December 2014 by The Highland Fling

DECEMBER 2014

THE

HIGHLAND

VOLUME LXIV, ISSUE 3

FLING out with the old, in with the new The old sign (Right), though stately, had begun to show its age; it was replaced by the new electronic sign (Left), a recent source of conversation among staff and students.

A Tale of Two Signs Becca Chant

he familiar yet formidable Highland Park High School stands symmetrically on the corner of Montgomery and North Fifth, a respected and admired building completed in 1926. The stately red-brick-wings welcome students like arms out-stretched, as they trudge up the stone walkway to classes each morning. Often, their eyes are drawn to look up at the dignified Albadome, the centerpiece of the school, and perhaps, even the town. Almost 90 years after the completion of the school, the building now shares its tree-shaded front lawn with a young whippersnapper: a modern, electric and flashy digital sign. Initially, this sign may have shocked students and staff; however this contemporary addition to the campus has been long in the making. Many remember the old sign, a simple, classic manually-changed one donated to the school by the class of 1991, held up by two brick columns that were unfortunately beginning to crumble. However, the heavy plexi-glass protecting the text within had to be lifted by pole, posing a threat to maintenance staff charged with changing the message.

INSIDE

9 years ago Principal Lassiter-- at the time, Vice Principal of the High School-- was tasked with finding a new sign for the front of the school. Like many issues in Highland Park and small communities everywhere, lack of funding prevented the project from completion. A few years later, physical education teacher Tom Sclafani introduced his volleyball tournament fundraisers to the school, meant as fundraisers for the new sign. With the assistance of Superintendent Soto, Mr. Sclafani was able to bargain with Stewart Signs, the sign company, and reduced the price of the sign to $7,000. After installation, the overall cost of the sign totaled to $10,000, all funded by the Sclafani-organized Volleyball Tournaments.

Like many changes, the new sign has been met with approval as well as concerns. Some students have expressed that the sign clashes with the classic, elegant structure of the high school. Luckily, Mr. Soto and Mr. Lassiter have both expressed a desire to improve its overall appearance, and address the concerns of the student body and local community. During the environmental club’s “Vampire Week” to promote awareness of energy efficiency in the school, the sign received a “V” for wasting energy. Thankfully, the sign is powered by LED lights, only contributing slightly over 400 watts (joules per second) of electricity, equivalent to and additional $30 a month to the school’s electrical bill. This does not include the energy impact of the spotlight that continuously shines on the electronic sign at night. However this light is not controlled by the school and is the town’s responsibility to shut off. Perhaps one of the most urgent issues surrounding the sign pertains to the amount of light pollution it causes, as well as the time it is on. The sign utilizes “photocells”, a constant feature of the sign that dims the brightness of the sign proportional to the level of daylight. According to Stewart Signs, the sign should decrease its brightness by 50% at night, and also save energy by requiring less power while in this mode. Many would argue that the sign is still too bright at night, as junior Amita Shukla admits she had “to buy thicker curtains for my room because the sign was so bright and would flash in my bedroom”. A possible cause for the continuous brightness of the sign would be the spotlight shining on the sign from the opposite telephone pole, which may inhibit the photocells from functioning by simulating daylight. Supposedly, the sign is on a timer that turns it off at 10 p.m. and turns it on at 6 a.m. However, several

residents have reported that the sign has been on before 6 a.m. and after 10 p.m., a problem that is concerning and distracting to residents but hopefully easily fixed. The sign also frequently flashes the date and time. Senior Christopher Michael tells the Fling that, “I was driving home from rehearsal at around 10 o’clock when the sign flashed and startled me because it was very bright, like the headlights of an oncoming car.” However, since the incident, the new electric sign has ceased to display the flashy numbers. Currently, it displays the names of all-division athletes from Highland Park High School. Though criticicized for its incongruous modern look, the sign contributes to the school’s desire to highlight its high-achieving student body’s “Openness, Wisdom, Leadership, and Spirit (OWLS),” which is an endeavor to be celebrated. Additonally, the new sign can display more complicated graphics, including images of the school’s mascot, which the old sign could not. Resentful sentiments towards the new sign are understandable. Luckily for the students, a solution to the sharp appearance of the sign is quite feasible, perhaps even solvable with simple bushes - suggested by guidance secretary Julia Dewhirst to, “soften the edges”. The issues surrounding light pollution could be easily fixed, as the sign has all the capabilities to minimize light pollution if the spotlight is shut off and the timer is set properly. The sign is here to stay, but the concerns circulating this modern addition to Highland Park’s elegant front lawn are not. With attention and consideration to the residents in the neighborhood, and time and stylistic energy towards the appearance of the sign, the high school’s campus will hopefully retain the respect and admiration it deserves by addressing current concerns with sign, but also embracing it as a fixture here to stay.

news

opinion

feature

arts

sports

RUMUN Roundup

Net Neutrality

(p. 2)

(p. 5)

New Eats: Indus Grill

Brighton Beach Memoirs

Looking Back: HPHS Gymnastics

(p. 6)

(p. 9)

(p. 11)

news

RUMUN in Review Maverick Lin

ecember 7th marked the end of another successful convention for Highland Park’s Model UN team. Three individuals received awards at the 4-day conference: partners Julia Brennan and Jamie Atschinow (who both won Outstanding Delegate) and Micah Gartendberg (who won Most Improved Delegate). The Fling caught up with some of the RUMUN members after they got back from the convention. What were your topics and what committee were you in? Noah Callahan ‘18 (NC): The committee I was in was DISEC (Disarmament and International Security Committee.) Our topics were A. Dealing with the rise of PMCs (private military corporations) in countries and what should be done about this and B. How disarmament and development can help solve the chaos in South Sudan, and what our committee could do as well. Julia Brennan ‘17 (JB): I was part of UNESCO, or United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The topic was cultural heritage in conflict zones and indigenous languages. Jamie Atschinow ‘16 (JA): My committee was the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the two topics we discussed were “Indigenous Languages” and “Cultural Heritage in Conflict Zones.” (My partner was Julia Brennan, and we represented China). Micah Gartenberg ‘16 (MG): I was in the International Task Force for Social Media Analysis. We talked about censorship and cyber terrorism and how they affect revolutions through social media. Chris Zhou ‘15 (CZ): I was in NGO, or

non-governmental organizations. We represented different organizations and we had the chance to walk around and present to different committees. What was your takeaway from the experience? JB: Model UN is such an amazing experience that it’s difficult to pick out one thing that I take away. It’s really interesting to learn about the topics especially because they are issues that are at the forefront of what civil society faces today. It makes you want to learn about what you can do as a member of civil society to help make progress on some of the worlds most talked about issues. For me, I was really passionate about both my topics and found that discussing them among over countries who might not want to do anything to protect cultural heritage or indigenous languages was really upsetting. It’s also really fun to come away having not only new found knowledge but also new friends that you wouldn’t have met otherwise. JA: From this experience, and really from being a part of HPMUNC in general, I’ve not only been able to further develop my abilities as a public speaker and learn important collaborative skills, but I’ve also grown more globally aware. But this particular RUMUN experience felt a lot different than the previous conferences I’ve been to, because not only did Julia and I care a lot about the topics, but the atmosphere was much more welcoming; the people were really nice and willing to work together rather than power-hungry and self-interested. We started many new friendships that we hope will last past the conference. MG: From this experience I learned a lot about the power of social media in an international context and the role it plays in political movements like the Arab Spring.

THE HIGHLAND FLING, DECEMBER 2014

CZ: We learned a lot about NGOs. My biggest takeaway was that everyone and anyone can make a difference and it is up to you to take imitative. Anyone can participate locally and help change policies. What advice would you give to future participants? NC: My advice for future participants is to first research both topics thoroughly. Second, to not be afraid to speak at the conference because the more/sooner you do, the less anxious you get to give a speech and because people at the conference are just as nervous as you are. Additionally, you should always look for ways to compromise (not too much) when writing a resolution, because a resolution means nothing without the approval of all nations involved. JB: I think for anyone who does model UN it’s really important to remember that you’re not going to know everything and that’s okay and that other people don’t know everything either. My partner and I found ourselves unsure of something regarding China’s policy during committee and we asked our directors about it. This was really helpful and aided us in moving forward on the topic. You just have to really go for it and not feel scared about being embarrassed or doing something that could be wrong because everyone is going to make a mistake whether you see it or not. JA: For participants of future conferences, it’s important to really understand the topics, because then not only will the experience be more enjoyable, but you can play a much more present role in your committee. MG: I would advise that future participants attempt to learn a lesson about collaboration and diplomacy rather than the

specifics of international politics. Model UN highlights diplomatic persuasion in which delegates attempt to hold a firm stance for which they attempt to garner support while remaining rational and inclusive. CZ: If you are not considering RUMUN you should definitely consider it. Many people have joined and it has been the best experience of their high school career. If you are considering it, then you should consider which topic you want to explore further. How do you feel about winning an award? JB: It’s really important to not be focused on awards at model UN because it can ruin the entire experience. While it is nice to get recognized, it’s important to be proud of the work you put forth no matter what. By the time all the committee sessions have ended you have put forth all your efforts, you know whether or not you have done what you set out to do. For me I was just as proud as when I finished committee on Saturday night and knew I had done what I walked in to do-to effectively discuss the issues facing the world today and to represent China as best I could- as when I received an award with my partner Jamie on Sunday morning. JA: It makes Julia and I really proud of not only ourselves, but each other. It’s reassurance that the work we put in during the conference and the time we spent preparing didn’t go unnoticed, and that we actually had an impact on our committee. MG: I was very happy to win this award. This conference was my first experience in a Crisis Committee, and I truly believe that I was able to improve substantially when put in a more advanced committee.

news

November Feats for Mayor Mittler

or the November election, the Highland Fling interviewed the reappointed mayor of Highland Park, Mayor Gayle Brills Mittler about her educational policies and environmental policies. Her current policies mostly encompass environment, education and health. Mayor Mittler proposed an antifracking resolution, a resolution banning the use of triclosan products in municipal buildings. Triclosan products are mostly prevalent in antibacterial compounds found in products like soap, deodorant, first aid, dental care, etc. Studies have linked triclosan to negative health effects as well as harmful environmental effects like compounded antibiotic resistance, to the contamination of water and its negative impact on fragile aquatic ecosystems. Mrs. Mittler found it to be unacceptable for Highland Park to be “at the mercy of surrounding municipalities because we do not have our own substations and our own electrical stations”. The Edison fire that shut down Highland Park for two weeks propelled Mayor Mittler to invest her time in finding a way to prevent the borough from suffering because of a power outage. She proposes the idea of micro-grids, further explained in the interview below. Mayor Mittler also started an ordinance introducing a ban on smoking on municipal property, a resolution to educate proper usage of turf field at high school, and an ordinance making new handicap parking spaces on residential streets available to citizens. Mayor Mittler has also proposed a resolution against school vouchers and one in support of legislation requiring community input for approval of charter

Avantika Yellapantula schools. She is also a strong advocate for marriage equality. Throughout the interview, mayor Mittler has reiterated that the municipal government has no official jurisdiction over the public system of Highland Park. Do you, as re-appointed mayor of Highland Park have any changes in your educational or environmental policies? I can’t really get involved with educational policies as that are the domain of the Board of Ed. However, the state has cut back educational funding by 5 billion dollars. This includes a number of mandatory programs that we have to pay for. What I can do, as mayor, is voice my concerns and work with our legislators to try to get more of the funding that was cut back for education sent back to the municipality. NJ Monthly’s recent ranking as of 2014 of Highland Park High School fell by 7 points from 67 to 74. What would your recommendations be for improving the public school’s ranking? As you know, this is not really my area of expertise, but I think parental involvement is critical. The more parents are involved with children’s education, the better off the students will be. As mayor, do you sometimes attend Board of Education meetings? In the past, I have gone to Board of Ed meetings. I did not go to the most recent one, but they are streamed and I

did get a chance to watch it. On council, we have a liaison to the school, council woman Susan Welkovits. She actually does have the opportunity to meet with the Board on many issues. I’m hoping that she will be welcomed and allowed to participate in some of the discussions that they will be having at the board level although not telling them what to do, but suggesting. I think it’s important to open up communication between the Board of Ed and the municipal government so that we are on the same page and at least aware of the different things each of us is working on. As mayor, what are your jurisdictions over the public school system? What’s your limit? I have no official jurisdiction over the public schools but I have a great sense of responsibility to our residents and children of the bureau to ensure that there is open communication between the Board of Ed and the municipal government so that we can move forward together as much as possible, trying to save money for our tax payers by embarking on shared services. What environmental policies are you seeking for the borough? So we all suffered through too many days without power here in Highland Park whether it was the result of Hurricane Sandy or more recently the fire at the Edison substation of PSE&G. We went down to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). Massachusetts and California employ “microgrids”, individual energy sources that are used as backup systems. I

asked the BPU to do a feasibility study that will assess if we were to put solar panels on all of our municipal buildings and schools and I’ve asked them to look into houses of worship and medical facilities. So will we have enough backup power that if we lose energy again from PSE&G something would kick in and this power we save from solar panels would run the building so at least we would have more places for our residents to go to stay warm, perhaps have a meal, charge their electrical devices, etc. Because of the separation between municipality and the Board of Ed, the mayor is not aware of many student concerns. However, student Board of Education representative Vivek Puduri, ‘15 mentions that the student concerns is very limited throughout the school. Other than the issue with the functionality of the new chrome books in the school, students don’t seem to have much of an issue that the Board of Education can fix. That being said, Puduri mentions that in the school year of 2013-2014 the students were concerned about the dress code. However, Principal Lassiter reworded the 2014-2015 school hand book as to remove any doubts or confusion. It seems as though the Board of Education and the municipality, despite having only one liaison between them, work together to make Highland Park a better place for its residents and students.

The Numbers

Demographics: From Highland Park to the US Becca Chant

rank Pallone has served in the United States House of Representatives as a congressman from New Jersey since 1988. This past November, he won reelection in New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District as he is every two years. While it is very uncommon to unseat an incumbent member of congress, Pallone has far exceeded the 2013 average for the House of Representatives of 9.1 years of service. Pallone’s success in the 6th District can be attributed to a variety of reasons. The 6th District is made up of Middlesex and Monmouth County, two consistently liberal counties. The politics of a region are generally correlated to demographics, which would explain the 6th District, Middlesex County and Highland Park’s liberal bias when compared to the rest of New Jersey and the United States.

DECEMBER 2014, THE HIGHLAND FLING

opinion Another Take on Feminism Shana Oshinskie

nd, all of a sudden, feminism made me want to gag. Because when I saw that cute Covergirl commercial with those oh-so-inspiring messages splashed across the flashing display, the message felt as one dimensional as the green screen it had been filmed on. And that one dimension didn’t seem to have much to do with feminism. It seemed a lot more related to sales. The commercial in question, “Girls Can,” involves a star-studded cast of women encouraging female empowerment and the pursuit of dreams in the face of gender-based difficulties. Then, the smiling celebrities seamlessly mention the Covergirl brand in the same tone that they use to discuss centuries of gender-related oppression. Oops, Covergirl. Your marketing scheme is showing.

Feminism, of course, is not what sickened me about the commercial. Covergirl, with its willingness to accept women’s rights when convenient to its quarterly sales report, is the true aggressor of my anger. “Girls Can” reduces feminism to something purchasable, something you pick up at the drug store along with a pack of gum and a lighter. Now, according to Covergirl, you can’t support equality without buying it too. And the proceeds for that $8.99 bottle of feminism you just purchased? They won’t be going to actually solving any of the issues the commercial raises. They will be numbers on Covergirl’s stock portfolio. Or, perhaps they will purchase advertisements that push unattainable beauty standards on women. Probably both. Unfortunately, “Girls Can” is just another example of the traditional corporate attitude towards feminism: gender inequality

is examined. Profits are reaped, then not used to help the cause, by say, donating to women’s study programs or lobbying efforts. Always, the feminine hygiene company, followed this trend by making a viral “feminist” campaign that refused to reveal its central message until “Always” had been splashed across the screen. Dove recently created a similar commercial. So did Virginia Slims, a cigarette company. It is clear that companies have been capitalizing on feminist sentiment for decades. It is equally clear that it has been working. The “#Like a Girl” commercial, or, officially, the “Always #Like a Girl” campaign has received over 52 million views on YouTube and intense coverage through news sources such as Time Magazine and The Huffington Post. Virginia Slims’ advertising campaign hurt women in a more physical way; it is almost solely responsi-

ble for the equality in men and women’s lung cancer mortality rates. Despite the glaring evidence and increasing acceptance that companies have exploited the feminist movement for economic gain, many still defend their actions. They argue that these commercials still promote women’s rights. No. They don’t. Equality is not an issue that should be compromised on. Women should not have to allow promotion of products to further their fight for rights. They shouldn’t have to allow businesses to exploit the cause for financial gain for their message to gain public attention. The superficial message on the screen sends a much louder one: that women are too incompetent to achieve gender equality without assistance.

# FOMO Don’t miss out on memories // purchase the albadome 2015

THE HIGHLAND FLING, DECEMBER 2014

opinion

What the FCC? Jisu Jeong

ast month, in a YouTube video released by the White House, President Obama urged the Federal Communications Commission to protect net neutrality and “keep the Internet free and open.” His message echoed the sentiments of the majority of the 3.7 million-plus Americans who voiced their opinions during the FCC’s four-month public comment period, which ended recently in September. Why are so many people, myself included, complaining to the FCC about net neutrality? Here’s the short answer: the Commission, despite claiming to support a free and open Internet, and, in turn, net neutrality, proposed a plan in April which, had it taken effect, would have obliterated the fundamentals of the concept; the proposition would have allowed Internet providers to charge online website and service companies extra for access to fast lanes—“paid prioritization,” as it’s been called. So, when the FCC opened its public discussion on the topic of net neutrality in May, the denizens of the Internet exploded, generating almost 4 million comments, most of them calling for stronger measures to protect net neutrality. That’s the short answer, but, personally, I think the FCC went bad much longer ago, back in 2002. Before 2002, the Internet was treated as a telecommunications service, much like telephone; and since telecommunications services were considered utilities—essential to the public—the FCC possessed great jurisdiction over Internet companies. However, that year, the FCC reclassified the Internet as an information service, renouncing essentially all of the power that it had over Internet service providers. The Commission became all bark and no bite.

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Jana Choi Sarah Cheng Jisu Jeong Rebecca Chant Amita Shukla Shana Oshinskie Tia Wangli Annie McCrone

advisor

Brett Roche

What followed wasn’t pretty. In 2010, after the FCC had argued that Comcast couldn’t slow users’ access to BitTorrent, a file sharing site, the company challenged the Commission’s authority in a federal appeals court—and won. It attempted to save face later that year by passing the Open Internet Rules,

but with no telecommunications-level authority to back them up, the FCC was soon overrun again. This time, it was Verizon who took the Commission to court (over fast lanes), and as a result, the bulk of the Open Internet Rules were struck down by the federal court on the basis that the FCC could not practice such strict oversight. Fast forward to 2014. The FCC, tired of being shot down over and over, proposed its watered-down plan, supposedly meant to protect net neutrality, but not truly doing so because it permitted providers to create fast lanes. Not only was the proposed plan not at all effective in protecting net neutrality, but it also was still vulnerable to legal action from the Internet providers. Even the FCC Chairman, Tom Wheeler, admitted this, saying, “The big dogs are going to sue regardless of what comes out.” So I’m completely baffled by the FCC. It knows that Internet users are opposed to its plan, and it know that even if it passed, if any phrase in the plan even slightly bothered a provider, or if the Commission overstepped its bounds even by an inch, the “big dogs” would come at its throat. There’s an obvious way out—reclassify the Internet as a telecommunications service. So why isn’t the FCC taking it? Maybe it has something to do with the 340 million dollars spent lobbying by AT&T and Verizon since 1998. Or maybe it’s the fact that Chairman Wheeler was the former chief executive of the National Cable Television Association, a lobbying group for cable companies. But what do I know? These are just hunches.

writers, illustrators, & photographers Gab Rosenthal, Camryn Kozachek, Michelle Fan, Sendy Lin, Jake Callahan, Maverick Lin, Jamie Atschinow, Adelina Branescu, Olivia Estes, Dawn Park, Olivia Bridges, Eli Copperman, Elisha Eanes, William Chen, Amiri Tulloch, Warren Yee, Julia Brennan

the official newspaper of highland park high school highland park, new jersey 08904 . thehighlandfling@gmail.com . issuu.com/thehighlandfling . facebook.com/hpfling DECEMBER 2014, THE HIGHLAND FLING

feature Hanging Out at Indus Grill Dawn Park

ooking for some good grub to eat in Highland Park? Tired of plain old sandwiches, pizzas, and sushi? Wishing for a restaurant with great service? Then come on over to one of Highland Park’s newest restaurants, Indus Grill. Located at 314 Raritan Avenue, the Pakistan restaurant is open for business and ready to serve its customers delicious meals. “We’re a Pakistan family,” worker Momin Zaheer tells us, “We want to offer this good food of ours to others and share our culture, so we decided to invest in a restaurant. Usually some people would have to go far to eat food like this, but our restaurant is quite [close] so it’s pretty convenient.” So what is Indus Grill? It is a small and simple family restaurant composed of the basic and casual elements that can be found in an average restaurant. The restaurant is open from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM every day excluding Monday. The prices are not expensive with most meals ranging from $7 to $12, although a few items are surprisingly cheap at $3 only. Take-out is available at any time, a great option for those who want to have a meal at home after a tiring day. As a special bonus, from 11:30 to 3:00, the restaurant sells Lunch Specials such as wraps, kababs, and burgers. Students from Highland Park High School might not be able to buy these during Open Lunch, but it is a great choice for lunch on half days. Overall, this is a casual restaurant where anyone can come and eat. However, one important question remains: Is the food any good? Indus Grill’s house specials answer that question with a resounding “Yes!” One of the restaurant’s famous meals is the Peshawari Karahai, a traditional-style dish made of chicken mixed with a sauce of tomatoes, garlic, ginger, ground black pepper, coriander and green chili

peppers. The karahi is only mildly spicy, so it is alright to eat without fear of tearing up and needing to drink copious amounts of water. There are also a variety of healthy and delicious meals including the Achari Chicken (cooked with pickling spices), Mughlai Korma (a type of stew), Daal (lentils), and others. Although the restaurant does not offer any meat besides chicken and mutton, the mix between the vegetables, spices, meat, and carbs makes not only a well-balanced meal, but also a scrumptious one! Another favorite is the traditional yogurt-like drink, the lassi. Indus Grill offers three kinds of delicious lassis: the salty lassi, the sweet lassi, and the specially made Mango lassi. While the salty lassi does stick to original Pakistan and Indian tradition, it is easily beat by the taste of the sweet lassi and mango lassi. The sweet lassi is delicious, but the sweet citrus taste makes the mango lassi a high recommendation for all customers, especially children. For those interested in having a drink, stop by and try a lassi! Indus Grill seems promising. Not only is the interior design clean and tidy, but the staff is also friendly and working hard to provide great service to customers. The availability to buy take-out and lunch specials are just two examples of these services, but the family has other plans in mind. “We’re a pretty small restaurant since we just started,” Zaheer explains, “But business is actually going pretty good. We’re getting a good number of customers and we’re trying our best to satisfy them with good food. We’re starting to expand our menu with options we’ve been coming up with so our customers can try out more of this stuff and enjoy it.” With business running well, the family is swelling up with financial and cultural pride. “My mother-in-law made this food with her own hands.” Zaheer comments,

Mouth-watering morsels Indus Grill brings South Asian cuisine like warm beef chapli kabab to Highland Park.

“It makes her happy to watch our customers appreciate her cooking.” For those interested in trying Pakistani and Indian food without having to cook or travel to a faraway place, then Indus Grill is the place to go! As a good, casual restaurant, it has fair prices coupled with good food and service. The restaurant setting is small, but the variety of healthy and delicious meals makes up for its simplicity. The amiable service and attitude from the workers show Indus Grill’s insightful kindness to its customers. This family restaurant has all the components it needs to be successful. “We want our customers to be happy as we offer them our food and share our culture.” Zaheer expresses in anticipation for his new family business, “We’re thankful for that and we hope to succeed in the future.”

Back from the Dead

hat does it take rise from the ashes of defeat and start over? After being unable to publish their annual literary magazine last year, Dead Center is ready to rebuild the club and usher in a new era of amazing work.

Already, there have been a number of changes, one of the most significant being the new advisor, Ms. Marionni. Emma Weaver ’16, a member of Dead Center, stated that Ms. Marionni’s presence has “definitely helped organize [Dead Center].” Unlike last year’s series of sporadic and disjointed meetings, Dead Center now has consistent meetings occurring every Monday during lunch. At each meeting, members look over new submissions and plan for upcoming coffeehouses. Not only that, but the advisor change has also led to more submissions from various writing classes, a definite advantage for Dead Center. Dead Center’s major project, a literary magazine, is published at the end of each school year. Last year though, the magazine was unable to be published despite all the hard work put into organizing submissions and finishing the layout. Why? Anna Minakhina ‘16, head editor of Dead Center, cites a lack of funds as the reason. To avert any similar mishaps in the future, the club is participating in a popcorn fundraiser along with the Fling and the Albadome. THE HIGHLAND FLING, DECEMBER 2014

Tia Wangli Additionally, a previous Dead Center grant intended for computers and software may be redirected to publishing funds. If so, make sure to look forward to an impressive magazine in June! In addition to their literary magazine, the Dead Center hosts monthly coffeehouses which are open to all those interested. At each event, students are free to present their own work or published work of others. They can present anything from music, to personal stories, to formal pieces. For those who are a tad shy, feel free to simply sit in the audience and listen! There are also writing workshops available for those interested in creating their own masterpieces. As Jessica Robinson ’16 stresses, “You don’t have to be a brilliant writer to go!” As long as students are interested and excited, Dead Center is more than willing to welcome them. As the school year continues on, Dead Center has already shown major developments from last year. However, the club can only go as far as the student population allows it to. Seeing as its literary magazine relies completely on student submissions, Dead Center encourages students to keep on submitting their original works. While the club continues its progress, make sure to keep an eye out for the magazine preview that will be coming out around winter break!

Dead Center Checklist Join the club and help resurrect Dead Center!

Submit your poems, short stories, or artwork to Dead Center

Be on the lookout for the literary magazine preview

Grab a copy of the actual literary magazine

Drop by one of the monthly coffeehouses to: Present any piece of art, poetry, or even a song Join one of the writing workshops and create your own work Be part of the audience and enjoy the amazing talent

feature

Brownie Bites: Recipes for a Sweet Holiday Brownie Battle

Brownie for One

Shana Oshinskie

Sarah Taylor

t’s gooey, chocolatey, rich, and fudgey and its main ingredient is black beans. It’s sweet without sugar; it’s moist without butter and it contains no flour. “It” is a black bean brownie, and chances are, it tastes better than you think.

Still, some of the ingredients in black bean brownies can be more difficult to find and more expensive. Coconut oil, for example, can be found at Stop and Shop, but costs four dollars more than an equivalent amount of butter. Stevia, on the other hand, can be near impossible to find locally.

Black bean brownies are risky—they either produce dry, black squares that taste more like dinner than dessert, or soft and decadent bars almost indistinguishable from their sugary relatives. When done correctly, however, black bean brownies not only taste delicious, they also carry serious health benefits. The beans provide protein (in the recipe below, 2.5 grams of it), and the lack of butter and sugar benefits waistlines and cardiovascular health.

Others complain that black bean brownies simply don’t taste as good. Elizabeth Girvan ’18 claimed that a brownie from the recipe below had a dry and flat taste. The traditional brownie, she added, melts more easily in your mouth.

The absence of flour, dairy, and eggs may also be important to those with intolerances and allergies. Vegans can enjoy the brownies as well, provided they substitute the honey for additional maple syrup.

he holiday season is a time to feast on great food, spend time with family, and snuggle up in the cold weather, so what better recipe to try out than the simple “brownie in a mug”? This treat can be whipped up in less than five minutes to enjoy with loved ones, cozy up by the fire with during winter break, or even to savor alone during those sudden sugar cravings.

Not everyone noticed the unpleasant flavor Elizabeth Girvan described, and half of about 30 taste testers actually preferred the black bean brownie. Noah Pointer ’16, for example, said that he preferred it because “It just tasted better in every way.” In the end, a wide variety of factors influence which brownie you choose. No matter what strikes your fancy, however, The Fling has a recipe for you!

And there it is - an easy, but tasty recipe that is great to delight in during the holiday season. Not only is the “brownie in a mug” an exceptional dessert to eat on a chilly night with friends and family, but it can also be a great after-school snack or something to satisfy a sweet tooth when nothing else in the house will do the trick. It is an excellent treat to enjoy on a cozy Christmas Eve, or after lighting the Menorah on a night of Hanukkah.

Black Bean Brownies

Traditional Brownies

Brownies in a Cup

Ingredients

1 15-ounce can of black beans 1/4 cup maple syrup 1/4 cup honey 2 teaspoons vanilla extract A pinch of stevia 1/4 cup coconut or vegetable oil 2

4 1 1 1 1

powder

1/2

1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 cup chocolate chips

tablespoons cocoa powder

cup flour

1 2

sticks butter, melted

tablespoons water

tablespoons vegetable oil

extra chocolate chips

pinch of salt

drop vanilla extract

teaspoon vanilla

cup white sugar

cup all-purpose flour

cup cocoa powder

teaspoon baking soda

cup instant oats

1/4

cup sugar

cup brown sugar

tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa

1/4

eggs

microwave-safe mug

(optional)

Directions 1. preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. strain and rinse beans very well. 3. put beans, maple syrup, and honey into a large food processor (or blender, if absolutely necessary) and blend well. 4. add the rest of the ingredients, one at a time, blending well after each addition. 5. pour batter into a greased 8x8 baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes. a

Directions 1. 2.

preheat oven to

300

Directions

gently whip the eggs and sugar to-

gether with an electric beater or fork

add the other ingredients, one at a

add water and oil; stir until mixture is evenly moist.

cook in microwave for

because of the chips in the

inserted into the center

batter.

comes out clean.

minute and

seconds. add time if needed.

time, gently mixing after each addition.

even if your brownies are done

stir flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt together in a mug.

until bubbly.

4. pour the batter into a greased 8x8 dish. bake until a toothpick

toothpick may not come out clean

degrees.

top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, icing, or festive sprinkles. enjoy!

DECEMBER 2014, THE HIGHLAND FLING

feature

All DECA-ed Out Adelina Branescu

ccording to the DECA club, some dogs share a strong resemblance to their owners. While the accuracy of that statement is questionable, DECA’s strong passion for helping others is not. This year’s DECA chapter is eager to dive into the projects set out in front of them and help others in need, as well as take on the state and national competitions. The state competition will be held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and the national competition (that DECA hopes to attend) will be held in Florida, during the month of February. In order to achieve such a daunting goal, DECA is taking part in various projects. This year, DECA has set a few goals for themselves, one of them being to fund the training of a Seeing Eye dog to help a person with no eyesight. Their intensive training, which in the end prepares them for helping someone tre-

mendously, comes with a price. As Ms. Harper explained, “It costs 25,000 raise a seeing eye dog. But, that’s the state project for New Jersey. With all the schools in DECA, we will hopefully be able to supply that.” To pay for part of the price, the club is holding a contest. Specifically, they will sell pictures of dogs belonging to different teachers and students. As these are posted around center hall, you can place quarters in buckets next to the images that you think best fit the categories, such as “cutest dog”, and “dog that looks most like owner”. Additionally, DECA recently held a walk on October 31st and raised $3000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, an essential organization. “The money will be donated to a program that helps kids with terminal illnesses, like cancer” (Kate Atschinow ‘18). This is an annual event that DECA

hosts regardless of what other projects the chapter chooses to work on. Each year, DECA donates the money collected to a child with cancer to pay for their “wish.” Make-a-Wish Foundation will decide the recipient in about a month. Furthermore, DECA raised money and collected food for families of veterans’ who needed financial support. Veterans across seas were honored as well as DECA asked students to write letters to be sent to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. This project is part of a lengthy 30-page manual that some students, including Feador Chekmarev, ‘18, and Sarah Cheng, ’15, are required to write. “All of our projects are really fun and we’re all super excited about them” said Michelle Fan ’17. Ultimately, DECA is making a huge effort towards helping others in need.

What If They Weren’t Teachers?

ver wonder what your teachers wanted to be when they were your age? The Fling approached several teachers about their high school ambitions and how they ended up as teachers. Their answers may surprise you!

What did you want to be when you were in high school? Rebecca Sanders: I wanted to be a biologist. Why did you want to be a biologist? Because I love animals, and I love wildlife, so I was thinking maybe a park ranger when I was in high school. In high school, would you have imagined yourself as a teacher? No, I would not have imagined myself ever as a teacher, and I never would have imagined myself as a physics teacher. How did you end up becoming a teacher? Because my husband got transferred to New Jersey, and you know, it was thing to do. I already had my degree, and I was ready to go. Not to be a teacher, but I became a teacher because of the hours and stuff, and it just so happened that I love doing it. Now, do you think you would rather be a park ranger? That would be a big toss up, but I think I’m pretty happy now. Maybe I’ll become a park ranger later, when I retire. Do you think decisions you made in high school impacted your career? Yes, definitely.

THE HIGHLAND FLING, DECEMBER 2014

Gabrielle Rosenthal & Julia Brennan What did you want to be when you were in high school?

What made you become a high school teacher?

Nicole Marionni: I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. Both my parents were teachers and that influenced me from a young age.

In high school I saw teachers doing things I liked and I didn’t. I wanted to take from the things I saw and become a teacher that did things in ways to help the students.

How did you decide what subject to teach?

Do you think that decisions in high school impacted your career?

I always loved English. In high school, all my friends didn’t find English class interesting, but I found it to be very fascinating. I wanted to teach the subject and make it interesting for high school students.

Definitely. Not only with the program I did, but also my teachers. My math teacher in high school has had a long lasting impact on my life as a math teacher.

Did you have any other occupational aspirations? Well, my fantasy was to be a radio disc jockey. Did you ever pursue that? Yes, I was a radio DJ for KSP FM in Aspen Colorado. I didn’t pursue this more because I didn’t think it was reasonable and didn’t see a future with it, even though it was a fantasy job of mine. Do you think decisions you made in high school impacted your career? Well, my strong suit was always with History and English. In high school I always did well in these classes and I knew that I would not pursue math or science as an occupation.

What did you want to be when you were in high school and why? Christopher Ruckdeschel: When I was in high school I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I had done a program centering around classes to teach preschool. The moment I knew I wanted to be a teacher was when I taught a girl to spell her name, it took 5-6 months but when it finally happened, I knew what I wanted to do.

What did you want to be when you were in high school and why? Todd Kruger: I wanted to be a crime scene investigator with the FBI. When I liked it, they didn’t have a name for it, but now it’s “forensics.” I thought it was really cool and was like solving puzzles which I found really interesting. How did you end up as a biology teacher? When I was in grad school, I was a TA and I had to teach two political science classes. I really liked teaching these classes and saw teaching as a possible career. What made you decide to be a biology teacher? Since I enjoyed teaching, and had a degree with both science and history I could really teach either, but I really enjoy science. I think it’s a really important subject for students to understand and it’s very important to me. Do you think that decisions in high school impacted your career? I think I could have worked harder. Also, in 5th grade I had a really good science teacher which made me interested in the subject from a young age.

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DIFFICULTY easy

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DIFFICULTY hard

DECEMBER 2014, THE HIGHLAND FLING

arts Portfolio Day Wake-Up Call

PLAYLIST Amir Gad Whether it is for the holidays or a lonely day with a cup of coffee, this playlist is a unique mix to celebrate the winter season! “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms : Starting off the playlist is a winter holiday favorite everyone has heard at least once.

“Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky : This classical piece perfectly describes the sweet and serene magic of winter. “Winter Wonderland” by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith : Winter Wonderland is a reminder that no matter how cold and lonely winter may be, the freshly fallen snow is breathtaking.

“Für Elise” by Beethoven : Für Elise is a calming lullaby and the perfect balance between café and winter music. “Twelve Days of Christmas” by Ray Coniff Singers : Everybody’s favorite comedic song, but don’t follow its instructions for a loved one.

Amita Shukla

thought the end of the ice bucket challenge marked the end of my obligation to undergo involuntary cold showers, but I got a bucket of (albeit, figurative) cold water thrown over my head when I attended National Portfolio Day in Philadelphia this November. After years of being told that I was a thoroughly proficient artist, I could only listen in horror as a reviewer from the most renowned art school in the country verbally tore my work to shreds. In spite of that, it was one of the most effective learning experiences I’ve ever had. I recommend it highly to anyone who has any works to speak of in the visual arts: Here’s a quick breakdown for anyone interested in attending: Purpose: Most colleges offer the option of including an art portfolio with your application, no matter what your intended major is, so it makes sense to invest time in a potential boost to your admissions. Even speaking from the perspective of a definite non-art major, it’s worth the travel to go and get critiqued. (On portfolioday.net, upcoming dates are listed: every year the closest ones to HP are in NYC and Philadelphia.) I haven’t heard of any other such opportunity to hear from college admissions officers exactly what they want and exactly how to improve. As an added bonus, it was free and didn’t need registration. One school’s reviewer even had a checklist: how much more transparent can it be? People: Some of the people showing were nearly at a professional level; others were clearly less experienced. Some stu-

dents brought warehouse carts piled high with canvases and others brought iPads. Really, anything seemed to go. Bring: Photos or hard copies of a lot of works: the site and most reviewers say to bring 10-15, but many people bring their entire body of work A sketchbook: not strictly required, but helpful to show your thought processes; required if you’re actually applying into art school Pros and Cons: Positive: The reviewers are thorough in their analysis and give concrete advice: I have a list of a dozen criteria he told me to work on, but that’s a dozen more than I knew about before I went. Positive: Seeing other students’ artwork was incredibly valuable; it gave me a better sense of where I stand outside just this town. Positive: It was definitely an exercise in marketing: you have about a minute to win over your reviewer, and you learn very quickly how to pitch yourself and your work. Negative: The criticism is harsh. Expect about two good reviews to every one awful one. But being reviewed by someone you’ve never met gives you a chance to experiment with how you portray yourself. Whether your involvement in the visual arts is as a hobby, passion, or future career, Portfolio Day is undoubtedly an event to make time for.

“Let It Snow” by Dean Martin : The statement everyone wants to hear this winter and the perfect excuse for a snow day. “It’s Amazing” by Jem : A song that encourages confidence in the face of rejection. After all, succeeding in your dreams feels amazing, right?

“Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” by Elmo and Patsy : No worries, under no circumstances will grandmothers be run over by reindeers this holiday season. “Some Day My Prince Will Come” by Paul Motian : A beautiful piece by a not-so-well-known jazz musician, who passed away three years ago.

“All I Want For Christmas Are My Two Front Teeth” by Spike Jones : A shout out to all those devoid of their two front teeth! “All Is Love” by Karen O. & the Kids : A sappy love song for those spending their time with loved ones this winter. “Frosty the Snowman” by Jack Rollins and Steve Nelson : That one song everyone sings if someone person hums the tune. This song is a real throwback to childhood. “Bella Luna” by Jason Mraz : A song in the spirit of coffeehouses everywhere. It’s somewhat dramatic and the guitar makes it seem calm and soothing.

THE HIGHLAND FLING, DECEMBER 2014

practice makes perfect Not everything is about the final product. Amita Shukla ’16 shows off her extensive portfolio (Top) and the thought processes behind her work in her sketchbook (Bottom).

arts

Brighton Beach Memoirs I

Camryn Kozachek

n two hours, you can bake a cake, watch the third Toy Story movie, or even write a newspaper article; the weekend before Thanksgiving, numerous Highland Parkers chose to spend those two hours differently. At 7:00 from Thursday November 20th through Saturday November 22nd, students, families, and community members gathered in the Robert W. Stevens Auditorium for Highland Park High School’s production of Brighton Beach Memoirs, a semi-autobiographical play by Neil Simon. The play was directed by Mr. Keith Presty, and starred the close-knit cast of seven: Christopher Michael ’15, Talia Sclafani ’17, Zenobia Murphy ’17, Mackenzie Volpert ’18, Olivia Bridges ’16, Jake Callahan ’15, and Darcy Thompson ’15. Behind the scenes, Colin Nickel ’16, Julia Brennan ’17, Ethan Bull ’17, Samuel Lee ’15, Alexander Saff ’17, Rina Mischel ’16, and Lena Copperman ’15 headed the various production departments. Brighton Beach Memoirs follows Eugene Morris Jerome (Christopher Michael) and his family on two separate evenings in 1937, set one week apart. All the cast members were fully dedicated to their performances, evidenced by their skillful portrayal of a Jewish family from New York, Brooklyn accents and all. The almost two-hour-long performance required vast memorization from the actors. Although “it was a long, grueling process with many, many late nights” according to director Keith Presty, the effort put in by all the students has paid off. The show’s three day run was extremely successful and lead to an unprecedented event in recent Highland Park High School history by earning over $4,000. Not only did the production’s earnings set it apart from previous plays, but the massive undertaking of a two story set construction also contributed to the uniquely singular experience that was Brighton Beach Memoirs. Regarding the set, Mr. Presty notes, “This is the most ambitious set and largest set we’ve ever created; it has a full second floor with actable space.” Despite its success, the conclusion of the fall play contains a bittersweet note for Highland Park High School’s seniors. Christopher Michael says, “I’m kind of sad that it’s the last play I’ll do, but I’m happy with the selection.” Senior Lena Copperman agrees, although she chooses to focus on the more positive aspects. “It’s been an overall great experience because we get to deal with clothing, setting, language, and objects from a completely different decade, which I think is just really, really cool.” While the fall play may be over, lovers of the arts should not put their popcorn away just yet, because the spring musical is just around the corner. As Eugene puts it in Brighton Beach Memoirs, “Onward and upward!” play perfect (Clockwise from top) Full cast portrait; Actors Zenobia Murphy ’17, Talia Sclafani ’17, and Chris Michael ’15; Actors Zenobia Murphy and Darcy Thompson ’15; Tech crew members Lia Perez-Curran ’16 and Rina Mischel ’16.

Disney Has Unleashed Big Hero 6

alt Disney Animation Studios is once again back in action with a Marvel comic adaptation, Big Hero 6. The film has been gaining great response from critics and audiences alike. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a score of 91% and the site’s consensus states: “Agreeably entertaining and brilliantly animated, Big Hero 6 is briskly-paced, action-packed, and often touching.” Yet will this rise to the level of well-known superhero films, like The Dark Knight, or does it belong to the pit of disgraced superhero films with Batman and Robin? The animation parallels the city it is set in, San Fransokyo, where a mix of American and Japanese culture is prevalent. Not only do the two aspects blend well in the animation, but the characters also give off the same impression in which they have a more anime-based style while still retaining the great U.S. character design of Disney. Additionally, the animators did a fantastic job on the action scenes, offering a variety of them with intensity and excitement, as seen in the car chase, the fighting scenes, and any flying scenes with the main character. However, the true highlight of the animation is the display of the more fascinating and creative side of science and robotics. Since Big Hero 6 is based on a Marvel comic, it follows the same structure of its print version by focusing more on the action and technology used in those scenes. Disney definitely did its research for this film, considering the amount of science and robotics incorporated in it. The movie does not just present the concepts; it also explains how the concepts all work on their own and provides an educational aspect to the movie. The main story itself is, unfortunately, a bit predictable with its usage of the typical inventor plot in which the

Eli Copperman movie shows what would happen if an invention accidentally goes haywire. Yet it does go deep into something Disney usually only briefly touches on: the loss of a loved one. Yes, Disney has mentioned it before in films like Bambi (his mother. Yes, Bambi is a boy) and Cinderella (her parents), yet they never go into how the character feels about loss. This kind of story is unexpected from Disney, but Big Hero 6 shows that they can do it, and they can do it well.

great animated features have already been released, The Wind Rises and How to Train Your Dragon 2, but now a third one, Big Hero 6, has joined the list.

As for the characters, Hiro Hamada is the main character who has a vast knowledge on robotics and wants to find peace with his kind and inspirational lost brother, Tadashi. As for Hiro’s friends, they all have their own likable personalities and great knowledge about science. Gogo Tamogo is the tough girl who specializes in electromagnetics. Honey Leon is the kind and quirky girl who knows all about chemistry. Wasabi is the cautious citizen who is an expert on lasers, and Fred is the comical goofball who likes kaiju (monsters) more than science, but is later revealed to be possess a deeper character than anyone – viewers or fellow characters – thought. Then there’s Baymax, the personal healthcare robot, who is a huggable character with a charming innocence due to his desire to help people. The only characters lacking dimension are Hiro’s aunt, Cass, since she doesn’t have much screen time, and the supervillain, Yokai, because his threatening role is rather straightforward. Overall, Big Hero 6 is a fantastic animated superhero movie with a heartwarming and action filled plot, amazing CGI animation, and characters that are impossible to hate. For diehard Disney, Marvel, or animation fans, this movie is one that must be watched. This is also great for anyone who enjoys science and robotics as well. This year, two DECEMBER 2014, THE HIGHLAND FLING

sports Winter Sports Preview Warren Yee

fter an exciting fall sports season, we move to the winter sports here at Highland Park High School. The Fling caught up with athletes and coaches for a sample of what’s to come this season. Girls’ Basketball: This year, the girl’s team is moving down from the Blue Division to the Gold Division, and is hoping to obtain more wins through the hard work and competitiveness gained from playing and practicing under Coach Washington. Coach Washington insisted that her team, although in the Gold Division, still should have the desire to bring out the best in themselves, have the will to fight hard and win. With winning in mind, Coach Washington said, “This year, I will be looking to senior captains Rachel Beyer and Carly Aversa to lead our team on and off the court. I will also be looking for our other seniors to step up and possibly a few sophomores and freshman to contribute along the way.” With plenty of leadership and drive to win, the Girls’ basketball team is hoping for a great season.

Boys’ Basketball: The boy’s team, like the girls, moved down to the Gold Division. Junior Matt Ambrosio said, “I believe that our team can work together to win a lot of games, and have the competitiveness to do that. We all hope to have a better record than last year this season.” The whole team is preparing with Coach Nobles to have a season to be remembered. Wrestling: Last year, the wrestling team did face some difficulties. The team didn’t have enough members, and ultimately had to forfeit matches in 14 different weight classes. Although faced with lack of players, the team had the drive and spirit to be competitive and try hard in every match and at every practice. Sam Guerrero, a senior wrestler this year, won the District 19 Championship, at the 120 lb. weight class. Coach Girvan said, “I believe that this year, we can be more successful as a team, and have more of our wrestlers’ move on to the district championships.” This year, Coach Girvan will be relying on captains Sam Guerrero, Jeffery Mathis, and Jose Ruiz to lead the team.

a (wrestling) match made in heaven Jose Ruiz ’15 (Above) and Ishy Zubairu ’17 (Left) represent the best of Highland Park High School.

Sleep Is Not for the Weak D

oing homework past midnight. Waking up at half past six. Stumbling through the day, and then two hours of practice. To many students, this is a familiar routine. It’s well-known that sleep is vital to a person’s health, both mentally and physically. Why, then, is this sleep-deprived cycle so common? The Fling has done its homework—nationwide there are issues regarding the sleep habits of teens and young adults. One study at Stanford University demonstrated that the sprints and shooting accuracies of collegiate basketball players improved as the number of hours slept increased. The study concluded that optimal sleep correlates to an athlete reaching their full potential. In high schools, many students struggle with the early schedule, to the point that some schools have even considered pushing back the start time. For example, the first bell would ring at 8:30 rather than at 7:15. Why has this not been implemented, especially if numerous studies have illustrated the benefits of sleep? Ultimately, the answer comes down to sports. If school began later, then it would end later. If it ended later, then sports practice would end later as well. For fall and winter sports especially, students might find themselves playing well after sundown. Many schools believe that to be a safety hazard. Furthermore, college and high school athletes aren’t at school just to play their sport. They are there to learn. More important than their status as jocks is their status as students. Nine hours of sleep might be realistic if the only thing a teenager had to do was go to practice, but that’s

THE HIGHLAND FLING, DECEMBER 2014

Annie McCrone not the case. Students must attend school for about seven hours every weekday, and complete sometimes hours worth of homework. “It’s hard,” said one senior. “I’m trying to make the best of my last season on varsity, but I also need to work on college applications. Between practice, schoolwork, and applications, sleep doesn’t become a priority.”

homework they are assigned, the less sleep they will get. It’s a vicious cycle. One freshman anonymously admitted, “Practice every day after school leaves less time to do homework. I was used to all A’s in middle school, but now I struggle in some of my classes.” Though it’s common for freshman to experience the shock of a more intensive academic workload as they enter high school, it’s also true that the school sports become much more competitive and taxing. How can we fix this problem, especially considering that there is no evidence to suggest that Highland Park High School will begin school at a later time? The solution lies in organization. One athlete, Elisabeth Landis ’16, has it all figured out: “In my agenda I write down everything I have to do that day. I give myself a certain amount of time to do each activity or homework assignment.” Additionally, Landis makes sure to incorporate breaks in her studying so that she doesn’t “go crazy.” With everything planned out, high school athletes can reduce their stress levels. Also, this method ensures that homework gets done in a timely fashion so that the student has time to sleep. Landis adds that she goes to bed by 9:30pm the night before a game.

The Fling found this to be the case for many students. Unfortunately, sleep has to be a priority because it’s necessary to f u n c t i o n . The more sleep a student gets, the more likely they are to succeed athletically and academically. Yet, the harder they work at practice and the more

If you are someone who has trouble with scheduling, there are plenty of tools that you can use. For example, the school agenda can be very useful. Post-its are helpful as well. If you have a smart phone, you can set reminders to alert you about an event or deadline. Managing your time is the best way to get work done AND get enough sleep so that you can play and perform at your best.

sports

End of an Era: Senior Athletes

“

Amiri Tulloch

ime flies when you’re having fun, something athletes in the class of 2015 can directly attest to. Four years ago, they were rookies. Now, they are experienced veterans. For many seniors, though, the final year of high school sports serves as a season of reflection and perhaps even sadness, with every practice, game, and event confirming a fast-approaching reality: after this season, their high school sports careers are finished for good. “It actually hit me pretty hard knowing that this is my last year putting on a helmet and pads,” said Justin Melgazo ’15, a cornerback and wide receiver for HPHS’s varsity football team. “In the beginning of the season, I thought that it would be a long [year]. But the weeks flew by quickly and towards the end I started to realize that I have only a few games left in a football jersey.”

In the beginning of the season, I thought that it would a long [year]. But the weeks flew by.... and I started to realize that I only have a few games left in a football jersey.

“I went into the season understanding it would be my last,” said Sarah Stuckey ’15, a defender for the girls varsity soccer team, “but it didn’t hit me until the second half of our season, when you have to win [games] to continue.”

For some seniors, though, finishing high school may just be a stepping-stone in their sports careers. College offers a wide variety of ways to continue a sport, something Stuckey said she wanted to experience. “I’ll miss constantly playing. In college I plan on playing club or intramural, but neither of those are everyday.” she said. For many, though, the end of high school is the end of their sports careers. That is what makes the attachment of an athlete to their high school sports years so intriguing, as high school careers are remembered seemingly for the rest of the athlete’s life. There is a good chance that people look back on high school sports fondly because it was a final chance to play at a high level before having to commit to becoming a professional athlete. However, the adoration of one’s high school sports career can also be attributed to the lasting memories forged and relationships made during competition over four long seasons. “In high school,” Stuckey said, “your teammates become your family because you’re always with them.” That bond between teammates is what makes high school sports so enjoyable and memorable for many. But, that bond is also a bond that makes it tough for athletes to say goodbye. Nevertheless, the four-year span is something that can never be replicated for athletes. “I’ll miss playing the sports I love with [the people I call] family,” Aspy said. “I’ll miss all the great people I’ve met over the years.”

“ I went into the season understanding that it would be my last, but it didn’t hit me until the second half of our season, when youhave to win [games] to continue. - Sarah Stuckey

“ I’ll miss playing the sports I love with [the people I call] family. I’ll miss all the great people I’ve met over the years. - Caleb Aspy

“

“I knew that I was going in to my last [soccer] season,” Aspy, a member of the boys varsity soccer and track team, said. “I tried to enjoy every moment more than I would have in years before because I knew that I would never be there again. I wanted to leave with good memories.”

“

On the other hand, Caleb Aspy ’15 viewed his final soccer season as completely different than prior years.

- Justin Melgazo

“

Melgazo isn’t alone in his opinion, either.

DECEMBER 2014, THE HIGHLAND FLING

sports

Hall of Champions Shana Oshinskie

“ A

lthough the spirit halls have long since been dismantled, one hallway still stands as a testament to Highland Park history. The Hall of Champions, the corridor in between the gym and art rooms, preserves the lasting legacy of Highland Park Athletics.

Ms. Zdanowicz, however, started gymnastics long before high school. By age nine she was practicing for three hours a day, five days a week.

“

Countless plaques adorn the walls: football players kicking, baseball players swinging, tennis players serving. Even a few field hockey players stand grinning in their plaid kilts. Only one gymnast, however, stands frozen in photo: a smiling blonde atop a beam, her outstretched arms pointing to her name, Kristin Zdanowicz, and her accomplishments: the Scholar Athlete, AllAround GMC Champion… the list goes on.

Ms. Zdanowicz, however, started gymnastics long before high school. By age nine she was practicing for three hours a day, five days a week. When she entered high school she became a member of the gymnastics team, an experience she valued because it offered “more of a team experience… [which] helped me transition into college.” Despite her intense training, she remained studious and eventually received

the Scholar Athlete award. By the end of senior year, she had committed to Rutgers University. At Rutgers, the training became even more intense. Practice occurred daily for 3½ hours and was followed by lifting every other day. At practice, the members of her team competed against each other for spots on the starting lineup. The competitive atmosphere had little effect on the friendships formed. “Today,” Ms. Zdanowicz said, “my teammates from Rutgers are my closest friends.” Unfortunately, she also suffered a debilitating injury during her sophomore year at Rutgers—she tore all the ligaments in her knee and required corrective surgery. This injury marked her decline in gymnastics, a time she described as “very sad and frustrating.” Despite this setback, Ms. Zdanowicz still became the captain of the Rutgers gymnastics team during her senior year and she remains thankful for all the experiences gymnastics has provided. Today, Ms. Zdanowicz coaches gymnastics at Shore Regional High School and instructs both math and track at Manasquan High School. She still returns to Highland Park every Thanksgiving to meet up with her high school friends. Highland Park, she said, is a unique place to grow up. Her favorite things about it remain “the people, diversity, sense of community, location and White Rose.” Among the double-thick rows crowded with serves and kicks and swings, Ms. Zdanowicz stands calm and poised on the beam, a piece of Highland Park history smiling down on all who stroll through Highland Park Athletics’ Hall of Champions.

LOOKING BACK The Fling revisits Highland Park High School in the 80s through the Albadome. (Above: Zdanowicz smiles for her Junior portrait; Right: caption sourced from 1987 Albadome.)

THE HIGHLAND FLING, DECEMBER 2014

SUPERWOMAN STRENGTH Zdanowicz practices her handstands in the high school gym, which was once outfitted with bars and beams.

sports PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Sam Guerrero Grade: Senior Sport: Wrestling

Name: Elisabeth Landis Grade: Junior Sport: Basketball Amiri Tulloch

William Chen

With the winter sports season swiftly approaching, Highland Park’s wrestling team is preparing for the 2014-15 season. Leading the way is Sam Guerrero ’15, who started wrestling just four years ago but has already become known as one of the better talents in the state. The Fling caught up with Guerrero to ask about his career, goals for 2014, and plans beyond the high school.

What is the vibe around the team this year?

When did you start wrestling, and why?

You have become known as one of the best high school wrestlers in the state. Did you ever imagine someone telling that to you four years ago?

I actually didn’t want to wrestle, my older brother made me. He forced me to go to the first practice my freshman year. Because I have bad ADHD and I’m always bouncing off walls, he thought I could use my energy to beat people up. He also knows I like physical sports. What do you enjoy most about wrestling? I enjoy having people come up to you after a good match or win. The discipline [in wrestling] is ridiculous – in a good way. Wrestling taught me how to take a loss, eat right, good sportsmanship, etc. Mostly throughout my life things were just given to me; I didn’t have to work for it. But when it comes to wrestling, I earned where I am at right now. I earned the medals and I earned the district champion title. Something else I enjoy in wrestling is that it is a one on one sport. It comes down to who worked harder and who wants it more.

We have a lot of kids coming from middle school and they are going to have a tough time this year, but I’m sure I will teach them everything I know. We are going to struggle, but I feel that towards the end [of the season] we are going have a strong team!

I’m not the best wrestler in the state [laugh], but I’m getting there. I would say I’m being recognized more and more. I just need to keep working hard towards a state championship. What area have you improved your game in the most? I think my most improved is my offense; I keep going for the shots I want. What are your athletic and/or academic plans for next year? I plan on going to Middlesex County College for two years, and then transferring to Rutgers. I definitely want to wrestle in college.

Regardless of the season, Elisabeth Landis is always active and pushing herself to get better at basketball. The Fling caught up with her to ask her about her basketball career. When did you start playing basketball, and why? I began to play basketball in the second grade and I chose to play basketball because I love to play all different kinds of sports. Does playing soccer help you on the basketball court? Yes, these two sports complement each other really well. To succeed in both sports, you need good field vision, quick decision making, and strong teamwork. Playing on the soccer team has definitely helped me improve at these things and play at a higher level on the basketball court. Which athlete do you look up to? I look up to Christie Rampone on the US Women’s National Soccer team because she is a great leader and one of the top defenders in the world. She is very hardworking and has great character and overall, she is just a great role model.

What is your favorite basketball move? My favorite basketball move would have to be the crossover, a change of direction move where you stop abruptly, switch the ball from one had to the other, and try to get past the defender. However, I pride myself more on my defense than on my crossover. How do you train for basketball? To train, I do a lot of running during soccer season and during the break between soccer and basketball season, I focus more on my basketball skills and overall fitness. During the summer, the girls’ basketball team participates in a summer league to keep our skills fresh. What are some of your goals for the team this upcoming season? I want the team to win the gold division and really be able to compete in the state tournament. We have a lot of great players returning and I hope to help the team in any way that I can.

What has been your most memorable wrestling moment as an Owl? My most memorable moment was definitely making it to the semifinals in Regions and getting the opponent on his back in the first couple of seconds. What is your training and practice schedule during the wrestling off-season? I go to a lot of wrestling tournaments over the summer. [Athletic Director] Craig Girvan and the Edison coach Scott Gurba have helped me tremendously. They saw the potential in me, and they didn’t hesitate to make me the best I can be. What are some of your personal goals for this season?

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My goal for this year is to make it to Atlantic City, baby.

DECEMBER 2014, THE HIGHLAND FLING

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