Image Courtesy of Elyse Shouldis
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COLT CHRONICLE • GRADUATION 2020 ISSUE
CONGRATS, SENIORS! On May 29, KHS teachers came together to deliver these signs to the graduating students
Miray Celikkol
Marina Hussain
Kelsey & Connor Thompson
Nina Santy
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COLT CHRONICLE • GRADUATION 2020 ISSUE
Carley Hall
Shelby Jones & (Senora) Jamely white
Daniella Rizzo
Caroline Balick
& Senora white
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School News
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COLT CHRONICLE • GRADUATION 2020 ISSUE
COLT CHRONICLE • TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION ISSUE
It’s Graduation Season, But the Class of 2020 Isn’t Celebrating
With the COVID-19 pandemic, the KHS graduating Class of 2020 is missing out on a lot By Kristen Matits, Staff Reporter The end of the school year is an exciting time for students and teachers alike, but more specifically seniors. However, due to the recent pandemic, the Class of 2020 is missing out on a lot. The last few weeks of high school are dreamt about by all seniors; this is the time when students come together and try to make the most of their time left at home. There are senior pranks, prom, graduation, and so much more. However, this year’s seniors will not get to participate in almost any of that. Many KHS seniors even missed out on the entirety of their last spring sports season of high school. Some of them will never play again. “I think it sucks because I had expectations for spring with track coming up and competing in states,” says senior Jabez Thomas. These athletes will never be honored at their high school senior night game. Students come together and spend weeks planning who’s on whose team for “senior assassins,” who is doing what for senior service, who is going where on senior skip day, and what the entire class is pulling as their senior prank.
Unfortunately, due to strict social distancing guidelines and quarantine, there will be none of that. “This senior year is far from ideal, and it is memorable, but not in a good way,” says senior James Kimberlin. Typically girls, in particular, get really excited to go to prom. They get dates, buy dresses, and book hair and makeup appointments, etc.; but many of them have paid for dresses they will never wear.
“I honestly can’t believe it was over before any of us knew it.”
Graduation is probably the most sentimental part of it all. Seniors decorate their caps with their dream school’s logo, parents get emotional looking at their babies dressed up in their caps and gowns, and students are finally handed a diploma for which they have spent 12 years working. The best part is when the graduates throw up their caps at the end of the ceremony when they are finally announced as the Class of 2020. However, many seniors around the world have missed out on this opportunity, and the seniors of KHS may have to do the same, at least in the traditional sense, as administration is still weighing its graduation ceremony options. “I honestly can’t believe it was over before any of us knew it. We had our last Friday all believing we were going to have a two-week break and then come back! I was honestly in need of the break but would have never wished for something like this,” says senior EmmaWarras.
Graphic from Clip Ink
The KHS community has done a wonderful job trying to make the best of the end of the year, but there is not much that will make up for the loss of highly-anticipated senior traditions. “I know they are trying their best to still make it fun, but it’s just very unfortunate that a goal we have all worked so hard for was taken from us,” says senior Savannah Herrington.
Class of 2020 design, inspired by the TV show, Friends.
How Will School Be Conducted Next Year?
After coronavirus is deemed under control, will kids stay home by choice or go back to school, risking the chance of catching the virus? By Sarah Brechner, Staff Reporter Right now in New Jersey, the coronavirus is spreading quickly. There were over 163,000 confirmed cases as of June 5. There could, in theory, be a lot more, as many people haven’t been tested yet. Even worse, over 12,000 deaths have been reported in the state.
Photo by Raquel Ospina Junior Autumn Fortunato continues to study for SATs online even with the possibility of not being able to take them.
Many parents and students are wondering when schools will reopen or what is going to happen with school next year. Scientists and reporters are saying that there will most likely be a second wave of the virus again in the fall.
With regard to the 2020-2021 school year, freshman Mikayla Smith says, “Online classes definitely [would be preferable] because it’s better for men-
tal health and reduces stress.” For some, this may be considered the smarter option because even after the pandemic is over, there will probably be people that still have the virus who are recovering, and if they come to school asymptomatic, they could spread it to others. Coronavirus spreads so quickly and it’s airborne, so if about 500 students go back in the fall and a few have the coronavirus, then a sizable portion of staff and students could contract coronavirus, too. Even students from other New Jersey schools are considering learning online for the next school year. Ewing High School student Rachel Gilbert said she’d rather “stay home” because “it’s safer and online school is working thus far.” Some colleges, like Marist, have already made the decision to open up this fall. Marist College said that there will most likely be a separate dorm set up for those who have the virus, and they would be quarantined in that dorm. Colleges have also said they will set up certain times that will be assigned to each student depending on their class schedules to keep an organized safe amount of students in the cafeteria.
COLT CHRONICLE • GRADUATION 2020 ISSUE
Opinion
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COLT CHRONICLE • TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION ISSUE
Editor’s Note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in Colt Chronicle’s opinion section belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views of Colt Chronicle staff, Kinnelon High School, or its students and staff members.
How Coronavirus has Affected the Senior Class of 2020 & Junior Class of 2021 The outbreak has, without a doubt, thrown a ratchet into the plans of all students, especially upperclassmen in high school By Andrew Noel, Staff Reporter The coronavirus pandemic has had an effect on almost everything in the world. Students, especially those who are upperclassmen, are no exception to this.
This, for the juniors, could not be further from the truth. Firstly, the SAT exams have been postponed until the fall. This delay will mean that some kids are forced to put very poor, or even no, SAT score on their CHRONICLE The first, and most glaring exampleCOLT of this, with the • GRADUATION 2020 ISSUE transcript. While some schools have said that they will class of 2020’s graduation, which, given the current waive students SAT scores, this is not the case for all world circumstances, is impossible to have. The other schools; most school waiving scores are on the West obvious thing taken away from the seniors is (at least Coast, meaning that very few Kinnelon students are in Kinnelon) is senior service. Finally, a less obvious likely to benefit from these changes. activity the seniors won’t be able to enjoy this year is the Dorney Park field trip, and given that this is In addition, juniors will have to wait to receive their the only class-wide trip offered at KHS, it means that licenses, as they cannot take the driving test. This some seniors will go their entire high school career means that, at least in the first half of the 2020-21 without having a single field trip which, world panschool year, almost no seniors will be able to drive. demics aside, is an absolute joke. These are things that This could lead to overcrowded buses, and not havthe seniors worked very hard for, and them not being ing enough bus drivers. This, ,again, is a ripple of the to experience these things is certainly unfair; however, coronavirus outbreak that could, and likely will be, at the end of the day, it is no doubt the right decision. felt for years to come. While it is sad that seniors won’t be able to experience many things that come with being a high school senior, one must remember that having none of the previously mentioned activities will have absolutely no effect on the seniors’ academic career.
Lastly, and perhaps most profoundly, the coronavirus pandemic has greatly affected teachers. Most of them now need to balance raising young children with the day-to-day life of being a teacher. It is
Photo Courtesy of Jessica Lewis (Upsplash) Similar to what is seen in the picture, teachers often need to balance grading papers and making lesson plans with helping their own children with homework.
On behalf of the Colt Chronicle staff: Congratulations to the Class of 2020 on their graduation!
hard enough to do these jobs separately, and at different times, so one can imagine the struggle of doing both at the same time. To be honest, it is surprising that teachers, who can afford it, have not quit their jobs during this pandemic. If they are not comfortable teaching through a computer screen, and have to worry about raising young children, and have enough money in the bank to afford it, I honestly don’t see why they wouldn’t quit until the pandemic has concluded. There is no doubt that this pandemic has affected everyone. This is most obvious with teachers, who need to balance raising young children and teaching through a computer screen, the senior class of 2020 when one sees how many activities they are going to miss out on, and on the junior class of 2021 when one sees how the college application and drivers’ license processes have been affected.
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Opinion
COLT CHRONICLE • GRADUATION 2020 ISSUE
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COLT CHRONICLE • TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION ISSUE
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
Although this year’s graduation ceremonies will be far from traditional, students and staff are continuing to make the best of the situation by celebrating in a safe manner.
Regardless of Platform, New Jersey Schools Acknowledge the Importance of Graduation Ceremonies How are schools coping with graduation ceremonies, despite COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines? By Colt Chronicle Editorial Staff
As of now, Kinnelon High School is set to hold a live, in-person graduation ceremony on July 8. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy plans on raising the maximum number of people allowed at outdoor gatherings to 500 on July 6, which would allow this type of graduation ceremony to occur. There has been great support within the KHS community for an in-person graduation that preserves the spirit of togetherness.
tinues, “Mr. [Richard] Hayzler, principal at PTHS, has gone above and beyond to make this a memorable time for the class of 2020.” In addition to the modified graduation ceremony and video, the PTHS staff delivered lawn signs and senior T-shirts to the graduating class. The community itself took part by putting together care packages during the ‘Adopt a Senior’ project to further show gratitude to the high school graduates.
Principal Gary Suda said, “Our seniors have communicated all along that they would like to graduate together as a class and that a July ceremony would be worth the wait.” There is still little certainty about how exactly the graduation ceremony will occur, with four different plans still being weighed, but all of the options currently considered will take place outdoors and at KHS. Regardless of which option is chosen, the graduation ceremony is sure to pleasantly mark an end to the seniors’ high school career and allow them the closure that a ceremony provides to begin their path beyond high school.
While a virtual ceremony is not what seniors pictured while imagining their graduations, Pequannock’s hybrid still provides the opportunity for traditional on-campus photos. Additionally, relatives like grandparents and family members serving in the military who would not be able to make an in-person ceremony will be able to participate virtually like everyone else.
A town over, Pequannock Township High School is implementing a partially virtual graduation for their senior class. “Each student comes in [to the school auditorium] with their parents/guardians for pictures and videos as they walk across the stage and turn their tassels,” says Amy Tabakman, PTHS secretary and graduation organizer. “Our principal will announce their name and this will be put together on video. There will also be a slide show presented along with the graduation footage.” All of the separate videos of each senior will be compiled into a single video. This way, the school is able to continue with graduation and honor their seniors while following social distancing regulations. Tabakman con-
West Milford High School has also found a way to host graduation for the class of 2020. The ceremony will be held at the Warwick Drive-in on June 18, where students and their families will be spread out in their cars across the area (as per social distancing guidelines) for a virtually-screened graduation. “The graduation ceremony was a collective idea between the administrative staff and superintendent,” says WMHS Principal Matthew Strianse. “We [the staff] wanted to do something special for the seniors.” Most students and parents have reacted positively to this virtual graduation. “When we first sent the idea out, probably over a month ago, I emailed it to the seniors through Google Classroom because I felt that they should be the first to know,” says Strianse. “Later that afternoon, I sent an email to the parents, and they were all very thankful and excited about it.” Faculty members were equally as enthusiastic about the ceremony. “They were super excited that we would be
able to do something to give back to the kids,” says Strianse. In addition, the faculty will also be able to participate in the ceremony. “The staff’s biggest thing was ‘can we come?’ but the hardest issue with the ceremony is meeting the audience capacity and the social distancing protocols,” says Strianse. “So, what they [the staff] are going to do is they are going to be stationed along the route to the drive-in with signs cheering the kids on.” Despite the COVID pandemic, graduation ceremonies for the class of 2020 are important for the seniors. “It’s important for them to have a graduation that’s more than just a quick virtual ceremony. It’s a nice way to cap off the student’s senior year since they lost a lot of it,” says Strianse. Despite being constrained by the new COVID-19 pandemic guidelines, the West Milford High School continues to show their love and support for the senior class of 2020. Like Strianse said, the seniors have had much of their final-and arguably most memorable-year of high school stripped away from them. As such, by having a graduation that brings everyone together safely and responsibly, the seniors can put a clear end to this chapter in their life. With the school staff enthusiastically participating and cheering on the seniors as well, this 2020 graduation is sure to be a memorable one for West Milford’s graduating class. Whatever town it may be, all schools share the similar belief that this graduation, despite the gloom of the COVID-19 pandemic, should be a memorable one for not only the seniors, but also all the staff, family, and community members.
Arts & Entertainment
COLT CHRONICLE • GRADUATION 2020 ISSUE
TOP 3 NETFLIX SHOWS ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL LIFE Does graduation have you reminiscing about your high school experience? Then, here are some perfect shows to check out! By Ellis Nuñez, Staff Reporter Quarantine and social distancing regulations have been providing people with more time than they know what to do with. While it may have made everyone stir crazy, that does not mean it has to be boring. All this free time means more time to binge-watch good shows. Viewers can escape reality and enjoy a life different from their own right here with these shows, all available on Netflix.
Outer Banks
Set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Outer Banks is an action packed, emotional rollercoaster of a show. It follows two teen groups in very different social classes. The Pogues and the Kooks are not only separated by where they live, but how they live. The less fortunate Pogues live in the Cut and are looked down upon by the wealthy Kooks who live in Figure Eight. Tensions rise as the Pogues, led by John B. Stokes, race to try and find out what happened to their leader’s father while crossing paths with the more hostile Kooks. Along the way, they discover the possibility of there being treasure tied to John’s father. Outer Banks may be a show based on teenagers, but it also manages to shed a light on the issues brought on by the dichotomy of the rich and poor classes.
Image courtesy of Netflix
Never Have I Ever
In this coming-of-age show, Devi Vishwakumar, a 15-year-old Indian American girl, is set on changing her social status at school. Having had the worst freshman year, Devi is determined to start sophomore year fresh. This does not come easy for her though, as she has to deal with friends, family, and her feelings, all while coping with the recent loss of her father. With all of this stacked against her, how ever does she plan on climbing up the social ladder? Watch as Devi falls for her school crush, avoids her nemesis, and deals with her best friends all while trying to navigate through sophomore year unscathed.
Image courtesy of Netflix
On My Block
On My Block is a show about a diverse group of friends, Cesar Diaz, Ruby Martinez, Monse Finnie, and Jamal Turner, as they go through life in their neighbourhood in Los Angeles. Together they face problems like gangs who roam the streets, friendships that turn into romances, and money that may or may not be buried somewhere in their town. On My Block is a comedic show with a dash of seriousness. It is light-hearted, but also finds a way to speak about issues facing minority groups in the real world. The show will have you at the edge of your seat. It will have you crying your eyes out one minute, and then laughing your heart out the next.
Image courtesy of Netflix
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ROCKIN’ GRADUATION What songs to listen to at graduation and why By Eva Breiterman, Staff Reporter 1. “Hey Look Ma, I Made It” by Panic! At The Disco Start off the rest of your life with this feel good song By Panic! At The Disco. The song’s title speaks for itself, as the singer/songwriter Brendon Urie sings about making it and achieving his dreams. This song will make you want to get up and celebrate graduating and beginning a new chapter in your life. 2. “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake This song by Justin Timberlake is really one to dance to. The song’s major key and fun lyrics will inspire anyone who listens to it to get up and dance because they just, “can’t stop the feeling.” Graduating high school can create a plethora of emotions that words can’t always describe, so why not show how you feel by dancing to this track along with JT? 3. “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors This song by American Authors will really get you in the graduating spirit. Its catchy melody and memorable lyrics will get the listener in the mood to jump with joy. Its title exactly describes how the listener, especially if they just graduated, would feel. “This is gonna be the best day of my life / My life”. So get up out of your seat and sing along, because graduation day is going to be the best day of your life. 4. “Longshot” by Catfish and The Bottlemen This anthem is about having all the hard work you put in over the years finally pay off. As you celebrate your graduation and go off to college, this sentiment will be mirrored by the lyrics, “Listen, the distance between us, could’ve took a while / Once we closed that difference, you turn up like a friend of mine / Every once in a while, the little things make me smile / As if one of our longshots paid off.” 5. “Long Live” by Taylor Swift This song reflects on looking back on the achievements and moments you’ve had and is a perfect song for reflecting on your life . As you age, and look back on the moment you received your diploma, you will say “long live” to one of your best memories. “Will you take a moment / Promise me this / That you’ll stand by me forever.” 6. “Into the Unknown” by Brendon Urie Originally sung by Idina Mendzel, this song is quite the character. From the powerful voice that Urie uses to the captivating beat in the background this song is sure to prepare you to go into the unknown and leave for your new life as an adult. 7. “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic Graduation tends to be a bittersweet moment in life. You get to move towards your dreams but also have to leave everything you know behind. This song by OneRepublic sheds a light on figuring out what the next step in life is, and as you receive your diploma and you graduate high school, you yourself may have to figure out where you want to go. 8. “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus The lyrics emphasize the feelings and the guts it takes to complete a hard task and the amazing feeling that someone gets when they finally reach their goal. This song is the best to play on your graduation day because it will motivate you and your friends to take a stand in life. 9. “We are Young” by Fun ft. Janelle Monae The song’s lyrics are memorable and the beat just makes you want to stomp your feet to the drums that pull this song together flawlessly. The title of the song expresses the feeling that the song captures: the idea of living while you’re young and free, especially now that you’ve graduated. 10. “It’s My life” by Bon Jovi The song title says it all. This song by rock star, Jon Bon Jovi is full of awesome guitar and synth chords to get you pumped. To top it all off, the lyrics are as rebellious as the rock star who wrote them. “I just wanna live while I’m alive, It’s my life.” This anthem’s meaning speaks to all seniors who are ready to get out into the world, so go and sing it loud with your friends while you go and live because it’s your life!
Featu
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OH THE PLACE
Destinations for the
By Ethan Burt, Sports Adam Warnek- Undecided Aidan Galione– Marist College Alessio Mennonna – Berklee College of Music Alexa Amantea – The College of New Jersey Alexa Giacoio – The College of New Jersey Alexandra Bjornson – Loyola University of Maryland Alicia Barrett – Gap Year Allison Braden – College of Charleston Allison Sienicki – University of Tennessee Ally Braden – College of Charleston Allyson Martini – University of Rhode Island Alyssa Benzija – University of Scranton Amanda Filippini – Rowan University Amanda Sienicki – University of South Carolina
Astrid Gelfand – Pace University - NYC Campus Ava Barbaris – Colorado State University Benjamin Waalberg – Paul Smiths College Brianna Rodriguez – Montclair State University Brooke Jacko – The University of Arizona Caitlyn James – Purdue University Carly Manoogian –University of Rhode Island Caroline Balick –Dartmouth College Carter Lazarski – University of Tampa Cayla Turko – Rutgers University Chris Kosco – County College of Morris Chris T. Metz –Stockton University Claudia Rzeszutko – Rutgers University Connor LaPenna – The College of New Jersey
Edward Brown - University of North CarolinaAsheville Elisabella Ricca – Rutgers University Elyse Shouldis – The University of Tennessee Emily Mendoza – County College of Morris Emily Petruccelli – Columbia University Emma Whittemore – Smith College Emma Yeatman – Baylor University Emmanuel Mena – Lincoln Tech Erin Ahart – Fairleigh Dickinson University Ethan Harriz – Drexel University Faith Filippini – The University of Alabama Faiz Shaikh – Stockton University Francesca Tejeda – East Stroudsburg University Garrett Brindle – Rochester Institute of Tech-
Amanda Vecharello – Montclair State University Amelia Harriz – Maryland Institute College of
Connor Morris – Rice University Connor Thompson – Marist College Dan Shanahan Wentworth – Institute of Tech-
nology Grace Goldberg – Hamilton College Graeme Carroll – Bucknell University
Art Amna Pasha –Virginia Tech Angelina Moore – The College of William & Mary Angelo Torsiello – University of North Carolina Wilmington Anna Santy – Rutgers University Anthony – Rowan University Anthony Torsiello – University Of Tampa Ashley Salek – Rutgers University Ashley Sienicki – Auburn University Ashley Verma – Clemson University
nology Daniel Cavallo – Rutgers University Daniel Curran – Saint Thomas Aquinas College Daniela –County College of Morris Daniella Rizzo – Brandeis University Danielle Stitzel – Florida State University Danny Coastal – Carolina University Dante Giordano – County College of Morris David Sico – Trade School Dayanara Ventura – Montclair State University Derek Fitzgerald –Rowan University
Hannah Richman – University of Tennesee Hayden Hishmeh –Northeastern University Jack Eng –Undecided Jack Firestone – U.S. Marines Jack Lazarus – The College of New Jersey James Kimberlin – The University of Delaware James Minardi – Northeastern University Jeanette Baldisserotto – County College of Morris Jeff Marchesano – William Paterson Joseph Grippo – Stevens Institute of Technology
ures
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ES YOU’LL GO...
e KHS Class of 2020*
s and Features Editor Julia Caci – Duke University Julia Poorman – University of Colorado Boulder Julia Titolo – Quinnipiac University Justin Lockwood – Wesleyan University Justin McKeon – The College of New Jersey Justine Gabriele – Montclair State University Katherine Quinn – County College of Morris kayla Iozzi – Monmouth University Kaylene Munem – University of South Florida Kelsey Thompson – Lehigh University Kristen Matits – Fairfield University Lauren Diaz – University of Wisconsin Madison Lilah Roberts – La Salle University
Nicole Friedman – Rutgers University Nicole Marino – Montclair State University Nikolai Devadan – West Virginia University Nina Santy – University of Michigan Nolin Nguyen – County College of Morris Noreen Abedrabbo – Caldwell university Parthiv Reddy – Purdue University Paul Schrope – County College of Morris Pierce Harriz – Seattle University Reilly Nelson – Plymouth State University Ricky Daniele – Ramapo College Ritaj Abedrabbo – Montclair State University Saray Mena – Montclair State University Savannah Herrington – Bridgewater State University
Logan Buck – Montclair State University Louis Colaiacovo – University of Miami Louis Coppa – Clemson university
Scott Haupt – Rowan University Shane Morse –Fairleigh Dickinson University Shaniya Notay – Pennsylvania State University
Luca Boillat – Boston University Marc Gadaleta – University of Pittsburgh Marina Hussain – Boston University Matt Koscelniak – West Virginia Maya Tharby – University of Florida Melissa Gardner – County College of Morris Michael Dunn – Rowan University Michael Giannella –Penn State Abington Miray Celikkol - Pratt Institute Morgan Festa – Universtiy of New Hampshire Nick Matthew – Delaware Valley University Nicole Calabrese – Quinnipiac University
Shayaan Khiljee – Fordham University Shelby Jones – University of Connecticut Shelby Mainiero – Arcadia University Sophia LaBanca – University of Denver Spencer Rode – Northeastern University Tara Levine – Rutgers University Tara Rozell – County College of Morris Tayler Brobeck – University of Delaware Thomas Baker – Syracuse University William Cardone – American University Willow Vaitovas – Ramapo College of New Jersey
Michael Hasselmann – Rutgers University Jared Fatzer – Community college of Morris Rocco Damiano – Fairleigh Dickinson Chris DiRubba – SUNY Oswego Caden Giordano – County College of Morris Brian Haines – Rutgers University Michael Hasselmann – Rutgers University Troy Kane –University of Vermont
Congratulations Class of 2020! *Editors Note: The map and information on these pages were compiled based on the senior survey that was emailed to the senior class. Colt Chronicle does not take responsibility for erroneous or missing information.
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Features
COLT CHRONICLE • GRADUATION 2020 ISSUE
Jack Firestone and His Future as a Marine Firestone discusses his path to joining the United States Marines, how COVID-19 has affected his life and his advice for next year’s KHS students By Mikayla Smith, Features Editor Jack Firestone, a senior at Kinnelon High School, has to prepare for the future as much as every other student, only his plans vary greatly from many of his peers. Mikayla Smith: After graduation, what are your plans for the future? Is there anything in specific you feel particularly passionate about?
JF: Try to live. Experience every single moment possible your senior year, because it goes by quick. And for the freshman, I’d probably say just get through your freshman year as quickly as possible, because it [isn’t] fun.
Jack Firestone: I will be heading to Paris Island, South Carolina, for basic training for the Marines. I feel passionate about my country and my flag. MS: Have you always wanted to pursue that path? If so, what did you do to make it happen? JF: Probably since I was four, I kind of knew that I was going to enlist into the military, but didn’t know which branch until my senior year. I went to my recruiter and had a conversation and then signed my enlistment papers. MS: How has COVID-19 affected your plans? JF: [It hasn’t] just because Marines are always having to adapt and overcome things, because life never usually goes to plan. MS: Is there anything you would have changed about your high school career? JF: I would have definitely applied myself more when it came to school, because school was almost in hindrance for my time at school, because I was definitely not the best student. MS: With everything going on due to COVID-19, what experiences have you missed? Do you think they can ever be made up for in the future? JF: I definitely missed seeing the teachers and fellow classmates everyday, because COVID-19 took away [my] social life for a few months. I don’t believe it could be made up, but you never know. MS: What advice, if any, do you have for incoming seniors? What about freshmen?
Photo courtesy of Jack Firestone
Jack Firestone poses in front of the Marine’s flag.
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World & Local News
COLT CHRONICLE • COVID-1 ISSUE
COULD COVID-19 BRING AN END TO PUBLIC CINEMAS?
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By Max Schmalz, Staff Reporter
@KColtChronicle CORONAVIRUS CHANGES COLLEGE ADMISSIONS Theaters remains empty during the shutdown, and possibly longer.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused many public places to close, causing major damage to many entertainment-related businesses like restaurants, and theme; but movie theaters may have it the worst. There’s no question that going to the movies is a very public experience, and with social distancing guidelines, it’s no question that these theaters would be closed. This closing of indoor cinemas has led to a semi-comeback of drive-in movies right here in New Jersey, such as Berkeley Township, Brick Township, Jackson Township, Hillsdale, and Northvale. Countless films have been delayed due to the closing of theaters as well. Some of these include Disney’s Soul, Disney’s live-action Mulan, and A Quiet Place 2. This brings us to the step in the downfall of movie theaters; they are losing profit. Forbes reported that AMC, the largest theater chain in the world, was worth $4.9 billion. Rumors of the chain filing for bankruptcy have been prevalent in the past few weeks. The second catalyst for the downfall of theaters is the new practice of releasing theater films on at-home streaming services such as Disney+ or YouTube. While this isn’t so commonplace yet, a notable example of this is Trolls: World Tour which released exclusively online for $19.99, skipping theaters entirely. The biggest part of this uncommon release is it worked out well. In just three weeks,
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
Trolls: World Tour made nearly $100 million in digital sales alone, according to The Verge. The final blow to break the movie theater industry is simply convenience, especially for movies like Trolls: World tour, where the targeted audience is families with small children. Going to the movies is definitely pricey, especially in recent years. For this example, let’s imagine a family of four with two young children going to see a movie. For children ages 2-12, AMC sets their ticket price at $10.69 each. For two parents, that’s $13.69 each. That’s already at least $48.76 for tickets alone. A medium popcorn at AMC is about $8 dollars. Drinks for the family? That’ll be at least $5 for a small, each. This brings the total to well over $75, not to mention the hassle of rowdy kids and finding seats.
By Zainab Kabir, Staff Reporter COVID-19 has changed almost everything for everyone. It has cancelled major events, shut down schools and colleges, and put states in lockdowns. One of the major things that it has done is change the way colleges are admitting new freshmen for the 2021-2022 year. Many of the SAT and ACT tests that many colleges require have been canceled, which is now causing many colleges to become test-optional schools. Test-optional colleges have been around for the longest time. Only a few schools a year have become test-optional, but due to the worldwide pandemic, colleges are rapidly becoming test-optional. Nothing else about college administration has changed yet, but as time continues and as the pandemic continues, who knows what else will change for college admissions.
Test-Optional Colleges and Universities in the Northeast
Now compare that to an at-home viewing of Trolls: World Tour. No ticket price, only a $20 rental fee, less than half of the price of the combined tickets.
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Adelphi College (New York)
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Boston Unviersity (Massachusettes)
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Clarion University (Pennsylvania)
A 12-pack of Pop Secret Movie Popcorn is only about $5, compared to the one, $8 medium popcorn. Even better, a two-liter Coke is only about $2 at the grocery store.
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College of New Jersey/TCNJ (New Jersey)
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Drew University (New Jersey)
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Kean University (New Jersey)
The at-home aspect gives the freedom of pausing, making more popcorn, bathroom breaks, and general disruptions are no longer a problem with the push of a button. An at-home viewing is about $27, compared to the over $75 theater viewing.
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Kutztown University (Pennsylvania)
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Lincoln University (Pennsylvania)
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Mansfield University (Pennsylvania)
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Marymount Manhattan College (New York)
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Millersville University (Pennsylvania – previously test-optional only for local applicants)
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Montclair State University (New Jersey)
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New York University (New York)
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Rowan University (New Jersey)
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Saint Vincent College (Pennsylvania)
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St. Thomas Aquinas College (New York)
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Thiel College (Pennsylvania)
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Vassar College (New York)
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Westminster College (Pennsylvania)
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For a more complete list, visit https://www.fairtest.org/university/optional
Sports
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COLT CHRONICLE • GRADUATION 2020 ISSUE
THE FUTURE OF HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS How schools across the country prepare for the trickling effects of COVID-19 By Michael Lally, Sports Editor For as long as today’s high schoolers have known it, high school football has been a tradition like no other: Friday night lights and the stands packed for the weekly event. However, this typical reality may only be a dream for 2020 athletes, as decisions by Gov. Phil Murphy hinted at a late start to the school year, which could entail a delayed, or canceled, 2020 fall season. This cancelation could lead to lingering effects for years to come. Guidelines stated by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), holds three phases for return: 1. Teams must disinfect the ball after every play/touch. 2. A maximum of 50 players for social distancing is allowed. 3. Loosened restrictions, but any player with a fever or cold symptoms within the past 24 hours cannot participate in team activities.
This statement is rather alarming to many student athletes, as this could very well put the high risk, and possibly mid-risk sports in great danger of not returning. One sliver of hope can be seen in Ohio, as the “no-contact clause” that was put in place was lifted for low-risk sports as early as May 26. Rumors have spread that New Jersey may follow in Ohio’s footsteps shortly after their decision, which could truly give us the hope we need for our return to normalcy. What does this mean for the future of high school sports? That is currently unknown, but what is known is that if anyone wants to have fall sports in the future, they must follow the instructions given by Gov. Murphy alongside the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
What this means for high school sports is difficult to comprehend, as many sports require different accommodations in order to return safely. Sports like football, boys lacrosse, wrestling, and cheerleading were deemed as high-risk sports, and have a lower chance to return to play. Mid-risk sports were listed as follows: baseball, softball, basketball and volleyball. Mid/lower risked sports are able to return at a shorter timetable compared to that of a high-risk sport due to the low conflict it has with the phases. Thirdly, sports such as swimming, golf, running events, and throwing events were considered low-risk, and have the highest chance to return to play in the 2020-2021 high school season. A member of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) spoke about the matter: “It is going to be difficult for sports that require ball-handling skills to be played based on the NFHS guidelines.”
The Colt Chronicle 2019-2020 Editorial Board Camille Balo - Editor In Chief, STEM Editor Nina Santy & Julia Hackney - Managing Editors Emily Mazurkiewicz & Will Cappello- Opinion Editors Gabriella Avagyan & McKayla Coppla - Arts and Entertainment Editors Juilia Hackney & Alex Garcia- Local/World News Editors Juliana Marston & Daniel Yu - School News Editors Ethan Burt & Mikayla Smith - Features Editors Ethan Burt & Michael Lally - Sports Editors Abeeha Zaidi & Kristen Mattis - Layout Designers