October 2018
voyager-online.org
Volume XLV
Eastern Regional High School
1401 Laurel Oak Road
First Edition
Voorhees, NJ 08043
New parent drop-off location increases back lot traffic jams All Things Walker: Teacher of the Year Page 2
Board CandidatesQ&A Page 6
By LAUREN CASOLE ‘19 and SRISHTI RAMESH ‘19 Editor-in-Chief and Online Editor-in-Chief
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rom the long lines of traffic to the morning parent drop off situation, parking has always been an issue at Eastern. For the 2018-19 school year, Eastern has addressed some of these issues by angling the parking spaces, moving parent drop off to the back, and limiting the entrances that can be used. “We felt that we had managed to get the parking lot safe by creating one directional traffic in the middle lane,” said Mr. Tull. “This way students don’t have to try and dodge cars coming at them.” However, there was still the issue of students trying to reverse park in the tree-line street that enters the school. “Kids were taking their cars, almost K-turning it and stopping traffic to try and back into the spots,” said Mr. Tull. He also commented that there were a couple accidents due to kids just pulling out. In reaction to this, the spots were angled to make it easier to move in and out of spots, therefore helping the traffic flow in the morning. One senior, Gabby Payne, likes how the spots are slanted in the back row, but she doesn’t agree with the parent drop off in the back. “The neighborhood is extremely backed up and it makes me late to school all the time,” she said. Parent drop off was moved to the rear of the school due to a recommendation from the School Safety Committee, along with suggestions to limit the Cars stand still in morning traffic.
Photo by Nancy Bowne ‘19
See PARKING on Page 4
New Teachers Page 7
Becoming human, becoming Anthropos 101; Holocaust, Genocide, and Crimes Against Humanity By EVELYN STEELE ‘21 Photo Editor
Get to Know the Clubs Page 8-9
Jermaine Donaldson Page 16
INSIDE News - Pages 2, 3 & 4 Features - Pages 5, 6, 7, & 12 Doubletruck - Pages 8 & 9 Opinion - Pages 10 & 11 Narrative- Page 13 Entertainment - Pages 14 & 15 Sports - Page 16
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ut of the vast variety of electives Eastern offers, a new one emerges in 2018, teaching students about arguably the most important aspect of history: Holocaust, Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity. The elective teaches about genocides throughout history, but it also discusses the present topics that are interesting to the students in the class. Eastern’s website explains the learning goals for the class: “The students will be able to analyze the competing theories of human nature and formulate hypotheses regarding patterns of social inequality and human actions/inactions.” Mr. Isshak, the teacher of the course, put the learning statement in simpler words: “students will learn to become anthropos,” putting a large emphasis on anthropos. Mr. Isshak described anthropos as “creatures that walk on two legs and look straight ahead to their futures.” He wants his students to understand what being human means to them.
Mr. Isshak teaches his Holocaust course to juniors and seniors. “The class’s point isn’t to take notes on a certain topic. The topic changes everyday,” junior Marisa Tate said. “We’re challenged to think outside the box and work off of each other’s opinions.” The class has open discussions about topics from Mr. Isshak and the students. “This class is much better than other history classes because you have freedom to discuss topics you choose. There’s no pressure to voice your opinion either,” said senior Cameron Hill.
The only complaint, Isshak said, is that “There’s so much to talk about but so little time. What do I cut out but still make it edifying?” The students in the class are learning history, not only to prevent it from reoccuring, but for they themselves to make history. “I want students to have an appreciation for humanity. They have the potential to oppose and defy evil,” said Isshak when explaining his goals for the students’ education throughout his course. Junior Lucas Prince explained
Photo by Srishti Ramesh ‘19
Isshak’s teaching style. “Mr. Isshak’s intellectual humor makes the class much more lighthearted to have the serious conversations we have everyday.” This class is exclusively for juniors and seniors and offers dual credit. It is directed towards mature students who have a good idea of what they want in their futures. The course was written from scratch by Isshak, making it a real treat for students who sit, ready to learn, inside the desks in the intellectual room of 303.
2 The Voyager
News
October 2018
Getting personal with the Teacher of the Year
Ms. Maryann Walker shares a laugh with Editor-in-Chief Maanasi Natarajan ‘19 and News Editor Haley Allsebrook ‘20 in room 206.
The Voyager staff journeyed to Room 206 to ask a few dozen questions to Ms. Maryann Walker By MAANASI NATARAJAN ‘19 Editor-in-Chief
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hat makes a great teacher? Some would say passion; others would say personality; many would say knowledge; but Ms. Walker, Eastern’s 2017–2018 Teacher of the Year, is living proof that there is no one trait that defines a teacher. In fact, she embodies all of those traits— and much, much more. Ms. Walker has been teaching at Eastern for twenty years (with the exception of substitute teaching one day in Woodbury)– inadvertently. She came to Eastern with the intention of becoming a guidance counselor. For that, she needed three years of teaching experience. “I fell in love with teaching and never turned back. I never intended to be a teacher. I hated high school!” But what exactly made her fall in love with teaching? “Teenagers are so funny,” she said emphatically. “Some days I would go home laughing, because the things they would say would be so funny. Like today—I asked why we were in the SpanishAmerican War and some kid answered, ‘Because.’ I didn’t have a comeback for that.” Although some days can be worse than others, she does not let the bad days get her down. Ms. Walker, like other compassionate teachers, knows that no one is perfect—neither students nor teachers. “Everyday is a new day, both for me and the kids,” she said, nodding. “If a kid is having a bad day and doesn’t act properly, I just remember that the next day is a new day.” Eastern is special to her not only because of the freedom she gets, but also because she is challenged. “We get fantastic kids and a very diverse group of kids,” she said.
“I think we could be more diverse than we are, but diversity is very key to me.” But the very thing that makes Eastern special to Ms. Walker’s fellow teachers and administrators is Ms. Walker herself. “Ms. Walker is a wonderful role model for both her colleagues and students,” said district superintendent Dr. Melleby. “She is kind, compassionate, and a very good listener ... she continues to touch the lives of so many people every day she enters our school building.” Fellow history teachers Mr. Lindenhofen and Mr. Colton, who were involved in the Teacher of the Year committee, agreed. “Usually the candidates have had a very successful year working with students inside and outside the classroom,” said Mr. Lindenhofen. “They know their content, they’re working with students during lunch and after school—people who are dedicated, and everyone knows it. Ms. Walker has been doing that for a long time.” The question about Ms. Walker was not if she was going to be Teacher of the Year, but rather why she hadn’t been yet, Mr. Colton added “I don’t know that there’s a more committed person on the staff when it comes to student advocacy. She’s always willing to take on new challenges. Ms. Walker is just a super person to work with.” Ms. Walker has taught everything from US History to sociology to psychology— even the seemingly mundane personal finance requirement. With her extensive knowledge in the humanities and social sciences, one would think there is nothing she hasn’t taught. Yet her curiosity peaks in the subject of World History, a subject she has not taught. “I don’t think I want to teach this because it’s really, really hard, but I love World
See WALKER on Page 5
Photo by Evelyn Steele ‘21
A chat with Ms. Walker By SOPHIE FERGUSON ‘19 Staff Reporter
want to teach? I’d like to know more about World History.
How long have you been teaching? Twenty years. How long at Eastern? All at Eastern. What subjects have you taught? US History 1 and 2 at the Honors and Accelerated levels, Psychology at the Accelerated and AP levels, and personal finance. What made you want to teach? I wanted to be a Guidance Counselor, but I needed three years of teaching. I loved teaching, and I never went back. Where did you go to college? I have my BA in Sociology, and I have my Masters in counseling from Villanova. Favorite memories from previous years? Seeing students graduate who struggled because Eastern helped get them there. Why do you think you got teacher of the year? I don’t know. Other people could’ve won. How do you spend your summers? I go to the beach. Do you have a motto? Everyday is a new day. What little things make your day great? Comedy. I love fun and funniness. What subject that you don’t teach would you
How did you feel when you got teacher of the year? I was shocked when I won. I am grateful. I was in my room with my AP Psychology kids when I heard the announcement. What would you teach your younger self? Work harder on your French homework. How would you define a teacher? Compassionate about kids. Whatever decision you make, make it in favor of the kid.
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AND THE PODCAST WITH MS. WALKER ON VOYAGERONLINE. ORG!
News
October 2018
New Changes at School By BRYCE DERSHEM ‘21 News Editor
New Website
Eastern’s website underwent a complete overhaul this past summer. The technology department at Eastern aimed to create a more user-friendly site for students and administrators. Starting in April of 2017, ideas for the new website began with the primary goal to address the old website’s issues with communication. Administrators can now communicate more effectively via the new design. Mr. Smart, the Director of Technology and Supervisor of Student Activities, said Eastern currently uses a “Blackboard Connect Product” but plans to switch to a “Blackboard Mass Communication Center Product” in the near future. “It is an improved way to communicate with the community, student body, and parents.” The technology department also plans to release an Eastern app by the end of October. Overall, according to Mr. Smart, the new website has garnered “positive reviews from faculty, the Board of Education, parents, and students.” Filtered Water Fountains
This past summer, four new water fountains were installed near the 20 cafeteria, 700 hallway, 500 hallway, and media center. The installation of these new water fountains was prompted by “a need that Mr. Jeff Judge [the supervisor of maintenance] saw—people filling up their water bottles from the water fountains,” according to Mr. Tull. Besides conserving water, Mr.
Tull anticipates that these water fountains will save the school money. Plans currently exist to install two more water fountains. However, Mr. Jeff Judge said, “The way the older fountains are designed, the newer ones weren’t fitting unless we redid the piping. So, we just put the ones in that had the same set up.” In general, reactions to these water fountains have been positive with most enjoying their convenience and quality. Enforced ID Policy
Enforcement of the ID policy has increased since the beginning of the school year. With this instruction, the administration hopes to “emphasize the importance of having it [one’s ID] and wearing it,” according to Mr. Tull. IDs typically function to help police officers and school officials identify those who belong in the building. However, along with this, students will be required to scan their IDs to enter certain offices and rooms in the near future. Mr. Tull said these changes are a part of “doing what we [the administration] can to make sure that we are creating a sense of safety.” These changes can be seen as a result of the country’s growing awareness of violence in schools. Mr. Tull referenced the Sandy Hook and Parkland school shootings as especially influential in Eastern’s attempts for safety. Students who fail to wear their IDs will face specific disciplinary measures: the first offense being a warning, the second offense being an administrative study period, and the third offense being an after school detention. The administration hopes students will be compliant with the ID policy. “You never know,” Mr. Tull said, “if there is going to be someone outside the school or someone inside the school [who may cause disruption or violence].” Photos by Voyager Staff
Check out more of Bryce’s work at voyager-online.org!
The Voyager 3
Mr. Holmes gives stage directions to the all-new ETV news team.
Photo by Haley Allsebrook ‘20
The new faces of ETV News By HALEY ALLSEBROOK ‘20 News Editor
Alex Mackle. Gone. Robert Sundstrom. Gone. Jannette Fisher. Gone. Ryan Baker. Gone. So, who is running ETV News? “All of our seniors graduated. It’s like starting from scratch,” said Mr. Holmes who manages ETV News and teaches TV Media here at Eastern. “The cast and I are very excited about the changes. I have very committed students that are in here everyday Lunch A,” he continued. Those students are split into two news teams: Nancy Bowne, Jordan Edmondson, Jonah Gutterman, Teddy Drinkwater, and Caleb Schneider, Bobby Weil, Jacob Goldstein, and Alexis Souza. There are also two brand new segments: a movie rate and review, starring Zyah Taylor, Jewel Taylor, and Daaliyah Patterson and a kitchen hacks segment starring culinary students. There are also new cast members behind the scenes, half of which are
students of Holmes. They are better trained and more experienced with all the technology used to run ETV News. Brand new lighting; a TriCaster, which creates new effects and video switching; new furniture; a new carpeted stage; and LED lights were installed or will be installed between now and Christmas. “Very few schools have this kind of professional equipment,” said Holmes. “I want to make it as close to broadcast journalism as I can.” With new changes comes new ideas. “This group is going to be doing a lot of themes, and they have lots of new ideas,” Holmes said. The cast wants to expand their reach and send reporters to interview students at lunch about certain topics. They would like to cover more clubs and sports. The cast wants to add teacher spotlights and more behind the scenes. Mr. Holmes said, “We want to expose, in a positive light, all the aspects of the school.”
4 The Voyager
Features
October 2018
Mr. Jones and Mr. Worthington take a new approach to the classic gym class biking, and yoga. This began, perhaps, when I started playing Wii Sports and Wii Fit and discovered. . . muscles! ull disclosure: I’ve never considered myself But frankly, I was not going an athlete. Raised in the sports-centric town of to give up on my ability to be Mullica Hill, I survived through sheer enthusiasm athletic. for parachute days and observing the multi-colored After my passionate running dodgeballs. Defending my team? Not so much. in gym class, my “jog I never played vlogs,” and my devil’s on a sports advocating to my team, unless friends, I decided that you consider I would take this class. dance class and Besides, I was over marching band the fun and games of to be on the concussions and foamy same level of balls. I wanted the real aggression. action. And I proudly A month in, I don’t admit that my hesitate to say that it enthusiasm, has been a wonderful albeit persistent, Photo by Julia Dodd ‘19 decision. Students demonstrate a side plank. has landed me in Mr. Jones, along with the Emergency equipment, I no longer feel intimidated. Mr. Worthington, Room, twice. The class sizes are also very personal, as there are designed the class to be a personal goal setter, Once for a about twenty students in my class. We get to know each unique to each student. concussion from other and work together to push ourselves and try new Throughout the posted month’s agenda, the Volleyball; the techniques. I have discovered peers that aren’t necessarily week is filled with cardio circuits, weight room, second time for athletes, but care about their health and wellbeing. yoga, and spin room. ear wax. It was So my main source of weight lifting still revolves As students and athletes alike, we are able in Ireland. An around my bassoon, but I feel as though I can now Ms. Shannon teaches expression 8 yoga. to set personal goals for our own fitness, get entirely different lead a well-rounded workout without questioning my Photo by Julia Dodd ‘19 feedback on our form and ask questions. story. background or expertise. For me, I have always been scared of lifting Hence, you can Just because you cannot serve a volleyball or hit a weights, because I am afraid that I would be understand my decision to take Lifestyle Fitness, the baseball doesn’t mean you aren’t fit. doing it incorrectly and hurt myself. new Physical Education class that earns the credit for There is a place for everyone in fitness that allows them But after instruction from Mr. Jones about different standard HPE. to relieve stress, grow stronger mentally and physically, levels and actually demonstrating how to use the I have always enjoyed physical activities, like swimming, and appreciate their bodies for their spectacular creation. By NANCY BOWNE ‘19 Copy Editor
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Bell schedule three years later By MATT STEINSALTZ ‘20 Features Editor
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n 2016, Eastern made a drastic change and shifted to a rotating schedule. And so far, it has been a positive change. “I like it. I get to see different faces at different times of the day,” said freshman Ahmad Battle. Spanish teacher Señor Gary agrees. “I like that the classes are longer and that they switch times of the day. Having sometimes [the students] are tired in the first class period, but they are more awake other periods of the morning.” The general consensus is that despite some issues with the rotating schedule, it has been well received with teachers and students. There is still room for change, though. “I like the schedule, but we’re still building the culture. I wish there was more lunch seating,” said English teacher Mrs. O’Keefe, who was on the committee for implementing the rotating schedule. A new change this year is that instead of “extra help” there are “office hours.” The school hopes that the change in names encourages more students to see their teachers for help. Señor Garry said that he feels the time during lunch to visit teachers is not utilized well. Three years ago, what was Eastern’s reasoning for making the big switch? “The biggest reason for the switch to a rotating schedule was to provide students with more opportunity. Instead of having seven classes, students can now take eight classes,” said Mr. Cloutier, Director of Curriculum. With an extra class and additional time to the common lunch, students no longer have to take part in zero mod, where they had to come in before school and do their science labs. Mr. Cloutier also stated a big reason for the change was the opportunity to add more types of courses. He said, “We have expanded robotics, music technology, and social studies.” This
Students eating during the new common lunch. year, a Holocaust and Genocides class was added as a new social studies course with Mr. Isshak. Was Mr. Cloutier concerned about the response going into the first year of the new rotating scheduling? Yes, but the change has been met with wonderful support from teachers, and as previously mentioned by students. But like Mrs. O’Keefe mentioned, the culture is still forming. Mr. Cloutier wants not only the students to capitalize, but the staff to take advantage of all the opportunities that the schedule provides. He mentioned a quote by Tony Robbins, “It’s not about the resources, it’s about the resourcefulness.” The opportunity and resources are available for the students’ taking. Now it is up to the students to use them to their advantage. Not only do the students and teachers like the schedule, but the folks in guidance are fond of its structure as well. “I like that the new schedule allows me to meet with students during lunch,” said guidance counselor Mrs. Jackson. Mr. Cloutier stressed the idea that it is
Photo by Nancy Bowne ‘19
a rotating schedule, not a block schedule. Highlighting the major difference is that block scheduling has longer class periods and fewer class periods on either a day a or day b, or semester long classes, while rotating schedule is the same amount of time in a period and the same amount of classes each day. One of the major criticisms that teachers had with the new schedule was that there is less instructional time. “It is challenging to get in the whole curriculum,” said gym teacher Mrs. Fox. Señor Garry said, “Overall there is less class time and I don’t get to teach everything that I would like.” Mr. Cloutier did say with less instructional time it is harder to meet the challenging New Jersey standards. But the bell schedule alone is not the only reason it is challenging. He stated that it is challenging because the state updates its standards every five years. The rotating schedule in year three looks like it will remain around for a long time and will continue to change Eastern education positively for many more generations.
PARKING
continued from page 1 entrances to the school back at 906 and the main area. However, the change is not as simple as it seems. “Last year, the biggest problem was coming up Laurel Oak Road to the school, and now the problem is coming out of Lost Tree and the developments,” said Tull. As long as students have been driving to school, there has always been congestion as there is only one main road in and out of the school. There is no way to completely get rid of the traffic issue, but there are things that students can do to try to smoothen the process. “One thing that will help us tremendously is to try and find ways to get students that don’t drive to school on the buses,” said Tull. “We have 400-450 cars drop kids off in morning and nearly empty buses.” Another senior, Elyse Proctor, mentioned how she thinks parent drop off is stupid. The district sends out buses for all three towns for kids without a car to take for a reason. “The parents dropping their kids off cause an excess amount of traffic,” she said. Kelly Pilkauskas, who is a junior and gets dropped off at school said getting dropped off out front was much more efficient, due to being closer to her classes and avoiding traffic. “I have to wake up earlier than in past years and I am more tired in the afternoon,” she said. “Some students have to leave a little earlier to get to school or where they once stayed away from 561, now they have reverted back that way,” said Tull. In Eastern’s population, reviews of the new system are mixed, but most students aren’t enthused by the change. Senior Michelle Litvak said, “Once the juniors start getting their license, then traffic conditions will get so much worse and everyone will get affected. If I don’t leave before 6:50, I always get stuck in traffic.” Ultimately, though, these changes were made due to safety and efficiency concerns, and will likely stick around unless any major issues arise.
October 2018
Features
The Voyager 5
Future unknown for case against Sherwin-Williams By JACOB SAFIER ‘20 Features Editor
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n the summer of last year, a class action lawsuit was filed against The Sherwin-Williams Company with Attorney Craig Mitnick. The lawsuit was initiated by Brad Lafferty, a resident of Gibbsboro, whose daughter Erin was diagnosed with cancer. Around that time, residents were informed of contaminants found in the ground and surrounding areas. Sherwin-Williams allegedly caused the contamination at their former Paintworks site nearby. The factory sat on Silver Lake and operated from 1849 to 1976, mainly manufacturing white lead paints, varnishes, and lacquer. The John Lucas Company owned this facility from 1849 to 1930, when Sherwin Williams took over the company. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, multiple raw materials were used at the facility, such as lead oxide, zinc oxide, lead chromate, ferrous sulfate, sulfuric acid, and linseed oil. While the plant was in operation, much of the leftover waste was dumped, deeply contaminating the area. Lafferty and many other residents connected this to a recent rise in illnesses in the Gibbsboro area. Lafferty was motivated to take action against SherwinWilliams by seeing his daughter fight cancer. “We started our litigation against Sherwin-Williams to hold those responsible for knowingly polluting the grounds in our neighborhood,” he said. The future of the case against Sherwin-Williams is now uncertain. U.S. District Judge, Robert Kugler, recently tossed the lawsuit, arguing that the arguments were too broad.
Kirkwood Lake in Voorhees, New Jersey lies tranquil on a spring day.
As Kugler’s overall reason for dismissing the lawsuit, he wrote, “Plaintiffs are essentially asking this court to greenlight a Class Area defined as anywhere there is contamination. This court declines to do so.” While there was legitimate reason for the judge to toss the suit from a legal perspective, many residents are very upset by the decision. Alice Johnston is a resident of Voorhees, who lives on Kirkwood Lake and is chair of the Kirkwood Lake Environmental Committee. This is a group of people including the mayor of Voorhees, engineers, former EPA officials, and Camden County elected officials that join together to get Kirkwood Lake dredged. They work through state and federal legislators, EPA officials, and Sherwin-Williams A grandfather and grandson walk by the dam at Kirkwood. to accomplish their goal. While
Photos by Nancy Bowne ‘19
she agrees the case was not presented in good fashion and was difficult to prove, she said, “the whole thing is very sad” and hopes the issue can be brought to the courts in a different way. The dismissal of the lawsuit is a big blow to residents who have been long awaiting cleanup and restoration of the environment. With no legal action against SherwinWilliams and a slow cleanup process, it is unknown what the next step will be. Johnston is upset with the cleansup process. She and other residents on Kirkwood Lake are scheduled to have their properties remediated, a process where entire yards will have to be dug up and replaced. She said the cleanup process is very slow and deadlines are never met. “I hope they speed up the clean-up process,” she said. “It’s pathetic and sad.”
The Voyager is much more than a print newspaper. Go online for more articles, videos, and podcasts. voyager-online.org
WALKER Continued from Page 2
History,” she said. “I wish I knew more.” This love of world history has translated into her desire to travel, specifically to Eastern Bloc countries (of which she has already visited East Berlin and the Czech Republic). She finds such regions interesting, especially considering that they used to be communist. “Those people are my age, and they grew up with communism,” she said curiously. “The idea that you would be in a communist or totalitarian state and then suddenly not be is just shocking to me. I want to understand that.” Ms. Walker has always been curious, even from a young age, when her role models included Harriet the Spy and Pippi Longstocking, who she cites as being “incredibly formative” in her childhood. “Girls were expected to read books that had boy protagonists, which is fine,” she said, “but I just needed to hear a girl’s voice, and they were.” This curiosity and mindset that she could do anything has perhaps translated into her teaching style. History teacher and EEA President Mr. Lindenhofen cited her as someone who never stops learning her craft, constantly researching better ways to implement the curriculum. “She’s done everything she can to master technology so she can reach more students,” he said. “She’s always trying to hit as many learning styles as she can.” It is perhaps this interest in a variety of areas that inspired her to pursue careers before teaching, including social work and hosting a radio show, which she said was one of the most fun things she has ever done. “I don’t remember the name of it,” she said, “but we got to interview people.” She interviewed political figures and spoke on public
Photo Supplied Ms. Walker with former Eastern Phys. Ed teacher, Greg Sipp, poses with former students, taking a break from a three on three basketball game, held after school.. “That was back when I was forty, but still thought I was in my thirties.,” Ms. Walker said. Go online for more photos.
affairs. “Then I’d play a couple Clash tunes, and then I’d interview, like, an organic farmer. Progressive-type stuff. I absolutely loved that. It was great.” Her interests indeed stretch far and wide, beyond the realms of teaching. Ms. Walker, a Philadelphia native, has always been interested in sports, recalling seeing a 76ers game as a little girl in 1967, when no one had seatbelts. “My friend’s dad was taking everyone to the game, and he basically opened the back door and everyone in the neighborhood piled in. There were kids stacked to the ceiling!” When she’s not teaching, Ms. Walker spends her summers
at the beach and her free time with her two cats, Dewey and Stevie. “I love cats. I love dogs, too, but dogs are like having kids. Too hard.” Have a Ms. Walker memory, story, or picture that you wish to share? Email us at ehsvoyager@gmail.com. Nichole Hall, Cynthia Meas, Srishti Ramesh, Haley Allsebrook, Laura Frantz, Michael Mazziotta, Olivia Covington, Evelyn Steele and Ava Hancock contributed to the article.
Features
6 The Voyager
October 2018
Eastern Board of Education candidates
The Voyager editors asked the candidates the following questions: 1. Why do you think you should be elected or re-elected?
2. What distinguishes you as a candidate?
3. What connection do you have with education and high school students?
4. What is your educational philosophy?
5. What do you think makes Eastern a special place?
Robert Cambell
John Parker
Veronica Parker
John Rothman
Richard Teichman
1. I have served as a member
of the Eastern Regional School Board since August of 2001. My experience and commitment to providing the best possible educational programs for the students qualify me as a candidate for the board. I have always done my best to serve the students and citizens of the three sending districts and have taken great pride in being a board member in such an outstanding district.
2. I have spent 30 years in education as a teacher and department chairperson in two school districts and as an administrator in Berlin Borough. My BA and MA degrees are in the field of education. These experiences have provided me with the knowledge and skills to make sound judgements regarding the educational and financial decisions for the district. In addition, I have been a resident of Voorhees Township for 41 years. 3. As stated in question #2, I
worked in the field of education in districts that included grades pre-school through 12 and I am in my 18th year as an Eastern board member. I have also served on the Eastern District Advisory Council since its beginning, and I am a member of the Berlin-GibbsboroVoorhees Municipal Alliance which helps to fund The Spot at the Voorhees Town Center. My two children graduated from Eastern and during their time at the high school, I was a parent volunteer for the Eastern Marching Vikings for seven years.
4. My educational philosophy, concerning Eastern High School, has been to provide the district with the resources and support to advance the educational and extracurricular programs that enable every student to succeed both in school and throughout their post high school years as well as in the workplace of the 21st Century.
1. I was born and raised
in Voorhees, NJ. I went to Osage, VMS, and Eastern High School. I graduated in 1989 which was the same year I achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boys Scouts of America. It has always been important for me to give back to the community, and I have extensive experience volunteering and dedicating my time to serve others. I am the chairman of The Friends of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) “Party with a Purpose.” This event has raised more than $7 million for the past 13 years in the quest to conquer cancer. I also serve as Vice Chairman on the Board of Trustees for the Virtua Foundation, a non-profit whose mission is to transform health care for everyone in South Jersey - I am the Chairman-elect for 2019. Furthermore, I’ve been recognized by Wells Fargo Advisors as a Premier Advisor, a designation that reflects a high degree of professional achievement and commitment to client service. I’ve been named one of Barron’s Top 1,200 advisors as well as one of the Financial Times Top 400 advisors for the last several years.
2. Our oldest son is currently a
sophomore at Eastern, and I hear directly from him and his friends what is happening. I also have two children at VMS who will be attending EHS in the next couple of years.
3. A diversified education, including Arts and Sciences, is important for students to become fully prepared to thrive in life.
4. Eastern is near and dear to my heart. It gave me the foundation to become a successful business leader today. I am always proud when I’m at Eastern because it has a great sense of community, leadership and the potential to become the #1 high school in South Jersey. My vision is to utilize my experience to ensure: Fiscal responsibility, open and clear communication and safety for all students and teachers.
1 & 2. I was born and raised
in Buenos Aires, Argentina. My parents moved to the US to provide their family “the American Dream.” Education has always been important in my family. Upon moving here, I learned English and was able to attend Rutgers University a year later. I studied Biology and did research in Molecular Biology for a number of years. While raising my children I got certified as a yoga & meditation teacher and created a holistic healing business to help women thrive in life. I’m also the creator & producer of the iTunes Podcast: Live Your Happy NOW! Conversations to open up and have an authentic, happy & fulfilled life. Serving our community has always been a priority for me and I volunteered for local schools and organizations. I’m currently a member of Moms Demand Action and a presenter for Be SMART promoting safe gun storage and preventing unintentional children shootings. I’m also a member of Voorhees School Safety and Security Committee. I’m passionate about keeping our schools, students, and teachers safe at all times.
3. Our oldest son is a sophomore at Eastern. Our daughter is in eighth grade and youngest son is in sixth grade at VMS. I often connect with our children and their friends to learn about what’s happening and what’s important for them. I’m a Kundalini Yoga Teacher at Hot Yoga Center in Voorhees, NJ where I teach students how to reduce stress while increasing mindfulness, flexibility and strength. 4. Education has always been a
priority in our family. I believe education is the doorway to the realm of infinite possibilities. Having grown up in a country without much accessibility to high quality education, I advise our children to take advantage of the incredible resources and limitless opportunities available in the US & Voorhees
1. With two recent graduates
and a junior currently attending Eastern, I am very aware of what it takes to make a successful student. Furthermore, I have been a technology consultant for over 20 years. One of the key skill sets needed for my role is to be familiar with the latest technology, to be able to listen, and at the same time ask the questions nobody wants to hear or are afraid to bring up. At recent Eastern meetings that I have attended, it has become very apparent to me that new ideas are not making it to the board. When information is brought up, there is nobody asking the tough challenging questions. In my opinion, it is the responsibility of a board member to actively find out the current issues that the parents, teachers and the community are concerned about and represent these concerns to make sure they are being addressed. At the same time, board members should look for new ideas to discuss with constituents and propose them to the Board. During my campaign, I have spoken to many people who have brought forward very relevant issues on improving Eastern that fall on deaf ears or incredibly leaders of the school are not aware of because somehow the info is not shared internally. With my background, I feel I have the qualifications that are needed on making sure the pulse of the community is heard and the tough questions are asked.
2. My father who is 92 and
a WW2 veteran instilled in me at a very early age the importance of education. He would share stories with me about the opportunity education provides and the importance that everyone gets educated. In 1983, my father took me to China to show me a country first hand how education was about to revolutionize it. When I visited China, it was a country stuck in time. Bicycles were the main form of transportation and almost everyone dressed the same. Fast forward 35
1. The school board provides me with an opportunity to give back to the community in a way that complements my interest in education. I want the students at Eastern Regional High School to have access to a solid academic foundation to help ensure the future careers of their choice. I continued my education for a B.S. at Drexel U and a Ph.D. at the U. of Penn. I champion math, science and technology education and the academic curriculum in general. As a board member I help oversee the development of curriculum and policy for the school. It is our job to make sure the best curriculum for learning is in place and presented effectively. Balancing educational needs and the ability of taxpayers to pay for it is key for all community members. This is not to be taken lightly at Eastern, with its 2000 students and $40 million annual budget 2. My working career was
based in industry and focused on process improvement and the development new chemical products. I see the value of education from shop floor workers to the management team. I have been on the board for the last 23 years and have shown that I can work as part of that team to keep Eastern a high performing school. I have been part of Eastern’s District Advisory Council since its inception and get to interact with students, teachers, administration and the community. It is here we help set goals based largely on the ideas of this group. As part of Eastern’s needs I have served on the Camden Co. Educational Services Commission for 20 years and treasurer for 17, overseeing county school transportation needs and special needs education for community students in non-public school.
3. As a parent of two former
students who went on to engineering degrees and rewarding jobs, I understand the need for a great secondary education. As a school board member I have many connections with current students. At our monthly board
Responses to the questionaire are continued on page 13. Remember to vote on November 6th, 2018
Features
October 2018
The Voyager 7
Our Very Own Mary Poppins With a “spoonful of sugar,” Mrs. Bowne hopes to inspire and guide the teachers of tomorrow. By SASHA TUDDENHAM ‘20 Staff Reporter
H
as Mary Poppins descended from on her umbrella for the Preschool Child Development Department? Mrs. Bowne is not sure where the nickname began. “My students at Cherry Hill West started to compare me to Mary Poppins,’ she said. “And the nickname stuck.” She said that the students saw her as firm, yet caring, organized, and very friendly and open. “Similar to the Mary Poppins from Disney,” she said. Mrs. Murphy-Bowne, who goes by Mrs. Bowne, attended the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), studying fashion design, focusing on children clothes, and children inspired technical textile. From a young age, Mrs. Bowne wished to be an English teacher; however her mother, a math teacher, discouraged her from pursuing her goal. She studied human nutrition
at Penn State University and worked as a dietician at Temple, Cooper, and Virtua for many years. But the lure of the classroom kept ringing. Mrs. Bowne has taught many different subjects in Family Consumer Science, including cooking, fashion, and child development. She especially loves the little kids. “I never expected to find a passion for working with small children,” she said. Her husband, Mr. Bowne, a journalism and English teacher, also teaches at Eastern. Their daughter, Nancy, is a senior at Eastern too. Mrs. Bowne is very excited about this opportunity. She has volunteered at Eastern before, helping Ms. Heyers, the fashion and interior design teacher at Eastern, with costumes for school plays. She loves how the Preschool Child Development program at Eastern provides a very different experience where students can Mrs. Bowne has been teaching for seven years, and worked as a dietician at area hospitals for years be the teacher. She is deeply involved with the students, the banjo, maybe even playing for her classes. like reading her favorite book, Madeline, at any chance Mrs. Bowne already has fallen in love with Eastern. “The she gets and trying to live up to her idol, Kermit the Frog. students are remarkable,” she said, “and create a unique Just like Kermit, she hopes to someday learn how to play culture in the school.”
Ms. VanZoeren here to fix ‘misconceptions’
Eastern’s reputation draws Mr. Schafer By JULIA KIRK ‘19 Staff Reporter r. Ryan Schafer joined the Eastern staff after serving as a long term substitute for two years. He currently teaches accelerated Algebra 1 and college prep Algebra 2. He earned his degree from Western Governors University in mathematics. Schafer chose teaching because math comes naturally to him and has an ability to help people. This is his second full year of teaching, with his experience originating in Gloucester City. In the following school years, Schafer hopes to get involved with wrestling, or some other form of coaching. His personal interests include hockey and his family. Schafer has various types of pets: a dog, saltwater fish, and a flying squirrel. Over the summer, he and his wife enjoyed welcoming their first child to the family. He was drawn to Eastern for its good reputation and he looks forward to continuing to work here.
By JENNA PRESTON ‘22 Staff Reporter
M
G
reatness is found in places you’d never expect. Just ask Ms. VanZoeren. She was looking for something in education, and this just so happened to come into her life perfectly.“Things just fell into place,” she said. Ms. VanZoeren, Easterns’ newest instructional aide with special ed. “What made me want to start teaching this speciality was because kids are all I’ve ever known.” The unexpectancy of each day gives Ms. VanZoeren that special kindness which she is able to use with students. She sees this job as a challenge. “The children I work with are misunderstood in the way they act, talk, and some may have been bullied,” she said. “I want to fix that. I just hope to make them feel smart and secure with themselves.” The way she speaks of her students proves how much care she exhibits in Eastern, putting thought into how the students spend their day. She understands the struggles many of her students have, coming into a bigger school and finding ways to adjust, considering she grew up in a small, family oriented town.
Ms. VanZoeren helps a student during class. She attended “My first day was quite nerve racking,” she said, “full of questions, yet I was treated like a new family member. I still have a color coded map, but I’m glad I feel so welcomed here.” From a young age she has used her kindness in ways to help children feel good about themselves, either with their learning skills, or simply having that sense of support from her. Before teaching at Eastern, she used her skills to tutor and has been babysitting since she was 16.
She attended Rowan University, earning a degree in Liberal Studies, and has spent eight years in education. Besides the endless makeovers and visits to the pool; with the young girl she nannies over the summer, she simply enjoys a good game of Uno alongside her two dogs. Mrs. VanZoeren already loves Eastern High School and can not wait to continue her journey with her students through high school.
Laurie Cox, administrative assistant, thrilled to be here LAUREN CASOLE ‘19 Editor-in-Chief
Drawn to Eastern by our districts caliber, new administrative assistant Ms. Laurie Cox has only positive things to say. “I want to make sure that I am part of a team that has the high standards that Eastern already has for its academics, athletics, and activities,” Cox said. She hopes to be a valuable part of Eastern’s modern school district and family.
Prior to coming to Eastern, Cox studied at Stony Brook University in Long Island and wore a corporate hat before changing to education. A majority of her work experience was done on the corporate level, and she had her series six and seven licenses in the broker industry. With a series six broker license, Mrs. Cox sold mutual funds, variable annuities and insurance premiums; a series seven license authorized the sale of any type of individual security.
Outside of work, Cox loves bootcamps, time with family, trips, theater, and reading. “I love all things centered around my family and outdoorsy,” said Cox. Cox’s favorite places to visit are Turkey and the Greek Isles. Although vacationing is always great, she loves coming to work everyday. “I admire Dr. Melleby’s leadership and the team of teachers that are here. I am absolutely thrilled to be at Eastern,” said Cox.
Mr. Schafer teaches accelerated Algebra I and CP Algebra II. He would love to get into coaching.
Check out more teacher profiles in the upcoming November edition!
Clu
8 October 2018
MOCK TRIAL
MARCHING BAND By ANDREW SHINKLE ‘22 Staff Reporter
By OLIVIA COVINGTON ‘19 Features Editor
Eastern’s Marching 1970’s, is a varsity-leve The Marching Vikings on Saturdays and Sundays in the ca Aside from playing an instrument
Mr. Farrow is the advisor of Mock Trial Club and believes that Mock Trial Club is beneficial to every type of student. “It’s really cool, this is from a student’s perspective. After they’ve done it… students who feel they never were a huge part of an athletic team, they get to become apart of something like that, have team unity, and build friendships.” This 30+ year old club is substantial for students looking for gaining skills in public speaking, learning about the law, and students who are interested in being a lawyer. Competitions have previously taken place at a law firm or the courts in Camden, but currently are using Rutgers Law School. Meetings take place Tuesday and Thursday after school for about an hour. Mr. Farrow also wanted students to remember, “Even if students miss the first meeting or informational meetings, it’s never too late to join.”
a large time commitment, but I can’t think of a better way of spending my members feel just as I do.”
STUDENT ALLIANCE By MATT STEINSALTZ ‘20 Features Editor
E.S.C.A.P.E CLUB
Students hoping to create By AVA HANCOCK ‘20 a greener planet Opinion Editor can thrive in the ESCAPE club. Headed by Mrs. Roberts, Eastern Students Caring About Protecting the Environment is an active club that meets 2-3 times a month after school to participate in various activities. “Think of it as the green club, in that we try to reduce, reuse, or recycle things in this community. So, we look at it from a school standpoint and a community standpoint, and then we do an outreach that takes our community and makes it even bigger,” says Mrs. Roberts. Internally, this club helps with the paper recycling and the plastic caps via TerraCycle. “There are these brigades that we belong to in terms of personal care parents on Back to School Night. items. Instead of things going to the trash can, we collect them and ship “You have to be available in the summer for four days for training,” Mrs. O’Keefe, one of the advisers, said “you also them off to TerraCycle, which will then repurpose them into something have to be available for the transition camp, while being able to attend 75% of the meetings, and give up a few study else.” halls or gyms a month for freshman study hall visits.” Externally, ESCAPE is involved with Soles4Souls, cleanups in the comSo what kind of student would like this club? Mrs. Fox said, “anybody who want to help out the freshman or the school munity, donations of outerwear to those in need when the temperature community, is a good public speaker, a leader, and a student of high character. drops, the AWA, and Operation Paperback. Operation Paperback is a book drive that occurs twice a year benefiting troops, Red Cross, etc. If you are interested in joining Student Alliance, please contact Mrs. Brunell Jackson, Mrs. O’Keefe, or Mrs. Fox. Student Alliance is a freshman mentorship club. Mrs. Fox, one adviser of the club, said Student Alliance puts together lessons, which occur twice a month, to help transition freshmen to Eastern. Over the summer, student alliance runs a parent orientation and a freshman transition program that allows the incoming freshman to tour the school and receive their iPads. During the year, student alliance runs the week of respect and helps the
NJDFL (TEAM THEATRE) By ERIC HORN ‘19 Sports Editor
Srishti Ramesh, Shreya Gowda, and the Yearbook Staff also contributed to this page.
Team Theater combines the passion and drama of the arts with the experience of working with a team to win a competition. Mr. Colton is the club’s head advisor, and the team competes in the New Jersey Drama and Forensics League. The NJDFL’s mission is “To foster a competitive and creative outlet for high school students, while providing a forum for competition and constructive feedback as well as encouraging growth and development in the theatre/speech arenas.” The team’s captain is senior Elizabeth Flewelling, and the team manager is junior Antigone Antonakakis.
POETRY OUT LO
By HALEY ALLSEBROOK ‘1 News Editor
Mrs. Pomerantz, the advisor of Poetry Ou duced this club back in the year 2013. “Wha Poetry Out Loud is that it gives students a c through poetry recitation and poetry com said.
ubs
The Voyager 9
see more clubs on voyager-online.org!
g Band, which originated in the el competitive band that has gained a considerable following with students. s, the club’s official name, compete all throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania alendar’s fall months. t such as the trumpet or the drums, members can also join the Color Guard, which acts as a visual accompaniment to the show being performed. Mr. John Stanz, who has been the advisor for the band at Eastern for twelve years, says that the club is “not entirely about music and marching, but about team building and pushing yourself past limits that you thought you had.” Deklin Parker, the band’s current drum major, says that being a member of the marching band “provides skills like learning new instruments, basic musicianship, introduces music theory and ear training, while also teaching vital skills like how to work as a team, understanding how to learn from previous mistakes, and quick thinking.” When asked if Eastern truly needs a marching band, Parker strongly supported why he thinks it does. “Eastern needs this club because of the incredible opportunities it holds for anyone willing to join. Plenty of people have come to this program not knowing a single thing about music and have learned to be some of the best players in the school because of our talented, friendly staff and tons of great practices. Marching Band also offers various leader positions giving students the opportunity to gain leadership skills. It is y time than doing what I love with the people I love, and I can guarantee the other
OUD
19
ut Loud, introat’s great about chance to shine mposition,” she
Mrs. Roberts describes the club’s goal as, “trying to erase our footprint - our carbon footprint.” Rather than sit in meetings, members of the ESCAPE club physically collect, recycle, and ship. The club has made a big difference. Mrs. Roberts recalls that in the first five years of participating in cap recycling, the amount had almost reached the half-a-million mark. “Students that I had in the past would come back during spring break with caps, neighborhoods would come in with caps, people from other townships heard about it and would bring caps.” Having previously been the environmental club advisor at Washington Township High School, Mrs. Roberts was more than happy to fill the position at Eastern 18 years ago. For students that are interested, ESCAPE club is an open enrollment club, meaning any student can join throughout the year. Mrs. Roberts can be reached via email on the school’s website.
Mrs. Pomerantz started this club because she has been proudly apart of the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry program for the past 20 years and wanted to bring help to students who want to get involved with poetry. “Students come in all styles, from football players to brainiacs to quiet students to boisterous students. There are poems for everyone.” This club is for anyone and joining this club will make you gain better cognitive and memorization skills from memorizing poems and most importantly, “growing one’s heart!” The club holds weekly meetings throughout the year. The first part of the year is rehearsing and critiquing one another for January’s schoolwide competition and the second half of the year is typically writing poetry, sharing it, and making the literature magazine that gets published on Eastern’s website under “Activities.” Padmini Rao was the editor last year for the literature magazine and is now the first person to be President of the club. Poetry Out Loud allows students to express themselves poetically and get to know others through sharing poems. “Eastern needs this club because it gives an outlet for students who are not interested in participating in other activities,” said Mrs. Pomerantz. “Eastern needs this club because Eastern needs more poetry!”
ACADEMIC CHALLENGE By EVELYN STEELE ‘21 Photo Editor Imagine this: it’s a Friday night. You’re sitting down with your family to play a nice game of Trivial Pursuit. You dominate your family, getting every question right. So why not advance from beating your little brother at game night? What if you could combine your trivia knowledge and your love for competition all in one? Eastern offers many different clubs and activities, and one of these includes academic challenge. Academic Challenge has won conference two years in a row, and they’re looking for their third. It consists of 4 people on each team with 16-20 members. Mr. Lindenhofen has been advisor for
15 years alongside Mr. Koger. Lindenhofen began working in the history department after the previous teacher retired, who used to be the advisor for academic challenge. Mr. Lindenhofen explained his involvement by saying, “I had fun and kept doing it. They were a nice group of kids.” Academic Challenge is for students who like trivia and have a well rounded knowledge on different topics. It’s not stressful, but it is competitive. Tryouts for the club are taking place in November, before Thanksgiving break, and the club lasts until March. Academic Challenge helps you develop skills like thinking under pressure and also keeps you up to date on the most recent events occuring in the vast world around you.
Opinion
10 The Voyager
October 2018
Safety protocols for student drop-off should be followed
A
s back-to-school season proceeds, students can add traffic jams to their long list of stresses accompanying this school year. Once again, Eastern has changed its traffic pattern in the parking lot. Though there is a designated student drop-off entrance in the back of the school, parents continue to drop their kids off in the front. Buses and student-driven cars are held up, making many students late. This new drop-off protocol is a security measure. Due to the rise in school shootings last year, Eastern wanted to ensure safety by having only a few entrances open, making it easier to monitor who is entering the school. Most parents and students are unfortunately choosing to ignore this procedure. A little more than half of the Voyager staff takes the bus to school, while the others drive or are driven. The staff was in agreement that disregarding the new rule is disrespectful and unfair for other students. The rule was put in place in the best interest of the students. Only having a few entrances is safer for everyone, and though parents may drop their kids off at the front to avoid traffic, in reality, they are creating more traffic. This is also a problem for students driving to school who need to park and get inside quickly. Some student drivers have said that they have almost hit other students who are crossing the street in front of cars. Students taking the bus also feel the effects of this situation. Attendance is delayed often to allot time for bus-takers to get past the traffic and get to class. Most students have to wake up earlier in order to get to school on time and avoid a lunch detention. Buses are also coming to pick up students earlier than usual. The main issue is that parents are not informed of these new rules. Since the protocol was only implemented this year, most parents are simply continuing to drop off their kids the same way they did last year. Some people also believe that there should be more entrances available to students.
In general, underclassmen should be strongly encouraged to take the bus to decrease the traffic and make more room for upperclassmen vehicles. The staff agreed that the situation is not nearly as bad last year. With more entrances, there were more places for students to be dropped off. With the new system, all parents and students have a common goal: avoid the traffic in any way possible. Students should be dropped off in the back of the school, as the administration had intended. Though most of the staff thought there should be no serious repercussions, others opted for a more radical solution. If parents continuously ignore protocol, they should be ticketed/ fined. This would be the most effective way to force people to follow the rules. In addition, an administrator or police officer should stand in the parking lot in the morning to instruct parents to drive to the back. This new pattern was put in place in the best interest of the students. It is unfair to both rule-abiding parents and students when others brush the rule off. The fault lies in both parents and the school itself. Parents need to take the couple extra minutes to drive to the back of the school and drop off their kids while Eastern needs to enforce their rules if they want anyone to take them seriously. Students are sick of being late, receiving administrative study periods (lunch detentions), and the constant car horns echoing through the parking lot at 7:00 AM. Parents need to learn to comply with a rule of a school that is working to protect their kids.
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
Awards
The Garden State Press Association, “Overall Excellence” The American Scholastic Press Association
By Melissa Wangsa ‘20
Short-e-torials Sexual assualt should not be swept under the rug at academic institutions Education Secretary Betsy DeVos hopes to implement several policy changes regarding sexual assault at academic institutions. These changes include a more limited definition of sexual harassment and a series of stringent rules that would inhibit many victims from receiving assistance. In a country where another person is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds, according to the Rape Abuse & Incest National Network, these proposed rules cannot be tolerated. They would further America’s already alarming rape culture by silencing sexual assault victims and by allowing perpetrators to go unpunished. The American public must oppose these rules to secure academic institutions as places for learning and not sexual assault.
Nike “does it” and makes bold move with its support of Colin Kaepernick Last month, Nike released many campaigns supporting their motto- “Just do it.” One of those campaigns included the face of Colin Kaepernick with the words “Believe in something, even if it means losing everything” in front of him. This decision caused an outrage- bad and good. Many people burned their Nike products after hearing about the campaign because they disagreed with the decision. In reality, though, the situation benefited Nike in a big way. The whole world was talking about the company, even if it was in a negative way, making them more popular. People flocked to the Nike stores to buy their products after seeing Colin Kaepernick’s face. Since the campaign, Nike has received five billion dollars of corporate value . Regardless of support or disapproval, Nike received even more attention after the bold move.
Pope Francis needs to do even more to stop sex abuse in the Catholic Church On the 12th of September, Pope Francis called a meeting of top officials within the Catholic church to discuss the sexual abuse scandal that has been plagued he institution for years. This marks another historic move by the Pope, who has proven to be more progressive and open-minded than others in the past. Topics to be spoken about include the allegations against American cardinal, Theodore McCarrick, who resigned in July, denying all accusations. What else will come out of this meeting, which will take place in February, is still largely unknown, but considering the depth of this controversy, there is certainly much for the church officials to review.
President Trump doesn’t seem to get that opposition is not treason President Trump was outraged following the release of a New York Times article by an anonymous Trump administration official. In the article, the official wrote candidly about how other team members have been “working diligently from within to frustrate parts of his agenda and his worst inclinations.” Calling it treason, Trump demanded the New York Times hand over their source. What Trump does not understand is that the outlet is not required to reveal this information. In addition, by definition, this situation would not be considered treason. If Trump’s aides think he is doing something to hinder the country, they have a right to try to steer the agenda in the right direction.
October 2018
Opinion
The Voyager 11
Books like “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” are needed now By AVA HANCOCK ‘20 Opinion Editor
Looking at this situation from a realworld standpoint- is it okay to continue to shelter students from the issues of racism? The answer is no. n AP English 3, students gather To act like teenagers do not understand around to discuss one of the most racism is insulting, especially in this day controversial books in American and age. By high school, students have history. Mark Twain’s novel, heard every horrible news story and every “The Adventures of Huckleberry awful swear word. They have withstood Finn,” has been widely dismissed from years of American history classes chock curriculum in the American educational full of racism. Why is it suddenly not system due to its infamous and abundant okay to discuss once it is presented in use of the n-word, as well as prominent a way that isn’t clean cut, ending with themes of racism. Lincoln riding off into the sunset with his In an effort to make the book more northern army and freedmen following comfortable to read, Alan Gribben and behind? NewSouth Books published an updated What is learned in version of the American history class is all factual, classic in 2011, replacing “To act like teenagbut what is studied in the n-word with “slave” ers do not under“The Adventures of instead. However, this stand Huckleberry Finn” is the gesture did not bring racism is insulting, real truth. the story back into the especially in this day White people used the classroom. Due to an and age.” n-word with a hard -er. outcry from parents and White people separated teachers alike, Twain’s slaves from their families. White people novel was pulled from copious amounts tortured, mistreated, beat, and killed black of high school classrooms. people without hesitation. It is an ugly, Although the excessiveness of the horrible truth. But it is the truth. There is n-word (219 times, to be exact) is a point no way to sugarcoat it, and people should of dispute, it is also the stereotypical not try to. portrayal of slaves in the 1800s and the Looking past the controversial aspects disturbing topic of racism that causes of the book, there are very important discomfort among many. morals to be learned from Huck and Despite its heated contention, the AP Jim. Twain discusses civil disobedience, Lang and Comp, consisting of juniors, formal education, and, most importantly, continue to study this novel. Ernest an unlikely relationship between a black Hemingway once said that all American man and white boy in the 1800s. The literature comes from this novel. novel teaches people to push past society’s However, it is only at the AP level that ideals and to see past skin color, religion, students get the opportunity to read the and any set presumptions one may have book.
I
Opinion editor Ava Hancock presents her “One Minute Professor Lesson” in AP Lang and Comp on the effect of Huck’s relationship with the slave Jim. Check out video of the lectures on YouTube at AP One Minute Professor: Huck Finn
about a group of people. The positives of this book far outweigh any negatives. All students should have the exposure to Twain’s novel and books like it. “To Kill a Mockingbird” sits in the same position as “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” Many schools have removed Harper Lee’s classic because of its use of the n-word and subjects of rape. Like racism, rape occurs in the world everyday, which should not be taboo to talk about in a school setting. Students need to learn the realities of subjects like rape and sexual assault in order to educate themselves and learn. This defense applies to more than just AP students or principal’s honor roll scholars. Just because a student in a college prep class may not be on the same reading or writing level as an AP student, it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be
Leave a positive footprint on the world
T
he end of my road turns into white students, and white students may an intersection with a sign not feel comfortable around a big group posted that says, “Please of black people. If someone sees a Spando not block intersection.” ish student, they may automatically asEvery morning before school, sume that they’re an illegal immigrant. I wait at least five minutes to get out Does anyone bother to take the time onto the White Horse Pike. Cars ignore anymore to learn one another’s stories? the sign because they’re in such a rush For the people we judge on a reguto get to where they need to go. About lar basis, we fail to understand ten cars begin to back up behind me that they’re just the same as us. and, after many long minutes, one perThat student turning into Dunkin son might be nice enough to let me out. that morning really needed a coffee On the way to school, a grey Honda because her dad went on an abusive turns right into the Dunkin Donuts on rampage, and she didn’t get any sleep. 561. The twenty seconds it takes the car The student wearing pajama pants at to turn must be too long, so the car behind school only had one pair of clean pants them zooms past and honks their horn, left because his house went up in flames. seeming to be majorly inconvenienced. The student being judged by the With loud but unspoken words and teachers is failing Spanish classjudgement in their eyes, I notice a becasue he just lost his mother. group of students at school belittling anWhat if the janitor that just lost has been other kid who’s wearing pajama pants. having a really bad day and now needs In the hallways, teachers comto clean up a great mess that shouldn’t plain to one another about a specific have even been there in the first place? student not turning in his work and Those black students talking in the getting a good grade in their class. hallway were super excited to see each At lunch time, students leave their trash other and report great news from the decorating the weekend. One had gyms and breezemustered up the “We shouldn’t put up ways, assuming courage to ask his someone else barriers in our mind upon dream girl out, the will pick it up. meeting someone for the other got his liAs the hallway cense, and the othfirst time just because near the guider just got a job. they’re different.” ance department Despite what clogs, a black people assume, student belchthat student with es, “These stupid white kids. I didn’t developmental disabilities is actually have this happen at my old school.” able to understand conversation. He reWhen the 200s hall backs up due to a ally enjoys video games and music and group of 5 African American students drawing. When he goes home every day, walking at each other’s side, white he gives his mom a big hug, and she cries kids say “those stupid black kids.” because she sees her little boy yearning A mentally challenged student tries for acceptance. She cries because she to talk to other students in the hallwants the world to see him as she does. ways and gets laughed at and mocked. People shouldn’t put up barriers in African American students may not our mind upon meeting someone for feel comfortable around a big group of the first time just because they’re dif-
ferent. Meeting someone different is actually liberating because of what you can learn from them and accept what they have to offer. It is so easy to ask somebody about their day or get to know their story. It takes less than five seconds to say something to a stranger that might make their day. Anyone who knows me or has read my articles from the 20172018 school year knows that I possessed pretty strong political beliefs. I felt very passionately about my political stance until I realized how little it actually mattered. It doesn’t take much mental endurance to become more loving and open-hearted. It only takes an open heart and an open mind. Everybody struggles, no more or no less. Knowing this should make people more motivated to be kind to one another. Each person is on their own journey, trying to find themselves. We’re all just humans sharing our experiences together. What takes true strength is understanding and accepting that every person you meet is in a different part of their journey.
Kavanaugh is confirmed
By MAYA NITTOOR ‘22 Special to the Voyager udge Kavanaugh was recently confirmed into the Supreme Court of the United States in a shocking turn of events following his senate judiciary hearing. This hearing saw him and Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testifying to the events that transpired during a party in their high school careers. Dr. Ford accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault. However, after a brief FBI investigation turned up empty about the events that happened that night, Kavanaugh was confirmed. This entire scenario has gripped the nation for weeks and has lead to some understandably germane conversations about sexual assault and staying safe at parties, an especially relevant topic for teenagers. There has always been a multitude of advice given about staying safe at parties—everything from keeping an eye on your drink to being aware of your surroundings to knowing self-defense. While this advice helps keep many safe from potentially dangerous scenarios, it only sheds light on half of the story. All of these tips focus on only the potential victims of sexual assault, perhaps giving off the harmful impression that sexual assault is something that can be controlled or avoided with the right steps, which in reality is far from the truth. The person truly controlling the assault is the perpetrator and only the perpetrator, a figure who remains in the dark in this discussion. Both parties need to be discussed for prevention of assault to be successful. So while these tips are necessary, it wouldn’t hurt to teach people to be respectful of others’ decisions and the fundamental rights they have over themselves. So where does this bring us? As a new generation, we have the ability to turn the tables on the stigma associated with the prevention of sexual assault and pave a new path based off of mistakes we have learned from the past. This shouldn’t include a one-sided story, but one that shows that respect is not just ideal. It is a necessity.
J
By JESSICA BONAMASSA ‘19 Opinion Editor
exposed to books with difficult topics. They are still high school students, and more importantly, teenagers growing up in the same America with same amount of sexual assault, police brutality, and prejudice. After all, isn’t the message of the novel more important than the eloquence of the text? Not allowing students of all levels to read about questionable topics puts them at a severe disadvantage. Reading has an impact on students, especially those in the process of developing their own opinions and views. Studying a book like “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” can have a large influence on the moral compass of a teenager. Uncomfortable conversations are the most important ones humans can have.
12 The Voyager
Features
October 2018
Sanitary awareness is forgone in India Most Indian elementary school children do not have basic sanitary awareness, especially compared to American children. By SHREYA GOWDA ‘19 Managing Editor
s
neeze into your elbow. Wash your hands and sing your ABC’s. Eat a balanced meal. These were the hymns of health, drilled into all elementary school kids’ heads. “Most kids know proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. They cover their mouth and nose with their forearm or elbow. They know healthy eating. Most kids know because they teach it in schools now,” said Jessica Culmer, a medical assistant at Advocare Marlton Pediatrics. “Most kids know to wash hands, [to have] regular checkups, brushing their teeth, being active, getting sleep. Everything that’s on my wall,” said Mrs. Heather Karbach, the school nurse at E.T. Hamilton Elementary School. In her office, she has a large well with all the checkpoints for wellness. It’s incomprehensible to think that this was not a memorable part of someone’s childhood. But in other countries, countries such as India, sanitary education is not a large part of the curriculum. “Most kids know hand washing, but in India, a lot of the times they don’t use soap,” said Dr. Ramesh Ragothaman, a private pediatrician. This summer, I volunteered at a sanitary education program in India. It was at a concrete school, with holes in the wall instead of windows. Bright murals of tigers, elephants, and the Indian flag stood plastered on every coverable surface. Barefoot children from third grade to kindergarten sat in respective rows on a concrete patio outside, misbehaving kids getting wacked on the head or pulled by the ears. A doctor was leading a program where she visited several government schools to teach
the basics: brushing your teeth, washing your hands, wearing clean clothes. To kids as old as third graders, she demonstrated the proper way to wash your hands. Kids grinned from ear to ear when they could demonstrate. She finished with telling them sanitary habits, such as “Don’t wipe your hands on your clothes because they are dirty,” and left to do the same at another school. The doctor told the principal that she would come back for individual counseling with the students to screen for any mental problems. The principal laughed. “The kids are the problems,” s h e said. To say
India’s youth needs to become more sanitarily aware of their surroundings is an understatement. India’s under five mortality rate is 43 per 1,000 live births. The United States of America’s mortality rate is 24.9 per 100,000 live births (.249 per 1,000).
The effect of lack of sanitary education can be seen in the leading causes of death amongst the countries in children under five. The leading causes of deaths here is accidents, congenital diseases (diseases from birth), and assault (homicide). In India, the leading causes of death are infectious diseases such as pneumonia (14.6%), diarrhea (9.5%), and sepsis (8.0%), as well as congenital diseases (9.0%). With proper sanitary awareness, these diseases could be prevented and reduced. It’s hard to tell children to practice
sanitation when their parents do not. 44% of India’s population practices open defecation. Only
40% of t h e population uses basic sanitation services. Many children were barefoot despite provided shoes through charities because their parents were not used to wearing shoes either. In America, the parents have a large responsibility in the sanitary welfare of their child. “It’s the parents’ job to educate the child, because there will be times when they are not with the child. So then they [the children] can carry it wherever they go,” said Culmer. Parents take a lot of the responsibility since “they take care of the long-term things,” said Karbach. “It really Infomation provided by UNICEF depends on the role
models at home.” “A lot of healthy habits come from the atmosphere at home. If a parent emphasizes health or exercises themselves, then the child would be more motivated. Parents should emphasize health, because often times, the emphasis goes to academics,” said Dr. Ragothaman. Parents are encouraged to start young. “Most kids get pottytrained by 18 months, so that’s a good time to teach good sanitation habits, such as hand washing,” said Dr. Ragothaman. Most schools implement courses where sanitation is taught, especially hand washing. However, that is not to say sanitary education solely benefits developed countries. According to the hygiene hypothesis, the lack of infections in countries has lead to the increase in allergies and autoimmune diseases. Countries without proper sanitation have less allergies and autoimmune diseases. In older kids, most health problems occur due to poor food habits and lack of proper exercise, which leads to anemia, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and similar health problems. “In my experience with my patients, about 20-25 percent of kids are overweight, especially those who come from lower socioeconomic classes,” said Dr. Ragothaman. 18.4 percent of children 6-11 are obese in America and approximately 20 percent live in nutrition insufficient households, meaning they are malnourished and go hungry during the year. Although that is alarming, it does not compare to the 43 percent of children who are underweight in India. “The most important part of being a pediatrician is making sure a child develops and grows in all areas,” said Dr. Ragothaman. This is a solace to Americans: less than 5 percent of minors do not have access to a usual health care source. Also, only 5 percent of American minors do not have health insurance. On the contrary, only 5 percent of Indian households have health insurance. In India, only 1.1% of the GDP is allocated to health, so two-thirds of households resort to private medical care, which is more effective but much more expensive. Considering India contributes 13.1 percent of the 0-6 population, it may be time to consider advocating for global sanitation rights. Artwork by Shreya Gowda ‘19
October 2018
Narratives
The Voyager 13
Eastern Stories: My advice, be young while you can
H
By SOPHIE FERGUSON ‘19 Staff Reporter
ave you ever felt your youth slipping away? Well being a senior makes every moment feel like the last chance to be young and reckless. It was a Thursday. I anxiously waited in Eastern’s cafeteria. My pack of friends stampeded towards the table to grab seats. I just sat there, brightly smiling at them. Billy, a dark haired boy with the personality of a teddy bear, shot me a look that said, “Oh no, she’s thinking again.” They knew. Everyone at the table groaned when I shouted, “Guys, let’s go to Homecoming!” I got the usual eye rolls and scoffs, but that didn’t stop me. I pushed on. “We’re seniors! It’s our last chance to go, and I know you don’t have anything better to do.” Now travel forward with me a few hours, around seven o’clock, night time, with a dark, humid air. The seats in
my car intensely vibrated to the beat of “Happier” as I whipped my silver Buick into Eastern’s parking lot. I opened the car door. My glossy, five inch heels, clacked on the wet pavement as I stepped out. My scarlet red dress flared and illuminated in the parking lot lights. My long hair blew in the light breeze like a model making her runway debut. Like a movie star on the red carpet, my friends and I strutted up to the main entrance. I paused. I soaked up that moment like time had never been more precious. I shoved open the glass doors into Eastern’s lobby which transformed into a sports lover’s paradise. Long lines of hyped up teenagers extended out the doors as the students impatiently waited to buy tickets. I suddenly felt a wave of nerves crash over me. I didn’t see many seniors. As the night passed those worries melted away. The intense heat in the gym would’ve been
It was a scene straight from “The Great Gatsby.”
Meet the candidates for the Eastern Regional Board of Education from page 6
John Rothman
Robert Cambell
years later, the China I saw no longer exists because their leaders realized to become a modern society you needed a plan for education. My family has always practiced what it preaches and followed through on the importance of education, as I have a brother who is a Professor, my sister and I both have masters degrees, my oldest daughter is working on her PHD and middle daughter working on her BS. Between my global experience, views that everyone should have an education and with my background in modern technology consulting, I know what it takes to focus Eastern on the modern skill sets that need to be made available to all of its students.
5. During Eastern High School’s history of more than
3. As a parent of 2 recent graduates and a Junior at Eastern, I have had connections with Eastern for almost 10 years. You can say I am very aware of the modern issues high school students face such as college affordability, getting an education that prepares you for the future, anxiety, safety, and bullying among others. In addition I have a brother who is a professor where we frequently discuss what skill sets high schools should be focused on to prepare students for the future.. 4. My education philosophy is very simple, preparing ALL students for the modern skill sets needed to be successful. If you want to pursue a trade, join the armed forces, go to college, or try to get into a top university; clear opportunity paths need to be made available for all students 5. There are many good things that go on at Eastern everyday including, GT, Model UN, Clubs, Sports Teams, Band, Fashion, Drama and others, but what makes them truly special are the students involved. I am always amazed by seeing the students run a model UN conference by themselves, winning sports tournaments, putting on award winning shows and more!. I am firm believer that if you want to keep it a special place, you have to continue to focus on making the changes needed to keep it competitive for the future, and those changes would be to help the students reach their full potential.
Veronica Parker 4. Eastern is an amazing institution with highly qualified teachers and powerful extra curricular activities. It is a great place to discover who you really are by participating in different programs and making long lasting friendships. Remember, everything you experience at Eastern will help you become more of you and provide you with exceptional tools to create the life of your dreams. If you believe it, you can become it! It is my vision to ensure that safety, high quality education and enhanced communication are priorities for Eastern High School.
overwhelming if I wasn’t completely entranced. The colorful lights and the bumping music and the mob of students partying made the perfect cocktail. It was a scene straight from The Great Gatsby. As I spun around and laughed at my pathetic attempts to dance, I smiled. These were the moments I lived for. The next morning, I dragged myself to my TIR room with thirty seconds to spare. A voice echoed on the announcements, but one fact stood out. Five hundred kids at homecoming. And seniors were the second most represented class. We were defeated by a mere six people. It’s easy to pretend you’re too cool for school events. In the end everyone, myself included, knows to be young while you can. Homecoming ‘18 gave that vibe that said, “Be young and wild and free.” Advice to class of 2020— find those six people.
50 years, it has been a very special school due to the students, staff and administration as well as the support provided by the parents and citizens of the three sending districts. The district has always attempted to create an atmosphere where all students can succeed. Eastern has an outstanding reputation and I hope to continue to assist the district in maintaining its excellent reputation.
Richard Teichman meetings we have the student of the month, and two student representatives to the board provide overviews of their time at Eastern and their plans for the future. On occasion, we need to understand and deal with problem students. I attend the District Advisory Council meetings that are well attended by students in a less formal setting where they provide useful input. I also attend school events, plays, musicals, graduations, etc. They all help provide a flavor for the student community. 4. I come from an industrial background and held technical and management positions focused on chemical process improvement and new chemical product development during my 40 year career. Over this time I have mentored 25 plus years of chemical engineering and chemistry co-op student, as well new college graduates. During my last ten years, I was also a mentor for groups of Chemical Engineering students at Rowan University. This work involved employer sponsored industrial projects. These connections with older students help me see the need for excellent problem solving curriculums in secondary education and that it is critical for our youth to compete on the world stage. Eastern’s initiatives in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) go a long way to addressing these needs. 5. I have lived in Voorhees with my wife, Jean, for over 40 years. Our boys graduated well prepared for their chosen college paths. Eastern offers a wide range of opportunities, from robotics to culinary arts; from sports to theatre and much more for all students to find their niche and grow as young adults. As a board member I try to make sure every student has access to these opportunities.
The Teachings of the Turf
I
By EVELYN STEELE ‘21 Staff Reporter
still remember the first time I stepped out onto the light green turf field. The smell of sunflower seeds and sweat filled the morning air. I was 12 years old; my first year of middle school. I had only been playing softball for two years, but my dad had signed me up for Eastern’s Softball All Skills Camp. The day was full of intimidating smiles from older players that towered over me, but that didn’t stop me from playing as hard as I could. The first day the turf was under my feet was a dream come true. High school couldn’t come fast enough―the sooner I got to feel the turf under my cleats, the better. My softball life would start on that turf. The green alternative grass held my future in its blades and I couldn’t help but picture myself, number 33 on my back. In 2018, I entered the freshman softball team just as I had dreamt four years ago. The turf was just as I remembered but the team had changed. Since so few freshman girls were interested in joining the team, the coaches had a difficult time filling all of the positions. Instead of the minimum 12 players for a regulation game, the Eastern’s freshman softball team only had 10. Because of these low numbers, a catcher and an outfielder were missing from the team. This was nothing like what I had imagined. In my daydreams, I hit high home runs and slid into home at ease. Yet my dreams no longer ended with the team carrying me off the field, because we lacked a team. I had to change my dreams to be geared for the team’s success and not my own. So one Saturday practice, I decided to step up and talk to my coach about the problem our less-than-a-team would soon face. “Excuse me, Coach Worth? I just wanted to let you know that I can catch for us if needed. I’ve never done it before but I’m willing to try. “Yeah E-V!” said Coach. But the most interesting aspect, is that the varsity coach then learned my name. “You’ll catch?” said Stags. I was surprised when she turned. “Yeah like I said, I’ve never done it before but...” my voice trailed off anxiously. “We can probably get you the gear you’ll need,” she said before turning to her assistant coach, discussing the possibility of getting me some used catching equipment. In an instant, the varsity coach knew who I was. That moment would cause for me to go up to JV games and even selected varsity practices. The confidence I possessed in the sport began to drop. All I knew was third base—if the count is 3-0, I can move back, the batter most likely won’t bunt, if the catcher picks up dirt with her left hand, she’s throwing down, etc. Yet now I had to learn the ins and outs of a new position. I had never played catcher before but it would grow to be my new favorite position. My coach taught me all he knew about being a catcher. The varsity players even gave me their own tips and tricks on how to be successful in the position. Once I understood what do to behind the plate, I didn’t want to return to the hot corner of third. The thrilling turf taught me that life is only made of the risks you take.
Entertainment Whole Foods: the store that provides for all
14 The Voyager This organic store meets everyones dietary needs
the carts of various customers, weaving down each and every aisle. Neutral tones of yellows and browns provide a comfortable feel in the market and the lowintensity lighting reduces the
Anti-hero “Venom” takes to the theaters with loads of gore and villainous glory
By JULIA KIRK ‘19 Staff Reporter Roughly once a week, someone in the family gets stuck with grocery shopping. A best of three series over rock, paper, scissors typically declares the winner. However, picking up items off of the shopping list isn’t as bad as it’s made out to be. Whole Foods Market, conveniently located in both Cherry Hill and Marlton, serves as an environmentally friendly store to purchase foods that assist in reducing an individual’s ecological footprint. An array of fruits and vegetables, all colors of the spectrum, greet customers upon their entrance. Juicy, golden pineapples and sweet blueberries sit stocked on shelves. Scarlet red tomatoes and leafy green spinach line the display along the wall. Tangy oranges and seedless purple grapes make their way into
October 2018
likelihood of an awkward encounter with that guy who used to be best friends with your best friend’s ex-boyfriend. You don’t get that kind of protection under your local Shop Rite’s fluorescent lighting. The people there are friendly. They’ll hold the door for you, they’ll give you a warm smile when you pass, and they’ll make you feel welcome. Along with their immense organic inventory, Whole Foods has many products that serve as alternatives to allergy-inducing foods and beverages. Almond Breeze unsweetened almond milk has become a popular preference over traditional milk brands. It’s dairy free, so those with stomachs that quiver at the thought of ingesting lactose can breathe a sigh of relief. The faint traces of almond Photo Supplied flavor and hints of vanilla complement one another to form a sweet, tasty, and healthy option. Whole Foods isn’t solely revered for their natural produce, but also their wide variety of healthy
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snacks. Nature Valley granola bars, Back to Nature fudge mint cookies, and Snack Factory pretzel crisps tend to be crowd favorites as every seven-yearold tugs on their mother’s shirt to give them the same puppy dog eyes and beg for a concession. Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop is the perfect choice for those that want some popcorn to accompany their movie marathon, leaving no concerns about consuming genetically modified organisms or gluten. They’ve got everything. Go ahead and stock up on some Ricola throat drops to soothe the pain when you catch the cold that is plaguing your fellow classmates. Pick up one of the foam rollers to stretch out that tightness in your calf after a seven mile run. Sort through the arrangements of hydrangeas, peonies, and orchids to finally make use of the vase from pottery you last minute gifted to your mother for her birthday; the opportunities are endless. Strolling through Whole Foods is like waking up on a Saturday to no school, but better. The next time someone calls out from the kitchen that you’re out of bread, grab a pair of shoes, sprint out the door, and head to Whole Foods (but don’t forget your wallet, it’s bound to get pricey).
By CAMERON DAVIS ‘19 Sports Editor The general consensus among fans of the character Venom is that “Spiderman 3” (2007) did him a massive disservice and didn’t give him the spotlight he deserved. “Venom” (2018) attempts to reimagine one of Spiderman’s most memorable villains and give him the storyline he deserves on screen. Venom isn’t just Eddie Brock (the man infected by Venom) or a blob of black goo. The movie does a great job of showing Venom’s parasitical relationship with his host and that they are seperate people in the same body. This relationship really carries the movie, but that’s because everything else is really mediocre and boring. To start, this movie should have been R rated. When you go in to the theatre to watch this movie you can tell some of the action scenes were supposed to be bloodbaths that were cut for appropriateness in the editing room. This is a slap in the face to the fans hoping to see Venom and his counter symbiote, Riot, making a gory mess in the action scenes they were given. Venom isn’t short on violence. There are just scenes where you’re sitting there asking yourself, “Where is all the blood?”
The villain, Carlton Drake, is just an evil Elon Musk. That’s pretty much the whole depth of his character. They try to give him the proper motivation every antagonist should have, but it’s bare bones. “I like space. I want to live in space. Lets abuse poor people because they’re stupid.” He’s just a preachy, annoying, rich guy. You can plug-in any cliche evil corporate man as the main villain and the movie wouldn’t change at all. It takes way too long for Venom and Eddie Brock to combine into Photo Supplied one being, making the first half hour of the movie boring. Every character needs a background and motivation, but it seems to drag on for way too long and doesn’t give Venom enough screen time. Eddie Brock is a funny character, but Venom is THE BEST character in the film. “Venom” wasn’t absolutley dissapointing, especially if you’re looking for a fun superhero movie. Venom is the perfect mix of gritty action and comedy. Venom is great compared to the disappointing “Amazing Spider Man” movies. However, I left the theatre feeling like it could have been so much more entertaining and thrilling than it already was.
Paul McCartney’s “Egypt Station” rolls to the top of the charts By VICTORIA LAPINSON ‘20 Entertainment Editor I remember hearing Paul McCartney for the first time. It was a strange song called “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer”. I was hooked, and I’ve been a huge fan ever since. I’ve even seen him live. Due to my appreciation for the legendary ex-beatle, I looked forward to his latest release, the album Egypt
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Station. I love the musician, but my expectations may have been too high. When Jeff Lynne put out his last album, I was blown away, and I had developed the notion that another old rocker, such as Paul McCartney, could put together an album that catered to his strengths, not just trying to remain relevant. McCartney appeared on The Late Late Show for Carpool Karaoke, a skit that is used to push latest releases
and inflate popularity. I was afraid that he would make into Paul, I’d much rather throw his music with with the this album too focused on appealing to the “hip young Beatles or Wings at them. folks” that watch the show. When I listened to it, I wasn’t surprised. I wasn’t blown away. I wasn’t hooked. I was indifferent to the production quality. I felt a lack of the “McCartney factor” that made the new collection sound like the background soundtrack to an indie film. Don’t get me wrong: Paul McCartney is an idol of mine and one of the greatest composers of our time. Egypt Station just sounded overproduced. I wished some of the songs, such as “I Don’t Know,” were made to sound a little more acoustically. I do in fact think there is potential in the songs. The piano is lovely in almost all of them. But some of the lyrics sound like they were just forced to rhyme. Again, the songwriting of Sir Paul McCartney is exquisite. However it is the production and forced modern sound that I’m not thrilled about. Specifically, the percussion is a bit over done. Songs like “Come on to Me” and “Hand in Hand” showed off an old Paul that was very fun to hear, and I would even listen to on a few occasions. “Happy with You”, detailing McCartney’s recovery from substance abuse is also well done. “Dominoes”, without such loud drums, could have easily been an early 70s Wings track. Overall, it’s a seven out of ten. Sir Paul McCartney will never fail to impress me with his songwriting ability and this album, with the exception Photo Supplied of one or two songs My only wish is that the overproduction was cut back. If these were performed live or in an acoustic For more Rock Write-Ups, Reviews, and setting, it would be an easy nine. Entertainment news, check out The I’d recommend a listen for the diehard fans, but if I were trying to get someone
Voyager Online!
October 2018
Entertainment
The Voyager 15
“Pillow Thoughts” offers raw emotion
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“The Flash” speeds its way to greatness By JOSH MEYERS ‘21 Entertainment Editor
T
he fastest man alive has been entertaining fans for ages in their comic books and now on their TV screens. Created by Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg, and Geoff Johns, the announcement of “The Flash” got many people excited. They wanted to see the fastest man alive on their TV screens and were very interested to see how Grant Gustin would do when he was cast as The Flash/Barry Allen. When Season 1 came out, viewers were not disappointed. It followed ordinary forensic scientist Barry Allen who became not so ordinary when Harrison Wells turned on his particle accelerator, The accelerator backfired and exploded, sending a cloud of dark matter throughout the city. The explosion also caused a thunderstorm to happen. While Barry was working on a forensics case in his lab, the dark matter lightning bolt had hit him. The dark matter had also hit other people, giving them abilities as well. Being hit by lightning caused Barry to be put in a coma, lasting for nine months. When he woke up in S.T.A.R. Labs, he knew something wasn’t right. His world was turned upside down when he realized he could travel as fast as the speed of light. When Barry found out there were other people like him using their special abilities to wreck havoc, he knew that he and the S.T.A.R. Labs crew would need to team up to stop them. With the help of Harrison Wells and scientists Cisco Ramon and Caitlin Snow, Barry had to find a way to catch each dangerous metahuman. But the biggest evil metahuman of all was the Reverse-Flash, the Flash’s greatest foe. When Barry was eleven years old, the Reverse-Flash from the future had gone back in time in hopes of killing young Barry so he wouldn’t become the Flash. But the future Flash had followed him and thwarted his plans. When the future Flash got younger Barry to safety, the
Reverse-Flash decided to kill Barry’s mom instead. Barry’s father was convicted of his wife’s murder and was put into jail for life. Ever since the night happened, Barry has been looking for his mom’s killer, in hopes of setting his dad free. As Season 1 draws to an end, Barry’s ultimate mission is to defeat the Reverse-Flash and get justice for his family. Filled with action, humor, drama, romance, you name it, the first season of “The Flash” was excellent. So, people were extremely excited for Season 2. I don’t want to give any spoilers but the second season of The Flash was just as good as the first. Season 2 had even more drama and was fast-paced and fun. The producers took their masterpiece of a show and made it even better in Season 2. Because of its success, “The Flash” was renewed for a third season. At a first glance of the trailer, you could tell that Season 3 was going to be gloomy. And gloomy it was. Season 3 was by far the darkest of the three seasons of the show but that didn’t mean it was bad. The third season still had a lot of drama and action and kept people at the edge of their seats. Last year, The Flash sped his way back to our TV screens in Season 4. The producers wanted the fourth season to be as light as possible, contary to Season 3. Season 4 did a good job of staying light, like the first two seasons had, but in my opinion, the fourth season was nothing like Season 1 and 2. While Season 4 was just as funny and action-packed, it missed the glamour that the first two seasons of “The Flash” possessed. Even then, though, Season 4 was enjoyable. All in all, “The Flash” is one of my favorite TV shows. My ranking of each four seasons starts off with Season 2, followed by 1, 3 and 4. This year, “The Flash” was renewed for a fifth season that starts in early October.. Judging by its trailer, it looks really good and many people are eager to see Season 5. The Flash could be on for years to come and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the Scarlet Speedster.
Photo by Josh Meyers’ 21
By VICTORIA LAPINSON ‘20 Entertainment Editor
“Y
ou is fine. You is still here. You is going to make it.” “Pillow Thoughts” opens up with the story of a jellyfish named You. From the simple short poem with this jellyfish representing the reader, it’s clear that this is a piece of literature designed for the reader to learn something about themselves. Courtney Peppernell’s “Pillow Thoughts” is a collection of prose and poetry that talks through concepts such as love, heartbreak, loneliness, depression, and joy, Her delicate words in some areas and harsh truths in others serve to educate the reader in emotional downfalls and recoveries. The poems are organized into sections. Even the table of contents reads in a poetic way. Some of the categories include, “If you are dreaming of someone”, “if you are sad”, “if you need encouragement”, “if you need a reason to stay”, and the last section, “these are for you”. The book is great for many occasions and doesn’t require being read in any specific order. Whether on a plane, long car trip, lazy Sunday, sick day, recovering from heartbreak, falling into love, or a simple restless night, this collection has something to offer in every moment. On top of the great literature, the illustrations are beautiful. The theme is a peaceful jellyfish, a nod to the introduction poem. In each section, the jellyfish is reflecting the emotion that is talked about. This is not a “feel good” collection, but a “feel” connection. Through reading, one gets to find purpose in the negative emotions. Recently, Peppernell has released the follow up collection “Pillow Thoughts II: Healing the Heart.” It’s a wonderful read and eye opening experience, filled with smiles, tears, deep laughs, and giddy moments. “Pillow Thoughts” is sure to bring great soul-searching and peace to all readers.
Sparks fly for new “Fire Emblems” By NICHOLE HALL ‘19 Staff Reporter
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or gamers, “Fire Emblem: Fates” (2016) was a train-wreck. Fans had panned the flat characters, the lack-luster story, and the terribly dumb protagonist, Corrin. The JRPG community (Japanese Role Playing Games) was concerned for the next installment, “Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia.” Thankfully, after playing through Nintendo’s newest tactical 3DS game, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. “Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia” is a remake of a Famicon game known as Fire Emblem Gaiden, released only in Japan in 1992. “Echoes” focuses on the continent of Valentia and its two warring nations: the turbulent Rigel and the impoverished Zofia. “Fire Emblem Echoes” is a mixture of “Final Fantasy X” with its fantastical lore, heavy focus on story elements and character arcs, and overarching religious themes, as well as the “Persona” series with the bonds between the characters determining how well they fight in battle together. The gameplay is turn-based, a form of combat in JRPGs where the player can take their time making decisions. The battlefields, which are structured as grids, range from creepy cemeteries filled with reanimated corpses to gold-stocked pirate ships.
To describe “Echoes” in a simplified way, it is “an electronic version of chess, except the pieces are humans”. Like previous “Fire Emblem” games, battle is settled by the player’s intelligent decisions and careful planning. Unlike most games, the members of your army can permanently die, altering the story and the actions of other characters, so every command you give feels weighted. Forecasting damage is also a big part of the game. There are lots of factors to think about: What weapon does the enemy wield? Are they mounted on an animal? Does the tile they’re standing on have any buffs? What are their unique skills? These factors play into the combat; it’s a confusing yet fun challenge for the brain to say the least. The game has two controllable protagonists: the humble yet resolute priestess Celica and the sword-fighting prodigy, Alm. While these prophesied heroes have their faults —Alm is a little too good at leading an army with no prior experience and Celica is constantly trying too hard to be a martyr— both end up being compelling protagonists. The supporting cast, as per usual with “Fire Emblem” games, is filled to the brim with eccentric oddities that you can’t help but root for, from Alm’s pink-clad stalker Fae to the amnesic mystery knight Ezekiel. Alm’s rival, Prince Berkut, is a great FE villain, thanks to his
impressive voice acting, quality writing, and grounded struggles. Unfortunately, “Echoes” has its flaws. The cutscenes have dipped in quality with choppy, ugly animation that tries too hard to look hand-drawn. This factor drags the game down, but many still believe that the good outweighs the bad. By the final battle against Lord Duma, the game’s booming soundtrack and heart-felt conclusion, resonate with players as they topple the prideful dragon god. The rush lost with “Fates” has returned in “Echoes,” and the hype for the next game is already building.
Sports
16 The Voyager
October 2018
Jermaine Donaldson: fighting in the trenches
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By ERIC HORN ‘19 Sports Editor
omething many people don’t know about football is that the left tackle can make or break an offense’s chances of success. When a pass rusher gets by the left tackle, a right-handed quarterback won’t see him until he’s already been sacked. Dominant left tackles are hard to find, but senior Jermaine Donaldson has the potential to be just that. After a breakout junior season, Donaldson received multiple Division I offers from schools including North Carolina State, Nebraska, and Boston College. However, on June 21, Donaldson verbally committed to Temple University. “I really like what they’re doing at Temple.” Donaldson said. “They have good coaching, and an exciting recruiting class coming in. Also, it’s close to home.” Donaldson prioritized programs in which his mother could come watch him play every weekend when deciding on which offer to accept. During football season, it can be hard to balance practices, homework, and downtime. A typical workout for Donaldson includes a 20-30 minute lifting session, and then it’s on to meeting with coaches and teammates. “My biggest source of motivation,” Donaldson said, “is free education.” “One of my favorite parts of the game is the feeling you get during and after a big play,” said Donaldson. “It’s such a rush that you can’t really describe it, but there’s no other feeling like it.” There has been no shortage of big plays this year for Eastern, as the pass protection provided by Donaldson has led Eastern to a 6-1
Jermaine Donaldson blocks a pash rusher to give Andrew Heck time in the pocket to throw.
record, averaging over 40 points per game. Before every game, Donaldson listens to music to mentally prepare himself. “I listen to Chief Keef to get hype,” he said, “It helps me give 100 percent on every snap.” Donaldson is also getting it done off the field. He plans to major in marketing at Temple, and work in the marketing field after college. Donaldson’s favorite memory of football at Eastern was the comeback victory the team
Winsett commits to Rider By ANTHONY CUTRERA ‘19 Sports Editor
Photo by Bryanna Choi
completed last year against Trenton Central. However, that could change in the near future. As Eastern comes down the home stretch of their schedule, Donaldson hopes he will continue pancaking defenders and the offense will continue to light up scoreboards. If the Vikings keep rolling, Donaldson could end his Eastern career with a Group 4 championship.
Tanner Koch: Secretary of Defense By ANTHONY CUTRERA ‘19 Sports Editor
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enior Jack Winsett committed to Rider University to play Division 1 Baseball for the Broncs. “I thought Rider was a nice fit for me. It’s a small school, it has good academics, it’s local. I also have a good opportunity to play as a freshman which was key,” said Winsett. Winsett plays shortstop for Eastern and earned 1st team All-Olympic Conference honors last season. Winsett will bring a lot to the table at Rider, since he does a bit of everything. Last year, he posted a .421 batting average to go along with 21 stolen bases and a 98.3% fielding percentage. However, exceptional individual stats aren’t the only thing Winsett wants to bring to the Broncs Baseball team next year. “Most Senior Jack Winsett plants his foot to secure a throw to first base Photo by Nikkita Hovell importantly I think of in a game from last spring. myself as a winner, which I Priolo. “I played with Lou at Eastern two years want to bring with me for sure” Winsett said. ago. I believe we’ll have great chemistry, and I’m Playing Division 1 baseball has been one of excited to see us succeed,” said Winsett. Winsett’s dreams since he was young. “Just about Winsett will play one more season at Eastern this everyday since eighth grade, I have went to hit and spring to lead the Vikings to victory before moving work on mechanics after school which definitely on to Rider. set me up for this” said Winsett. Jack admitted that it does feel good to accomplish one of his biggest goals, but he is still eager to accomplish more. “It may seem satisfying right now, but I know that I have a bigger goal to play professionally after college, so the grind is just beginning” Winsett said. At Rider, Winsett will have the opportunity to play alongside former Eastern teammate Lou
Complete fall team coverage in the November edition
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astern Boys Soccer started the season off 5-1-1 and showed no signs of slowing down. The team is experienced and led by a group of talented seniors, including defender Tanner Koch. As a captain and four year starter, Koch is one of the team’s leaders. “As the captain I try to lead by example, and hope that I can make big plays that can help my team win” said Koch. Koch is a lockdown defender and usually guards the other team’s top scorer each game, while also having the ability to go forward and impact the game offensively. Consequently, he already has two goals this season. Tanner’s defense has certainly been up to par as well. “I model my defense after LeBron James. Now my teammates call me LeBron. I guess I see some of his qualities in myself,” Koch said. Even with an 11-5-2 record, Koch thinks the team has even more potential than they’ve already shown. “We’re playing really well right now, but I honestly think we can play even better going forward. If we keep winning games, I think we can contend for the state title.”
Tanner Koch bodies a Mainland midfielder off the ball. Photo by Anthony Cutrera ‘19