Issuu

First Edition Pages 11 & 12

Theater Page 5

New VP Page 2

Eastern Regional High School

Opinions Page 9

October 2019 New sub! Page 2

Volume LIV

1401 Laurel Oak Road

Voorhees, NJ 08043

Dr. Leason voted Teacher of the Year for 2018-2019 By AARON ARNSTEIN ‘20 Staff Reporter

t’s quite ﬁtting how Dr. Leason found out she was the recipient of the 2019 Teacher of the Year award. “I was actually here on a Friday afternoon, ﬁnishing up the last of some of my CP (College Prep) grades,” Dr. Leason recalls, “Dr. Tull actually stopped by, asked what I was still doing here [at school] so late on a Friday afternoon, and that’s where he lightened the mood and told me that I had been nominated as Teacher of the Year.” As a teacher of 25 years, Dr. Leason is no rookie. Before becoming an educator at Eastern, she taught at her alma mater, Gloucester Catholic, for six years. When comparing the two highlyregarded schools to each other, she describes them as “night and day.” She was fresh out of college when she taught at Gloucester Catholic, so it was odd to be calling her former teachers her colleagues just four years after graduating high

Dr. Leason instructs her juniors during a morning class on the book “Tuesday’s with Morrie.”

school. She credits Eastern for allowing her to grow both in and out of the classroom, and helping her thrive in leadership roles. “There’s

just so much room for growth and personal advancement that I don’t think I would have had the opportunity to have at Gloucester Catholic,” said Dr. Leason.

Photo by Sami Frankel ‘20

Dr. Leason’s educational background includes attending Holy Family University, while SEE LEASON PAGE 3

“Nasa” still inspires us In Memoriam

By EVELYN STEELE ‘21 Associate Editor-in-Chief

Photo courtesy of Nancy Mejia

astern, to many, is a stepping stone to college, but for some students, it is a way to make a difference in their lives and others. Alejandro Mejia used his time in high school making a difference in the lives of his classmates. Mejia, a graduate of 2017 who was attending Drexel University, passed away over the summer on June 26, 2019 at the age of 20 due to leukemia. During his time at Eastern, Mejia was known to many as “Nasa,” a nickname given to him by an instructor through the Eastern Marching Vikings. He had a SEE “NASA” Page 4

Alejando Mejia passed on June 26

Mr. Cloutier chats with seniors Jake Fritz and Emma Bitar in the Media Center to discuss his vision for the school. Photo by Emma Bitar ‘19

With “passion and promise”

Mr. Cloutier talks about his new role as superintendent of Eastern. SEE PASSION PAGE 2 What’s Inside?

Mr. Adamonis - Page 2 Blue Strobe Lights - Page 3 Voyager Columns - Page 4 Nasa and Gazebo - Page 5

What’s On Your Mind? - Page 6&7 Tik Tok Vs. Vine - Page 8 The Gun Debates - Page 9 The Rise of Lizzo - Page 10 Girls Tennis & Field Hockey - Page 11

News October 2019 From APUSH at Cherry Hill West to superintendent at Eastern, Mr. Cloutier has seen many experiences on his path in education By JAKE FRITZ ‘20 and EMMA BITAR ‘20 News Editor/Staff Reporter

s the new superintendent of Eastern Regional, Mr. Robert Cloutier takes on the responsibilities with promise and passion. Cloutier began his educational career as a history teacher. He gradually climbed the pole of administrative rank along the way. A college history buff, he earned his undergraduate in history education. He received his first teaching experience in the 90’s at a small middle school in Pennsylvania, and later became an AP US History I teacher at Cherry Hill West. This was his first introduction to the South Jersey area. From Supervisor of Teaching and Learning/Director of Curriculum to

Superintendent, Cloutier made a name for issues, right? Physical changes like the himself in the Eastern Camden County blue “Panic Buttons” have been made, Regional School District. Since his start however, Cloutier’s most prominent in the Eastern community, Cloutier has shifts lie in the new attention to the socialworked alongside familiar faces such as emotional aspect of the student body. Dr. Tull, Mr. Hill, and Dr. Borda. With anxiety rates skyrocketing, a new It comes as no surprise that Eastern therapy dog program is in the works is regarded as one of the most highly at Eastern. A local K-9 response team respected school districts is being tested with the With anxiety rates in New Jersey. “One of the skyrocketing, a new freshman studies program. things that is special about therapy dog program “It’s one of those things that Eastern is the sustainability we’ve been talking about, is in the works at of the district” said Cloutier. we have been planning, and Eastern. He intends on maintaining now it’s time to really bring these special aspects of the Eastern it into fruition.” community, as well as implementing a Cloutier hopes Eastern’s new anxiety 2020 take, on 2020 issues. reducing techniques will reduce stress “The vision statement has been the same in the student body. With a little help vision statement since the 90’s, in fact, from everyone as a community, we can it has been the same vision statement help fulfill Cloutier’s vision by making since before Dr. Melleby was there,” he Eastern feel as safe as possible again. stressed. It’s time for a change of these new world

Dr. Clark becomes new vice principal

Photo from school website

2 The Voyager

The Board named Mr. Cloutier as the new superintendent of Eastern after Dr. Melleby’s retirement.

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

By MATTHEW STEINSALTZ ‘20 Editor-In-Chief

he path that new Vice Principal and English supervisor, Dr. Clark, has taken to Eastern has been long and winding. She started out studying English and education at Rutgers University. Straight after college, she received a journalist job for Black Enterprise magazine in New York City,where she wrote about business. “I choose Black Enterprise over the Wall Street Journal because they were willing to pay me a little bit more,” said Clark. She had also interned at the magazine while at Rutgers. Dr. Clark supervises the foyer as students arrive. Photo by Matt Steinsaltz ‘20 Her main beats were career She is quickly becoming management and personal Eastern. “This place is huge,” said a part of the Eastern development. She worked at the Dr. Clark about her first community, and we are magazine for five years impressions of Eastern. welcoming her with open and then went back to “This place is double the arms. “I am just really happy to be here. The school. Clark earned staff is great and the her Masters from St. students are great,” she Peters University in Education “It’s good to pursue said. Eastern and Dr. Administration and experiences that Clark share a common Supervision. While stretch you, and I’ve mission: to prepare attaining her masters, enjoyed doing just students to become she taught in North caring, Jersey during the day. that. If you don’t go, productive, responsible, and She taught for a while you won’t grow!” contributing adults. before getting the itch Dr. Clark is very to go back to graduate said Dr. Clark. happy in her new role. school. She moved to “It’s good to pursue Milwauke, Wisconsin experiences that to attend Marquette. At Marquette she earned size of where I was before.” stretch you, and I’ve her Master’s in counselling At the end of the day, Clark enjoyed doing just that. If and her PhD in educational still works with kids. “The you don’t go, you won’t kids are no different here grow!” said Dr. Clark. policy and leadership. After her time in the than in the other school midwest, she moved back I have worked at. They Check out to New Jersey to teach are young people with the more news English Composition at a same needs,” said Clark. and features Dr. Clark is most looking community college. Her next stop was Oak Crest forward to adjusting to on voyagerHigh School for six years. her new role as the vice online.org Oak Crest would be her principal for the class of final stop before reaching 2022.

Sophomore Emily Liu colors the breezeway with pastels for The Week of Respect. Compasion, trust, respect, tolerance.

Photo by Antonia Zong ‘22

Meet Mr. Adamonis By JOSH MEYERS ‘21 Associate Editor-In-Chief

hen Mr. Cory Adamonis started working as a substitute teacher in special education for Highland Regional High School, he enjoyed having one-on-one conversations with students, as well as giving them support. Before becoming a teacher, Mr. Adamonis attended Stockton University and earned his Bachelor’s degree in history. He obtained a huge interest in history that had blossomed in high school. “My junior year and senior year I had two history teachers that were just incredible and I really found my love for the subject. I felt the best thing to bring history alive was to be a teacher and teach my students the same way my teachers taught me,” he said. Mr. Adamonis will enter his third year of teaching as he will be a new special education teacher for Eastern. He is thrilled that he gets to do something he loves everyday. “I get great pleasure out of helping people succeed and realize their worth,” he said. Mr. Adamonis likes how different Eastern is from his last school, but he isn’t fazed by the size since he attended Washington Township High School as a student. “I’m used to big crowds and big atmospheres,” he said. “I’m getting the

hang of Eastern, finally. Navigating is getting easier.” When he is free, Mr, Adamonis likes to spend time with his wife and his dog, travel, play the guitar, and coach soccer. As the new school year ensues, Mr, Adamonis wants to improve as a teacher. “That’s my goal every year,” he explained. “To just get better, get a better connection with kids, help them learn better, and succeed.” He wants his students to know that he will always have their backs and hopes to teach each of them a work ethic that will benefit themselves in the future.

Mr. Adamonis reviews the lessons for the day. Photo by Josh Meyers ‘21

News

October 2019

The Voyager 3

Blue lights for safety

Faith on Theatre

This fall, the Eastern Theater will put on “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way To the Forum.” It’s a fast-paced farce that will have the audience in rolling in laughter. Based on the writings of Roman playwright Plautus, By FAITH the story is a parody SIRDASHNEY ‘20 about everyday people Staff Reporter in ancient Rome. The play surrounds Pseudolus, a crafty slave who struggles to win his freedom. Pseudolus makes an agreement with his master, Hero: if he can convince the beautiful virgin courtesan, Philia, to fall for Hero, Psuedelous will be freed. Other characters weave in and out of the story, making Pseudolus’s task much more difficult. The plot twists and turns from scene to scene, as well as from song to song. Hilarity ensues. I sat down to chat with Dr. Gregg Molotsky to discuss this year’s fall show.

By AVA HANCOCK ‘20 and EVELYN STEELE ‘21 Managing Editor and Associate Editor-in-Chief

blackout curtains in the windows,” says Westerby. During unstructured time (when students are in between classes or eating lunch), teachers are instructed to sweep the hallways for students. The strobe lights, curtains, and announcement all work together to make Eastern as safe as possible. The New Jersey Department of Education’s Office of School astern students were greeted with more than just Preparedness and Emergency Planning has scored Eastern warm welcomes this Back-to-School season; very high in a lockdown assessment, saying that Eastern over the summer, blue strobe lights have been was one of the best practicing schools. implemented all throughout the building. Students were informed of the new strobe lights during The new security measure was discussed last school their class meetings, which took place during lunch in year through community meetings. the performing arts center throughout the first week of “There is a security committee that meets several times school. These meetings, Mr. Westerby says, are crucial annually and we’re always looking for ways to make to ensure the student body understands the importance of the school safer,” said Vice Principal and school safety school safety. specialist Mr. Westerby. There are some cons with the new security measure, Several parents, students, and administrators serve on including false alarms by students. the committee so that the concerns and opinions of a “It’s the same mentality range of community of a fire alarm,” members are expressed. said Mr. Westerby. Following nationwide The consequences school shootings and can include lengthy general school security suspensions and/or threats, as well as a board hearings. To law that came out Mr. Westerby and requiring schools to the rest of Eastern’s install systems like administration, the these, a visual addition safety of the school to Eastern’s security is no joke and will be system was a topic of handled seriously. interest. Another concern The blue strobe regarding the strobes is lights are stationed in their effect on people locations where the A blue strobe light is placed on the wall next to a fire with epilepsy or special announcement for a alarm. Photo by Sami Frankel ‘20 needs, who may be lockdown can’t be significantly affected typically be heard, like by the visual intensity. This is a concern that had already in the cafeteria or in the 900-wing. been taken into consideration by the committee. When a lockdown is underway, the lights will display The lights are not everywhere. Teachers who work in conjunction with an audible announcement over the with special needs students have specific instructions in loudspeakers, repeating, “Lockdown, lockdown. This is regards to how to handle the situation. a lockdown.” Mr. Westerby ensures that the Eastern administration In a scenario where there is a lockdown during school, and its community members are always looking for ways drill or not, there are procedures to follow. In a lockdown to improve the school’s security, so that students and during structured time (when class is in session), students faculty alike feel safe; the blue strobe lights are just one are to follow teachers’ instructions. “The biggest problem part of this constant development. is finding somewhere to hide— that’s why we have

Dr. Leason

Continued from page 1 earning at Bachelor’s Degree in English and Secondary Education. Additionally, she also has a Master’s Degree. She recently completed her doctoral studies at Widener University, a long and arduous six year journey. This is not Dr. Leason’s first prestigious teaching accolade. She has won the nationally recognized “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers,” a publication where nationally recognized students nominate teachers that have had a meaningful impact on them. In addition, the senior class of 2015 selected her as the “Most Inspirational Female Teacher” in the yearbook. One of the first people Dr. Leason told after receiving the news of winning Teacher of the Year was her mentor at Holy Family University, Dr. Dittimer. “She loves her students…She really puts that extra time and effort into it [education] and I hope in some ways that I emulate her personality and dedication to her students,” remarked Dr. Leason. Dr. Dittimer also played a key role in Dr. Leason’s decision to pursue her Doctorate. Some of Dr. Leason’s favorite books to read in the English curriculum include Tuesdays with Morrie, The Great Gatsby, and Siddhartha. “American lit [literature] is definitely my favorite of all the literature selections that we have here at Eastern.” She adores Gothic romantic authors, and Edgar Allen Poe is one

of her favorites. Despite all of her success both in and out of the classroom, Dr. Leason did not expect to be nominated for Teacher of the Year. “I feel very humbled by it and it’s something where I’m proud but also feel the weight of that responsibility on my shoulders at many times.” Dr. Leason is thankful for the opportunities Eastern has provided to her for nearly two decades. “It’s a great district and I really do enjoy working here. Gloucester Catholic was home, but Eastern has definitely become like a second home to me.” For all the late nights and hours helping students achieve their full potential, Dr. Leason’s acceptance of this tremendous honor puts all of her hard work into perspective. She too, is thriving, teaching students the same skills that have made her into the successful individual she is today.

What was your inspiration in choosing this show? In other words, why did you choose this show? Molotsky: I wanted to do a comedy as a counter programming to the contentiousness that currently exists in our society. This show has absolutely nothing to do with politics. There are no political statements being made through this show, plus it’s always good to laugh. What challenges does this show present? Molotsky: Comedies are always difficult to put on because they require a strong sense of timing and commitment from the actors. So there’s that. With the fall show, we have student directors. It’s always challenging to do a musical in the fall, but it’s also rewarding. What is your hope/vision for this show? Molotsky: The goal for the show is for people to come, have a good time, laugh, and put their worries from outside aside for a few hours.

Photo by Madeline Bowne

Nancy Bowne ‘19 shares a goodbye hug with her AP Lang and Comp teacher, Dr. Leason, at graduation. “She treats students like college students, encouraging our self-reliance and wisdom. She has always been one of my favorite and most personable teachers.”

What is this show about? Molotsky: This show is a comedy. It’s about all the things good comedies are about: Young lovers, misdirection, and of course, a happy ending.

How did you come upon the decision of allowing students to help direct and choreograph the show? Molotsky: These students are students who have excelled throughout their years in high school. These students are typically seniors who are ready to move on beyond performing, and start creating and becoming involved in the show. How were the auditions for this show? Did they make the decision of casting challenging? Molotsky: Auditions this year were absolutely challenging. More people came out for this show than people have in several years. This does present a challenge, but I’m excited to work with the students. How do you feel about the seniors this year? The freshmen? Molotsky: The classes really don’t matter to me. When casting a show, it’s really about presenting the students with problems they haven’t seen yet in high school. Choreography hasn’t been experienced by these seniors, and neither has vocal directing by a student. There’s typically a cycle for the fall show. These seniors first did a children’s show, then to a (kind of) more serious children’s show, then last year was a high intense drama. So now is the chance for a good old fashioned comedy. And since it’s based on the writing of Roman playwright Plautus, it can’t get more old fashioned than that. What can people do to support the theatre program and the show? Molotsky: There are many ways to get involved besides performing. There’s stage crew, sound and light, and hair and makeup. If not any of those, come see the show.

“A Funny Thing” plays from November 21st to November 23rd. This side-splitting musical is one comedy you won’t want to miss!

October 2019 News The passing of Alejandro Mejia, aka “Nasa,” the “kid with the big heart,” leaves a lasting impression on the school community

Nasa and his years with the marching band. His personality is well remembered CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 by those who crossed his path and his smile and laugh is forever in their minds. massive impact on the program, playing Mr. Trinkner, Visual Instructor to in the battery section throughout his the Eastern Marching Vikings, spoke marching years. He was a mentor highly of Nasa as a student and leader, to everyone who knew him and was explaining that Nasa’s smile is one of the especially well versed at making any many things he misses most. situation a learning situation. “He was a guy who just had a big heart, Mr. Stanz, Band and Music Director, always did his best,” said Trinkner. “He explained how Mejia was an example of was the kind of kid who was studious and a leader in the band program. “He was hardworking, respected, and fun to be someone that anybody could go to ask a around. Just made everyone’s day a little question and they would get a true formed better.” honest answer.” Mike Rulbewsky is a current senior at “Leader” is how many have described Eastern who plays in the battery section as a tenor, just as Mejia did his senior year. Rulbewsky was impacted by Nasa, who was a senior when he was a freshman. Mejia acted as a mentor to him during his early band years. “What I miss most is how he made everyone smile,” said Rulbewsky, “He didn’t have to say anything or do anything. Just his appearance made everyone smile. Just him being there made everyone’s day.” This aspect of Nasa was also recalled by Regina Kollender, another senior in the pit section of the marching band. “As a freshman, I just remember him laughing all the time and he was always in a good mood,” she said when explaining his impact on her during her starting years Alejandro Mejia proudly displays an award with the marching band. His example is instilled in letter from Drexel University where he was a many. Kollender explained that student. Photo supplied by Nancy Mejia even during his treatment, he

Photo by Lydia Tate ‘21

4 The Voyager

Current members of Marching Band proudly display the “Nasa” patch in honor of Alejandro Mejia, a former member of The Marching Vikings. “He was a guy who just had a big heart, always did his best,” said Trinkner. continued life as normal as he could by going to his co-opt at Princeton University. Nasa helped every student who needed it. He was an example of how a band member should act. “I always practice the same way he does and whenever I’m in down times during practice or feeling down about myself I always say, ‘I’m doing this for Nasa, I’m doing this for him,’” Rulbewsky added. Eastern and its marching band has lost an important member of their community due to the illness that took

Nasa too soon. Mr. Trinkner explained that the school is looking to create an award in his honor, given to the student who has followed his characteristics of leadership and overall positivity. Mr. Stanz said, “I want the band to keep his spirit around them and within the band, to remember him and his ways and try to emulate that,” A leader and a positive spirit, Alejandro Mejia left his mark on the turf and on the hearts of so many.

The Gazebo Memorial reflects the brevity of life, but such life, lived deliberately, allows our passions to flow

“Mr. Goode was my 8th grade history teacher,” I said. “He was the best.” He was the one who encouraged my love of history, I told them. I wrote a fifteen page research paper on the Battle of Gettysburg. I still have it. He was a Revolutionary War reenactor, and would come dressed to school and would fire blanks from his musket. “It was the best lesson in middle school,” I said. “It’s the one lesson I most rePeace and contemplation in the gazebo. member. It’s about followlike Carlo Nicastro, who would dress as a ing passions and doing what cheerleader for Halloween, all with that you love. If you don’t love what you do, crazy hairy chest, or as Gumby. The adchange. Don’t wait.” ministration was always quite upset. He I then whisper Carril Moyer, my 9th didn’t care. The kids loved it. We loved it. grade biology teacher, who assigned an “You gotta live, right?” I think Carlo obituary for homework. We had to think Nicastro must have told me. “If it ain’t about death to make life worth living. So I fun, why do it?” wrote about having a wife and family and We call those years “The Golden Age” of a best selling novel called “The Devil’s teaching. I came to teaching twenty years Calling.” ago in the Golden Leaf of the Golden She read my obituary to the class. In 9th Age. But at least I caught the sun. grade, Walter Bowne was never “the one” Tears welled in my eyes as I moved the selected in school for anything amazing. class back, reluctantly, inside the instituUntil then. tion. We moved quietly through the halls, She loved the idea, and my friend Dirk noticing the students in rows on Ipads or Dunlap said I should start. “So I did,” I the kids on the pottery wheels. We passed told my class. “I finished the novel in the by guidance with SAT dates and college summer before college.” visits. “Seeing those signs makes me so So I, too, followed my passion. nervous,” one senior said. I mention the names of the kids I taught, “Just remember the things that really who also had passion, “Alicia Rose, Kyle, matter,” I said. “And just follow your pasNasa, the kids I loved; the kids whose atsion.” oms and rec letters still swirl in Room 605 and in my head; the students I went Read the Voyager’s “Gazebo” to school with; the crazy, dedicated colessays and photos online at leagues who guided me when I was new,

Photo by Faith Lee ‘23

words to add depth and clarity and meaning to my writing. Everything has a Latin name and a common name. A genus and a family. he lesson for the day was not No one could tell me the name of the new: to teach descriptive writcommon bird by the trash can. That’s a ing using concrete nouns. finch. Fringilla coelebs. They love thistle A hastily scrawled sign on and nibble constantly on my fading garmy door in blue marker read: den now: the top-heavy, bulging heads of “Bowne Class on Walkabout.” my purple coneflowers. Echinacea purAfter all, teaching inside a bunker would purea. have been criminal on such a day in midPicking up a broken twig with six or September. The blemish-free blue sky seven dead, brown leaves, I crumbled the was sealed tight across the courtyard. leaves and allowed them a brief flight on “Close your eyes,” I said. “Feel that cool the breeze. They once charmed us with breeze. Is that the first true breeze of fall?” cherry blossoms. Prunus serrulata. They were to take notes on the senses. I told my managing editor, Ava Hanock, One solo flower bloomed, the last of the that we will be like those desiccated small, star-burst, orange coreopsis. Did leaves. Everything that lives will be food anyone know its name? No one knew. for the next wave of life: like the ancient While picking apart the seeds of the dyEgyptian symbol of the snake that deing flower, still half-green and alive, I vours its own tail. It’s called Ouroboros, said, “Enjoy the bloom of youth, but also and a paradox. enjoy all parts of life, “Mr. Bowne, knowing what you that’s horrible,” can leave behind to she said. grow.” “But if we acWhat about the knowledge our names of the trees end,” I said, around us? No one “we can have knew. Photo by Aaron Arnstein ‘20 heaven now. It’s Empty concrete planters, tilted toward right here. Will anyone care at your futhe east, reminded me of Roman ruins. neral about your SAT scores?” “Would you be sad if you were a planter Awkward smiles of relief may have apthat contained no flowers? No soil? What peared. other metaphors and symbols here can be We approached the gazebo. Few had used?” stepped inside. Fewer even recognized I noticed a Virginia creeper slithering the names dedicated to those who have its way across the suffocating daylilies. I died from Eastern. I enter in solemnity. ripped it out. Reporters were busy writing notes. In a “How is a weedy vine a metaphor for hushed voice, I told them stories of the our lives? august names engraved in gold. As a writer, I said, I had to use concrete By WALTER BOWNE ‘87 Adviser of The Voyager

voyager-online.org

The Voyager 5 Features World governments largely ignore the signs of climate change By SASHA TUDDENHAM ‘20 Features Editor

cientists have warned of the inevitability of climate change for years. Their pleas were ignored. It took a global movement of the world’s youth for global powers to actually listen. The campaign began in August 2018 when climate activist, Greta Thunberg, stopped attending school on Fridays amd instead stood in front of the Swedish Parliament building to protest her government’s disregard for climate change. People began to pay attention. It started with a few other students who came to support Thunberg’s mission. Then a few turned into hundreds. As soon as Thunberg took the ﬁrst step towards making a difference, students from all across Sweden found a platform to make an impact as well. The platform grew to encompass students from over 150 countries. High school and middle school students from all over the world became aware of their ability to challenge lawmakers to build a new future. Thunberg hopes the worldwide protests will be the “social tipping point” to inspire action. Protests are happening in all major cities, including Manhattan, London, Brussels, Paris, and Berlin. There will be

over 4000 protests worldwide with 800 of them in the United States alone, The Guardian found. New Jersey is seeing protests form in Cherry Hill, Camden, Newark, and even Ocean City. Thunberg has become the innovator behind youth’s involvement in protecting the climate. However, she does not want any recognition, only change. “Please save us your praise. We don’t want it,” she said to Senate legislators. “Don’t invite us here to tell us how inspiring we are without doing anything about it.” Climate activists from all over the globe are protesting with the “Fridays for Future” campaign on Friday, September 20, 2019. A map on the global climate strike website is available for anyone hoping to get involved with the protest. The majority of climate activists involved in planning any “Fridays for Future” protests are under 18. Many schools across the United States are allowing excused absences if the student receives a parent’s consent to attend the protest. New York City public schools started the trend by allowing high school and middle school students to attend the protest without any repercussions. As technology makes the news more accessible, younger students are becoming aware of controversial issues. The youngest student at a climate protest in New York was found to be less than 9 years old. The United Nations is hosting a Youth Climate Summit on Saturday, September

21 to hear directly from Thunberg and her fellow activists. The UN realizes, the youth have the answers and the ability to make change. On Monday, September 23, 2019, the UN Climate A c t i o n Summit is set to take place between the world powers involved in the 2015 Paris C l i m a t e Agreements. After hearing f r o m students on Saturday, the world powers involved plan on revising the treaty and setting higher climate goals, with talk of making the globe “carbon neutral” by 2050. Students are the future. If students don’t make their voices heard, the government won’t institute effective change. The Brazilian government is allowing the Amazon to burn by refusing to invest money to ﬁght the ﬁres. The American government has not only withdrawn from the Paris Climate Agreement, but refuses to continue discussions about how to protect the global climate. Countries like Japan are still funding the coal industry

Artwork by Sara Tuddenham ‘20

October 2019

in developing countries like Africa. Australia is further losing its environmental regulations in favor of a growing economy. Many governments are ignoring the signs that the climate is changing, in turn, making the tragedy worse. This needs to stop. Today’s youth needs to have a role in deciding the fate of the climate, before climate change becomes irreversible due to the actions of world leaders. Students need to create their own voices by following Greta Thunberg’s example and inspiring a platform of their own.

Voyager alumni savor the new freedom in college

By AVA HANCOCK ‘20 Managing Editor

ven though school has only been in session a few weeks, things are in full swing at the Voyager. Editors are falling into their newly assigned positions, first-year staff reporters are working on writing their debut articles, and final decisions for layout are being made. Maanasi Natarajan remembers this feeling all too well. Just last year. it was her sitting in room 605 working as one of the editors-in-chief, calling the shots. Today, Natarajan has bigger things on her mind. She’s a freshman at American University in Washington, D.C. and is working on getting acclimated to college life. As a CLEG (communications, legal institutions, economics, and government) major, she spends most days going to classes, with her favorite being Intro to College Inquiry (a research-based class). On Tuesdays and Fridays, she has an internship on Capitol Hill with Rosa DeLauro, a respresentative from Connecticut. “I really enjoy it, but also because it’s near the Washington Monument and stuff, after work sometimes I like to walk around and explore the city,” said Natarajan. It’s this type of city-life that attracted Natarajan to American University in the first place, and it’s evident in her voice that she adores her school. “I really like how everybody at my school is really politically active, and also, how everybody you meet has something they are really passionate about,” she said. Natarajan’s passion is communications, and her dream is to work on Capitol Hill in speech-writing. Working on The Voyager has largely contributed to her interest in communications. As an Opinion Editor and Editor-in-Chief, Natarajan spent time interviewing students, staff, and administration, as well as writing commentary about political and social issues. Lauren Casole shares a similar passion. At The University of Florida, Casole is majoring in public relations. The J-School, where the public relations major is housed, is ranked #2 in the

nation for PR, and was a massive pull factor for her. “I chose PR because I knew that I liked writing and I liked journalism, but I also really like communicating with different types of people.” PR, Casole says, is a good mix of both of these strong skills she has. Other skills of hers include writing articles and essays, working with Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop, helping to run The Voyager website, and handling the newspaper’s Twitter account. These are abilities bolstered by Casole’s experience at The Voyager that she hopes can land her the position as the director of communications for the Pan-Hellenic community, which oversees all sororities at the University of Florida. She recently joined Alpha Chi Omega, a sorority on campus that keeps her busy with socials and new member meetings. When she’s not caught up with Greek life, you can find her studying at the library, practicing with her dance team, or just enjoying the beautiful Florida weather. Another Voyager alum going down the communications route is Srishti Ramesh. A former online Editor-in-Chief, Ramesh has decided to major in journalism at Temple University. “The Voyager made a pretty big impact on me, and it was something I was really interested in compared to other aspects of school,”said Ramesh. Interacting with authority figures during her time on the newspaper staff has helped improve her communication skills, and is something she feels has been the most beneficial to her. Ramesh has learned a lot about herself in the short month that she’s been at school, including how she reacts to situations now that she’s living on her own. “The whole college experience is really enlightening,” she says. She spends most of her day in and out of classes, but ending the night with dinner with friends makes everything more bareable. The advice offered by all three students is roughly the same: enjoy every moment of senior year and put as much time into the school paper as possible. Ramesh encourages that one should try to exceed their expectations at college.

Lauren Casole lounges in her dorm room. Photo supplied by Lauren Casole ‘19

Maanasi Natarajan poses with her roommate. Photo supplied by Maanasi Natarajan ‘19

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As the leaves fall, wh

6 October 2019

Celebrating with that classic Disney magic By FAITH SIRDASHNEY ‘20 Staff Reporter

Before we left, we exchanged numbers, and she encouraged us to contact her whenever we were in the area. Her kindness not only overwhelmed me (and my mother) with joy, it also allowed me to make a ichael Sirdashney, you just finished complete realization about Disney World chemotherapy! What are going to do next?” and the real world. my mom asked. Our world has many things: “I’m going to Disney World!!” he replied. technology that’s evolving on the That was the beginning of my family’s path back up the hill daily, astounding cities, you of life. name it. However, Disney In early October, my dad was diagnosed with Nonhas something that the real Hodgkins Lymphoma. The chemotherapy not only took world often lacks. Kindness. a toll on my dad, but on the entire family. We needed Kindness and respect. something to raise our spirits. Seven days and two fifteen What’s the first thing hour car rides to and from Disney did just that. you typically hear about Something that really warmed my heart on my trip was on the news? It’s either the kindness of the Disney staff. As soon as they heard my politics or some sort of dad was cancer free, they made him a pin to wear around the disaster. From what park to celebrate. I’ve heard, there During our time, both staff members and on occasion, seems to be a school other visitors of the park would congratulate my dad on his shooting in America accomplishment. One restaurant even made us a sample every other day. dessert plate, with the message “Cancer is no match for School shooter is you!” written in chocolate syrup. angry at someone Hugs were given, hands were shaken, and tears may or in the may not have been shed. Disney has something school, Everyone was so kind, but so they there was one person who that the real world decide went above and beyond to to shoot often lacks. Kindness. make our Disney vacation up the magical, and her name Kindness and respect. school. was DeeDee. People are We met DeeDee around then angry at the middle of our vacation. We were getting the DAS shooter for shooting up the pass (Disability Service Pass) for Big Thunder Mountain school when they could have Railroad, one of my Dad’s favorite rides. When we were done something to stop it. getting the pass, my mom began explaining my Dad’s This even happens situation, and instead of giving us a return time (which is locally. One student how a DAS pass works), she let us on right then and there! is mad at another, As soon as they heard Afterwards, we saw her again, and she put us right back that student doesn’t my dad was cancer free, on! Then, for a third time, she scanned our Magic Bands, understand why they’re they made him a pin to but instead of Big Thunder, she got us Fastpasses for Splash mad, the two argue, and Mountain! She jokingly said to us, “It’s really hot today, go wear around the park to soon enough, a full out cool yourselves off. And cool off for me too!” brawl breaks out between

the two. All of these situations are filled with hatred and anger, from both sides. Two wrongs don’t make a right. This brings me back to Disney World. Compared to our world now, Disney seems like a dream. When my family was packing, my younger brother turned to me and said, “I don’t wanna go back to reality.” And he was right. Disney takes you away from the real world, and brings you into theirs. The cast members are inviting and kind. They make you forget about the problems in the real world, and the tasks you still have on your To-Do list. If the world were like Disney, the world would be a better place. If one person started to spread kindness and respect everywhere they went, we may be one step closer to that world. Senior staffer Faith Sirdashney has been thinking a lot about college, but what has been on her mind is the health of her dad. On a dessert plate in a restaurant, composed in chocolare syrup: “Cancer is no match for you!”

Social Me vs. Se

By FAITH M Staff

B The world is coming to an end By SASHA TUDDENHAM ‘20 Features Editor

he world is coming to an end, at least, according to the news. Reporters are constantly harassing readers with a heartbreaking outlook on the health of the world’s climate. However, change is not happening fast enough to slow down the climate crisis. Although many are reluctant to acknowledge the deepening climate crisis, uncontrolled fires in the Amazon, the Arctic, and in Siberia have drawn the public’s attention to the urgency of climate change. The fires in the Amazon remain the most tragic for, as the Yale School of Environmental Studies discovered, the Amazon stores 25% of the world’s carbon. Once the carbon stored in the forest is released, global warming will quicken drastically, leaving parts of the Earth uninhabitable. After the G7 summit this past August, public pressure caused government leaders to invest over $20 million in fighting the fires in the Amazon. President Trump was not involved in the discussions resulting in the decision to lend Brazil the tools to fight the wildfires. As the president continues

to recite his rhetoric about the “expensive hoax of global warming,” he has taken down vital laws regulating unhealthy levels of pollution. It began when the United States withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement in 2017. The United States climate policies, once restrictive, are gradually being dismantled, therefore becoming ineffective in the fight to slow climate change. The Trump administration also quit regulating methane leaks, ended requirements for energy efficient light bulbs, and weakened habitat protection by opening protected lands to oil drilling. I spent a week over the summer hearing from experts about the state of the media and the depreciation of the political climate at the World Affairs Council in Philadelphia. Although the course was centered around the increase of populism, each speaker warned attendees that we should not fear the political climate as much as we should worry over the climate crisis. One such speaker, Oliver St. Clair Franklin, Honorary Consul of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, did briefly discuss Brexit and how British citizens feel about Britain leaving the European Union; however,

Franklin mainly asserted the idea that no matter the political turmoil throughout Europe, the world needs to come together to speak about how to slow the diminishing health of the climate. Britain committed to reduce emissions by 2050 to “net-zero,” meaning human pollutants will be removed or at least negated from the atmosphere. Pollution will be reduced through the use of LED light bulbs and hydrogen central heating while technology continues to advance to make the “net-zero” plan attainable. Although admirable, Britain’s plan alone is not enough to negate humanity’s impact on the climate. As a world power, the United States needs to follow in Britain’s footsteps and institute stronger environmental procedures, not continue to dismantle the laws that have succeeded to protect the environment. Experts who have spent their whole lives studying the state of governments and learning the inner workings of the art, understand that we all have to take action. Governments cannot simply institute policies about issues their citizens care about. Governments need to inspire the masses to make a change. Scientists have tried their best to instill a sense of urgency in the population to take action to promise a longer lasting planet. Yet, without the help of the government, it is almost as if scientists are fighting an uphill battle.

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The Voyager 7

Senior year, the Eagles, and The Voyager By MATT STEINSALTZ ‘20 Editor-in-Chief

alking through the doors of Eastern, four years ago seems like forever ago. I remember sitting in my freshman homeroom thinking, “Man, this place has a ton of people and is massive”. I thought to myself, “only four more years.” Well, I am beginning that fourth and final year. On the first day of school, much like I did as a freshman, I sat and thought to myself. Much like freshman year I thought about the future. However, this time I was thinking about next year, not four years into the future. I thought to myself, “this time next year, I will be sitting in a giant lecture room with many thousands of kids I have never met before surrounding me.” Oh how time flies. I never doubted my ability to make it through high school. I was never one of those people who thought they would never make it. I believed in myself. I knew that at the end of the day, it was just school, and that once I found my footing, I would be fine. And I was correct.

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MENDELSON ‘21 Reporter

social media, if one was left out of a event, they might not ut; with social media, if one is left out, they will ut right away. When s left out sees the post, em to feel sad and they t question why they weren’t included. Social media is also toxic because it’s a source of affirmation and affection. When someone posts a photo and get likes and comments, it makes the poster feel good. But posting photos and getting positive affirmation, can be addictive. This addiction is oxic. can also cause f someone else using pares the number of they get to someone

As many seniors do, I have been thinking about college, often. I have put a lot of hard work into my academic profile, and I believe I have set myself up for success. But my life is not all about school. I have other things on my mind, like the beginning of the NFL season, but more importantly the start of the Eagles season. From the time the Eagles lost to the Saints in the Divisional round of the playoffs, I have had Week One circled on my calendar. Another year of Eagles football is upon us, and I could not be more excited. The Eagles have high expectations this year, and I fully expect them to achieve these expectations. My expectation is that in February, I will be standing on the Ben Franklin Parkway, with hundred of thousands of other Eagles fan, celebrating the Eagles’ second Super Bowl title in three years. Carson Wentz is back to full strength and signed a long term extension making him one of the highest paying quarterbacks in the league. He is surrounded by arguably the deepest and most talented roster in the league. The additions of DeSean Jackson, Miles Sanders, Jordan Howard, and others should ease the burden on Wentz. He has talent

The Small Mindedness of Bullying By JAKE FRITZ ‘20 News Editor

hen did the anti-bullying movement stop? The source of bullying is a chain reaction of people protecting their insecurities, and looking to impress whoever is above them. Person B thinks that Person A is so cool and wants to be just like them. In order to get their attention, they want to make Person A laugh, so they pick on Person C. Person A and Person B have a bond now, by laughing at Person C’s pain. Person B feels secure now, but Person C doesn’t want to be left out, so they go to say something even worse to Person D, and so on and so forth. Because that “Team of Power builds” as the chain of bullying grows, it will never stop. What if the meaning of security was to be able to feel yourself as an equal from the start? What if Person B never said anything to Person C. Hostility in man is strongest when they . The person with less believe there is a higher ht feel less than the power amongst them all. That son with more, causing “higher power” isn’t heir self higher at all. To the image and self-esteem world, Person A is better because of his Status, but to plummet. Although who’s to say that what Person A has is better it’s just numbers on a n, it’s another way for than what Person Z has. Who’s to say what anympare themselves to one has is better than anyone?

ys have shown that h rates of anxiety and survey recorded 70% ression and anxiety is a s not coincidental that

Next time you catch yourself making fun of someone, just keep your mouth shut. They’re happy. It’s just not your wave, man. Don’t jeopardize another’s happiness to feel better about yourself. Small people need to bring people down. Don’t be

and playmakers around him. I fully expect him to return to his 2017 form, where he was the MVP front runner until going down with an injury. I am excited for the new school year. There is lots to look forward to. Proms, trips, college, and other adventures along the way. With each new school year comes new fun and challenge. This year I am editor-inchief of The Voyager. I am very excited to take on this role. I am passionate about journalism and want to improve an already great newspaper. I am very excited to see what big changes I can bring to The Voyager. I want to expand the online resources we have. I feel we could do things on the website, but also on social media platforms. The staff is big this year, with lots of motivated underclassmen. I can not wait to see what work they bring to the paper. I am ready to bring the Voyager back to the top. This may have been a bit scattered, but hey, that’s what was on my mind.

You are perfect the way you are BY JENNA PRESTON ‘22 Entertainment Editor

eing able to realize your good characteristics and feature isn’t something that should make you seem narcissistic. You should be able to feel happiness for yourself when you make accomplishments, and not rely on others so often. If you keep forgetting to congratulate yourself and give yourself the love you deserve, this was just result in needing it more from other people. Before looking for validation from other people I feel like we all need to ask ourselves what we want to hear and tell it to ourselves. Make positive comments about yourself, and let them be real. You owe yourself to be the person you are working or seeking to be, and find that self validation you want. Your validation is not dependent on other people’s perception of you. And I don’t know, I might not be able to also do this but today I realized I actually really like myself. I make jokes about being ugly and annoying quite often but I know I’m not perfect, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like who I am. I really hope that everyone comes to the realization that they are enough and beautiful and just amazing.

Mrs. Steinsaltz and Mr. Bowne almost grew weepy eyed at Back to School, talking about Matt’s last year with The Voyager. His brother, Brandon, now a college grad, was also an editor with The Voyager. Over the years, many family legacies exist with the staff.

Support new Stamp Act: Buy Stamps! By EVEYLN STEELE ‘21 Associate Editor-in-Chief

ell, writing letters is like hearing someone’s complete thought, pondering it over yourself, and responding with your own conception. Above all, this causes for better communication. There are no emojis on paper, only drawings created by your hands and your mind. Writing helps organize every thought in my messy mind. Writing a letter is just the break it needs. Writing even runs in my family. In fact, my parents met by letter. One lived in tiny New Jersey, and the other in potato-based Idaho. My dad’s best friend married my mom’s sister, and he decided to set them up, but there was no texting, not even calling. Only letters. They got to know one another through a tangible article they can now keep forever. They got to know one another’s thoughts and handwriting before physical features. Will my grandkids ask about stamps when they learn about the Stamp Act of 1765? Will we have QR coded envelopes sending the message directly to our phone? Schools eliminated teaching the art of cursive. So who is to say they won’t take out writing altogether? A one inch stamp doesn’t seem like much, but just imagine never receiving a birthday card. In elementary and middle school we used to receive our teachers by mail. Every August, I would hear a car door shut and run up from my couch, forgetting to pause “Hannah Montana.” Why teacher’s name was in the hands of a mailman. But without a stamp, the colonists might have never broken away from Great Britain. Elementary school me would’ve never received her teacher or even a birthday card. And most importantly, my parents would’ve never met.

Opinion

8 The Voyager

October 2019

Teen addiction to technology outweighs the obvious beneﬁts

t’s 2019. Students are equipped with more quick laugh, but unfortunately, the adictive app resources than ever before. With iPads, has turned into an extreme obsession among kids. presentations can now be airplayed, tests While many of the videos are funny, many kids can be administered online, and students spend more time than they should on the app. can take notes without paper. These It is not uncommon for the average user to go aspects of the iPads arguably increase students’ viral. Some Eastern students have videos with over productivity and help the environment. a million views. Most students agree that technology has had Social media addiction isn’t the only issue with some beneﬁts to their education. It has improved social media. Being able to always see what others efﬁciency by allowing students to take notes are doing, kids are constantly seeking validation more easily and substitute paper. It has also given and feel the need to get more likes. students access to more information than ever Social media has also led to much more peerbefore. pressure among everyone. Seeing a friend post Today’s students also possess smartphones that about a party they went to that you weren’t at can allow teenagers to communicate with their parents, make you feel upset that you weren’t there. stay informed on the news, maintain long-distance There are also more major issues that social friendships, and makes plans with media contributes to. Trends such Staff Editorial friends. as vaping have spread rapidly due But the negatives of technology to their heavy presence on social outweigh the positives for most media. Many mass shooters are teenagers. inspired online and mass shootings Few students acknowledge the are now being live streamed by issues technology brings. It is shooters themselves. proven that students have a harder Teenagers need to realize time with note retention when that life isn’t about receiving they are typed versus written. It validation from the public. It is has also been a distraction in the about bettering yourself and living classroom, with many students the best life you can, not the best playing games, texting, and life that appears on social media. using social media in class. But This social media culture has the biggest issue is smartphone also led to a decline in meaningful addiction. real-life interactions. Rather than At a minimum, some students use their phones hanging out with their friends, teenagers are more for up to three hours per day. But many use their frequently opting to text, phones for six, seven, even eight hours per day — Facetime, or play games online. One of the and it’s not for learning. most common fears is speaking in public. Online Most students spend their time social media interactions erase this fear for many people because apps: Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and they don’t have to face real people and can instead Youtube. But lately, another app has emerged as just hide behind a screen and type. a new craze among young people: Tik Tok. Tik Even in public, people are glued to their phones. Tok is an app that allows its users to upload short Next time you walk through the halls, look around. videos of themselves lip-syncing, talking, or doing Are most people talking or are most on their really anything. phones? Next time you go out to eat, look to see Tik Tok is a very lighthearted app. Anyone if most people are chatting to their friends or if who is bored or stressed can go on the app for a they’re on their phones.

Eastern Regional High School

Editorial Staff

Local

Let’s go back to grass The turf--it’s where epic rivalries are born and settled. The official name is called synthetic turf and the infill--red and black rubber pieces recycled from retired tires that make up the majority of the field is called crumb rubber. Synthetic turf is designed to have a similar apperarce and function of grass but without the maintenence The plastic turf field finds its way into a that can endure sport seasons. However, sythetic turf brings classroom after an safety concerns of toxic chemicals evacuation drill. and metals. The turf tends to stick to our skin and clothes espcially on hot and humid days of the year, which is then tracked to classrooms and housholds. Even though the concerns make me aware of the dangers, I have not received any medical complaits about turf. Let’s go back to grass. -ARIANNA MORALES ‘22

Regional

Phillies crash in September

National

Matt Steinsaltz: Editor-in-Chief Ava Hancock: Managing Editor Josh Meyers: Associate Editor-in-Chief Evelyn Steele: Associate Editor-in-Chief Val Lapinson: Associate Editor-in-Chief Jacob Saﬁer: Opinion Editor Jake Fritz: News Editor Sasha Tuddenham: Features Editor Jenna Preston: Entertainment Editor Andrew Shinkle: Sports Editor Sami Frankel: Video Editor Abigail Malitsky: Copy Editor

#ShutdownDC

Staff Reporters

Aaron Arnstein, Abigal Love, Adam Saladino, Allan Belizaire, Amanda Carpenter, Antonia Zong, Arianna Morales, Clare Fitzpatrick, Ethan Mack, Faith Mendelson, Faith Sirdashney, Jonah Gutterman, Joesph Loverdi, Laura Silenzio, Leah Snyderman, Matthew Chowansky, Nate Grifﬁn, Sianah Larrea, Valerie Nguyen

Correspondents

Abigail Shamilov, Chloe Santos, Preeti Kumar, Melissa Wangsa, Krisha Rathore, Cameron Gerace, Michael DiPascale, Faith Lee, Allison Bruner, Elizabeth Berg, Savana Dodd, Mia Matis, and ZuZu Long Submit signed letters to Room 605 or email ehsvoyager@gmail.com Walter Bowne, Advisor: Room 605

Short-e-torials

Following an impressive offseason capped by the $330-million signing of Bryce Harper, the Phillies came into the 2019 season with major expectations. Coming into the season’s ﬁnal week, they have stumbled to a 79-80 record, which puts them far out of contention for both the NL East and the NL Wild Card. The players have been mostly to blame for this subpar performance, but both GM Matt Klentak and manager Gabe Kapler should expect to lose their positions in the organization. -Andrew Shinkle ‘22

1401 Laurel Oak Road Voorhees, NJ 08043 856-784-4441 www.voyager-online.org YouTube: ehs voyager Twitter: @ehsvoyager Instagram: @ehsvoyager

Letters to the Editor

If every star represented the number of gun deaths in America, each state would equal 795.46 deaths, according to stats in 2017. The total was 39,773.

Awards

Garden State Press Association, “Overall Excellence” American Scholastic Press Association

On September 23, hundreds of ‘climate rebels’ are gathered at sites across D.C. attempting to bring the city to a standstill. These activists are went under the title “Shut Down D.C.” as they blocked the streets of our capital to draw attention to climate change. These activists are encouraging parents, workers, college students, and everyone who is concerned about the climate crisis to put off their responsibilities in order to take action. After reading about this movement, I support and hope to take part in further protests and gatherings to address this issue. Peaceful protests have a history of shedding light on ‘the elephant in the room’ and I hope these events will act as a wake-up call to take action and save our planet before it’s too late. -Emma Bitar ‘20

International

Greta is taking a stand

16-year old Greta Thunberg delivered a powerful speech at the U.N. on Monday, September 23rd. The teen climate activist spoke for almost 5 minutes, passionately telling world leaders that she should be at school back home in Sweden and that they “have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words.” She then said her generation would never forgive them for how they have failed, ending with a, “How dare you?” Though Thunberg is mocked online by adults, she is an inspiration to young teens everywhere, showing the world that you can inspire change at any age. She has her voice, and we must hope that it enough. -By Ava Hancock ‘20

Opinion

9 The Voyager

Caught in the Middle (East) Iran

Iran is currently playing nice at the UN, calling for a “world without nuclear weapons.” Simultaneously, its talks with the US are collapsing, it is being blamed for the attacks on Saudi oil ﬁelds, and Israel security By JACOB ofﬁcials are SAFIER ‘20 u r g e n t l y meeting to discuss the threat on an imminent Iranian attack. Who can blame them? The UN has become a joke over the years, having become a great way for the regime to spread its propaganda. Earlier this summer, the UN named Israel as the only violator of women’s rights in the world. Among the voters: major human’s rights violators such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.

Israel

1000 miles from Tehran, Israel is going through the longest election season in the nation’s history. Elections in Israel are much different than here in the US. They don’t vote for two candidates and the one with the most electoral votes wins. Instead, many parties run to have seats on the 120-seat parliament. No party ever wins a majority, so they form coalitions and select one person to lead the government. Israel had elections back in April but a government couldn’t be formed so second elections were set for September. In an even closer election, it seems that forming a government is even less likely. Benny Gantz, leader of the Blue and White Party, refuses to be in a coalition that has leader of the Likud Party, Bibi Netanyahu, as Prime Minister. Leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu Party, Avigdor Lieberman, refuses to join with right-wing religious parties. As a result of stubborn old men refusing to work with each other, Israeli politics is more divided than ever before.

Afghanistan

The endless war with Afghanistan is going on 18 years and it seems as if we’ve gotten nowhere. Trump has planned to meet with an envoy from the Taliban terror group in September but the talks fell apart after a suicde bombing killed an American soldier and many others. Pulling troops out of Afghanistan has been a large focus of both the Obama and Trump administrations, but neither have followed through. With an unstable Afghan government ﬁghting strong terror groups, the US is their only hope. We want to bring our troops home, but it doesn’t seem that we will any time soon.

Lebanon

So much trouble coming from such a tiny country. Hezbollah, a Lebanese terror group funded by Iran, has taken a hit from new sanctions thrown by the US. A legal party in Lebanon, Hezbollah provides for the Shiite community in the country but also brags about how it has tens of thousands of missiles that can hit anywhere in Israel. If you thought mainland Iran hasn’t been enough of a problem, they are creating proxies everywhere. With growing Iranian inﬂuence in Lebanon and Syria, it seems as though Iran is desperately trying to pursue its goal of “wiping Israel off the map.”

October 2019

People shouldn’t have to fear for their lives By RACHEL FORSMAN ‘21 Special to The Voyager

magine it is 9:30 on a Saturday morning. Shabbat. You and your family are going to synagogue as you do each week. However, this week is different. In addition to celebrating the Sabbath, the entire congregation is celebrating an even more special event, the gift of life as you witness a baby naming ceremony. The doors burst open, a man that no one knows raises his hands, not with prayer but with malice, as he opens ﬁre on the synagogue. No longer is the joyous day marked with the beauty of birth but with the red stain of the eleven worshippers who died. This situation is no imagination for those who belonged to or knew people who attended the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. One of my friends lived in Pittsburgh, in the neighborhood of Squirrel Hill and frequently attended the synagogue of the Tree of Life. Gun violence is closer to home than most would think. Everyone has their own opinions on the topic of gun control, whether there should be restrictions, bans, or if it should just be left alone. However, we must face the facts. In 2017, gun deaths reached their peak in the past 40 years, with 39,773 deaths. If enforced correctly, more gun regulation laws would reduce the number of deaths by guns per year. This was proved by

states such as Hawaii, which have some of the strongest gun laws in America. Not only would these laws restrict shooters but also deny accessibility to those with mental illnesses and attempting suicide. This raises the question as to why United States suicide rates are incredibly high. Without the means to purchase these weapons not only would gun violence reduce, but suicide rates would also drop.

Rather than normalizing this culture and desensitizing the youth, it is important to create a generation of activists. In local communities, youth deal with supposed threats of school shooters and gun violence, even in Voorhees. Without any change, America and all its towns subject themselves to more years of turmoil and threat According to the U. S. Department of Justice, “the vast majority of guns used in the commission of crimes were not purchased at gun shops or gun shows but were stolen, borrowed, or purchased on the black market.” Many adults already s u p p o r t a stricter universal background check, so why not enforce it? Despite the statistics, gun supporters are still opposed to restriction due to a multitude of reasons and reject assault riﬂe restrictions. Many plead the second amendment and their right to bear arms. In the 2008 Supreme Courts decision, the court stated, the phrase “well regulated Militia” referred not to formally organized state or federal militias, but “the pool of “able bodied men” who were available...” The pleas for self-defense are just, but it is unnecessary to possess assault-riﬂes as a means to protect someone. No civilian of any kind should be allowed to own military-grade weaponry. Gun violence will not stop if guns are banned nor will it disappear from our backyards.

The Great Gun Debate

Many guns are purchased legally with appropriate background checks; however, these are the same guns doing the damage. Radicals on both sides of this movement must ﬁnd their middle ground and create reasonable and just restrictions to keep the most violent weapons out of the hands of an average Joe. The presence of guns alone in any conﬂict causes the situation to become increasingly dangerous and violent. No longer should humans fear going to school or synagogue. For many, it has now become second nature to identify all possible exit routes when entering a room. Generation Z is being born and raised into the peak of gun violence in the United States.

It’s time for change; lives are at stake By JOHN PARKER ‘21 Special to The Voyager

rowing up, I had long taken the stance of the far right on gun control: full preservation of the 2nd Amendment, otherwise known as the right to bear arms. I had always believed that a person should deserve the right to be able to defend themselves and others by owning a ﬁrearm, so long as he or she goes through the necessary background checks and obtains the weapon legally. Then, a 19-year-old expelled student, who obtained an AR-15 legally, took the lives of seventeen innocent individuals in a tragedy that shocked the nation, and my perspective on the matter shifted a full 180 degrees. Emily Burke, a very good friend of mine, who attends Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, went to school that morning of February 14th. She was chatting and laughing with her best friend, Alyssa, about the small things in life like their soccer team and their Valentine’s Day plans. However, Emily left school that day, traumatized yet grateful to have escaped with her life. It was not until shortly after that she found out that her best friend had not been so fortunate. At the pull of a trigger, Emily’s life had been changed forever, all because of an assault

weapon that had been obtained legally. Because of this tragic story and the 1200 others who suffered similar fates in the 12 months since the Parkland shooting, legislation must be made-a full ban on assault weapons for civilians. This civilian assault weapon ban, although seemingly a bit extreme, will greatly prevent the loss of life due to mass shootings in the United States. According to investigative magazine Mother Jones, there have been more than 110 mass shootings in the United States since 1982. If even just one of these shootings could have been prevented by an assault weapon ban, then this ban would have been worth implementing. Many preservers of the 2nd Amendment make the argument that “the bad people will still get the guns,” however, how much better are we than these “bad people” if we do nothing to stop them? As a nation, we must do everything in our power to keep assault weapons out of the hands of people with ill-intentions, and if that means instituting a full assault weapon ban, then that is the step our nation must take. Although assault weapons should be kept out of the hands of the general public, the people’s “right to bear arms” should not be revoked. Any individual who obtains a non-assault weapon, such as a handgun in a legal fashion, should be preserved the right to protect him or herself using that weapon. Despite this, I still ﬁrmly believe that

weapons essentially designed for massassault shall not be permitted to the general public, as there is no need to own such a weapon for self-defense. While the Constitution states, “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed,” it is essential to recall that the framers of the Constitution were referring to muskets at this time. There were no weapons designed for mass assault in their day, and interpreting that this right correlates to mass assault weapons is absurd. While the 2nd Amendment or “right to bear Arms” should still be preserved to some extent today, civilians have no reason to own assault weapons for the purpose of self-defense. Because of this reason and the recent increase of mass shootings in the United States, the U.S. government must take the appropriate actions by instituting a full assault weapon ban. If we, as a nation, do not attempt everything in our power to prevent future tragedies like the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, then how much better are we than those who pull the trigger? If to save lives, our nation must infringe on the right to bear arms, then that is what implementing a civilian assault weapon ban must do. If you believe that the preservation of human life is not worth the implementation of this ban, then look at the accessory to murder in the mirror.

Entertainment

10 The Voyager

October 2019

If you like Taylor Swift, you’re gonna love “Lover”

fter reinventing her reputation in 2017 with her sixth studio album, “Reputation,” Taylor Swift is back with a new eradefining alumb, “Lover.”. Though the album was just released on August 23, Swift has been dropping hints as to the theme of the album since February via palm trees, holes in fences, and pins on jackets (see Swift’s Instagram for reference). These Easter eggs, as she calls them, are part of Swift’s intrigue that keeps her die-hard fans invested. Swifties have been known to analyze every one of their idol’s moves, and though it may seem absurd to outsiders, their detective skills, comparable to the FBI, have helped them discover release dates, track numbers, and song titles. TS7, as it was coined by fans before Swift announced the album’s official title, seems to beckon the old Taylor Swift- the Taylor Swift that wrote

songs like “Style” and “I Knew You Were Trouble.” - that most of the general public was waiting for. To begin, Swift opens with “I Forgot That You Existed,” an ode to the iconic Kayne-Taylor fued- now 10 years in the making. The song is happy and upbeat, setting the tone for the rest of the album while lyrically showing that Swift is over the drama she explored over two years ago. She is now ready to turn the page. “Cruel Summer” is certainly 1989-esque with a powerful chorus and bridge where Swift admits to drunk-crying over her crush in the back of a cab, which is a mood. It is in this song, especially, where we see that Taylor’s genius lyricism was never lost, rather misplaced in her previous album. With lyrics like, “So cut the headlights/Summer’s a knife/ I’m always waiting for you just to cut to the bone,” the popstar makes you feel her turmoil. Swift ends the patriarchy in 30 seconds in “The Man”, which was written before her feud with powerhouse manager Scooter Braun,

Lizzo lights up the stage VICTORIA LAPINSON ‘20 Associate Editor-in-Chief

izzo is the woman we never asked for, but always needed. In a world of Cardi B, she is a refreshing dose of positivity. Women’s Lizzo released her album. empowerment has taken a turn towards the worst, encouraging toxic behaviors and very poor morals. “Sad little b****, you can’t f*** with me if you wanted to,” expels Cardi B, a former exotic dancer who is praised for admitting to drugging men. What is the impact of her promiscuous mindset on the youth? Do those ideas, so proudly flaunted in that music, change the way young people look at sex, commitment, comradeship, drugs, partying, cheating, and more? It doesn’t seem to be a good thing that this type of toxic confidence exists. Don’t get me wrong- women need confidence. But women need more “We got this” confidence than “I’m better than y’all for stealing yo man”. That’s where Lizzo, who has worked in multiple different genres of music, comes in. This woman released two albums, Lizzobangers (2013) and Big Grrrl Small World (2015), before signing with Atlantic Records. Though she has been active since 2010, her only attained mainstream success this year was with the release of Cuz I Love You, her third studio album. This would re-release her 2017 song, “Truth Hurts”, that rose to the top of the Billboard charts two years after its initial release. Her persistence, spending nine years at work before success, speaks to her work ethic and talent. Lizzo is unique for her musical talents outside of rapping. She plays the flute, sings effective soul, and writes her own music. Sorry Cardi, but, where’s your flute? “If I’m shinin’, everybody gonna shine,” Lizzo said in her hit, “Juice”. How can you not love her confidence? That confidence is so strong it spreads to the listener through her songs. Her usage of vintage sounds that call back to 70s disco, classic R&B, flute solos, and more, makes her music have a unique sound. Lizzo lit up Philadelphia’s “Made in America.” Her NPR tiny desk concert, on YouTube, is a perfect example of talent. She belts out songs with a classic, powerful soul voice, raps without running out of breath, plays a flawless flute solo, and engages with the audience. Her stage presence is electric. At the end of the day, “Bodak Yellow” had its time and its adverse effects on culture. As we push forward into a decade of equality, strength, and empowerment, my hope is that artists like Lizzo take charge of the music industry.

but coincides perfectfully with her current dilemma. This electropop song highlights the double standards of the music industry, tipping the hat to those who claim she doesn’t deserve her success, sleeps around, and overreacts. In songs like “False God” and “Afterglow”, Swift slows things down a bit and shows off her mature side- both sexually and emotionally. The former incorporates a saxophone and a slow tempo, while the latter is a Taylor Swift’s album cover for “Lover” drawn-out apology letter to an ex who she left broken. These songs has found her happiness in longtime are where listeners can truly recognize boyfriend Joe Alwyn, and though she the growth Swift has exhibited over may be returning to her old sound, the years in her artistry and personal she’s in a healthier state of mind and life, and for longtime fans like myself, has found security. it’s an honor to witness. The album ends with a voice note “Lover” is wrapped up beautifully from Swift: “I wanna be defined by with “Daylight”; it’s a slow-burn, the things that I love. Not the things a love song in the purest of ways. I hate, not the things that I’m afraid In the ballad, Swift sings “I once of, the things that haunt me in the believed love would be burning red/ middle of the night. I think that...you But it’s golden,” an allusion to her are what you love.” 2012 single, “Red”. It brings the Taylor Swift is a lover, through and album full-circle, showing that Swift through.

Post Malone’s “Hollywood’s Bleeding”

A Review: His 4th album is among his best

By MATT CHOWANSKY ‘22 Staff Reporter

ost Malone is recognized by millions around the world as possibly one of the best rappers. His successful career first launched in 2013 when he signed a record deal with Republic Records. Born Austin Richard Post, known professionally as Post Malone, gained a large following for his unique blending of musical genres together- such as rock, rap, and pop. He is also a songwriter, writing many songs for other artists before gaining a fanbase. To date, Malone has released four studio albums- including his newest, “Hollywood’s Bleeding.” Post Malone has been making headlines lately because of his new, successful album “Hollywood’s Bleeding”. The 17-track album features collaborations from Young Thug, SZA, Future, and Halsey. Shortly after the release, the album shot to the top of the charts - ranking number 1 on the Billboard 200 Albums. Malone currently has 12 of his 17 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 - with “Goodbyes” featuring Young Thug ranking 8th on the chart. Aside from Billboard, every song on “Hollywood’s Bleeding” is ranked in the Top 100 on Apple Music, which consists of the most-played songs by Apple Music users everyday. The album starts off with a song called “Hollywood’s Bleeding,” the name of the album. It is a fast-paced song that reflects how living in Hollywood could be toxic to the people living there and how it damages your creative sight on things. “Saint-Tropez” is the second song on the

Artwork by Jenna Presenton ‘22

By AVA HANCOCK ‘20 Managing Editor

album. Malone sings about living a good lifestyle now that his successful career skyrocketed. In songs like “Internet” and “Myself” Post Malone explains how the internet is toxic and social media can damage a person’s self-confidence. Before the official release of the third studio album, “Internet” was leaked online and featured Kanye West’s vocals and he was supposedly going to be featured on the track.. His vocals has since been scratched and Post Malone is the solo singer on the track. “Circles” is a fan-favorite.. The 3 minute and 35 second track gives off a sad vibe as Malone explains how a relationship went cold, and the relationship going in circleshence the title of the song. It features acoustic guitars, and great melodies. There are two songs that got included on the album that were previously released before the album dropped. “Wow,”’ and “Sunflower” were both on top of the charts when they were individually released. “Sunflower” was used in the 2018 movie, Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse. Overall, it is a great album that many Post Malone fans and music fans in general should listen to.

October 2019

Sports

The Voyager 11

Kiki Zamost: making waves from coast to coast By AVA HANCOCK ‘20 Managing Editor

n August 2020, Kiki Zamost will be packing up her life in New Jersey and moving across the country— because she just committed to Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Zamost has been rowing since sixth grade and started competing with South Jersey Rowing Club in eighth grade. Her journey to ﬁnd her athletic niche was not a simple one; she tried fencing, parkour, swimming, kickboxing, and tennis. “With rowing, I never expected myself to really stay with it, but there’s something very special about rowing on the water, whether you’re rowing at 5 in the morning and watching the sunrise, or you’re at a 7 PM practice and the sun’s setting on you. You’re just on the serene water surrounded by trees, and it’s such a special experience for each person, and it just separates rowing from every other sport I’ve ever done,” says Zamost. She knows not everyone understands the emotional and physical aspects of crew. “Some people think that it’s not held as highly as other sports. Some people think rowing is really easy and insigniﬁcant

because they don’t know anything about it,” she explains. This criticism of her sport has never discouraged her, though, and she has continued to work tirelessly, attending crew practices six times a week for much of the school year. Zamost has also participated in programs at the University of Pennsylvania to improve her skills. She spent a month at the college this past summer in a program called Penn AC Gold, where she rowed with other crew members from all over America. Though she was hesitant to row in college due to its extremely competitive nature, Zamost decided at the beginning of junior year to go all-in with the sport and strived to obtain a spot on a crew team post-graduation. After visiting lots of schools and having many discussions with her parents, teammates, and friends, she verbally committed to LMU on October 7, 2019. “It was so exciting to ﬁnally commit. It felt like all my hard work had paid off and a lot of the stress of college applications was lifted off my shoulders,” says Zamost. Loyola Marymount is the best ﬁt for her in more ways than one. Besides connecting well with the coaches and her future teammates, Zamost is looking

Kiki Zamost competing at the 2018 Mid Atlantic Regionals in U17 Women’s Double. Photo supplied by Kiki Zamost ‘20 forward to studying ﬁlm in the hub that is Los Angeles, at the eighth best ﬁlm school in the country. Something else she is excited about is the beach. With Venice Beach being only ten minutes from campus, she can’t wait to spend her days off relaxing by the water. Until August comes, though, Zamost

will be focusing on graduating from Eastern and continuing to work hard at her sport. “I guess it can feel like my life is kind of consumed by crew sometimes, and there are a lot of people that don’t really get that. But clearly my dedication has been worth it, and I don’t regret any of my hard work.”

Girls Soccer podcast highlights By ANDREW SHINKLE ‘22, JOSEPH LOVERDI ‘22, ADAM SALADINO ‘20, AARON ARNSTEIN ‘20 Sports Editor and Staff Reporters

Melody Diaz, Lexi Levin, and Nadine Litvak warming up before a match. Photo by Josh Meyers ‘21

Girls Tennis looks to ace their competition this year By JOSH MEYERS ‘21 Associate Editor-in-Chief

ne year after going deep in the Olympic Conference, with multiple players going to States, this year’s Girls Tennis team looks to build off of an exceptional 2018 season. Coach Kemery’s goal is for his team to live long into the playoffs. “We always try to get to the semi-ﬁnals every year,” he said, “and we’re pretty successful at that.” Kemery lost many of his seniors to graduation. This year he looks to rebuild while also improving on the strengths that his team didn’t have last year. At practice, the team plays in singles and doubles games, while making sure to implement new strategies and support each other along the way. The compassion the girls have for each other is a driving force for the team’s success. Senior Lexi Levin is excited and ready for the season. “We have a great team and I really think we are going to do well,” she said. “I think we will hopefully win the conference.” To contribute to the team, Levin wants to win as many matches as she can and pump up the team with motivation and energy. Her favorite part of being on the tennis team is being with her teammates and experiencing the game with them.

In her previous years on the team, Levin learned that communication is key and winning as a squad is better than winning by yourself. Melody Dias, a junior, believes being positive and supporting her team is the most important aspect. “In a match when you just give up, you get a bad attitude,” she said. “By cheering on your teammates, not only do you help yourself later, you also encourage your team, which helps them win.” Dias knows that you have to keep working hard to get what you want, and that it won’t just be handed to you. This philosophy is true in every sport, and it will hopefully lead the team to success this year. Nadine Litvak is entering her second year of tennis as a sophomore and couldn’t be more excited to play. Last season taught Litvak an important tip for success. “I learned just to play your hardest and just go have fun,” she said. Levin, Dias, and Litvak will be a part of a new Eastern Girls Tennis team that has their eye on the prize. Don’t be surprised if they win it all. Of course, they won’t be able to accomplish much without their coach. Coach Kemery’s advice for his girls never changes. “Manufacture success,” he said. “Play within your capacity and be aggressive. All those things will provide you an opportunity to win.”

has stepped up her game.

RT: I would say deﬁnitely Sara, because she’s a center back and usually they don’t get as much credit as a forward or midﬁelder would because they don’t get the stats necessarily, but all the work she puts in and she’s always there, we take for granted sometimes because some things that she does so easily, not a lot of defenders can do. She makes it look easy. She just dribbles through everyone and she’s very humble.

ASh: How do you best prepare for a game? Any pregame routines?

SB: I would say Emily Eustace. She’s improved a lot. I also think Klio Kokolis is good. She’s really really fast and just great on the ball.

uring a Lunch and Lab period, the Voyager Sports staff sat down with the three captains of the state-leading Girls Soccer team: senior Kelli McGroarty, senior Sara Brocious, and junior Riley Tiernan.

SB: Personally, I don’t believe in superstition, so I think it’s a very false idea. So, I honestly just get prepared to play and get that competitive edge because I know that every game is a challenge, especially at Eastern because everyone wants to beat us, so I don’t really have a set routine. Where I am mentally needs to be on the ball. KMG: I am very superstitious. I have a certain routine I must do, certain things that need to happen, and when all of that comes together, then I am mentally ready. But, if one thing did not go, I don’t think it would affect me, but I deﬁnitely would not be happy about it. JL: Who would you say is an unsung hero on the team? Someone who ﬂies under the radar performance-wise? KMG: Yes, there’s a few. I think Chloe Ludwick, not having played soccer for the past two years and all of a sudden starting varsity as a center back on the number one team in the nation is very awesome, and also Bro [Brocious] next to her cleaning up everything; I feel she gets overlooked sometimes due to Go online to how great she is. Obviously I feel Emily Stewart has been doing a great job in the back, and then [Emily] Eustace

KMG: And as a defender, she [Kokolis] doesn’t just kick it out of play, like kinda toe balling it. She just keeps it under control and can get it going forward. ASa: This is more of a serious question. Kara (Lemancowicz) obviously had a lot of inﬂuence on you guys, and I was wondering if you guys could talk about that. If you guys had anything to say to her, what would you say? KMG: I’d tell her that I always play for her, because she was probably one of my best friends growing up. I remember we were hanging out one summer; obviously pre-season for them; and going to captains’ practices, and then just ﬁnding out she had passed away. I was just in shock for at least a month. I didn’t really feel depressed about it, I was just really shocked and confused. Most people die in old age, so you kinda know it’s coming and you can say goodbye. For her, it was so sudden. Knowing that she didn’t get to experience so many things in life, I try to put my best effort forward. I have a feeling of survivor’s guilt; I have to do my hardest in everything I do for her.

hear the full podcast

Sports October 2019 Football dominates Cherry Hill East in thrilling home opener 12 The Voyager

By ANDREW SHINKLE ‘22, AARON ARNSTEIN ‘20, JOSEPH LOVERDI ‘22 Sports Editor and Staff Reporters

However, those were the only points Cherry Hill East would be able to scratch across in the game, as the ensuing two-point conversion attempt was intercepted. Just thirteen seconds ou didn’t need to remind later, Eastern quarterback anyone at Eastern about the Connor Stafford completed home opener. On a calm a pass to wide receiver Friday evening, the Eastern Justin Moore, and he was student body was bursting off to the races for a 65at the seams with enthusiasm; eager to yard touchdown. In the watch their team rebound from a 52second quarter, Stafford 15 blowout at the hands of Holy Spirit. and Moore would complete Facing a storied rival in Cherry Hill what was arguably the East, the stage was set for a commanding defining play of the game. showing of power. The Vikings were pinned It’s safe to say that the Vikings achieved on their own 7-yard line on their goal. a third and long, and Moore In their first home game of the year, caught a short pass from Eastern demolished Cherry Hill East by Stafford. Not much seemed a score of 58-6 in a thrilling offensive to be there, and it seemed performance. Photo by Andrew Shinkle ‘22 Quarterback Walter Clymer (#16) hands off to an Eastern that Eastern would have to Clouds streaked across the dusk running back. punt the ball away. To the September sky as the nearly-sold-out exhilaration of everyone in home crowd settled into their seats. From becoming increasingly likely that Eastern Freshman quarterback Walter Clymer the stadium, he pulled off a the visiting side, it looked like a sea of would come home with the victory. The also impressed, showcasing his superb few jukes and spin moves, and suddenly midnight; the blackout was in full effect. enthusiastic student section began jeering mobility in and out of the pocket with found himself torching down the field. It had been over eleven months since a “Go home, freshmen!” following Wall’s three rushes of ten or more yards. With an exclamation point, Moore varsity football game had been played at conversion. Following a Danny Franseone extra point completed the 93-yard touchdown, and McAleer Stadium, and everyone couldn’t If the defense didn’t play its role which made it 58-6, Eastern had scored its Eastern was now leading 18-6. be more ready. exceptionally well, Eastern could have 52nd unanswered point of the game. Suarez would drive home another With a jolt, the 2019 Eastern Vikings never won by such a gigantic margin. A near-perfect performance from the Vikings touchdown with 3:37 left in sprinted out onto the Linebacker Amiel Davis caught Vikings’ offense and defense culminated field, and the season was and returned a 36-yard pick-6 with a fourth-down stop in the Cougars’ now underway. With five in the second quarter, and the final drive, and the game would wrap up minutes left in the first Voyager’s own cornerback Allan with a final score of Eastern 58, Cherry quarter, Eastern running Belizaire would recover a muffed Hill East 6. back Mike Suarez raced return on the ensuing kickoff and As the final seconds ticked away at into the end zone for a twobring it home to make it 38-6 McAleer Stadium, the Vikings players yard rushing touchdown. Eastern by halftime. hooted and hollered on the sideline, proud The Vikings’ first scoring The second half was more of of their dominating victory over archrival play of the season put them the same. Suarez would score Cherry Hill East. After a sloppy first game, ahead early, 6-0. another rushing touchdown with the Vikings rebounded spectacularly, However, a failed fourth 10:43 left in the third quarter to and showed that they are a force to be down conversion on make it 44-6, and the Vikings reckoned with. Eastern’s next drive gave entered cruise control. By the As with all sports teams, complacency the Cougars possesion, and end of the third quarter, most of is not an option. Eastern had a few short Cherry Hill East running Running back Justin Rivera (#41) celebrates a rush- the varsity players had been rested, days to dwell on their performance from back Michael Wheeler wasn’t ing touchdown with his teammates. Photo by Andrew Shinkle ‘22 and JV players received some time their first home game under the lights, and about to let the opportunity get in the spotlight. shifted its focus to the next game, which the second quarter, and Stafford would away. With a head full of steam, Wheeler Sophomore running back Justin was a 41-22 loss against the Minutemen find tight end Michael Wall to record found a hole in the Vikings’ defense, and Rivera, who rushed for two touchdowns, from Washington Township. the two-point conversion. By this point, sprinted through the uninhabited sea of certainly made his mark on the scorecard. with Eastern winning 26-6, it was green for a thrilling 65-yard touchdown.

Nationally-ranked Girls Soccer completes an undefeated season

By ADAM SALADINO ‘20 Staff Reporter

oming into the season, Eastern Girls Soccer had many questions, with prospective players opting to play development academy and leaders from last year’s state championship team going off to college. Many wondered if they would be able to be as dominant as they were. The team absolutely blew past the competition, en route to an undefeaated season. In the eighteen-game regular season, Eastern did not lose a single match. It didn’t matter who they faced; the team showed complete and utter dominance every step of the way. The season began on September 3rd with a convincing 3-1 win over Paul VI, which included goals from both midfielder Kelli McGroarty and forward Riley Tiernan, as well as defender Sara Brocious. Even with an unbeaten start to the season, Coach McGroarty preached the message of staying grounded. “At this point of the year, all it means is that we started off the season well, but hopefully we can continue that,” he said. Using the momentum from their season-opening winner, Eastern continued their hot streak by prevailing against extremely competitive opponents, including a 4-0 win over nationally ranked, Shawnee. Goals came easily from the lethal attack upfront, with the team averaging 4.7 goals per game. La Salle commit and last year’s Gatorade Player of the Year Kelli McGroarty commented on just how prevalently the team was able to score.

“It always starts off in the defense with Sara Brocious back on defense, and then obviously being able to get it from the midfield and possessing the ball; and then them being able to set us up in situations where Riley (Tiernan), Devyn (Shapiro), Faith (Quinn), and I can put some balls away,” she said. Not only did the team score constantly, but they also were extremely solid defensively, Photo by Andrew Shinkle ‘22 Senior midfielder Kelli McGroarty drives the ball led by defender through the Moorestown defense. Sara Brocious and goalkeeper Olivia Brocious perfectly summed Alves. Brocious named leftback Klio Kokolis their up the team’s goals for the future. unsung hero of the team because of her astounding “We have been able to stay motivated by last year’s performances in the back. win in states because all of the sophomores, juniors, and “It’s her first year playing defense, and she’s been doing seniors know what it’s like, and we constantly talk about a great job. Lights out on the left side!” she said. it to the freshman, so I’m pretty sure they want to know With the season at a close, the girls understand that the what it’s like too. It would be great if we could get back postseason awaits. The reigning champs have their sights there again, so that’s our goal,” she said. on the bigger picture; winning the state championship again.