Are Americans capable?
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Was denying access the right move?
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River Dell Students Prepare To Delight At Winter Concert
by Yuna Hiura
Source: Ms. McGinley
Music possesses a distinctive ability to capture the essence of the holiday season, and River Dell’s 2024 Winter concert promises to enchant its audience with performances that are nothing short of euphonic virtuosity. From the syncopated swing of band ensembles to the raw, unaccompanied voices of a cappella singers, each piece holds a symphony of delights you would not want to miss. Students have poured passion and countless hours into perfecting for this moment. But what should spectators anticipate witnessing? What compositions will you recognize, as well as be introduced to? Get ready to open your ears (and hearts) for the latest musical sensation River Dell has to offer!
River Dell’s marching band will commence the concert with engaging performances of the beloved “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” (arranged by Jerry Burns), Leroy Anderson’s festive “Sleigh Ride”, and Igor Stravinksy’s theatrical “Firebird Suite.” An essen
tial addition to any holiday playlist, “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”—originally performed by Vaughn Monroe—promises to spark joy as the marching band sets the tone for an exhilarating performance. Following this, the classic “Sleigh Ride” will captivate seasonal music enthusiasts, heightening the festive atmosphere. To conclude, “Firebird Suite,” though less familiar to many, is sure to enthrall with its intricate melodies and powerful dynamics. This breathtaking piece will leave a memorable impression, ensuring the performance lingers in the hearts of the audience long after the final note.
The concert choir has prepared a captivating selection of pieces, showcasing a diverse blend of styles and moods. The program includes the somber and tranquil “Autumn” by Ola Gjeilo, a composition that poetically captures the serene transition into Norway’s fall season, embodying the beauty of nature’s ever-changing land-
scapes. Accompanied by piano, this piece blankets the audience in harmonies and captivating imagery. The choir will also perform Joe Beal and Jim
Boothe’s “Jingle Bell Rock” (originally by Bobby Helms), reimagined in a dazzling a cappella arrangement by Bryan Sharpe, enhanced only by the delicate jingling of sleigh bells. The set continues with “From the Start” by the up-and-coming star Laufey, arranged by Michele Weir. This modern pop-jazz fusion offers a charming, jazzy twist that bewitches audiences with its sophisticated blend of contemporary and classical elements. “The Journey,” arranged by Joseph M. Martin, also delivers a masterful fusion, this time of the holiday classic “Simple Gifts” and “Going Home” (the theme from Dvořák’s “New World Symphony”). This powerful arrangement will be enriched by the partnership of piano and a lyrical violin accompaniment. Finally, the concert choir program concludes with Dan Forrest’s “Shalom”, performed in collaboration with the select choir. This elegant and serene work, embodying themes of peace and unity, provides a satisfying con-
Peer Leadership Decks The Halls
by Parnika Thota
ors, Christmas themed designs, snowflakes, candy canes, snowmen and more. The volunteer decorators opted for many different designs and patterns for the doors. Consequently, there was a creative variation of decorations across the school. Some doors had themes, some had designs specific to the classroom, some connected one class to another, and some made big winter-themed pieces and decorated around them. It was a very memorable experience for many as students sat around with their friends working on their decorations on a Saturday night. Sophomore Delilah
Recio recalls, “It was a nice way to spend some down time in school with friends.” Another sophomore, Sophia Michels, adds that one of the highlights was, “making new friends with people in school we’ve never met before. Now, we all say hello and chat in the hallways.”It was an admirable sight to see the students of our school, working on doing someone special for their school and staff.
Students and staff alike are enjoying the results. Ms. Maczuga shared,“Coming to school and seeing all of the doors that first moring really brightened my day and helped bring out my holiday spirit! They all look so
clusion to the performance, leaving the audience with a sense of closure and reflecti on.
The concert band has also curated a diverse repertoire that swears to engage audience members: “Brazilian Bell Carol” arranged by Robert W. Smith, Gavin Lendt’s “Winterscape”, “The Mountain” by Paul O’Neil and John Olivia (orchestrated by Bob Phillips and George Megaw), and Rob Romeyn’s “Apollo: Myth and Legend”. “Brazilian Bell Carol” reinvents the beloved “Carol of the Bells” with a percussive twist that sways with rhythm and groove. In contrast, “Winterscape” transports listeners to a nostalgic winter wonderland, intertwining multiple cherished Christmas melodies accompanied by Santa’s sleighbells to produce a heartwarming, vivid soundscape. Meanwhile, “The Mountain” sets the air with suspense; the swift dynamics and tempo shifts summon the sensation of scaling treacherous heights, leaving listeners perched on the edge of their seats. Lastly, “Apollo: Myth and Legend” demonstrates the magnificence of mythic storytelling through music, utilizing dramatic flair and emotional depth to its advantage.
River Dell’s student-led a cappella group, Hawkapella, will take the stage with their performance of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground”, as well as “Remembering Decembers” by Pinkzebra. “Higher Ground” is a spiritual song that conveys religious relationships. On the other hand, “Remembering Decembers” is a secular song, comforting listeners with nostalgia on past win-
festive, but I especially love my door!” The Peer Leadership Program, in parntership with the SGO,played a huge role in creating this event and bringing it to the students. From planning, to advertising, to preparing materials, drinks, and food for the volunteers. Members of the Interact Club and even some students from the middle school joined in.The Peer Leadership Program carried out a fantastic and memorable night.
ter memories. Though in comparison they will not be singing as many songs, their pure vocal harmonies will still leave the audience stunned.
The select choir will bring the winter concert to a memorable close with their performances of “Winter Lullaby (little Dear-my-Soul)” by Luke Flynn, featuring lyrics from Eugene Field; James Eakin III’s evocative “Calling from Afar”; Randy Jordan’s “The Woods (Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening)”, set to Robert Frost’s timeless poetry; and Jacob Narverud’s uplifting “Ad Astra (To the Stars...)”. “Winter Lullaby” showcases delicate choral harmonies set to Eugene Field’s famed poem Christmas Eve, with its luxuriant melodies designed to gently lull listeners. In contrast, “Calling from Afar” is a hauntingly powerful composition that delves into a cosmic soundscape of textures and dynamics. Inspired by the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, this modern piece invites the audience to reflect on the profound mysteries of the universe. “The Woods”, accompanied by piano and cello, vividly stimulates a serene, snow-covered landscape to the mind. The piece’s meticulous attention to detail ensures a captivating and immersive experience for the audience. Finally, “Ad Astra” provides a breathtakingly motivational conclusion, radiating a sense of empowerment and leaving listeners inspired as the concert draws to a close.
The magic happens Thursday, December 19th at 7:00 pm.
Best wishes to all involved with the performance!
December 7th, 2024, the students of RD decorated the doors of their teachers classrooms. Across all floors and sections of the school, the classroom doors are filled with vibrant col-
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with an editorial idea or a response to something you’ve read.
We Can Talk Politics Civilly In My AP US History Class. Why Can’t America?
by Audrey Cho
On November 5th, my AP US History teacher gathered our class around and told us we were going to have a debate on the presidential election.
It was surprising to some of us. The presidential election, specifically this election, was one of the most controversial current events we could think of. And besides, how would it be possible for a roomful of teenagers to have a “civil” debate on politics when America itself was more divided than possibly ever before? The country is currently split in half into two sides that only have one thing in common: they are both extreme. I already knew that some of my classmates held some of these extreme opinions themselves. How were we going to do this when our entire nation was polarized?
At first, I thought that our teacher would at least set some parameters for the debate. However, to everyone’s surprise, he began the debate without any real rules. I sat back in my chair and waited for chaos to ensue. Even if people did not argue over the candidates themselves, they were sure to argue about the positions in certain issues that these politicians so closely associate themselves with.
The debate began with a quick discussion of the candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, and overviews of each of their policies. As expected, the conversation quickly turned to the first issue at hand: abortion. Just as I had predicted, the room was largely divided. While some students felt that abortion should be illegal, others believed strongly that it was necessary and that it was wrong for the government to have that kind of control over women’s bodies.
This specific smaller debate went on for a while, with both sides pingponging back and forth over their beliefs and how they fit into the controversial issue of abortion. I contributed as well, trying to argue civilly but strongly. I noted that my
Raise
classmates were also doing an incredible job of speaking peacefully and civilly. Phrases like “I understand your point, but” and “Personally, I think that” were tossed around the room often.
The next topic that came up was both candidates’ abilities to hold the presidency well. Some people felt that Kamala Harris would have done a better job in office than Trump, while others felt that Trump would have done better than Harris. However, most felt that neither candidate was an ideal pick for the presidency. I think that throughout this part of the debate, what kept us together as a unified group was the fact that most of us were not very extreme in our personal support of the candidates themselves; it was more the candidates’ policies that we felt strongly about.
However, when the conversation was brought back to policy, the students in my class once again had differing opinions. We talked about immigration next. I wondered about where this conversation would go. My class is pretty diverse, and while it has a lot of white students, a good portion of the class is a race other than white, and some students even immigrated to America themselves.
I was happily surprised, though, to find that while some opinions did differ about this topic, there was nothing that came out of anyone’s mouth that would be considered offensive, overly fearful, or hateful. The debate continued to run very smoothly.
The debate went on like this, as you can probably imagine, for the next forty minutes. While I participated heavily in the debate, I couldn’t help spending a lot of the time wondering why it was so respectful and peaceful. Everyone was respecting each other’s opinions, even though those opinions often differed from their own. The amount of daily hate speech, hurtful criticisms of opposing par-
America as a whole is exponential and very serious to the health of our democracy. If even a bunch of teenagers who are hungry during the last period before lunchtime can have a well-informed and calm political debate, the following question must be posed: what are American adults – regular citizens and politicians alike – doing wrong?
I came home and compared the notes I had taken on my class debate to my knowledge of the presidential candidates and recent events that have been sparked by polarized opinions. Here’s what I found.
While there were not any specific rules outlined by my AP US History teacher during our hour of discussion, he did make sure to silence everyone when things started to get loud, which they did. Especially in the back of the room, where they were less likely to be stopped and quieted, people with strong political opinions started to have side conversations and loudly share their own opinions. My teacher put a stop to this every time it occurred and continued the main class-wide debate. I believe part of the reason why America is so torn apart right now comes down to one simple factor: we are not listening.
Listening to each other, although it will likely not change our already-solidified political opinions, is valuable because it humbles both sides. If we all take even a moment to listen to our “enemies” – to hear
ly thank them for sharing their thoughts – our entire nation might be different.
Listening is hard. Especially in today’s digital age, social media shows people only what they want to see. This was another thing that was talked about during our debate. It is harder for people today to discuss controversial things like the 2024 presidential election. If we are so used to seeing news skewed only to our opinions on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, how would we expect ourselves to suddenly listen to each other in person? In my opinion, spending less time scrolling on social media and more time deliberately searching for news with a slant that we may not like is the way to train ourselves how to better listen to others in person.
However, the debate also gave me hope for the future. If so many young people, like myself and my classmates, are able to hold a civil and cordial debate about politics, yet we are also well-informed on most of the topics that permeate our nation, I believe that America will be in good hands in years to come. As we grow up into adults, though, we cannot lose our “APUSH student mentality” and start to separate into polarized groups once our discussions are no longer facilitated and monitored by teachers. We must keep behaving how we behave now: respectful but strong, polite but secure, and peaceful but passionate.
Awareness With The Great American Smokeout: Why Taking The Pledge For A Healthier Future Matters
by Sophie Gang
with people vaping in between or during classes. Some vapers hide out alone in a stall, while others come in groups and take turns vaping. Vaping and e-cigarettes
have become increasingly popular among teens following the decline of traditional cigarettes. Smoking is no longer a rebellious, cool habit that movies portray it to be. The tide has now shifted toward fruity flavors, colorful packaging, and customizable nicotine concentrations.
Smoking is a serious health hazard that affects millions
of people each year. According to the American Cancer Society, smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the U.S., contributing to nearly one in five deaths. Although vapes were created as a safer alternative and tactic to stop smoking, they also come with serious health risks. Vaping can damage your lungs, lead to nicotine addiction, and expose you to harmful chemicals. Many people who start vaping as teens end up using traditional cigarettes or struggling with nicotine dependence later in life.
The Great American
Smokeout is not just a day, it’s a chance for change. It’s the perfect time to take the first step towards a healthier future. Every year, on the third Thursday of November, people across the country come together for this day organized by the American Cancer Society. It is a day dedicated to helping smokers create a plan to quit tobacco and start day one of their journey. It is a perfect opportunity for our RD community to reflect on the dangers of smoking and vaping, and to commit to making healthier choices for our future. continued on page 5
Ridellion
The bathrooms of many a tobacco-free campus, are often filled
Genesis Out: Was Denying Access the Right Move?
by Tatum Leung
In many ways, the 20242025 school year at River Dell started out like every other school year—with new classmates, new teachers, and the begrudging rebirth of academia. However, one new River Dell policy stood out to parents and students: limited access to the Genesis Parent Portal during school hours. Seemingly out of the blue, this policy prevented students and parents from seeing grades between 8:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. Let’s just say there were some big student and parent reactions to this sudden restriction.
Samara Barth, a junior at River Dell, describes her emotions as “shocked” and “confused” when she found out about the new policy over the summer. “I can understand why [administration] decided to do it,” she admitted, “but personally, it makes me a little mad.”
That sentiment was shared by my parents, who remarked that the administration had a good idea and good intentions, but they were likely to ruffle more feathers than not. “I bet it won’t last,” predicted another parent. “I bet they’ll change it back to normal before the school year ends.”
The overarching issue that most students appear to have with the ban is that they feel more stressed out with it than without it, a
Source: Tatum Leung
sentiment I share. I would rather be aware of my grades, no matter what they may be, than have to spend all day stressing about them and waiting anxiously to get home. This also creates a further shift in the schoolhome balance. Students already have schoolwork leaking into their home life in the form of hours of homework; if grades are only accessible and prioritized outside of the school day, then is the Genesis ban really supporting our mental health? Or is it just causing us to get sucked back into our stressful schoolwork long after
we’ve left the building?
Still, a few students love that they can’t see their grades anymore at school.
“When I used to get big grades back through Genesis during the school day that I didn’t do well on, I would literally cry in the bathroom. It would ruin my day,” one student said. “Now that I can’t see my grades, I feel a lot better at school.”
But that student would be part of a minority. When polled, only about 7% of student respondents said that the new Genesis policy has improved their mental
health, while a whopping 93% of students responded, “No, my mental health is the same or worse since Genesis access was denied.” So, how effective is the Genesis ban at doing what it was made for? Clearly, not very. What if parents want to see their children’s grades during the school day? Parents deserve the right to check up on their kids’ grades; it’s what the “parent portal” was originally made for. The Genesis popup message states that the access ban is to help “students maintain focus dur-
ing school hours and support their mental health.” If parents aren’t the ones whose mental health has been affected, should they also be denied access?
Instead of complaining, a small group of juniors recently decided to take action. Organized by Parker Cermak-Hosein and Abdullah Elzawawy, a petition was created to bring to the administration to remove the access ban on Genesis. With over 400 signatures in less than two weeks, the petition gained steam quickly. However, when taken to the administration, the students were told that the ban would not be removed but could open up Genesis at 2:35 P.M. instead of 3:00 P.M. each school day. Students could seemingly debate this new access denial forever; I’ve noticed it was a topic of conversation in almost all my classes, at least once or twice a day. It will be interesting to see how the conversation changes by the end of the school year. For even though 93% of students want the administration to repeal the ban, there will always be 7% of the student body who feel that their mental health has genuinely improved this year since the ban’s establishment. Will River Dell ever find a solution that works for everyone?
What It’s Really Like To Be A New Student At River Dell High School
by Audrey Cho
It was only September 4th when I walked into River Dell High School as a student for the first time. I was eager to meet my teachers and classmates, but I was also a little bit nervous. As a junior transferring from a different school, I felt like a freshman again; everything was new. It might’ve been hard to transition into a school where everyone already knew each other, knew their way around the school, and knew the faculty and staff, but my experience has proved that this is not the case. Here’s why.
As a new student, there were definitely a few things about River Dell that took some time to get used to, just like with any other school. For one, the schedule of A, B, C, and D days was difficult to understand at first. Coming from a school where the schedule was different
each day of the week rather than each letter day, it took some time to get used to the idea that each Monday, the schedule might be different: we might be following an A, B, C, or D day schedule. However, I quickly adjusted to this schedule with the help of other students. My classmates and friends were always willing to tell me what period was next, which was really helpful. As someone who is admittedly a bit directionally challenged, I initially found River Dell’s layout slightly confusing. I quickly realized that the school is basically a big circle. Before I realized this, though, I was grateful for friends and even people I didn’t know well and just saw in the hallway. When I asked for directions on my first few days at school, everyone was nice and always helped me get to where I needed to go. The work is obviously hard since I’m in my junior year and have a full courseload of three AP classes and all Honors classes. Even though only a month or two has passed, I have already found myself studying incredibly hard and working on projects during lunch with friends. However, I have been enjoying this full workload because I feel that none of it is “busy work.” Instead, all of the home-
work feels necessary. Instead of being overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work, I’ve been immersed in homework that feels imperative to the curriculum and is challenging regarding content.
Another aspect of River Dell that has been great for me is the teachers. As I transition into this new environment, the teachers have been very supportive and understanding. I can honestly say that each and every one of them seems genuinely invested in helping their students grow and learn, both as students and people. I can already see their high dedication to their jobs here, considering they are almost always available to meet before or after school for extra help and clearly put a lot of thought into what we do in each class period.
One of the biggest ways I’ve gotten involved here so far is through extracurriculars; honestly, it isn’t hard at all to get involved. The club advisors have all been so kind, and the process of founding a club was much easier than I thought. Mr. Pepe allowed me and a few other girls to found the new Asian American Culture Club here, which is one way I’ve met new people. Joining and becoming a leader in other clubs and studentled organizations has been much more accessible than anticipated. I’ve been lucky enough to become the Editor of News at The Ridellion, a title I was thrilled to receive. It was easy for me to jump into other groups, too. So far, I’ve run for Vice President of Student Government, joined the Debate team, enrolled as a Model UN and DECA member, and became a member of the Interact Club. I’m amazed I’ve already had so many opportunities to get involved here, even though the year has just started. The faculty advisors and students are also super welcoming, which incentivized me to join those clubs. Lastly, it’s also enjoyable to get involved in sports here. I’ve never seen a school with so much spirit and pride in its athletics before. As a cheerleader this football season, I’ve enjoyed being a part of the football community and representing River Dell at games. I’m so honored to have the job of getting fans excited about our team and encouraging them to cheer louder for our
players. I love that almost everyone here plays a sport or is in the marching band, theater, or different clubs. This way, when I stay late at school for club meetings or cheerleading practice, I always see my peers in the hallways and on the field. It feels like, for many, River Dell is a home away from home. I know it already is for me.
As a new student at River Dell, September has been a whirlwind of activities, events, and, yes, adjustment, but for me, it’s been a great month. Whether I’m studying hard for an AP US History test, cheerleading at a football game after school, or walking through the hallway on my way to class or a club meeting, I cannot imagine a better start to the school year, more supportive teachers, or a stronger community than the one I am now a part of.
2024 Health and Wellness Fair A Magical Community Event
by Sabrina Klein
On Saturday, September 28th, River Dell hosted its fourth annual Health and Wellness Fair. There, a total of 24 local organizations set up booths for people to learn more about physical and mental health. More specifically, these organizations included the Oradell Police Department, River Dell PTSO, River Dell Education Association, New Bridge Medical Center, and Guardian Recovery, among others. This annual fair was established during the fall of 2021 by Mrs. Kirkby, Director of Student Personnel Services, and Mrs. Correa, River Dell’s current vice principal. Its goal
was to reunite the local community shortly after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. When reminiscing about the first Health and Wellness Fair, Mrs. Kirkby recounted, “There was this incredible sense of community and accomplishment, particularly after we all spent so much time in isolation. I vividly remember looking around and seeing everyone in their matching fair shirts, with dozens of booths around the football field.”
This year’s fair was no different— everyone who participated received a blue shirt with the event logo
emblazoned on the front. By encouraging all participants to wear the same T-shirt, the fair helped evoke a sense of community and remind people of their purpose for attending: to support friends, administrators, and local organizations, and to learn about the importance of wellness in everyday life.
The primary goal of the Health and Wellness Fair is, and has always been, to bring awareness to the importance of physical and mental well-being both within River Dell and amongst the broader community. The fair is also dedicated to bridging relationships between families, schools, and communities. Luckily, these goals go hand-inhand: by better understanding each other’s struggles, interpersonal relationships can be formed and strengthened.
panded into promoting local businesses too: restaurants, places like Ballet Arts, local therapists, and companies
Our principal, Mr. Pepe, notes that the fair is a great way to promote local businesses as well. “It’s ex-
that work with students and adults,” he explained. Many of the participants are student volunteers from River Dell Middle School, and others are adults who belong to the local community.
Ms. Jane Silane is the coowner of Ballet Arts, a pre-
mier ballet studio in Emerson. When spoken with, she enthusiastically shared that “seeing the community come together in one space for a great event” was her favorite aspect of the fair. River Edge and Oradell students, whether they are in kindergarten or in their senior year of high school, agree that health and wellness is important and that the fair is a great way to learn strategies and ideas to be mindful and present in their daily lives. Quinn Irving, a sixth grader at Oradell Public School, shared how being with the therapy dogs was both rejuvenating and fun, adding that “the dogs were all really cute!” After all, community fun, learning, and rejuvenation is ultimately what the 2024 Health & Wellness Fair is all about. As expected from such a great tradition, planning has already started for next year’s fifth annual event, which promises to bring the same magic that Saturday sparked.
Introducing The 2024-2025 Student Government Organization
by Seoyeon Kim
As River Dell High School embarks on another exciting academic year, the Student Government Organization (SGO) seeks to make a significant impact on our school community. With a dynamic team of officers committed to creating a positive and inclusive environment, the SGO aims to amplify student voices, organize engaging events, and improve communication between students and faculty. Meet the dedicated members of the 2024-2025 SGO below:
Dinesh Doobay – President
A senior with a vision for positive change, Dinesh aims to leave a lasting impact on River Dell this year. He is dedicated to creating a school environment that is inclusive and supportive for all students. Dinesh plans to enhance student resources and encourage collaboration across different grade levels, ensuring every voice is heard
and valued.
Rohan Yannam - Vice President
Also a senior, Rohan’s primary focus is to organize more fundraising activities that engage the entire school community. Rohan is passionate about fostering open and honest communication between students and faculty, aiming to create thrilling events that everyone can look forward to, including the upcoming pep rallies. He prioritizes open and honest communication between the students and the faculty members.
Madison Pastore - Secretary
As the newly elected secretary, junior Madison Pastore is committed to enhancing communication between students and the administration. She believes that a welcoming school environment is crucial and intends to keep everyone informed about SGO’s progress
through regular updates. Madison values inclusivity and aims to ensure that every student’s opinion is actively considered.
Lauren Lee - Class Representative (Senior)
Lauren is a senior representing her class with enthusiasm. She strives to capture the ideas and suggestions of her classmates, creating vibrant events that everyone can participate in and enjoy. With her passion for videography and photography, Lauren hopes to document the memories made throughout the school year, ensuring that the class of 2025 has lasting keepsakes from their high school experience.
Mikaila Rivera - Class Representative (Senior) Mikaila, a senior, is dedicated to representing the class of 2025. She is passionate about ensuring that every voice is heard, fostering a collaborative environment between students and
faculty. Mikaila is also eager to implement various volunteering initiatives and fundraisers that will engage the broader community and enrich the River Dell experience.
Yeseo Choi - Class Representative (Junior)
Representing the class of 2026, junior Yeseo is committed to conveying her peers’ opinions and fostering school spirit. She aims to ensure that her classmates feel excited about upcoming pep rallies and fundraising events, making the school year enjoyable and full of spirited activities.
Selin Eker - Class Representative (Sophomore)
As a sophomore, Selin has been elected to represent the class of 2027. She is determined to ensure that her classmates are heard and that their perspectives influence decision-making. Selin believes her academic skills and problem-solving abili-
ties will contribute to creating a successful year for the sophomores.
Sophie Gang - Class Representative (Sophomore) Sophie, also a sophomore and representative for the class of 2027, is focused on building a strong and inclusive community. She is dedicated to making sure that no one feels left out and that all voices are valued, whether concerning school events, issues, or academic concerns. Sophie is eager to help create memorable experiences for her classmates that will last a lifetime.
Together, these dedicated individuals are ready to lead River Dell High School into a year filled with collaboration, engagement, and positive change. Let’s make the 2024-2025 school year unforgettable!
RDHS Provides Several New Club Offerings For 2024-2025
by Hope Arturi
Clubs are a great way to meet new people, explore your passions and interests, and get involved with the school body. This year, we welcome over five clubs with distinct and interesting activities that are sure to be vibrant additions to our community.
The Asian Culture Club was created as the continuation of the Chinese Culture Club to appreciate various Asian cultures. The club welcomes both Asians and non-Asians to learn the traditions in other countries through Asian board games, movies, food, and other customs in the meetings. “I’m so excited for what we have planned
this year in the club!” Audrey Cho, Vice President and co-founder of the club, remarked. “We already had our first bake sale, and [are planning] for some fun events for the whole school [to look forward to].”
The Science Club is open to all students, offering hands-on opportunities to explore all of science. Club members can pursue their passions by taking part in experiments and activities that deviate from the classic labs done in class. Meetings take place on the first and third Fridays of each month, the former typically being chemistrybased and the latter being physics-based. Club advi-
sor Dr. McNamara noted that she is excited to “hear the students’ ideas about what experiments interest them” and see them “take control of the scientific process to make those experiments happen.”
Also known as the ASL Club, the American Sign Language Club promotes students and staff of the River Dell community to become more inclusive. Students learn a new form of communication that they can spread to more people in and out of the club, fostering refreshing and diverse relationships with others. Furthermore, the club teaches lasting life skills that are sure
to help you regardless of where you end up in the future. Meetings are typically held once a month or every couple of weeks, open for everyone to join.
The American Cancer Society Club strives to raise awareness of cancer problems and support cancer research through fundraising. The club founder Sophie Gang invites “anybody who is interested in the medical field, helping others, or doing fun crafts” to join the club. With plans already underway, she shared that the club is expecting to hold engaging events that will “better our community and futures.” The club will be hosting fundraisers and
projects throughout the year, but the biggest event will be the Relay for Life in June. From the event, the club hopes to raise money for cancer research. Mock Trial Club, Empowerment Club, Sideline Shots and Nutrition & Fitness Club were also founded this year, each with unique goals and enjoyable experiences offered.
At River Dell, clubs are more than just a college resume enhancer. They allow you to meet new people, improve the community, and create lasting high school memories.
If any of the new or preexisting clubs interest you, it is never too late to join!
RDHS Welcomes Art Program’s New Member
by Rida Desai
Meet Ms. Seiss, River Dell High School’s newest art teacher! Her journey to River Dell is an inspiring testament to following one’s passions.
Ms. Seiss recalls the pivotal moment during her sophomore year at the University of Wisconsin when she realized she wanted to become an art teacher. She explains, “I was studying biology and realized that I didn’t truly want to work in the health or medical field. I reflected on my experiences in art classes in high school and remembered my art teachers fondly. I also worked at a daycare for years and really enjoyed working with kids!”
For many, the first day of school can be nerve-wracking, but Ms. Seiss felt a
surge of excitement as she entered her classroom. “My students welcomed me to River Dell with open arms, and I look forward to continuing to get to know my students and the community!” she shares.
Ms. Seiss expresses her enthusiasm for the year ahead, hoping to “help students express their creativity, try new things and art mediums, and gain confidence in the art classroom.”
Students describe her lessons as enjoyable, organized, and productive, as they engage in projects that explore a variety of artistic mediums, including charcoal, graphite, and colored pencils. While Ms. Seiss teaches various artistic techniques, “[Her] favorite medium is paint, specifi-
cally oil paints and watercolors. [She] also loves ceramics and metals.”
After settling in, Ms. Seiss immersed herself in clubs and invested in her students’ artistic passions. She mentions, “This year I am running the Art Club. I’m looking forward to working with students to create collaborative artworks, as well as individual projects that students want to try!”
With her kindness and innovative ideas, Ms. Seiss is sure to make this a fun and enriching year!
RDHS Introduces New Physics Teacher
by Emma Pulumbarit
Source: Emma Pulumbarit
Who is this new, unfamiliar face walking down the science wing or checking up on students during lunch duty? Maybe you have already met this mysterious individual through one of your classes or from the words of other students. Either way, the new physics and biology teacher, Mr. Valentino, has come to RDHS to share his passion for science, ignite curiosity, and inspire each of his students to reach their full po-
tential. With Mr. Valentino around this year, learning just got a lot more exciting! Originally from Secaucus, New Jersey, Mr. Valentino has worked within the educational industry for about 20 years. Ranging from different science classes in various middle schools and high schools, Mr. Valentino has plenty of experience teaching and is very proficient at what he does. It is evident that wherever he goes, he radiates positivity as many other students regard him as an “energetic,” “outgoing,” “charismatic,” “student-driven,” and “enthusiastic” teacher. With a striking passion for teaching and inspiring others, Mr. Valentino encourages all students to be inquisitive, ask questions, not be afraid of failure, and learn from their mistakes and grow.
On a deeper note, it is unmistakable that Mr. Valentino is very considerate and thoughtful, as shown by how he carries himself along with his values. It is transparent that he, during any conversation, gives the other speaker 100% of his attention and time within that moment. Aside from
being extremely friendly and easy to talk to, Mr. Valentino is also open to sharing his perspective. He believes and emphasizes the significance of being true to oneself and always striving to improve. Concurring with the statement, “If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room,” Mr. Valentino believes that there is always room for improvement –that there is always more to learn and more experiences to grow from.
Now, while the values Mr. Valentino holds are remarkable, his admirable qualities do not end there. It is noted that he has a strong passion for music! Practicing piano from a very young age, music has always been a part of his life. Working as a media composer as a hobby, Mr. Valentino utilizes virtual instruments to create awesome songs for his own enjoyment and sometimes even for commercialized advertisements. Perhaps it is his family of drummers and musicians that gives him this streak of musicality and love for this craft. Either way, Mr. Valentino is very talented and loves what he does.
Meanwhile, as a noteworthy piece of advice to all students wondering what to do after high school, Mr. Valentino encourages all students to “find a way to take what you’re really talented at and combine it with what you’re passionate about.” Mr. Valentino believes that a successful career entails one being able to love their work as well as what they do. Remember, everyone learns at their own pace, so take your time. Work hard to carve out your own unique path and to find your special niche. It’ll be worth it in the end.
To conclude, the next time you see a new face wearing a snazzy, colorful tie walking through the science hallway, stop by and say hello. Soon, that unfamiliarity will be replaced with a familiar, friendly face; someone you can always go chat with. Whether your conversation is about a question in class, advice about life, or even just small talk, there will always be something you can learn from the new teacher, Mr. Valentino. His open and approachable nature is sure to make you feel welcomed and included in the RDHS community.
RD Students Eager To Do Their Civic Duty
by Allison Zagroba
As the presidential election crept closer and closer, many citizens were eager to cast in their vote. Often times when you go to vote at the polls you end up dealing with someone older. However, at River Dell when you go to cast your vote, you will be confronted with high school students keen on stepping foot into the political world.
During past years the polls’ ideal worker was commonly someone older, with more life experience. Politics, being such an important and heavy topic, required someone with serious values and maturity to take on the juristic weight of working the polls. However, recently, the picture of an ideal polls worker has shifted. High school students are now being brought in to work the polls as it is now seen as a great way to gain life experi-
ence and exposure!
Dr. Albro was originally the one who suggested that River Dell students take part in working the polls this past election day. He explained how a parent had reached out to him, mentioning the program. From there he reached out to the division of elections for more information.
Initially, Dr. Albro, unaware of how much interest the program would receive, opened this opportunity up to all the juniors and seniors. Over 100 interested students reached out to him, but he ultimately could only choose 40. In the future, he explains, this opportunity will most likely be open only to seniors. When asked about the process of elimination, and how he decided what students would get to work the polls, he explained
that it was determined by a random generator as he wanted it to be fair. Though the seniors were prioritized, not all of them were chosen as there was an overwhelming amount of interest in the program.
Working at the election polls is a paying job, so there are requirements about working hours and other regulations that must be followed for those taking on the position. Dr. Albro explained, “If they were 18, they had to work the full day and if they were under 18, they had to work a half day because there are laws about that… and if they were 18, they had to be registered voters.”
Dr. Albro explained how the county viewed this program as a great way to get the students involved and introduce them to the voting scene. Dr. Albro agreed fully
Smokeout
by Sophie Gang
continued from page 2
This year, The Great American Smokeout visited River Dell to raise awareness for this prevalent issue. Whether you’re someone who smokes, vapes, or wants to support friends who are trying to quit, taking the pledge to quit or to never start smoking and vaping is an empowering way to take control of your health.
There are multiple ways to get involved. If you smoke or vape, make a plan to quit. Quitting doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a journey. Even if you’re not ready to quit entirely, reducing how much you smoke or vape is a step in the right direction. Prioritizing your health over smoking is something to decide as well. Learn more about the harmful effects of smoking and vaping and share that information with others. Utilize and help spread awareness about the resources available for quitting, like counseling, apps, and quitlines. And remember, even if you don’t smoke, you can make a huge difference in someone else’s journey. Be there for friends trying to quit by offering support, understanding, and motivation. Encourage them to avoid smoking around others as well, as secondhand smoke can be just as harmful as smoking itself. It’s never too early or too late to start a tobacco-free life. As high school students, we might feel like we’re invincible, but the decisions we make now can have a permanent impact.
By taking the pledge, you’re choosing to prioritize your future health. Not only are you reducing your risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues, but you’re also setting an example for others.
Take the pledge, spread theword, and let’s work toward a smoke-free future. Every small step counts.
with the county and wanted River Dell to take part in this great opportunity as well. He explains, “I guess they thought it was a way to promote interest and awareness among young people about the importance of voting and to get them involved in some way. I was all for it, I thought it was a great idea.”
Students at River Dell are interested in helping out in the community, and working the polls is just another great opportunity to make a difference and get involved. Sophomore Adrian Carballeda explains, “It is really great that River Dell students are able to help the community and engage in things that truly matter and that can make an impact.”
Nonetheless, River Dell students working the polls not only is a welcome and exciting idea for many vot-
ers new and old, but as a collective, River Dell students have acknowledged that it is a great experience for students to learn and grow. Carballeda enthusiastically agrees, “It is really a wonderful opportunity because it is great for the students to get exposed to the voting scene for when we are older and are able to vote.” Jake Miller shares a similar point of view as he states, “this opportunity benefits the students as they learn so much about our society and politics in general” Between voters excited to see youthful, amicable faces in such an area of tensity and zealous young leaders eager to make their first step into the real world, this opportuniyt is great for the River Dell community.
Teacher Thoughts
Holiday Favorites
With the holidays are upon us, many of us are getting ready to spend time with their friends, family and loved ones. For students, the winter holidays are all about sleeping in, relaxing, partaking in fun holi day traditions, and spending time with their friends and family. What does it mean for the teachers? Let’s inves tigate some core memo ries, tradi tions, and cherished moments of RDHS teach ers during the holiday season.
Senora Major says, “I look forward to spending time with my family. We go to church together. We pray and open our presents. I try to spend as much time with them as possible,” Just like students, teachers also look forward to relaxing at home, taking a day off from school, and spending time with their families for the holidays. They enjoy their festivals and celebrate in their own ways. Mrs. Lennihan says, “We have this tradition where every year we wait until we finish eating to open our presents. That way we can spend the whole entire day together,” It’s not so often we get a peak into our fellow teacher’s lives, so to be able to see this aspect of how they celebrate their holidays is very heartwarming and
by Parnika Thota
probably relatable for many. Some teachers in the building are encountering new memories of the holidays while others recall back on the cherished past. Ms. McGinley mentions how her cousin’s, and best friend’s, son is having his first Christmas. “It’s nice to see someone experience something for the first time,” she says as she talks about her excitement to celebrate the holidays with them. Meanwhile, Mrs. Bartelloni recalls childhood memories of Christmas when asked what her favorite holiday memory was. Ms. Bartelloni’s grandmother and grandfather had a ceramic village collection under a tree in their house. Grow ing up, she would lay underneath the tree and watch a mini cargo train go around the village while eating the candy in the little carts. To this day she cherishes and feels joy when recalling this moment of her childhood. When mentioning the holidays, people automatically think about Christmas, Ha nukkah, Kwanza, and December. But to a lot of people, it’s much more than that. One of America’s favorite and most cherished holidays is Thanksgiving! When asked about a favorite holiday memory, Ms. Schiff and Mrs. DeRosa-Hill
recall their favorite childhood Thanksgiving memory, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! “Every Thanksgiving we would drive into New York City. Park our car on 42nd street and walk to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. There would be lots of singers and bands. Then, we would get back into the car and drive to our grandparents’ house and have a thanksgiving dinner with my big Italian family,” Mrs. DeRosa-Hill says as she revisits her Thanksgiving memories. Ms. DeRosaHill continues to celebrate Thanksgiving with her family every year and eat lots of good food. Additionally, Ms. Schiff also describes Thanksgiving as her favorite holiday. She celebrates the day off with her family, enjoying the warmth of the day. As a kid she loved the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and even got an opportunity to be apart of a float
To the teachers are RDHS the holidays are a very important time to make precious memories with their loved ones as well as reminiscing about old memories. As the last weeks of December unfold, River Dell teachers will be busy finishing lessons and getting ready to spend time at home for the holidays.
Festive Winter Fun “Next Door”
by Alessia Gutilla
As December has arrived that also means something else has come with it…. The holidays!! The “most wonderful time of the year” has just begun and I’m going to be giving you some fun activities you can do in the area to enjoy the holiday season.
Starting right here in Bergen Country, the Van Saun “Winter Wonderland” experience. This includes
ice skating, meet and greets with Santa, fun games, and winter treats! It’s the perfect place to have a fun ice skating and festive winter night with your friends or family. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, and it’s open on Friday’s, Saturday’s, and Sunday’s.
Moving on, maple sugar-
ing is prevalent during the wintertime. Going to an event like this will teach you exactly how to tap a tree, collect maple sugar water, and then a lesson will be provided on how it’s turned into delicious syrup. This is a very enjoyable experience to check out during the winter and it’s located in areas like the Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus, the Lorrimer Sanctuary in Franklin Lakes, the Tenafly Nature Center, and many more. Make sure to purchase tickets online for a specific date and time.
in New York. For example, the Bryant Park Winter Village offers endless fun including ice skating, cute holiday shops, cozy igloos to warm up in, and incredible food. Also, while you’re in Manhattan don’t forget to stop by the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. Fun fact: this year’s tree is 74 feet tall, and it comes from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Enjoy your holiday season and consider some of these fun activities!
by Michelle Kim
Holiday Recipe Corner
Winter break is almost here, and the holidays are steadily approaching. Here are some top best recipes for delicious and flavorful meals, warm and sweet desserts for an enjoyable dinner with your family.
A great meal to make for Christmas dinner would be the Puerto Rican Pernil. With rich flavor and crisp skin, this roast pork dish is a one of a kind.
Recipe:https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/ a42169381/pernil-recipe/
A combination of TikTok-famous baked feta pasta and delicious cranberry brie bites, the Baked Feta Bites are easy appetizers to make.
Recipe:https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/ a38306315/baked-feta-bites-recipe/
Not a fan of meat? No worries. Winter salads comprised of spring mix, roasted butternut squash, pomegranate, pecans, apples, and feta cheese are on the menu. It’s a great side salad to serve at Christmas dinner. Made with seasonal ingredients, this is a salad you will not want to miss out on.
Recipe: https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/winter-salad/
A fan of cranberries? Try baking cranberry cake! In just fifteen minutes, you can make a festive dessert flavored with tart cranberries, almond and vanilla extract. It’s a combination of sweet and fresh flavors in just one dessert.
Recipe: https://sugarspunrun.com/cranberry-cake/
Deep Fried Ho Ho’s
by Lauren Morganer
Lastly, if you’re feeling like venturing a little farther than New Jersey, there are plenty of winter opportunities
Ingredients:
- 6 store bought Ho Hos
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional: powdered sugar/chocolate syrup
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter
a. In a bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt
b. In another bowl beat the egg and then mix in the milk
c. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients; optional: sift in
2. Heat the Oil
a. Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large pot about 2-3 inches up from the bottom
b. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit; use a thermometer to maintain temperature.
3. Coat the Ho Hos
a. Dip each Ho Ho into the batter coating evenly on all sides
4.Frying a. Place the coated Ho Hos into the hot oil b. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy
c. Use a spoon to scoop up the Ho Ho’s and place them on paper towels to rid of excess oil
5. Serving a. Dust on powder sugar and/or drizzle with chocolate syrup
Enjoy!
entertainment
Dumplings Delight At Din Tai Fung
by Lauren Morganer
Plump dumplings, umami chili oil, sapid noodles, piquant wontons, and to top it all off, a luscious chocolate xiao long bao with a side of whipped sea salt cream. This is one of the many combinations of dishes you can order at the unique, viral restaurant, Din Tai Fung. As a lover of all dumplings, I feel personally qualified to give an indepth review of the food and offerings at Din Tai Fung.
Let’s start with some background information. Din Tai Fung is a Taiwanese dim sum chain that has won multiple Michelin stars at its locations around the world. Today, it’s known for its famous soup dumplings and noodles. However, Din Tai Fung wasn’t always the successful restaurant it is today. It started out as a cooking oil store in Taiwan, run by a husband and wife. How did the restaurant get its unique name? Well, according to The New York Times, iot comes from the Chinese word
“din,” which refers to a wok or cooking vessel, and the phrase “tai fung,” which refers to both peace and abundance (May 8).
Din Tai Fung has 171 locations across the globe, and it continues to expand: its newest location is in New York City. I’ve personally had the pleasure of going to two locations—New York City and London—and I’ve even purchased some of the restaurant’s infamous chili oil to slather onto my Chinese takeout at home. Anyhow, when dining at Din Tai Fung, here are five foolproof dishes I think you should try:
1.Cucumber Salad:
Price - $8.50
Rating - 8/10
This appetizer is a perfect start to the night. It is very fresh and has a bit of heat; it’s also an easily replicable dish. I’ve made my own versions of this cucumber salad at home using Din Tai Fung’s chili oil, but it’s still a must try item that helped the restaurant originally
gain traction on social media.
2.Sweet Sour Pork Baby Back Ribs:
Price - $15.50
Rating - 7/10
My family absolutely loved these, and they were gone within seconds. The flavor was good; the pork is tender and glides off the bone. Keep in mind, however, that these baby back ribs are quite miniscule, and eating them can get messy. If you show up to Din Tai Fung with a huge appetite, you should jump right into the entrees instead of ordering this tiny appetizer.
3.Chicken Xiao Long Bao:
Price - 10 for $17.00
Rating – 9.5/10
These pleat dumplings that weigh exactly 21 grams (not that I measured) are soupy, warm, and rich with distinct flavors. I covered these with chili oil and ginger, and they were everything I could ever want and more.
Eating Din Tai Fung’s xiao long bao is a borderline religious experience.
While I am plagued with an unfortunate seafood allergy and therefore limited in what I can order, I can confidently share that the chicken xiao long bao is the best of the xiao long bao’s, but the Kurobuta pork is a close second.
ture. These wontons are soft and juicy, like the xiao long bao, yet they are larger, with fewer intricate pleats.
5.Chocolate and Mochi Xiao Long Bao:
Price – 5 for $11.00
4.Spicy Chicken Wontons:
Price - 8 for $16.00
Rating - 10/10
When I feel myself growing hungry in Sub Hall, my mind starts to wander, and my stomach starts to growl. During those times, I begin to think of these wontons, which are the best dim sum treats you’ll ever have. The sauce has just enough heat to get your nose running, and each individual spring onion and Szechuan pepper has great flavor and tex-
Drama Club Shines In Beauty and the Beast
by Giada Caputo
Do you seek adventure in the great wide somewhere? If so, then hopefully you saw this year’s fall production of Beauty and the Beast! Mr. Wilson and the RDHS Drama Club worked tirelessly to prepare for their highly anticipated and magical performance. showcasing their musical and theatrical talents. As many may know, Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of an adventurous young girl, Belle, who is searching for her father who has gone astray. She ventures into the castle of a young, arrogant prince who has been placed under the spell of an enchantress to have the appearance of a terrifying beast. Throughout her journey, she is accompanied by the castle servants,
who are also victims of the enchantress’s spell. In order to break the spell, the Beast has to fall in love with Belle
The cast and crew clearly worked extremely hard to put on a great show for the community. What they were most excited for audiences to see were their big musical numbers such as “Be Our Guest” and their costumes. For the musical numbers, they looked forward to interacting with each other on stage and really making their characters come to life.
Bobby Cook, who played the role of the Beast, says that he “always loves the energy” when he is performing with his friends in the drama club and loves to feel the “enjoyment radiating off of the audience”.
Gianna Pantano was thrilled showcase her versatility as an actress after playing Regina George in the spring musical Mean Girls, by taking on the role of Belle. “It’s always been my dream role,” she stated. “I was super excited to bring the character to life!” She was most excited to interact with all the other characters throughout the play and, of course, to wear Bell’s iconic yellow dress. Gianna made the perfect Belle since her natural personality is so similar to the character.
Other cast members who shined in the performance include, Hailey Cardenas (Madame De La Grande Bouche), Jerin Yoo (Mrs. Potts), Zachary Moro (Chip), Christian Yarar (Cogsworth), Caroline Koenig (Babette), Ben Wein-
berg (Lumiere), Tim Hwang (Gaston), and Paul Kim (Maurice). Drama Club has become an outlet for them to showcase their outstanding talent while developing personal relationships that will last a lifetime. Paul Kim was proud to perform in his first main role as Maurice and expressed that the reason he loves drama club so much is “because of the community that’s here and the friends I made,” and he encourages everyone who wants to be a part of the club to try it out. Congratulations to all the cast and crew and to everyone who helped to make the show such a success. RD can’t wait to see what you bring for the spring!
RD Trend Report: What Is River Dell Wearing?
by Madeleine Krieger
It’s back to school season at RD! Getting back into the daily school routine after summer vacation comes with an adjustment period for students, as they prepare for new classes and extracurriculars after months of relaxation. However, before school begins there is another activity to get done: shopping for the perfect first-day outfit!
Some may groan over this topic and say, “School isn’t a fashion show!” And while students tend to break out their sweat sets by November, the beginning of the school year is the time to debut the latest styles while roaming the halls. Furthermore, with all the trends circulating online and in stores today, the question remains: what is River Dell wearing?
In order to truly identify the fashion trends of River Dell’s female students, I enlisted the help of River Dell junior Madeline Connor.
During our interview, I asked Madeline about the
frequent styles she noticed from the girls during the first few days of school. “I saw a lot of people wearing simpler outfits like jeans and a T-shirt, but making it sort of more elevated with a fun sneaker or even some cute jewelry,” she described. This “basic” outfit phenomenon originated from social media, like most other trends. During the spring of 2023, fashion creators on TikTok and Instagram began putting a heavy emphasis on the importance of timeless pieces and the versatility they offer in our wardrobes. Garments like snug, solid color T-shirts and the “perfect” pair of baggy jeans, were recognized as the foundation for any good outfit, and in turn, became high demand items. As we made our way into summer, creators began promoting a new way of adding a “pop of color” into your outfits in the form of sneakers and jewelry. Since then, as the craze for simplicity has continued
to develop, these pieces have made their way into closets around the world and, more specifically, into our students’ closets at River Dell.
From my own observation, I’ve recognized several fashion store brands gracing RD halls. Chains like Brandy Melville, Garage, and Aritzia, are just a few of the popular stores that seem to be a common thread in teenage closets.
Their accessibility and fair pricing are just a few of the many reasons why teens love to shop at these stores. And while they offer a variety of styles, teens tend to go for the same few pieces.
On warmer days, girls love Garage’s Portia Square Neckline Tee, along with graphic baby tees from Brandy Melville that often display location names like “Hawaii” or “Paris.” However, in colder weather, our female students bundle up in their various colors of the Aritzia TNA Perfect Hoodie.
Among these trends,
one that seems especially prominent is the aforementioned “colorful sneakers” fad. Many girls have made a point to move away from the classic Nike Air Force One to instead try something more exciting. Students now lace up their colorful Adidas Campuses and Gazelles. Every color you can imagine, from black to florescent pink, is seen roaming RD each day. These bold sneakers add a pop of color to the plainest of outfits.
Combining a bold T-shirt and wide-leg jeans with colorful sneakers creates the self-proclaimed 2024 fall uniform. Aside from this combination, teens also occasionally dress in dainty sweaters and denim miniskirts. Now, we can’t analyze River Dell fashion trends without addressing men’s fashion as well, which is not, in fact, influenced by the media. Rather, it is influenced by their RD community. That’s right, RD boys love their River Dell merchandise.
Rating – 10/10
If you like chocolate, you’ll love these. Imagine this: a combination of a chocolate lava cake and a dumpling, but ten times better. These xiao long bao are luscious and gooey, stuffed with a chocolate filling you’ll think about for the rest of your life. They also go along well with a side of sea salt cream, which adds a little bit of tart zing to this dessert.
They wear hoodies featuring their school sports teams, like football and soccer teams. They wear shorts and sweatpants from RD sports online shops. (And of course this list wouldn’t be complete without the occasional college hoodie.) Although not as unique as their female peers’ fashion, men’s River Dell merch is arguably just as timeless and classic as girls’ fall ensembles. To recap, our RD girls love the “fall uniform” of a simple top, jeans, and colorful shoes, while our RD boys are avid supporters and supporters of River Dell merchandise. Social media trends are ever-changing, and their influence continues to affect our River Dell community. As the weather changes, so do the current fashion trends. But, as of right now, that’s your fall report of what River Dell is wearing!
My Brilliant Friend: “The Best Book of the 21st Century”
by Delilah Recio
Called by The New York Times staff the Best Book of the 21st Century, My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante “is like riding a bike on gravel: it’s gritty and slippery and nerve-racking, all at the same time.”
The staff, made up of 503 professionally acclaimed novelists, nonfiction writers, poets, and critics—such as Stephen King, Sarah Jessica Parker, and James Patterson—came together to entitle the best 100 books published since January 1, 2000. Typically, with these types of lists, many can’t turn their curiosity away from the “best book of the century.” With that being said, I tracked down My Brilliant Friend to see what all the fuss is about, and here’s what I think.
Many may be apprehensive of picking up this novel, believing that it’ll probably bore them from the very first page, especially due to the fact that it was originally written in Italian. However, it turned out to be everything The New York Times said it would be and more. Like A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, the story discusses topics of poverty, class, and ambivalent friendships. Set in the
1950s in Naples, Italy, readers are introduced to Elena Greco (nicknamed Lenù), who is in her sixties as the story begins. She discovers that her longtime friend Raffaella Cerullo (known as Lila) has disappeared, leading readers into their first encounter with each other— specifically with Elena’s perspective on Lila as we get a clearer view of her intelligence even as a little girl. Readers maintain their structure of following Elena and Lila for ten years, from the ages of six to sixteen. In their adolescence begins their intellectual competitions, along with their relationship dynamics that eventually pull their paths away from each other. Though they do remain best friends, both girls have different life paths set out for themselves. Lila, for instance, couldn’t finish school and had to work in her family-owned shoe repair shop while Elena continued her education after elementary school. Throughout the novel, there are several reoccurring themes for readers to not only understand but also relate to, bringing more compliments and favor to Ferrante’s series, The Nea
politan Novels theme shown that really sets the tone of the story would be the rankings of class and social mobility, orchestrating the different turn of events that occur in many lives which are beyond their control, forc ing them to act on feelings or situations that are usu ally unfair for them to act on. There are many questions as to whether or not liant Friend is based on Fer rante’s life, as she writes her books under the pseudonym “Elena Ferrante,” but it is the sole example of autofic tion, showcasing one of the best genres of literature in the 21st century, accord ing to The New York Times.
Billie Eilish Takes On NYC
by Lexie Hart
The Billie Eilish concert on October 16 at Madison Square Garden left the crowd in awe. The excitement of the concert spanned from across the Garden. Even as the show came to an end, the fans continued to sing on their way out of the arena. The energy from the Billie Eilish fans was infectious and their dedication was extremely detectable.
Billie’s setlist was one of the best parts of the show. She had songs from her new album Hit me Hard and Soft and songs from her older albums like When We All Fall credible. Eilish asked the fans to go completely silent for a moment, so that she could sing her own melodies and record her vocals live. Being able to hear the total silence of the crowd was so incredible and the fans went wild after the silence ended. NBC New York claimed, “She was made for Madison Square Garden.”I thoroughly agree with this statement, from the music and to the environment. It truly was one of the best concerts I have ever attended. The atmosphere and energy were incredible, which is something that I will always remember about this concert.
“Very, Very Populer...Lar:” A Wicked Review
by Maddie Krieger
After nearly a year of production, the film adaptation of the beloved musical Wicked hit theaters on November 22nd. The original idea for the film was announced in 2012, and after multiple production delays, is finally available for viewers. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the movie-musical combines extravagant production with the Broadway musical’s original content, creating an renewed visual of the Oz we know and love. With the starstudded cast, incredible sets, and lively songs and dances, it’s safe to say that this movie is, in fact, That Girl.
On opening day alone, the Wicked film grossed $46.4 million dollars, thanks to eager fans. Of course, fans were excited to see their favorite story brought to life on screen. But, a big reasons for crowd anticipation, was because of the cast. The official cast was announced in November of 2021, and featured award-winning singers and actresses Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo; they earned the roles of Glinda the Good and Elphaba (respectively). After alleged months of auditioning, the two stars were selected by Chu, who, according to NBC, said that the casting search was “the biggest casting search [he’s] ever been apart of” (Chu).
Other cast members include Bridgerton’s Johnathan Bailey in the role of Fiyero, Ethan Slater as Boq, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard.
Although everyone’s performances were extraordinary, the leading ladies were awe-worthy. Prior to gaining her role, Ari-
ana Grande had spoken at length in interviews about her yearning to play Glinda, even starting in 2015 when she went on the Zach Sang Show, a celebrity podcast. This yearning was made extremely clear in her performance; Grande poured her heart and soul into this role, and it showed. Every song she sang was transcendent, and her liveliness completely transformed her into the true personification of Glinda, a bubbly and sensitive girl.
The film’s other lead, Cynthia Erivo, was nothing short of spectacular. Her acting prowess allowed her to show such emotional maturity through Elphaba, and she really humanized a character thought to be so “wicked”. Like Grande, her vocal power was ever-present, and her performances in songs like “The Wizard and I” and “Defying Gravity” were tear-evoking (and sometimes violently sob-evoking).
Both leads gave true meaning to the lyrics that Wicked connoisseurs resonate with so deeply, and we also have Stephen Schwartz, the composer behind the original songs, to thank for that.
Grande and Erivo’s performances were brought to life not only through their acting and singing, but also through their intricate costumes. Paul Tazwell is the mastermind behind the film’s tremendous wardrobe. Working with Chu and the cast, Tazwell and his team created hundreds of costumes, each with immense detail. Some of my personal favorites were Glinda’s pink gown in the opening number “No One Mourns the Wicked” and both Glinda and Elphaba’s dresses during
the Ozdust Ballroom scene.
Each and every costume, from the Munchkin townspeople to Elphaba’s cape and hat, was so lovingly made, and added to the overall grandeur of the film.
In total, the Wicked film cost $145 million dollars to create, including the costs of the set design. Every set that audiences see in the movie was built by the construction team over several weeks. One of the most notable locations, Shiz University, reportedly took 20 weeks to construct. Once finished, it was complete with classrooms, Glinda and Elphaba’s dorm room and the overlooking balcony, and, the team even built a waterway that was used to operate several boats used in the opening scenes at Shiz.
In terms of CGI, Chu made it a point to use very little effects, as he wanted every aspect of the movie to be as tangible as possible. I thought this decision was incredibly admirable, and really represented the amount of care put in to make the movie as big as fans wanted it to be. My favorite element of the set was the field outside of Munchkin land, where set designers planted over nine million tulips for the characters to run through.
If you’ve been on TikTok in the last couple weeks, I’m sure you’ve seen countless recreations of the choreography from the film. Since the movie’s release, fans have flocked to the internet to learn and perform some of their favorite dance numbers, including the dances from songs like “What is This Feeling” and “Dancing Through Life”. Christopher Scott is responsible for designing the movement in Wicked. He worked tirelessly to perfectly
capture the energy of each scene through dance, and might I say, he succeeded. The chaos of the opening scene where the Munchkins find out that the Wicked Witch died, was representative through the vigorous movement and scurry of the townspeople. The understanding and culmination of emotions that both Glinda and Elphaba experienced during the Ozdust Ballroom dance was shown through their delicate and harmonious movements. And of course, the larger numbers in performances like “One Short Day” were perfectly synchronized and kept the audience, and me, captivated; even through a 9 minute dance sequence in the Emerald City. None of the magic produced by this film would have been possible without the original musical and book, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, as well as L. Frank Baum’s Wizard of Oz film and book that the franchise is based on. Jon Chu made sure to pay homage to the original works by including several easter eggs in the film, such as a pair of ruby slippers in Glinda’s closet, and lines sung by Elphaba like “’I’d be so happy, I could, melt,” which references the melting of the Witch in the Wizard of Oz. These correlations excited fans and reminded everyone
All three nights that Billie Eilish is performing at Madison Square Garden have sold out in the first 5 days of tickets being available. It’s extremely difficult to get tickets for this concert so I’m so grateful that I was able to attend and have this great experience. I know Billie Eilish will continue to do great things in her music career and I’m so glad I was able to witness her unbelievable performance in New York City.
where the story came from, no matter how new and exciting it may have been. Overall, this film was bigger than anything a viewer could have imagined. Just by watching, one could tell that everyone who worked on this film, whether they were in front of the camera or behind, put every ounce of their energy into making Wicked what it was. The original musical is so important to so many people and is a true story of friendship and betrayal; some fans were concerned that the movie wouldn’t be able to translate everything the Broadway musical had. However, the adaptation really proved itself. It was a renewing of an age-old story and did a wonderful job of giving Wicked a new life, while maintaining its original whimsy. I was truly blown away by this film, and anyone that sees it will be too. It’s safe to say it “defies” expectations!
Source: Europa Editions