East.

other teams, including the United States Amateur Team East, World Team, Liberty Bell Open and National Chess Congress.

Some of the tournaments Oreshko competes in are intense, three-day

tournaments for very experienced players, and others are smaller one-day tournaments in the tri-state area.

“The big tournaments are where you get the most experience… and you have the chance of winning thousands of dollars,” said Oreshko.

Chess, according to Oreshko, has helped her in many other aspects of her life.

“It has really helped me with learning to work hard for goals because I have to put in probably thousands of hours to get good at it,” said Oreshko.

Oreshko said she loves chess because it is interesting and fun to play. She also loves the challenge that chess brings each and every time she enters a match.

She is always looking to improve her game and loves playing any chance she gets.

Next fall, Oreshko will attend Carnegie Mellon University, where she will continue to play chess, hopefully on the university’s team. The city of Pittsburgh also has many tournaments that Oreshko hopes to compete in.

Oreshko has made a huge impact on the East Chess Team, and the competitors will definitely miss her presence next school year.

East athletic accolades in the 2016-2017 season

Boys’ Track & Field -First Team All Conference:

Discus: Zach Hall

800m: Michael Onu

400 Intermediate Hurdles: Kervens Mezilus

Long Jump: Yusef Gordon -Gilad Bar (‘17) became first thrower to throw over 50 feet in the shot put since 1989.

Boys’ Swimming -Kevin Gillooly (‘17) broke the record in the 50 Yard Freestyle (21.15 seconds).

-Kevin Gillooly (‘17) named to Second Team All NJ and Second Team all South Jersey in the 50 Yard Freestyle.

Bowling -Anthony Mathis (‘20) qualified for the individual championships, finished seventh in the state and ended the season as the #1 freshman in NJ as far as average score.

Wrestling -Ryan Swenson (‘17) named to First Team All Conference.

Girls’ Track & Field -Maya Drayton (‘19) tied 100m record (11.9).

-Nylah Perry (‘20) set new 400m record (57.1).

-Danielle Allen (‘18), Nylah Perry (‘20), Giavanna Roberson (‘18) and Maya Drayton (‘19) broke their own record twice and became first East female team to qualify for Nationals in the 4x100.

-Alana Cohen (‘18) broke her own school record in pole vault: 10’ -Danielle Allen (‘18), Maya Drayton (‘19), Star Beasley (‘18) and Nylah Perry (“20) set record for the 4x400 (4:07.87).

Girls’ Swimming -Mrs. Anita Bowser named South Jersey Coach of the Year.

-Grace Yoon (‘20) earned the title of State Champion.

Girls’ Volleyball -Megan O’Rourke (‘17) broke the school record for aces (58).

-Chelsey James (‘17) set the school record for blocks (0.84 blocks/set).

June 2017

SPORTS EASTSIDE

Eastside’s Athletes of the Year

Grace Yoon (‘20)

Swimming: -All South Jersey in 100 breast -State Champion in 100 breast -Won South Jersey Invitational in 200IM and 100 breast -Qualified for 7/8 events for Meet of Champions -Placed third at Meet of Champions in 200 IM -Was selected for first team All Stars in 100 breast and 200 IM -Broke three school records: 100 breast, 100 free, and 200IM -Was in medley relay that tied the school record Running: -First place at Shore Coaches Invitational at Holmdel Park -Second place at State Group IV meet at Holmdel Park with a time of 18:28 -Fifth best time ever by an East runner at South Jersey Group IV Sectionals -Best finish by an Easr runner at State Group IV meet -Fifth best time ever by an East runner at Meet of Champions

Marc Meltzer (‘17)

Accomplishments: -Winner of Battle at Ocean County Park 2015 Junior race -2016 All South Jersey XC runner -2x second team AllOlympic Conference -Seventh Place at 2016 South Jersey Group IV Sectional meet -4x Meet of Champions qualifier Personal Records: -4:28 1600m -9:34 3200m -15:36 5k -Helped lead spring track to a 16-0 record -Ranked #3 in by the South Jersey Track Coaches Association -Considered a top 1-2 punch in the state

Tyler Parsons (‘17)

Accomplishments: -2016 All South Jersey XC runner -2016 XC First Team All Olympic Conference -2015 XC Second Team All Olympic Conference -Fifth place at 2016 South Jersey Group IV Sectional meet -2x Meet of Champions qualifier -2016 Camden County Large School 3200m champion Personal Records: -4:29 1600m -15:37 5k

Elissa Cohen: What does is mean to you to be recognized as Eastside’s Athlete of the Year?

Grace Yoon: I think it’s a really big honor because there are a lot of really good athletes in this school.

EC: What were your goals coming into East and how do they compare to your successes?

GY: I knew I was going to do cross country and swim, and I didn’t really know what to expect for cross country. I just wanted to have fun with it and try my best.

EC: How does it feel to dominate in multiple sports?

GY: The sports are very similar because it’s similar training and you use similar techniques in races. So, I used a lot of my experience from both sports in the races.

EC: What goes through your head when you win a race?

GY: The last part of the race for me is always a sprint because I know I am close to the end and I should just give it everything I have and I’ll be done after that. So when I do that and I am really tired after, it feels really satisfying to just be done and happy with how I did. During cross country, when the team met its goal, it made me feel really happy to know that I helped the team get to that point.

EC: What differences have you noticed from middle school to high school?

GY: It is so much different. In middle school, you couldn’t really compare yourselves to other athletes. It was not as competitive for sure. It is so different now in high school because when you

Page 28

go to all of the meets, there are college recruiters there.

EC: How does it feel to set records as a young athlete on the team?

GY: It is humbling because I know that there are a lot of athletes that are older than me and have a lot more experience than me. So, it’s exciting, but at the same time, I have respect for everyone that is older than me because they have more experience.

EC: How will this award and this past year motivate you for the next three years in high school?

GY: It will motivate me to keep trying to improve and keep working hard so that I can accomplish more of my goals in the future.

EC: If you could pick one moment from this past year, which would stand out the most?

GY: My last race for swim at states because there was a lot of support from people at school and a lot of people from out of school who were there. So, the whole experience was just really fun. It was also a really fun meet when we won sectionals against Egg Harbor Township because they beat us last year.

Eastside’s Athlete of the Year honors were determined by a committee consisting of:

Elissa Cohen (‘18)/ Eastside Sports Editor Courtney Finnegan (‘17)/ Eastside Sports Editor Jared Fisch (‘18)/ Eastside Underground Editor Ben Goldsmith (‘17)/ Eastside Multimedia Director Luke Hinrichs (‘17)/ Eastside Editor-in-Chief Drew Hoffman (‘18)/ Eastside Sports Editor Joe Levin (‘17)/ Eastside Opinions Editor Sara Messinger (‘17)/ Eastside Community Editor

All coaches were encouraged to provide feedback regarding their athletes. This award is based on sportsmanship, leadership, team contributions and statistics.

Alexa Happ (‘17): Cross Country/ Track & Field; Chelsey James (‘17): Volleyball/Track; Priya Kavuru (‘17): Lacrosse; Megan O’Rourke Honorable (‘17): Volleyball; Danielle Allen (‘18): Track & Field; Star Beasley (‘18): Volleyball/ Track & Field; Nicole Hammerquist (‘18): Soccer/ Mention: Basketball; Sarah Pierce (‘19): Cross Country/ Track & Field; Nylah Perry (‘20): Basketball/ Track

Luke Hinrichs: What does it mean to you to be named East Boys’ Athletes of the Year?

Tyler Parsons: It is certainly an honor. East is filled with a lot of great athletes all across the board. It definitely takes a lot of hard work to get here and I would like to credit Marc, my teammates, and my coaches for pushing me to keep grinding and keep getting better.

Marc Meltzer: It really means a lot. I mean, I look around and see a lot of good athletes at East. I see a lot of guys practicing and I see a lot of guys working just as hard as I do, so it definitely means a lot.

LH: What have you learned from your East athletic careers and what lessons will you bring to college athletics?

TP: Just being involved in any sport, you learn a lot of skills that you carry for the rest of your life. Dedication.

Motivation. Work ethic. All of this is coming with me to the Naval Academy. I plan on taking the mentality I developed in high school to continue my grinding and keep working, whether it be athletics or academics.

MM: Focus is definitely going to be important with all the distractions of college. Making sure I wake up on Sundays to get in my run and never taking the shortcut or easy way out of something. I am going to do everything I have to do to be the best that I can be.

LH: For Tyler, you transitioned from soccer and swimming to strictly running. How did that transition impact your running career and how did it impact your outlook on East athletics?

TP: I have been involved in numerous sports all my life, and it took a long time for me to realize running is my true passion. All of the East programs that I have been a part of have impacted my mentality and athleticism. After my sophomore spring track season, I knew I found my niche. Then, after my junior fall cross-country season, I transitioned to full year. I want to credit all of my coaches for helping me build my work ethic and athletic abilities.

LH: For Marc, you are a fouryear runner. What changed each year, what was your role on the team each year, and how would you describe your experience over your four years?

MM: Each year was a little different.

I was the seventh man freshman year and every year I progressed up through hard work and dedication. Every year, I have experienced losing really good guys

[when] they would graduate and I took it upon myself to fill the gaps they left and just improve every year. Every one of my years, there was always one upperclassman that took it upon themselves to be a teacher and motivator. I tried to emulate these guys this year so that I could lead the younger guys this year. I wanted the younger guys to learn as much as I learned from my upperclassmen.

LH: Why do you run?

TP: It is definitely not something everyone can find a passion for. It is a very difficult sport, but I find my passion and I am going to make sure I let my passion speak. Week by week my interest continues to grow and it has become something I can’t do without.

MM: I came this far. I am going to see this through to the end. Honestly, when I started I was not that great, but I kept working and I kept running and I got better. I kept telling myself, ‘I can be better. I can be better.’ Coming back each year and being better than the last is addicting.

TP: To add on to that, it is a sport where you can always push yourself beyond your limits. If you keep grinding and putting yourself forward, there is no limit to running. You can always push yourself to go further.

LH: What are you fondest memories from your East athletic careers?

TP: There is a lot of grueling pain when it comes to running, but those are usually the best parts. Waking up at 6:30 in the summer, then going out to grind with the boys in the summer heat. Honestly, I will miss those moments the most. Of course having all the hardwork pay off, having strong races, running fast, all the pain you put into this sport pays off and that is what I will miss the most.

MM: As much as I may have hated getting up in the morning to run in the summer, those will be my favorite memories, and I will miss having all the guys together. Also, when we made the trips to Wappinger Falls, New York, for the Northeast Regional meet—that was always fun. It was a really tough course, but it was simply a really awesome memory.

TP: To add on to that, you get really close to these guys, running endlessly.

After four years, ya’ll go different ways and I will miss running with these guys, especially Marc.

To read the entire interview, visit Eastside-Online.org

Photos by Emelia Keller (‘17)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Evan Campbell (‘17): Basketball/ Lacrosse; Jake Ciocco (‘17): Track & Field; Kevin Gillooly (‘17); Swimming; Rahul Goculdas (‘17): TenHonorable nis; Michael Monczewski (‘17): Volleyball; Colin O’Donnell (‘17): Soccer/ Basketball; Michael Onu (‘17): Cross Country/ Track & Field; AarMention: on Schiff (‘17): Swimming; Ryan Swenson (‘17): Football/ Wrestling; Kervens Mezilus (‘18): Track & Field; Eric Sherman (‘18): Lacrosse