Newspaper: February 2019

February 2019

voyager-online.org

Volume XLV

Eastern Regional High School

1401 Laurel Oak Road

Fourth Edition

Voorhees, NJ 08043

Poetry Out Loud takes center stage

By EVELYN STEELE ‘21 Photo Editor

College Panel Page 3

‘Mockingbird’ on Broadway Review. Page 19

W

ith nothing but a microphone and a voice, four students took the stage on Thursday, January 17th.

These students included Kaylee Braidwood, Bryce Dershem, Grace McIntyre, and Padmini Rao, all members of the club Poetry Out Loud.

Each student stood on the stage in the Recital Hall and projected their poems to the crowd. The judges watched attentively, including Mrs. Mancinelli, Mr. Bowne, Mrs. Brattstrom, and Mrs. O’Keefe, as they each performed two poems of their choice.

The winner of the competition continues on to regionals at Rutgers Camden where he will compete against winners from high schools in the area.

CONTINUED on Page 2

The epidemic of e-cigarettes

By SRISHTI RAMESH ‘19 Managing Editor

E Valentine’s Day Pages 21-22

Boys Basketball Page 24

What’s Inside Venue size for Cotillion - Page 2 College kids return - Page 3 Eastern is Future Ready- Page 4 What’s coming to the mall?- Page 6 Test Optional Colleges - Page 7 Watergate/Mueller - Pages 8 & 9 The Cost of Skipping Class- Page 10 New Security Additions - Page 11 Art Mural - Pages 12-13 A 21st century career - Page 14 Coachella - Page 15 Standoff at the border - Page 16 Our Hometowns: Gibbsboro: Page 17 Sami’s Advice column - Page 18 Sanghavi publishes book - Page 22 Roy Halladay Tribute - Page 23

Kaylee Braidwood ‘20, Bryce Dershem ‘21, Padmini Rao ‘20, and Grace McIntyre ‘20 enjoy their awards.

Photo by Evelyn Steele ‘21

-cigarettes are a high school epidemic. No other word could describe the speed and efficiency with which this new craze has grasped teenagers in the recent

years.

E-cigarettes are simple to use and easy to hide, making them ideal for high school misdemeanor. Additionally, the wide variety of flavors available—spanning from cherry to vanilla—create appeal in young children and teenagers, although there are still many negative effects to e-cigarettes.

“I’ve seen lot of people use it,” said senior Alex Andrews, and that, a lot of times, they don’t even know that it’s unhealthy. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 66% of teens who use e-cigarettes believe that there is only flavoring in what they are smoking.

In reality, e-cigarettes contain nicotine, the same highly addictive substance that is present in cigarettes, not to mention ultrafine particles, flavorants, volatile organic compounds, and traces of heavy metals that can also be inhaled.

Nicotine levels can vary depending on the product, and can sometimes reach the point of being comparable to a regular combustible cigarette.

And for a susceptible teenage mind and body, that is incredibly unhealthy.

“We saw a change in student behavior about two years ago,” said Mr. Westerby, Grade 11 Vice Principal and School Security Specialist. The administration noticed that the use of regular cigarettes was being replaced with e-cigarettes.

However, because the devices lack odor and residual smoke, it was difficult for staff to catch.

In response to this, Eastern revised its discipline police and notified parents that they were seeing an increase in the

use of e-cigarettes. The issue has also been discussed during class meetings.

Consequences for these actions are all listed in the student handbook, and include a one day suspension for possession and a three day suspension for the actual use of the e-cigarette.

To inform Eastern’s staff on the issue, Mr. Westerby has conducted demonstrations, showing faculty the e-cigarette devices so they can spot them. He also keeps them updated if any new devices come out that could become a problem.

“I hope that parents and family members are going over the negative consequences [of e-cigarettes],” said Mr. Westerby. The company that created the JUUL itself is advertising against teenage use, as a CONTINUED on Page 6

A teacher discovered an e-cigarette on the floor in the classroom after school. Photo by Nancy Bowne ‘19

The Dead Mall Shall Rise Again

The Voorhees Town Center was a ghost town on a recent Friday evening in late January. But Voorhees township officials tell The Voyager that plans are underway to revitalize the area with a variety of new venues and additions. See page 6.

News

2 The Voyager

February 2019

Venue size prohibits dates from other schools

By EVELYN STEELE ‘21 Photography Editor

S

chool dances grow in maturity: homecoming, cotillion, junior prom, senior prom. School dances also mature from venue, to dresses, to dates.

Dancing next to friends is an ideal night to most high schoolers. But what if that ideal date is from another school?

To sophomores, an escort from another school is no longer possible.

As of the 2019 school year, a new policy has been initiated to the sophomore cotillion—students are not permitted to take students that do not attend Eastern to the dance. This news shocked and disappointed many students. It’s the first year that the policy is being enforced.

Mr. Lindenhofen, the class advisor for the class of 2021, explained why the policy was implemented. It’s a matter of numbers. “The sophomore class is large,” he said. “The venue is small. Therefore, to limit number of students who are there, it’s Eastern only.”

Most of the sophomores said that they think the rule is unfair. Some will just go alone.

Isabella Pavlides was frustrated. “It makes me not even want to go,” she said, “because it’s not going to be fun when I go by myself.”

Other students, including class officers, agreed that it’s unfair.

Everett Guermont, 2021 class president of the school year 2018-2019, understands why it’s necessary, but proposed another solution: “I think a ‘first-come firstserved’ approach where Eastern students have priority over non-Eastern students could have worked,” he said.

However, he still feels that it will be a great night and memory for everyone

Last year’s sophomores having fun at the Cotillion. there.

Class historian, Eddie Wu, said that the cotillion should be the time of our lives.

The rule shouldn’t impact that. He feels that students shouldn’t let this get in their way from enjoying their time on the dance floor surrounded by their fellow peers.

Other students felt the policy would help to center the focus of cotillion around friends and our class of 2021.

Ruolan Crocetti said he doesn’t see anything wrong with the policy. “The cotillion should be a time to be with friends,” he said, “and if you’re that upset about not being able to bring someone

Shopping for prom dresses in Gym 4

Senior and junior models pose for the audience in their dresses.

By LAUREN CASOLE’ 19 Editor-in-Chief

F

inding the perfect dress can be stressful. It can also be hard to find time to go shopping, but Eastern’s junior class officers decided to take some of the stress off prom dress shopping.

On January 15th, girls from all grades gathered in gym 4 to watch a fashion show of prom dresses brought to Eastern by a local boutique named Dare.

Eleven girls representing each grade level of Eastern modeled dresses by Sherri Hill, Terrani, Jovani and more.

All of the girls that participated needed to get fitted for a dress by January 12th and the girls got ready during third period on the 15th.

“They had racks set up with different sizes, so you went and looked at your

Photo Sophie Ferguson ‘19

size,” said senior Michelle Litvack.

Besides getting to play dress up, the junior class found a way for the fashion show to benefit their whole grade.

“We thought we could do it as a fundraiser and make some money,” said junior class officer Morgan Tiernan.

“We were hoping for everyone to come and see and have fun.”

Dare agreed to give a portion of the proceeds from the dresses sold to Eastern girls to the class of 2020. “We wanted to raise money so we could make junior prom, senior trip and everything like that cheaper,” said Morgan.

This event was a trial run to see how it would play out and the officers definitely want to do something similar next year and hopefully expand the event to have more models and dresses.

“It was so much fun, and I wish our grade did it,” said Litvack.

from another school, that should say a lot more about your personality than anything else in my opinion.”

Since it is supposed to be less formal than a prom, the sophomore cotillion is more focused on the group of students.

Many see it as a “sophomore prom,” but it’s centered around having a good time and spending less money than a typical prom.

Overcrowding at the venue has been a problem. Secretary of the sophomore class Sean Smith said he thinks it’s beneficial to our class because over the last few years the venue was becoming overcrowded. “It

Photo by Nancy Bowne ‘19

was decreasing mobility,” he said, “and a fun atmosphere for the dance, so this will help make cotillion more enjoyable.”

A bigger venue would increase the price. Right now, the cotillion costs $60. Some have even floated the idea of having the cotillion in the gym, like area schools. Cotillion is more casual than the “proms,” which is why it is at a smaller venue of Paris Caterers.

Hopefully, the cotillion will still be a great time for everyone. For those who are upset, it will give them a reason to look forward to the junior and senior prom even more.

POETRY OUT LOUD

from page 1 The atmosphere of the recital hall was warm and positive with each students voice filling the space. Mrs. Pomerantz began by introducing the competition and Ms. Walker by announcing each student.

For over five years, Mrs. Pomerantz has been doing Poetry Out Loud. She explained her reason for involvement by saying “it’s my meditation for the day.”

The club prospers due to Pomerantz who adds a lighthearted feel to the club.

When Ms. Walker was questioned about her reason for participating in the club, her answer was simply, “... because Pomerantz is so fun to work with and poetry is so cool.”

Both teachers add a warm relaxed feeling to the club that has little commitment. They meet every Thursday for as little as 30 minutes.

For the beginning portion of the year, four students prepared their poems to recite on stage. The main focus of the competition was being able to remember two poems and recite them with the infliction needed to portray the meaning of each.

Bryce Dershem did so by choosing two poems by Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Paul Laurence Dunbar which both focused on love.

Bryce chose these poems due to their beautiful meanings and emotions. “With my recitations,” he said, “I hope to carry on these meanings and emotions.” His warm tone of voice and use of hand motions impressed the judges and the audience.

Dershem won the competition. He now moves on to regionals. Bryce said that he was welcomed into the club and that he encourages others to join.

Another participant in the competition, Grace McIntyre, explained that the

Dersham recites.

Evelyn Steele ‘21 competition helped her find her voice and become more confident in herself. “I felt that I found my confidence boost,” said Grace.

Additionally, Kaylee Braidwood recited Emily Dickinson and Al Young because she wanted to bring light to the confusing but honest meanings behind their poetry.

She explained that every student is welcome in the club, but those who have a love for English or read poetry are the people who normally join.

The love of poetry was seen through Kaylee as she stood on stage. “Writing poetry is so therapeutic,” she said. “ And I recommend everyone try it. It is one of the best coping mechanisms out there and I stand by that wholeheartedly!”

Every member of the club highly suggests others to join. Caden Diaz, a sophmore in the club, shared his love for the club. “Mrs. Pomerantz’s passion for the written word is contagious and makes the club so fun to be apart of,” he said.

After the competition, the club will focus on their magazine called “poetry in bloom” where students will have a chance to include some of their original works.

The club is a great experience for all the students who join. Ms. Walker summed up the club beautifully in one sentence: “It’s a gentle brave thing to do and just the position of those two words explains how the experience is.”

February 2019

News

The Voyager 3

Eastern alumni return to discuss college experiences

By SHREYA GOWDA ‘19 and JULIA KIRK ‘19 Managing Editor and Staff Reporter

E

nglish teacher Mrs. Mancinelli constantly tries to make sure what she teaches her juniors and seniors is helpful for college.

Students come back and visit. Or they send emails about how they’re doing in college. “I will share that with my students,” she said, “but I wanted them to share that first hand and make a little bit more of an impact.”

So the students returned. And what’s one piece of advice that they agreed upon?

“Pray on the curve.”

In college, there are far fewer assignments. A college midterm has much more impact than a high school test. For some majors, the highest grades may be in the 40’s.

Is it okay to be okay with that?

Jacob Siegel, a junior in college, said, “D’s do get degrees.” Even though you should try your best in college, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t get perfect grades.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to graduate with a better understanding of how to tackle your future—not just a higher GPA to include on your resumé.

Camila Espina, a sophomore at Rowan, countered that idea. “Take classes seriously because after all you’re paying money to go there,” she said.

Unlike high school, you’re funding your own college education. Though professors won’t call home due to absences, it falls on you to keep a steady attendance. It also falls on you to find out what you missed because professors won’t reach out to you and reteach lessons.

Espina also advise not to take early morning classes, especially as a commuter.

Students design their own schedule. So if you’re not a morning person, don’t take morning classes. It’s up to you to decide what works best and figure out what times best suit yourself.

Kofi Asare, a freshman at Oberlin in Ohio, said the first semester is fun. “But you need to find a way to balance your time,” he said.

Jill Wilson, another junior, suggested managing your time. “I personally use my planner like it’s my job,” she said.

Having an agenda or some variation of a calendar to organize your daily activities is also essential to being successful in college. It’s okay to go out and have some fun, but it’s also important to make sure all your work is completed.

As for the social scene, Wilson said to make make sure to branch out to different groups. Many colleges offer a wide range of extracurriculars and opportunities to meet new people.

“If you’re an athlete,” she said, “ask your upperclassmen. They’ll definitely help you.”

As an athlete, it may be easy to stay in one group with teammates, but it’s important to reach out to other people. Getting to know upperclassmen, others with the same major, and people on campus allows for networking and increases the chance of finding your fit at college. Use those upperclassmen to your advantage to help guide you through the semester.

Justin Choi, a UPenn freshman, said everyone’s a recent adult. Everyone’s like you. “Be outgoing first semester,” he said, “because you’ll miss the opportunity where everyone’s in the same boat.”

He suggests going out of the way to introduce yourself and get to know your

Q&A with Mrs. Mancinelli

Why did you want to have your former students come back?

Writing instruction Mrs. McBride and I had this idea. We did it back in August and September where we met with a bunch of local English professors. We wanted to figure out what their expectations were in the classroom, what kind of writing skills they expect their students to have and exactly what they have to teach their students because they don’t learn it senior year in highschool. It was all of that and talking with the students I found myself saying a lot of the information they needed to hear, but who am I? I am old at this point and too far removed from college. Also, I have students who come back and visit or send me emails about how they are doing in college and I will share that with my students, but I wanted them to share that first hand and make a little bit more of an impact.

Was it hard to get students to take time out of their winter break to come?

No, and I was so surprised. They were all really excited and I gave them the option of not being here first thing in the morning and going to the other classes but they all wanted to be there for all three classes. They were very excited and there were somethings that fell through later like work schedules and stuff but they were excited.

Mr. Tull welcomes back Justin Choi from the University of Pennslyvania.

Justin was back to talk to seniors about what to expect in college.

Photo by Evelyn Steele ‘21

classmates goes a long way in getting more acclimated to the school. Siegel said that the social aspect is completely different at college. You have to be a lot more intentional with who are your close friends, which is cool because you can skip all the fake and go straight to the real stuff. “There’s not much as cliqueness,” she said. “There are still groups, but you don’t clash as much.”

College gives fledgling adults the opportunity to find out about themselves.

Choi said becoming an independent adult is a complete transformative experience.

“This is the first time you control everything you do,” he said.

Wilson said you discover things about yourself you didn’t know before. “Like I never cooked at home but now I love to cook,” she said.

While there might not be homework assigned every night, it’s important to

pay attention to the syllabus. Professors may not write due dates on the board or announce them, but you’re in charge of making sure they are done in time.

Asare said college is a different ballgame. “Professors expect more of you in a shorter period of time,” he said. A lot more weight falls onto midterms and finals since there is a heavier focus placed on that form of testing.

Choi said college is not like high school, where adults are on your back. If you don’t hand in your assignment, you get a zero.”

Mrs. Mancinelli said the college talk was an experiment to see like how it would be accepted for this year.

“I think the students were very receptive,” she said. “And the college students said they really liked it and they wanted to come back next year.”

What did your seniors think of the panel?

A lot of them said it was helpful and I could tell from the questions that they were asking it showed that it was helpful.

And I know that for a lot of them the idea of time management in college is something totally foreign for them, so I think it was helpful to see what the college students do and I am actually starting a graduate program, so I did what the college kids did and I wrote out my calendar and all of my assignments on the syllabus and I had shared that with them that it it actually really helpful.

Did you learn anything about your past students after seeing them?

A long time ago, I used to do a lot of the same time management skills, but when I was in college especially my freshman year I felt like the dumbest person in the room. I found that the high school I went to no one prepared me for anything.

I didn’t know how to study and I didn’t know how to take notes.

I found out as an english major that I didn’t even know how to write a good essay. It’s just that my english teachers at my high school just gave me an “A” because I did it and I had to re-learn a lot.

I made a promise that in my career my students would not be in the same boat. It was a rough first semester.

Check out www.voyager-online.org for more on the Eastern alumni college talk.

Jill Wilson, Mrs. Mancinelli, Camila Espina, Jacob Siegel, and Julia Kaldany take a break in between talking about the college experience.

Photo by Evelyn Steele ‘21

10 Tips about College

By LAUREN CASOLE ‘19 Editor-in-Chief 1. Use a calendar to plan out your schedule and help you manage your time.

2. Find a balance between working hard and having fun.

3. Make an effort to make new friends.

4. Reach out to people within your major and also your general education classes.

5. Try your best to gain something from every class.

6. Write down the syllabus for each class in your planner.

7. Make connections with your professors.

8. Get involved with on campus activities.

9. You get fewer assignments so do your best on all of them.

10.

Be responsible, everything is on you now.

News

4 The Voyager

February 2019

Open for business, with a new addition of Ms. Ferri

By SOPHIE FERGUSON ’19 Staff Reporter

T

he business education team at Eastern welcomes Ms. Patricia Ferri, a teacher for Personal Finance, Computer Applications, and Web Design One and Two. Although she recently came to Eastern, she has previously been a temporary leave substitute, and this is her fifth year teaching. She has

her Bachelor’s of Science in accounting and her MBA from Rutgers University in Camden. Her previous experience comes from teaching Business at Camden County Technical School. She said that she hopes to “use my business education, experience, and background to teach high school students.”

Besides teaching, Mrs. Ferri enjoys traveling, reading, exercising, and spending time with her family and friends.

In fact, this past spring, she celebrated

Eastern is Future Ready

her husband’s 50th birthday with a trip to Italy. She has three kids, one of which recently graduated from Eastern, and one who is a sophomore currently enrolled here.

She feels that Eastern has a great camaraderie among the teachers and administration. As a believer in Eastern’s core values, she expressed “I’m happy to be here at Eastern and I look forward to a productive and exciting year.”

Alum takes on a different role secondary teaching.

She had decided to become a teacher because she has “always loved help others understand oom 72 has been nothing (math).” but smiles For seven lately. years she had T h a t ’ s taught at two because newly schools, and engaged Ms. also taught Jeana Favat, an five years in Eastern alum, has Manchester, come back to help Connecticut the program that and one taught her so much. year in She is the newest Hammonton. member of the In her math department.

E a s t e r n She attended homecoming, Gibbsboro for she teaches elementary and Algebra middle school.

I CP and Then she went on to Algebra II Eastern, where she Accelerated. had Mrs. Bradley, She declares Mrs. Davis, Ms. Ms. Favat smiles as she takes on her new role as a math that the school Woj, Mr. Herring, teacher.

Photo by Nancy Bowne ‘19 is so much Mrs. McBride, and After graduating Eastern, Ms. “bigger size-wise.”

Ms. Smyth.

Favat attended Quinnipiac She loves to take pictures, do She played midfield under College, graduating with calligraphy and run, and also Coach McGroarty. They won a bachelor’s degree in hopes to help coach the Eastern two Group 4 state championships mathematics and a Masters in track team. during her junior (fall ‘05) and

By JULIA DODD ‘19 Online Editor-in-Chief

R

By MAANASI NATARAJAN ‘19 Editor-in-Chief

I

t’s no secret that Eastern has a reputation in South Jersey for educational excellence.

Is it about to get even better?

New Jersey Department of Education, the New Jersey School Boards Association, and the New Jersey Institute of Technology has recently designated the school district has recently been certified as a Future Ready School.

The Future Ready Schools program, a national program adopted by the state of New Jersey, has a goal to encourage schools to proactively improve their educational environments with the use of technology in the 21st century.

Mr. Smart, Supervisor of Technology, said there are many indicators of a Future Ready School. “There are three primary areas,” he said. “One is leadership, one is governance, and one is teaching.”

Mr. Smart explained that it was important for Eastern to be certified as a Future Ready School because it allowed the school administration to create a 5-year Technology Plan, adding that, “the Board of Education has always been supportive of the use of technology at our school.”

An additional benefit to being a Future Ready School is the ability for Eastern’s school board to discuss the best practices and methods to integrate technology into the classroom.

“I got to serve as an evaluator,” Mr. Smart said. “It was valuable for me to see what other districts were doing and see if we can implement them here at Eastern.”

Mr. Smart said that Eastern’s success can be contributed to the use of technology. This has been the the commitment of the Board of Education: the implementation of a robust wireless system, and

the teachers’ extensive use of technology to improve student learning—use that could help students in the future, for jobs that will require knowledge of technology, including computer aided design (CAD) and programming.

“We want to be able to expose students to as much technology as possible. I know that a lot of students graduate from Eastern High School and move onto college, where they will be using different mediums for classroom management. We want them to have familiarity with different programs so they won’t be intimidated by using them,” Mr. Smart said.

Although Eastern already uses Smartboards, iPads, Google Classroom, and other types of technology, there are still plans to make Eastern more Future Ready.

Right now, Eastern is certified at a Bronze Level. The goal is to submit an application to be Future Ready at the Silver Level by 2020. “That’s part of the incorporation of a new district-wide strategic plan that the District Advisory Council is working on,” said Mr. Smart.

Senior Charine Leuterio said that she feels Eastern’s incorporation of technology into the curriculum has helped her grasp different educational applications, but has been distracting to some students.

“I’ve learned how to use Google Classroom, Showbie, and some other stuff,” she said. “But sometimes I see other kids using the technology irresponsibly and playing games while they’re supposed to be working.”

Seniors Meghna Mathews and Shimoli Parikh, headed to college next fall, agreed.

“Even though kids not using it the way they’re supposed to isn’t ideal,” Parikh explained, “I feel like knowing how to use apps on the iPad and just being technologically fluent in general will definitely help me in the future.”

senior year (fall ‘06). Due to teammates’ injuries senior year, she moved back to defense. She was also a part of the track team.

February 2019

News

The Voyager 5

JCC Teen Summer Expo The handful of summers before college is precious time for students. Teenagers want to explore their passions, meet more kids that share their interests and try to determine what they want their college years to look like. That’s why

choosing a summer trip or enrichment experience is so important. There are programs offering everything under the sun and, although the internet is packed with information, it’s hard to tell what will be the best choice for your

child. Meeting the directors and asking questions most pertinent to you is the best way to make this important decision. You can meet all the directors of top enrichment programs easily and efficiently all in one place at the Teen

Summer Expo at the Katz JCC on Monday, February 11 from 5:30pm-8:00pm.

Bring your teen and explore options from exotic overseas adventures to local internships. Register and learn more at www.

TeenSummerExpos.com.

Features February 2019 Plans are underway to repurpose the failing Voorhees Town Center 6 The Voyager

By JACOB SAFIER ‘20 Features Editor

W

ho likes looking at “that dead old mall?” Or living near it?

The Voorhees Town Center, formally called the Echelon Mall, used to be known as “the place to be” by locals. It housed anchor stores like JCPenney, Sears, and Strawbridge’s, which became Macy’s (which closed in January 2017). It had an expansive food court, including a popular Chick Fil A. The situation has only gotten worse with stores like Victoria’s Secret leaving.

The mall on a recent Friday night resembled a ghost town, the only places with life were Bath and Body Works and a self-defense class.

Today, Boscov’s remains the only anchor store in the mall.

Then came the Voorhees Town Center, a complete rebranding of the area.

Abandoned areas of the mall were torn down to create a new “town center.”

Today, the area houses several successful restaurants such as Iron Hill Brewery, Rodizio Grill, and Catelli Duo. However, the outside remodel didn’t fix the inside issues - a problem plaguing A lone walker passes through the Food Court of the Voorhees Town Center. Reports from NJ.com cite that a beer many malls in the nation. court, laser tag, a sports bar, housing, as well as a drive-in movie theater, are in the works. (Below). Most of the stores Community members, if you look at the on the upper level are vacant. It’s a good place to walk, however, on these cold days.

Photos by Bowne comments on “What’s Up Voorhees” on Facebook, are fed up with the situation at Dave and Busters and Xfinity Live type the mall and so are township officials. The atmosphere”, said DiNatale. township would have had to use eminent Recent reports in the news have included domain to seize the property from the a beer court, laser tag, a drive-in movie owner, but they were theater, and a sports able to convince the bar.

“We’re all in owner to “deal with Some of the new ideas agreement the good faith” with a new include Tilt, a gaming developer. studio, expanding area needs to be There has been and bringing more redeveloped,” said games geared toward competition between multiple potential Committeeman older audiences, some developers as to who Michael Friedman. of the Macy’s area will take over the being transformed to mall and redevelop it. an indoor trampoline Brandywine Financial park, and even a Services was chosen for their plan to skydiving type place. “repurpose the entire area.” They do not The plan for redevelopment is expected plan to just demolish the building and to take 4-5 months to go through planning build more apartments. According to the boards. It should be brought to a vote director of economic development, Mario by the town committee within the next DiNatale, the place will have “a good 4-6 months and hopefully approved. final development is full scale family the development to include affordable feel.”

Construction would be able to commence entertainment. He would also like to housing.”

It will have limited housing, consisting as soon as the summer. see some kind of a community center One thing the committee does not want of high-end townhouses, active senior “We’re all in agreement the area needs component to the plan. to see is more “big stores.” Instead, they apartments, and a small portion of lower to be redeveloped,” said Committeeman As to housing, he isn’t that enthusiastic want to focus more on entertainment and income housing. The mall’s structure will Michael Friedman. The vote all could about it, but it is necessary. “I personally dining options. “We do not want to see remain, but it will consist of much more depend on the details of the final proposal. don’t want to see more housing,” he more big stores.” entertainment; “there will be more of a He believes something we need in the said, “but the state requires a portion of

Biggie C’s car influences junior rapper, Yung JuJu

E-cigarettes from page 1

Artwork by Evelyn Steele ‘21

response to earlier controversy that they were purposely marketing themselves toward a younger population.

The Office of the Surgeon General created an entire website on the issue (e-cigarettes. surgeongeneral.gov), which contains a trove of information on the effects of e-cigarettes on young people.

Like most trends, the use of e-cigarettes in social settings spreads the behavior to other students. “A lot of people do it just because their friends are doing it,” said Andrews.

An anonymous student stated, “I was often smoking with friends and then most of them had one so we would all just pass it around and hit it.”

Reportedly, students who use e-cigarettes spend about 10 to 20 dollars on them per week. “More I should,” said the student. “At this point, there’s not really a benefit from using it, it’s just too addictive to stop.”

“I never tried to quit,” she said. “I know the negative effects of using it, but none of them have been striking enough for me to want to quit.”

Another student stated that he first used e-cigarettes to stop smoking cigarettes and that he uses the device at school “all the time.”

“I have tried to quit,” he stated, “but I’ve used nicotine for so long that I get bad withdrawal and end up caving.”

The statistics and studies prove it—the use of e-cigarettes are becoming a major problem in the United States and are a huge detriment to the health of teenagers.

However, if students become aware of how badly they damage the body and parents and school faculty are vigilant, it is an epidemic that can—and should—be cured.

By JAKE FRITZ ‘20 Staff Reporter

Is this Meek Mill?

“Copped the Audi/ And I painted it blue/ God blessed me like achoo.”

No, they’re lines from Yung JuJu, a junior, the hottest new rapper at Eastern. He prefers to keep his real name unknown.

Yung JuJu is an up and coming lyrical rapper who discusses not his personal experiences, but other experiences he’s observed.

JuJu is a name created from from his first name and his religion. “My name starts with J-u, and I’m Jewish, so it’s a double entendre.”

JuJu aspires to resemble J. Cole through his stylization; lyrically and with the sound of his voice. “He’s the freakin’

man,” he said, “so I wanna be like him.”

JuJu enjoys rapping because of the joy he has when making music with his friends. JuJu’s team, The Salthern Gang, consists of juniors Biggie C, Xandy, and producer bretskionthemix.

The Salthern Gang is currently working on a mix that has not been released. Their previous release, “Fusion” is a freestyle about Biggie C’s car.

So where does he rate himself on the scale? “10…na na na 12!”

That confidence is questionable, however, when he reveals that he does not believe he has a good rap voice.

JuJu’s dream is to release a collaboration with Young Douger, a freshman rapper.

Where can Yung JuJu’s former releases be located?

SoundCloud, Yung JuJu, third search result.

Features

February 2019

The Voyager 7

Are more students applying to in-state schools?

By JULIA KIRK ‘19

Staff Reporter

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here was never any question as to whether or not I would apply to New Jersey schools as I embarked on my college application journey.

Having helped my brother navigate the admissions process just three years earlier, my parents were well aware of the financial and geographical bonuses that come with attending in-state schools.

So to consider any other application method was out of the question.

New Jersey is home to exceptional colleges: Rutgers University, Rowan University, Stockton University, The College of New Jersey, and many more.

While there is an abundance of renowned schools in the area, they are sometimes undervalued just because they are located so close to home.

Statistically, more students are applying to in-state schools than in years past. The average amount of applications submitted to an in-state school per student in 2018 was 2.1 submissions, a slight increase

from the 1.87 submissions documented in 2014.

While more students apply to in-state colleges on average, the enrollment percentage for these schools has also increased within the past 5 years. In 2014, 13.02% of the graduating class attended either Rutgers—New Brunswick, Rutgers—Camden, Rowan University, Stockton University, or The College of New Jersey. For the class of 2015, 17.73% of students attended these schools. In 2016, there was an enrollment increase to 21.18%, the class of 2017 sent 21.76% of their grade to these colleges, and the graduating class of 2018 capped off the results with the highest rate of 22.42% for enrollment to in-state schools.

Mr. Jason Susko, supervisor of guidance, said, “Back in the dinosaur days each application had to be individually completed, but now, as long as a school is subscribed to a format like the Common Application a student only has to complete the information once and then push a button.”

There’s no longer a necessity to tailor an application to each individual institution,

Test optional colleges ● ● ● ●

Bates College Bowdoin College Bryn Mawr College The George Washington University ver recent years, a majority ● Hofstra University of colleges have announced ● Pitzer College themselves as “test optional.” ● Sarah Lawrence College Test optional refers to a policy ● Smith College in which students reserve the ● University of Chicago right to decide whether or not they will ● University of Iowa submit their SAT and ACT scores. ● Wake Forest University Colleges can also be test flexible, ● Wesleyan University meaning that certain parameters exist greater competition in the admission around a student’s choice in submitting process. Many students limit their their standardized test scores, and test applications to particular colleges based blind, meaning that students’ SAT and on their standardized test scores. Thus, the ACT scores are completely negligible absence of a requirement for standardized and are not submitted. test scores generally encourages more The primary reason for colleges students to apply, generating a more becoming test optional is the shift in diverse and more competitive applicant attitude in believing that a singular test pool. fails to reflect a student’s identity. In other When deciding whether or not to words, colleges are beginning to feel that submit one’s test scores to a test optional standardized testing is not representative college, Mr. Anderson, of a student’s entire high school another guidance counselor career.

Over 46 percent at Eastern, explained that Mrs. Freedner, a guidance of top liberal one should discuss the option counselor at Eastern, confirmed arts college with their guidance counselor. this when she said, “Some and several colleges feel that standardized large research Additionally, one should check if the college provides a guide tests are not the best indicator of universities to whether one should submit future success at the collegiate are now test their test scores. level and are discriminatory optional.

For instance, Mr. Anderson towards minorities.” referenced Temple when he Alongside this, the changing of said, “Temple for example, provides “big name” colleges to have test optional a guideline for students who want to policies has influenced other colleges to make this decision. They state that most become test optional as well. students who are accepted without their Mr. Susko, the Supervisor of Guidance, SAT/ACT scores being sent have a GPA said this while citing Temple University of 3.5 or higher. This is a helpful guide as an example, “When a school like that for students trying to make this decision.” goes test optional — they are one of Overall, Mr. Susko said students should the first ones in the area to have really keep one idea in mind when applying done that — it speaks volume to what to college, “Colleges are communities, the college application process it going and they want to make sure that they towards. It sends a message.” are bringing in a new piece to their Over 46 percent of top liberal arts community that they value. You want to college and several large research have something that speaks to who you universities are now test optional. are and that brings value to a community Commonly known colleges that are test outside of test scores.” optional are Brandeis, Montclair State, While it is a case by case instance, Ithaca College, Bryn Mawr, Wesleyan, those with knowledge of the college and George Washington University. process generally advise students against Test optional policies prove beneficial limiting themselves in applying to only for many students. Such policies alter the test optional colleges. When determining evaluation of an applicant by colleges, which colleges to apply to, it is advised for they cause colleges to place greater that one looks at their personal repertoire value on an applicant’s grade point of test scores, extracurricular activities, average, course rigor, and extracurricular and grades and decide what colleges will activities.

However, such policies also result in match them accordingly.

By BRYCE DERSHEM ‘21 News Editor

O

This table shows enrollement in New Jersey state schools from the years 2014-2018. Numbers were calculated based on senior editions of The Voyager.

Created by Julia Kirk ‘19

making it easier to submit a larger amount of applications. Application formats such as the Common App and My Coalition give students the chance to apply to additional schools without the hassle of writing multiple personal essays and filling out the family, education, testing, and activities profile over and over again.

Senior Julia Lenhart applied to Rutgers University. She remarked, “I liked some of their programs and their general reputation as a great college. Things that would influence my decision to enroll include availability in my major, any honors programs, or given scholarships.”

Being an in-state applicant is oftentimes

a desirable trait as tuition is generally lower and many scholarship opportunities are available. New Jersey schools offer financially feasible options, prestige through their academics, and are close in proximity to home—so when you need to stop at home to do a semester’s worth of laundry it’s only a short drive away.

The benefits of New Jersey schools have led to increased application and enrollment rate. Mr. Susko commented, “They have reduced tuition and they are great schools. Oftentimes, out-ofstate students apply to these schools to pursue their education because they are so fantastic.”

Does it Matter Where You Go To College?

By JOHNATHAN COSTA ‘19 Staff Reporter

A

nyone who has been through the college applications process will tell you it’s miserable. Stressing over grades and standardized test scores on top of five different clubs to boost your application in the eyes of an admissions counselor at your dream school leaves students wondering to themselves if it’s all really worth it. With so many options for school, however, it might not be.

With the Common App, it Artwork by Matt Steinsaltz ‘20 is easier than ever to apply to as many schools as you want. Before, college that my students applied to was 5,” said applicants would have to fill out each Mrs. Freedner, “I had a few students who individual application by hand for the only applied to one school because they schools they wanted to apply to. Now, were committed athletes, but on the you can send out as many applications as opposite end, I had a few who applied to you wish with the click of a button. between 11 and 13 schools.”

That isn’t to say it isn’t The numbers on application time consuming. Between fees were eye opening. “I the Common App itself and would estimate between $300 supplements, not to mention - $500” said Mrs. Freedner on schools that refuse to use the the average amount of money a Common App, the application student spends. process is a lengthy one.

There’s a lot of things to look Senior Andrew Pham filled for in a college. However, for out eight applications. “Four parents, it is important that their went through the Common kids understand that their dream App, and with supplements, school may not be attainable it took about two to three because of financial limitations. months to finish writing the “As a parent, the top concern supplements and personal G/T students, as is money,” said Mr. Bowne. essay.” well as AP Lang “Their school of choice might But how much is too much? and Comp not be viable because of And what should you really students, have money. You want it to be your be looking for in a college? read all or child’s choice, but you have to English teacher Mr. Bowne, portions of Frank be the voice of reason.” who’s gone through the Bruni’s book At the end of the day, the application process twice about the college most important thing you as a parent, and who helps application mania. will get from a college is students with the college your degree. Attending a top application essay, said that school is great, but if it’s causing you an if you’re in the double digits, it may be unearthly amount of stress just getting a little much. “Applying to too many those applications out, it’s worth taking schools makes it tough on the teachers a step back and finding options that are and guidance counselors who write more in reach. letters,” he said. “It’s also expensive to Have a college apply to too many schools.” admissions story you Guidance Counselor Mrs. Freedner gave would like to share? some of her statistics regarding her kids who applied to college this year.

Email us at “This year the average number of schools

ehsvoyager@gmail.com

Features

8 The Voyager

February 2019

Anonymous sources are essential to journalism

By ANDREW SHINKLE ‘22

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Staff Reporter

or a successful journalist, sources can make or break an article. When dealing with people who can be difficult to work with such as government officials, additional information is vital for proceeding with investigations to the caliber of the Watergate scandal. In the early 1970’s, a now-infamous man nicknamed “Deep Throat” preferred to talk to the press in a different manner.

In an August 1972 phone call, Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward spoke to an old friend of his, then-FBI Associate Director Mark Felt. Woodward and Carl Bernstein, a colleague of his, had been reporting on the recent Watergate break-in, and had hit a figurative wall in progress on the story. Felt and Woodward soon discussed a series of meetings, where Felt could point him in the right direction. However, Felt offered his services on one condition: that his name would not be revealed to the press; his identity remaining anonymous.

Whenever Woodward wanted to meet with Felt, he was instructed to place a red flag in the flower pot on his apartment balcony. If Felt requested Woodward to meet, he would circle page 20 on the copy of The New York Times delivered to his door, and draw clock hands to signify when to meet. As to where they conducted these surreptitious conversations, Woodward and Felt always met in the darkness of a Rosslyn, Virginia parking garage.

Woodward’s actions with Felt proved to be instrumental in the progression of the Watergate case, as he and Bernstein were able to prove that the five burglars had connections with Nixon’s Committee to Re-elect the President. All of the burglars were eventually given criminal charges, and on August 9, 1974, President Richard Nixon resigned from office.

During Felt’s time at the FBI, he was an adamant, loyal supporter of Director J. Edgar Hoover. When Hoover died in his sleep in 1972, Felt expected to be named as his successor. When President Nixon decided to appoint Patrick Gray instead, Felt was emotionally crushed.

Throughout the rest of his time with the bureau, he was always searching for any way to rise to the top.

As the years went on, Felt’s identity remained unknown to the public, who only knew of him as “Deep Throat,”

a reference to his extensive background information on government topics. Although it had not been confirmed, Felt was widely thought to be the infamous anonymous source throughout the 80s and 90s. On June 1, 2005, after over 30 years of suspicion, Mark Felt was finally revealed to be the man behind “Deep Throat.”

In modern-day journalism, anonymous sources continue to hold their status as a crucial aspect of an article.

Matthew Shinkle, a reporter for the Voorhees Sun, shared his opinions on the use of anonymous sources.

“Anonymous sources are definitely important; they’re something that are pretty integral to journalism and breaking stories, but only when the situation calls for it.

It has to be a tough moment or something difficult to cover. For example, as shown in All The President’s Men, there could be certain consequences if a source is named; there could be repercussions that the journalist obviously doesn’t intend to happen for that source. You need to make sure the information gets out, but at that same time, it means that journalists have to have complete integrity and use anonymous sources carefully. If you use a source or make up a source and it’s not real, obviously not only yourself takes a hit, but you also probably won’t get a job as a reporter again. In the end, with journalism itself, you’re breaking the industry.”

As for why President Trump has expressed disapproval of anonymous sources, Eastern English teacher Walter Bowne offered his take.

“According to many reports I’ve read, Trump’s White House is full of leaks. You have so many people leaking information, publishing editorials in the newspaper; they’re part of the resistance. President Trump does not like that there are so many leaks coming out, and of course the easiest thing is to say that you can’t trust anonymous sources. Anyone who’s trying to cover up things just like Nixon did, is to say ‘Oh, that’s just fake news.’”

Throughout the history of journalism, anonymous sources have played a bigger role than people may come to realize. One of our country’s most important events in journalism, the Watergate case, was aided by the intervention of a secret source: the infamous “Deep Throat.” When word of unlawful or immoral activity needs to get out, anonymous sources will bring justice to the people.

In a time of fear, journalists can be the guardians of the truth

By SOPHIE FERGUSON ‘19 Staff Reporter

House, similar to the suspension of Jim Acosta’s press pass.

In order to expose the truth, Woodward and Bernstein pushed the boundaries. In a recent article, the duo claimed reedom is the foundation of America.

“Nixon was far worse than we thought. On tape, Nixon Freedom of the press is of paramount exclaimed, “The press is your enemy.” importance. It may also be President Trump’s Sound familiar? greatest fear. Journalists amplify the voices of Without the ability for journalists to investigate and use the people and publish the facts for the people. anonymous sources, the American people would live in a After a heated confrontation between CNN world where a leader, whether it be a president, a senator, reporter Jim Acosta and President Trump in a news a mayor, or a CEO, creates the truth. conference, the White House suspended Acosta’s press You know, something like a dictatorship. Robespierre, pass.

Lenin, and Stalin. They all used the term “enemy of the “When you report fake news,” Trump said, “which people.”

CNN does a lot, you are the enemy of the people.”

The Mueller investigation is a widely covered topic. It When Trump accuses the press of the being the has an uncanny resemblance to the Watergate Scandal. people’s enemy, he really means that But as many of Nixon’s “men,” were they are the enemy of his own people. It Carl Bernstein perfectly convicted and imprisoned, like a former is the duty of journalists to investigate sums up the job of a attorney general John Mitchell, so are every administration, Republican or journalist. At the end of Trump’s, like Paul Manafort, Rick Gates, Democrat, serving as a “fourth” branch the day, who better to Michael Flynn, and Michael Cohen. So of government. stand up for the people far, 33 men and companies have received They are the guardians of the truth. than a journalist. guilty pleas or indictments.

Editor in Chief of The Voyager Maanasi So many “men.”

Natarhaan doesn’t believe there is any After Carl Bernstein appeared on CNN credibility to Trump’s claim that she is discussing a Russia-probe related story, Trump tweeted, an enemy of the people. “The Washington Post’s motto “CNN is being torn apart from within based on their being ‘Democracy dies in darkness,’ is especially true in a time caught in a major lie and refusing to admit the mistake. like this,” she said. “Journalists are the ones who will tell Sloppy Carl Bernstein, a man who lives in the past and the truth.” thinks like a degenerate fool, making up story after story, For example, journalists played an integral role in is being laughed at all over the country! Fake News.” unmasking the Watergate Scandal during the Nixon Bernstein fired back on Twitter saying, “Donald Trump, administration. It was also journalists who exposed the I have spent my life as journalist bringing the truth to lies of Vietnam with the Pentagon Papers. It was also light, through administrations of both parties. No taunt journalists who exposed the Bill Clinton and Monica will diminish my commitment to that mission, which is Lewinsky scandal. the essential role of a free press. CNN stands by its story, In the case of Watergate, Bob Woodward and Carl and I stand by my reporting.”

Bernstein carefully maneuvered through one of the Carl Bernstein perfectly sums up the job of a journalist.

United State’s biggest government scandals to expose At the end of the day, who better to stand up for the people Richard Nixon. By the request of Nixon, The Washington than a journalist.

Post reporters were eventually banned from the White

F

Graphic by Laura Frantz ‘20

February 2019

Journalists play the long game

T

Features

The Voyager 9

By JULIA KIRK ‘19 Staff Reporter

he founding fathers intended for individuals to have the inherent right to write with freedom, unafraid of any repercussions for their coverage on corruption. The press works to unearth the truth and bring to light the hidden; the First Amendment takes a preventative measure to claim the legality of journalism’s continual practice.

Thomas Jefferson believed in the necessity of a free press to hold those in power accountable. Amid his own involvement in scandals and inaccurate reporting, including his alleged relationship with Sally Hemings and rumors of his premature death, Jefferson continued to believe in the value of the press.

Under his own presidency, the press worked to monitor the executive branch and notify American people when any dealings appeared sketchy. Shortly after being inaugurated, Jefferson’s administration dealt with the “midnight judges,” John Adams’ last minute attempt to stack the courts with individuals that held similar ideologies.

The impact of journalism can be seen during the Spanish-American War when the predominance of yellow journalism led to biased articles of the USS Maine explosion. The “Remember the Maine” headlines sparked outrage within the country, although later investigation suggested the mysterious explosion had been an internal error. The event propelled the public into a mandate for war with Spain under false pretenses.

English teacher Walter Bowne said that “journalists need to play the long game.” Though false reporting may negatively erode public regard and trust, it’s important to continue reporting on corruption. In regards to how journalists should respond to being criticized for “fake news” he said, “It may not be today, or tomorrow, but the truth will come out.”

The coverage of the Vietnam War plagued Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency. His ardent support for containment of communism was inconsistent with the majority of Americans that urged for departure from the Southeast Asian peninsula. Opposing views that flooded the media often criticized his decisions, with inadequate support for the deployment of American troops in the nation. However, the backlash of the press on Johnson’s decisions was effective in informing his administration of public opinion and igniting a policy change.

Then, of course, came the Pentagon Papers with Nixon.

Senior and Managing Editor of The Voyager, Shreya Gowda, said “a lot of people think the press is trying to sensationalize something, but that’s not true.” Or at least, the majority of journalists aren’t. They just want to make sure society is honest.”

Though not directly responsible for the Watergate scandal, Richard Nixon was actively involved in the coverup. He slowed the process of handing over tapes and proceeded to delete crucial information. Reporters of the Washington Post were determined to unveil the extensive levels of deception within the White House, and if not for their diligent research and reporting, the American people may never have been informed of the dishonest activity their president had participated in.

Gowda said there are some spectacular pieces, like Watergate or reporting about Vietnam, and the Pentagon Papers, that pervades time in remaining completely truth.

“I think powerful pieces like that show that journalism is just out there to get the bad guys,” she said.

Journalism was crucial to former President Bill Clinton’s time in office. When allegations of his affair with Monica Lewinsky swarmed the media he unequivocally denied the proposition. He continued to hold that position when testifying to a grand jury—and suggested others provide similar information in their affidavits.

Determined reporters kept covering the topic and eventually Clinton’s perjury and attempt to obstruct justice were discovered by journalists that refused to allow the executive branch to wield an omnipotent amount of power.

Journalists are people too; they aren’t immune to mistakes. While there are individuals like William Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer that are willing to exaggerate factual claims in order to gain a wider audience, there are individuals like Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein that are willing to devote their efforts to insure that nobody, not even those sitting in the highest seat of office, can escape the consequences of their actions.

Graphic By Sophie Ferguson ‘19

Mueller timeline continued on page 16

Features

10 The Voyager

February 2019

Should porn be filtered from the Internet?

By OLIVIA COVINGTON ‘19 Features Editor

B

efore the age of eighteen, 93% of boys and 62% of girls are exposed to porn.

“The first time I looked at porn (fairly young),” senior Ta’maya Ross said, “I remember being completely shocked. For one, I was completely wrong about men’s anatomy…”

This taboo topic always causes a debate: Should we filter porn from the internet or let it continue to be easily accessible?

This has now become a discussion among college campuses. The conversation started at Notre Dame University in October, when 80 male students proposed a porn filter for the Wifi. Their proposal was simple: “Install a filter on the campus WiFi that bars access to all websites that exist for the purpose of disseminating porn.”

Notre Dame’s technology policy already bans accessing pornographic, sexually explicit, or offensive material on campus networks.

The idea spread to schools like Harvard, UPenn, and Princeton who support the idea of a digital barrier because they believe that “it’s much easier to objectify women and to not see them as people when you’re simply viewing them as objects of sexual pleasure.”

Filtering porn would also help protect the innocence of younger children. Ages 16-18 is the average age range a child has viewed porn at.

Although Ross is against the idea of a porn barrier she does acknowledge “not as many kids will be exposed to unwanted

porn”.

There is also the common argument about the detrimental effects porn has on people’s sex lives. “Porn users kill their ability to perform sexually in real life by conditioning their brain to get aroused by sitting alone in front of a computer rather than being with an actual person,” says porn awareness organization, Fight the New Drug.

It is also believed to give people unrealistic expectations in the bedroom, and impractical projections on women’s bodies. One student agrees that “guys act like they’re in a porn reenactment” during sexual relations.

“The thing is, porn is extremely unrealistic, and it leads to guys coming off as not only ignorant but also naive.” she elaborates.

Although porn would be assumed to increase sexual assaults, Chris J. Ferguson, a professor of psychology and criminal justice at Texas A&M University said otherwise. “Rates of rapes and sexual assault in the U.S. are at their lowest levels since the 1960s,” he said.

The speculations “just don’t fit with the theory that rape and sexual assault are in part influenced by pornography.”

Jonathan Baron, a professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, said that such filtering would “have a cost in time and money.” Although this is not his field of study, he acknowledges the issues that would come with a digital barrier.

Professor Baron mentioned that if the filtering were done automatically, let’s say by Artifical Intelligence, there would be lots of errors. “Classic works of art, statues of Venus or Diana, would be rejected,” he said. “And porn that does not

The cost of skipping class

By SAMI FRANKEL ‘20 Staff Reporter

E

technique’, whether it be avoiding the workload, teacher, or even another student.

Whether it’s hiding out in a bathroom, another teacher’s class, or even leaving without permission, skipping classes will only hurt yourself in the long run.

Eastern’s policy for students who skip heavily relies on the teachers to determine the issue by doing investigative work to make sure the student wasn’t absent all day.

Then teachers have to check attendance records and PowerSchool to see if they signed in elsewhere or to guidance. If they find out a student was skipping then they have to write them up. The bottom line is, if a teacher isn’t fully aware of each of their 100+ students, skipping becomes more easy and tempting.

Whether or not you should skip is your decision, but the answer is pretty obvious.

However, whatever it is you’re avoiding in class can be dealt with accordingly.

Rather then cutting class, simply try to address what the true issue is.

At the end of the day, we’re all here for an education and skipping out on this privilege to learn causes a domino effect that will leave students in the dust.

ver walk into a bathroom and see other students hanging out in the middle of class?

See a senior leaving school after second period?

You’re not the only person who notices the intense skipping culture not just here at Eastern, but at nearly every school across America.

While skipping may be ‘fun’ and the ‘cool thing to do’, it’s been proven that students who miss more than 10 instructional days per academic year have a 20 percent less likely chance of graduation from high school than their peers.

Guidance counselor, Ms. Bosworth, said “There are so many varying reasons why students cut class nowadays. Normally it’s a type of outside factor, knowing they’re going to fail, feel too much pressure, personal issues, and so many more possible reasons. If anyone is cutting class– there’s a reason that’s most likely hidden in the student’s subconscious.”

There is no such thing as your ‘typical skipper.’ This topic has been extensively researched and people from all demographics, age groups, and social classes are guilty.

English III teacher, Mrs. Leason, said that even AP kids are guilty of skipping class, especially if they aren’t prepared for a presentation or test. She phrased skipping as Hiding in a bathroom stall may not be the best option. an ‘avoidance Photo by Evelyn Steele ‘21

Artwork by Sapphire Thach ‘19 involve nudity (e.g., bondage, or various fetishes) might get through.”

He said that if human judges did the filtering, it would be much more costly, and there would still be errors. “These errors come at a cost because they disrupt the function of the internet for free expression,” he said.

In a survey taken among a few Eastern students (of varying grades), the majority of participants viewed porn as a positive thing.

“I feel like if you can bring pleasure to yourself why not?” one student said.

Others say it helps relieve stress, advance sexual abilities in the bedroom and can be

beneficial in moderation, while others feel the porn industry itself, “is liable to a lot of corruption and mistreatment.”

Much like Professor Baron, the surveyees believe that the positives of filtering porn would not outweigh the negatives that comes with it.

Another student said that when people in power try to keep individuals under them from seeing or doing things, it results in a greater desire to do whatever it is that is trying to be hidden. “People fetishize taboo things,” she said. “So by censoring porn, it’ll just make people want to watch it even more.”

How to handle a fight

a crowd, as this is often the source of students being unable to back away from a fight and thus appear vulnerable . The administration attempts to address n schools across the nation, the heart of the issue and provide an physical altercations between opportunity for participants to share their students are quite common, views. especially due to their entertaining The administration can then establish sentient. Mr. Tull, the principal directives for future conflict mediation of Eastern, recalls at least seven fights between the participants. occurring in the past year.

However, without such mediation, fights “Everybody wants to come see a fire, may occur, and if they do, students are but nobody wants to be in it. That’s advised to act in particular ways. Students the mentality of fights,” said Mr. Tull. who witness a physical student conflict However, despite the commonness of occurring should alert the fights, ambiguity nearest adult, who can often exists for Students shouldn’t then address the conflict. students in how to act attempt to Besides this, students when one occurs. shouldn’t attempt to physically separate Fights typically physically separate the aren’t spur of the the participants participants in a fight nor moment occurrences. in a fight nor congregate around them.

Mr. Young, a vice students principal at Eastern, congregate around Additionally, are asked to avoid described how such them. electronically recording conflicts are often a fight in any capacity, built up by some form a topic which will be of social media exchange. Third, fourth, addressed at each grade levels’ next and even fifth parties often misrepresent meeting. information, leading to fights.

Besides students, teachers are instructed Thus, Mr. Young described the to act according to certain guidelines as importance of reporting any expected well.

When a fight occurs, teachers and conflicts when saying, faculty are instructed to clear the area “If students came to us, and said they and, by verbal direction, alert people who think there is going to be an issue between can separate the conflict with as little these two people or me and somebody physical involvement as possible. else, we can at least get involved in the According to the student handbook, mediation process and address some “physical/mental/electronic assault upon situations as best as possible.” another pupil” is cause for suspension With this, Mr. Young said, “Ultimately and expulsion. what you are going to end up doing, Overall, Mr. Tull said, “As a community, contrary to what most students think, is we look to try to provide an opportunity you’re going to be preventing your friend for students to express their feelings and from being in a discipline situation as resolve their issues. However, we want opposed to getting them into one.” it done in the manner that reflects the When mediating a conflict, the school maturity of a high school student.” administration provides a setting without

By BRYCE DERSHEM ‘21 News Editor

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Features

February 2019

The Voyager 11

Goodbye Eastern, hello International Convention Denver Later this month, Jewish teens from around the world will gather in Denver, Colorado for BBYO’s 2019 International Convention. Close to 40 Eastern students will be in attendance.

By LAURA FRANTZ ‘20 Staff Reporter

H

ave you ever noticed that right before Presidents’ Day weekend classes feel smaller, almost like a part of the school went missing? Well, it isn’t just a feeling, it’s a reality.

Every year right around Presidents’ Day, one of the largest conventions for Jewish teens is held-- the International Convention (IC) for BBYO (a prominent Jewish youth organization). The location of the convention varies from year to year. In the past two years it was held in Orlando, Florida and Dallas, Texas. This year, IC is from February 14th-18th, and is being held in Denver, Colorado.

From an outside perspective, IC seems like a destination party for Jewish teenages. However, IC is much more than it seems. This convention brings together thousands of teens all with a shared pride in their religion. The teenagers travel from all over the world. Last year 35 countries were represented.

The most frequently asked question about IC is, “what do you do there?” The itinerary of IC contains many different programs and learning opportunities.

BBYO programs usually pertain to the themes of leadership, Jewish heritage, and modern issues in which members can participate through different types of activities. At IC, there are hundreds of activities and programs to choose from in order to learn about one of the three main themes. For example, this year some activities include learning about the impact of therapy animals, talking about how to brand yourself and your

home BBYO chapter, playing sports to learn about health and wellness, a panel about being a woman in today’s world with leading ladies, etc. Everyone has the ability to customize their own program, therefore creating very meaningful and personal experiences.

Along with these programs, IC has a showcase of certain chapters from around the globe.

These chapters create really food tour of the city, and so many more. special programs or “separates”, and There is also the opportunity to elect the have the ability to show them off in front International board. The International of thousands of people. Separates are a board is made up of high schoolers who, serious discussion of issues important “are committed to Jewish youth and in society. During seperates boys (AZA) to building future Jewish leadership, and girls (BBG) are split, because of the influential in their communities and different issues and willing to help priorities. guide and assist Many important the organization This convention brings celebrities and as it charts its speakers come to together thousands of course for the IC to talk to those future” according teens all with a shared attending and to to BBYO’s official pride in their religion. tell their stories. website.

The teenagers travel Although they aren’t The most notable from all over the world. all Jewish, they still experience of IC have an impact on the Last year 35 countries is probably the Jewish community. concert. One night were represented.

Some past speakers of the convention, have included Josh popular musicians, Peck, Aly Raisman, Scott Rogowski, rappers, and bands come and perform.

Justin Trudeau, and even former Last year Fetty Wap, AJR, Steve Aoki, President Barack Obama. Listening to and Daya performed. The lineup is these influential speakers is an amazing always a surprise until the night of, so opportunity. everyone attending is anxious to see who IC isn’t all “serious” activities, there will perform. are tons of fun experiences. One day is set IC seems too good to be true-- there must aside to explore the city that is hosting IC. be a catch! Sadly there is. In order to have This year in Denver, you can snowboard these life changing experiences, those and ski, go to a zoo or aquarium, go on a who want to attend have to pay a large

amount. They also have to miss a few days of school, which can put them behind in their studies. These two elements are especially unsavory to parents. Junior Jordyn Malmud, president of her BBG chapter, had an especially difficult time, “It was hard to convince my parents to allow me to travel by myself, pay for the trip, and miss school. I convinced them by explaining just how much I would get out of this experience.”

Jewish teens can learn so much more at IC than in the classroom. Sophie Sable, senior and on regional board, agrees with Jordan, “IC is worth missing school. No question about it. The impact you can make through tikkun olam (Hebrew for world healing) and the feeling of being surrounded by so many teens that you are connected to through religion is unmatchable. There are unique opportunities to learn outside a classroom and to impact the Jewish community.”

IC is one of the most unique and unparalleled opportunities for Jewish youth. All Jewish teens in BBYO should attend in order to be able to learn new things and meet new people from all over the world. If you are attending IC this year, be sure to pack a warm coat and get ready for the experience of your life!

New measures enacted to keep school safe

By MATT STEINSALTZ ‘20 Features Editor

S

chool security is rapidly advancing, and that is true of Eastern. Over the past month, two new changes have been installed, and a few more are being planned in the near future.

Mr. Westerby called school security a “progression” and something that keeps improving. All of the following changes are Board of Education approved:

Black Curtains You may have noticed that on every classroom door there is a black curtain the can be pulled down over the window. The purpose of the curtain is to keep students and staff out of sight of a possible intruder The curtain can easily be pulled down anytime. In addition to hiding in a corner out of sight of the door, visibility into the classroom is now blocked by the curtain.

Zoning Another new addition to the school is a new way of zoning the school. Visible from outside, each classroom and door has a maroon plaque. The plaque either displays the class number, or “C” followed by a number for doors and exits. For example, a door may be labeled “C36”. This is to help first responders locate sections of the school. “They can

easily call out ‘C36’, said Mr. Westerby, and they will know where to go.

Toggles Toggle locks are starting to be installed on classroom doors. A toggle lock essentially locks/unlocks the door by flipping a switch. So rather then locking the door with a key, teachers will be able to lock the door more quickly by the flip of a switch.

Unstructured Time Procedure School safety during unstructured time like lunch and in between classes is difficult because students are everywhere.

In the past teachers were told to lock their doors almost immediately after a lockdown is announced, but that procedure has changed. Teachers are now recommend to “sweep the halls, and invite students in, rather than leaving the student on their own”, said Mr. Westerby

in the main office. They are now required to drop off the item in the vestibule, the little hallway between doors at the main entrance, where students can then pick up the item.

Fencing Mr. Westerby said that fencing will be built in necessary places in the future, but it is not happening yet. The fencing will limit ways people can get onto school grounds.

When it comes to safety, Eastern is good hands. Eastern is on top of the safety game, and their number one goal is to ensure everyone is safe. So when you come to school tomorrow and every day after, know that you are well protected.

Maanasi Natarajan demonstrates the new security curtain.Photo by W.

Bowne

Entrance into Building There are two changes regarding entrance into the building. All students that are being dropped off must be dropped off in the back and enter through the rear. And all students driving or taking the bus must enter through the main entrance. The second change is a change in the way parents drop items off

Mr. Bowne turns the toggle to lock the door.

Photo by Matt Steinsaltz ‘20

A new sign on the outside of class windows.

Photo By Matt Steinsaltz ‘20

12 February 2019

Eastern’s Art Honor Society’s Mura

What the wall will look like when it is all finished.

By JULIA DODD ‘19 Online Editor-in-Chief

The mural in the 300 hallway as it is currently painted.

The Girl’s Soccer Logo painting as it is right now.

When you enter the 300 hallway, near the recital hall, on your left is a beautiful collage of colors on the wall. The Art Honor Society has planned to add to that mural at Eastern—to honor the “amazing music department.”

Mr. McConnell and the Art Honor Society designed the mural based off the art of Keith Haring. Haring was a street artist in New York City known for his tag of “Crack is Wack.” He became popular when Andy Warhol—another infamous artist known for pop art and abstract impressionism— recognized Haring’s talent.

This particular wall was chosen because that section of the 300 hallway is known as the music hallway. Mr. McConnell said, “[I] commend Mr. Stanz and all of music department for all of the

amazing work they do.”

The mural is to span from the beginning of the 300 hallway next to room 314 to the entrance to the band room.

The mural opens with art based off of Keith Haring’s “Untitled,” 1987 (dance). Then it goes into the marching band logo with a keyboard underneath. Finally, the wall will have silhouettes of marching band and colorguard members. The background color goes from red to orange to yellow to look like a sunrise or a sunset.

Erika Sheehan ‘20 is the Art Honor S o c i e t y member who finalized what the mural was going to look like. She is currently painting the keyboard keys of the mural.

The Art Honor Society plans to have the wall progress over three years, starting last year.

Art Honor Society is a group that allows you to express yourself through any

I like Art Honor Society because it lets you express your creativity through new ways of artwork that are displayed around the school.

- Hannah Weber ‘20

“I li hono lows out w whi pas - Zoe

Erika Sheehan ‘20 paints the

Photos by Julia Dodd ‘19 unless otherwise stated

The Voyager 13

al Honoring the Music Department

medium. Mr. McConnell allows students free range to come up with mural ideas, and once approved, they are transferred to Adobe Illustrator to make a virtual sample of what the wall will look like.

The members of Art Honor Society are Lindsay Schoeffler ‘19, Bryanna Choi ‘19, Allison Aristizabal ‘20, Katelyn Shinkle ‘19, Amanda Jakuboski ‘ 1 9 , Dominique V a l l e s ‘20, Erika Sheehan ‘20, Carley Bradis ‘20, L i n d s e y Hoffman ‘21, Jaydeep Dave ‘19, Hannah Weber ‘20, Ryan Ems ‘19, Zoe Goldberg ‘19, Samanatha San ‘20, Lisa Traczyk ‘19, and Tori Leonardis ‘20.

There are also plans for other murals around the

school. A girl’s soccer logo mural by Gym 1 is currently being painted by Ems and Goldberg. Also a mural in guidance, designed by Goldberg. She wants this mural to show how much guidance does for the school.

“They are more than school guidance,” she said, “They are there to help you in your life in the future.”

The mural will be created to emphasize the fact that Guidance Department is for more than just school related problems—they are there to help you with problems you may have outside of the school.

Jared Wilson ‘19 assists the Art Honor Society in painting the music hall mural.

“I’m excited to make my mark on the walls here,” Ems said, “so when I come back I can say, ‘I painted that.’”

ike that art or socety als me to hang with friends ile doing my ssion—art.”

Goldberg ‘19

e Art Honor Society mural.

Mr. McConnell paints the first coat of red on the mural in the music hallway.

Photo by Jessica Bonnamassa ‘19

“Being able to generate ideas and produce them is the most enjoyable part of Art Honors Society.” - Jaydeep Dave ‘19

14 The Voyager

Opinion

February 2019

Eastern Regional High School 1401 Laurel Oak Road Voorhees, NJ 08043 856-784-4441 www.voyager-online.org

THE VOYAGER

Lauren Casole and Maanasi Natarajan: Editors-in-Chief Srishti Ramesh and Julia Dodd: Online Editors-in-Chief Shreya Gowda: Managing Editor Ava Hancock and Jessica Bonamassa: Opinion Editors Bryce Dershem and Haley Allsebrook: News Editors Matthew Steinsaltz, Jacob Safier, and Olivia Covington: Features Editors Victoria Lapinson and Josh Meyers: Entertainment Editors Anthony Cutrera and Eric Horn: Sports Editors Cynthia Meas: Art Editor Evelyn Steele and Nancy Bowne: Photography Editors Nancy Bowne: Copy Editor Staff Reporters

Jenna Preston, Nichole Hall, Jonathan Costa, Laura Frantz, Julia Kirk, Sophie Ferguson, Jake Fritz, Ahmed Abdou, Lelah Tekhna, Sasha Tuddenham, Samantha Frankel, Andrew Shinkle, Michael Mazziotta

Walter Bowne, Advisor: Room 605

Letters to the Editor

Submit signed letters to Room 605 or email ehsvoyager@gmail.com

Restorative Justice

S

tudents needing to fulfill their 21st Century Career graduation requirement will scour the infamous green sheet, looking for something interesting enough (or at least tolerable enough) to sustain the next school year.

What they will not find under that category is Journalism. Why not Journalism?

Based on what we do in class and out of class, it should definitely count as a their comfort zones. Journalism gives 21st Century Career. students the confidence they need to be A 21st Century Career class is supposed ambitious in the working world. to teach skills that could be helpful in Contrary to being “the enemy of the future careers. A class like the Gifted people,” journalism is necessary. Many and Talented program teaches selected of The Voyager’s alumni now work in students how to analyze, research, and the field: Billboard, Washington Post, speak publicly. The Preschool and Child The Boston Globe, Variety Magazine.

Development class allows students to In today’s turbulent political climate, interact with preschoolers and acquire journalists are needed more than ever. teaching skills. Both of these classes fall Students needs to know the facts about under the category of what is happening — 21st Century Careers, Voyager staffers not a twisted version while Journalism does of the truth issued by use, oftentimes not. the government or Journalism I, II, and Buzzfeed, or Twitter. on a daily III, rather than a 21st Photojournalism, basis, computer broadcast Century Career, is an journalism, applications, English elective. This and multimedia possibly hinders the such as InDesign journalism are just a program.

Students few of the different and Photoshop, may not select the ways journalists report class because it isn’t a news using different Audacity, Final requirement or because mediums.

Cut/ iMovie it seems like too much Even if students in and Adobe work. “I’m already the class don’t go on taking an English class, to be CNN anchors Illustrator, and why would I take it as or writers for Elle find credible an elective, too?”

Magazine, the skills Journalism, however, that they learn in class news sources. is much more than will be useful for their writing. Yes, students entire lives. write nonfiction articles In an age revolving on a variety of topics, learn how to around technology, knowing how to communicate with administrators and work Photoshop and Google applications other officials, conduct interviews. They are assets that appeal to employers. The also use, oftentimes on a daily basis, ability to research and find credible computer applications, such as InDesign, sources is helpful is a multitude of fields Photoshop and Final Cut/ iMovie and and can be useful in personal life, as Adobe Illustrator, and find credible news well. sources.

Journalism is an independent and Students work on our new website, creative experience. Students run the updated weekly.

Students take newspaper with the help of an adviser. photographs, and learn to edit in RAW Students get to control what is published. format. These are all skills that don’t just The adviser does not ask someone if pertain to a journalism career, but are you may interview them: you contact needed in the real world. them. You interview them. You design Students taking Journalism report the layout. You take the pictures. You to have improved their presentation, edit. You lead. communication, and writing skills, We all have something to learn from as well as having been pushed out of journalism— a true 21st century career.

Short-e-torials

Artwork by Melissa Wangsa ‘20

Journalism should count as a 21st Century Career as grad requirement

Plastic bag ban is the right thing to do Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey lawmakers are aiming to pass a lot that would greatly cut down on the Garden State’s plastic consumption. The proposal includes a ban on stores handing out single-use plastic bags, plastic drinking straws, and polystyrene food containers, in addition to a ten cent fee on single-use paper bags.

For where New Jersey is and how many people live here, this law would be great news. A study done in 2017 found that most of the trash picked up off New Jersey beaches was plastic. Plastic is notorious for being detrimental to sea life, and considering the entirety of New Jersey’s eastern border is with the ocean, it is

important we do our part in keeping the ocean clean.

Reusable bags for grocery shopping aren’t expensive, so consumers would survive a slight price increase. A complete ban on plastic bags and polystyrene containers is absolutely necessary to keep those harmful materials out of landfills and oceans.

A ban on plastic straws would be tough, but forcing customers to request them at restaurants would be nearly as effective as a ban. Being the garden state, living up to its name means New Jersey needs to be a leader in cutting back on pollution, which this proposal will do.

- JON COSTA ‘19

Raising minimum wage to $15 in NJ is wise Starting as soon as Monday, Feb 4th, New Jersey is expected to pass a bill to initiate a $15 minimum wage increase.

This proposed bill will have a positive impact on low wage workers who will see an increase in pay in July. It will continue to increase as each January passes until $15 is reached.

Other employees will have an exponentially slower increase, as they will gain $0.30 increases. This law will mark the

start of the fourth state to increase incomes in this fashion. With the amount of workers already receving minimum wage, this law serves as an overall benefit to employed individuals.

Governor Phil Murphy will most likely sign it into law, thanks to its means of giving employees livable wages. The new bill will not affect already well paid employees. It will help those who need livable wages. - AHMED ABDOU ‘19

Did God want Trump to be president?

In the opinion of most, no. But the TV show “The End of Times” believes so.

No, it’s not a conservative program. It’s on the Christian Network, and it’s about the apocalypse.

The program studies the prophetic portions of the Bible. Their interpretation involves an important leader, not from a political background, who brings peace to the Middle East. This allows the Jews in Israel to build the temple on the cornerstone under the control of the Muslims at this time.

The temple is supposed to bring back

animal sacrifice, and eventually the Antichrist, who people will believe is god, then the second coming of Jesus. According to the program, the leader who initiates this is Trump because he is currently working on a peace treaty for the Middle East.

Essentially, if you are awake at three AM and felt like hearing that we have seven years left to live and that Jesus is coming, then yeah, you might believe God wanted Trump to be president.

- VICTORIA LAPINSON ‘20

A national “Election Day” will not encourage more voters Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell recently commented about a Democratic bill that would make Election Day a federal holiday. By creating the holiday, Democrats hope to increase the number of people participating in voting. People would be off from work, and schools would be closed so people have more of a reason to participate.

Republicans response is that voting is one of our civic duties and if people never voted in the past, they still will not vote in the future. They also feel this is a “power

grab” by the Democrats. McConnell said Democrats “want taxpayers on the hook for generous new benefits for federal bureaucrats and government employees,” including making Election Day a “new paid holiday for government workers.”

If Election Day is a federal holiday, nothing will change in terms of people voting. People will be more inclined to stay home or do something else with their day off. If people really wanted to vote they would already be doing it.

- LAUREN CASOLE ‘19

February 2019

Opinion

The Voyager 15

Coachella persists in popularity, despite the beliefs of the owner, Mr. Philip Anschutz

By AVA HANCOCK ‘20

E

Opinion Editor

very April, our Instagram timelines are flooded with over-saturated, colorful photos from the most infamous music festival in America: Coachella.

This year will most likely be no different.

The festival began in 1999, just a few months after Woodstock. But the Coachella of today would probably be unrecognizable to those who attended the first one ten years ago.

Instagram certainly paints the festival out to be the most care-free, beautiful 3 days of the year -- a heaven on Earth, if you will. The most famous artists in the world all gather in Indio, California in mid-April to perform for thousands live and via livestream.

As if it were a fashion show, attendees break out their crop tops, bandanas, flowy dresses, thigh-high boots and kimonos as they strut around the event, usually caring more about getting the perfect shot in front of the famed ferris wheel than listening to the music.

Coachella announced its lineup via social media platforms the night of January 2nd and people immediately prepared to buy tickets, which would go on sale the upcoming Friday. General admission costs a hefty $429, while general admission plus a shuttle will run you about $509. And if you want VIP?

Well, you’re gonna have to cough up a thousand dollars.

And I’ll admit it: if somebody offered me a free ticket, I’d accept it probably with only a moment of hesitation (probably in regards to how I would be allowed to fly across the country rather than the nature of the festival). Even if I ended up sweating off all my makeup and missing half of my favorite artists, having the experience still seems well worth it.

Most people just want to say they were at least there when Ariana Grande headlined the third day.

But there is a major problem with Coachella: Philip Anschutz. Anschutz is the founder of the festival and owner of entertainment company, AEG. He also happens to be an off-the-wall republican who has donated hundred of thousands of dollars to conservative foundations with homophobic, xenophobic, and anti-climate change values. These are ideals that would would be expected to be frowned upon at a southern Californian, seemingly liberal event.

We need to hold the performing artists accountable for their actions. Many artists that attend are openly gay, transgender, people of color, feminists, etc. However, they still accept large sums of money to perform at the problematic event, only to go home and preach social justice in their Instagram captions.

Despite Anschutz’s disturbing views, most don’t see this as a deal-breaking

issue- at least not deal-breaking enough to stop buying tickets and indirectly giving money to harmful organizations. These are the same people who advocated for Bernie Sanders, who attend pride parades, and who tweet links to articles calling attention to global warming. So why do they show support to these social issues, but not when it means sacrificing their good time? This is an internal conflict that I, too, face.

I do not agree with Anschutz’s values in the slightest, but I would love nothing more than to listen to good music in the springtime with my friends in the Californian sunshine.

It’s the same thing as listening to artists with problematic pasts. I find Kanye West’s actions borderline psychotic, but I still shamefully indulge in private. We think, what difference does it make if I just listen to one song? If I go to one festival? If I support one movie with a problematic director? The difference is that you’re supporting all of that person’s work, and, in turn, encouraging their practices.

I’m not saying boycott every piece of artistry, every person, and every event with a slightly problematic past.

If that were the case, we would all live in isolation. What I am saying is that Coachella is an absolutely massive event

that generates millions of dollars, its owner is a paradigm of an evil man with too much power and money, and people should stop going to this event specifically if it’s the only activism they participate in all year.

Lowering the attendance of the festival probably won’t be enough to shut it down, seeing as it has years of history and its own mini-culture. But maybe it would be enough to force Anschutz to step down and to tarnish the festival’s reputation.

We need to be as consistent as we can be in our activism. You shouldn’t pick and choose when to defend your opinions just for your convenience. We need to start treating Coachella like the problem that it is.

Working hard for an easy future

By VICTORIA LAPINSON ‘20 Entertainment Editor

L

ike many students at Eastern, I aspire to go to college. I plan to go to a state school, somewhere like Rowan or Rutgers. I would love to get a bachelors in nursing or in animal science depending on where I end up. I have good grades. I take honors classes. I am involved in many clubs and activities, and my SAT scores are pretty good.

With all this, it almost seems like I’m locked into place.

There is, however, one thing that haunts me: financing this pathway.

The whole idea of drowning in student debt makes me sick to my stomach. We have all heard the horror stories about people who pass on their debt to their children, who have debt of their own to begin with.

I am paying for college with my own money, which means I have roughly 18 months to get enough money and scholarships and do everything possible to avoid copious amounts of loans for college. To make this easier, I plan on commuting.

This is not a unique situation, nor am I unlucky to be here. However, this goal of mine requires me to work as much as possible. As of right now, I have two jobs that pay a bit more than minimum-wage, and two that pay upwards of $10 an hour.

I have made a decent improvement in my savings account, and I’m currently working 20-30 hours a week.. My friends think it’s crazy that I have four jobs and that I plan on increasing my work life with more hours and new jobs.

Right now, my day starts at five twenty-five. I get up and dressed, then get my work clothes and bag ready. Next is packing my backpack, then doing makeup, then going to school. After seven hours there, I rush up to my room, throw on my uniform, exchange my

backpack for a work bag, and head to work. This is followed by a cup of coffee from the break room, a bite of fast food, a shower, an hour or so of homework, and then collapsing into bed after eleven.

A lot of Eastern students get financial help from their parents or family members. Most of them are able to get into good schools and afford it with the help of family. Sometimes, their parents even take the loans for them.

One Eastern sophomore, Darren Frankel, doesn’t have a job. “Between debate, crew, and other extracurricular activities, I don’t have that kind of time. My parents are going to help me pay for college,” Frankel explains.

It’s a common tale for Eastern students, getting their school paid off partially or entirely by parents.

On the other hand, students from Sterling high school in Summerdale can relate more to my situation. They are from a less wealthy community and are generally more work-oriented than school-oriented.

A senior at Sterling, working in fast food, commented on the difference. He said, “ I absolutely don’t plan on going to college.

I don’t have the funds. I like where I work and if I get up to a management position, I would be completely happy. I know that people at my school, even teachers, are supportive of this because they understand that everyone has a different financial situation”.

It is completely fair to say Eastern doesn’t prioritize working students. While others schools understand the importance of gaining work experience, it’s barely talked about here. Getting a taste of the workforce, financial independence, and not just relying on the system that teaches spoon-fed garbage that students will rarely ever use, is the positive that comes from getting a job.

While a lot of students at Eastern do

have jobs, not all of them rely on having those jobs. Most of the students here work around minimum-wage and just a few hours a week to get work experience.

They have parents to support them. The teachers are aware of this, as well as administrators, and this is reflected in their actions and in their assignments, as many assume school is the priority and that they have the time for a heavy workload. Since 1993, the amount of high school students with a job has dropped from 30.5 percent, to a tiny 19.5 percent.

That’s about one in five.

Now, I don’t expect my honors and AP teachers to reduce homework just because I work a lot, nor do I expect any accommodation to be made. It would just be nice to make it clear that just because I’m an honors students doesn’t mean I’m living large and have as much time or money to commit to a class.

“I have schoolwork and swim, so I don’t really have enough time to work during the school year,” said Celeste Lebold, an Eastern sophomore. She works as a lifeguard at a Cherry Hill swim club during the summers, but her busy schedule makes it difficult to work during the school year. I used to cringe

Artwork by Victoria Lapinson ‘20

in elementary school when they required us to bring a poster board because that meant having to go to the store and finding someone to buy me one. It got to the point where the librarian would buy me what I needed.

More Eastern students should consider getting a job, and the school should support and accommodate to students with a heavy workload.

“I can’t count how many assignments I have missed due to long shifts, but I don’t feel bad about it. I’d rather do a job that makes me money over schoolwork that doesn’t provide any benefits,” stated Michael Bellocchio, a working Eastern junior.

So if I struggle to make it to a school event that takes place after hours, or if I don’t get around to an extra credit assignment, that shouldn’t change what kind of student I am thought of as, permitting I still get adequate grades.

Please remember that for myself and other working students at Eastern, work is an equal or higher priority than school.

Opinion

16 The Voyager

February 2019

All in for Andy Kim: my experience

By MAANASI NATARAJAN ‘19 Editor-in-Chief

I

was nervous.

A crowd gathered in Andy Kim’s Mount Laurel campaign office on November 7th. Just an hour prior to witness a “special announcement, the field organizer called me to the office. What was it?

My hands shook as I tightly gripped one of the many mini American flags.

I considered every possible election outcome (or lack thereof) that would bring the campaign’s very best interns and volunteers to the office at 8pm on a Wednesday.

Had Andy won the election? Had the hard work of every staffer and intern and volunteer and canvasser paid off? Had we, the underdogs, gotten Andy elected in a reliably Republican district in Burlington County?

In between the heads of the interns and fellows standing in front of me, I looked around the room at the group of people gathered at the office. Less than two hours before, I had been staring at FiveThirtyEight, furiously searching the name “Andy Kim” in the News tab of Google, and frantically texting my field organizer asking if he had heard any updates.

Less than two days before, I had been standing amongst a group at the watch party astonishingly similar to the one I was in now, watching the election results for nationwide House and Senate races come in live. Less than 2 weeks before, I had been spending my weekends canvassing and making phone calls from the time the campaign office opened to when it closed.

Less than 2 months before, we had a less than 50% chance of winning the election.

Now we were closer than ever imagined.

I thought about the journey I had taken to

get this point, the journey the campaign had taken. I had begun my work with the Andy Kim campaign by attending an event that was held with former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. I had initially intended the event simply because I was interested in meeting Giffords; Andy was not running in my Congressional district, so I did not intend to intern or volunteer for his campaign. However, in the midst of meeting Gabby Giffords, I ran into Maanasi Natarajan ecstatic as candidate Andy Kim won the election. screenshot from cbs Andy and began talking to on weekdays, weekends, days, nights -their passion and become comfortable him about what he hoped to whenever I possibly could. in their positions, assuming that they achieve as Congressman and why he was Being at the office so many days a are untouchable. Andy was vibrant and running. I instantly was inspired to begin week taught me communication skills refreshing. He wanted to make a change. working. and the inner workings of a campaign, I looked out upon the people around As soon as the school year ended, I yes, but my biggest takeaway was the me again, hugging my fellow interns and applied for a fellowship on the campaign community at the office that had almost feeling overwhelmingly grateful that I website, thinking I would volunteer become my family. Seeing them so often, had this experience, regardless of whether for the campaign over the summer as a we had a unique camaraderie that I had we won or lost. As people passed around pastime (and a good resume builder). never experienced prior to coming to the American flags and news station cameras I started out my work making calls and office. We did team bonding activities to lined up in front of a makeshift music going canvassing with my fellow interns take some of the stress out of knocking stand podium, Andy stood in front of out of the campaign’s Willingboro office. on doors and talking to volunteers, and what seemed like hundreds of volunteers.

Although the office was a bit of a drive, joked around like friends. To me, the He announced that he was proud of the I made the thirty minute journey. I woke campaign was more fun than it was work. hard work everyone had accomplished, up each morning dreading the highway, Maybe it was because I wasn’t getting and that it had been a draining 72 hours. but soon became optimistic as I heard paid or it wasn’t an inherent part of my He announced that he had come a long that new office in Mount Laurel would be daily routine, but the people I met became way from meeting with constituents opening soon. my family, people who I want the best for, casually at Wegmans, and that he couldn’t When the Mount Laurel office finally because they want it for me. believe how far he and everyone at the opened, I was able to go to the office more But even more than the camaraderie campaign had come. consistently and show up to parties and we shared was the determination for He announced that we had won the events more often. I began taking more Andy to win. After meeting him multiple election. of an initiative at the campaign and made times before the election watch party, I I hugged and cried and hugged and cried an effort to come as much as I could, could sense his passion and commitment some more. Our hard work had paid off. helping with anything and everything, to the people of the third district. All too Andy was a Congressman. from simple phone calls to mailer often, veteran politicians visibly lose parties to cleaning up the office. I came And I helped him become one.

Joseph Lauer Memorial Article Response: “I found this article while trying to search Lauer family history.

I was very touched by effort that was put forward to honor Joseph Lauer. I recently lost a brother that served in Vietnam to the affects from Agent Orange exposure. We owe a huge debt to all our vets for the service to our nation. It is gratifying to see them honored in this way.” jrlauer@netzero.net Not so scary Slenderman “Jake makes some very good points. He is obviously very wellversed in reviewing movies. The critiques were very intellectual and an academic tone was kept throughout. Very impressive! I look forward to more articles written by Mr. Fritz.” bweil079@gmail.com

MUELLER. Continued from page 9

Standoff on border shuts down American lives and the economy

By SASHA TUDDENHAM ‘20 Editor-in-Chief

guarantee of federal aid, are the “forgotten men and women” truly remembered?

Even the international community realizes the detrimental impact a prolonged shutdown has had he finger pointing began on December 22, not only on the employees’ savings accounts, but 2018. Now known as the day the crisis beon trust and morale. One Canadian citizen conveys, gan, the day the trouble started, this day has “It’s embarrassing. From an international point of now gone down in history as the beginning of the view that the current US governlongest government shutdown to ment would selfishly put politics ever occur in the United States. ahead of its own citizens.”

President Trump is using govAmerican safety is now in jeopAfter two missed ernment workers as leverage for ardy, the advertisement of the paychecks and no the wall he hopes to build between United State’s lack of security the United States and the Mexiguarantee of fedwill inevitability invite some to can border. With no regard for its eral aid, are the test American security dependdetrimental effect on the unpaid “forgotten men and ability in times of crisis. citizens, he insists on keeping the The TSA callouts have nearly women” truly government shutdown until he retripled since last January, climbremembered? ceives approval for his $5.7 billion ing to more than 10% of agents dollar wall. Although Republicans calling out sick, leading to a are seemingly beginning to cave staffing shortage. towards the Democratic proposals Air travel has already begun to to reopen the government, for those waiting with decrease. CNBC writes, “‘In our risk averse indusbated breath for good news, the current Congrestry, we cannot even calculate the level of risk cursional stalemate appears endless. rently at play, nor predict the point at which the enAmericans are truly the ones who lose. tire system will break,’ said a joint statement from 800,000 federal employees have awoken each unions representing U.S. pilots, flight attendants morning, hoping the Democratic and Republican and air traffic controllers. ‘It is unprecedented.’” leaders have put aside their differences to end their The country’s growing fear, already hurting airpersonal financial crisis: a crisis currently forcing line profits, will soon harm the stock market. Marthese innocent 800,000 employees to live without ket Watch explains, “‘If you start to see evidence a paycheck. that the economy is slowing, investors are going According to NBC, Desiree Bagby, a federal to react to it, and they won’t react well,’ DePalma worker affected by the shutdown, explains “It is said, chief executive officer of PhaseCapital.” very humiliating to one day go from spending $300 The government shutdown has led to a spiraling at BJ’s to having to rely on public assistance”. effect, harming nearly all aspects of the country.

President Trump himself claimed, “The forgotten The virtue of America is at stake. We are all taught men and women of our country will be forgotten no to compromise. Mr. President, lead by example. longer”. After two missed paychecks and no

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Narratives

February 2019

The Voyager 17

China in the eyes of an American teenager

By BRYCE DERSHEM ‘21 News Editor

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wisting and turning and twisting along a dirt-paved mountain road, the silver bus drove towards Shaxi, China.

The wheels jolted with every turn, rough foliage crunching beneath its weight.

The bus was filled with suitcases and backpacks, Chinese candies and fruits, tacky tourist trinkets, and twelve heavyeyed high schoolers from around the United States. We were embarking on a linguistic and cultural journey to explore the depths of rural Chinese life — an odyssey.

As one hour passed to two and two passed to nine, we groaned of boredom, echoing louder and louder against the vibrating walls of the bus. Questions of “When will we be there?” were answered with silent uncertainty.

The eleven-hour mark signaled a change. The bus stopped.

My fellow high schoolers and I, “high” on Dramamine and Pepto Bismol, stumbled out of the narrow bus door into civilization. But, after our eyes adjusted to the harsh sunlight, our faces distorted into perplexion.

Rice fields and wooden homes, designed in traditional Chinese architecture, stretched out before us.

No neon signs. No skyscrapers.

No Starbucks.

Small flies hummed in our ears as stenches of horses and manure wafted through the air. A sour taste filled our mouths.

Was this a Dramamine-induced hallucination? A dehydration-induced mirage?

To investigate. we dragged our legs forward. Smelling of sweet herbs and tangy spices, we found ancient tea houses and traditional Chinese medicine shops.

Smelling of incense and sweet flowers, we stumbled upon Buddhist temples and ancient gardens.

After returning from our investigation, we were directed towards the local hostel. Two miles of walking lead us to a crumbling building of white stone. Large Chinese lanterns, hung in the doorway, greeted us.

That night, we dined on steamed pork buns, stir-fried cabbage, sticky white rice, fried vegetable dumplings, and pepper soup. With each bite, we thought, “We eat today for work tomorrow.”

Cries of a chicken at dawn interrupted our rest. Eventually, we made our way to a breakfast of fried goat cheese in duck sauce and beef noodle soup.

Following their breakfast, we promptly left for work — gathering tree leaves for a local farmer. We walked four miles along worn cobblestone and dirt paths towards the farm, which was in the center

Our Hometowns

The Geneva, Switzerland of Eastern

Town of 2,247: Gibbsboro

R

By SASHA TUDDENHAM ‘20 Voyager Staff Reporter

By PAULINE MAKI ‘20 Special to The Voyager

oom 42—a small, intimate art room filled wall to wall with every conceivable color found on the spectrum. Various students’ uncompleted works could be seen clipped and hung from brightly colored strings scaling the corners of the classroom.

At first glance, the class resembled that of a mini-exhibition, much like the Louvre; however, don’t be mistaken.

The art of lines and color was not the only form of art conveyed in this vivid space. Though the brilliant displays captivated the eyes of many individuals, they acted as a mere facade to yet another paralleled form of expression exercised here.

3D art, has taken great pleasure in observing our An expression, “spoken in many tongues,” as the pastime. term polyglotism defined, was an art founded on After being attracted to our daily whiteboard words, sounds, characters, and yes, gestures too. scriptures which oftentimes read “민지 사 랑해!”

In fact, it was within this amicable room, that even or “Tu penses que les autres peux lire ça?”, Jordan the farthest points of the world seemed to peacefully became determined to teach us his anguage: sign unite amongst a close-knit group of individuals. language.

Difference had become a normalcy between my With this, Room 42 became the Geneva of Eastern. multilingual friends and I; with each passing second Each Monday, Lunch A became a time in which the unfamiliar became familiar.

Raffy’s smile shined brightest. With his flashy neon Under our shared talent of polyglotism, our flashcards, which he had crafted himself, Jordan previously untranslatable cultures meshed into one, passionately taught us everything from “good and from this, our foreign curiosity soon developed morning” to “best friends.” into an everlasting competition.

Immediately falling under the influence A friendly game which initially began of Jordan’s contagious laughter and as “How many languages can you His own unique commitment, we adopted him as one of ability to recognize?”, challengingly turned into, our own.

“How many languages can you speak?” express himself Yet as time passed, I found myself with the Day by day, our hunger for cultural increasingly blown away. Despite his movement of knowledge grew exponentially; an condition, Jordan demonstrated how his hands and interest in Spanish lead us to a similar languages could break down all barriers; intrigue in French, from German we limbs gave him he did not need the ability to speak or to true bliss. proceeded to Russian, from Korean to hear, a gesture was enough.

Chinese.

His own unique ability to express The list went on. himself with the movement of his hands and limbs Competitions soon stemmed from who remembered gave him true bliss. the most traditional Chinese radicals to who could Whether intentional or not, Jordan ultimately recite the most Korean syllables in Suga’s famous taught me one very valuable and personal lesson. verse in ‘CYPHER PT. 4’.

Communication was powerful. In fact, during this However, while I had always harbored a significant time I rediscovered what languages really were: an appreciation for languages due to my background as personal extension of oneself. a trilingual, it had never occurred to me just how From this, I have come to believe that through powerful the art of communication really was until languages we could all develop a deeper an unlikely new player joined our game. understanding and compassion for those around “Jordan” (not real name), a deaf and mute, who us, regardless of what background they come from, often spends his free lunch periods constructing how they look, or what they were capable of.

Photo by Eveyln Steele ‘21

A

s an avid jogger and lover of the outdoors, Gibbsboro is the perfect home for me.

Despite the astronomically small population, someone can always be found racing a friend or hiking with a camera to capture a sunset.

With the friendly atmosphere and the gorgeous hiking trails that lead all throughout the town, most spend plenty of time enjoying the weather.

Laughter from the sledding hills echoes for miles throughout the woods whenever snow blankets the ground. At the first snowfall each year, there is a rush towards Pumpkin Hill, the tallest and best slope on which to go sledding.

My sister and I somehow always manage to get our sled airborne and end up crashing into a tree!

Each autumn, sun shines through the gold and green trees to beat on the worn, cement trails. Dozens of photographers, including me, face the cool temperatures to find the prettiest foliage.

While waiting for the best light, usually at sunset, I always watch as trees shower the trails with red and orange. Listening to the crunch of the leaves from the footsteps of the approaching deer, I always know when to time a perfect snapshot.

Once school is out for the year, kids stand at each and ev-

of several maze-like rice fields. Along the way, warm scents of pepper filled the air as fallen peppercorns crunched under tour Converse high tops.

Upon reaching the farm, we were given brief instructions, in Mandarin, and immediately set to work.

In the first few seconds, we believed the work to be easy, but, as seconds passed to minutes and minutes to hours, we began to feel the work’s effects.

Our backs ached.

Our arms and legs grew stiff, caked in dirt. Our clothes were soaked with sweat.

We yearned for a break, but when we Bryce Dershem with his traveling companions and the asked, the farmer reGreat Wall of China. plied, softly laughing This was, at least, up until one of them in Mandarin. pointed out the sun falling beneath two After working till dusk, we were granted symmetric mountain peaks. At this point, release and allowed to make our way back we ceased conversation and stopped wakto the hostel. We joked and we groaned ing. for the four mile walk back “home.”

Photo by Sasha Tuddenham ‘20

ery street corner selling sugary lemonade. Bikes emerge after a long winter of being stuck in the garage and the neighborhood water balloon wars begin.

To pass the lazy summer months, many hike up Blueberry Hill. Full of paths through the woods, all leading to a magnificent view of Philadelphia, the experience is unparalleled.

It is very easy to get lost amongst the trees as my best friend and I somehow manage to lose our way trying to reach the top every single year.

Basketballs echo throughout the neighborhood as soon as the ice begins to melt. Lawn mowers start up when the grass becomes a bright green soon after the first rainfall.

Once the grass begins to grow, the rainbow of flowers are planted and dozens of more people flock to the trails to experience the stunning flora and fauna.

No one can ignore the neighborly spirit and beauty that Gibbsboro has to offer.

18 The Voyager

Entertainment

Val’s Pick of the Month: Weezer: “The Teal Album”

By VICTORIA LAPINSON ‘20 Entertainment Editor

It’s 3 A.M. after a full school day, four hour shift at work, an hour overtime, two hours of homework, a nasty brewing cold, about three hours of sleep, and now my phone has gone off. I begrudgingly roll over in my bed to check and what I see makes all the exhaustion and sickness inside of me disappear: a new album by Weezer was released.

It’s called The Teal Album, as most Weezer albums have a color for a name, and the setlist is absolutely glorious. The tracks consist of covers ranging from The Turtles’ “Happy Together” to TLC’s “No Scrubs.” Needless to say, I was in my element.

As a huge fan of Weezer and classic songs of the twentieth century, I started playing it right away. I was extremely blown away by it. While many fans were dissatisfied with their cover of Toto’s “Africa”, it’s safe to say these covers make up for it ten times over.

Weezer is known for its sense of humor.

From silly music videos for “Pork and Beans” to strange lyrics like the opening lines of “El Scorcho”, singing, “Goddamn you half Japanese girls.” Not to mention,

they covered “Africa” just because of a teen girl’s tweet. It’s no surprise they released an album without warning that consists primarily of songs known for being in memes.

Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” maintains its blues feel, but with a new passion and a few new deep guitar riffs added to the background.

Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky” is featured, and it is performed very well. The band stuck to it’s optimistic tones and followed the original solo.

The addition of Weezer’s punk-driven drumming and guitar to A-ha’s “Take On Me” transcends this plane. Extra guitar solos are thrown in everywhere, the bass is simply extraordinary throughout the album, and a more intense drum adds layers to the pop hits spanning over four decades that were chosen.

For those worried about lead singer Rivers Cuomo’s voice, I say there is nothing to fear. While some claimed his higher range was fading, I believe his voice is changing and this album has shown he knows how to work with it.

The final song on the album is a cover of Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me.” It’s been covered by countless artists, most notably, John Lennon.

Students get excited for 2019 movies

Senior Kelsey Piatkowski is very excited for Rocketman, the biopic about the legendary singer releasing this May. “I love Elton John!” she said enthusiastically, “It’s directed by the same man who did Bohemian Rhapsody!”

Indeed, the movie was directed by Dexter Fletcher, who took over the Golden Globe winning movie on Queen after its previous director was fired. The film will star Taron Egerton as a young Elton John as he delves into music and battles various personal battles.

Eastern students are more than ready to get together and grab some popcorn.

There’s always something worth going to see, so grab some friends and go down to the theatre to catch a good movie this year!

10 things I could’ve done rather than view the Super Bowl 1.

Go to sleep early, and prepare for the hordes of Patriot haters that will be at school the next day 2. Roam Twitter searching for people hating on Super “Boring” 53 3. Play a Madden 19 simulation of the game on the highest difficulty level, and come away with a higher score than the actual teams did 4. Run to Lincoln Financial Field and back 5. Wonder why the matchup wasn’t Chiefs vs. Saints

Green Day’s “Dookie” turns 25

By VICTORIA LAPINSON ‘20 Entertainment Editor

Weezer does a great job of channeling the meaning and unity of the song, all while inserting their own uplifting alternative rock feeling.

Weezer couldn’t have chosen a better time for a release. Their new album, The Black Album, has been scheduled to release in early spring, so fans didn’t expect anything released before that.

Its comical nature and quality listen are sure to excite listeners and built anticipation for The Black Album, which you can bet I’ll be up until 3 A.M. for. The Teal Album is most definitely a win.

So now it’s 4 A.M., I’ve listened to the album once and I have to get up for school in about an hour. Do I get that sweet slumber I had been dreaming of all day? No. I hook up my Bluetooth speaker, shuffle the album, cancel my alarms, and get back to jamming.

For all the Green Day enthusiasts, February 1st is big: it marks a quarter of a century since the release of Dookie. The fourteen track record, including the hidden final song, lasts thirty-nine minutes.

It is jam packed with punk.

For anyone who wants to get into the punk scene, or just into classic Green Day, “Dookie” is the way to go.

In celebration of this great achievement, Green Day plans to auction off “Dookie” memorabilia and instruments. The collection includes almost fifty of Billie Joe Armstrong’s guitars, as well as five drum sets from Tre Cool, and over one hundred items will be up for grabs starting February 7th.

“I hope whoever buys this stuff gets some enjoyment out of it…rocking it on their stage or putting it in their studio,” Drummer Tre Cool said in an interview with Alternate Press.

The fact still remains that the legend of Dookie and its influence on punk music lives on. Being released in 1994, when Kurt Cobain ended his life and almost all grunge with it, Green Day was able to revive rock in the form of revitalized punk.

“Dookie” offers something to the punk in everyone.

Sami’s “Frank” Advice

By SAMI FRANKEL ‘20 Staff Reporter

By NICHOLE HALL ‘19 Staff Reporter 2019 will be filled with people packed into theaters, and Eastern students will be among them. According to Statista, 54% of people go to the movies “less often than once per month.” However, it seems that this year might be what changes that.

Here some upcoming movies for the new year.

One movie immediately interested kids: Detective Pikachu. Directed by Rob Letterman, the upcoming Pokémon movie will be based on the 3DS game of the same name. It will be out in theaters on May 10th, and fans are curious to see their beloved pocket monsters in a more realistic light.

Fans of horror movies have a lot of good scares in store for them. The Conjuring 3, It: Chapter 2, and Happy Death Day 2U are all upcoming sequels to previously released screamfests. Jenna Schmukler is a senior who is excited for Christopher Landon’s continuation of Happy Death Day. “I want to see if it’s any better,” she said, referring to the original 2017 movie.

Lots of incoming Disney movies are sure to lure families out to be seen (and cried over). Disney is coming out with more live action remakes of classics.

Remakes releasing this year include Dumbo (1941) and The Lion King (1994). Disney is also releasing Toy Story 4, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and Avengers: Endgame, all of which are highly-anticipated by devoted fans of these long-running series.

February 2019

6. Spend 10 minutes coming up with a better halftime show 7. Pitch commercial ideas to companies that are probably better than the ones used in the Super Bowl 8. Buy a shield, making Jared Goff a viable quarterback 9. Cry about Alshon Jeffrey’s missed catch, and wring the tears out of your Nick Foles jersey 10. Stare off blankly into space for three hours.

- Andrew Shinkle ‘22

Q: I’m a junior who hasn’t taken or prepared for the SAT or ACT yet, when do I take them and can I cram study?

A: Both the SAT and ACT are standardized tests that the majority of colleges require for their application processes. If you’re a junior planning on applying to colleges, I recommend you start preparing for the SAT or ACT as soon as possible. Tutoring books with practice tests are available at bookstores like Barnes and Noble or even online at Amazon. While studying for these tests are important, some students may want tutoring to build their score. If you’re selfmotivated, there are online courses from Kranse or The Princeton Review that will help you with test taking strategies and refresh math, English, and writing skills.

You can definitely not cram study for this test, it typically takes about two to four months to study for.

Q: The guy I’m with called me his ex’s name... what should I do?

A: That’s a tough situation. However, when people aren’t thinking, they have a tendency to slip up and say things they don’t necessarily mean. There’s a chance he can be associating how he feels about you with with how he felt about his previous relationship. It’s natural to be upset and even hurt by this happening, but you should sit down and have a mature conversation with him and tell him how you feel.

Q: My job is going to interfere with spring sports, should I quit?

A: Having work experience is super helpful and teaches you life skills.

Playing a sport also helps keep you active and can teach you teamwork skills. Since both are important, you should try to find a way to fit both into your schedule by trying to work more on weekends so you can attend your sport during the week. In addition, talk to your coach! He/she will probably understand and be more flexible with letting you miss practice if you offer

proof you have a job, as long as you are also committed too.

Q: I know my teacher doesn’t like me and I’m not sure why. What should I do?

A: Try to think of all possible reasons why you think your teacher doesn’t like you and come up with solutions for each one. If you incorporate ways you think should be helpful to getting your teacher to warm up are not working, then it may be beneficial to go talk to them. Be mature and calm about it by simply asking if you are doing anything wrong or what you can do to better succeed in the class.

Q: I can’t afford a dress for prom, where can I get one cheap? Can I trust online?

A: Believe it or not there are some thrift stores in South Jersey that do have prom dresses! If you call around and ask, you should be able to find a few options.

Online has some great discounted options, however check the return policy and reviews of the site before you order. Some stores may be sketchy and you could get a dress that looks nothing like what you ordered and lose $100.

Q: I want to get in shape for the new year, how can I do this without spending all my money on the gym?

A: One of the best things about the internet and modern technology is you can have any information in a matter of seconds. There are millions of different websites and YouTube videos online that you could follow along with in any open space area to get fit!

February 2019

Entertainment

A reach for justice in ‘Mockingbird’

By NANCY BOWNE ‘19

A

Copy Editor

potato sack is a common item. It’s either a staple to Southern agriculture or a toy in the North for potato sack relays in school.

But for the citizens in Maycomb County, Alabama, the potato sack can be a sign of entailment, the exchange of goods rather than currency to financial pains. A potato sack can also take on a more sinister intention, when worn over your head as a Ku Klux Klan member, with lighted torches, heading for a lynching.

Potato sacks resonate a new form of identity for a new interpretation of the modern age in Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, starring Jeff Daniels as Atticus Finch.

Daniels was famous for his ever varied parts in the HBO series, The Newsroom, and the movie, Dumb and Dumber.

After reading the book twice, once in elementary school and once in 9th grade and watching the movie the summer before sixth grade, I approached this play as a new interpretation of the novel.

And that is as it should be.

The play took on its own form, paying tribute to Lee’s vision, but also modernized with Sorkin’s quick paced dialogue and scene changes. Scattered musicians on organ and guitar played on the fringes of the stage, right when the play began, marking transitions.

The play transitioned seamlessly from the courtroom to the Finch household. With these settings in mind, a play is limited to its exposure, considering a flashback or quick scene cannot easily be captured in one blackout.

However, the front porch, tree branches, and witness stand seamlessly flowed as if they delivered lines.

Speaking of seams, the production costumed a more subdued, casual attire, appropriate to the class levels and time period.

The play placed the three young children, Scout, Jem, and Charles Baker Harris Jr. “Dill,” as the narrators, impeccably played by adults. But not in an annoying way. Rather, the actors were an endearing, enlightening reflection of one’s past, recognizing skeletons never realized in the photo albums.

The play intended to label the five social classes of Maycomb County: the educated, the townspeople, the farmers, the poor whites, and the African Americans.

Not all of these “ranks”, however, were represented in the production. Much of the play centered around the discrimination of the African Americans, in the court case against an negro field worker, Tom Robinson, played by Broadway debut Gbenga Akinnagbe, accused of raping a white farmer’s daughter, Mayella Ewell.

Sorkin added some great comedic bits, sometimes a tad dark, when it came to the young children growing up in the town. For instance, the events in which Jem lost his pants while sneaking around Boo Radley’s house became funnier when Dill said they were playing strip poker to Atticus. As mentioned earlier, these parts only vamped the true beauty of Lee’s novel.

It is hard to reach justice when you cannot see a place

The Voyager 19

What’s on your nightstand?

“Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway” by Michael Riedel

for yourself. The play could have better achieved this: their sense of empathy with the characters building together. We see them in their select environments (more or less), but never in a collected, empathetic space. Not even a courtroom would depict this.

Regardless of setting, the play upheld a great sense of pacing. No part ever sagged under the pressure of the play’s heavy message. This message, pertaining to the empathy required amongst all levels of society, is especially present in the modern age. There are mockingbirds, victims, in the present day, whether they are on the streets or at the border. All it takes is to walk in their shoes, to see their perception.

Jeff Daniels also captivated a performance worth noting, as his on stage chemistry with his children and with their maid, Calpernia, felt as if they could truly be a family, inside the safe space of their abode.

Even in today’s current events, class systems still exists.

Prejudice exists. Racism exists. Classism exists. When Tom Robinson claimed he felt sorry for Bob Ewell’s daughter, he socially stepped out of the pyramid, rolling out of the potato sack.

Why? Because he was below her?

After all, he saw her as a fellow human in an abusive predicament. There is no color to hardship. To walk in the skin of another man, as Atticus Finch would say, is an important aspect of being a human being. We never know the full truth of a person’s testament, just as there are many ways to use potatoes.

There is a fine line between justice and security.

Nancy Bowne is lead critic of Eastern Cappies Team, a writing and awards program that trains high school theatre and journalism students to be expert writers, critical thinkers, and leaders.

This book dives into history of The Great White Way. It goes through different time periods. In the 1920 and 30s, it was called “Golden Age” of Broadway, with the three Shubert Brothers ruling over Times Square area. In the 1960’s, Larry Shubert drunkenly “ran” the Shubert business. In the 1970-1980, Schoenfeld and Jacobs take over.

Everything is back to normal. Riedel also goes into the artist influences of Broadway, like choreographer Michael Bennett, who choreographed a Chorus Line.

Overall, he describes the history of Broadway, from when it began, to now, how it has changed, and the influences that have changed it. -Faith Sirdashney ‘20

“The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test”

by Tom Wolfe The creative nonfiction, The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, tells the story of novelist and movement leader, Ken Kesey. The author, Tom Wolfe, tells Kesey’s start with the CIA’s study to analyze the effects LSD has on people. Kesey gains a group of followers called the “Merry Pranksters”, who start experimenting with LSD, which was llegal at the time. They paint the bus, “Furthur”, in Day-Glo colors and drove it across the country to New York. Wolfe does a fabulous job telling Kesey’s story of sparking a new LSD movement through adventures, travels, and acid trips. - Amanda Khalil ‘20

Bunker Hill by Nathaniel Philbrick

Members of the Theatre Club share a smile before the show, starring Jeff Daniels as Atticus Finch.

In this study of the Battle of Bunker Hill, Nathaniel Phillbrick focuses on the events leading up to this battle. Most history students believe and are taught that the Battle of Saratoga is the most important battle, but Phillbrick is able to shed light on a different opinion. The author starts the book in 1773, and features all the events that led up to the life changing battle that is Bunker Hill. Phillbrick’s strategy of starting the battle on page 200 gives the reader almost an entire book of background to describe how the colonists got to this situation. He also writes with an unbiased voice that even most history textbooks do not, as they glamorize the actions of the patriots but Phillbrick is able to question them and hold them accountable. All of these strategies come together to create a nonfiction that is true and real in every word. – Sarah Levasseur ‘20

20 The Voyager

Entertainment

February 2019

It’s Valentine’s Day, and who cares?

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appy Valentines Day! Or Singles Awareness Day. Whatever floats your boat.

Valentine’s Day is named after one to three saints of the Catholic Church, Valentine or Valentinus.

Various legends surround what these men (or man) did. Some accounts tell of a rebellious saint who married young men when Emperor Claudius II outlawed it, while others say he wrote the first “Valentines letter” to his jailor’s daughter.

Some say he was a martyr who was killed for helping Christians escape Roman persecution. It didn’t become a “holiday” until after Valentine’s estimated death in 270 A.D. in an attempt to Christianize the Roman celebration of Lupercalia. It was popularized in the Middle Ages as a “day of courtly love”, where it was acceptable to show affection by giving poems or delivering flowers.

Nowadays, we don’t equate Valentine’s Day with slapping women with bloody goat hides or imprisoned priests, but tacky heart-shaped hard candies, elementary

school parties, and love confessions. But do people honestly care about February 14th as much as they did in past centuries?

The world isn’t like it used to be. Now, we don’t need a designated day to shower our partner with PDA...but it still is an age-old holiday that deserves recognition.

Some say that Valentine’s Day is too commercialized, that it’s not about love, but rather giving to the economy.

Newsflash: it’s been that way since 1797, when a publisher in Britain began printing cards with sappy verses on them, hence the birth of modern Valentines Day cards.

Every holiday in our century has evolved with the times, just look at Christmas or Easter.

Some argue that there shouldn’t be one day where you show your affection to your partner. Every day you should profess your love and affection to that person, and I agree with that. However, Valentine’s Day is simply a day to go a little above and beyond. But does that mean you should blow the bank?

Absolutely not. But if you want to do something a little extra for your loved one, Valentine’s Day is the day to do so.

However, some men think that the pressure is too great. So many guys are

Love is...

Artwork by Sasha Tuddenham ‘20

The feeling of your dog’s wet nose on your warm cheek. and quite frankly, that’s all one needs.

-Evelyn Steele ‘21

Is it written in the stars?

Check out the best match for you based on your hororscope!

By VICTORIA LAPINSON ‘20 Entertainment Editor Aries-Gemini: These active and optimistic signs go well together, are known for their excellent communication, valuing independence, and respecting each other’s endeavors.

Taurus-Cancer: Both of these signs prioritize their relationship, and tend to be nurturing (expect to be spoiled) . They are great at having a night in and enjoying each other’s company.

Sagittarius-Aquarius: This is the creative couple. There’s never a dull moment with the fearless signs. The combination of one’s initiative and the other’s creative capacity makes for an exciting relationship.

Libra-Leo: If any couple to to find inner peace, this is it. Their deep understanding allows for them to focus on the positive and compliment each other very well.

Scorpio-Pisces: Respect and understanding are key factors in the relationship between these water signs.

Both of them are known for intuition, which makes communication murky, but understanding strong.

Virgo-Capricorn: Possibly the strongest bond of them all. Virgo loves Capricorn passion and intelligence, while Capricorn loves Virgo rationality and big hearts.

Together they are a very comfortable, loving, and strong couple.

getting such extravagant gifts for their girls. They think, “I can’t afford anything other than some roses! Gah, what if she thinks I’m cheap? What if she thinks I don’t really care about her?” Well, hypothetical boy, if your partner can’t understand that all you can get them is a bouquet, they are conceited and aren’t worth your time. The thought is what truly counts, after all!

Okay, but about those who don’t have a special someone? People often say, “We have feelings too! This holiday is discriminating against singles!”

Well, I’m single too. That doesn’t make it necessary to dislike a holiday I don’t particularly celebrate. That jaded opinion will change with time and acceptance.

Instead of wallowing like most on Single’s Awareness Day, why not get together with other single friends for a night out? Make the most of your life!

Top 5 RomComs for Valentine’s Day

By SOPHIE FERGUSON ‘19 Staff Reporter

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Andie Anderson covers the “How To” beat for “Composure” magazine, and she’s writing an article on how to lose a guy in ten days. Benjamin Barry is an advertising executive who wants the next big campaign. In order to win the campaign he makes a bet that he can get a woman to fall in love with him in ten days. After meeting in a bar, they make each other their target.

Set it Up

Two assistants who are overworked and underpaid need a break. They devise a plan to hook up their overbearing, irritating bosses in order to get them off their backs. What they don’t realize is how perfect of a match the pair would be.

Fifty First Dates

Henry is a playboy who sets his eyes on Lucy, a girl with short term memory loss.

He makes Lucy fall in love with him, but everyday her mind is wiped and he has to do it all over again. Henry has to convince Lucy’s protective family that he loves her and she’s not just another girl to him.

Crazy Rich Asians

Rachel Chu follows her boyfriend Nick to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore where she’ll meet his family.

Little does she know that Nick’s family is abundantly rich and highly important. With all eyes on her, Rachel learns that she not only has to handle Nick’s crazy, snobby relatives, but she also has to deal with his disapproving mother.

Pretty Woman

Artwork by Victoria Lapinson ‘20

Artwork by Sasha Tuddenham ‘20

Vivian is a prostitute who meets Edward, a businessman, while he’s on a business trip in L.A. They find love together as two very different individuals.

They have to fight for their relationship to work and figure out how to blend their two worlds. It’s a modern Cinderella story with an edge.

Artwork by Victoria Lapinson ‘20

By NICHOLE HALL ‘19 Staff Reporter

Love is...

February 2019

Love is...

Love is...

4 hours and 54 minutes away.

283.8 miles north.

38 days until I see her.

I guess I don’t know what love is. But based on my limited experience & understanding, Love Is Unconditional and Universal.

Is Complicated in all the ways it should be (and plenty of ways it shouldn’t) But complications build compassion and consideration.

They build resilience and persistence.

Love Is the force which drives every good thing.

And the shield that quells the not so good things

4 hour facetime calls.

283 texts daily.

38 pictures of the cats sent.

4 “I miss you”s in a minute.

283 laughs.

38 tears shed.

Love is not commercial. It can’t be.

It is not fueled by capitalistic desires to plunder and pillage all in sight.

It is not cheap CVS chocolates and a last minute Dollar Tree Card.

It is not generality and commonality.

It is not Romeo and Juliet or trashy daytime television romances It is not purging innocent people in the name of protecting the country you claim to ‘love’

Dreading the day she leaves, praying for the day she returns.

Wishing she just went to Rutgers and didn’t have to go all the way to Boston.

Missing her so much it hurts, but glad she is living her college dream. ...this is love -Laura Frantz ‘20

Of course it’s addictive.

No one wants to feel unloved.

But when you run out of the drug, you go through withdrawal.

- Andrew Shinkle ‘22

Eyes left glassy, appetite gone.

You yearn for more, pain in your chest, sick to your stomach.

Some go to street drugs, fake fillers in its place.

Love is hurt.

As not all people stay in our lives, and they leave us behind too soon.

A mixture of emotions, Of chemicals that burn, They leave a sweet tang, And eventually fade.

The reeds in an ethereal field, Reach out to brush you, They grasp tight, Fleeting before the harvest.

The songs of adoration, Echo empty in automata.

Addressed to no one, Never have, never will.

Love is...

what makes the world go round— Without it would we live for?

Love gives life meaning, Something to strive for.

You want the high, the sex, the embrace.

You will do anything with anyone just to feel something.

Too blind to see what you are doing is killing you.

Love is real.

As vulnerability encircles us, and we’re scared to let it in.

As raw feelings are brought together, and we’re all scared to fall.

Many things But also yet A singularity.

Love at first sight vanishes quickly.

Love punishes those who are desperate for it.

Love may not last forever.

Love solves any problem.

Love turns villains into heroes.

Love is the best feeling in the world.

Love is hard.

As unintended words smack you in the face, Like missiles coming down upon your world.

As something doesn’t go your way, Like Brutus’ backstabbing betrayal.

Love is...

Love is true.

Love brings you out of your comfort zone.

Love is an inseparable bond.

A smile, a kiss, a hug.

A powder, a spoon, a needle.

You embrace the high and the rest of the world melts away.

authenticity.

It’s staying true to yourself, and not hiding behind a mask.

It’s staying true to others, and not pretending like they don’t exist.

- Lelah Tekhna ‘20

Love can be difficult to find.

Love often eludes the most worthy.

Love is heartbreak.

Like walking on clouds.

The touch, the embrace, Like the warm serum dispersing up your arm and into your bloodstream.

Love is...

Love just is. because it has to be.

Love helps others when they need it the most.

Love overpowers hate.

Love is the healer of all wounds.

a drug.

Not like Tylenol, either. It’s heroin.

It’s addictive.

You taste it and you feel it pull you onto another plane.

Love is a drug. So it can be bad.

So when in love, bury your roots deep, water it well, and give it plenty of light Because a natural love, a good drug, heals the soul.

- Val Lapinson ‘20

It is not legalized in most countries.

It cannot be expressed through cringey songs from children’s movies.

There’s some exceptions, obviously, (as Hercules was a masterpiece).

It’s not just a feeling. It’s not a tangible object, either.

Love is..

Love is...

But heroin comes from poppy seeds.

That makes part of it natural, as it comes from a So love must have a natural form too.

The Voyager 21

Though it may take long to find, Love is the most rewarding gift one could get. plant,

Love is full of hurt, Love is full joy, Love is full of tears, Love is full of laughs— Love is everything.

- Anthony Cutrera ‘19

As the loss burns through for years, and all we can do is reminisce.

Love is my friends.

As they urge me out of my comfort zone, to accomplish feats of indoor skydiving.

As they understand my need for space, when I’m going through rough times.

Love is my brother.

As he patiently teaches me to drive stick-shift, even though I stall at every turn.

As he teases me about my height, yet always lifts me up on his shoulders.

Love is my parents.

As my father skipped class, to take an extra lunch period.

As my mother caught his gaze, and he fell for her green eyes.

Love is all.

As we weep and lick our battle wounds of life, Love is what carries us back to the front.

- Julia Kirk ‘19

Dance with me!

Take my hand!

And yet you do not.

And the heart does swell.

Red dye Dies alone In a world Already red.

The stimulating thrill, Torn of false pretenses, Both end up scarred, Both remain smiling.

A Beautiful Baby, A Wonderful Wife, A Handsome Husband; You’re all right.

Love is Many things.

But also yet A singularity.

At least, that’s what I’ve heard.

- Nichole Hall ‘19

Love is.. whatever you want it to be It can be as simple as loving yourself and your family It can be loving school or work It can be as complicated as a relationship Love is hard but Everyone loves something You just have to find love So go chase your love - Matthew Steinsaltz ‘20

Entertainment

22 The Voyager

February 2019

‘Glass’ shatters expectations at the theater

By VICTORIA LAPINSON ‘20 Entertainment Editor

W

hat do you get when you cross superheroes, super villains, the city of Philadelphia, and a creature with twentyfour personalities? M. Night Shyamalan’s latest film, Glass. This is the crossover movie that puts together his 1999 film Unbreakable, and his horror hit, Split.

In this cinematic universe, centered in Philadelphia, humans who have been through severe trauma, become insane, or happened to be a genius, develop into superheroes or supervillains.

The criminal mastermind in the series is Mr. Glass, played by Samuel L. Jackson, who easily breaks bones and gets injured.

This comic book obsessed cripple has come to the conclusion that he was born to be the arch nemesis of Bruce Willis’ character, who miraculously never gets injured.

In terms of mixing with Split, the horror film, it explains that Mr. Glass has taken a special interest in the creature with twenty-four personalities. James McAvoy plays this psycho with multiple personalities, from a young boy who likes toys, to a bloodthirsty beast that borders superhuman ability.

Casey Cooke, who survived being kidnapped by this character, is also in Glass.

Shyamalan has yet to fail to surprise his audience. His use of enriching and dark backgrounds for the stars build for a deep plot full of excitement and plot twists.

The Vulture called this crossover

Top Progressive TV Picks for 2019

By LELAH TEKHNA ‘20 Staff Reporter Title: Chicas del Cable (Cable Girls) Rating: TV-MA Platform/Channel: Streaming Service (Netflix) Synopsis: For those who want the drama of soap-operas/telenovelas, the character of historical fiction, as well as the discussion of issues that affect women today, Chicas del Cable has it all. It’s feminist in a direct way, and makes viewers differentiate between radicalism and social justice, which is just as relevant in 2019 as its setting in the late twenties to early thirties.

Why We’re Excited: International television shows are less likely to represent intersectionality within their values, casts, and key plot elements. Every main character is resilient, intelligent, and interesting, and each woman has a different narrative. Alba questions her place in the world, in the same way that Marga questions gender roles, Ángeles resolves domestic violence within her home, and Carlota fights for intersectional feminism & LGBTQ+ rights because they affect her personally.

(And Season 4 is likely to have Netflix’s first LGBTQ+ wedding) Title: She-Ra & the Princesses of Power Rating: TV-Y7 Platform/Channel: Streaming Service (Netflix) Synopsis: Unlike the Original, the animation and overall vibe is more fun and friendly for all ages.

It’s not a cliched action-adventure that’s seemingly feminist just because the hero’s a heroine. The narrative couldn’t be further from that. The majority of characters are diverse, in terms of age, race, and body type. There’s no plot holes, nothing overly upsetting, and it leaves you wanting more.

Why We’re Excited: There’s an undeniable canon (defined in the plot) lesbian relationship between

She-Ra and Catra (the heroine and her ex-best friend/primary antagonist). Fleshing this out further would perfect things.

Title: Series of Unfortunate Events Rating: TV-PG Platform/Channel: Streaming Service (Netflix) Synopsis: Based on the books, this take on the unfortunate upbringing of the Baudelaire Orphans won’t disappoint. The acting is amazing - Malina Weissman (Violet)’s eyes convey emotion through every scene. Never a dull moment.

Every character is interesting and exciting, and each episode better than the next.

Why We’re Excited: Let’s be honest with ourselves here. (Bar that one season where Count Olaf became Sheila) The true star of Series of Unfortunate Events has been Esme Squalor. She’s sexpositive without being overly inappropriate, her obsession with aesthetics doesn’t prevent her from being a multidimensional villain and an appropriate mentor for Carmelita, her daughter. (sort of.) There’s not a moment in which her appearances haven’t been theatric, entertaining, and relatable.

“Shyamalan’s The Avengers”, comparing it to the superhero film that brought together marvel characters in 2012.

Willis’ character David Dunn is a Philly vigilante that takes down thugs and stops crime, he then ends up in a mental facility after getting caught, being treated alongside Mr. Glass and Split’s beast.

The doctor treating them is focused on making them see this is all in their heads.

Altogether, the film brings an overwhelming amount of talent and a crazy amount of plot armor to the big screen. Those who have spent a decent amount of time in Philly will recognize some of the neighborhoods and locations used. If the viewer is all about suspense and wants a thriller that will make them pay more attention to their surroundings, Glass is the movie to see.

Senior Rashi Sanghavi publishes “The Earth of You”

By SRISHTI RAMESH ‘19 Online Editor-in-Chief

I

t started with a dream.

Long before senior Rashi Sanghavi began writing poetry, she dreamed of publishing a book before finishing high school. On January 5th, 2019, her dream came to fruition.

“The Earth of You” is a book of poetry, written, published, and designed by Sanghavi.

“The theme of it is to allow yourself to feel,” Sanghavi said. She encourages her readers to love and feel whatever they want without holding back.

“I’ve gotten so many messages from people saying that ‘these words are helping me heal’,” she said, “and that’s something I never thought I could do.”

“The Earth of You” was published through Amazon’s self-publishing service. Most of the responses for Sanghavi’s book have come from her family and friends, but she aims to increase her readership in the coming weeks. “It’s honestly so surreal,” she said. “I can’t believe that it’s published.”

Sanghavi hopes to go into marketing and management in the future, but she still plans to write on the side. She runs a poetry page on Instagram (@fromrashi) that she updates regularly.

Senior Rashi Sanghavi shows her collection of poetry. Photo by Srishti Ramesh ‘19 “It [writing] was a way for me to speak without really speaking,” she said. She describes poetry as a way of life and a way to look at oneself. “It’s like a part of me now.”

Title: Steven Universe Rating: TV-G Platform/Channel: Cable Network/Free Online (Cartoon Network/ Dailymotion) Synopsis/Why We’re Excited: The series is completely original and one of a kind. Steven Universe, half human-half crystal gem (an alien race of (mostly) women who have different powers based on their gemstone) it’s hard to explain, but it’s dramatic, romantic, exciting — everything an animated sci-fi series needs.

Plus, it featured the first lesbian wedding in American animation.

Everything about the series is perfection.

By Julia Dodd ‘19

Sports

February 2019

The Voyager 23

A look back at Roy Halladay’s Phillies tenure

By ANDREW SHINKLE ‘22 Staff Reporter Five long years after his retirement from Major League Baseball, one of the most storied pitchers of our generation was given the sport’s highest honor: induction to the Hall of Fame. That same night, three other astounding players, Mariano Rivera, Mike Mussina, and Edgar Martinez, received the same honor. During his magical time with the Philadelphia Phillies, Halladay threw two no-hitters; one was a postseason no-hitter and the other was a perfect game. Now that his greatness will be enshrined in Cooperstown forever, we can look back at just how much he accomplished in Philadelphia.

Following a three-team trade involving the Phillies, Blue Jays and Athletics, Halladay made the trek from Toronto to Philly, and started the 2010 season.

Following his masterful season which saw him go 21-10 with a 2.44 ERA, and throw the 18th perfect game in the Modern Era, it was time to start the

postseason. With a team record of 9765, the Phillies won the NL East, and were set to face the Cincinnati Reds in the National League Division Series.

In Game 1, which was Halladay’s first ever postseason appearance, he tossed the second postseason no-hitter in MLB history. Although the Phillies eventually fell to the future World Series Champion San Francisco Giants in the National League Championship Series, the team’s new ace took home the 2010 NL Cy Young award.

The next year, Halladay’s stats only became more impressive. In 33 games, he compiled a 19-6 record with a careerbest 2.35 ERA. Chosen to start the 2011 All-Star Game in Arizona, he pitched two perfect innings, helping the NL team to a 5-1 victory. But when Ryan Howard grounded out to first base to end the 2011 Phillies’ season, the five-year era of success in the organization came to an end.

Sadly, this also applied to Halladay. 2012 was the Phillies’ first non-winning season since 2002, and it marked Halladay’s first subpar campaign since 2004. Right

shoulder discomfort, and eventually surgery, marred his final two major league seasons until his retirement during the 2013 offseason. On December 19th, 2013, Roy Halladay signed a one-day contract with the Blue Jays in order to officially retire with the team.

Unlike Rivera, Mussina, and Martinez, Halladay will not be present to deliver an induction speech. On the morning of November 7th, 2017, Halladay was flying his ICON A5 airplane over the Gulf of Mexico, when it crashed into shallow waters. Unfortunately, he was killed on impact. Even though Roy Halladay may not be here today, we can continue to admire the things he was able to accomplish on and off the field. Roy showed massive dedication and heart while pitching on the Photo supplied. mound, but most of all, was an amazing fires, A PERFECT GAME! Roy Halladay father and husband.

As exclaimed by has thrown the second perfect game in Phillies broadcaster Tom McCarthy at Philadelphia Phillies history! He faces 27 the end of Halladay’s perfect game, batters, he retires all 27!”

“Hit toward third, Castro has it, spins,

Does high school basketball need a shot clock?

By ANTHONY CUTRERA ‘19 Sports Editor

Basketball is fast paced. NBA and college players never stop moving. Why? Could it be that time was ticking?

The pace, however, at a high school level, doesn’t seem to be as fast.

The slower paced high school game is partially due to the fact that there is no shot clock. Obviously, high school players will player slower because they are less skilled and advanced as college players or professionals, but a shot clock would speed up high school basketball significantly.

Without a shot clock, teams can hold the ball without shooting for minutes at a time. For example, in a recent game, Paul XI was up by eight points at the end of the game, and they placed a guy in each corner until Eastern player fouled someone, just to get the ball back.

Some teams even make it their strategy to hold the ball for as long as possible after getting out to an early lead.

But is that really basketball?

Center Ryan Ems, committed to University of Scranton for basketball, definitely thinks we need a shot clock.

“The games would be much faster moving,” he said. “It’s very frustrating when teams slow down the ball and have no incentive to shoot.”

Eight states around the country have added shot clocks to the high school game, so what will it take for New Jersey to follow the trend?

Not only would a shot clock speed up the pace of games, but it would also increase the scores of games because players would be forced to shoot more. In addition, games would be more entertaining for fans.

What fan wants to watch a team hold the ball for three minutes at the end of game?

A shot clock would also prepare high school players to play at the next level.

There are cons to the addition of a shot clock as well.

It isn’t exactly cheap to install shot clocks in every high school gym in New Jersey. Installing shot clocks is estimated to cost each school anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000. Also, an attendant would be needed to work the shot clock and reset it throughout the course of the game.

If a shot clock was added, the NJSIAA would have to decide on the amount of time on the clock. The NCAA uses a 30 second clock while the NBA uses a 24 second clock.

Senior Geoff Brandt, a guard, thinks the time should be “relatively” high. “I think something like 35 seconds would work,” he said.

With many high school coaches and players complaining about the lack of a shot clock, it is up to the NJSIAA to take action.

Sinibaldi takes a breath as she prepares to dive down in a breaststroke race.

Photo by tedsilary.com

Swimming started early for Sinibaldi

By JOSH MEYERS ‘21 Entertainment Editor

Sophia Sinibaldi, Eastern’s own swimming star, started her swimming legacy early in her life. “I got into swimming for fun when I was eight years old for my local summer swim team,” she said.

From then on, she continued training with her swim club, building her up way to the athlete she is today at Eastern.

“I joined the Eastern swim team because I wanted to be on a fun team that encourages each other.”

Sinibaldi loves how competitive swimming on a team is. She also enjoys cheering on her friends when they are in the pool.

Sinibaldi’s favorite memories as an Eastern swimmer include the bus rides and the meets, the places where everyone has a good time.

Sinibaldi’s biggest inspiration comes from her mom.

“My mother swam when she was younger and was very successful in the pool. Sinibaldi wanted to follow her

footsteps and take the reins as the swimmer in the family.”

This spring, Eastern’s swim team will dive back to the water for a new season and Sinibaldi has high hopes. “I think the swim team is getting stronger and will have a fairly successful year, thanks to Coach DeCoursey. The guys team is always doing well and the girls have put in good effort so far this year.”

When she’s not swimming, Sophia likes to hang out with her friends and family, ski in the winter, fish, and go to beach in the summer. When she gets older, she would like to travel the world and even skydive.

But when she is swimming, her favorite stroke is the butterfly. “I love how challenging the stroke is and how it feels when I go through the water.”

In the future, Sinibaldi wants to pursue swimming in college and be a part of another successful swim squad.

“Swimming has become a huge part of my life, and I look forward to getting in the pool and seeing my friends everyday.”

Super Bowl LIII: Well, that stunk ERIC HORN ‘19 Sports Editor Super Bowl LIII was the worst Super Bowl in recent memory. There’s an argument to be made that defensive struggles are entertaining to watch, but this game felt more like bad offense than good defense. A 49-52 offensive clash would have at least had lots of memorable moments; it felt like there was no signature play of this year’s Super Bowl.

Jared Goff, everyone’s favorite Hollywood guy, proved that he is flat out incompetent under pressure. And Tom Brady, potentially the greatest quarterback of all time,

threw for less than 300 yards. And the MVP was…

Julian Edelman? Never let anyone tell you that PEDs don’t pay. Nevertheless, he and Sony Michel were just about the only offensive players who showed up.

The halftime show featured a band no one hated (but no one loved) in Maroon 5, a nobody in Big Boi, and an autotune-less Travis Scott. We would have been better off with Sweet Victory. The commercials were forgettable as well.

Somehow, this game was less entertaining than the Seahawks’ 43-8 clubbing of the Broncos in 2014. What we just witnessed was the Maroon 5 of football games.

After everything that happened this past NFL season, it was probably a fitting conclusion.

24 The Voyager

Bowling looks to strike

By CAMERON DAVIS ‘19 Asst. Sports Editor

W

ith the bowling regular season coming to an end, senior varisty bowler Joe Leonard shared insight on the team’s expectations and dynamic. The varsity team moves on to the sectionals, a large tournament for teams and individuals, in early February.

“I’ve been on the team for four years, captain for the past two, and I’m 100% sure we can advance to states. This year is something special.”

Senor Datis has kept Eastern’s bowling program consistently competitive in the regular season and tournaments. “He takes people that have never bowled before and turns them into masters of the sport.” He added “He’s made me better at the game and he’s not afraid to make changes to the roster if need be.” Joe described practice as frequent, with an emphasis

on building chemistry between new and old teammates.

The team is excited this year because of roster changes to crucial positions. “We have a new lead off and a new anchor that brought much more to offer to the table. We start out strong and finish stronger. This year’s lineup is a big change.”

JV bowler Chris Sullivan also shared his insight on the squad just below varsity. “Our only goal is to win the division.”

The JV season ends without a tournament and culminates with division winners at the end of the season. When asked about whether or not the bowling team should have a larger spotlight in Eastern sports, Chris said “I think we should because we’re one of the most consistently good.”

Despite their lack of fame and recognition, the bowling team continues to compete for division and state championships. Representing Eastern as top competitors.

Profile: Anna Accardo

For the love of the game

Anna Accardo drives to the baaket in a game against Paul VI. Photo by tedsilary.com .

By ANTHONY CUTRERA ‘19 Sports Editor

P

laying on a varsity team at a competitive Group IV school like Eastern is no small feat. It takes a lot of talent, hard work, and dedication to represent your school at the highest athletic level. But for senior Anna Accardo, being a varsity athlete is nothing new, as she has been showcasing her skills on the varsity basketball court since her freshman year.

Accardo started playing basketball in kindergarten and immediately fell in love with the game. “I loved the sport from a young age. My dad loved it too, which made it easy for me to get into the game” said Accardo.

One of Accardo’s biggest strengths is her shooting, which is a result from her hard work on her jumper in the driveway.

However, Accardo didn’t think of it as hard work, but saw shooting around as simple fun. “I always had a basketball around, so

when I was bored I could just go shoot baskets outside” she said.

Accardo’s shooting practice has paid off, as she has scored over 600 points and counting in her Eastern career. Accardo has also knocked down over 100 three pointers in her four years, and isn’t slowing down any time soon.

As a four year varsity starter, Accardo is a leader for the Vikings. Accardo uses her experience to help guide her teammates as she said “I try to make sure everyone understands each play or defense. I like to make everyone feel comfortable and part of the team.”

Currently, Accardo and the Vikings are 10-7. Accardo knows the team will get better and gain experience as the season progresses. She also added that the team can compete in the conference as long as they continue to improve and mold together. With a large part of the season still to come, Accardo will look to help her teammates get better and rack up many more victories.

Sports

February 2019

Platinum Defensive Stoppers

Andrew Heck looks to dish the ball to Ryan Ems in a Olmpic Conference matchup against Washinton Township.

Photo by Mr. Bowne Junior Noah Klinewski.

Also, Arline about their victory on

By ERIC HORN ‘19 while the team lost Xavier Pina December 28.

On January 22, Sports Editor to transfer over the summer, the Ryan Ems had a career game, addition of Colin Prendergast dropping 41 points and 17 e’ve all heard from Cherry Hill East helps to rebounds against Cherry Hill the old adage, bolster an already solid rotation.

East.

“Defense wins The success of the team can Though the season has been championships,” be traced to their mindset off successful so far, that isn’t to and Eastern Boys Basketball is the court: “We are all pretty say it has been perfect. A tough putting this motto to the test. close with each other, so that road loss against Paul VI was an Senior Ryan Ems said, “I think helps our chemistry,” said example of a trying time in an this year’s team really puts an Johnson-Arline, “and we try to otherwise great season. “Each emphasis on defense. We’re know each others tendencies three of our losses have been trying to be the best defensive so that we can get each other tough to swallow. We believe we team Eastern has had in awhile.” the ball in a position to score.” could have won each of those Coach Kevin Crawford echoed Much of the team’s defensive games but did not execute our Ems’s sentiments, stating that improvement can be traced to game plan to our potential,” said the team values “defense over daily practices in which, “We do Ems. After a rough loss, Coach offense, staying focused and a lot of rebounding drills, close Crawford follows up with a film paying attention, and making out drills, to make sure that our session, a hard practice, and good decisions on the court.” zone defense and man to man analysis on the nuances of the The team lost several key defense is solid,” said Ems. game, losing with class, and players from last year’s team The team currently possesses avoiding mistakes. including graduates Matthue a 14-4 overall record and 4-1 “There are no easy games in an Cotton, Jesse Barbara, Troy conference record. Throughout Olympic Conference Schedule,” Edwards, and Onye Okoro. “We the season, there have already said Coach Crawford. The team always have seniors that move been many memorable moments will have to play some of their on, so the team has to continue for the players. “We had a great best basketball games down the to move on as well and keep win against Moorestown earlier stretch and through the playoffs. working hard.” Notable players in the season, and it meant a As Ryan Ems said, “Every team who have taken on a larger role lot to us because they had been we play has the potential to beat this season include Seniors ranked ahead of us up until that us on any given night, so we Ryan Ems, Andrew Heck, Noah point, and we really wanted to have to play our hardest every Klinewski, Jack Winsett, and show everybody that we were time we step out on the court.”

Myles Johnson-Arline, and the better team,” said Johnson-

W

Congratulations to senior Gabby Payne on scoring 1000 points during her Eastern Basketball career!