Volume LVI
Second Edition
December 2021
Two views on the Simmons situation. Page 10 and 11
Investigating Eastern school spirit. Page 11
Eastern Regional High School
Adele’s “30” album review. Page 13
1401 Laurel Oak Road
Field Hockey are TOC champions. Page 16
Voorhees, NJ 08043
“Massively loved:” remembering Mr. Hatziandreou By ANDREW SHINKLE ‘22 Editor-in-Chief
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t Eastern, teachers come and go. Some stay longer than others, but everyone who has taught here has made an impact on countless young lives. Sadly, Mr. George Hatziandreou, one of the foremost champions of education at Eastern, passed away in late October. He was 51. On October 26th, Rancocas Valley Regional High School announced that Mr. Hatziandreou had passed away suddenly. He had been employed at the school since 2013, serving as the Assistant Principal of Instructional Technology and Innovation at the time of his passing. Before his tenure at Rancocas Valley as an administrator, Mr. Hatziandreou worked at Eastern
from 2005 to 2012 as an educator of mathematics. Teaching a wide range of courses including Algebra I Honors, Algebra II Accelerated, and AP Statistics, he committed himself to helping all levels of students at Eastern. Health and Phys. Ed teacher Mrs. Danyle Heilig, wife of Rancocas Valley superintendent Dr. Chris Heilig, remembers Mr. Hatziandreou as a passionate, demanding teacher; one whom students ultimately grew to love. “George was an advocate for students,” she said. “He was a teacher who believed in challenging kids; he valued mathMr. George Hatziandreou taught at Eastern from 2005-2012, and was an invaluable member of the CONTINUED ON math department. Photo courtesy of 2010 Eastern Yearbook PAGE 2
Leaving an imprint on the world
Remembering the astounding Stephen Sondheim By ALANNA STEIN ‘24 Staff Reporter
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hey say you die twice. The first time is when you take your final breath, and the second: the last mention of your name. In this case, Stephen Sondheim is immortal. On November 26th, 2021, American lyricist and composer Stephen Sondheim passed away…for the first time. Tributes to the beloved icon flooded Twitter just minutes after his death announcement. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the genius behind the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, reminisced on Sondheim’s accomplishments, ending his tweet by saying, “We love you. I love you. THANK YOU.”
What’s Inside?
Justice for Ahmaud Arbery - 3 Are Seniors Prepared for College? - 4 Girls Who Start - 5
The Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York City stages numerous shows, including the popular revival of Porter’s “Anything Goes.” Photo by Theatre on Broadway/Flickr Idina Menzel posted, “Goodbye dear sir. We will spend our lives trying to make you proud.” From Broadway veterans to upcoming actors and everyone in between, celebrities made it
clear that Sondheim will never be forgotten. Though you may not know his name or face, you most certainly know his work. CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
Equestrian in the NCAA - 6 Eastern All-Stars: Theater and Field Hockey- 8-9 Voyager on School’s Starting Time - 12
What’s on Teachers’ Nightstands? - 13 Red (Taylor’s Version) - 14 Sexual Assault in the NHL - 15 Winter Track - 16
. . . And the award goes to . . . Congressman Donald Norcross (3rd District) hands junior Christina Beggs a Gold Medal Congressional Award at a recent ceremony. READ FULL STORY ON PAGE 2
News
2 The Voyager
December 2021
Junior Christina Beggs wins Gold Medal Congressional Award
Christina had to choose carefully in deciding how she was going to fulfill the categories. n April 26th, 2021, then-sophFor public service, she volunteered at omore Christina Beggs offithe Waterford Township Public Library, cially received her Gold Medal organizing shelves and assisting patrons. Congressional Award, but the In addition to spending time at the library, pandemic prevented her from receiving it Beggs served food to those staying at a from Congressman Donald Norcross until family shelter with Volunteers of America November 22nd. in Camden and Glassboro. Over the panThe Gold Medal Congressional Award demic, she helped community members is the highest honor that youths can reconnect with their families over virtual ceive. It combines voluntary public serplatforms like Zoom. vice, personal development, physical To fulfill the personal development crifitness, and expedition/exploration, and teria, Christina split her time between two gives young people the opportunity to be of her interests: trombone and STEM. She recognized for achieving personal goals dedicated time to improving on her tromin these categories. In order to receive the bone skills and recently became involved Gold Medal, Beggs and ten other New with the 4H Lockheed Martin STEM Jersey teenagers accumulated 400 hours Program. The program emphasizes makof community service, 200 hours of pering STEM career resources more accessonal development, 200 hours of physical sible and available to girls and minorities fitness, and a five-night, four-day expediby assigning participants mentors in the tion/exploration. STEM field. When Beggs heard In terms of the fitness about the program, she “I knew the areas criteria, Beggs has been knew it was something swimming for the Jersey that she wanted to par- would help me to Wahoos year-round for as ticipate in. further develop long as she can remem“I knew the areas would the personality ber. help me to further devel“Physical fitness was op the personality traits traits and leader- probably the easiest part and leadership traits I ship traits I have for me,” she said. have always valued,” she Her exploration trip took always valued.” her said. around the Batsto ReBecause the program is gion in South Jersey. She self-guided, Beggs had camped at the Winding to stay organized in keeping track of her River Campground, focusing on learnprogress. Her Excel spreadsheets for each ing about the history of the Pine Barrens area became her best friend as she logged as well as South Jersey’s involvement in her hours. the War of 1812 and the Civil War. Beggs The activities completed for each catalso had the opportunity to participate in egory must satisfy a specific criteria, so the opening of the Harriet Tubman MuBy LEAH SNYDERMAN ‘22 Co-Editor-in-Chief
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Hatziandreou (continued from page 1)
-ematics and what he taught. He was massively loved up there [at Rancocas Valley], that’s for sure.” Mr. Hatziandreou originally taught in room 98, but later in his tenure at Eastern, he called room 806 home. Math teacher Mrs. Dianna Davis, a close friend of Hatziandreou, worked next door in room 808, and taught many of the same classes as him. The two maintained a close relationship, both in and away from the classroom, with their in-school dynamic reaching an almost telepathic status. “We would think exactly the same,” she said. “There were times when I would
think of something I wanted to try with my class, and he would be sending me emails of the exact same thing I was thinking of at the same time.” Aside from academic instruction, Mr. Hatziandreou, who often went by “Mr. Hatz” or “Mr. Hatzi,” was also devoted to student life at Eastern. He frequently volunteered to help chaperone events such as school dances and proms, as well as the senior trip to Disney. In addition, he was involved with various school committees, and he served briefly as a coach for the Boys Soccer team; the sport was one of his favorites to watch, as well as play. “He didn’t check in at 7:30 and check out at 2:45; he was very involved in the Eastern community,” Mrs. Davis said. While Mr. Hatziandreou developed a
Mr. Hatziandreou teaches math on his SmartBoard in room 806.
Photo courtesy of 2010 Eastern Yearbook
Congressman Norcross (center right) and Christina’s parents, Nancy (left) and Joe (right) Beggs, present the Gold Medal Award to Christina Photo supplied by Joe Beggs (center left). seum in Cape May on Juneteenth this past summer. Throughout the process of completing the criteria for the award, Beggs found motivation in her core values, knowing that she was helping others every step of the way. “As I got involved in the community, I wanted to do more and more, especially when I found out how enjoyable it was to interact with the people I had met along the way,” she said. The main thing Christina took away from this experience is not the award itself; it’s the learning and self-improvement she received. She became more aware of the different lives people lead, and how we all experience things in our own way. “I think the best part of it was that throughout the process, I learned so much about the world around me,” Beggs said.
“I thought I was helping others but soon realized that they were helping me just as much, if not more!” When she received the Gold Medal Award, Christina felt honored and accomplished, but her end goal reaches beyond the award. She hopes to turn the projects and activities she started into lifelong experiences. As of now, she continues to volunteer with Volunteers of America, participate in the 4H Lockheed Martin STEM Program, and swim for the Wahoos. “I’m continuing to look for more opportunities to help others and expand my learning of those in the world around me,” she said. Christina would like to give a special thank you to her parents, Mrs. Zuk, and Congressman Norcross for their continuous support throughout the process.
reputation as a wonderful educator, he Rancocas Valley in 2013, becoming the was known at Eastern and beyond as a school’s Supervisor of Mathematics, Invery personable and caring man as well. structional Technology, and the Media He made a habit of Center. To say that standing in the halls Eastern mourned greeting students, his departure was an “I’ve never seen always with a smile understatement. students cry when on his face. “I’ve never seen Outside of school, students cry when a teacher left; there a teacher left; there Mr. Hatziandreou were kids crying resided in Philadelwere kids crying phia, and was an when they learned when they learned avid fan of Philly that Hatzi was leavthat Hatzi was sports, particularly ing,” Mrs. Heilig the Eagles and the “Kids genuineleaving,” Mrs. Heilig said. Phillies. During ly really just apprethe evenings, he said. “Kids genuinely ciated and cared for also taught college him, loved him, and really just courses at nearby really appreciated appreciated BCIT. what he brought out Although he lived in them.” and cared for him, and worked in the Rather eerily, US, he never lost loved him, and really before Mr. Hatzisight of his Greek occupied appreciated what he andreou heritage. Born and room 806 at Eastraised in Samos, brought out in them.” ern, it was the home Greece, he loved reof another beloved turning to his native Eastern teacher who country every summer, where he enjoyed left this world too soon. Mr. Nicastro, afspending time at the beaches. fectionately known at Eastern as Mr. Nic, In fact, he would offer to bring Eastern had striking similarities to Mr. Hatzianteachers with him on his vacations, so he dreou. could show them around; a few years ago, They both had boisterous personalities, he vacationed with a group of Rancocas didn’t hold back their opinions, and most Valley faculty. This type of selfless, comimportantly, dedicated themselves to edupassionate behavior truly speaks to Mr. cating their students. Hatziandreou’s character. One thing is for sure: Mrs. O’Keefe’s Character is something that Mr. Hatroom certainly has a storied history of exziandreou showed through his words, as ceptional educators; one that extends up well as his actions. to the present. “Even if you didn’t agree with him, you While the Eastern and Rancocas Valrespected him because he really believed ley communities mourn, along with his in what he was doing,” Mrs. Davis said. friends, family, and everyone else he im“He would go out of his way to help kids pacted during his life, it’s important to that worked hard. He was a big loss when remember the integral role that teachers we lost him.” play in the lives of our youth. Mr. Hatziandreou left Eastern after the Rest easy, Mr. Hatziandreou; your mem2011-2012 school year and was hired at ory will live on.
December 2021
News
The Voyager 3
Jury reaches an all-guilty verdict in the Ahmaud Arbery case
men were arrested and charged with the killing of Ahmaud Arbery. In trial, the McMichael’s claimed that they were making a citizen’s arrest and suspected Arbery of multiple break-ins in their neighborhood. The owner of the building under construcn the words of world-renowned civtion that Arbery previously entered conil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther firmed that nothing was stolen from there King Jr. ; “Free at last, Free at last, nor was anything damaged. Thank God almighty we are free Arbery’s case was closely followed by at last.” For a year and a half, the the public after the video murder of anU.S. and the whole world have been waitother unarmed Black man, George Floyd, ing for the trial of the murder of Ahamud in April 2020 surfaced on social media. Arbery. People watched Mr. Floyd beg for his On February 23, 2020, Ahmaud Arbery, life before dying at the knees of Derek a 25-year-old Black man, was murdered Chauvin, a Minneapolis police officer, for as he was running unarmed in his neighroughly nine minutes. borhood in Brunswick, Georgia. One year The nation was trailblazing with civil and ten months later, his family finally rights undertones, gets the justice they protests sparking deserve as his killers about the treatment “Black kids’ lives do were found guilty and convicted of murder matter. All lives matter. of BIPOC (Black, Indegenious, and on Wednesday, NoWe do not want to see People of Color) at vember 24, 2021. anyone go through this. the hands of law enBefore Ahmaud Let’s keep fighting and forcement, and peoArbery set out to go make this a better place ple chanting the fajogging, he entered a mous words, “Black building under confor all human beings.” Lives Matter.” struction, which was This long-awaited caught on a hometrial took place on November 5th and startsurveillance video. He then proceeded to ed with opening statements and evidence. go jogging two miles from his home. UnAfter nearly three weeks of testimonies beknownst to him, two armed men were and new evidence being presented,the waiting for him in a pick-up truck. jury made the final decision to convict Travis McMichael (35) and his father all three men as guilty on all counts. The Greg McMichael (65) attacked Arbery as verdict, delivered by nine White women, he was running past the truck before fighttwo White men, and one Black man came ing for his life when three shots fired by after more than 11 hours of deliberation Travis McMichael rang through the neighspanning two days. borhood. Arbery’s death was recorded on The following information lists the men video by William “Roddie” Bryan (52), convicted and each count they were conwho was working with the killers. victed of: More than two months later, all three By MADISON JOLLEY ‘23 and MAHAWA BANGOURA ‘23 News Editor and Arts and Culture Editor
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Travis McMichael, who fatally shot Arbery, is guilty on all charges: malice murder, four counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and criminal attempt to commit a felony. Gregory McMichael, the father of Travis McMichael who rode armed in the bed of a pickup as his son pursued Arbery, is not guilty of malice murder but guilty of the other eight charges. William “Roddie” Bryan Jr., a neighbor of the McMichael’s who joined the pursuit and filmed the fatal shooting, is guilty of three counts of felony murder, one count of aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and criminal attempt to commit a felony. Bryan was cleared on the charge of malice murder, felony murder involving aggravated assault with a firearm, and the count of aggravated assault with a firearm. Ahmaud Arbery (pictured above) was shot The sentencing date has not been and killed on February 23, 2020; may he set for the men, but prosecutors finally rest in peace. Photo from New York Times believe they will seek sentences of marched, those who prayed.” life in prison without the possibilArbery Sr. continued their statement ity of parole. of gratitude: “I want to give all glory to Reverend Al Sharpton and the Arbery God because that’s who made all this posfamily are content with the verdict and are sible… It’s not one side that did this. God finally at peace. put us all together to make this happen.” The parents of Ahmaud, Wanda CooperRev. Sharpton ended this press conferJones and Marcus Arbery Sr, expressed ence with a word of prayer and these closwords of gratitude to the press and others ing remarks: “Let it be clear that almost who listened. 10 years after Trayon (Martin), God used “I just want to say thank you guys,” Wanda and Marcus’ son to prove that if Cooper-Jones said. “It’s been a long fight. we kept marching and kept fighting, we It’s been a hard fight, but God is good… would make you hear us. I never thought this day would come, but We’ve got a lot more battles to fight, but God is good, and I just want to tell everythis was an important battle today.” body thank you, thank you for those who
Dobbs v. Jackson debate on abortion spurs division and nationwide chaos By LAURA SILENZIO ‘23 Opinion Editor
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ississippi has historically been a conservative state, and that’s probably not a shocker for anyone reading. So when news broke around the country about the Supreme Court case against their only abortion clinic, many were disappointed but not surprised. The Supreme Court case ruling of Roe v. Wade made abortion legal nationwide in 1973, almost 50 years ago. Since then, the ruling has been under mounting attacks, even more so as of recent due to the current political atmosphere. There is a possible Mississippi law circulating that bans abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. This is the most consequential dispute to come before the court in probably an entire generation, seeing as its debating the line of viability, and its setting a precedent for the future of states’ right to change/adjust laws as they see fit. What’s behind the law is an important question about the stability of the court as an institution in the first place, as things are turned over constantly in the court. It’s not exactly the law itself but the message it’s sending, making the Supreme Court rulings feel more like political acts with a 6-3 conservative majority. The justices have dealt with the Roe V. Wade debate in numerous cases over the span of the 50 years it’s been in place. On Wednesday, December 1st, the court considered a federal appeals court decision that initially struck down the Mississippi law, seemingly supporting these limita-
tions on abortions. The 5th US Court of Appeals, known to be one of the most conservative courts in the country, invalidated the Mississippi law, saying it was a direct contravention of Roe, which in and of itself shows the public the difference between a political opinion and a court ruling. “In an unbroken line dating to Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court’s abortion cases have established (and affirmed and re-affirmed) a women’s right to choose an abortion before viability,” the Court held. Upholding a precedent is important to the court as a whole because it shows citizens that laws are firm and not about any “political agenda.” Mississippi appealed this decision to the Supreme Court, and after the justices agreed to take up the dispute, the state Attorney General said “This court should overrule Roe,” taking it a step even further. However, pro-choice supporters were quick to respond with Julie Rikelman, a lawyer for Jackson Women’s health organization, making the point that if the Court were to suddenly overrule Roe, after some 50 years, the new court would be turning its back on its institutional legitimacy. Sure, it’s 15 weeks now, but what will it be next? This ruling not only affects the lives of Mississippi women and families but also puts in jeopardy the establishment of precedents and the legitimacy of the institution as a whole in cases all over the nation, affecting what is law and what is merely the preferences of the court’s current membership.
The new Mississippi abortion law being considered in the Supreme Court has citizens questioning the stability of the court as an institution.
Photo by Dwain Currier
Uplift is Eastern’s new mental health club
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By SHREYA KOMAR ‘22 Staff Reporter
unior Krisha Parikh has been a central figure in the new mental health club Uplift’s formation, and assists advisor Mrs. Goldthorp with club duties. “The club is going to focus on the importance of mental health,” she said. “We are looking to have monthly meditations along with painting days, discussions on mental health (such as anxiety, coping mechanisms, etc.), movie nights, and anything you can imagine! I really want this club to be a positive and welcoming environment that’s a calm break from the stressful environment of the school.” Mrs. Goldthorp expressed that after seeing students struggle during last year’s pandemic, she wanted to create a community and culture at Eastern where students
can lift each other up. “Our goals are really to create support for people who need it and people who want to get involved, hoping that it spreads to others. We are hoping to invite guest speakers to come in to do some different events,” she said. She defines mental health as taking care of your mind, body, and soul. “It’s making sure that you take time for yourself, because so often we are caught up in the “daily grind” of our routine,” she says. Anyone can join Uplift. Mrs. Goldthorp expressed that the goal was to attract students who can truly benefit from it. “If we can help build up Eastern as a community of mindful people, I think that we can make it a better place,” she said. Uplift is not about padding your resume or forcing yourself through grueling practice sessions. It’s about you.
4 The Voyager
Features
December 2021
Do seniors feel prepared for college? “There’s nothing worse than being a senior and realizing how much I could have done but didn’t. I’m still trying to come to terms with that, while still trying enior year. The moment your to be grateful for what I have in front of high school career has been me,”said senior Ebony Riley. leading up to. It’s your final year Virtual learning definitely had a large of high school before going out impact on the class of 2022. It provided into the world and dipping your toes into a break from the academic structure of a the huge pools of opportunity laid out for regular school year. But are only 2 full you. school years in the classroom enough to Eighteen months of virtual schooling prepare seniors for college? definitely changed things for students. “I feel like college is going to be way Colleges have changed their requiremore stressful than high school,” said sements, and students as a whole don’t feel nior Katie Smith. as motivated as they used to. So, do se“I meet most of the college requirements, niors feel prepared for college? but the whole Common App process was “I feel prepared for college, but my trana bit confusing,” said senior Nick Vitale. script unfortunately suffered in the past “I don’t feel very prepared at all to be year. Dealing with mental health and completely honest. But then again, I don’t grades in the midst of the pandemic was see how high school can fully prepare me difficult” said a source that wished to refor an independent life when we’re still main anonymous. minors. I guess not being prepared is all “My grades junior year fell, and I didn’t part of the fun that comes with going to feel motivated to get them back up,” said college,” senior Giulisaid senior ana Bruzzese. “We used “I don’t see how high school can A n t o n i a Zong. to complain “ I’d like about going fully prepare me for an indepenthink to school. dent life when we’re still minors. to I’m preI rememI guess not being prepared is all pared conber wishing I could just part of the fun that comes with s i d e r i n g I have an stay in bed all going to college.” older sister day. After dowho went ing that for a to Eastern and felt the rigor she was exyear, I never thought I would be happy to posed to really helped her in college. wake up at 6:30 to come to Eastern,” said However, while I feel very academically senior Tiana Cyrelson. prepared for college, I feel very emotion“Online learning gave me a break from ally immature in the sense that I learned the academic rigor of school,” said senior how to cope with stress and manage my Jane Trauger. By KAITLIN SWIFT ‘24 Staff Reporter
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From left to right, Seniors Lauren Kenselaar, Chloe Spence, Sarah Geary, Katie Smith, Nick Vitale, Giuliana Bruzzese, and Cailyn Gallagher eat lunch in the Senior Courtyard. time indirectly—outside of school, on my own—rather than receiving that important information from the school” said senior Arianna Morales. “It’s interesting how Eastern emphasizes social emotional learning but I’m not sure how that idea’s being readily applied in classrooms.” The interruption of the pandemic made students feel less prepared than ever for college. COVID-19 has truly changed the high school experience for the class of 2022 and all of the future classes to come. “There were a ton of things I could’ve done, but they got interrupted by covid. I’m just glad that I have this last year in school, even if it wasn’t what it used to be,” said Riley. “I’ve built some of my closest friendships at this school, and made great memories along the way. But what comes to
Photo by Tiana Cyrelson ‘22
mind first when I think about my high school experience is how much I’ve studied,” said Zong. “Online learning burdened me with much stress and even borderline depression; overall it ruined the idea of the high school experience,” said Morales. The class of 2022 has arguably been the most affected by the pandemic. They only fully got to experience their freshman and senior year, virtual learning gave them a lack of motivation, and colleges have lessened their requirements to accommodate for the unprecedented circumstances of our modern world. The class of 2022 will definitely be one to remember, and a reflection of how the world we live in today affects the high school experience for students to come.
Affordable holiday gifts for teenagers By JORDAN KRAMER ‘24 Staff Reporter
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ift giving for the holidays has been around since the early 1800s. Many people believe the more expensive the gift, the better. However, I believe this is untrue. Meaningful gifts can be found at any price, and, oftentimes, the more personal the gift is, the more sentiment the gift receiver will feel. Teenagers want to give gifts for the holidays, but they want to do so in an affordable manner, which may prove challenging. On the other hand, some might be looking for things to put on their gift wish-list that won’t cost too much money. To help, below are gift options that cover different price ranges and interests for all teenagers. The weather is progressively getting colder, and hats or scarves would be very much appreciated. Affordable ones can be found on Etsy, and you’ll also be supporting a small business! Over quarantine, some people took up the hobby of knitting, so hand making the hat or scarf would be extra special. Gifting a favorite book is very personal, and the gift-receiver will know it’s going to be a good book. If you want to take the gift to another level, annotating the book before giving it to them will allow the receiver to understand all your thoughts and opinions on the book as they are reading, making the gift even more personal. Vintage clothing has been trending for a few months now, and if you or other teenagers are fans of that, it makes for a good gift. Vintage pieces that most teenagers will enjoy are band t-shirts, and those can be
found on websites such as BeyondRetro and OldSchoolTees, or stores like Target and PacSun. However, if you know that you or the gift receiver wants a certain type of vintage article, a great place to look would be at thrift stores or websites like Depop. This will keep the cost low and can allow for great gems to be found. Another trending item among teenagers now are tote bags. They come in all different patterns, and can be found in many stores. The place you’ll find the biggest array of bags is on Etsy, but it is very easy to DIY. Just grab a plain tote bag and some paint, and you can design it personally for the gift-receiver! Self-care is extremely important to practice, especially with the mayhem that ensues during the holiday season. From gifting facemasks, nail polishes, wellness journals, blankets, and more, the options are endless. Since there are so many different items, you can buy under the theme of self care and spend as little or as much as you want. Amazon and Target house many of these self care items, but certain ones can be handmade, such as making a candle or a dessert. Lastly, an underrated gift is simply taking out your friend for dinner or to see a movie. Spending time with friends and family is what the holidays are about, and giving someone a fun experience is both special to them and to you. Even just staying in, renting a movie, and ordering dinner is very thoughtful, and your friend will appreciate it. A pair of new shoes or the latest videogame are all typical gifts teenagers ask for year after year. This holiday season, it’s time to spice up what gifts to give, and what to ask for!
Many teenagers prefer meaningful, personal gifts over extravangant, expensive ones. Graphic by Jordan Kramer ‘24/Canva
December 2021
Features
The Voyager 5
Girls Who Start returns with renewed vigor By CASSIDY GOLIN ‘24 Features Editor
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he business world was run by men. In fact, the first female entrepreneur wasn’t introduced until the 1900s. Madame C.J. Walker was the daughter of slaves who built her hair care empire from nothing. She was the frontier for women-owned businesses. Today, more than 11 million firms are run by women, but women only make up about 19% of business owners. This isn’t enough. “In our world, we are used to seeing men as entrepreneurs,” said Eastern Girls Who Start co-president Abigail Serata, “it’s essential for females to know that there are people like them in these positions and hopefully it can inspire them to follow in the same path.” What is an entrepreneur? An entrepreneur is someone who starts and runs their own business. There is no age, gender, race, or education requirement to being an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship teaches work ethic and problemsolving skills, “good work ethic helps solve problems—not just in business, but in life,” said club advisor Alec Sherman. Business skills are crucial to have, no matter what career you pursue. What is Girls Who Start? Girls Who Start was founded in 2016 by Ariel Beck. The organization is geared towards girls that seek a future in business and entrepreneurship. By learning from
other women’s experiences, students can receive the tools they need to run a successful business, “Girls Who Start exposes students to business professionals by getting to hear their stories and give advice from their experiences,” said Sherman. From Hint Water to Dormify, the wide variety of guest speakers knows no limit. Abby Serata and Eastern graduate Lily Coyne started a chapter of Girls Who Start at Eastern in 2020. “Before it became an official club at Eastern, I participated in large Zoom meetings of Girls Who Start presidents from all different schools in the country,”said Serata. “Besides DECA, which you can only participate in if you are in a business course, there are not many clubs that are like Girls Who Start. I became really interested in what I was learning in workshops and from guest speakers and wanted to share it with my friends, so I reached out to Mr. Sherman and we got the club approved.” Eastern’s chapter of Girls Who Start has already seen a variety of guest speakers. “Last year, guest speakers were very difficult because many people were struggling with work due to the pandemic and we had to do our meetings online,” said Serata. Despite the pandemic, the club was able to meet with guest speakers via Zoom. “We’ve had many successful women entrepreneurs including an owner of her own dog training business, jewelry business owner, and a midwife with a birth
Girls Who Start officers; from left: Dawn Betner, Kejal Shah, Elyse Kratchman, Abby Serata, Carly Schulman, and Nadine Litvak. education business.” There are many guest speakers to look forward to, including Benita Cooper, an architect from Haddonfield. The main goal for Girls Who Start at Eastern is exposure which will help make Girls who start a stable club at eastern. Abby admitted, “When we started, the club was all virtual and it was very hard to get the word across. This year, my hope is to have frequent meetings, increasing interest, and building up our members so that the club can continue long after I leave.”
Photo supplied by Abby Serata ‘22
It is just as crucial to have women’s representation in the workforce as anywhere. Women still make 80% of their male counterparts. It’s time to dissipate the gender gap. It’s time for women to run the business world. “If you are a business-minded individual that hopes to start your own business one day, and would like to know the resources available to you, this club is for you,” said Club Advisor Alec Sherman. If you are interested in learning more about Girls Who Start, contact Abby Serata at abbyserata2022@eccrsd.us.
Investments for Dummies: Tips from an Eastern expert has been highly volatile due to issues inery. Given the largely inflated nature of dependent of the company (COVID and the public markets, finding the entry point the Omicron variant. into this ETF is key. It is suggested that The downward trajectory of the SMA the recent and ensuing dips be viewed as or new investors, the stock marand the recent strength of earnings prespurchasing opportunities.” ket can be scary. It can be chalents a unique entry point to buy into the Moving into a different area, Deere Co. lenging to know which stocks stock.” This is a multito invest in, which to drop, and is a slowfaceted when to do all of it. In the last issue, Mr. “The activity of this stock is most c o m p a n y m o v i n g Sherman, the Investments teacher, recomstock, but mended five of the best stocks to invest closely tied to the infrastructure with focusBrzozowski in. In this issue, we consulted Max Brzopackages that are being pushed by es in agrirecommends culture and zowski, Eastern senior and president of the Biden Administration. In the turf, conreaders take the Investments team. advantage of Max has well-researched opinions, but event of positive news about the s t r u c t i o n the opportu- passing of physical infrastructure, and forthese stock suggestions are for infornity to buy estry, and mational purposes only. Each investor this stock will experience in. financial should always do his or her own research positive price changes.” For new services. and analysis before making any decisions. readers, an They operThat being said, here is Brzozowski’s ETF, or “Exchange Trade Fund, is a comate in the manufacturing, sale, lease, and list of five recommended stocks. bination of stocks, securities, bonds, etc., distribution of agricultural and turf equipFirst up is AT&T, a global provider of and is traded as a whole. ment and related service parts. telecommunications, media, and techThe SPDR Dow Jones Index ETF is The company has moderate growth nology services. Along with names like a diverse grouping of stocks including and could be held onto for either shortVerizon and Sprint, AT&T is one of the UnitedHealth Group (UNH), Goldman term trading or long-term returns. “The largest providers for wireless and wireline Sachs (GS), Home Depot (HD), Microactivity of this stock is most closely tied telecom, video services, and other broadsoft (MSFT), Salesforce (CRM), Macto the infrastructure packages that are casting capabilities. Donald’s (MCD), Honeywell Internationbeing pushed by the Biden Administra“Over the past three months,” Max exal (HON), VISA (V), Boeing (BA), and tion. In these packages are two types of plains, “it has experienced a gradual deAmgen (AMGN). infrastructure: physical and social. In the cline in its Small Moving Average with a While Max predicts extremely slow event of positive news about the passing -$1.50 ~5%. In the last few days, the stock growth, he of physical infrastructure, this stock will still recomexperience positive price changes. This mends an prediction can be made from its vital role investment. in the construction projects that will re“This fund quire its equipment and services.” has followed Moving into the realm of cryptocurrenthe Dow cy, Proshares Bitcoin ETF is a fund seekJones Indusing to find “capital appreciation primarily trial Average through managed exposure to bitcoin fuin its recent tures contracts.” activity inIn other words, this fund does not invest cluding the directly in Bitcoin but instead in assets panicked that have corresponding value to Bitcoin sell-off due and similar cryptocurrencies. “Recently, to the Omithis fund has experienced choppy water cron variwith COVID scares,” Brzozowski warns. ant of CO“However, this fund-and cryptocurVID-19 and rency, in general, is a good hedge play to The second edition of Investments for Dummies the subsethe macro-market because of the negafeatures senior Max Brzozowski and his list of recommended quent recovtive shift in demand for the US Dollar,” stocks. Photo by Tiana Cyrelson ‘22/Canva By TIANA CYRELSON ‘22 Media Editor
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he said. It is recommended that this fund be purchased in the short term and reactively to positive news about Bitcoin itself or in response to negative news about the US Dollar and major indexes.” Of all of his suggestions, Brzozowski describes this to be the most high-risk investment, but it offers the potential of a high reward as a short-term hold. The final investment on his list is Buckle Inc., a retailer of casual apparel, footwear, and accessories for young men and women. They operate in 42 states throughout the US and have over four hundred forty brick and mortar locations. “The principal draw to this asset is its rising dividend yield. All well-balanced portfolios have some equity in the dividend sector. However, it is advisable to place personal equity into this company because of the special dividend ordered by the board of directors to be paid out December 29 to shareholders of December 20 or earlier. In addition to providing a 6% increase in dividend yield, changes to the yield such as this one will create demand and volatility in price that can provide short term profit as well.” The low-risk investment is promising for a long-term reward. With each of these suggestions is a recommendation towards personal research, as no investment should be made without consideration to one’s own personal profile. Smart investing can be a helpful secondary source of income, but each investment should be carefully evaluated.
Featured Stocks 1. AT&T (T) 2. SPDR Dow Jones Index ETF (DIA) 3. Deere Co. (DE) 4. Proshares Bitcoin ETF (BITO) 5. Buckle Inc. (BKE)
6 The Voyager
Features
December 2021
Equestrian emerges as an NCAA competitive sport By ANNA LANGAN ‘22 Staff Reporter
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he NCAA is the collegiate athletic governing body. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, it is officially defined as the “organization in the United States that administers intercollegiate athletics.” The association manages players, coaches, teams, and scholarships throughout colleges nationwide. The NCAA is most popularly known due to college football games and March Madness, the NCAA Division 1 basketball tournament. March Madness generates Senior Anna Langan competes in an equestrian competition. national bets and attention towards Photo supplied by Anna Langan ‘22 the association, but the NCAA is not teams in the same way as each other sport competition is much just for basketball. within the association. Additionally, you more equalized and is It features dozens of less known men’s must be approved through the NCAA by based on skill, which is and women’s sports. The sports range sending your transcript, SAT scores, and commendable. from gymnastics to rowing to lacrosse resume. Rather than competand more, but I’m most focused on a more Schools can offer scholarship money for ing on your own horse, recent addition to the NCAA’s emerging riders to become members of their teams, college athletes are assports program: Equestrian. but since the sport is smaller, it is less signed the name of a Langan will continue her career in college as an Yes, a controversial one. Many people common. NCAA Equestrian teams also random horse(s) and then NCAA D1 or club athlete. Photo supplied by Anna Langan ‘22 believe that horseback riding is not a have strict GPA Regulations and grade asked to complete the ecute a prescribed set of maneuvers with sport, however the NCAA has officially standards. competition on it. precision.” labeled it an emerging Women’s college They practice regularly and work out as This subtracts the money factor and This creates a highly competitive atmosport since 1998. a team outside of their practices. showcases a rider’s ability to adapt to an sphere within the sport, but the level of This means that the sport is smaller but There’s been a recent shift in traditional animal on short notice. skill riders cultivate lasts a lifetime. still fully sanctioned with the association. horseback riding competitions towards According to the governing board, the The NCEA prides itself on “providing As of now, only Division 1 and Division being about money, like many other asNational Collegiate Equestrian Associacollegiate opportunities for female eques2 teams can officially exist under NCAA pects of the equine industry. tion (NCEA), riders are judged on factors trian student-athletes to compete at the sanction for equestrian competition. Rather than competing on level ground, such as, “consistency on course, smoothhighest level, while embracing equity, diThe recruitment process for an equestriit becomes a popularity contest for who ness, flow from jump to jump,” “accuracy versity and promoting academic and coman athlete is pretty much the same as that has the most expensive horses, equipand overall position of the rider,” “seat of petitive excellence,” and they are working of any other NCAA Athletes. You need to ment, trainers, or is friends with the judge. the rider and the correctness and effectowards achieving this! complete recruitment questionnaires, atThe intercollegiate format of equestrian tiveness of her aids,” and “ability to extend college fairs, tour schools, and meet
Nog Off: a surprising charitable tradition By TIANA CYRELSON ‘22 Media Editor
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n November of 2018, a few upperclassmen gathered in the parking lot of the Walmart, shivering as they each held a half-gallon carton of eggnog in their hands. There was only a small group of them, maybe six or seven—but the videos they posted on their Snapchat stories that night would be viewed by over a hundred people. One of them counted down from three, and on the signal, they each raised their carton to their lips and began to chug. The goal was to be the first to finish the half-gallon of thick liquid and be crowned the Nog-Off champion. “I wasn’t there,” said Owen Donahue, the current head of Nog-Off. “I don’t remember if I knew what it was at the time it happened. It wasn’t my idea.” Donahue didn’t join in on this disgusting tradition until the following year, as the event grew in popularity. He recalls posting a flier on his story, encouraging others to come to the event. “Nobody really ran it,” said Donahue. “We just did it because it was funny,” he said. “It started as a joke.” In November of 2019, over 20 teens showed up in the parking lot. They drank nog, some threw up, and one was crowned Nog-Off champion. “It’s terrible,” Donahue says. “Friend to friend? Don’t do it. It ruins your entire night. It changes your perception of eggnog. Definitely.” As the 2020 Nog-Off season approached, Donahue recalls thinking about what he could do with the growing support for the event. He posted an announcement on his Snapchat stating, “Nog-Off is now a charity event,” along with the link to his Venmo for contributions towards Toys for Tots. “I thought I’d get like 200 bucks,” he says, “but going into Nog-Off, we were
already at $1,600.” The incredible support for the event was astounding and caught Donahue off guard. “It was so out of left field,” he described. The day of the event came with over 90 participants, $2,200 raised, and over 300 toys purchased. Owen and his friends were able to purchase over three hundred toys. Donahue recalls this moment as an important one, marking his realization of the difference he could make in the lives of underprivileged children. Then, as the 2021 Nog-Off season began to approach, Donahue remembers feeling the pressure of the upcoming event. Busy with work, school, and sports, it was difficult to plan the event. However, Donahue decided to reach out to the Berlin Farmers Market. “Last two years, the cops ended up coming after it was over. This year, if the cops came, I wanted to have backup,” he said. Much to Donahue’s surprise, the Berlin Farmers Market approved his request. With the go-ahead from the market, Donahue knew he had to go through with it. “It’s really not a well-run event,” he says. “I don’t want it to be. I don’t ever want people to feel like they have to donate or they have to give money to go to Nog-Off. If you have money to donate, please do. If not, just come to Nog-Off.” Donahue understands that not all participants are able to donate, but he appreciates their support of the event nonetheless. Nog-Off stands as an event for entertainment above all else. While he has tied in a charitable contribution, he focuses his efforts on maintaining the integrity of the lighthearted event. Two weeks later, on the night of November 27th, 2021, over 120 people gathered in the parking lot of the Berlin Farmers Market, many holding their own cartons of Eggnog. Owen Donahue, donning his Santa Suit and stepping up to the
line of contestants, waited for the count down. The guys began to chug, and John Sacco, a friend of Donahue’s, was crowned the Nog-Off 2021 champion. Although the night of festivities was over, the work was just beginning for Donahue and his friends. The boys collected over $3,000 to spend on toys and began their shopping. “My favorite memories are buying the toys,” Donahue says, “the feeling of being a kid again and buying thousands of dollars of toys with your friends and knowing that they’re going to kids who don’t have John Sacco, this year’s Nog-Off champion, raises them.” Photo by Wesley Andrews Using Sacco’s the Nog-Off trophy. employee discount at the events, Donahue enjoys furthering the the local Target, Donahue and his friends spirit of Nog-Off. “Without other people, were able to buy even more toys. They Nog-Off is nothing—so I guess everyone focused on getting a wide array, from todcoming together and contributing to Toys dler toys to tween entertainment, for boys for Tots is what it’s all about,” he said. and girls alike. The event started as a joke, but it has On December 6th, the first delivery of turned into a charitable tradition far greattoys was made to a local school district, er than expected. In the spirit of Christand the rest will follow shortly. Despite mas, people continue to gather on the his humility about his success, Donahue cold November nights, embracing the true has created an important event he hopes meaning of the holiday: drinking eggnog will last years into the future. As long as past the point of sickness. people continue to show up, he hopes to Nog-Off now stands as an opportunity continue to host these events. for teens to get together, celebrate the hol“Until people stop showing up, I feel iday season, and support a noble cause: a it’s my obligation almost to keep doing future Owen Donahue never would have it,” said the host. predicted, but is more than happy to conWhile he does not make a penny from tinue.
The Voyager 7 Features What’s up with “finna,” “fam,” and African-American English words?
December 2021
At the time, the Oakland Unified School District tried to use AAVE as a way to help Black children understand n 2021, any teenager might stroll standard American English, into the crowded halls of their and attempted to declare it middle or high school, join their as its own language. group of friends perched against This only caused a spark the metal lockers and greet them with, of outrage, as people ques“What’s good, fam?” They’ll trade tioned things like “ain’t laughs and talk in loud voices, with sen‘ain’t’ a word?” tences like “I’m finna go off this weekHow is AAVE grammatiend” and “Stop capping” flying around. cally written? There are A teacher might walk by and mutter many rules of AAVE; to under his or her breath, “these kids and name a few, compared to their slang.” standard American English, Words and phrases like “on fleek,” AAVE excludes to-be verbs “periodt,” and “snatched,” to name a like “is” and “are.” For exfew, are in the daily vernacular of Genample, “he be workin’’’ or Z. They smile at their phones, thumbs “I know you playin.” AAVE twiddling away, texting words such as also uses negative concords “purr” and “bae” because they’re trend(double negatives), which is ing in the TikTok comment sections. a huge grammar red flag in However, some Gen-Z members don’t standard American English. know that these words are buried into If an English teacher heard history and already have a name, entiyou say, “Can’t nobody say tled African-American Vernacular Enghe ain’t workin,” they’d corlish (AAVE) or Ebonics. rect you, but this is acceptAAVE has a controversial origin. able in AAVE. Some critics suggest that it originated What’s the problem with after African slaves arrived in America, Gen-Z’s internet slang has a deeper history than AAVE in society? in their attempts to learn their captors’ what’s in TikTok’s comment sections. The short answer is rac Photo by Mahawa Bangoura/Canva language. ism and linguistic stigma. Other critics suggest that AAVE was nity as Ebonics, which is a portmanteau Many of the things Black people do are already a language: a mix of Creole and of the words ebony (black) and phonics defective in America, so it’s no surprise various West African languages. In 1996, (sounds). that the way they speak is one of them. it became known in the Black commuBy MAHAWA BANGOURA ‘23 Arts and Culture Editor
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To grammar police and other linguists of the world, AAVE is “broken English” or “lazy speaking,” and those who use it are considered uneducated and unsophisticated. AAVE reaches a massively-wide audience when rappers such as Drake, Jay-Z, and Kendrick Lamar use it. Hip-hop and rap artists commonly use AAVE, sometimes even creating new words. Because of this exposure of culture, it’s okay to rap in AAVE, but not speak it in a professional setting or around people who don’t speak it. This opens up a new can of worms, inviting breathy slurs like “ghetto talk.” Because of this, some Black people will code-switch (when Black people switch the way they’re speaking and acting to interact with those around them, usually colleagues). Personally, I’ve been told that I speak “eloquently” or “White” when I’m not using AAVE. I’ve also heard people say things like “I’m using a Blaccent” when they’re not Black themselves, as if to mock the way some Black people speak. At the end of the day, members of Gen-Z should understand that phrases like “chile anyway,” “sis,” and “real one” aren’t internet slang, nor are they solely part of vernacular. They have a history that we are partaking in. So, please be aware that it’s nothing new, before “the OG’s put you on blast.”
The Class of 2023: How stressed are juniors? By LAN ANH NGUYEN ‘23 Staff Reporter
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unior year is infamously known as the hardest year of high school. Juniors are piling on AP classes to challenge themselves as well as to look good for colleges. On top of the harder classes, they have to worry about SATs, AP exams, and driver’s tests. In addition to all this madness, they also have to start researching and visiting colleges, and make time for their friends and family. It is definitely a vigorous year for sixteen to seventeen-year-olds. However, this year is even harder on the Class of 2023 due to COVID-19. Last year, students didn’t have to worry about getting dressed or traveling to school. Classes at Eastern started at 8:00 AM last year; now the first period begins at 7:30 AM, which means most students have to wake up at 6:00 AM. School was also on Zoom, which means it was easy for students to nod off and not pay attention, which is why AP scores were lower last year. These learning difficulties also affected this year, because sophomore year, like any other year, was the foundation for the next year, especially in terms of tough classes like US History II and Precalculus. This year, class time was extended back
to pre-COVID timing, which means students need to have longer attention spans; not to mention a change in the learning environment. Back in quarantine, you were by yourself with family; this meant less gossip, judgment, toxicity, and more of a healthy lifestyle. Now, people have to worry about what they wear, and how to act. So after so much added responsibilities and such a massive adjustment, how are juniors doing? As a junior myself, I can definitely say the change was not easy. During September and October, I was struggling with time management because I wasn’t used to getting so much work. I would push everything off and sometimes turn work in late or not even do it at all. It was obvious that I lacked work ethic. Then, when my grades dropped and the lectures from my parents arrived, I knew I had to pick up the pace. I interviewed over twenty juniors, and most of them shared similar problems. “Time management is key for a successful high school career,” said Mahek Jhaveri, who is balancing four AP classes. On top of that, juniors also mentioned how they were not getting enough sleep due to all the work. Some students were skipping meals, such as lunch in school, because of labs or to complete the work they didn’t finish the night before.
“I can’t eat when I’m stressed,” Siya Nayyar said. Other students just plainly forgot. For students who play sports, it’s a strong commitment of likely six days a week and two hours per day. By the time they get home, it’s pitch-dark, and their bodies and minds are so exhausted that it’s hard to study or finish All the responsibilities that come with being a any work. As juniors, junior — SATs, AP exams, college searching, many 11th Photo by Lan Anh Nguyen/Canva a lot of us are graders find themselves stressed. achieving leadwork done in school or immediately after ership positions in clubs, which means school, so that they would have the whole more commitment and time. Therefore, evening to do other things. time with family and friends has deNow that it is December, most juniors creased. are used to the schedule and their classes, Obviously, not all juniors are strugbut they also feel very burned out. gling. Some people were able to transiWinter break can’t come soon enough! tion with ease. They were able to get their
NJ Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-572-SAFE “It is not in our stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves” - Shakespeare Rest In Peace Katherine Kelemen, 1999-2021 Eastern Class of 2015
Eastern A
8 December 2021
“Performing is everything to me. Being onstage gives me a place to escape and just simply have fun... We’re all just one family.” -Monica Pham ‘24
“The thing that makes it all worth it is how it affects others. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re the leading role... or literally a person playing a tree. It’s all collaborative.” -Annette Kroes ‘22
Eastern All
“Playing Field Hockey for Eastern has been a huge part of my development as a person and a student. It has helped me become a leader on and off the field.” -Izzy Bianco ‘22
All photos by Tiana Cyrelson ‘22
All-Stars
The Voyager 9
“I’d say the arts, to me, are just a way of escapism. You can leave your worries and cares at the door and just fully engross yourself with the material and cast. It’s pretty therapeutic in a way.” -Nick Vitale ‘22
Stars:
actors & athletes
“Eastern Field Hockey means the world to me. It gave me so many friends and memories that will last a lifetime. It even taught me important lessons that I will carry on with me as I start my next chapter in life.” -Tess Herman ‘22
10 The Voyager
Opinion
December 2021
Ben Simmons’ Mental Health: Ben Simmons uses mental health as a contract loophole Leading up to the 2016 draft, while many scouts and teams saw the strengths in Simmons, scout Jonathon Givony saw another major flaw that has played a maen Simmons, what happened to jor role in Simmons’ actions while dealyou? 76ers’s fans, critics, staff, ing with his Philadelphia team. In a 2016 players, and myself alike, ask scouting report Givony writes, “Simthemselves this question while mons’ lack of competitiveness in crucial looking at the team’s mediocre 12-11 games has raised questions about his record, and thinking back into what “the character … Those who know him best process” truly could have been. say he needs things to revolve around him Unpacking this back and forth conflict on and off the court and that he’s often between a broken player and a still hopebeen close-minded to coaching or instrucful organization is a strenuous task. Sepation.” rating the truth within the lies, this “game Givony saw this before any of us came within a game” seems to be never ending. to terms with it. Simmons has displayed Drafted to the Philadelphia 76ers with this inner the first pick in the 2016 NBA draft, Ben “drama queen” personality, while trying Simmons was a standout player with the to avoid any interactions and play for the utmost potential. He was a player worthy sixers; his true colors have begun to shine of his all-star status starting from his colthrough the thick exterior. He has even lege career with the NCAA, where stats gone on greater lengths to claim “mental comparable to his were last recorded in illness” to 1994. Simavoid getmons had ting fined many strengths for lack as an allof appeararound athletic ance. player; passAfter ing, defense, the game and ball han7 loss in dling skills ulthe playtimately made off series him the numagainst the ber one draft Hawks, pick. Ben Simmons from Game 7 of semifinals the 76ers However, against Atlanta Hawks. Photo by SkySports knew they Simmons has needed to always strugre-evaluate the future of Ben Simmons on gled with his jumpshot, developing into this rising team. Head coach Doc Rivers later struggles with his foul shooting, as was willing to work with Simmons before he averaged 34% in the 2021 playoffs. simply throwing him away for new talThis contributed to what ultimately startent, but following the summer off-season, ed the media’s critiques in June of 2021, Simmons did not show up to any mandaspiraling into the start of the ongoing Sixtory team events. ers vs. Simmons’ controversy.
With the support of his teammates, he still refused to reach out or communicate with them. He initially supported Simmons, but Joel Embiid, Simmons’ confidant on the court, has fínally had enough. He addressed the public succeeding Simmons’ incident at practice,, “At this point I don’t care about that man honestly…he does whatever he wants. That’s not my job. …” With Embiid being the face of this Sixers team, what once was support has turned into a general consensus to start moving on. Spoken from Embiid’s mouth in that same interview, “At the end of the day, our job is not to babysit somebody,”. Failure to show results in failure of pay. After an excuse of a back injury at the start of the season expired, Simmons began to get fined from his 33 million per year salary, alerting him of his absence on a team that relied on him to play. This is when he and his agent, Rich Paul, found the loophole that would stop the loss of payment for Simmons, while still getting excused-absences. Good timing, right? In the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of the NBA, an agreement filled with terms and conditions built into players’ contracts, protecting their salary, it states,“if such failure has been caused by the player’s mental disability”,referring to an excused reason of a player’s failure to play for his team. When Simmons said he wasn’t “mentally ready” to play for the 76ers, by contract, the organization had to stop the deduction of his salary, by storing the fines into a personal escrow account. Simmons and his agent, Paul, have used this to their advantage to further delay his play for the Sixers. Following this discovery, more evidence arose that raises doubt in Simmons’ mental health issues. Simmons initially refused to meet with
The Source of Spirit Spirit Week, prom, and class trips serve as reflections of the school community rather than proponents of it. In fact, Spirit Week in 2021 marked a couple of records: a record amount of food drive donations to St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, and one of the best turnouts to the homecoming dance. The same students who chose five in the survey explained their source of pride coming from their interactions with the school. In other words, the Viking spirit exists within those involved in the well-being of the school. With over 60 activities, sports, and clubs to choose from, there’s plenty of opportunities for students to integrate themselves into the Eastern community. Students who regularly participate in extracurricular activities solidify a personal connection and more of a reason to participate in school events. So it’s clear we have potential to create that strong community due to the various clubs, activities, sports, the school provides generously to students. Despite this, administrators, teachers and student council representatives agree that Eastern has low school spirit compared to other schools. Just fifteen minutes away, Cherokee’s Chiefs and further north Oakcrest’s Falcons are noted for their passionate school spirit. They’ve both captured an invaluable resource: a unifying sense of enthusiasm for a community to strive for success. So what’s the critical difference—or differences—that separate Eastern’s school spirit from other schools? But firdt it’s importsnt to note the influence of pride on a personal level.Ted Talks
conducted an experiment to test how feelings of pride influence work ethic. The experiment showed that “pride nudges the mind to value the future. So perhaps pride doesn’t always precede a fall; instead, it fosters diligence and dedication.” In other words if one’s individual pride is connected to their desire to succeed, then imagine what this means on a community level—a group of people actively working together to find success. While Eastern maintains strong communities in their clubs and sports they more so represent isolated and divided bubbles of the school community. This along with other factors such as teacher departamentalizacion, the physical structure of the school, and the intense rigor of the daily schedule contribute to the lack of school spirit (and will be explained in more detail in a future article). They ultimately all contribute to feelings of division and isolation, enemies to the creation of a supportive community vital to both fast growing scholars, teachers and staff. Pride is synonymous with respect, a feeling of admiration that desires improvement and change for future generations. It’s not that we don’t have zero school spirit, but it’s that we should have more. In an age recovering from a pandemic it’s important more than ever to invest in the mental health of students by ensuring they have a community that supports them in a time of exponential growth. Eastern has great potential to unify clubs and their communities through extracurriculars which in turn, raises school spirit. One student said “I really like this school, I feel like most of the people
By MAYA DUNKELMAN ‘24 Staff Reporter
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mental health specialist’s from the team’s staff. Instead, he has been reportedly working with doctors from the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). Further, he will only tell the team about his progress once he feels “comfortable” with doing so, meaning his fellow players and staff don’t know if any conclusive issues have been found or if these sessions have even been helpful. If Simmons was to come back to the team updating them with news of no mental illness, he would either be forced to play, or fined once again, evidence that he is extending this “mental health” claim much longer than necessary, by not communicating with the organization of his mental status or progress. Another question Sixer fans are asking is; would Ben Simmons be magically mentally ready if he were traded to another team? If Simmons’ wish was to come true and he was traded to another team, would his mental issues disappear? He says he’s not mentally ready to play on the 76ers, but that doesn’t mean he has actual mental illness. The CBA is contractually obligated to excuse him but he hasn’t provided any real proof showing serious issues. Real mental issues do not change no matter where you go. Being in Philadelphia might be ruining his self confidence, and confidence to play basketball, but that is not equivalent to mental illness. Ben Simmons, a proven drama queen, is faking his mental illness to keep his money while staying on the sidelines. The timing, the claims, and our prior knowledge of his character is proof enough. His selfish actions have hurt everyone involved in this conflict, including some hurt at home from these illegitimate claims, seeing their own struggles made insignificant and as a tool for exploitation.
To Revive Our Viking Part One: The State of Eastern Pride By ARIANNA MORALES ‘22 Co-Editor-in-Chief
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o all the Eastern teachers, students, and staff, this one is for you. In the rush from class to class there’s a cold wisp that staggers through the halls, a signature of the diminishing flame of enthusiasm that is Eastern’s school spirit. In a survey that asked students to rate their pride from one to ten (one being absolutely none and ten being comparable to zealous pride), the average score was a five, indictivative of some school spirit within the student body. It hasn’t been completely snuffed out, but there’s still a sense of apathy towards the school. One junior said “Pride is something we need more of in Eastern.” Was Eastern always like this? This series aims to answer these questions and more as it determines how much pride students feel towards the school, the factors that lead to the present, and what can be done in the future to improve it. The Definition(s) of School Pride When asked what school pride meant to them, answers from students, teachers, administrators, and student council all varied yet emphasized one phrase: unity in community. Dr. Clarke, vice principal of the class of 2022 and supervisor of the English department, said in an interview “school spirit is a feeling that people...ha[ve] about the environment...feelings of pride, feelings of connectedness, feelings of belonging...you put them all together, you have school spirit.”
The results of the survey that asked students various questions about school spirit. Photo by Arianna Morales / Canva
here are genuinely doing their best, and if you’re laughing at that statement right now just pause, push aside that one negative comment you heard and made yourself believe, and really look around at the students and staff. You probably will find much better people staring back at you than you originally saw.” What will it take to revive the Eastern viking? This is what this series is all about, and it’s only the beginning. Stay tuned for “To Revive Our Viking Part 2: The History of Spirit Week.”
December 2021
Opinion
Should It Be Taken Seriously?
The Voyager 11
Ben Simmons: A man’s struggle with mental health By TIANA CYRELSON ‘22 Media Editor
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en Simmons, a well-known 76ers player, has recently taken a personal leave of absence from the team, on account of his mental health. He was a player with potential and the team’s first overall selection in the 2016 draft, but after the Game 7 loss to Atlanta last year, his abilities were being re-evaluated. While his other stats remained strong, his jump shot lacked ability, which later affected his foul shooting, and he lost his competitive edge. In a critical moment of Game 7, he passed out of a wide-open dunk to Matisse Thybulle with just minutes remaining in the game. Simmons knew he had disappointed his teammates, his coaches, and the thousands of fans in the stands. According to an article published by ESPN, “Sixers coach Doc Rivers was asked after that Game 7 loss if Simmons could be a Championship-level point guard. “I don’t know the answer to that,” Rivers said. This was the first major sign of an upcoming downfall in Simmons’ mental health. As the next season rolled around, Simmons refused to appear at team practices. From the start of the season, Simmons didn’t show up to anything in relation to the team. He demanded to be traded, stating that if he was not traded by the end of August, he had no intentions of showing up to trading camp. Fans only saw cowardice and called him such things online. Simmons knew from the start he had let down his fans and team and hoped to get a fresh start with a new team. While he had loyalty to the Sixers, facing them after last year’s defeat felt impossible, so he requested a trade. This was refused, on the grounds that he had a responsibility to “raise his trade value,” so Simmons kept to his word. At the time, Simmons had a salary of 33 million dollars: an extremely high amount, but average for professional sports players. In order to preserve this pay, Simmons first claimed a back inju-
ry, unwilling to admit his struggles with mental health were causing him to bail on the team. In accordance with his contract, the team began an Escrow account, placing the funds Simmons would be receiving into it until he returned to play. Practice after practice, he continued not to show. He had no relations with his teammates or coach, speaking only with his advisor. As time went on, with no physical diagnosis of a back injury, Simmons was forced to admit the truth: his struggles with mental health were holding him back. Immediately, Simmons was hit with the backlash from thousands of Sixers fans and reporters on social media. They harped on him for not doing his job, denying his responsibilities, and betraying his team. John Johnson, host of Sports Radio 94wip tweets, “Ben Simmons is a gutless coward, who is going to report because of the only thing he cares about. Money.” These brutal fans did nothing to help Simmons. For a world that claims to care about mental health struggles, they were ruthless and cruel towards the man, insisting that he “man up” and come play. As the team moved into the Preseason, Simmons’ pay began to be permanently docked. For each game he missed, $360,000 would be fined from the $8.1 million in the Escrow account. After missing the entire season, this would total 1.4 million dollars. Even if he is traded or returns to play, at this point those funds are non-refundable. With so much money on the line, why is Simmons continually called a “coward” and a “fake”? The answer is simple: modern sexism. Despite being entered into a contract, Simone Biles recently withdrew herself from competing in the Japan Olympics for the same reasoning as Simmons: mental health. For the world of competitive athletes, the pressure can be immense, and some handle it better than others. “To do something that I’ve done forever and just not be able to do it because of ev-
erything I’ve gone through is really crazy because I love this sport so much. It’s hard, I’m sorry. And I don’t think people understand the magnitude of what I go through,” says Biles on the issue. When Biles withdrew due to mental health issues, the media was understanding. This decision was not Ben Simmons watches the court intensely during without backlash, but the Photo by SkySports practice. majority of media stood behind her, believing in the ing a few of his training sessions. Still, pressures of a highly competitive envithe Sixers push him for more. While they ronment. may rely on him as both an employee and The factors of this were twofold. First: a player, it is important to understand that Biles was a woman. In the world of menmental health struggles take time. tal health, it is more accepted to be a In the meantime, he continues to be bewoman that struggles with it than a man. rated by fans, claiming he is “fake” and For a woman, it is believable. For a man, “cheap,” pulling a trick to continue to get it is “fake.” a paycheck without putting in the work. While the particulars of the situation The truth is, Simmons cracked under the varied greatly, the principle of the matter pressure of his team. is the same. In a moment when his perfor“Now that we understand that relucmance mattered, he faltered, and that took tance from Ben, it all makes sense. There a toll on his mentality. To be boo’d and was a shying away from it. If Ben has recajoled from a crowd of thousands is no peatedly shown behavior that entails he easy weight to bear. isn’t mentally ready to play, embrace him. The second reason for this divide in Support him. We have to remove our ego reactions was the support from the team from it. We all have to take responsibilitself. For fans to see the rest of the US ity,” says Paul, understanding the role the Olympic team backing her, it was comteam plays in an athlete’s mental health. forting and taught them how they should Mental health has no timeline, no agenreact. da, and no care for jobs or responsibiliOn the other hand, the Sixers manageties. Simmons made it clear that to him, ment has done nothing but push for a rethe Sixers was a harmful environment. turn. While it is understandable that they After repeated requests to trade, he was were relying on him as a player, his condenied, and this trapped him in a negative tract states that a mental health problem situation. Simmons informed the Sixers is to be treated like any other physical he could not resume training with them, injury. yet they continually pushed him to do so. They have forced him into several psyWithout fans or a team to support him, chiatric evaluations, each with someone Simmons was left to a slow recovery. Evemployed by the team. Rich Paul, Simery injury takes time to heal. If a sprained mons’ agent, disagrees with these actions. ankle is continually walked on, it will “He’s not there yet. How can a doctor, only injure further. For Simmons, now it who has only met with Ben once, say, is important to alleviate the pressure on ‘Ben is mentally ready to play?’ So do we his ankle. If they refuse to let him go, the keep digging on him, or help him?” Sixers have a responsibility, both moral Simmons has begun to make progress, and contractual, to support Simmons. returning to the team’s gym and resum-
It’s time to follow through on promises to improve climate By ANTONIA ZONG ‘22 Managing Editor
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he Glasgow COP26 kicked off October 31, 2021, and ended on November 12 brimming with empty promises and long overdue financial vows; vows of which were promised to less developed countries more than a decade ago. One of the key issues brought up at Glasgow concerned the 2009 COP’s plan to raise $100 billion for less developed countries to acclimate to clean energy. Twelve years later, not even half of this extravagant sum has been seen by said countries. Of course, this donation is by no means easy to gather; the global destruction of Covid-19 has greatly dampened efforts to push the focus on climate finances. COP26’s solution to this financial hole was to “call for developed country Parties to at least double their collective provision of climate finance for adaptation to developing country Parties from 2019 levels by 2025,” as stated by The Climate Finance Delivery Plan. Possessing a concrete deadline is a reassurance for now, but experience has shown that humanity doesn’t particularly fare well under timely pressures. If governments weren’t keen on raising
the finances Adaptation when the m u s t e c o n o m y come after wasn’t straining mitigation, under a global and currently, pandemic, it’s mitigation difficult to see efforts are still how politicians substantially will allow lacking. The billions of arctic is still dollars to leave melting at an the precious alarming rate U.S banks. each year, and After a vast greenhouse economic gas emissions depression of in the oceans The cartoon depicts Earth’s dire need to the pandemic, h a v e n ’ t receive more climate funding amid rising temcountries subsided Photo by Antonia Zong/ Canva peratures. must work to nearly enough build recovery programs that allow for for marine ecosystems to rehabilitate the economy to heal, and simultaneously themselves. for the transition into clean energy. CO2 emissions have dropped by Climate finance is by far an essential 6.4% , or 2.3 billion tons, since the element to global warming mitigation Covid-19 pandemic started: a bittersweet efforts, with large-scale grants improvement on the meager efforts put representing a sizable portion of the U.S’s into place before 2020. Who knew deadly financial contributions. These finances are viruses would make the largest dent on divided into two categories: mitigation anthropogenic environmental disasters? and adaptation. Humanity can’t rely on global pandemics While the control of both are crucial to forever though. Mitigation finances must cooling up the Earth, mitigation could be be put to use through the $100 billion described as that focal point where all budget, and governments around the governments should be looking towards. world must actually take the money, and
put it towards mitigation programs. The peak of mitigation efforts have taken shape in the form of a potential coal deal. Governments plan to completely eliminate coal-fired plants, which would vastly improve CO2 emissions, and would require a full restructuring of the current transportation and electricity infrastructures. The loss of coal-fired plants would greatly reduce the production of electricity temporarily, but renewable sources are proving to be more and more reliable. Geothermal energy continuously uses the circulating heat beneath the Earth to power both heating systems and cooling systems. Although geothermal energy systems are relatively expensive for individual homes to own, these energy plants are significantly less expensive than coalfired plants. Large coal-fired plants can reach up to $2 billion to cover safety and production costs while smaller geothermal plants only cost $3,000-$5,000. Indeed, action is currently being made, but global governments must match the mitigation and adaptation paces with the progression of climate change. Earth won’t wait for humanity to catch up. Rapid action must take place to truly keep this planet under 2º C of warming.
Opinion
12 The Voyager
December 2021
School or Sleep? A later start time would benefit both
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he phone alarm plays the melody of choice at 6:00 am. You just lay there, eyes closed, and think, “Dreams, please take me back. Waking up is the last thing I want to do.” Don’t worry. You’re not the only one. The Voyager staff also dreads that melody as well. Sleep research suggests teenagers (13–18) need 8 to 10 hours of sleep a day, but teens actually average 5-6 hours. At lunch, stories circulate of how friends got “three hours of sleep,” or “pulled an all-nighter” to complete school work. All they want to do is go home and sleep; it’s not uncommon. Most American adolescents aren’t getting enough sleep, and for high school, that number is over 70%. A lack of sleep impacts overall student health, well-being, and academic success, even contributing to longterm health consequences. It all chalks up to the very thing we wake for — school. Homework for school, clubs for school, sports for school. Trying to squeeze in quality time with friends and family because you’re busy with school and extracurriculars. And all for what? Wait for it — to get into another school. Trapped in this endless whirlpool, vortex, tornado only adds on to the disorientation of waking so early for school; every day is another “Wow, another day of quizzes, talk and then test, and sitting dormant for abnormally long periods of time. Occasionally, a good ‘ol fight finds its way in there, making a day, a class, interesting, but generally it’s just an endurance of pain. Not to say that learning can’t be fun, but precalc is hard enough. Why start at 7:30am?
Eastern starts earlier than the country’s average of 8:00 am. Our start time is earlier than many schools in the country, but even then the national average is still too early with both the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommending that high schools begin no earlier than 8:30am. Most of the Voyager staff goes to bed from 10:30 PM to 1:00 AM, so delaying the start time of school even just one hour at 8:30 AM would give students six hours in the worst case scenario; already a step up from our typical 5-6 hours on a good day. Not only that, but students will have more time to get things done in the morning. Right now, that’s severely lacking. The majority of the Voyager staff doesn’t even have breakfast, because what time is there in our hectic morning vortex? This jarring wakeup leaves many students struggling to pay attention in class and thus, making them more likely to have lower grades. There is a gap in grades and overall GPA between students with sufficient sleep and students without it, but there are so many other factors affected by sleep that schools don’t take into consideration. These include an increased likelihood for risk-taking behaviors such as bullying and fighting, a greater chance of unhealthy behaviors including alcohol and drug use, and a higher risk of athletic injury. Perhaps even more vital is the
Eastern Regional High School 1401 Laurel Oak Road Voorhees, NJ 08043 856-784-4441 www.voyager-online.org YouTube: ehs voyager Twitter: @ehsvoyager Instagram: @ehsvoyager
Advisors:
Walter Bowne and George Kemery
increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, due to the fact that we wake up when it’s still dark outside. Sleep is also seriously connected to emotional wellness, with studies proving that an earlier school start time increases depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts. Sleep deprivation stresses our developing bodies. This is not helpful to our overall well being. Making the learning environment happy and productive is such an important aspect of teaching in the first place. If you want to get the best results, you need a receptive audience. Giving students more breathing room to get all the things they need to do finished, and maintain a good sleep schedule will increase overall student happiness and improve so many aspects of school simultaneously. It’s not just students’ attitudes that a later schedule would be helping; Eastern itself will be benefited with better attendance, lower tardiness, and an increased school-average GPA due to well-rested students being more productive. It’s honestly a win-win situation that the administration should take advantage of. The main concern many people have would be with bus scheduling, but if the school is really dedicated to its students’ well-being, this will be an imperative adjustment to make for future students. Eastern students work day and night to develop their futures, and it all starts with getting out of the right side of the bed.
Staff Editorial
Madison Jolley: News Editor Cassidy Golin: Features Editor Matt Chowansky: Entertainment Editor Joseph Loverdi: Sports Editor Tiana Cyrelson: Media Editor Alana McLeod: Art Editor Mahawa Bangoura: Arts and Culture Editor
Staff Reporters
Editorial Staff Andrew Shinkle: Editor-in-Chief Leah Snyderman: Co-Editor-in-Chief Arianna Morales: Co-Editor-in-Chief Jenna Preston: Associate Editor-in-Chief Antonia Zong: Managing Editor Laura Silenzio: Opinion Editor
Dawn Betner, Basirah Corbett-Collier, Maya Dunkelman, Kyle Goldstein, Jacob Gollin, Miraal Halim, Shreya Komar, Jordan Kramer, Aiden Kremer Olivia Marcantuono, Anna Langan, Lan Anh Nguyen, Rylee Pearlman, Molly Smith Michael Sorenson, Alanna Stein, Kaitlin Swift, Marcela Torres, Nick Vitale, Mark Wang, Timur Markowitz, Julia Zeidler
Cartoon by Sophia Gambescia ‘23
Short-e-torials
After deadly Michigan school shooting, change is neccessary On November 30, 2021, Ethan Crumbley, a 15-year-old sophomore, opened fire on his peers and teachers at Oxford High School in Michigan. With four dead, this is the deadliest school shooting in the US since May 2018. That morning, Crumbley and his parents met with administrators at the school to discuss his behavior. He sat in the office with a loaded gun in his backpack and was allowed to return to class with no disciplinary actions being taken. Crumbley sent multiple other warning signs before the shooting that had members of the community concerned for their safety. He posted a picture of the gun he would use, an early Christmas present from his parents, to his Instagram, writing “Just got my new beauty today.” Videos were found of him talking about the shooting the night before it happened. Teachers also saw him researching ammunition and found graphic drawings in his journal depicting the shooting. There were multiple signs sent, so why was nothing done? Seven minutes after reports of the shooting were first made, Ethan’s mom sent a text to him saying “Ethan don’t do it.” This shouldn’t have happened. These signs should have been taken seriously; they were right in front of us. Gun control laws are necessary. We need to stop saying “change is needed” and actually make change happen. - Leah Snyderman ‘22
Omicron is the newest addition to the COVID family As the fall holidays came to a close, the chatter of Covid-19 that died down months ago rose again with new vigor. On November 24, 2021, South Africa reported its first case of the Omicron variant: the newest virus to join the Delta variant as a Variant of Concern (VOC). Omicron was named a VOC on November 30, 2021, due to its presumed increase in infection rates and possible resistance to current vaccines. Unique aspects of this variant include more mutations to its spike protein than seen with any other variant; the spike protein is the primary target of current vaccines. Although this variant runs the risk of a more rapid transmission rate, no symptoms have been reported to be more severe than Delta. But according to the CDC, there aren’t enough cases or data to provide an accurate response for the virus’s severity. The fact remains that each individual must stay vigilant, as Omicron’s alarming transmission rate could create new Covid surges during the holidays. - Antonia Zong ‘22
Major League Baseball enters first work stoppage since 1995 The MLB has entered into a lockout, as the MLBPA (Major League Baseball Players Association) and the team owners failed to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement. This means that teams cannot make trades, sign free agents, or even talk to players, leaving stars like Freddie Freeman, Nick Castellanos, and Kris Bryant without a team until the stoppage ends. Major League Baseball’s last work stoppage was the 1994 strike, which canceled the second half of that regular season, the entire postseason, and the beginning of the 1995 regular season. This season’s lockout looks likely to last until spring training as issues such as service time manipulation and salary drops look unlikely to be resolved or addressed. It’s hard to see owners and players negotiating any time soon, as there’s a stark divide between the two. Prepare to wait for our nation’s pastime for quite a while. - Joseph Loverdi ‘22
December 2021
Entertainment
The Voyager 13
Adele’s new album “30” is her best album yet reminding herself to go easy on her. “My Little Love” is the next song on the album, and it’s sure to leave you in tears. In the song, Adele openly apologizes to her son Angelo for changing his family dynamic when she separated from his father. Listeners will hear voice memos of Angelo talking throughout the track. “Cry Your Heart Out” is a four-minute and fifteen-second long track, and it’s sure a staple in the album.The track is one of the more emotional songs on the album as a ballad. In an interview, the singer revealed that the song is about her divorce. In the next song, titled “Oh My God,” Adele sings about being happy about yourself and the state of mind following a breakup, or in her case a divorce. It’s different from other Adele songs, and it’s certainly a must-listen song on the album and will get you dancing. Dancing to an Adele song? It’s possible with this track from her latest album. After “Oh My God,” the album has seven more tracks, including “Can I Get It,” “I Drink Wine,” an interlude, “Woman
Like Me,” “Hold On,” “To Be Loved,” and the album closer: a track called “Love Is A Game.” “I Drink Wine” has lyrics that reflect Adele’s feelings and healing process. In a press interview with Rolling Stone, the singer said that the song was also about getting rid of one’s egotistical behavior. It’s a standout track on the album, and one that should be listened to if you choose to select one random song to listen to. Some of the most notable Adele’s latest album “30” was released on tracks on the album include November 19, 2021 Photo by Columbia Records “Easy On Me,” which was released as the lead single 200 chart, and immediately became the and immediately saw rave reviews and biggest-selling album of 2021. This marks success on the music charts, “I Drink her third number one on the chart, and her Wine,” and “Oh My God.” These three first since 25 in 2015. It’s one of her better songs are the ones that seem to be most albums vocally, and is recommended for popular among the rest of the tracklist, everyone to listen to—even if you’re not and rightfully so. an Adele fan. “30” debuted number one on the Billboard
event that many look forward to, they’ve recently come under fire for their unjust nominations or the lack thereof. Much of the criticism comes from their subtle
he Grammys are a widely celebrated event that occurs each year. They were first established in the 1950s and have become one of America’s most prestigious awards ceremonies. Grammy nominations occur by members of the Academy calling for a vote. The ones that win that vote get the grammy. For 2021 according to the Grammys nominations, some of the most notable people nominated for the record of the year are Lil Nas X for Montero (Call Me By Your Name), Billie Ellish with Happier Than Ever and Olivia Rodrigo with Drivers License. Kanye West, Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Nas X, H.E.R, Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Justin Bieber, Tony Bennett + Lady Gaga, and Jon Batiste are also nominated for Album of the Year. BTS got their second Grammy The Grammys are controversial benomination for their song, Butter, under cause of their reviewing process. Photo by Areeba Mehmood ‘22 /Canva.com the best pop duo/group category. Doja Cat and Justin Bieber got nominated racism toward black artists and their eight times, while Olivia Rodrigo and display of xenophobia. Billie Eilish managed to get seven. This The last time a black artist won Album of year, Jon Batiste became quite popular the Year was Herbie Hancock’s 2008 win with the most nominations—listing for “River: The Joni Letters.” eleven in total. The last time a black woman got Although the Grammys are a yearly nominated for album of the year was
Lauryn Hill in 1999. Since then, no black artist has won album of the year, which is one of the most prominent categories. Artists themselves have criticized the Grammys as well. Last year, the Weeknd made headlines after he accused the Grammys of being ‘corrupt’ and promised to boycott the organization further. Zayn Malik, a former member of One Direction, also tweeted about the unfairness of the Grammys saying, “Unless you shake hands and send gifts, there are no nomination considerations.” Because the recording academy has committees of “highly skilled in music,” nominations can often be manipulated. In 2021 The Weeknd’s album, After Hours, spent 52 weeks in the US Top 10 and did not even get a single nomination. BTS, a prominent K-pop band with three songs on the Billboard top 100 right after the Beatles, got nominated for Pop Duo/ Group performances in 2021 and did not win. Yet the Grammys booked them for performance and profited off of their fans. If the Grammys nominations do not take into account song streams? The number of records or albums sold? Then what does it take into account? These are some questions that the general public is wondering about. Although we may not know the answers, people are still looking forward to the Grammys even though they seem scammy.
In 1957, Sondheim’s first major contribution to musical theater hit the New York stage. West Side Story became one of Broadway’s most successful productions of all time, with lyrics written by Sondheim himself. (Coincidentally, Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation will premiere in theaters on December 10th). Racking up another Broadway title, Sondheim’s lyrics for Gypsy debuted in 1959. In 1962, Sondheim took on his first independent opportunity as a composer and lyricist with A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. The comedy allowed Sondheim to dip his toes in a pool of highly sought-after awards by winning his first Tony. He continued to win eight more, including one for best musical, Sweeney Todd, along with other awards such as eight Grammys, an Oscar, and a Pulitzer Prize. Perhaps his most famous works were written in the 1980s. Sondheim partnered with James Lapine to open Sunday in the Park with George in 1984, which was re-
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sara Bareilles, Raúl Esparza, Stephen Schwartz, Laura Benanti, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Josh Groban were few among a crowd of hundreds. The viral event was trending on numerous social media platforms under the hashtag “SundayForSondheim.” Yet, Sondheim will not only be remembered for his contributions to Broadway. He was respected by all and hated by none. His morally good and selfless persona thrived in an industry filled with competition. Sondheim gifted us multiple musicals that completely transformed the future of Broadway. Although he took his final breath the day after Thanksgiving, his name will always be remembered. Sondheim left a lasting imprint on audiences of every race, religion, and gender. While other stars and icons may eventually be forgotten, Stephen Sondheim continues to live on in the pages of a script, the notes of a song, and the hearts of everyone around the globe.
By MATT CHOWANSKY ‘22 Entertainment Editor
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he English pop superstar is back! Adele did not disappoint with her first album in five years. The superstar released her fourth studio album, “30,” on November 19th to immediate rave reviews from critics. Calling this her “most personal album” yet, it definitely shows another side of Adele that we haven’t seen in her previous projects. Adele announced her divorce from Simon Konecki earlier last year, and it’s clear that this album reflects on the emotions she went through during that time. The album showcases Adele’s powerhouse vocals in a brand-new way. “30” opens up with “Strangers by Nature,” a slow track which acts as an introduction to the twelve-track album. “Easy On Me” immediately follows; the song is about no longer finding value in a relationship. In the chorus, Adele sings “go easy on me,” which could be one of two things—she’s either singing directly to ex-husband Simon Konecki or she is
Are the Grammy Awards a scam? By AREEBA MEHMOOD ‘22 Staff Reporter
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Sondheim (continued from page 1) newed for a Broadway revival in 2017. Continuing this partnership, Sondheim composed and wrote lyrics for Into the Woods, which debuted on Broadway in 1987. Recently, in 2014, the Tony awardwinning musical became a Disney film adaptation starring Anna Kendrick, Meryl Streep, and James Corden. Sondheim quickly became known for his witty lyrics and well-articulated rhymes. His musical style ranged far beyond traditional standards; his talent completely outshined his peers. Sondheim combined multiple genres, constructing unique themes about reality and fantasy. His brilliance bled through each and every one of his works, causing audiences to laugh, cry, and applaud. Similar to Oscar Hammerstein II’s role in his life, Sondheim acted as a mentor to many young thespians. Two days after his death, musical theater stars gathered in Times Square to recognize Sondheim by singing “Sunday” from Sunday in the Park with George.
What’s On Your Nightstand?
We are bringing back the “What’s On Your Nightstand” column! We will feature, on a rotating basis, each department. This column features a paragraph or two about the books English teachers are reading. This project will allow people to expand upon the genres they’re reading, appreciate the love of reading, and encourage them to read even more. “I just finished Hillary Rodham Clinton's & Louise Penny's State of Terror, which is an action-packed high-intrigue book about the threat of nuclear bombs in the hands of terrorists. I am an avid fan of Louise Penny's Armand Gamache mysteries which are set in an idyllic fictional town in Canada near the Vermont border. I love her characters and stories. I am beginning The Personal Librarian, co-written by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. It was recommended by a friend so I am reading it! So far, I love the characterizations.” Mrs. Susan Pomerantz, English & ESL Teacher “I would like to share Chanel Miller’s Know My Name. In 2015, Chanel Miller was sexually assaulted by Brock Turner on the campus of Stanford University. In all of the court case documents, she was known as “Emily Doe.” Her victim impact statement was published by BuzzFeed and garnered millions of views and responses. After that, she came forward with her memoir and revealed her name to the world. Overall, the book is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Chanel Miller demands that the world know her name and her story because it is important for survivors to be heard.” Ms. Jacquelyn Mancinelli, English & ESL Teacher “I am currently reading The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl. You may recognize the name Dave Grohl; he is the incredibly talented lead singer of the Foo Fighters and former drummer for nineties grunge band Nirvana. I have always loved the Foo Fighters, and nineties alternative rock plays on the soundtrack of my post-collegiate memories. Grohl writes in a casual conversational style, like a friend sitting next to you telling you a funny story. I relate to Grohl’s connection to music since it has always been part of my life; my earliest childhood memories are set to the big band sounds of my parents’ era and seventies soft rock of my sister’s adolescence. If music grounds you, inspires you, or connects you to your deepest roots, you will love this supercharged yet accessible memoir.” Mrs. Patrice Steller, English Teacher
14 The Voyager
Entertainment
December 2021
Taylor Swift releases “Red,” again By MARCELA TORRES ‘24 Staff Reporter
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hen I hear the name Taylor Swift, my memory takes me back to days where I would blast “22” on the iPod that I stole from my mother merely moments before. Growing up listening to Taylor’s music on the radio was a lifestyle, and for many it still is. This is why many have been excited to hear that she’s been working on new projects, which include two new album remakes, a short film adaption of one of her songs, new merch, and being the musical act on SNL. For some background information about Miss Taylor, you should know that she is an American singer-songwriter who is most known for her songs that are influ-
enced by her personal life experiences. She began her journey of professional singing when she was just 14 years old. She has been singing ever since she was a little girl at talent shows, fairs, etc. Swift has extensive experience in the field and being one of pop’s most successful longstanding artists for several years proves that. Her most recent album, Red (Taylor’s Version), dropped on November 12. The unique thing about this album is that it’s a remake of her old album, Red, which was originally released on October 22, 2012. Her rerecordings didn’t start here, though. She remade her second studio-album Fearless back in April. Fearless originally dropped on November 11, 2008. Another big surprise is the new bonus tracks that are included with the Taylor’s Version albums. For example, when you
Taylor’s re-releasings bring back emotions and memories for her longtime fans. Photo by Marcela Torres/Canva.com
listen to the original Fearless, you only get a total of 13 songs, but in the remakes, you get to listen to 26 songs. The same applies to Red, which went from 16 to 30 songs, excluding a voice recording of a message from Taylor. Now you may be wondering why Swift decided to remake her albums. The reason behind that is the ownership of the albums and rights were sold to someone else against her wishes. When Taylor decided to leave her old music contract with Big Machine Records in November 2018, the album rights belonged to Big Machine. Swift wasn’t oblivious to the fact that she didn’t have her album rights, so she tried striking a deal with Big Machine to get the rights. She was sadly turned down. Fortunately for Swift, in her new contract with Universal Music Group, she is allowed to re-record and re-release her albums, which she has already started doing. One of the big songs on Red is “All Too Well.” It translates the pain of heartbreak at a young age that involves snit bits of one of her former relationships, which will tie in with rumors surrounding the meaning of her short film. Another blessing with her new albums is her ability to re-edit songs. We see this happen with “All Too Well,” as it went from a 5:29 to a 10 minute version. It 100% doubles the amount of emotion that you are receiving and giving. As if the song couldn’t get any more sad, an “All Too Well” short film was made. The film was written and directed by the one and only Taylor Swift, starring Stranger Things actress Sadie Sink and The Maze Runner’s Dylan O’Brien. A little spoiler: Swift also starred in the film. The short film was first spoken about on November 5th, 2021, when Swift uploaded on her social media platforms about the film. The film was later released on November 12. Her audience was shook due to the fact that she has never done anything like this before. The whole film is a total of about 15
minutes and can be found on YouTube. All you have to do is look up “All Too Well Short Film,” and you’ll find yourself on the verge of tears for the characters in the movie due to the wonderful job done by the actors. One of the things that also shook fans or anyone who heard about this was the actors that were playing in this film. The differences in the ages of the actors was kind of in your face; it was the first thing many people thought of when they heard these two were co-stars. Sink is 19 years old, while O’Brien is 30 years old — an 11 year difference. This type of age gap for co-stars has been seen before, but we rarely ever see this where the co-stars are acting as a couple. Many directors tend to try to find actors who are close in age, but it has been suspected that Swift had this age gap appear in her film on purpose. When Swift was merely 20 years old, she and Jake Gyllenhaal, who was 29 at the time, started dating. It was later announced around early January of 2010 that the couple had broken up. Many people brushed aside the age gap between the two since lots of previous Hollywood and famous couples seem to have this same gap. Once the film was released, Swifties rushed to all social media platforms to videotape their reactions, to spill their thoughts, and to simply show how broken they were over the song and film. Swift also had a release day premiere at the AMC Theatre at Lincoln Square, New York City on November 12th. It’s safe to say that Swifties have been fed a lot of content coming from Swift. Another example is her being the musical guest on SNL, an award-winning show that has celebrities come in and perform comedic skits, musical performances, and much more. She gave a heart-wrenching performance of “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault).” Taylor’s re-releasings bring back emotions and memories for her longtime fans.
“tick... tick... BOOM!” reinvents the modern movie musical By NICK VITALE ‘22 Staff Reporter
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ndrew Garfield and Lin-Manuel Miranda give viewers a glimpse into the “bohemian life” with Netflix’s latest movie musical, tick...tick...BOOM! The film tells the story of Jonathan Larson, famous RENT composer, as he navigates his career and love life, all while under the stress of turning 30. Through Garfield’s incredibly nuanced performance and Miranda’s faithful direction, “BOOM!” manages to captivate viewers, even those unfamiliar with Larson’s most famous work. As stated before, “tick...tick...BOOM! “details the life (and later, tragic passing) of Jonathan Larson. The narrative serves as a biographical tale, with a number of personal and professional events coming to a head in Larson’s life right around his thirtieth birthday, including the debut of his first musical, his best friend’s HIV diagnosis, and his eventual breakup with longtime girlfriend, Susan. While things don’t pan out exactly as Larson plans them, we’re left with a truly inspiring story about making the most out of the time we’re given. tick...tick...BOOM! was originally performed by Larson as a one-man show in the ‘90s, before the success of his later work. The composer infamously died of a sudden aortic aneurysm on the eve of RENT’s first Off-Broadway preview
performance; it’s a fact that the movie doesn’t try to hide, as the viewer is told almost immediately that Larson dies prematurely. Although we don’t know the details then, Larson’s constant fear of running out of time paired with his actual fate gives the rest of the film a melancholic feel, but one that doesn’t take away from the overall positive vibe of the movie. This positive vibe can be specifically attributed to two main factors, one of which is the direction from Lin-Manuel Miranda. tick...tick...BOOM! is Miranda’s feature directorial debut and I couldn’t have imagined a better choice for the job. He made it his goal to be as faithful to Larson as possible, through utilizing real locations from Larson’s life as well as real objects and people he interacted with. His respect for the source material combined with his personal connections to a struggling, New York-based composer make the film a labor of love for Miranda. This immense feeling of love shines through in almost every scene, making the movie feel like a big party. Well… aside from all the sad stuff. The other reason the film is so enjoyable is due to Garfield’s shining performance as Larson. This role specifically may have been Garfield’s biggest on-screen challenge so far. In fact, he had never sung until about a year before shooting. Nevertheless, he completely dove into the role and committed his time for what I believe is one of the best performances of his career.
Lin-Manuel Miranda (left) and Andrew Garfield (right) smile at the Photo by Monica Schipper/WikiCommons tick...tick...BOOM! premiere. Garfield captures the pure essence of Larson: the joy, the frustration, the regret, and talent. Over the course of the film, you grow to absolutely adore Larson, to the point where you could cry at just the thought of him passing on. Aside from the actors’ performances, another standout of this film is the soundtrack. All of the songs are written by the late Larson and were featured in both the one-man version and the offBroadway production, but are given an updated sound that works perfectly for today. No instrument seems to stick out more than another and the flow of the entire album is remarkable. Not to mention, the diversity of genres
on this soundtrack makes it so that anyone can enjoy it. Overall, just a first-rate group of songs from Larson, and it is truly heartwarming to see him get the recognition he deserves. At the end of the day, tick...tick...BOOM! is truly a love letter to the dreamers of the world. You don’t have to be a musical theater enthusiast to relate to Larson’s goal of doing something with your life before your time’s up. It perfectly sums up the pain, agony, and overall beauty of achieving your dreams, regardless of what it takes. This universal idea paired with amazing performances and a killer soundtrack make tick...tick...BOOM an instant classic.
December 2021
Sports
The Voyager 15
NHL’s toxicity on full display in Kyle Beach scandal By JOSEPH LOVERDI ‘22 Sports Editor
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normally hate the Chicago Blackhawks just because, well, they’re the Blackhawks. The Flyers fan in me hates them because of the 2010 Stanley Cup Final, where their fairytale run to the final ended in a 6 game loss to Chicago; the Blues fan in me hates them because they’re our biggest rival. Yet the franchise has done something much more despicable than beat the two teams I like in the playoffs. A recent investigation conducted by law firm Jenner & Block found that the Blackhawks front office not only discussed the sexual assault of a player by video coach Brad Aldrich, but failed to do anything to protect that player. It also found that players knew about the assault and just didn’t do anything about it. The player in question is Kyle Beach, the 11th overall pick in the 2008 Draft. Beach was highly touted as a power forward coming out of the WHL, and soon began to flash signs of his potential in the AHL with Chicago’s affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. In May 2010, Beach was sexually assaulted by Aldrich, just before the Blackhawks would win the Stanley Cup. The assault, which Beach blames himself for to this day, led him down a spiral of substance abuse which ruined his young career. Beach was playing in Europe by 2014, and his NHL dream is now over at the age of 31. The entire Chicago Blackhawks organi-
zation, especially Stan Bowman, Al McIsaac, and Joel Quenneville, failed Kyle Beach. So did the NHLPA and Don Fehr, who turned their backs on Beach, failing to help him after he reported the assault to them in 2011. Current Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff was a part of the aforementioned meeting, and was cleared by the NHL of any wrongdoing following an investigation as they claimed the thenassistant GM had no real power over the situation. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, the team’s two best players, decided to speak on how good of a man Bowman was on October 28. They are LEADERS WITHIN THE TEAM, and they used a moment to show support to a horrible man who protected a serial sexual assaulter over a former teammate whose life was ruined by said assaulter. There has been some support, though. Beach named former teammates Nick Boynton and Brent Sopel as those who helped him and tried to get it fully investigated. Aly Raisman, one of America’s best gymnasts and a victim of Larry Nassar, has also voiced her support for Beach. Yet there have been no current NHL players to really speak out against this. Sure, current Blackhawks players Connor Murphy and Alex DeBrincat have agreed with the decision for those involved in the cover-up to leave, but no one outside of Taylor Hall, who called out hockey’s “old boys club” mentality in support of Beach, has really said anything regarding the scandal. The NHL’s handling of this has been awful as well. Gary Bettman’s recent pub-
Coach DeCoursey’s swim team looks to make a splash By MATT CHOWANSKY ‘22 Entertainment Editor
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hen Ms. DeCoursey first arrived at Eastern as a teacher, she was determined to get involved in the leadership of Eastern’s swim team. She has had a passion for swimming ever since she was a child, and her love for the sport continued to grow over the years. Now, Ms. DeCoursey, who is a teacher in the science department, has been coaching the swim team here at Eastern for a few years, with plenty of success to her name. Under Coach DeCoursey’s leadership, the swim team has accomplished things that were never before achieved under previous leadership. DeCoursey’s ability to coach and effectively communicate with her team is no doubt a contributing factor to her reputation as a great coach. There are lots of rewarding things that come out of coaching a sport; the sense of pride, the leadership, and the chance for hardware at season’s end are among them. However, the most rewarding thing for Ms. DeCoursey is seeing her swim team become a family. “Seeing students find a place to belong and come together as a team. Win or lose, knowing students have a sense of belong-
ing and have a place to enjoy themselves is definitely one of the best feelings ever,” she said. When Coach DeCoursey is not busy leading the swim team, she teaches over a hundred different students. It can be tough juggling the responsibilities of being Ms. DeCoursey during the day, and then swiftly transitioning to Coach DeCoursey. DeCoursey credits her two assistant coaches, Coach Murray and Coach Wojdon-Smith, who coach the girls’ and boys’ teams respectively. “We all help each other out and I know I can lean on them if I ever need to,” DeCoursey said. “Each of them has had to step up and run meets, or fill in to run a practice when I couldn’t be there.” Learning to let go of control is something that coaching the swim team for a long time has taught DeCoursey. “It’s not like other sports where you can sub a player if they’re tired or need a break. “Once the meet sheet is turned in, it’s up to the swimmers in the pool to do the rest,” the veteran coach said. “Not having the control to make switches can be hard, but I am learning to let go!” With DeCoursey, along with Coaches Murray and Wojdon-Smith at the helm of the swim team, there’s certainly nothing holding them back from greatness.
Senior Kat Gagnon, pictured in the 2020-2021 season, is one of the team captains this year. Photo courtesy of Eastern Yearbook
Former NHLer Kyle Beach, seen here playing for the Graz 99ers in Austria, was sexually assaulted by Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich in Photo Credit: Aliura 2010. lic statements defending the NHL’s deciIf you had any reason to dislike not only sion to fine Chicago a whopping $2 milChicago, but the NHL as a whole, you lion were flat out disheartening and leads do now. It’s clear the league doesn’t care me to believe that he’s no longer fit to run about sexual assault and helping victims; the National Hockey League; it’s like he’s rather it would protect those who comactively stifling league improvement. The mit such heinous acts and slap the teams NHL’s response to this was just completethat covered it up with a meager fine and ly baffling and in no way sufficient, leava verbal warning. Completely and utterly ing a stain on its public image that could shameful. take years to erase.
Flyers fire head coach Alain Vigneault in midst of losing streak
tenure started with a wild 7-5 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, with 7 goals scored in the first period alone. This was a change that needed to be he Philadelphia Flyers were made. The Flyers have now lost tem hailed as potential playoff cangames in a row, ruining a fantastic start (8didates heading into the 2021-22 4-2) that had seen them fighting at the top NHL season. Rasmus Ristolainof the Metropolitan, arguably the toughen, Cam Atkinson, and Ryan Ellis were all est division in hockey alongside the Cenbrought in, and an already strong core of tral, where Sean Coutufour teams rier, Claude (St. Louis, Giroux, and Nashville, Carter Hart Wi n n i p e g , was in place Colorado) with a coachare separated ing staff led by 4 points. by Alain The Flyers Vi g n e a u l t , often looked who led the listless and Flyers to unable to the Eastern fight back Conference against far Semifinals better teams just two like Tampa, years ago. Carolina, However, and the New this season York Ranghas gone ers, which worse than shouldn’t be anyone has happening to ever imagined it, and Flyers coach Alain Vigneault was fired along- a team that supposedly with the side assistant Michel Therrien on December 6th, has a future Flyers sat at as the team was in the midst of a 10-game losing superstar 8-10-4, sev- streak. Photo from Getty Images goalie (Hart) enth in the and the best Metropolitan Division and having lost defensive center in the league (Couturier). seven in a row, a change needed to be Goaltending has been poor, as Hart and made. And it came the day of a game, no his backup Martin Jones let up 7 goals in less. back to back games. On December 6, GM Chuck Fletcher anOverall, it’s hard to see the Flyers making nounced that head coach Alain Vigneault the playoffs unless they get their heads and assistant coach Michel Therrien had straight. It’s been a tough season so far been fired following an embarrassing 7-1 and nothing’s gone right; it’s hard to see loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, with Yeo turning it around as the Flyers just former Blues and Wild head coach Mike keep losing, although they have won two Yeo, another one of Vigneault’s assisin a row with a big win against Vegas. tants, named interim coach. Yeo’s Flyers By JOSEPH LOVERDI ‘22 Sports Editor
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16 The Voyager
Sports
December 2021
Oops, They Did It Again: Field hockey wins 9th TOC Championship title
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By DAWN BETNER ‘23 Staff Reporter
or the 22nd straight season, the field hockey team has won the State Championship—and they topped it off by capturing their ninth Tournament of Champions title against Oak Knoll. Eastern takes much pride in the field hockey team, and supports the girls through everything. Staff, students, and the local community all rally around these girls, as they bring home title after title. The girls love the energy, and it is reflected in their game. Player Natalia Ulbin said that the community’s pride in the sport is what made her want to join the team. This season, Eastern dominated with a record of 24-2, coming on the heels of last year’s undefeated season, as well as the two-loss 2019 season. The team seemingly gets better and stronger each year, despite already being a top team in the nation. Of course, the players aren’t the only contributors to the team’s dominance; the coaching is top-tier as well. This year, head coach Kerry Heck led the team in her second season as head coach. The girls admire and respect Coach Heck, using words such as, “amazing,” “willing,” and “hardworking.” Freshman Maisy Mosier said, “I love our coaches. They have helped me make
more improvements in one year than my entire career in field hockey. Specifically, Coach Heck really helped me advance in my skills and was willing to do anything and everything to help me.” Coach Heck said, “It just comes naturally. I always try [to] keep it positive,” in reference to her positive attitude. She continued to explain how the team gets through tough times, saying that they just continue to work to become better in certain situations. The girls all have great personalities and skills, which is how they maintain the winning formula. The team has been setting the standard for field hockey nationwide since the 90’s, and they don’t plan on stopping any time soon. Senior captain Izzy Bianco said, “We ended on a great note at the end of the season this year: winning our 22nd straight state championship and bringing home a Tournament of Champions trophy.” Izzy was the team’s second highest scorer with a total of 74 points, following another senior captain Ryleigh Heck, who blew the roof off this season with 145 points. The best part of field hockey, according to player Talia Zuccarelli is “seeing the team bond and work together, to share and celebrate everyone’s achievements.” “Eastern field hockey showed me what it was like to be a team all together, how everyone is together and not for themselves, by celebrating everyone’s achievements
Field hockey wins their ninth Tournament of Champions title against Oak Knoll on November 19th. Photo supplied by Izzy Bianco ‘22 even if it wasn’t yours,” Ulbin said. Although Coach Heck is sad to say goodbye to the seniors, she looks forward to bringing up the underclassmen and holding on to the state and TOC titles. In the fall, many of the current seniors will be continuing to play at their new colleges; the senior girls send love and thanks to their teammates and coaches for helping to improve their skills and making a lasting impact on their lives. Coach Heck would also like to give a shout out to the team.
“They used the lessons from the 3-0 loss earlier in the season to overcome their deficits in the last two games,” she said. “This propelled them to two exciting wins. Their composure on the field, determination and being relentless in their play gave them the TOC semi-final and TOC final wins of the season, making them #1 in the State.” The Eastern community sends congratulations to the girls, and wishes them good luck heading into next season. Will TOC title #10 be next?
Winter Track looks to turn up the heat this season By JOSEPH LOVERDI ‘22 Sports Editor
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his winter looks like it could be a hot one for the runners at our school. The onset of winter brings with it beloved sport staples like ice hockey, basketball, and wrestling. But, one winter sport that doesn’t get enough credit is winter track. Winter track is closely related to the spring season, with similar field events and your traditional sprint and distance races. However, the length of one lap is cut in half from 400m to 200m due to the indoor facility being more compact; this leads to closer, more exciting races. Coach Michael Tangeman, who is a special education teacher and provides in-class support for history classes, has been working with the team for eight years, spending the last two as head coach. He’s excited to return to the traditional winter track schedule this season, after COVID-19 delayed the onset of the 2020-2021 season. “Waiting until February made the last two months [December and January, when the normal winter track season starts] seem a long time, so it’ll be nice to have the traditional practice and meet schedule back,” he said. Tangeman further explained that last year’s season was heavily impacted by COVID. “Last year, of all the seasons, the winter season was the most affected because of the limits on indoor competition. And now we’re back this year, and from what I’m hearing we’ll have traditional indoor meets,” he said However, he was able to find the silver lining within the struggles, as new members of the team were able to acclimate to their new environment without the pres-
sure of massive crowds and bus rides. Because of the pandemic, only one of last year’s meets was held indoors at the team’s usual competition facility. The John Bennett Indoor Athletic Complex, colloquially known as “The Bubble,” is located in Toms River, NJ, more than an hour away. The rest of the season’s meets were held outdoors locally. Ethan Levy, a distance runner and one of the team’s senior captains, is also excited for the upcoming season. “We have a really strong senior class and a lot of new talent,” Levy said. Levy is excited to see junior Kiernan Diaz, a fellow distance runner, excel this winter. “He has a lot of talent, but the races that we’re able to run don’t really give him the opportunity to show that. He shines over longer distances,” Levy said. Tangeman is looking forward to competing. “We’re gonna be ready to compete to the best of our ability while also building up our strength and fitness for the spring,” he said. Levy would advise new runners to not worry about the season and just use it as a way to improve their skill while having fun. Tangeman feels winter track not only does that, but it also builds up important character traits. “I think it builds toughness. We do a lot of practicing outside, it’s often pretty cold, and I think it’s a good way to challenge yourself mentally,” he said. “And also, you don’t know if you’re good at something until you’ve tried it, so it’s a good idea to try one of the seasons to see an ability you were previously unaware of.” With a strong group of returning runners and a talented group of rookies, the sky’s the limit for the boys and girls of the team.
The distance team made huge strides last year, and developed into a powerful unit for the spring season. Photo supplied by Andrew Shinkle ’22
Eastern Winter Sport Captains
Basketball: Girls: Mia Robbins, Maya Edwards, Jane Trauger Boys: Grant Yezzi, Shane Huggard, Isaiah Yeldell
Bowling: Tommy Burns and Maddy Feldschneider Cheerleading: Addie Larson Swimming: Girls: Kat Gagnon, Isabella Roma, Sarah Geary Boys: Aidan Kim, Josh Shekhter, Talin Modi
Winter Track:
Girls: Kylie Dawson, Arianna Morales, Sophia Staiger Boys: Ethan Levy, Andrew Shinkle, Keegan McGroarty
Wrestling: Jared Brunner, Jacob Gollin, Gavin Haegele