Newspaper: Senior Edition 2018

Voyager-online.org

Volume LII

Senior Edition 2018

Eastern Regional High School

Mr. Kennedy Unsung Heroes

Page 2

Page 3

1401 Laurel Oak Road

Eighth Edition

Voorhees, NJ 08043

Photo by Alex Mackle ‘18

Class President College Decisions

Page 4

Page 8/9

SENIOR EDITION

2 The Voyager

Mr. Kennedy gets a change of scenery

June 2018

The long time teacher of upperclassmen is retiring from Eastern, but he is not done with education.

By ALEX MACKLE ‘18 Editor-in-Chief

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fter sixteen years at Eastern, history teacher Mr. Michael Kennedy will be moving on to the next stage in his academic career, to teach social studies in Rhode Island. Initially hired as an administrator, Mr. Kennedy has become known for teaching the history electives AP U.S. Government and Politics and War and Peace. In the past, he has taught AP European History and even English courses. He has been teaching at Eastern for eleven years.

He had worked at many other public high schools in his over forty years in education, with his most recent employer being Ewing High School, where he was an administrator for one year. Before that, he spent nineteen years at Delran High School as the History Department Supervisor. He was also at Pinelands Regional High School, where he was a guidance counselor and history teacher.

“I always viewed administration as a service to the teachers,” he said in regards to his many years working in that capacity. “I was getting to the point where I could retire on my pension,” he said, “and I was thinking of going to a school in Pennsylvania, but Dr. Melleby suggested that I stay here and teach… I came into the profession to be a teacher.

That’s where the real joy and meaning of this profession lies.”

“Ever since I was in high school,” he

trained as an infantry platoon commander and a communications officer, serving for three years from 1975-1978 in Quantico, Virginia and Okinawa, Japan.

Upon entering the educational field, Mr. Kennedy began work as a guidance counselor, largely due to the increased employment opportunities as compared to a history teacher, landing his first position at Pinelands. “I told the superintendent,” he said, “that I always felt that to give a guidance counselor or administrator credibility with the faculty and a feel for current instruction, it would be good to teach a period as well. He agreed, so the second year, one period a day, I would teach a history class, and the rest of the day I would be a guidance counselor.”

Upon leaving Pinelands in 1982, he moved on to Delran as an English teacher, teaching there from 1982 to 1985.

When the history department supervisor position opened up, he took it but still retained three teaching periods.

Besides his tenure at Eastern, his first three years at Delran was the only time when Mr. Kennedy served as a full-time teacher. He noted that his Marine training prepared him for transitioning away from supervisory positions, in that, first and foremost, he knew how to take orders.

Mr. Kennedy said that he is proud of the current Eastern teachers who he hired as an administrator. They include Mr. Herring, Mr. Colton, Mr. McSweeney, Mrs. Malloy, Mrs. Davis, Mr. Datis, Mr. Rizzo, among others. He also noted the impact that he had on Mr. Young and Mr.

Mr. Kennedy bows down to then student Dave Isshak ‘08

said, “I started to become very interested in coaching and teaching life, seeing how enjoyable and fulfilling it was. I remember being in eleventh grade and loving history.”

Mr. Kennedy attended college at Susquehanna University, and later earned Master’s Degrees from Ryder University and Rutgers University. At Susquehanna, he was a scholarship linebacker for the football team before graduating in 1975.

Prior to teaching, Mr. Kennedy, a member of a military family, served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was

Photo Courtesy of Mr. David Isshak

Lindenhofen as young teachers, saying, “Both of them were receptive to the direction that I was able to provide them with, and I am proud of the direction that their careers have taken.” Mr. Young went on to fulfill Mr. Kennedy’s position as supervisor of history, while Mr. Lindenhofen went on to become president of the local union.

Mr. Kennedy indicated that it is imperative for teachers to continue learning about themselves through their careers. He referenced William Manchester, Shelby Foote, and Douglas

“Mr. Kennedy is one of the most knowledgable teachers in the school but also understands the pressure of student life. He teaches difficult content in way that all can understand and doesn’t hesitate to give hardworking students a grade boost if they struggled.”- Danielle Jackson

Mr. Kennedy prepares for one of his fiinal days at Eastern.

Photo by Alex Mackle ‘18

Southall Freeman as a few historians comparison in the he holds in high regard. “Probably the grasp of knowledge that students gain as most important historian to me growing compared to the classroom. up,” he said, “was Will Durant. He was “Technology should serve as a support a philosopher… but he was always system for what the teacher does in fascinated at the intersection between the classroom,” he said, “but myopic philosophy and history. So, he wrote an educators are supplanting the content eleven volume history of the world called material for the devices themselves.

‘The Story of Civilization,’ where each That somehow it’s better to have kids of the volumes is [from nine-hundred to on iPads than it is for them to interact two-thousand pages]... After college, I with teachers and textbooks.” He has started reading it, and in hindsight, it is noticed a reduction in intellectual capital probably one of the biggest molders of that kids bring into the classroom as a my world view.”

Looking back at his teaching career, some of his fondest memories were from his 19 years at Delran. His three daughters went through Delran, where he taught and coached all of them. “You can see why Delran would be up there both in my recollection and in my heart,” he said.

“But at Eastern, I have really found a second home here outside of Delran.”

“Students [at Eastern],” he said, “have been as interested in the world of learning as Lieutenant Michael Kennedy in the 1970s the best years I had at Delran.

The enthusiasm for the world of ideas, consequence. and the popularity of the electives I “When you are trying to impart teach, has been very flattering. It’s a information that should be a part of their great recommendation for the quality intellectual map,” he said “over the last of the students that are here. My peers, three or four years I have seen a reduction my colleagues, have all been equally of the disposition for them to want to do devoted to this process of learning. This that, and I blame technology for that… is not a job, it is a vocation… I have The irony is that all this technology was been delighted by the student body, the preached as progress, and in theory there parents I’ve interacted with, and the are things about it that are wonderful, administration. It’s been ideal for what but the practical consequences have been you might expect at a public school.” to dilute content and to distract from He emphasized the importance of the the main job of the classroom, which is impressions that a teacher makes on teachers teaching and students learning.” students, as far as “pursuing the right While Mr. Kennedy is retiring from things for the right reasons. In your public school, he is not yet finished with life, make sure you go out and become education. “I have obtained a job working confident, but be virtuous,” which is a at a Catholic school in Rhode Island,” he point that he is known to make to students said. He will teach sixth through eighth during his various courses. grade and will also be the only member “The perceptive students … are attuned of the history department. to it,” he said, “and they know that it’s This change in setting for Mr. Kennedy right, and all they need is to hear someone is due, in large part, to his daughter giving say it. There is a story about a nightingale, birth to twins. Since they live in Rhode which can sing beautifully, but it doesn’t Island, he is moving there to lend a hand sing until it hears another nightingale. with raising his grandchildren. While he The allegory of the nightingale is that out will miss New Jersey, he is also eager over there, in the breast of so many students is his new position. “Given the importance a commitment to the good thing, but they of the nuns [who taught him in school] need to hear it expressed.” and that my religion is important to One of his greatest concerns for me during my life and to have another education is the increasing reliance on chapter of my life in the church, in the technology. As someone who has taught classroom, where I can advocate for the online courses, he said that there is no faith, is a dream come true.”

“Mr. Kennedy is one of the most supportive & dedicated teachers within Eastern, and refuses to accept anything other than his students’ full potential. With a well balance of old school education and the use of new technology within the classroom, Mr. Kennedy’s class is quite enjoyable and keeps even the most inattentive students captivated.” -Nicholas Ray

“Mr. Kennedy has been the best teacher I’ve had at Eastern, and there is some serious competition. He is organized, passionate, and eager to teach the material. War and Peace is definitely challenging, but he makes it fun as well. His positive attitude and great personality allows for a great learning environment that students appreciate.”-Jesse Barbera

June 2018

SENIOR EDITION

The Voyager 3

Remember those who have helped you get here

By OLIVIA TINARI ‘18 Special to the Voyager

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would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Class of 2018 on its academic and athletic achievements. We have reached a milestone in our lives, and we should be proud to be counted among the growing number of high school graduates who call Eastern High School our alma mater.

As you celebrate your achievements, take a moment to thank all who have supported you in your efforts to get here. Most of all, I encourage you to reflect on the qualities and resilience you have developed that helped you achieve this important goal.

You will need to draw on these attributes as you grow professionally and personally. I urge you to contemplate the friendships you have developed, the gifts of knowledge and support you have received from faculty, and the values you have learned. These

are treasures that will serve you well in the future. Remember this momentous journey.

Enjoy it, savor it, and revel in it.

For all of us, graduation is the culmination of many years of our lives, and a final farewell that hardly does that time justice. For some, this ceremony comes as a relief as we are able to cast aside the restraints of high school that bound us as we enter the independence of the adult world.

For others, this end comes bittersweet.

Every memory that we have made at school is caught in an emotional struggle with the attraction of liberty in the adult world. We have always been a part of the real world, and as a new chapter of our lives evolves before us, we cannot help but look to the past to calm our fear of the unknown.

And that fear is not baseless, for we graduate under the burden of a global community.

We graduate with the weight of the world on our shoulders. Now more

than ever, the world, our country, and our community need us.

Embrace your future.

The possibilities of life are endless. Embrace your parents, teachers, and mentors. You are strong enough to withstand the pressures in life because of them. But most of all, embrace one another.

We have traveled this journey together, and though at this crossroads all of us must face our own path that lies ahead, we can always depend on the love and support of the friends we have made at Eastern.

Photo supplied.

Make it count!

Participate in senior year activites

E Eastern marching band and colorguard seniors take a break and splash around in the fall.

Photo supplied.

Don’t leave high school with regret

By JAIMIE MCCORMICK ‘18 Entertainment Editor

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iving without regrets is something that everyone aspires to do. High schoolers like to get out while they can and make sure that they have no regrets along the way. That was something that I thought I had successfully done up until a couple months ago.

In less than a month, I’ll no longer be a part of this school; I’ll no longer be able to say that I’m a high schooler.

Looking back on my four years here, I’ve realized that I could be better off than I am now. I used to take Honors English and Honors History freshman year. I dropped to accelerated sophomore year because I didn’t want to put up with the bigger workload. Moving into my sophomore year, my mom also pushed me to take journalism. I refused, claiming that I wasn’t interested.

I went from having high B’s to almost all A’s and put in the bare minimum of effort. My last three years here have been almost nothing but smooth sailing.

School’s never been my passion — it

always felt like a waste of my energy.

Dropping levels allowed me to not put in any effort while still pleasing my mom with my grades. I would’ve realized my passion for journalism and writing earlier on and would’ve had better options had I challenged myself.

I was only thinking about present ‘me’ and not future ‘me.’

I spent junior year thinking of ways to avoid talking to my guidance counselor about my future.

I regret not staying in touch with my old friends or staying in and saying that I was busy. I should’ve given more thought into what I wanted instead of taking the ‘easy’ way out.

There’s no reason to beat myself up over this. It happened, but I’ll move on.

High school has given me some of my best memories and also taught me one of life’s biggest lessons; learn to take risks and push yourself.

Take the chances as they come to you.

Don’t neglect them like I, and probably many others, did.

Don’t just take the easy way out, because although it may satisfy you for the time being, it won’t benefit your future.

veryone always says two things have ever had. I was with my best friends about senior year: it will go by in the Happiest Place on Earth with little faster than you think and to make guidance. Yeah you can go without the sure you make it count. school and still have the same fun, but it My senior year has been my best year has little to no difference than going with at Eastern. At the start of senior year, I the school. I think if I missed senior trip dreaded the normal high school student it would have been one of my biggest responsibilities like waking up at 5:30 regrets in high school.

AM, going to classes for 7 hours at a A month after senior trip was senior time, and of course doing actual work. prom and prom weekend which is another However, all the activities the seniors expensive activity worth the money. were given made the year go by fast and Yes, senior prom can run you almost one made it enjoyable. grand, but think about it like this: this In the fall, we start off with Spirit Week will be the last school dance you will and Homecoming. When have. One of the last times I was a underclassmen, you will spend $300 plus I thought it was “lame” dollars on a dress, get to go all out for Spirit your hair and makeup, and Week, but this year I took worry if your courage is it to the max. When you going to make you dress realize that this will be the properly. Another silly last time it will be socially thing to think about, but I acceptable to dress up as a think missing out on all of movie character in public, that will be a huge regret. you have to utilize the One of the last things opportunity.

By CRYSTAL OSUJI ‘18 seniors get to do is the With Spirit Week we Senior banquet: a lot Entertainment Editor have the field events, cheaper version of senior which I never cared about before…until prom that is strictly for seniors. It is nice this year. Freshman year I would have to be with your class only and dance never shouted for my classmates during and be around all of them. Senior trip the egg-drop or yelled at the referee for and senior banquet are the two seniorcalling the wrong foul. only events and I suggest everyone take Homecoming is always Eastern’s least advantage of that. attended school dance and I never went Very soon we will have graduation and before senior year. The dance ended up project graduation. Being able to walk at being one of the best school dances I graduation is not only a testament of how attended at Eastern. The intimacy and hard you have worked to get that diploma, exclusivity of the dance amplified the idea but it also is a special moment for your that is one of my last school dances with parents and loved ones. I cannot imagine these people—I will never be with these not walking at graduation and letting my people again. family down.

Our football team isn’t the best, but going While many students find project to those games as a senior is a different graduation a waste of time, it’s not. If experience. The tailgates, the “go home you are with the right group of people freshman” chants, and just seeing our and are willing to make the best of it, it classmates put so much effort into giving will be another one of those great senior our team the best support really gave me moments. the 80’s movie high school cliché feeling.

I’m glad I went to all the senior events There is also a lot of controversy over the we were given at Eastern. My mindset senior trip to Disney World. Many think for senior year was to do and be a part of it’s overpriced and not worth it because everything. This will most likely be my we only spend 4 days there. However, last time being with all these people again the senior trip was one of the best trips I so why waste it?

4 The Voyager

UNSUNG HEROES

June 2018

The unsung heroes of the Class of 2018 Unsung community servant: Cameron Zeigler

opportunity to work with outside groups and create connections with friends.

Beyond that, Cameron said, “It gave me experience with all kinds of technology lthough Cameron Zeigler has and helped to refine my problem solving tirelessly served Eastern and and working skills.” local community, few people Cameron cites his experiences at Eastern recognize the scope of his and in Boy Scouts when he thinks about dedication to helping others. his future career. He said, “It taught me Outside of school, he has continued and the value of service and is what drives me transformed his long-established passion to my future career and interaction with for Boy Scouts, and he now is an Eagle the community.”

Scout.

He plans to study Cameron also has criminal justice involved himself at Pensacola in countless Christian College activities at in Florida this Eastern, including coming fall.

Cross Country, This May, Fellowship of C a m e r o n , Christian Students, through his role Interact, Student as an Eagle Alliance, and Scout and youth DECA. He also was leader, earned an Eastern Board of the Community Education Student Service award at Ambassador for the 2018 Camden this school year.

County Best of Cameron’s the Class award favorite part about ceremony, a Eastern is the broad ceremony that range of clubs and recognized activities, of which notable student he took advantage efforts from high these past years. schools all across According to Cameron Zeigler salutes in his Boy Camden County.

Cameron, “It Scouts uniform.

Reacting to his creates a spot honor, Cameron where everyone can said, “I was honored to have a chance fit in.” to share my love for service with other He enjoyed himself the most during people. I hope that other students can see his experiences with Eastern Sound what service means to me and develop and Lighting, because it gave him the their own appreciation for it too.”

By HAYLEY BELUCH ‘18 Editor-in-Chief

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Unsung artist: Kylie Easterday

By HAYLEY BELUCH ‘18 Editor-in-Chief

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hroughout the halls, there are countless murals, projects, and display cases, but Eastern artists often go unnamed.

However, Kylie Easterday, a National Art Honor Society member and AP Art student, has contributed to the halls, the school newspaper, and school community with her work.

For Kylie, art has helped Kylie through high school, especially because it relieves her anxiety and gives her something to focus on other than her looming schoolwork.

“Without art, I’m not sure what I would’ve Kylie smiles in done,” she said.

“From extravagant pieces to just fanart, art is my outlet for my anxiety and other problems I face, but it is also just fun.”

She likes to draw and paint the most, especially gouache, and she encourages others to relieve their stress through similar mediums. According to Kylie, “People always say, ‘I’m a terrible drawer; I wish I had your talent,’ but you can draw with just practice and

devotion.”

Other than painting, Kylie’s favorite memories of her past four years at Eastern included “goofing off” with her friends.

She said, “I would never want to come to school if it wasn’t for my great friends.”

Although Kylie considered studying art at college, she decided to go to Stockton University for science and marine biology instead. She’s always had a passion for animals, and she didn’t want the stress of a career to suck out the enjoyment from art.

Instead, she hopes to do commissions in the future, and continue her side-doodling as long as she continues to enjoy it. the senior courtyard.

Kylie said, “I Photo supplied. am in no way the greatest artist but that doesn’t matter—you don’t have to be amazing at something to enjoy it.”

Check out senior farewell videos on Voyager-online.org

Jess Kinser prepares for a shot in lacrosse.

Photo supplied.

Unsung athlete: Jess Kinser

By HAYLEY BELUCH ‘18 Editor-in-Chief

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here’s one face that is more common on the fields and courts than in the hallways: that of Jessica Kinser.

Jess has participated in sports, especially soccer and lacrosse, since her youth, and she has continued her passion through her high school years.

Jess’s favorite thing about Eastern is athletics, because of the support she receives from teammates and coaches.

“Every team comes together like one big family,” said Jess. “I have nothing but positive things to say about my time as an Eastern athlete.”

Jess has played on the Eastern Girls Soccer team, the Eastern Girls Lacrosse team, and the Eastern Girls Basketball team. Her favorite has been the lacrosse team, for which she has played as a four year varsity athlete.

On the team, she’s had the opportunity to experience both the “ups and downs” with her teammates. Freshman year, they lost 20-4 in playoffs, and sophomore year, the team ended 5-12 without qualifying for playoffs.

However, junior year was when Jess noticed that things started to change. The girls made history by being the first team in school history to win the Girls Lacrosse Group IV South Sectional Final. They also won Team of the Year.

This year, they won the Olympic American Conference title for the first time in over 10 years, ending the season 17-2.

Out of both wins and losses, Jess said that her experiences on the team and with the girls shape who she is today.

However, her favorite year was junior year (when they won the sectional final), because she’s excited to be part of Eastern history.

Even when she’s not playing herself, Jess also has an important role in other Eastern athletic programs. She was the Girls JV basketball manager and the Girls Varsity Basketball manager both junior and senior year.

Outside of school, Jess also involves herself in sports in the local community.

She is a coach for both the Voorhees Lacrosse U14A team as well as the coach for her club lacrosse team, the Garden State Elite. Beyond that, she has volunteered at the Friday Night Lights Lacrosse League and guided 5-6th and 7-8th grade lacrosse teams.

As an athlete, Jess is already pressed for time, but she also managed the feat of maintaining high academic and community standards while at Eastern. A dedicated French Honor Society, national Honor Society, and Student Council Member, Jess even worked on the Youth Leadership Council for the Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation, providing kits with coloring book and pillows to children in hospitals.

Jess hopes to follow in the footsteps of mentors Mr. Christy and Ms. Breymeier, who she said showed her “what it truly means to help people.”

According to Jess, it is evident that the athletic trainers love both the kids and the sports, and she too wants to be able to help kids in that same way.

Jess is committed to play Division II women’s lacrosse at the University of Bridgeport, where she will major in Health Sciences.

Jimmy Cruz and his 3-Peat

By HANA HANCOCK ‘18 Opinion Editor

E

veryone knows Jimmy Cruz as the fun-loving, always smiling, Gangnam-style dancing guy who is always throwing it down on the dance floor at cotillion and prom.

Cruz has won the Class of 2018’s Cotillion King and both Prom Kings the past three years. On his most recent win at Senior Prom, he said that he was “excited” to win and that he was very surprised upon the reveal. Of course, he immediately had to celebrate with his signature dance move: the Gangnam Style.

Cruz said that he has had so much fun in high school (as well as at prom) and one of his best memories was going down to Georgia with Mr. Sherwin where he attended workshops that covered posthigh school plans. After graduation, Cruz

Jimmy holds his yearbook.

Photo by Hana Hancock ‘18

will be a post-grad at Eastern where he will continue to fill the hallways with his sunny disposition and positive attitude.

June 2018

UNSUNG HEROES

The Voyager 5

Unsung friend: Natalie Santore Unsung student:

By HAYLEY BELUCH ‘18 Editor-in-Chief

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hroughout the hallways, Natalie Santore always has a smile on her face.

She’s known throughout the senior class to be a bubbly person and loyal companion.

According to friend and teammate Jessica Kinser, she is always around when someone needs help, and she always gives it her all.

“She brightens up any room,” said Jess, “with her smile and contagious laugh.”

Natalie has been active in the school community, especially with service through Interact and Student Alliance.

Her favorite activities, however, have been soccer and lacrosse, because she’s been able to create new relationships that she believes will last “a lifetime.”

She’s made a lot of friends, but she has also developed strong bonds with her coaches, who she cites as being nothing but supportive.

Natalie bites a Mickey treat at Disney.

Photo supplied.

Similarly, Natalie’s favorite elements of Eastern are her relationships with “I love the way that physical therapists have the classmates and teachers, which ability to help people,” said Natalie. “I have always highlight her personable nature. aspired to help people in any way that I can, and I Natalie’s favorite four days of her life were the think a career as a physical therapist will allow me days of senior trip in Disney and Universal Studios, that opportunity.” because she was able to spend time with her friends Her career choice is an extension of her kindness in a fun environment. and compassion to the school body. According to As she transitions into postsecondary education, Natalie, the cliche “treat others the way you want to Natalie plans to study physical therapy at Seton be treated” is always applicable.

Hall University, as a reflection of her time playing “Life is too short and time is too precious,” said sports at Eastern. When she faced her own injuries, Natalie, “so I don’t see the reason to be anything she was inspired by the care and dedication of her but nice.” therapists.

Unsung musician: Brooke Lind

“autopilot.” According to Brooke, it goes beyond just being mentally present while in the program.

“That same message has stuck with me throughout hroughout the halls, there are countless high school,” said Brooke. “It’s a constant reminder singers and instrumentalists, including to avoid going with the flow of things and always strive to be the absolute best I could be.” the hard-working Brooke Lind.

Her favorite of the two Brooke activities from Eastern h a s was drumline, because spent her past four she made countless years immersed unbreakable friendships in the marching and mastered difficult band and drumline programs. cultures, where Brooke’s favorite she has played high school memory the mellophone was the moment that and cymbals, Eastern Drumline won respectively.

1st Place with the 2017 In both programs, program “Adrenaline.” she cites that there With the smoothness of were constant their performance that mental challenges day, Brooke said she that kept her knew they were going engaged. to snag the title before “There was always they even announced a new musical the winners. technique to be “It was incredible to learned, or a new hear that all of our hard style of marching, work and long hours of or a new visual, dedication had finally and even simply paid off,” said Brooke. the act of marching Brooke is grateful to and playing in the school and staff at unison required an Brooke stands at attention during the Memorial Eastern, because the Photo supplied. advanced level of Day Parade. wide selection of classes thought at every and extracurriculars moment,” said allowed her to forge her own path in these programs Brooke.

She’s taken a lot of lessons from her mentors, and helped her decide on her career plans.

Brooke is planning to study Nursing this fall at the Mr. Trinkner and Mr. Stanz, the most memorable of which being the encouragement to avoid falling into Honors College at Rutgers Camden.

By HAYLEY BELUCH ‘18 Editor-in-Chief

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Pranau Manohar

Pranau stops to smile during an Interact event.

Photo supplied.

By HAYLEY BELUCH ‘18 Editor-in-Chief

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astern is filled with hard-working students, but Pranau Manohar stands out amongst the crowd for his strong work ethic and commitment to academics.

Pranau, a Key Club, SUCCESS Club, and Theatre member, loves Eastern for both its academic offerings and also the sense of community it provides.

“At Eastern, I get to meet new people, make new friends, and express myself more openly,” said Pranau.

Pranau’s favorite classes are English and history. According to Pranau, both disciplines offer interesting content (like vocabulary words in English) and real-world impact.

This past year, Pranau took one of his favorite classes, AP World History with Mr. Trinkner. He enjoyed the class especially because Mr. Trinkner would make the content interesting and easy to understand.

“It’s important,” said Pranau, “because different policies and groups surround the world today.”

As a testament to Pranau’s academic career, he recently received an award at the Camden County Best of the Class ceremony for Most Improved Student.

“It meant a lot to me,” said Pranau. “It reminded me of all the struggles and hard work I put into where I am now.”

Pranau likes how Eastern provided him a strong sense of community during his high school years. He felt that there was an abundance of helpful teachers and great students, so he never felt left out.

Freshman year, students and teachers helped him find his classrooms the first week of school, which Pranau feels exemplifies the close-knit spirit of the school.

“People at Eastern accept me for who I am,” he said. “I’ve had a great time with friends, getting involved, and meeting new people during my four years at Eastern.”

Beyond that, Pranau feels Eastern prepared him well to be successful in not just his relationships, but in his plans to pursue history. Pranau looks forward to being a diplomat and or going into social services.

Congratulations to the Class of 2018!

6 The Voyager Adelphi University Gabrielle Byrnes Albright College Justin Lancasater Alvernia University Morgan Krwawicz Bloomsburg University of PA Brianna Fowler Boston College James Lee Boston University Noah Chasen Elena Bitman Bucknell University Jesse Barbera Camden County College Jordan Barber Cassidy Betz Gabriella Boal Tanner Eldridge Shoshana Kern Angelina Nguyen Hunter Stafford David Robinson Juan Martinez Yash Patel Jacob Harley Jason Rodriguez Jaimie McCormick Nicholas McAlpin Kenen Croall Cyreelle Cruz Samiye Pehlivan Darren Donaldson Matthew Claybrooks Hannah Nees Nicholas Lardieri Zachary Wallach David Clem Nicole Cressman Pranau Manohar Joshua Eksteen Brianna Gamble Daniel Nesta Reale Josephine Sandoval Gabriel Rouse Brianna Pizzo Vladimir Cordova-Hoyos Sanjay Maharaj Saad Nayyer Kristian Castagnola Saif Rehman Mushtary Suhaib Colin Mehalick Macie Udzinski John King Kara Fenton Katherine Maloney Stephen Carty Ryan Corkery Jacob Crandall Christopher Marzullo Ronald Pacifico Kaleah Parker Jacob Pimentel Alanna Upton Nicklas Vo Dolph Dauphin Regeena Button Draven Centeno Central Conneticut State University Mila Degregorio Chestnut Hill College Joshua Roach Clark Atlanta University Jala Minor

SENIOR EDITION

Delaware State University / Jireh Prep Matthews NC Zakee Johnson DePaul University Nicole Wood DeSales University Samantha Youse Dickinson College Onyemaechi Okoro Adena Cohen Drexel University Ivy Ren Aaron Paul Forsman Ayesha Siddiqui Prithika Pal Tajush Jang Scott Leitzke Sophia Chen John Cloutier Namit Deshpande Sarah Chung Steven McAllister Mackenzie Tancredi Daniel Joseph Winfield Jonahthan Shochat Amandeep Kumar East Stroudsbur University of PA Abbey O’Hara Zahir Goyins Eastern University Henna Panchal Elizabeth Sulecki Alexis Schenberger Christina Katkocin

Fashion Institute of Technology Shauna Hilferty Flician University Julian Lewis Florida Atlantic University Chadd Lewis

New York University Andrew Wang

Holy Family University Brandon Casper

North Carolina A&T State University

Indiana University at Bloomington Leo Dannenbaum

Norwich University Andrew Garrison

James Madison University Kaitlyn Lesniewski Johns Hopkins University Diana Bershadsky Kean University Anum Mahmood Gabrielle Concepcion Marlee Franden Anthony Taylor Jihad Powell Benjamin Smith Siddeeq Hightower Drew Campenella Kenyon College Hayley Beluch Kungliga Tekniska högskolan (Royal Institute of Technology) Andre Prihodko

Oberlin College of Arts&Sciences Kofi Asare Pace University Gianna Gonzalez Pennsylvania State University Sadee Gock Jiarui Wen Pensacola Christian College Cameron Zeigler Perdue University MIchael Berthin Jake Zuckerman Quinnipiac University Nicholas Ray Trevor Shannon Isabella Sinibaldi

Kutztown University of PA Ronald Silvestro Ryan Jennings LeSalle University Amanda Farnsworth Maria Kokolis

Rochester Institute of Technology Rachel Necky Hannah Gross

Liberty University Catherine Staley Loyola University Maryland Maria Brown Manor College Te’Ayah Newkirk Nzinga Shabazz Marymount Manhattan College Kayla Kantakusin

Florida Institute of Technol- Michigan State University Douglass Tamru ogy Nicholas Natale Millersville University of PA Lauren Ferriola Fordham University Lauren Cianfrani Montclair State University Robert Sundstrom Troy Edwards Fork Union Military Academy Drew Amour-Ordonez Jannette Fisher Cheston Bulgin Primo Davis Franklin & Marshall College Morehouse COllege Megan Giesecke Mansa Aziz Garden State Pathways Muhlenberg College Program at CCC Joel Hark David Weiss

Georgetown University Darron Outler

Aziarah Jones

Rider University Cameron Craig Jacob Kupersmith Krishna Razo Danielle Jackson

Mercer County Community ColFlorida Gulf Coast University lege Noel Pittman Kasey Ramsey

Coastal Carolina University George Mason University Jasmine Ringgold Madeline Portnoy Juliana Baldassarre College of Charelston Hannah Backal

High Point University Rachel Lynch

Lehigh University Farleigh Dickinson University Olivia Perrone Jared Keim Colin Smith Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, LA Jordan Brower

June 2017

Nassau Community College Matthew Morante New Jersey Institute of Technology Aidan Murphey

Rosemont College Tyler Morgan Rowan College at Burlington County

Mollie Fox Corianna Nevis-Goldman Akshar Patel Nathaniel Cravens Spencer Murzenski Robert Wilson Daniel Edwards Kevin Mallon Tyahna Johnson Nia Quinones

Rowan College at Gloucester County

Stephen Becker Russel Murzenski Anthony Joseph Macklin Michael DiGiovanni Michael Sacharov Zachary Tallmadge Veronica DiCrecchio-Ulrich Michaela Olivo Ryan Naus Andrew Janney Nicholas Passeri Joshua Polite Rowan University Constantine Roustas Daniel Aquino GabrielCavone Jemini Kaur Keyur Patel Taylor Arsenault Sophia Coello My’Yonna Boyd Aarush Kanojia Anuoluwapo Fadare Manahil Nisar Frank Taomina Matthew Lewandowski Christopher Malone Anthony Logan Janvi Patel Conor Ryan Shaun Devlin

June 2018 Rowan University (continued) Aakash Tripathi Bhavik Malkani Sophia Baldino Kaylee Barrett Alexandra Kroes Ali Mujahid Kasso Peaks Kevin Baker Kirollous Mankarious Yesenia Rijo-Morales Sierra Walk Clare Mueller Caroline Mancini David Detweiler Eric Marshall Noah Romoff Benjamin Greenblatt Jordyn Cipriano Jessica Anonuevo Lindsay Tomaziefski Krystyna Hovell Hayley Bricker Jessica Younger Tyler Costa Joseph Didio Rutgers University - Camden Sakshi Sehrawat Andrew Kumar Kyle Santangelo Alexander Shaw ALyssa Eckerd Brielle Piccone Mary Fisher Nicholas Mascino Abhi Kaneria Brooke Lind Laura Valeri Nusaiba Anika Rutgers University School of Nursing Kevin Gillespie Rutgers University New Brunswick Ryan Margolis Kyle Kenselaar Vidhi Shah Zachary Jones Ryan Singleton Timothy Jo Morgan Wurster Emalee Hohing Karahan Natalie Powell Hari Gunachandran Michael Chang Sean Hewlett Jordan Klinger Madison Tyree Cassandra Yushchak Bhavin Doshi Taylor Shiroff Noah Nadelbach Aliyah El-Muhammad Aditi Kiron Gurjinder Singh Daniel Boorboor Michelle Xu Angelica Alday Francesca Ferri Yinin Li Sananda Kundu Zoie Bissic Riya Patel Christopher Childs Seoungwook Yun St. Joseph’s University Rachel Waro Jessica Maute Michael Dugan Shawn Hall

SENIOR EDITION

Saint Louis University, Madrid Thomas Jefferson University Sophie Steele Abneris Rodriguez Seton Hall University Justin Chess Jeremy Fulton Natalie Santore Ryan Peters Karina Madrid Stockton University Necalyna Lopez Alexander Deterding Jordan Frisch Autumn Lawrysh Haley Dixon Laila Wertheimer Caitlin Hargrave Kylie Easterday Shelby Israel Gabrielle Mariano Geraldine Richardson

Towson University Katelyn Mauri University of Bridgeport Jessica Kinser University of Connecticut Sarah Casella University of Delaware Leah Manchel Brett Bordi Ari Kantor Morgan Fisher Jenna Bowman Jessica Miller Jessica Bender University of Hartford Alexander Serata

University of Maryland, SUNY College of Environmen- College Park Gabrielle Gilham tal Science and Forsetry Araya Herbert Sophia Roemer Jack Weissman Jack Herman Syracuse University Sonalii Garg Ryan Baker Supreet Kandhu Cade Williams Daniel Susson Laura Goldin Dylan Quinn Alexis Rubio Nicholas Antinori Temple University Noor Abdelkader University of Miami Nishant Menon Benjamin Dias Crystal Osuji Trudi Fleishman Prem Shah GIta Saparia University of Michigan Satish Krishnaraj Benjamin Fallick Isaac Grosssman Amanda Ravitz Amanda Myle University of Minnesota, Gia Lopresti Twin Cities Joseph Andruzzi Kristina Vujic Claire Probstf Charls Leuterio University of New Hampshire at Priya Dishi Durham Skylar Burg James McGrath Isaac Sklar Katherine Keleman University of New Haven Alyssa Gross The Catholic University University of Notre Dame of America Sophie Yue Alexander Mackle The College of New Jersey Muskanjot Kaur Julia Spanfelner Jan Matthew Tameta Domenick Ferriolo Brianna Krivy Amanda Spratt Gabriel Caruso The George Washington University Bryn Caren Lea Ives Cyrena Kokolis Hana Hancock Emma Weiss The Ohio State University Danielle Lev Jennifer Hoffman The University of Alabama Brett Eisenberg The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Samuel Gordon-Pecelli The University of Northwestern Ohio Brendan Kurpicki

University of Pennsylvania Justin Choi University of Pittsburg Sohum Patel Eve Penuel Amol Nair University of Rhode Island Bianca Gennaoui Robert Young Christopher Bracchi University of South Carolina Lily Goldwasser University of South Florida, Tampa Kara Trinkle University of the Sciences in Philadelphia Pauline Salunga Ilagan Max Nowell University of Vermont Alina Fensterer Isaac Bleicher Emily Neumann

The Voyager 7 Villanova University Liam Ramdial Matthew Rossignol Michael Daley Virginia Commonwealth University Savannah Slack Wake Forest University Vincent Melara West Chester University of PA Stephen McClain Julian Santos Ashley Boone Megan Hornberger Paige Rehill Benjamin Semmel West Virginia University Emily Caracciolo John Hiltwine Kyra Rottler Western Carolina Univeristy Haylie Bradshaw Widner University Erica Corsino Brianna Burgos-Emmolo Brinna Knowles Julia Bonomo Sophia Denisi Nathan Randazzo Wilkes University Mikayla Ronczka William Paterson University of New Jersey Taylor Hernandez Preston Lewis Yale University Matthue Cotton

Military

Air Force Alexander Frattaroli Joshua Jankowiski

Army Mason Nicini Bryan Fisher Cooper Marines Jesse Harryman Joseph Donahue Navy Niemai Smith

Work, Employment, and Other Plans

Employment Isaiah Lawrence Harrison Johnson Mitchel Ronchi Gregory Slack Knight Taylor Rose Erile Michael May Celeste Tompkins Alyssa Farms Madison Ewing Daequan Brown-Massey Bahir Allen Voice Acting Danielle Briggs Carpentry Donald Lathrop Kennith Wintz Returning to Eastern Alex Ciaravino James Cruz Matthew Minnick Brandi Friedrich

Dancer at Disney World Karlynn Bordern Technical/Other Education Zachary Jones Garret McFerren Jayci Taylor Smith Jacob Finkelstein Rizzieri Aveda School Rachel Randell Devin Heller Michael-Anne James

University of Wisconsin, Madison Living Life Alexa Friedant Bryce Irvin Lindsay Cohen

SENIOR E

8 June 2018

Zoey 101: If you showed any preteen girl a white painted and hot pink polkadotted key on a chain, they’d be able to easily identify it as the Zoey 101 key.

Almost everyone has dreamed of going to Pacific Coast Academy one day as they do their Drake and Josh “HUG ME BROTHER”. The popular Nickelodeon TV show ran from January 11, 2004 to September 16th 2007. The show featured the antics of two stepbrothers and a meddling sister, as they navigated their way through various comedic situations. The show was full of comedic moments and the catchiest theme song ever.

homework by the beach and watch the sunset over those sweet Western coast beaches.

Then they’ll return to their grotesquely spacious dorm room that they share with two girls who, while being radically different, make the best of friends. Don’t pretend you haven’t thought about it.

Suite Life Cody/ On D Zack and C in March 18 tember 1, 20 had over fou ers. Suite Lif essentially t Suite Life of where viewe Zack and Cod school on a c show started 26, 2008 to M

Golden days of Spongebob The golden days of Spongebob were seasons 1 to about 5, so from May 1st 1999 to July 24 2009.

Anything beyond that is too modern and not as funny or original as the classics. These seasons brought joy and tears to our eyes and made us want to know the Krabby Patty secret formula more than anything. This era of Spongebob will always have a place in our hearts.

Scooby Doo, Where Are You? This american franchise started back in 1969 all the way to present day. The original cartoon was brought to you by Hanna-Barbera, featured four teenagers and a dog solving mysteries.

This show was a staple of my childhood and “those meddling kids” solved their ways into our hearts.

Page Contributors: Alex Mackle, Hayley Bricker, J

EDITION

The Voyager 9

of Zack and Deck Cody first aired 8, 2005 to Sep008. The show ur million viewfe on Deck was the sequel to Zack and Cody ers got to see dy go off to high cruise ship. The Webkinz d on September Webkinz May 6, 2011.

Silly Bandz were the essentook our generation by storm tial fashion accessory after when it came out. It was a website of their spike from 2008. The fun and had us starting collections of the small stuffed silicone rubber bracelets were animals. Whether shaped into animals, numbers, you had one or and other designs, but the ten, Webkinz holds cool kids took a step up with a special place in Silly Ringz.

Jaimie McCormick, Hayley Beluch, Matt Morante

our hearts.

The tamagotchi was an electronic toy that simulated the experience of having a pet. Released in 1996, the toy was present well into our childhoods. While having real pets is an experience that enriches a child, the tamagotchi was an adequate time killer. Created by Aki Maita, a winner of the nobel prize for economics, created the toy. While most of the versions of the Tamagotchi are only available in its country of origin (Japan), the toy still had an impact on many American children.

The Jonas Brothers, the band of teenage heartthrobs, stole teenage and preteen hearts back in 2005. The band of brothers including Kevin, Nick and Joe, released songs like: “Burning Up,” “Year 3000,” “When You Look Me In The Eyes,” and “S.O.S.”

10 The Voyager

SENIOR EDITION

June 2018

Seniors, prepare yourself and evaluate your readiness...

By ALIYAH EL-MUHAMMAD ‘18 Staff Reporter

I

f you have spent any time in a high school classroom, then you have probably heard a teacher tell students, “Well, once you go to college, you know, no one is gonna be there making you do your work.” This is usually followed by a conversation about how some students will sink and some will swim within their first year of college. Somehow, this observation is not the most accurate observation of college preparedness. So, how do you know if you are really ready for college? Contrary to what some believe, being ready for college does not mean passing all of the right courses in high school. The key may lie in more than just grades.

When assessing readiness to leave for college, it is important to note how you deal with problems at home first.

Half of college students who drink admitted to binge drinking in a study from affordablecolleges.com, and 36% of students admitted to smoking marijuana in 2013. It is no surprise that college students engage in drug use, but if you find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol when times are tough, you may not last in an atmosphere synonymous with stress.

Students interested in college should also make sure they can handle their own problems. It is important to have the confidence to confront a professor who put in the wrong grade, instead of relying on parents to handle these problems for you.

College also comes with a lot of changes in social circles, too. For some these are welcomed changes, a chance to start over and meet new people. For others, this brings unwelcome influences and peer pressure. Peer pressure is defined as influence from members of one’s peer group. Once you are in college, there are no parents to enforce rules and guide your decisions. It is up to students to make the correct choices. One of the latest instances of peer pressure is shown in the death of Tim Piazza, a sophomore who died during a hazing ritual. Piazza fell down a flight of stairs after consuming massive amounts of alcohol. Piazza is like many college underclassmen who succumb to the pressures of those around them.

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, about 65% of high school seniors enroll in a four year university. Although more than half of students enrolled, less than that actually graduate and receive a degree or certificate. Students need to be sure that

Seniors Aziarah Jones and Aliyah El-Muhammad show off their shirts.

Photo by Hayley Beluch ‘18

they can handle the pressures of college as well as navigate the changing social climates. College is meant to advance a student’s knowledge and allow them to

specialize in their selected field.

Once you have evaluated your college, don’t forget to evaluate yourself.

What to look for in a roommate Do it for the senior memories

“H

e smells, he’s filthy, he’s ask them how often they smoke. Maybe always here, and I hate they only smoke occasionally, which is him,” is something you something that you could handle. You might say to your room wouldn’t want to lose out on a great advisor your freshman year of college. roommate because you made assumptions Who are you complaining about? Your about their lifestyle instead of talking to roommate, of course. them.

For many college students, freshman After you finish recognizing your basic year is their first time living away from needs, you must consider their own needs home. To make matters worse, they have and what they mean for you, starting with to live with a complete sleep. What is their sleep stranger. Though, thanks schedule like? Are they to the Internet, this a night owl or an early process has become a bird? little smoother.

Another important Nowadays, incoming consideration is their freshmen take to social interest in the “college media, such as Facebook, experience.” How often to join groups where they do they go to parties? Do can meet other freshmen they like to frequently who will be attending the have people over? same college. The hope is Something that you that you will come out the definitely need to other end knowing who consider (that you won’t you are probably going to find out in the Facebook room with. groups) is their drinking

By RYAN MARGOLIS ‘18 But when attending a and drug habits.

Staff Reporter larger university, such as In 2013, The Washington Rutgers New Brunswick, Post reported that around the number of incoming freshmen can be 80% of college students drink. For some daunting. How are you going to find the people, drinking and drugs could be a perfect match when there are so many complete turnoff when searching for a people to talk to? roommate. If you’re one of these people, Well, the first step is to recognize your then you’ll want to privately message needs. Could you live with a smoker? your potential roommate and ask about it.

Do you need quiet time in the room for Also, remember to pay attention to the studying? How clean does the room need conversation. It can be a giveaway to the to be? person’s personality and tell you whether After contacting someone online, making they’re really friendly or just creepy. some small talk, and getting to know their It’s also important that you demonstrate personality better, you need to start asking an interest in the person. While the them questions about the things that conversation will most likely be through matter the most to your lifestyle. a screen, you are still giving off first Most people will advertise themselves impressions. By showing the person as fun and outgoing, skimming over their that you are interested in them, they will flaws that they might not even know appreciate you more which helps your about. While it’s great that you both love chances of scoring a great roommate. rap, what’s more important is that they No matter who you are contacting, the don’t have an insanity-inducing habit. question remains: Could you spend an If they reveal an aspect of their entire year living with them? Consider personality that is a little upsetting to you, your personal needs, their needs, and their ask them more questions about it. Do not personality in order to find the perfect take it as a telltale sign that the match is college roommate. not meant to be.

Or, at least one that won’t make you For example, if the person is a smoker, insane.

By GABRIELLE GILHAM ‘18 Staff Reporter It seems like just yesterday the class of 2018 was walking through the doors of Eastern, filled with nervous energy of starting their high school careers.

The first day was filled with butterflies and making new friends.

Freshmen were instantly noticed as they dashed down the halls to the correct room number after going to the wrong class. High school was a completely new and foreign world to the hundreds of fourteen and fifteenyear-olds, and a start to discovering the rest of their lives.

Four years later, and those once freshmen are now adults, going off to college, getting a job, and advancing into the world. As one chapter is Seniors Henna Panchal, Alex Kroes, closing and another is opening, seniors and Shauna Hilferty on senior trip in Photo supplied. reminisce on their favorite memories at Disney World.

Eastern. speakers, and superlative awards. “It was Senior Prithika Pal is going to Drexel a really good atmosphere where people University next year, with an intent of got along,” Sulecki said. She loved this going into International marketing for event because she got, “to get dressed up fashion. Amongst the excitement of going with a bunch of my friends, and have a to college, she did not forget about all good time.” of the fun moments she has experienced Sometimes it does not take extravagant these last few years in high school. Pal events to capture a favorite memory with said her favorite Eastern memory was, friends, but it’s the little moments that “Homecoming. I was with all my friends. really count.

I didn’t understand the game much but There are also many big events that people were cheering. It was a good time.” occur senior year such as prom, the Whether one’s favorite moments of their Disney trip, senior banquet, and project high school years spans back to their fall graduation that seniors look forward to. of freshman year, or the spring of senior Senior Manahil Nisar, although unsure year, every student has something they about what field she wants to go into, will remember in years to come. knows she wants to go to medical school.

Senior Rachel Randell is going to Throughout her four years, her favorite Rizzeri’s next year, and ended her event was going on the senior trip to marching band season recently. A senior Disney. “It was my first time there and recognition ceremony was held for the on top of that I got to enjoy it with my marching band, “It was bittersweet, I friends,” Nisar said. Many seniors will was with all my friends from the last four agree that the Disney trip was one of their years,” Randell said. There were even favorites of high school. people she did not know cheering for her, As graduation day is approaching, which made it even more special. teenagers are anticipating the moment Another senior, Elizabeth Sulecki, they receive their diploma and they can is pursuing engineering at college next step into the next phases of their lives. year. She recently attended a band, color The closing of a student’s four years is a guard, and drumline banquet at Lucien’s time of telling old stories, laughing with manor, which included awards, student friends and family, and holding onto those

June 2018

SENIOR EDITION

The Voyager 11

The Great College Dorm Price Mystery

With the price of doorm increasing, The Top 10 Most what can you, a prospective college fresman, do to combat the ever grow- Expensive College Dorms ing price of college?

1. New York School of Interior Design — $21,000

accustomed to.”

All adding to the ever growing cost of living on campus.

But nicer dorms are all a t comes as no surprise that college is expensive. way for the college to make Like incredibly astronomically expensive. Tuition, more money. “It’s not just meal plans, books, the college experience is for that they want prospective the shallow of pocket. When our parents went to students to be comfy. college, according to my mother, the cost of living on Institutions compete with campus was roughly $7,000 and $8,000 a year. But the cost each other not only for has steadily grown over the years. The cost of living on the brightest students, campus as also steadily increased right alongside tuition but for families who are prices. But what has contributed to these price increases? able to pay full price.

Living on campus is part of the college experience, These families may see making new friends and living on your own for the first time. a cramped, shared room But with the cost of dorms rising it becomes unrealistic that hasn’t been renovated to live on campus. Senior Jessica Anonuevo said that the for years as a deal breaker reason why she is not living on campus is because there is and take their dollars “No point in doorming if my new house is right there, but elsewhere.”, said Forbes even if I lived here, I still wouldn’t live on campus because author David Randall. of the cost of college itself, its so expensive already.”

With colleges most According to Forbes, “While there are obvious School of the expensive by c o s t s like annual upkeep and heating, the biggest s t a t e include, single reason why dorms are “California’s University getting more expensive of California Berkeley at is that they are much nicer $15,482 ,Connecticut’s than they were 20 years ago.

Quinnipiac University Colleges have spent millions at $14,250, Delaware’s of dollars renovating or University of Delaware building new dorms in order at $11,200, Indiana’s to offer the same sort of University of Notre Dame suburban comforts that at $12,512, Maryland’s many students are Johns Hopkins University at $13,832, and Pennsylvania’s Drexel University at $14,415.” according to David Randall’s article But what happens if the price of living in the dorms becomes too costly? Is that compromising your education? Well, there are ways to offset the ever growing costs of living on campus. In Miriam Caldwell’s article, she outlines the top steps on how to lower the cost of college living.

Step one is to ditch the dorm and move into an apartment after your freshman year. The dorms freshman year allow for students to make friends and help them adjust to their new lifestyle, but after freshman year it is significantly Eastern Regional High School cheaper to live off campus 1401 Laurel Oak Road in a shared apartment with Voorhees, NJ 08043 the friends made by living 856-784-4441 on campus in the first year. www.voyager-online.org Step two is to consider meal plan options. If staying and living in the dorms is a THE VOYAGER - Senior Editors must, then cutting the costs Alex Mackle, Hayley Beluch: Editors-in-Chief of meals is the smart way Hana Hancock: Opinion Editor to save money. “The meal Karina Madrid Features Editor Jaimie McCormick: Entertainment Editor plan can make life easier, Crystal Osuji, Layla Turner: Assistant Entertainment Editors but you can save money by considering other options.”, said Caldwell. Most colleges Senior Staff Reporters offer variations of meal plans so you might not necessarily Hayley Bricker, Aliyah El-Muhammad, Gabrielle Gilham, Ryan Marget as many meals a semester golis, Matthew Morante, Nick Ray, Robert Sundstrom but you will get just right Walter Bowne, Advisor: Room 605 amount for your budget.

By not having the gradious Letters to the Editor meal plan, keeping non Submit signed letters to Room 605 perishable foods and snacks or email ehsvoyager@gmail.com within the dorm room is another way to save money.

Awards For step three, Caldwell urges students to form “meal The Garden State Press Association, groups”.

Meal groups are “Overall Excellence” small clusters of people The American Scholastic Press Association “First Place with Special Merit”, “Overall Best Sports Coverage” that come together, possibly those who live with you, and cook meals together.

“If you cook one large

I

By HAYLEY BRICKER ‘18 Staff Reporter

2. The Boston Conservatory — $17,195 3. University of California Berkeley — $15,482 4. Drexel University — $14,415 5. Catholic University of America — $14,326 6. Quinnipiac University — $14,250 7. Stevens Institute of Technology — $14,214 8.

Art Institute of Chicago — $14,190

9. Roger Williams University — $14,120 10. Vanderbilt University — $14,094

meal and feed four people with it, it often costs less than cooking four smaller meals. If you each cook one night a week, you can save on groceries over the course of the month. These cost savings tips can really help you cut back on the amount you spend for college.”

While a set of wheels might be practical if you’re college is in the middle of absolute nowhere, but most students do not need their car in college and Caldwell sways students of this in step four. If you’re living on campus, most of your campus is built to be within walking distance. “The basic savings in parking and gas are obvious, but you can also save on monthly insurance costs, maintenance, and registration.” A little walking will not kill you! Or if you need to get somewhere in a flash there are other sets of wheels available. Public transportation (if applicable to your college) such as a bus or train are very viable options. Also for getting places on campus, bikes and skateboards are speedy options.

Books cost more than they used to, and finding the right places to get books can help aid in cost of college. “The College Board estimates that the average student in this country spends around $1,200 a year on books and supplies. A single book can cost as much as $200.”, according to CNBC. Caldwell said in her article, “Although the bookstore may be convenient, you may be able to save money by shopping around online and looking for used texts from other sources.”

GT teacher, Tracy Palmer said, “The pricing is outrageous, I think that it’s unrealistic to think that a room that holds two people, these are small rooms, where we know that you can get a triple for a discount, but I would say it’s probably not worth your sanity, to be put in a triple room. Not worth the money, you can get a job working at the local starbucks and make up that difference. I think that a great option to cover housing costs would be to make a favorable impression your freshman year to your RA and start looking into at the end of November beginning of December how you could become an RA, so that you could apply and possibly get your room and board taken care of. That’s really in my opinion the only way to cover those expenses because your looking at between twelve and fifteen thousand for a year for room and board and you’re not gonna make that in a summer job...legally.”

But the most important thing is safety. At the end of the day if you’re living in a hole in the wall apartment in the middle of gang territory, fearing for your life because you need to save money then it is not worth it. There has to be a balance between spending money like crazy and extreme saving.

With enough research and information, you too can save the big bucks when it comes to college living.

MILITARY

12 The Voyager

June 2018

Jesse Harryman joins the Marine Corps

By HAYLEY BELUCH ‘18 Editor-in-Chief

Following graduation, Jesse Harryman has decided to join the Marine Corps as an active duty infantryman.

Jesse has known he wanted to join the military since sophomore year. He cites his experiences in and out of Eastern as a slow build towards his enlistment, including his recent Eagle Scout project for which he built benches, weeded, and planted flowers where the old gazebo used to sit.

Jesse comes from a legacy of servicemen, which gave him an impetus to serve. Both his maternal and paternal grandfathers served in the Navy during World War II. His father flew CH-46’s (tandem rotor helicopters) during the 1980’s in the Marine Corps.

However, although Jesse conceded that his father’s service did partially influence his decision to serve in the Marines, he said it goes beyond just following in his father’s footsteps. He himself had been attracted to the values and ideals of the Marines, and following sophomore year,

his exposure to different military media reaffirmed his selected branch of service.

“I decided I wanted to join the Marine Corps specifically because of their warrior ethos,” said Jesse. “That was something that was particularly attractive to me—for the marines, not the Navy or the Army.”

One of the main elements that solidified his desire to serve was his attraction to military movies and documentaries.

He was especially interested in movies like Lone Survivor, which follows a surveillance mission in Afghanistan, because they were based on real events, following real warriors in modern service.

These movies then led him to a newfound interest in war documentaries.

The two most influential documentaries he watched were Korengal and Restrepo, which followed infantry units in the Korengal Valley in Afghanistan, one of the deadliest places at which to be stationed.

From these, Jesse learned a lot about why men fight in the different branches of service.

“They fight for the people standing next to them, not for more abstract ideas,” said

Jesse. “I want to be a part of that—a part of a group of people who are willing to fight and die for one another.”

Beyond that, Jesse is attracted to what his father often calls “the moral imperative for the use of irresistible violence.”

To Jesse, the warrior is an ideal to look up to and to strive to be.

“I’m interested in trying to push myself to be the best that I can physically and mentally be,” said Jesse, “ and to be among people who wanted to do the same thing.”

Jesse hasn’t decided if he wants to make a lifelong career out of the military. He plans to wait and see how he enjoys his first four years, and make a decision based upon that.

Although he has yet to decide, he still encourages other students to consider joining a branch of service.

“There’s not enough people around today who feel it is necessary to serve something higher than themselves,” said Jesse. “I think it’s a beautiful thing when people are willing to serve Jesse Harryman and Joe Donahue something like that.” pose for a photo at Senior Prom.

Joe Donahue: future Marine

By HAYLEY BELUCH ‘18 Editor-in-Chief Joe Donahue is planning to join the Marine Forces Reserves next year.

His decision comes from a motley of different influences, including family legacy. Joe’s father was a Marine for eight years, two of his uncles served in the Marine Corps, and both of his grandfathers served in the Army. This exposed him to the idea of following suit relatively early in life, and he never considered a different branch of service.

“I’ve always known it’s what I want to do,” said Joe. “Even before I really thought about college, I knew I wanted the Marine Corps.”

Although he decided early on that he wanted to be a Marine, some of Joe’s experiences at Eastern did reaffirm his decision.

At Eastern, Joe played football for four years, lacrosse for two years, and wrestling for two years.

The physical discipline needed for these sports— especially wrestling, which he considers to be the hardest working sport at the school—gave him the necessary exposure to regulated fitness.

After deciding upon the Marine Corps, Joe began researching to prepare for training.

“I fully know what I’m getting into,” said Joe. “I’ve watched hours of videos, done hours of research, and talked to people in the marines.”

Joe’s favorite class is War and Peace, a course that studies various wars (Vietnam, WWII, Civil War) from the American perspective. Joe’s teacher, Mr. Kennedy, also served as a Marine, so Joe has spent time talking with him about experiences and his plans for his time in the Marine Corps.

Joe is going into the reserves, and coming back next year to start school. He plans on studying Intelligence, and he wants to try and get into an officer program when he’s a junior or senior so he can “make a career out of it.”

Mason Nicini joins the Army

By HAYLEY BELUCH ‘18 Editor-in-Chief Mason Nicini has decided to join the Army National Guard following the commencement of his high school career.

He will be working part-time, and he will be stationed in Cherry Hill. According to Mason, he chose the National Guard over active duty because it will allow him to go to college and participate in civilian life, while still allowing him to serve in the military and receive benefits.

His primary influence on his decision to serve came from his family.

“My whole family was in the military—all Army, too—so they told me all the benefits and I wanted to pick up on that,” said Mason.

Mason’s great-grandfather (who is still alive today) fought in WWII and even worked on artillery ships on D-Day. His grandfather also served in Vietnam, and his mother was stationed in Korea.

His family would tell him stories as he was growing up that would convince him he wanted to serve.

“They always seemed so cool,” said Mason. “So as a little kid, I would always say, ‘I want to be in the Army!’”

Although it seems slightly daunting, Mason is also excited for the opportunities it will bring him.

“For me, it really stuck out when I went to my recruiter,” said Mason. She gave him a list of col-

leges the army pays for in full (up to PHD), which really helped finalize his decision.

“The military is a great decision for people that want to go to a good college but can’t afford it, and it’s also just a really good service to do for your country,” said Mason.

Photo supplied.

Students from the Class of 2018 who are entering the military post-graduation JOSEPH DONAHUE U.S. Marine Corps Intelligence BRYAN FISHER COOPER U.S. Army ALEXANDER FRATTAROLI U.S. Air Force JESSE HARRYMAN U.S. Marine Corps Infantry JOSHUA JANKOWSKI Air Force Ground Transportation MASON NICINI U.S. Army National Guard

Mason shakes hands with his recruiter, Sgt. Moore, on his enlistment day.

Photo supplied.

NEIMAI SMITH U.S. Navy

June 2018

SENIOR EDITION

The Voyager 13

It’s important to let the current guide you

some point, it’s beyond just one person, including yourself.

This senior year, I’ve recognized the importance of taking chances and letf there’s one thing I’ve learned ting the chips fall where they’re meant these past four years, it’s that you to fall. Don’t get me wrong—it doesn’t can’t control everything in life. stop me from exerting my full effort for You can’t always stay in the shaleverything I try and accomplish. I still lows—sometimes you have to go deeper focus on the trivial things, as it’s a hardand risk getting overtaken by the waves, to-shake habit. just to see where it brings you.

But I now am able to recognize the folly It’s a tough truth to realize—that as far in this triviality. as your actions go, chance and fate go This past year has been filled to the brim further. It’s easier to believe that all of with stress, work, and an extra addition your precise calculations and targeted acof anxiety as it relates to my college decitions line the path to your success, but at sions process, as I’m sure a lot of students can relate to.

I thought for years that I had to have a definite plan, and to stray from such a plan would ultimately mean failure.

I knew I was going to Rutgers, because they would give me money and it was close to home. I laughed off my Rachel Lynch points to Madame Youse’s college penant English teacher board.

Photo by Hayley Beluch ‘18 when he suggested

I

I apply to Kenyon College, an expenwill carry some of the burden of “consive school over seven hours away from trol” that otherwise would weigh you home. down. Embrace their guidance.

It wasn’t part of my plan and it was out For me, I owe so much to my parents, of my control, and therefore it was out of Mr. Bowne, Mr. Fulton, Mr. Kennedy, the question. and countless othBut fate intervened, ers. I wouldn’t be and here I am, bound where I am now, for a college I never the person I’m was going to apply to, now setting out to because it was too far be, without them. away, too expensive, So in the next and I didn’t know anyfour years, wheththing about it. I took a er you join the leap, trusting the guidworkforce, go to ance of my teachers college, or join and family, and I now the military, make recognize this new sure you allow path to be just as likely yourself to reto lead to success as linquish control the one I planned out when you find so meticulously beyourself so deep forehand. in your plans that If there’s anything I you can’t see any take from this, and I other possibilihope others will take ties. from this, is that evTake chances erything happens for a Chris Childs wraps himself in a you would never reason, and sometimes Rutgers blanket. see yourself takPhoto by Nancy Bowne ‘19 ing, and let othyou just have to go with it and see where ers help guide the it leads you. Don’t fight to regain conway when you let go of the trivialities. trol over the things that don’t need to be It’s important to keep swimming forcontrolled. ward, but it’s also important to let the curThere will be people along the way that rent guide you.

By HAYLEY BELUCH ‘18 Editor-in-Chief

Seniors ‘give advice’ to their freshman selves

By MATT MORANTE ‘18 Staff Reporter

W

hen we all walked through the doors of Eastern Regional High School for the first time, we were blissfully unaware of what high school had in store for us.

We all knew that four harsh, unforgiving years awaited us, but that did not quell our excitement before entering the next phase of our lives.

As the Class of 2018 reaches the soon arriving sunset of their K-12 careers, they look back on their Freshman years and realize the foolhardy notions of their 14 year old selves.

Lauren Cianfrani said that if she could give a piece of advice to her freshman self she would tell herself that “freshman year grades matter more than you think they do at first. You should try your hardest freshman year.” Kevin Mallon also sympathized with these statements.

“I should have taken freshman year more seriously,” he said. “I would have gotten used to the workload of high school.”

Other seniors were regretful about their lack of being involved and their specific class selections. Andrew Kumar said, “I should have gotten more involved in sports and other school activities.” Keyur Patel said, “Don’t take AP classes that do

not interest you. It is not helpful for you.

It ends up being a regrettable decision.”

Other students had specific gripes with how labor intensive their classes were at times. “Don’t take GT (Gifted and Talented). It is not helpful in the long run,” said Vincent Melara. “Know your limits.”

Many seniors realized through their four years of high school that some of the things that we think matter, don’t really matter that much at all. Sophie Steele said, “Don’t care so much about people’s opinions of you.” Cyrena Kokolis said, “Don’t worry about the future so much.”

While many things that we do in high school affect our future, most of our future is affected by our lives in college.

One of the things that does matter in high school, however, is frequent attendance. Shoshanna Kern said, “Try to attend school as much as possible, don’t take unnecessary absences.”

Many of us have habits from our freshman year that took hold of us. From compulsive laziness to trying to be more popular than you need to be, there are always regrettable decisions that we have made in our high school career.

The biggest takeaway from high school should be that these are the years that you will remember fondly in the future.

Even though we may have some regrets, high school should be looked back on as a memorable point of every person’s life.

Vincent Melara and Matt Rossignol sit by lockers while wearing their college shirts.

Photo by Hayley Beluch ‘18

Seniors smile in the senior courtyard with their college apparel.

Photo by Staff Reporter

Sundstrom Farewell: Beware the Tears

By ROBERT SUNDSTROM ‘18 Staff Reporter

A

s our senior year draws to a close, graduation steadily approaches.

As it does there’s bound to be a lot of excitement around school, but at the same time, a lot of tears. Beware these tears! Some of these tears, while one could see how they could come into being, will be fake. These are fake tears.

These are tears meant to prove to you that these graduating students are in fact not robots, but humans.

These are the same people who will quote Winston Churchill and Oprah at you in order to invoke a strong emotional reaction during their speeches. They will tell you that this is a day you will remember forever culminating the four years that will have shaped our entire lives. I will tell you one thing though, these people… they’re liars.

These liars will tell you that high school was amazing, that they had wonderful times. They’ll say their everyday wasn’t full of hate and rage. They’ll try and convince you that sometimes they had fun in high school and that darkness didn’t define their every waking moment.

These people want to trick you into thinking you had a good time in high

school. They’ll even ask you to attend events later on in life where you celebrate what you have done here and donate towards the torture of future students. They may even ask you to send your own children to an establishment just like this one!

Joking aside though, graduation is an important milestone in all of our lives. It is a day to be celebrated, as you have completed a large step of our education. And while high school may only have been a part of creating the people we are today, it has certainly impacted each of us in a profound way.

Whether it is moving away from friends, teachers, beloved clubs and activities, or some combination of them all, every student has a reason to shed at least one tear on graduation day.

14 The Voyager

SENIOR REWIND

June 2018

Blast from the past: Teachers on their senior years Eastern Regional High School Class of 1995 Favorite Memory:

“A few days before graduation, my English IV teacher, Mrs. Montessano asked to speak with me. She knew I wanted to pursue a career in teaching and

Exeter Area Regional High School Class of 1977

Favorite Memory: “I just felt

like the world was my oyster and I could do anything. I had so many dreams and I felt prepared for them because of the education I got.”

Do you have any advice for graduating seniors?

Or parting words?

she took time out to speak with me about the path I was about to take.

She started by saying it is a challenging profession and that there would be moments I wanted to give up.

She also said that, while many believe it is a thankless job, the accolades come in the form of the success your students experience.

She advised me to always strive to do my craft better and that change

“Well, my fallback is do good and be good, do well and be well. On a more personal level, always take care of yourselves and others.”

me something where I didnt know what was gonna happen, it gave me a challenge where it felt like I could create something.”

What were you thinking in this picture? What kind of state of mind were you in?

Did you have senioritis?

“It’s just the best. The band room, my band friends. I had played bassoon for only a few years and it was just a unique quirky instrument. I just felt like it gave

“Terrible. And I was a really good student. And I just remember myself being a straight “A” student but I look at report cards and not so much. I would just feel sometimes like physically it was hard to make myself sit in the chair, especially when the weather got nice. I just felt like I was transmogrifying out the window.”

John F. Kennedy High School in Willingboro Class of 1978

for graduating seniors?

Or parting words?

Favorite Memory:

What were you thinking in this picture? What kind of state of mind were you in?

“Placing sixth place in the state long jump championship. And being the second best long jumper in Willingboro behind {olympian} Carl Lewis.”

Do you have any advice

“In everything that you do, in every honest attempt that you make, let your work speak for you.”

“I don’t know what I’m gonna do when I finish high school. At that point, one of my

Collingswood High School Class of 1988

world.”

Favorite Memory: “Finishing and graduating. I worked

just like you I had come in on my own time and wear. I was most worried about whether my hair looked good. {The one earring was} my mother’s great consternation. By the time I had got to the other ear, I had forgot I had put in something in the other ear. Very 80’s.”

a lot senior year. I wasn’t into high school. Senior year was just about finishing and I didn’t have college plans. I was just putting in my time to be finished.”

Do you have any advice for graduating seniors? Or parting words?“Have perspective.

Don’t get too wrapped up in the details in the moment. As bad as you think something is in the moment it’s really not the end of the

is not always a bad thing.

Honestly, I was so excited to graduate that I didn’t really hear what she was saying. She gave me a hug and asked me to come see her once I was a teacher. I don’t remember every lesson she taught but I do remember that she was invested in me.

She cared about me.

Looking back, I realize the powerful truth behind her advice.”

options was to go into the military because my father was in the military, that’s all i knew. But i had a guidance counselor pull me out in the hallway and saa ‘No Tull, you’re going to go to college’ and that was it.”

Did you have senioritis?

“No, that didn’t exist for me. I went through high school unchallenged and I wasn’t trying to challenge myself. I didn’t have to have senioritis I just didn’t work hard. My best work did not come until I did get into college.”

What were you thinking in this picture? What kind of state of mind were you in? “I remember that picture. I remember

Did you have senioritis? “Senioritis basically started because I was out of school for a week and that got me started.”

Seniors comment on their favorite teachers Mr. Friedman

“As a high achieving AP student, never have I had the pleasure of behind a student to a teacher who was as passionate about his subject and devoted to teaching as Mr. Friedman. Despite teaching us extremely high level physics and calculus, Mr. Friedman made it not only fascinating and simple to understand but actually enjoyable.

In short, I believe that Mr. Friedman’s personality and wit, when combined with his incredible skill and passion for teaching, qualify, if not over-qualify, him for the title of Teacher of the Year.”

- Jonathan Shochat

Mr. Mercurio

“He has helped me so much in the past 4 years not just with Latin but with my anxiety. I probably would’ve had to go to a special school for my anxiety and depression if it wasn’t for him being there. He is not only kind to me but to anyone else who needs help. Also we share a similar sense of humor so he’s fun to joke around about memes with. He makes Latin fun and I wouldn’t have taken it 4 years if he wasn’t the teacher.”

- Kylie Easterday

Ms. Palmer

“Ms. Palmer has dedicated her life establishing students with research and learning skills necessary for college and beyond. She has gone above and beyond to work with her student’s schedules, putting her own schedule aside. As a student, I feel confident in my major because of what Ms. Palmer as taught me and the advice she has given me. “

Check out the Voyager Web- - Sophie Steele Mr. D’Antonio site “Mr. D. knows how to get the class interested and involved; he gives the students a way to relate to literature. Un-

www.Voyager-Online.org for Valedictorian Diana Bershadsky’s Senior Spotlight and more!

like most classes, I actually learned material rather than just memorized it. He also stands out from most teachers because he genuinely shows the care he has for us and taught us more than just book work but also about life. I appreciated his passion and completely genuine personality everyday.”

- Drew Armour-Ordonez ‘18

See the complete list on voyager-online.org

June 2018

SENIOR BANQUET

The Voyager 15

16 The Voyager

SENIOR EDITION

June 2018

All non-credited photos within this edition are sourced through student submissions