Issuu

Volume LVIII

Fourth Edition

February 2022

What are NFTs? Page 5

Celebrating BHM. Page 7

Eastern Regional High School

Encanto Review. Page 13

1401 Laurel Oak Road

Super Bowl Breakdown. Page 15

Voorhees, NJ 08043

Instagram “Confessions” account stirs controversy By NICK VITALE ‘22 Staff Reporter

hile the Eastern community would probably assume that our school’s most popular social media accounts are our club or student council pages, there is no denying the popularity of a notorious “Gossip Girl-esque” Instagram account. Anonymously run by an Eastern student, the page was home to many opinions, all anonymously submitted by Eastern students. Accumulating over 946 followers, it sat higher than any Eastern-afﬁliated account on Instagram, despite the account having no ties to Eastern. Featuring anything from student drama to COVID opinions, the account’s popularity also made it ripe for controversy. The page sparked discussions

should try to be nicer to everyone pertaining to inclusivity at Eastand more open-minded about ern among students, due to the everyone, no matter what their sometimes harsh opinions subpolitical views are,” responded mitted. Although the account the account’s creator when asked may be the catalyst for these about inclusivity at our school. discussions, it feels like they’ve “I think people who don’t supbeen long overdue. port different things…should So I ask you then: is the Eastern not make othstudent body “Publicly posting ers feel bad inclusive? I’ll about how you don’t about themgive you a chance to mull selves.” like others because it over, but in It seems clear of the way they look the meantime, that the student or their lifestyle isn’t I Direct Mesbehind the acwhat I think Eastern count had no saged (Instastands for.” gram’s version ill intentions of texting) the with it, but student behind the account to get how do other students feel about the page’s recent popularity and their take on the matter. And bethe effect it has on our school’s fore you ask—no. I don’t know students? who they are either. “The account gave me some “Publicly posting about how good laughs, and I don’t think you don’t like others because any of it was truly personal,” of the way they look or their said senior Matt Andjel. lifestyle isn’t what I think Eastern stands for. I think everyone CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

The status of the “Confessions” page, several weeks before it was taken down by the creator of the account.

Photo from Instagram

Eastern approves new change to graduation gown By LEAH SNYDERMAN ‘22 Co-Editor-in-Chief

ashion is more than clothing items. It’s an expression of the individual. Everything from the colors to accessories is an extension of oneself and can be used to reﬂect moods, opinions, and identity. Fashion gives people the freedom to be themselves. But what happens when this expression is limited by stereotypes and stigmas? Certain clothing items are associated with different genders, like skirts and dresses typically being seen as “girl The redesigned graduation gown clothes.” This can make aims to celebrate graduating classes getting dressed everyday in a more inclusive way. Photo from Herff Jones hard for people who are

What’s Inside? Joe Rogan vs. Spotify - 2 Russia/Ukraine conﬂict -3

Mancinellli’s Start Healing Together - 4 College advice from a senior - 5 After-effects of COVID-19 - 6

transgender or are questioning their identity. In recent years, there has deﬁnitely been a shift towards making fashion more inclusive and accessible to all. Stigmas around boys wearing skirts and girls wearing suits are slowly breaking, but the key word here is slowly. These ideas are rooted in society and are still around today. Fashion should be a judge-free zone where you can wear anything you want — no matter your gender. Separating gender through clothing is harmful to those struggling with ﬁnding their identity. This has sparked debate amongst schools who use different colors for graduation gowns. How should colors be assigned?

body will wear the same gown Here at Eastern, we have tra— no matter their gender. ditionally followed assigning by Eastern isn’t the only school gender: boys wear navy and girls to make this wear cardiswitch. High nal. But what In efforts to schools across about those be more inclusive, the country who identify moving as non-bina- Eastern has decided are away from asry? Or those to change their signing gowns who are transgraduation gown by gender to gender but implement aren’t ready to a uniform, equality for to come out two-toned look. their transgenyet? This puts der, non-binamany students ry, and questioning students. at Eastern in a tough position: do “In the last couple of years, they wear the color of the gender we’ve seen districts in the area they don’t identify with and hide their true selves, or wear the colmake this shift,” said Principal or of the gender they associate Dr. Tull. with and be forced to come out Eastern’s decision has been in to their family and friends? the making for some years now. In efforts to be more inclusive, The discussion started a couple Eastern has decided to change of years ago amongst administheir graduation gown to a unitration. form, two-toned look. Starting CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 with the Class of 2022, every-

How AASU is celebrating BHM- 7 Unsung Heroes of Black History - 8/9 Chelsie Kryst’s legacy - 10

History of Spirit Week 11 Voyager on Mask Mandate Lifting - 12 Local bands - 13

“All of Us are Dead” review - 14 Tom Brady’s retirement - 15 Jared Brunner’s 100th win - 16

News

2 The Voyager

February 2022

Who’s to blame, Joe Rogan or Spotify? By MAYA DUNKELMAN ‘24 Staff Reporter

ou tell me which is worse: Joe Rogan spreading racist remarks and COVID-misinformation, or Spotify giving him the platform to do so? Pulling in a steady 11 million viewers each episode, The Joe Rogan Experience podcast has retained the number one spot on the Spotify charts since signing with them in May of 2020. Joe Rogan’s successes showed zero mercy, as his numbers were only rising and interviewees would line up at the door for a chance of exposure on his overwhelmingly successful podcast. As of recently, Rogan has tilted the scale right, with most of his ideals aligning with those of more conservative, guests that accompany him on the show. Of those ideas, bold COVID-misinformation stands alone. These ideas include Ivermectin as a valid treatment for COVID, “COVID hypnosis,” the idea that people are being hypnotized by health ofﬁcals/mainstream media, guests comparing COVID to Nazi Germany, and microchip conspiracy theories. The public conversation started when 200 doctors and professors wrote to Spotify on January 12th, calling out Spotify and it’s number one podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, for their spread of false information and advice regarding COVID-19. Since then 1,000 more medical

Graduation Gown (con’t.)

“We want to make sure we’re staying current and representing the graduating class,” Dr. Tull said. “We are all one class, so creating that united look was more important for us.” Districts across the country have taken other approaches to eliminating genderbased gown assignments. Some have kept the school’s two colors, instead assigning them alphabetically. Others have let students choose which color they want to wear. Eastern’s uniform gown is “unique,” as Dr. Tull called it. The new design incorporates both cardinal and navy. The gown is navy and has two cardinal stripes on each sleeve and a block of cardinal around the collar area. “We wanted the design to reﬂect our school and have a digniﬁed look,” Dr. Tull said. In addition to being more inclusive, the one single gown makes it more feasible for administration when ordering. They don’t have to worry about the wrong color being ordered, and siblings will be able to pass gowns down — no matter their genders. As of mid-February, around 400 graduates have placed their gown orders. The price will increase by $10 on March 1st for the remaining 100 who have yet to order. The new gown is something that “celebrates students,” Dr. Tull said. It’s an inclusive look that is here to stay.

professionals have signed. Rogan claims his job is to “just talk to people,” however, Rogan’s neutrality in his interviews has faded to black. His ongoing COVID conversations are leaving some Spotify users and artists ready for his curtain to close. The first of those artists was rockstar Neil Young, followed closely by singer/ songwriter Joni Mitchell. More threats from podcasters, including Mary L. Trump, Scott Galloway, and Roxane Gay, to either hault new content or remove their podcasts entirely were also made public. To add to the pile of COVID-misinformation, podcast clips of Rogan saying racial slurs were starting to spread among social media from as long as twelve years back. Posting a quick response, in the form of an Instagram video, Rogan describes his actions as “the most regretful and shameful thing that I’ve ever had to talk about publicly.” Spotify needed to quickly determine their values and which route they were about to take to retreat the maze of conflict headed their way. Whichever route Spotify were to decide, they could not avoid being under intense scrutiny. Too much censorship versus not enough; where do they find the happy medium? Spotify decided the medium would be removing 70 Joe Rogan Experience podcast episodes from their platform regarding COVID-misinformation. The CEO of Spotify, Daniel Ek comments, “It is important to me that we don’t take on the position of being content censors while also making sure that there are rules in place

The Joe Rogan Experience podcast has retained the number one spot on the Spotify charts since signing with them in May of 2020. and consequences for those who violate them.” The Joe Rogan Experience was not canceled by Spotify, but rather given a warning. The creation cannot become more powerful than the creator. Even Joe Rogan in his enormous fame, is not above the platform that signed him back in 2020. To this point, Ek mentions how, even though Rogan is essential to Spotify, he, nor anyone, is above the policy and rules. Although Ek, and the rest of Spotify’s staff, have also removed all episodes containing Rogan’s use of racial slurs, a consensus of dissatisfaction was set almost immediately. In CEO Ek’s words, “... I realize some will want more… I want to make one point very clear—I do not believe that silencing Joe is the answer.” Some argue it’s Ek’s interest in the company’s future of becoming a more diverse

Photo by Maya Dunkelman/Canva.com/Spotify

audio company that drove this belief. People like Washington University professor Adia Wingﬁeld believe that Spotify is potentially allowing other people on the platform to preach racist ideas, and removing the videos is not nearly enough. Others like University of Michigan Professor, Erik Gordon go as far as to say, “They need to settle up with Rogan, let him go to a home that will be consistent with who he is. And everybody will be better off.” In a platform consistently run by liberals, is making Rogan the future face of your company in your best interest? Ultimately, that is for Spotify to decide in the coming future. And for you, knowing what you have read, I ask again: What is worse, Joe Rogan spreading racist remarks and covid-misinformation, or Spotify giving him the platform to do so?

Bomb threats at HBCUs spreading fear By MADISON JOLLEY ‘23 News Editor

ebruary is labeled as Black History Month, a month where Black history and culture are highlighted each and every day. But this year, Black History Month started off on the wrong foot as many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) received multiple bomb threats. HBCUs are institutions of higher education located in various states down south. These schools allow African Americans to access the best of education and to also build a strong community with people that will last for a lifetime. They are a symbol of home for many African AmeriHoward University (Washington D.C) was one of the first HBCUs to recans from the past, present, and future. ceive a threat. Photo from Creative Commons HBCUs have became popular in the past will continue to work with students, facthis level of unsolicited hatred,” she said. few years as they have become a symbol ulty, and alumni to make sure HBCUs “I’m just tired of being terrorized like of hope and unity throughout the difficult continue to be a safe place for students to how my grandparents were.” times of racial injustice learn.” Boyd said she is more “disappointed and The most prominent HBCUs, like Many students are weighing in on the annoyed than anxious. I just feel that a lot Southern University and A&M, Howard conversation and how these threats have of time has passed for us to keep going University, Bethune-Cookman Univeraffected them. through this same pattern of racism.” sity, Albany State University, Bowie State Take Saigan Boyd, a 19-year-old stuThese threats also affected the families University, and Delaware State Univerdent who attends Spelman College in of students who were on campus. Cristal sity were the first to receive these threats. Atlanta, Georgia. Boyd said she woke up Brown, whose 23-year-old son is a stuOther colleges and in her dorm about dent at Mississippi Valley State Universiuniversities received 5:30 a.m. and got ty (MVSU), said she was “very nervous, threats soon after. “It makes me an email about the concerned,” when she heard about the Classes were canrealize how there threat within half an threat. celed and students are are still these terror- hour. “Maybe it’s some sort of sick joke that to remain in their dorm “It was very dissomeone or a group of individuals may rooms until an all-clear ists that are trying to turbing ... It made fi nd amusing,” Brown said. “Of course is issued. University me feel as though stop minorities from I am concerned about more threats. It’s operations were also that I am not safe,” heartbreaking learning that several other suspended until further advancing or just she said. HBCUs have been targeted,” she said. “I notice. getting a simple “It makes me rereally do hope that they fi nd the person reNothing was found alize how there are education from a sponsible and hold them accountable for on any of the camstill these terrortheir actions,” Brown said. puses that received predominantly Black ists that are trying More student testimonies can be found threats, university ofto stop minorities institution.” and have the same message of horror and ficials said. from advancing or racial motive to these threats. US Education Secjust getting a simple The FBI has identified suspects accused retary Miguel Cardona education from a predominantly Black inof making threats, but no arrests have called the threats “disturbing” and said stitution,” Boyd said. been made. they would not be tolerated. “My team “I’m just ultimately tired of dealing with

News

February 2022

The Voyager 3

Russia-Ukraine conﬂict: how it started and how it’s going By JULES KURPAKUS ‘24 Staff Reporter

he threat of an impending war between Russia and Ukraine has left the world on edge. Tensions have risen, as Russia gathers about 130,000 troops along their shared border with Ukraine. With the reports of military and medical supplies being transported to the border, it’s obvious that Russia is prepared for war. Negotiations between Russia and the United States have yielded no desirable results for either country. The U.S is not complying with Russia’s demands. They’ve mostly targeted NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), with requests of termination for eastward expansion and a possible membership with Ukraine, as well as removing any member that joined after 1997. All demands were denied by both the US and NATO, as they would be detrimental to Europe’s security and geopolitical interests. The crisis itself stems from the Soviet Union’s disbandment. Ukraine had the third-largest atomic arsenal in the world after the break up, and with the help of the U.S, Russia successfully de-nuclearized the country. However, Ukraine’s compliance with the action was part of an exchange for protection against a possible attack from Russia. It was all for naught, because Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014. The conﬂict killed more than 14,000 people in eastern Ukraine. Russia was provoked by protests against Ukraine’s pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. The initial agreement’s violation garnered little attention from the U.S and other countries; many reﬂect on how action should’ve been taken during this time. Russian President Vladimir Putin is a crucial player in the problem, as he has eyed up Ukraine as part of a plan to regain the former Soviet empire. He stated that Russians and Ukrainians “were one people—a single whole,” and this dangerous ideology erases the individuality Ukraine has built over the years. But why attempt an invasion now? Volodymyr Zelensky, the current president of Ukraine, made a statement regarding the issue in eastern Ukraine, expressing his hope to resolve the issue by directly dealing with Putin. Russia believed that this would be a gateway into combining the two countries, thinking that Zelensky would be helpful for implementing the Minsk policies that would bring back pro-

Russian forces. This would open up an opportunity for Russia to regain control and establish significant influence. Under astounding circumstances and pressure, Zelensky reached out to the West for assistance, and started a conversation about possibly joining NATO. However, this is improbable for the near future. Article 5 in the NATO treaty states that any attack on a NATO country is an attack on the whole alliance. If it were a NATO member, this would bring Ukraine and all other NATO members into conflict with Moscow. Even though Ukraine isn’t a part of the alliance, the nation still receives a large amount of military funding from the US. What else is the U.S doing to help Ukraine? President Biden has discussed placing sanctions on Russia if an invasion is to take place. An executive order has also been signed, which will block any trade or investment by the US in Ukraine’s sepratist regions. Military presence has also increased in Europe, and the US has been sending additional funds to Ukraine. Still, we are waiting for a true diplomatic solution to arise. Just this past President’s Day, two Ukrainian soldiers were killed, with several others injured by shelling induced by Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian defense forces noted that the attacks involved 64 weapons out of 84, which violated the initial Minsk Peace Agreement. In the past week, civilian areas in Donetsk and Luhansk have been under fire. Reports state that at least one citizen was killed and a few others suffered concussions as well as other injuries. Various homes, schools, educational institutions, and facilities were left damaged or destroyed as a result of the conflict. Citizens in a separatist controlled Donetsk reported shelling as early as Sunday, just before Putin’s statement that the area would be considered a republic of Russia. In response to Russia’s actions in Eastern Ukraine, Germany’s chancellor issued an announcement that it would halt the certification of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, a 750 mile gas pipeline connecting Germany and Russia. To many European’s dismay, gas prices have already begun to rise, with each barrel costing about $99. It’s clear that whatever happens in the future is highly-dependent on Putin and his course of action towards Ukraine.

It’s obvious that Russia is prepared for war.

Confessions cont.

Editor’s Note: Article written as of February 22nd, 2022

take a break for a while.” I can’t speak for the account’s creator as to why they’ve “When the account died, so did my anxitaken down the posts, but their decision ety,” joked senior Caitlin Flewelling remay shed some light on the larger topic garding the account’s recent disappearat hand. ance. High school can be a tough environment Even through the jokes, I’d say these for any teenage mind. Not to say that responses are fairly representative of how high schools are necessarily bad places, students really feel about the account. but students encounter common forms of Most students, including myself at times, bullying and exclusion everyday. For as took to the page intriguing as the for a quick laugh Some kids were scared Instagram account and didn’t think was for a while, to open Instagram, much of it. On the it did have its moother hand, some afraid to be the ments of crossing kids were scared the line. subject of the to open Instagram, Even though newest confession. afraid to be the some of us may subject of the newmiss the account, I est confession. think we should view the current end of Regardless of how you personally felt the page as a step in the right direction. about the account, we’ll be getting a subObviously, it wasn’t the school’s bigstantial break from it. As touched on begest problem in terms of creating a posifore, the page has seemingly been laid to tive school environment, but it deﬁnitely rest, with all of the posts being deleted. didn’t help matters. In fact, I think we Despite numerous theories among stucould all take a page out of the account’s dents, the student behind the account was book as of late and leave the negativity adamant that they’ve “just decided to in the past.

After rising tensions have placed the world on edge, Russia and Ukraine appear to be headed for a major war. Photo from Ministry of Defense of Ukraine/Flickr

News Briefs EASTERN Mock Trial team goes undefeated Here’s how a Mock Trial case typically runs: Perry Jordan, a 20-year-old college drop out, is accused of buying and selling stolen goods. The prosecution (led by prosecutors Maiya Little and Claire Sklar) believes that Jordan is using the fake name “Emery Rose” to complete these transactions through the dark web. However, the defense (led by attorneys Anika Kapoor and Giovanni Ciro) thinks otherwise, due largely to the fact that the prosecution does not have 100% certainty of things and events linking Jordan to whoever is behind Rose. The team has been prepping since November, and after many practices and scrimmages, both sides were ready. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the trials had to be held over Zoom, but that didn’t stop them from doing well in all three trials. After waiting for the scores to be released, the results are in: Eastern’s Mock Trial team won all three trials and is going to the county ﬁnals! - Jordan Kramer ‘24

REGIONAL Eastern alum Eli Apple plays in Super Bowl Eastern alum Eli Apple and the Cincinnati Bengals played in the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 14th. Apple, 26, signed with the Bengals this offseason following an injury-plagued 2020 spent with the Carolina Panthers. The former Eastern standout has made some pivotal plays at cornerback for the Bengals during these playoffs, including a critical pass break-up late against the Tennessee Titans that allowed them to kick a gamewinning ﬁeld goal and a huge tackle on Chiefs star Tyreek Hill right before halftime that kept the Bengals close. Cincinnati would ultimately lose the Super Bowl 23-20 to the Los Angeles Rams, but don’t let that and Apple’s social media antics distract you from the fact that an Eastern grad played in the biggest game in football for the ﬁrst time since 2017. It’s an incredible accomplishment, and considering the fact that the Bengals are one of the youngest teams in the NFL, this may not be the last time we see Apple in the Super Bowl. - Joseph Loverdi ‘22

GLOBAL Beijing 2022: The “Genocide Olympics” Despite the US not sending an ofﬁcial delegation to Beijing for the 2022 Winter Olympics, Team USA athletes gave it their all in competition. This diplomatic boycott comes as a result of China’s treatment and genocide of the Uyghur Muslims. Athletes were still allowed to compete at the Games because it was deemed unfair to them to not be able to compete after spending years preparing for a competition that only comes once every four years. Many US citizens are participating in the diplomatic boycott in their own way by not watching the competition. NBC’s viewership hit an all time low with their number dropping 43 percent from the last Olympic Games. The US is not alone in boycotting what many are calling the “Genocide Olympics.” The UK, Canada, India, Australia, Lithuania, Kosovo, Belgium, Denmark and Estonia also joined in on the diplomatic boycott against China’s crimes. China denies all allegations of committing a genocide against the Uyghur population. They claim their “re-education camps” in the province of Xinjiang are combating separatism, not forced labor and genocide. - Leah Snyderman ‘22

Features

4 The Voyager

February 2022

Why teachers teach: Mrs. Pagenkopf’s last year By ARIANNA MORALES ‘22 Co-Editor-in-Chief

or twelve years of their education, students meet new teachers and with that, new guides on the journey to find themselves: to learn, to uncover their calling, and to let it grow. However, in order to guide others they must first be guided themselves. This leads to the question: Why do teachers teach? It’s certainly not for the money. I interviewed Mrs. Pagenkopf, an AP Biology and Chemistry teacher on why she became a teacher and why she has decided this was to be her last year of teaching. Nearly three decades into her career, the pandemic, as with many other factors, unexpectedly changed her perspective of her career. She said, “It took the wind right out of my sails.” However, long before then, it seems the stars aligned for her to teach. “Everyone told me I should be [a teacher].” It was because of her natural affinity for working with kids and the ideal “people” p e r s o n a l i t y. Furthermore, high school teens offered the perfect inbetween of ‘neediness’ and natural a m i a b i l i t y. “I guess they were just more willing to have a conversation back and forth—that sparks me to teach differently.” She found her start at Oakbrooke for 14 years as a General science teacher, but it wasn’t the most optimistic start. “When I first started teaching, I didn’t like it at all…my first couple years were pretty bad.”

Then after 14 years, the school district dissolved, leaving teachers with limited choices to stay or leave. “When it came to me, I didn’t have a choice to stay at Overbrook. Otherwise, I would have stayed there…So I went to Winslow and I had taken a maternity leave during that year…I went back for permanent subbing which turned into a full time job and then I… left and came [to Eastern].” Her time at Eastern started in the middle of a normal school year. She replaced a chemistry teacher after winter break and quickly chose to stay. “I love the student body… they’re diverse, they’re respectful,” she said. Then in the span of another 14 years she taught various levels of chemistry and biology, encouraging others to learn about the invisible intricacies of life that make up the visible wonders we call reality. She found the Goldilocks zone: “When I got to start teaching AP Bio, and could see that there were kids out there that were passionate about learning, as much as I, they kind of fed me to be a better teacher, and [I] really started to love my career.” Then the years ﬂew by, every day excited to teach the eager with a new topic. Now, after nearly 30 years of touching the hearts of many young scientists she noted that she knew it was her time to go. Factors beyond the pandemic, like her daughter graduating, her health and wanting to fulﬁll her bucket list, she felt it was time to draw this chapter to a close. In her new free time she plans to ride her horse, care for older family members, and

“I love that every day I have a different subject to teach, a different topic to teach. I love that.”

Mrs. Pagenkopf teaches biotechnology to her AP Bio class. of course take plenty of vacations during the other three seasons. “I’m just gonna enjoy myself,” she said. She’s had an amazing career and she notes how even though she wasn’t able to personally know all of her students yet she said her “heart bleeds for so many of them.” Eastern appreciates the work you’ve done for so many students for nearly a generation. In reﬂection of her journey she knew it was the kids that always brought her back and kept her going. “The kids are what make me come back. And just wanting to teach and inspire students to want to learn” I wish I could know them all on a more personal level, but it’s just something you don’t always have time to do.” Despite so little time, she still touched the hearts and minds of many students. Thank you, Mrs. Pagenkopf for helping so many use their curiosities to study the delicate balances of the environment, and leave your class knowing there’s always hope to make it better.

Photo by Arianna Morales ‘22

Courses Taught @ Eastern: Accelerated Chemistry Honors Chemistry Accelerated Biology Honors Biology AP Biology

Thank You Mrs. Pagenkopf!

Start Healing Together: A tale of grief and growth By KAITLIN SWIFT ‘24 Staff Reporter

rief is one of the most difﬁcult emotions anyone can experience. It’s full of sadness and sorrow, and without a proper support system in your life, it can seem nearly impossible to cope with loss. Mrs. Mancinelli is one of Eastern’s remarkable English teachers. She has been working at Eastern for close to eight years now, and aids students in ﬁnding ways to give back to the community. When Mrs. Mancinelli lost her infant son Richard from a miscarriage, she was heartbroken. Pregnancy loss and infertility are very common, with 1 in 4 women

experiencing pregnancy loss, and 1 in 8 experiencing infertility. However, many women don’t know what resources there are to help them after experiencing a miscarriage or a stillbirth, due to the lack of information exposed to the general public. Mrs. Mancinelli launched Start Healing Together after attending a workshop offered by the NJEA, where she was informed that a bereavement leave could be used on a loss such as a miscarriage or a stillbirth. “I was unaware of this option. I experienced a miscarriage and an infant loss, but I never thought to ask for certain supports from my workplace. I ﬁgured that I could not have been the only teacher in the U.S.

Since the organization’s founding in 2016, Mancinelli has dedicated herself to advocate for emotional support and healing for all members. Photo supplied by Jackie Mancinelli

to feel this way, so I launched my organization as a way to support educators like myself,” said Mancinelli. Start Healing Together’s mission statement is to champion member advocacy by providing information, instruction, and support to help alleviate the stigmas surrounding pregnancy loss and infertility. “The goal for our organization is trifold: to make members aware of their rights, to offer emotional support, and to direct them to helpful resources,” said Mancinelli. Since Start Healing Together’s beginning in 2016, Mancinelli has accomplished her goal and more. Start Healing Together works with teachers’ unions and administrators to ensure that the educator is supported when returning to work. This includes breaking the news to students in an age-appropriate manner, giving tips to coworkers on how to provide support and navigate difﬁcult conversations, and helping to set up a strong support system for the grieving staff member. “In the past year, I have published eight articles, done three podcast interviews, shared twenty-two educator stories, established eight Start Healing Together chapters, established the organization in six states, partnered with twelve organizations/non-proﬁts, and launched a threepart family building workshop series with the NJEA,” said Mancinelli. While Mancinelli may be the face of the organization, Mr. Kemery, the Vice President and Senior Advocate, helps to do a lot of the behind-the-scenes work of Start Healing Together. Mancinelli and Kemery’s goal for Start Healing together this year is to establish chapters throughout New Jersey and train

senior advocates to support them in the future. They do the majority of the work for the organization, and helping others has given Mancinelli a chance to heal after the loss of her son.

For more information, visit the links below: Website: https://www.starthealingtogether.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ starthealingtogether @starthealingtogether

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ starthealingtogethersupport @starthealingtogethersupport

February 2022

Features

The Voyager 5

College advice from a senior at the crossroads

By ANNA LANGAN ‘22 Staff Reporter

or everyone in the American school system, it can be assured that the word college has simply been associated with the pressure and stress of the future. Since elementary school, the standard for education has always been striving for perfection to get into a good college and ensure yourself a stable future. But, is this really the correct way to place college within a young student’s mind? As a senior, this same association between college, perfection, and fear has been carried with me through all my years of school. The years of fright caused an added pressure and anxiety with everything involving the word college and the whole decision process associated with it. With this comes the difficulty of picking a school. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been told I would know when I found my perfect school—I’d get a gut feeling and just know I magically belong there. However, the pressure of perfection simply makes it more difficult to pick—if college really has to be so perfect, what would happen if you make the wrong decision? If college truly is the pathway to the future and the thing we’ve worked our whole school careers for, then what hap-

pens if somebody were to make the wrong decision? Do you ruin your whole life in doing so? Well luckily, this is where my advice comes in. Now, as a senior with no college decision (yet) and no decided major (yet), I am certainly the last person to give advice on this subject. Truly, there is no wrong answer in picking a college. You need to make the best decision for yourself, not follow the advice of people it will not impact. As a senior in high school, the majority of us have never even had the chance to vote yet. How are we supposed to be trusted with making the adult choice for our own future without the ability to have adult privileges like voting, drinking, and going to 18+ festivals and events? Such a wide variety of choices as we head into college can start to feel like a hindrance rather than opportunity. Though the responsibility weighs heavily on our shoulders, large chunks of it can be lifted with the right guidance. There are options—you can always switch your major, which a lot of people do within their college career. Another option is always transferring schools. Realistically, college credits are college credits, and whether you get them from an Ivy League institution or a community college, they are going towards your fu-

There’s never been a definitive answer for the path after high school, but this advice from a high school senior could set you off on a potential path to a Photos from Canva better future. ture in a positive manner either way. By looking at college in a no-pressure, no mistakes environment, the stigma and fear around it is removed, allowing you to make a decision in a less erratic way. And, finally, it is okay to not know. Between COVID and everything else, it is almost impossible to know what you want, and that is perfectly fine. Your opinion is the one that truly matters.

NFTs for Dummies: more than just a picture By TIANA CYRELSON ‘22 Media Editor

or new investors, the stock market can be scary. It can be challenging to know which stocks to invest in, which to drop, and when to do all of it. This intimidation only continues to double as the market grows and expands into cryptocurrency and other e-commerce. Although they have been around since 2014, in the last year, NFTs have jumped into popularity, leaving new investors lost and confused. An NFT, or Non-Fungible Token, is a form of cryptocurrency that can’t be replicated or replaced. Bitcoin, for example, would be fungible, as one could trade one for another without any visible difference. Each NFT, however, is unique, which is why the value is so high. As the tokens have risen in popularity, many are asking the common question, “Can’t I just screenshot it?” While that is a perfectly viable method of obtaining a new wallpaper or profile pic, it holds no value. A screenshot of an NFT is the equivalent of having a photocopy of the Mona Lisa. It is enjoyable, but not valuable, as a screenshot does not mean ownership. So how is it tracked? The answer is in the blockchain, or the digitally distrib-

uted, public ledger that exists across the internet. In other words, it is the digital record of the goings-on of the world wide web. In the sale of NFTs, there is a “Collector IP” identified in the blockchain of an NFT. With this model, when purchasing an NFT, not only is the asset itself acquired, but the collector takes ownership of the IP relating to the token. This is essentially a digital receipt of ownership that can not be replicated. There are two factors that cause anything to rise in value. The first: a low price. The second: rarity. Inherently, an NFT falls into the category of the latter. Just as any one-of-a-kind art piece is held in high esteem by collectors, these tokens can not be owned by more than one individual at a time, giving them value. Buying an NFT begins in the digital wallet. In order to purchase the online token, a user must first register themself on OpenSea—the preeminent marketplace. All transactions on this site are done with Ethereum, so a cryptocurrency wallet is necessary to participate. Luckily, a user will never have to worry about losing this wallet. Online sites such as Coinbase Wallet and Metamask work as holding places for cryptocurrency and are heavily secured. Once a user’s wallet is fully stocked, they are ready to set sail on the OpenSea…

In the fourth edition of Investments for Dummies, Tiana provides a thorough guide on how and when to buy NFTs.

Photo by Tiana Cyrelson ‘22/Canva.com

pun intended. We asked an anonymous the quick trade of an NFT has the potenEastern student that has been heavily intial to be a lucrative endeavor. Like any volved in the digital market since Septemhigh reward investment, however, they ber of this year for advice. He has been come with a high risk. working with NFTs since the beginning Ultimately, if they are not being colof the trend and is the owner of a Kaiju lected for art, NFTs only hold value when King, an NFT with there is interest. a current floor of 2 While a three-secAn NFT, or Ethereum (about ond GIF of a Gu$6,000). cci ghost may be Non-Fungible When looking held in high esteem Token, is a form of for his next drop, now, their value is cryptocurrency that he looks at DAOs, not tethered to any can’t be replicated or Alpha groups, and material items, unTwitter. “[They’re] like a purse of the replaced. Each NFT is full of experienced same brand. The unique, which is why people,” he said, Eastern investor the value is so high. “mostly whales recommends staywith portfolios well ing “fairly liquid” over one million.” for this reason, as DAOs, or Decentralized Autonomous he does not know how long this trend Organizations, are small communities of will last. In the meantime, however, he people working together to collect rare encourages participation in this financial NFTs or predict other moves in the marfad. ket. By taking the time to research within and outside of these communities, a potential buyer is able to evaluate and create forecasts for future NFTs. He recommends evaluating the credibility through research on their history and success rates. All listings can be browsed in the OpenSea marketplace and will either feature a “buy now” or “make offer” icon. For the latter, place an offer, and enter into a bidding war with the others interested in the NFT. In the case of the former, however, simply pay the price, and enjoy the digital victory. Once an individual is an owner of a high-value NFT, they are able to access gated online communities such as the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC). One of the first of its kind, this creative DAO began as an iconoclastic collection of cartoon apes and an online bar where users could write messages on a virtual wall. It has grown exponentially since then, and the latest of their apes was recently sold for just over $2.8 million. NFTs are more than expensive profile pictures. They are a breakthrough form of the art trade, and artists and collectors alike are looking excitedly into the future. Photos from Canva With the proper research and preparation,

Features

6 The Voyager

February 2022

Book bans in Texas are spreading like wildfire

is banning books allowed, and where did it even come from? Powerful people trying to limit what books are written and read can be dated ith all the ugliness and trouback to 213 B.C! In China, emperor Qin bles faced in today’s world, Shi Huang burned books covering phireading has become a safe losophy, poetry, and history, so that his haven for many people. people wouldn’t know about past, sucWhether it’s a high fantasy book, a murcessful leaders. der mystery, or just general fiction, the Moving forward about 1,700 years to beauty of books is that everyone can find Martin Luther’s Reformation, books and one and learn things from it. writings by him were burned by the Pope Racism, homophobia, and sexual crimes for going against the church. have been around since the beginning of Classics that are beloved by many nowtime. In this day and age, people who are adays also made the infamous “bannedaffected by these problems can try to find book” list. some solace in reading books about charThe Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger acters who have also gone through similar has been banned by many schools, more experiences. during the late 1900s, due to sexual conHowever, this is not the case anymore tent and refrences, profanity throughout for many high schools in Texas. Books the novel, and excessive covering these topics are beBooks are banned violence. ing pulled from the shelves. Of Mice and Men by Texas state representafor not aligning John Steinbeck is antive Matt Krause sent a list with the views of other famous classic that of over 800 books to school people higher has faced much backsuperintendents due to them in power. lash from schools and containing inappropriate parents. Complaints of content for students to read. racial slurs, offensive language, it not beThis action was later amplified by Texas ing “age appropriate,” and even of using governor Greg Abbot, who wanted to inGod’s name in vain have all arisen from vestigate public school’s “pornography” this short, 112-paged book. Another book found in some of the books. by Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath, came Many lessons learned from these books under heat, too, for once again using the can’t be found in a classroom, so now that Lord’s name in vain. they’re not accessible at the library, stuA staple in highschool literature, To Kill dents aren’t left with many options. How By JORDAN KRAMER ‘24 Staff Reporter

COVID-19: why it may never end

By TIMUR MARKOWITZ ‘24 and KYLE GOLDSTEIN ‘24 Staff Reporters

espite many speculating that the immense prominence of Coronavirus is soon to cease, the wrath of the disease doesn’t plan to stop any time soon. For some, the process has begun to feel similar to a common cold; although, children, the unvaccinated, and those with autoimmune compromises are continually at higher risk. Furthermore, the effects of the virus may not dissipate for decades, as the possible long term health complications for those who recover from the disease are still not fully understood. Extended and permanent symptoms of COVID have not been uncovered to the furthest extent, and thus potential health risks might loom even after a full rehabilitation. Despite the prematurity of the situation, many individual studies have produced scientific determinations, yet some discrepancies still exist among the supposed expectations. A complex meta-analysis of manifestations provided by the National Library of Medicine found fatigue, headache, attention disorder, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), and hair loss were common amongst those recovering. The least common after effects were shown to be paranoia, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), post-traumatic stress disorder, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), and kidney failure. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, long term health effects of COVID include breathing issues, heart problems, kidney damage, neurological issues, mental health problems, and type 2 diabetes. Problems following the virus ap-

pear to be more common than anticipated and therefore pose larger threats. The full range and timeline of COVID-19 ramifications are currently unknown, but the same Johns Hopkins study found that 80% of individuals who contracted the disease continue to have at least one long term condition apart from acute infection. These repercussions can be as detrimental as organ damage, and further research could uncover even harsher long term symptoms. When it comes to children, the range of aftermath is less established; studies released by the UK Office of National Statistics show that 9.8% of 2-11 year olds and 13.0% of 1216 year olds who contacted the virus reported one or more symptoms that lingered for after five weeks of initial diagnosis. According to a selective poll conducted by the Voyager staff, a respresntative 21.7% of Eastern students who contracted COVID still suffer from a known symptom. The most prominent in the school seem to be fatigue, headache, and cough, which match the worldwide statistics. It is important that people, including Eastern students, can research and better understand these post-COVID repercussions if they desire, in order to protect their future health. COVID-19 is proven to have physical and neurological effects on those who fall victim to it. The chances that serious health complications arise seem to be slim amongst the youth, but the reality of the situation may not be revealed for years. Therefore, it remains justified for people of all ages to be wary of the Coronavirus and protect themselves; feeling fine during infestation does not guarantee a perfect or safe aftermath.

The reality of the situation may not be revealed for years.

a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, is condemned by many for its use of racial slurs, and the overall experience the black character goes through. Suffice it to say, book bans have been around for a while. It’s unfair to say all book bans are bad, since some books perpetuate really harmful ideas for everyone. However, time and time again, books are banned for not alining with the views of people higher in power, often times white, cisgender, and straight people. To name all the books banned in highschools in Texas would take forever, so here are 3 out of the 50+ the schools and par- Powerful people trying to limit what books are ents are removing from the written and read can be dated back to 213 B.C. Jordan Kramer ‘24/Canva.com shelves: Lawn Boy by Jonathan EviSet in 1954, Last Night at the Telegraph son is a coming-of-age story about a MexClub by Malinda Lo is about a sapphic reican-American boy trying to overcome lationship between a white teeenager and discrimination and discover his sexuality. a Chinese American teenager. This book The reason for banning are once agin for too has been flagged and deemed “inapprofanity, as well as homosexuality, porpropriate” for students to read, despite the nography, and gambiling. main characters being their age. A book of great popularity, The Kite Why does this all matter? Runner by Khaled Hosseni, shows the reAll of these books are centered around lationship over the years of a wealthy boy a minority’s experience, and they all are and his family’s servant’s son in Afghanibeing flagged and pulled off the book stan. Their friendship becomes tainted shelves. If students can’t learn about these when the servant’s son gets raped, and stories in the classroom, then they at least that caused a mom to ask for its removal. should be able to in their own time.

What is a panic attack?

By OLIVIA MARCANTUONO ‘22 Staff Reporter

“C

lose your eyes and imagine a brick being put onto your chest. Your chest and face start to become numb. You start panicking and try to get the brick off of your chest, but it keeps growing heavier and heavier to the point where you feel as if your stomach is caving in. Nausea grows and dizziness consumes your brain. Suddenly, millions of disembodied eyes The song “Still Want to be Here,” is about stare at you. They are watch- Hutchinson’s fear of death and resentment towards Photo credit: Frightened Rabbit ing your every move, laugh- life. ing at you as you struggle to Many people can suffer from thoughts breathe. You’re clawing at the brick now, like Hutchison did, so, in his memory, a and everything seems so hopeless. The charity was made in Hutchison’s honor eyes keep getting bigger and bigger as called Tiny Changes. This charity was they mock you. You’re ready to give up made to spread awareness about mental hope and breathe your final breath, but, health and to improve the mental health of suddenly, a thought crosses your mind. children and young people, with HutchiNot a bad thought, but a thought of your son’s family explaining that they hoped to favorite TV show or your friends. The continue “the positive impact that his art eyes start to disappear, one by one, and and music had on so many people.” the brick starts to melt into the air. You Continuing its mission to “make young can finally move, and you can finally minds feel better,” Tiny Changes wrote: breathe.” “We can only do that with your help. If This isn’t dialogue from a horror movie you have an idea that will help young or a book. This is what panic attacks feel minds feel better and address inequality like. This can happen multiple times a in Scotland, we’d like to hear it. We inday, and the effects can last as long as 10 vest in new and existing projects. We fund hours. research and support innovation that will The lead singer of Frightened Rabbit, improve young people’s mental health.” Scott Hutchison, described his panic atA great way to help subside a panic attacks, mental health, and how it affected tack is to find a healthy way of coping. his life. This can be through using breathing techOne of his songs called “Still Want to niques and meditation, taking medicine be Here,” is about his fear of death and like anti-depressants (only when preresentment towards life. Hutchison unforscribed by a doctor), seeing a professional tunately died due to his mental state and therapist, or considering getting an ESA took his own life after telling his fanbase (emotional support animal). The article to “Be so good to everyone you love. It’s “Panic Disorder” gives many ways to not a given. I’m so annoyed that it’s not. I help get through a panic attack in healthy didn’t live by that standard and it kills me. ways. The mental health hotline is open Please, hug your loved ones.” 24/7 - (SAMHSA) : (800) 662-4357

February 2022

Black History Month

The Voyager 7

Black authors you should read this Black History Month By MAHAWA BANGOURA ‘23 Arts and Culture Editor

wo things might come to your mind when you hear the month February: Valentine’s Day and Black History Month. In 1926, the shortest month of the year was chosen by Carter G Woodson to not only celebrate Black excellence and progress, but also to acknowledge 400 years of oppression. This annual celebration was to raise awareness to the upcoming yet deep rooted history of African Americans and learn about their effects in schools. However, the depressing truth is that most schools won’t even acknowledge this month as anything other than Valentine’s Day on the 14th, and some history teachers certainly won’t interrupt their strict lesson plans to discuss topics that occurred “too long ago.” Isn’t that the point of history, though? With a state legislator in Texas banning a list of 850 books because students may feel “discomfort, guilt, anguish or any other form of psychological distress” and Florida also banning a list of 16 books for “obscene materials” (as if they’ve never walked around in a public high school to hear the obscene things being said there), I am recommending you five books you should read by Black authors this month for Black History Month. Concrete Rose by the New York Times bestselling author, Angie Thomas, is a prequel to her debut novel The Hate U Give which sold 182,981 print copies. Thomas grips us through her storytelling in this coming-of-age story about 17-year-old Maverick, who we knew as

Starr’s father in The Hate U Give, learning what it truly means to become a man when he becomes a father as a teenager. I remember the whirlwind of emotions I felt reading this book. Trust me, you want it in your hands. (January 12, 2021). Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle is a YA romance, pitched as Hitch meets The Sun Is Also A Star. It tells the love story of Prince Jones, a teenage boy who has his own radio segment, of course called “Love Radio,” meeting Dani Ford who isn’t looking for love, but the connection between her and Prince could set off fireworks. Can you guess where it goes? Don’t just guess. Read the book! (May 31, 2022). Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge paints the story of grace, elegance, and struggle in the search for freedom. In Reconstruction-era Brooklyn, Libertie Sampson, the daughter of a Black female physician, is urged by her mother to become a doctor, but Libertie would rather pursue music. So, when a suitor from Haiti proposes to Libertie promising true equality on the island, she accepts, only to discover that she is far from living the life of freedom she craves. I have yet to read this book myself, but we can read it together! (March 30, 2021). The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris tells the story of two young Black women, Nella and Hazel, meeting against the starkly white backdrop of the New York City book publishing industry. While working together at Wagner Books, they’ve only just started swapping natural hair-care tips when a string of uncomfortable events elevates Hazel to office darling, and leaves Nella in the dust. Just the name of this book had me rolling

For the Culture: a Spotlight on AASU By MADISON JOLLEY ‘23 News Editor

LACK HISTORY MONTH! The one month of the year that recognizes the rich history and culture of African Americans from the past and the future. This month, The Voyager is recognizing the work and leadership of the African American Student Union of Eastern Regional High School (ASSU)! I was able to meet with the club co-leaders, sophomores Mirabella Gibson and Lanca Amankwaah to talk about the club’s purpose, upcoming activities, and more. Both Gibson and Amankwaah said they wanted to be co-leaders to help spread awareness and make a difference in our school’s community. “The main purpose of AASU is to unite as one because there’s not that much representation in school. It is a club that gets together to do activities that relate to our culture,” Gibson said. “We want to spread education about not only African American culture, but also African culture. Naturally, for the past couple of weeks, the club has created amazing events to highlight BHM, from debates, to meetings with Black creators who are breaking barriers and making headway in their respective industries.

The first event that took place was a debate on February 8th. During the debate, participants talked about various topics such as “Do you think it is a big deal for people to touch your hair?”, “Should teachers skip the N-word when reading a book aloud?”, “Should Black Lives Matter fight for all lives?”, and so many more. Both Gibson and Amankwaah said that the debate was successful, as many came to take part in the conversation so that their voices could be heard. The second event on February 22nd was a conversation with Chef Eric Adjepong, who is an acclaimed chef and the host of “Alex vs. America” on the Food Network. During this conversation, Adejepong talked about how he loved to share his African culture in his food, and discussed the various barriers he has had to face in the food industry. The final event for BHM was a screening of the critically-acclaimed movie The Hate U Give in the Learning Center on February 24th. Gibson hopes that more students participate in future activities, “I want more freshmen and seniors to come out and just join the fun!” Make sure to spread the word about the amazing things AASU is doing not only during this month, but for the whole school year!

Members of the African American Student Union (AASU) gather for their Black History Month debate. Photo supplied by Mirabella Gibson ‘24

Pick up some of these books any time out of the 365 days of the year, not Photo by Mahawa Bangoura ‘23/Canva.com just this month! with excitement. It sings Black History Month. Or maybe that’s just me, but this book is definitely on my to-be-read list. (June 1, 2021). Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray brings to life the lack of Magic in the broken city of Lkossa, especially for girls like sixteenyear-old Koffi. Indentured to the notorious Night Zoo, she cares for its fearsome and magical creatures to pay off her family’s debts and secure their eventual freedom. Koffi and Ekon enter the magical Greater Jungle in pursuit of a murderous creature called the Shetani. Pushed and marketed by publishers, I couldn’t blink without seeing this book splattered every-

where and rightfully so. Ms. Gray takes us to another world — a world of Black people and I believe that should be celebrated (September 8, 2021). The list of books here are just recommendations from me. There are so many other Black writers out there, spilling with ideas to not only express the effects of Black trauma, but also embolden Black love, Black joy, and Black excellence. Don’t just do it for this month. Pick up some of these books any time out of the 365 days of the year and don’t let old white men silence the importance of BIPOC history, especially when they’re being told as stories.

The impact of early African American journalism is still present today By CASSIDY GOLIN ‘24 Features Editor

n March 16, 1827, free-born African Americans John Russwurm and Samuel Cornish founded Freedom’s Journal, the first Black-owned-and-operated newspaper in the United States. Established in a newly-freed New York state, the paper acted as a guide to over 300,000 newly-released African Americans. The paper boldly countered the opinions of many mainstream whiteowned newspapers who openly supported slavery and racial discrimination. It shared editorials on the Black experience regarding discrimination, slavery, and overall racial injustice faced by African Americans. With a $3 per year subscription, Freedom’s Journal spoke out against lynching and advocated for African American political rights. Russwurm and Cornish hoped to encourage intellectual development among African Americans, raise awareness, and strengthen ties amongst the African American people. The U.S had established anti-literacy laws that forbade enslaved people from learning to read and write due to fear of inspired revolt. “Once you learn to read you will be forever free,” said Black activist, author, and public speaker Fredrick Douglass. Though born into slavery, Douglass taught himself to read and write while teaching other enslaved individuals lit-

eracy using the Bible. After escaping slavery in 1838, Douglass went on to open his own newspaper, The North Star in 1847. It accomplished similar goals to Freedom’s Journal, and had a significant impact on the movement. Becoming one of the most influential antislavery publications of the pre-civil war era, The North Star bacme a crucial tool in the abolitionist movement. “After the Civil War, there was an enormous burst of energy, a desire to communicate, a desire to connect, with Black people establishing newspapers in any town, even tiny ones. It was their first opportunity to use the written word without fear of reprisal,” said journalist, educator, and author Phyl Garland. The printed word could be used as means of political protest while unifying a community. African-American journalist Vernon Jared said, “We didn’t exist in the other papers...We were never born, we didn’t get married, we didn’t die, we didn’t fight in any wars, and we never participated in anything scientific. We were truly invisible unless we committed a crime.” Today, there are over 200 Black-owned newspapers across the U.S, specifically in the NNPA (National Negro Publishers Association). The significance of the Black press has never been forgotten, and should never be forgotten. As Samuel Cornish once said, “Blacks should speak to themselves and for themselves. No other can speak for us.”

Russwurm and Cornish hoped to encourage intellectual development among African Americans, raise awareness, and strengthen ties between Black communities.

Black History’s

8 February 2022 In February of 1940, Hattie McDaniel became the ﬁrst African American to win an Oscar. She won the prestigious award for her tear-jerking performance as Mammy in “Gone With the Wind.” Since segregation laws were still evident during the 12th Academy Awards, McDaniel’s director ﬁercely petitioned for her wellearned presence at the ceremony. The owner of the Ambassador Hotel, a whites-only residence where the ceremony was held, reluctantly granted McDaniel permission to attend, but still prohibited her from sitting at the same table with her costars.

Marsha P. Johnson set precedents

for self-identiﬁed individuals and drag queens nationwide. In her early career, Johnson performed under the name “BLACK Marsha.” However, upon being constantly questioned about her gender and sexuality, she changed her name to “Marsha ‘Pay It No Mind’ Johnson”, as that was her witty response to curious audience members or fans. Johnson quickly became a prominent ﬁxture in the LGBTQ community as a creative drag queen and beloved gay rights activist.

HIST

Robert Smalls success-

fully led “The Planter” to freedom piloting a crew of slaves and picked up others along a treacherous course laid with Confederate defense postions. Through his teenage years he was a well experienced sailor and lived as a mulatto slave for the beginning portion of his life. Then, after skillfully navigating the ship through one of the most tense and risky passages during the Civil War, he purchased his freedom and served as a ﬁrstgeneration black politician. He ran for Congressman and served ﬁve nonconsecutive terms in South Carolina to expand freedom in policy.

BY Alanna Stein ‘24, Maya Dunkelman ‘24, Cassidy Golin ‘24, and Arianna Morales ‘22

Amanda Gorman is one of the modern w

advocate for current political, issues. Prior to graduating from Harvard, she was the the National Youth Poet has performed her poems names such as Hilary ClinRecently, she performed a Captains before the 2021 “The Hill We Climb” at Presiceremony. As an inﬂuential run for president when she

“That is the promised glade, The hi cause being American is more than a step into, and how we repair it.”-”Th

Unsung Heroes

TORY

world’s brightest poets. She uses her poetry to social, and environmental with a degree in sociology ﬁrst person to be named Laureate in 2017. Gorman for numerous household ton and Lin-Manuel Miranda. reading of Chorus of the superbowl and a reading of dent Biden’s inauguration role model, she intends to comes of age in 2036.

ill we climb, if only we dare it: Bea pride we inherit— It’s the past we he Hill We Climb,” Amanda Gorman

The Voyager 9 Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett is at the forefront of

effective vaccination against COVID-19, working at the National Institutes of Health. She is the lead scientist on the Moderna vaccine team. As a renowned immunologist, her work has been completely essential in the creation and design of one of the FDA approved COVID-19 vaccines. Her impact on vaccinations, particularly but not exclusively to COVID-19, is immeasurable. She has received many different awards for her work, only further proving her amazing inﬂuence on virology and health sciences.

Wangari Maathi was a former member of the parliament of Kenya. Maathai was a devoted social, political, and environmental activist, as she was known for her persistent support of democracy, human rights, and environmental conservation. In earning her doctorate in 1971 at the University of Nairobi, Maathai became the ﬁrst woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate degree. Later in her life, in 2004, Maathai received a Nobel Peace Prize, among many other notable awards, while working with the Green Belt Movement, making her the ﬁrst black woman recipient. Out of only two African Americans in the league in 1920, Fritz Pollard carried his team, the Akron Pros, to win the championship that same year. Becoming co-coach for the Akron Pros, this was only the start of his successful football career. He was the league’s top running back, and his skill ultimately earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Pollard went on to coach four other NFL teams and even created his own all black team, the Chicago Black Hawks, in which he served as quarterback for. Pollard broke bundles of boundaries in a white dominated football association, and even then, he was one of the best at what he did.

Follow @aasu_eastern for more information!

10 The Voyager

Opinion

February 2022

Four years after Parkland, has anything changed?

outrage, and broken hearts has anything really changed? Just over two months ago, another gunman stormed an American high school, espite the efforts of the studentkilling four students and injuring seven led gun control movement, igat Oxford High School in Michigan — nited by the 2018 tragedy in making it the nation’s deadliest school Parkland, Florida, the 2021shooting since Parkland in 2018. Once 2022 school year is on track to be the again, the shooting sparked another wave most violent in recent years. of outrage from student advocates, who The spike in school shootings is disapcalled on lawmakers to do more to prepointing for many Parkland survivors. vent school shootings. They hoped their tragedy would be the This is old news, but after Parkland, last. many thought this time would be differParkland holds the record as the deadent. A month later, an estimated 1.2 milliest high school shooting in the U.S., lion to 2 million people joined the March killing 17 people and injuring 17 more. for Our Lives demonstration where cePublicized all over the world, the national lebrities, activists, and civilians protested conversation on the gun debate had been against gun violence, calling for stricter renewed once again, just like after Sandy gun laws. Hook and Columbine — other monstrosiThe movement gained traction. But the ties. momentum came and went. School shootings have become a poFor starters: what went wrong? The FBIs litical hot potato. Parkland survivor Sari failure to investigate a January 2018 tip Kaufman said, “There’s been lots of progbefore the Parkland massacre was one of ress made across the country and across numerous warning signs that authorities party lines, no doubt — but at the same failed to pursue. time, there are far too many politicians On at least three other occasions, includwho instead of prioritizing our safety, ing multiple calls choose politics over The death count will to the Broward our lives.” County Sheriff’s Children from Demrise as we continue Office, authoriocratic families and to “lock down,” “lock ties were told that Republican families all out,” “shelter in place,” Cruz was a potenface the same threat. tial school shooter. To this day, this and offer “thoughts Reread that one school year has been and prayers.” more time. the highest number Those lapses shot in that five-month continued until the day he opened fire. period since the nonprofit gun control adOfficials have said a person close to Cruz vocacy group Everytown began tracking called the FBI’s tip line to warn the agengunfire incidents nearly a decade ago in cy of concerns about Cruz’s “gun owner2013. There have been 136 instances of ship, desire to kill people, erratic behavgun violence on school grounds reported ior, and disturbing social media posts, as in the first half of this school year — a figwell as the potential of him conducting a ure nearly four times the previous average school shooting.” for that period. The FBI, however, failed to pass the So, after all this political strife, media By LAURA SILENZIO ‘23 Opinion Editor

Gun regulation reforms are in a stalemate, as the fight for them brews on. tip along to its local field office, officials have acknowledged. Usually the problem comes from the fact that the most likely to spot dangerous warning signs often feel loyalty to that attacker and ignore the glaring signs; however, this person, seemingly close to Cruz, tried to speak up and yet there was nothing done about it. Days after the attack, the FBI acknowledged it did not follow its own rules for investigating Cruz’s tips. With all of these previews of coming destruction, why wasn’t any action taken? Could Cruz have been helped? Law enforcement tells us: “If you see something, say something.” With Cruz, there was plenty to see and also plenty to say, so what can be done to change this oversight? The problem with this shooting, as well as all the others, was the refusal to act. But an issue with this is the failure to pass on information. How are people supposed to act if they’re not getting all of the information? There are avenues to open: working with families or schools to address the underlying causes of depression or mental instability; recommending in-patient or out-

Emma Gonzalez (Parkland Survivor) supplied by Flickr

patient care with a mental health clinic; or going to a judge to restrict the person’s access to firearms, including ones already in the subject’s possession. However, all this ‘information sharing’ takes communication between different fronts. We need law enforcement, mental health and social services to work together with localities to organize themselves, educate the public, and put together the capacity to do ‘behavioral risk assessments.’ The Parkland shooting, despite the headlines and the impassioned speeches, has not led to significant change. What does it take to make people take the action young kids and parents are begging for? We’ve gone past the point talking about helping. The death count will rise as we continue to “lock down,” “lock out,” “shelter in place,” and offer “thoughts and prayers.” We’ll sit on our couches, repost on social media, and then go back to our honeycombed lives. What has to happen to affect change? Does anyone know? Why does this happen in The United States? All we can do right now is look to our own communities to protect ourselves. There isn’t that much more hope I could give you.

Fame’s effect on women tragically shown in death of Cheslie Kryst

curls when she accepted it, hoping to inspire other women to feel comfortable in their own skin by letting their hair present naturally. She fought against generations epression and anxiety affect evof women who felt compelled to straighteryone, including the most aten their hair in order to feel attractive or tractive women on the planet. It conform to society’s beauty standards. makes no difference if you are She supported all Black women, the attractive, wealthy, famous, or have made #MeToo movement, battled for unfairly several flashy television appearances. convicted people, and helped women find Cheslie Kryst, a 30-year-old beauty affordable workwear on her blog. She queen and Emmy winner, committed suiwas a wonderful person who genuinely cide on January 30th. From the outside, enjoyed helping people. she seemed to possess all of the qualiThe terrible reality of today’s social ties of an ideal woman, and her future media is that it only welcomes influencwas promising. However, her captivating ers who are always upbeat and happy. smile hid plenty of her struggles with deYoung women are frequently portrayed as pression. hypersexualized, physically, and psychoIn her private life, away from the media, logically flawless people on social media. she battled a high-functioning depression This isn’t even close to being human. that she hid from her friends and family. In the shallow world of social media, This exemplifies that no matter how it’s difficult to be yourself or vulnerable. much fame and success you obtain, or Comments are frequently turned off to how beautiful you are inside and out, you escape the hatred of commenters when can still face the internal struggles of deposts aren’t what they want, when your pression disregarding who you are, what comments or likes start to decrease it beyou look like, or all the amazing things gins to invalidate your worth, and it just you do in life. tears down self-esteem entirely. The sense She was a brilliant woman that offered of rejection you get from social media is far more than beauty. She studied hard to the worst aspect of it obtain a law degree all, and it can really before competing Young women are damage your mental in competitive pagfrequently portrayed as health. eants, so she could hypersexualized, Many people in the share her wisdom physically and entertainment or sowith others. Cheslie remarked psychologically-flawless cial media industry struggle to balance on a momentous year people on social media. their mental health in which Black womwith their careers. It’s en won all five major always competitive, highly toxic, and the beauty pageants. It demonstrated that longer you stay in that atmosphere, the Black women could win instead of comworse it gets for your mental health. It ing in second or third, as in past years. is just too easy to equate your own selfShe wore her crown over her natural By JENNA PRESTON ‘22 Associate Editor-in-Chief

worth with the approval of others, to believe that you’re not good enough until others think you are. We think of Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, and Nina Simone as much more than their undeniable beauty when we think of some of the most beautiful women in Hollywood history. Just like Cheslie, these stars were talented people that had won several awards and accomplished a great deal. While mental health isn’t normally the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about these women, they all had mental health issues throughout their time in the limelight. Actually, many of the inspiring personalities we look up to in the media suffer from men- Mental illness doesn’t have a preference for tal problems that go unnoticed a face, gender, or a age. Photo by Wikipedia due to their famous status and all they’ve done for you, or take the time success. Women are 40% more to care for your own mental health. You likely than males to experience severe denever know who might be going through pression, and they are subjected to high a difficult time in their lives, and your beauty standards throughout their lives, words may be just what they need to feel making it harder for them to acquire selfbetter. confidence and self-esteem. In their lifeDepression comes in many different coltime, one out of every four women will ors and shapes, and no matter how flawrequire depression treatment, such as less someone appears on the surface, they counseling or medication. are still human. “Stop being so emotional,” or “you’re Cheslie Kryst exemplified love and just being overly sensitive,” are comhelped so many people; my prayers and mon phrases you hear as a woman. When condolences are with her family. you’re told this displaying any kind of Call the National Suicide Prevention sensitivity as a woman, it’s difficult to be Lifeline at 800-273-TALK if you or taken seriously. It takes courage to consomeone you know needs help (8255). fess your difficulties, and it is not anyYou may also text a crisis counselor by thing to be ashamed of. dialing 741741, which will connect you Thank the strong women in your life for with a counselor.

February 2022

Opinion

The Voyager 11

To Revive our Viking Part Two: The history of Spirit Week

day. Field events. Outside. Track events, pie-eating contests, tug of war, potato sack races, obstacle courses — you name it, it was fought for under the glory of the sun. aise your hand if you think that “It was like you were at the Olympics,” Eastern has school spirit. history teacher Mr. McAleer said. Probably not that many of you The school day was even cut short in anwould. ticipation and dedication to these events. In the first part of the series, evidence Each class would gather into one section showed that school spirit is important to of the bleachers donning their class Tfoster passion for learning and establishshirts, creating four distinct Viking clans ing one’s identity with a supportive comgathered in the raging seas to fight for vicmunity. tory. However, Eastern has a comparatively It came down to the last event, the 4x100 low school spirit. Furthermore, it’s not meter relay on the track. It always riled that we don’t have school spirit, but we the roars and cheers even louder in a tense should have more. As we recover from the showdown. In 2008, two-time Olympic pandemic, it’s more important than ever medalist English Gardner and stand-out to invest in the mental health of students 800m runner Kasey Ritz took part in the by ensuring they have a community that Spirit Week relay for the juniors; it was supports them. truly a crucial event to win. Eastern has the chance to unify clubs, With an environment as exhilarating as extracurriculars, and their communities, this, how did Spirit Week turn into what altogether raising school spirit. But will it is now? they take it? It’s actually quite simple. The tradiSpirit Week may have passed, but what tional feud between the senior and freshof school spirit? It’s clear apathy plagues man class was just too much to handle. In these halls, but at one time passion blazed a dramatic upset, the freshman class won through them, believe it or not. Now only Spirit Week nearly a decade ago. embers remain; what happened? It didn’t Rage. That’s just one word to describe always used to be like this. the disrespect that violently flooded the Nearly a decade ago, excitement and halls. “Tagging,” a normal activity for seEastern intertwined into one week of niors to show their superiority by “colorintense competition between the four ing” underclassmen with markers quickly graduating classes every October. After a escalated to full-blown paint tubes—but fun-filled week of theme days, it all culnot just on their shirts, now it went evminated into one dramatic afternoon. Frierywhere. Bathrooms were defaced, as vibrant colors splattered the school in a display of rebellion, including school buses and the parking lot. Even entire water balloons were filled to the brim with paint, and found Dr. Tull’s jacket an easy target. The chaos and destruction was so devastating that the perpetrators were immediately suspended if caught. Full day, in-school suspensions were put into effect, putting administrative study periods to shame. Peace. But at what cost? The following year, field events disappeared. Only a few years ago Class of 2010 students participate in the did the administration approve three-legged race. the revival of indoor “field” Photo from the 2009 Eastern Yearbook events: barely an echo of the exBy ARIANNA MORALES ‘22 and ANDREW SHINKLE ‘22 Co-Editor-in-Chief and Editor-in-Chief

Eastern school pride and enthusiasm has dropped ever since outdoor field events were removed almost a decade ago.

citement they used to be. It’s clear there are sizable differences between school spirit before and after the incident. There are a number of factors that could have contributed to such results, like the advancement of technology and social media. However, it’s reasonable to speculate that this incident is one of the primary reasons Eastern’s school spirit appears more apathetic in recent years. Mentioned in the first part of the series, a survey 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, indicative of the comparatively low school spirit Eastern has. However, the results of the survey may also indirectly reveal the amount of effort Eastern has put in to facilitate a sense of pride within the school. When asked to explain whether they think the majority of Eastern students have pride in our school today, Mrs. McBride said “No. I actually asked some students why this might be and their answer was ‘There is nothing to be proud of.’” While Spirit Week is not wholly to blame, it certainly has influence. The school withdraws from putting the same amount of effort into Spirit Week as before the incident in order to prevent the recurrence of disastrous events. Now,

Photo from the 2009 Eastern Yearbook

future graduating classes suffer from the mistakes of their predecessors. Of course, Spirit Week is not the only indicator of school pride, but the amount of effort from administrators and teachers put towards planning and publicizing Spirit Week has fallen dramatically, likewise decreasing the sense of unity within the school. It needs to be restored. For everyone’s sake. However, it will take an effort from everyone to combat natural influences like the size of the school and the departmentalization of teachers, while connecting the Vikings in clubs, sports, and extracurriculars. Mrs. Dibert, teacher of family and consumer science said, “When coming to school, it’s a place to not only learn, but to connect with others, to be a part of something bigger than yourself, to be a part of another family...your ‘school family.’ It’s a time to share your experiences and open yourself up to the ideas of others in your school community so you can maximize your learning experience and time here in a positive way.” What will it take to revive the Eastern Viking? This is what this series is all about. Stay tuned for To Revive Our Viking Part 3: The Factors.

How to maintain healthy friendships and relationships morning and goodnight message or just a check in when you’re free, a little communication goes a long way. Another important part of relationh, February. The month of roses ships is communicating when something and chocolates, of Valentine’s is wrong. If you seem clearly upset and Day and Galentine’s Day. This don’t talk about what’s going on inside month is all about relationships your head, this can cause lots of problems with others, whether romantic or in your relationships. When someone is platonic, and about celebrating your conclose enough with you, they can tell when nections with the special people in your you’re acting differently, and shutting out life. loved ones out when High school can Whether it’s a simple feeling upset often make it difficult for good morning and causes them large teens to maintain healthy relationships goodnight message or just amounts of anxiety, stress, and worry with their friends, a check in when you’re families, and sigfree, a little communication that you never intended for them. So, nificant others. The goes a long way. despite how hard workload takes up a it can be, please be lot of teens’ time and sure to talk to your loved ones when you energy, and doesn’t leave them with a lot are feeling upset, and open up to them of time to connect with others. once you are ready. With school taking up so much of their Making plans to hang out in-person can time, how can high schoolers keep and also be an important part of relationships. build on the valuable connections in their Talking over text and calling can be good, lives? especially when you cannot see someone Communication is key in any relationdue to conflicting schedules or the panship. Everyone has busy lives and differdemic. However, when possible, seeing ent schedules, but in a good relationship, someone in person provides a type of conboth parties have to find time to talk to nection that a screen cannot. So, be sure each other. Whether it’s a simple good By KAITLIN SWIFT ‘24 Staff Reporter

Friendships are important to maintain overall wellbeing and a sense of belonging. Photo by Tiana Cyrelson ‘22 to make plans in person with your loved ones. One of the most important things to remember in any relationship is that both parties need to put in equal effort. If one party makes all of the plans, consistently reaches out, and keeps the relationship intact, then that relationship is not healthy or sustainable. In order to have a healthy relationship, both parties have to strive to put in equal effort. You may not always

reach this goal, due to other factors in your life, but consistently putting in effort makes for a much better relationship. These are just a few of the relationship tips I have gotten over the years, from friends and family and from my own experiences. I hope reading this article will help you to enhance your relationships with your family, friends, and loved ones, and will serve as a guide to read if you are ever looking for relationship advice.

Opinion

12 The Voyager

February 2022

How does the Voyager feel about the mask mandate being lifted?

fter two years of hiding behind masks since the start of the infamous COVID-19 pandemic, some people might say that we’ve finally reached the light at the end of the tunnel. Meanwhile, others might say this is how their nightmare begins, after Governor Murphy announced that the mask mandate will officially be lifted on March 7th. While some students are giddy with excitement, muttering under their breaths, “I can finally breathe again,” other students aren’t so eager about this sudden leap to normalcy. Even with the mask mandate, a significant percentage of students in Eastern do not wear their masks appropriately, while a small number don’t wear them at all. When walking in the hallways, N95’s and surgical masks are often found strapped under students’ chins or under their noses. What about teachers? They have to exhibit the behavior they want to see displayed from their students, so every teacher should be following the rules of the mask mandate. Well, that’s not entirely true. While the Voyager staff agreed that most teachers wear their masks, not all of them do. Some teachers are notorious for repeatedly pulling their masks up and down until they eventually let it hang around their chin. Wearing, or not wearing a mask goes deeper than the urge of wanting to rebel or fall in line. The Voyager staff reveals why they wear their masks, with the majority saying it is for safety

reasons. They understand their responsibility of protecting older family members at home, while others say they wear masks because it is required. Eastern will be lifting the mask mandate come March 7th. However, they have given students the power to decide whether they want to continue wearing masks or not. The bulk of the Vo y a g e r staff stated that they would keep wearing their masks. Some students don’t think they would be comfortable without a mask, because they don’t know if the person they’re seated next to is vaccinated or not. Since this is high school, unfortunately, the vast majority of the Voyager staff said that they believe students will judge those that continue to wear a mask. Why is this? It’s their choice, right? We’ve already heard names like “snowﬂake,” and people being tagged as “sensitive” when students go against the grain prior to COVID-19, so it is likely this behavior will continue, but mostly aimed at students that wear masks. According to the Department of Health, schools are encouraged to take disciplinary actions towards students

Eastern Regional High School 1401 Laurel Oak Road Voorhees, NJ 08043 856-784-4441

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Advisors:

Walter Bowne and George Kemery

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 Madison Jolley: News Editor Cassidy Golin: Features Editor

who bully others in regards to wearing masks or vice versa. While students do not have a say in what the governor declares is a go, they do have opinions. A tiny portion of the staff agree with Governor Murphy’s decision to lift the mask mandate with the need to return to normalcy, but the majority disagrees, as they’re afraid that now isn’t the time. The fact that COVID cases are still increasing is the staff’s main concern, and Omicron’s status as the most contagious variant only adds fuel to the ﬁre. So, if now isn’t the time, when is? Those that don’t agree with Governor Murphy’s decision think it’d be smarter to wait until after spring break, when we’ve entered a warmer climate to lift the mask mandate. Warmer weather has proven to help with COVID cases, offering more outdoor activities and a higher likelihood of having open windows. If lifting the mask mandate was everyone’s decision, no decision would be made. Governor Murphy is enduring comments and opinions coming from the left and right. While not everyone agrees with his choice, the decision had to be made sooner or later.

Staff Editorial

Matt Chowansky: Entertainment Editor Joseph Loverdi: Sports Editor Tiana Cyrelson: Media Editor Alana McLeod: Art Editor Mahawa Bangoura: Arts and Culture Editor

Staff Reporters: Dawn Betner, Basirah Corbett-Collier, Maya Dunkelman, Kyle Goldstein, Jacob Gollin, Miraal Halim, Shreya Komar, Jordan Kramer, Aiden Kremer, Jules Kurpakus, Olivia Marcantuono, Anna Langan, Lan Anh Nguyen, Rylee Pearlman, Molly Smith, Michael Sorensen, Alanna Stein, Kaitlin Swift, Marcela Torres, Nick Vitale, Mark Wang, Timur Markowitz, Julia Zeidler

Cartoon by Alana McLeod ‘25

Short-e-torials

Team Theater controversy results in lost competition Team Theater participants will have to wait another week to showcase their skills. Eastern’s home Team Theater competition, originally scheduled for February 5th, becomes the newest addition in a long list of competition casualties for the club this season. However, the details surrounding the competition’s cancellation are confusing to say the least. While Mr. Colton originally claimed the competition was canceled due to lack of board approval for guests, Mr. Picot claimed to know nothing of this rule. After much discussion and questioning amongst club members, the competition was abruptly canceled. Students and parents alike are still being left in the dark, as neither side has given a deﬁnite statement conﬁrming the reason. Mr. Colton declined to comment as to why the competition was canceled. Nevertheless, the next Team Theater competition took place at Raritan High School on February 26th. - Nick Vitale ‘22

Should Lia Thomas be allowed to compete at the Ivy League Championships? Before last year, nobody had heard of Lia Thomas before. She was a relatively unknown swimmer at UPenn who’d been dominating, winning races with ease. However, Thomas is transgender, and it has raised questions about her ability to compete at the Ivy League Championships. I feel it’s hard to comment on somebody’s transgender identity as a heterosexual man myself, but I do feel like she should be able to compete if she’s taken the necessary amount of estrogen to reduce her testosterone levels. If she hasn’t, then it’s not fair to the other Ivy League swimmers, as she’d just dominate. I do believe there should be a level playing ﬁeld when it comes to this; it’s just a sticky situation all around, and while I do think she should be able to compete as a woman, it just has to be fair for all parties. - Joseph Loverdi ‘22

Voyager Feedback To B or Not to B: That is so many Eastern students’ question “Stein efﬁciently debated both sides of the grade scale argument, until proving that a ten point scale would be more beneﬁcial for students. Many students are affected emotionally when receiving a grade less than an A, which could be avoided easily with a small edit to the system. While Dr. Borda argued many valid points, there were no real advantages to an eight point system. Interesting read.” - diyaramesh2024@eccrsd.us

Letters to the Editor:

An Open Letter to the “Activists” of the World

Signed Letters to the Editor should be sent to our email address at ehsvoyager@gmail.com.

“amazing article! very well-written, and I couldn’t agree more with your statements! anti-Semitism has become such an issue, and it needs to be stopped!” - nadinelitvak2022@eccrsd.us

February 2022

Entertainment

The Voyager 13

After “Waiting on a Miracle,” Disney found it with “Encanto” By LAURA SILENZIO ‘23 Opinion Editor

ver since Encanto was released at the end of 2021, TikTok has been buzzing non stop about all aspects of the movie. From Lin Manuel Miranda’s superior soundtrack to the heartbreaking-yet captivating story, people couldn’t get enough. The origins of the Madrigal family begin after young Alma and Pedro are forced to flee their village as a result of armed conflict. Pedro sacrifices himself trying to protect his family and the rest of the village and a heartbroken Alma are left to grieve the loss while having to take care of her young triplets, but not without consolation. By some miracle, the family becomes blessed with magical gifts—except for Mirabel. Growing up without a “gift,” Mirabel becomes ostracized by her family. Photos are taken without her, and she waits in the shadows as Antonio receives his gift. She feels as if she has to try and compensate for that with hard work, while many of her family members see it as her getting in their way. The more Mirabel tries, the more Abuela Alma dismisses her. Abuela Alma poses herself as the pillar; always pushing everyone to do what they’re supposed to do and shunning those who dare to do something different. But as I’ve interpreted it, this comes out of fear of losing anyone else like she did her husband. Unfortunately, in her attempt to keep the family together and functional, she emotionally abuses its members. As we see with Abuela walking down the hall and everyone standing on guard, everyone feels like their gift determines their worth. This is what pushes Bruno away. Since his visions are often negative, his family sees them as “bad omens” instead

of just a vision of what the future holds. They don’t understand his prophecies, and pretend there are no problems. Bruno is the one blamed whenever things go wrong, when he is just the messenger. The same thing happens to Mirabel when she tells everyone the magic is vanishing and the casita is falling apart. Abuela immediately shuns her in front of everyone, and even blames her for the situation. She assumes that since Mirabel doesn’t have a gift, she must be the problem. There’s a common theme of pressure within the family. Luisa, Isabela, and Pepa all have intense pressure on them to be perfect at what they do, and to constantly fix what’s wrong in the community. The song “Surface Pressure” touches on this topic for Luisa, with lyrics expressing “I’m pretty sure I’m worthless if I can’t be of service” and “Who am I if I can’t carry it all?” While Abuela Alma doesn’t directly tell them they need to be perfect, she shames them when they’re not. In the case of her second daughter Pepa, Abuela is always trying to get her to push away her feelings and be happy, even though she can’t be happy all the time. Abuela continues this coercing behavior when she pushes Isabela to marry Mariano for the family, even though she never asks her. Seeing Mirabel and Bruno as the scapegoated black sheep made their meeting seem even more heartfelt, as they relate to each other. As I was in theaters watching it, I couldn’t help but laugh at all of the hilarious quips Mirabel provides to poke fun at Bruno’s eccentric behavior. I laughed hysterically at his alter ego Hernando, who’s not afraid of anything, and I cried out laughing when Mirabel let go of Bruno’s hand because she got scared from the rat that climbed up, only to find that the fall was only about five feet. Bruno’s endearing personality carried the movie for me, as whenever he came on screen there was something to laugh

“Arcane” doesn’t deserve the hype

plot, rather than affecting the plot themselves. While some may respond saying how amazing the growth of Jinx’s character is rcane’s release has brought Netthroughout the series, this is merely one flix yet another hit television character in the show, and her character show. The beautifully-animated brings nothing new to the story of an intelevision series has become one sane antihero with a need for vengeance. of the most well-received shows based on Additionally, in the third episode of the a video game, and it has been a smashshow, she argues with her sister Vi, and hit with fans. League of Legends fans are immediately states how Vi is no longer overjoyed with the new television series her sister, which is absurd, and a perfect based on the game, with excellent animaexample of how flawed this show is. tion and amazing fight scenes. The characters don’t However, beautimake decisions, as the Excellent style and ful animation and writing has created a distinct style does animation is world in which charnot compensate for outweighed by a acter merely exists a complete lack of to drive plot forward an interesting story. ridiculous amount without any real reaClichéd characters of cliches. son. and dialogue make Excellent style and the show lacklusanimation is outweighed by a ridiculous ter, with the only character with any esamount of cliches. Others may state that sence being Jinx, who has more than one the show’s unsubtle themes of poverty personality trait and is shown to actually and class disparity make it worth watchmake decisions that benefit her and not ing; however Arcane’s total lack of depth just the plot. makes it a show not worth watching, as Nonetheless, this television series embetter television shows dive into similar phasizes fight scenes, with dozens in each themes in more interesting ways. While episode rather than developing an intersome may find the show interesting, its esting story with good writing. While the tendency to beat a dead horse and repeat fight scenes are beautifully drawn, they previous clichés makes it a show to avoid. take up most of each episode’s runtime, In a television climate filled with shows and are a waste of the viewer’s time as that take the risks of Game of Thrones, they carry little significance to the story. have the characters of Dexter: New Despite having potential, Arcane plays it Blood, and the dialogue of Succession, too safe and fails to bring anything new it is apparent that Arcane brings nothing or interesting to the world of television. new to the table. It pales in comparison to shows that take I’d rate it a 1/5, as a result of poor diathe necessary risks to remain relevant. logue, clichés, and being generic to the Most of the show’s characters are incredextent where it provides nothing new. ibly simple and merely exist to serve the By TIMUR MARKOWITZ ‘24 Staff Reporter

Disney’s “Encanto” released on November 24th, 2021, but it’s still going strong in 2022. The movie has been very popular on social media platforms. Photo from Disney/Flickr

about. Seeing him make his own dinner plate behind the wall so he can be at the family table without “harming” his family was so sad to see. This made Bruno’s confrontation with Abuela all the more anticipating. When the family welcomes him back, it was such a sweet relief. But the resolve didn’t come easily. After Abuela harshly scolds Mirabel, saying she’s ruining the family, Mirabel makes it clear that the person responsible for the casita being in trouble is Abuela pushing everyone too hard. This realization catches Abuela off guard, quite literally “opening her eyes” like Mirabel had begged for earlier in the song “Waiting on a Miracle.” In a dramatic destruction, the house falls into shambles and the candle’s light goes out. After the house falls apart, Abuela realizes her wrongdoings. We see her backstory explained more in detail with a beautiful Spanish song “Dos Oruguitas.”

She explains that she was just trying to make her husband’s sacriﬁce seem worth it, but she lost sight of what the gift was really for. Not only was the movie multifaceted in its portrayal of the pressure of family relationships, the soundtrack itself made some loud noise in the music scene. For the week of January 21-27, the Encanto soundtrack reached #1 for global albums on Spotify, and for the second time ever, a Disney animated ﬁlm song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with the masterpiece that is “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” Everything about Encanto pushed beyond my expectations and is another reason why Lin Manuel Miranda should be considered one of the top artists in the industry at the moment. Bringing incredible layers to an animated movie, I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes a Disney fan-favorite.

By MICHAEL SORENSEN ‘22 Staff Reporter

Rocks, which covers a wide variety of material from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. The band features Bibi Valdes on lead vocals, Michael Sebastian on guitar, Grace Halter (also from Us and Them) on bass, and RJ Hill on drums. This band has established a signiﬁcant following in the South Jersey and Philadelphia area, and has played at impressive venues such as Dobbs on South and Trocadero Theatre. Most recently, they played at Geets Diner & Bar in Williamstown. Another band that has played at The Laughing Fox was a trio called Banned For A Day, composed of Josh Greeno, Thomas Greco, and Georgie McNelia. Each member occasionally swaps instruments depending on the song. They play a wide variety of songs from bands like “Van Halen,” “Rush,” “Greta Van Fleet,” etc. They are slowly gaining a following. Last but not least, a band called Wring Me Out is wringing out the ears of their fans. These “rowdy teenage noisemakers” are Cole Clark on lead vocals and guitar, Aidan Kehoe on lead guitar, Ellie Taube on vocals and bass, and Derek Mosetter on the drums. Their latest show was at Thomas Murphy’s Pub on February 26th at 4:00pm. They will also be one of the bands featuring in the One Giant Leap showcase at the Anchor Rock Club on March 12th. Tickets are now available on their website.

South Jersey’s local rock scene

here is lots of young local talent waiting to be found in the South Jersey and Philadelphia area. One of these bands is a Pink Floyd tribute band known as Us and Them. This faithful tribute comprises of Maxx DeGregorio on lead guitar and lead vocals, Grace Halter on lead vocals and bass, Charlie Bove on rhythm/lead guitar and backing vocals, Nick Cianfrani on keys and backing vocals, and Carson Reuter on the drums. Both DeGregorio and Cianfrani are seniors at Eastern. DeGregorio has been chasing his dream since the age of seven, and he’s ﬁnally making it come true. However, there is a compromise. “Once I got the opportunity to do what I love and get paid, I started to move high school to the back burner. It took a while for me to start to be able to balance my social life, multiple bands, and my education. Still to this day, after multiple years, I ﬁnd myself having to make compromises with my education in order to keep my dream alive,” he said. The band has played in venues such as the Stone Pony, Hard Rock Café, World Café Live, The Laughing Fox Tavern, The Crown at the Queen Theater, and The Bitter End. Another local rock band is Sugar Rush

14 The Voyager

Entertainment

February 2022

Wordle is the Internet’s latest big phenomenon By JORDAN KRAMER ‘24 Staff Reporter

ou’ve got six tries to come up with the five-letter word of the day. Your first try is unsuccessful, and no letters in the word you guessed are present in the one Wordle is looking for. Next try, you plug in a new word, and finally! Two of the letters in the word you guessed are correct, but the yellow boxes signify that they are not in the correct place. Onto try number three, and the green box you’ve longed to see is finally there, meaning the letter is in the correct spot, along with another yellow box. You’re halfway there now! While brainstorming possible words, a lightbulb goes off in your head. Typing it out and hitting enter, the journey has finally come to an end. All the boxes are green, indicating you’ve guessed the Wordle of the day. What even is Wordle? Wordle has been gaining popularity since November 2021, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Originally receiving most attention from Twitter, the game has found a spot on TikTok, where many accounts show their viewers tips and tricks to getting the word correct in

the fastest way possible. For example, the ﬁrst word you guess should contain commonly used letters, to see if you need to rule them out early on, or if they are in the word. Some of these words include “early,” “irate,” and “stare.” Instagram is also on the Wordle trend, but more of the posts are of memes about the game, pulled from Twitter. Why is the game so popular? There are many aspects of the game that contribute to its continual increase in popularity. For one, there is only one word of the day, and once completed, you must wait for the new one to come out the next day. Only a short amount of attention per day is required, which is manageable for society today, where our attention span is decreasing. Having to wait a day for the new Wordle makes playing it that much more special and fun. Wordle contains no ads, which is revolutionary for many free games. I’ve downloaded games on my phone over the years, and when they play an abundance of ads, I’m often discouraged from playing, since I don’t want to wait for a 30-second ad to play every ﬁve minutes. Recent purchase of Wordle At the end of January of 2022, The

Wordle is played by thousands of people daily, and its success doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Photo by Jordan Kramer ‘24

New York Times bought the game for around one million dollars, shocking fans. They voiced their concerns over The New York Times possibly charging them to play the game, which would turn away many people from playing. In their article about purchas-

ing Wordle, the company states that “the game would initially remain free to new and existing players.” Regardless of this new purchase, Wordle’s popularity doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon.

morphs into murderous anger. Named after German philosopher, Hans Jonas, the virus is a hidden paradox hidden in the series. Hans Jonas wrote extensively on the dangers of new technologies, and the human responsibility to make these technologies according to the preservation of life. On the exterior, Jonas’s ideals and the virus could be direct antitheses of each other. However, humanity follows the laws of natural selection like any other organism; would producing a physically superior human being venture too far from “preserving” human life? This exact question came to plague the students of Hyosan High School, causing a clash of ethics and survival among teenage children. After Lee Byeong Chan kept an infected rat in the school lab, Hyosan High School became ground zero for the Jonas virus after a student was accidentally bitten. As discord cascaded over the school, there became a stark contrast in the characteristics of the remaining survivors. Take main lead Lee Cheongsan and the South Korean military for example. The former could be described as an exception to the primal instincts that overtook most of his peers. Ruled by compassion and responsibility rather than fear, Cheongsan wasn’t at all afraid to sacriﬁce his own life to protect his friends after being bitten by a zombie. Similar to him, many of the remaining students retained a crucial sense of

empathy, even for their infected peers. Or perhaps it was a simple naivety that came in tandem with blissful youth. Either way, the military certainly didn’t allow for any hesitation of action after martial law was announced over the Hyosan district. What started as a rescue operation for any survivors at the high school ended with stunned countenances from the survivors, as the rescue helicopter flew away without any students on board. After learning of a possible mutation of the Jonas virus, the military decided to bomb the entire Hyosan district. Their mission? To eliminate any living beings within that border. What an apt way to portray the ageold law that rules over all creatures: survival of the fittest. So, what does it mean to be an adult? As the drama shows, adulthood can be described as the bitter struggle between morality and responsibility in times of crisis. Humanity is such a peculiar paradox within itself. To be human is to possess an unparalleled perception of ethics. Nevertheless, humans are morally the most terrifying creatures that have ever walked the Earth. So, for these teenagers who were about to enter the grandiose world of adulthood, they were handed relentless challenges unbefitting of their brief lives. Festering injustices and social corruption catalyzed the creation of the Jonas virus. Who’s to say that it wouldn’t happen in real life?

“All of Us are Dead” takes a deep dive into humanity’s true killer

films? Are the action-packed scenes as exhilarating as The Walking Dead? Are the relationships between the ombie films have quite litercharacters as poignant as Train to ally amassed throngs of goreBusan? loving viewers to its world of The answer actually comes in the bloodshed and moral paraage of the drama’s main characters; doxes. they’re all teenagers. Not only teenSouth Korea is certainly no novice to agers, but high school students to be this phenomenon, as award-winning exact; an age group that’s known to be films of this genre have been sweepstuck on the precipice between childing across the entertainment industry hood and adulthood. for years. With some still having hope and The newest one to join the family others turning to survival, life in a is Lee Jae Gyu’s All of Us are Dead, zombie-infested world began to bank which gained so much international heavily on the choice between youth attention that the Netflix drama spiked and maturity. In this case, naive hope to #2 on its opening day. Weeks later, might just win. it hasn’t budged from its top ten posiThe Jonas virus is a neurodegeneration. tive virus created by science teacher But what makes this drama unique Lee Byeong Chan in an effort to pull from the multitude of other zombie his high school son away from the depths of bullying. The virus first targets the body’s white blood cells, and stops the heart merely seconds later. The end result: a zombie. However, this wasn’t Lee Byeong Chan’s true purpose. His virus drastically raises the body’s testosterone production, where an individual will be consumed with aggression and “All of Us are Dead” offers new insight into a philosophical fury even as a human crisis, as well as a sizable contribution to the zombie corpse. In othgenre. Photo by Antonia Zong ‘22/Canva.com er words, fear By ANTONIA ZONG ‘22 Managing Editor

What makes this drama unique from the multitude of other zombie ﬁlms?

February 2022

Sports

The Voyager 15

NFL playoff magic runs out in Super Bowl LVI By ANDREW SHINKLE ‘22 Editor-in-Chief

eading into the ultimate matchup of the 2021-22 NFL season, we had been treated to perhaps the most exciting set of playoff games in league history. Almost every game had plenty of tension, high-level play, and last-minute drama. At times, it felt as if the matchups were being scripted by paid writers for the NFL. They couldn’t quite bring it home with Super Bowl LVI. Until the final seven or so minutes of the Los Angeles Rams’ 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, there wasn’t much to write home about for this year’s title game. The game was close throughout, but there just wasn’t the elevated sense of excitement and intensity that should come with the championship game, especially after the outstanding games that came before it. To start the game, the Bengals won the coin toss, and elected to defer. The two teams were locked in a defensive battle for the better part of the first quarter, until star Rams WR Odell Beckham Jr. caught a 17-yard touchdown from QB Matthew Stafford with 6:22 remaining. The Bengals drove down the field leading into the end of the quarter, but had to settle for a 29-yard field goal from rookie sensation Evan McPherson to make the score 7-3 Rams. The Rams quickly marched down the field to start the second quarter, and Stafford connected with Offensive Player of the Year WR Cooper Kupp in the back of

the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown. points. Beckham Jr. was out for the game, However, the hold for the extra point was the Bengals offensive line had done a botched by punter Johnny Hekker, and the great job of protecting QB Joe Burrow, ensuing two-point and the referees had desperation throw barely interfered was no-good. This with the game. kept the game at However, this was 13-3 Rams, and the about to change. Afmissed point would ter only producing later come back to one sack in the first give the Rams a mahalf, the Rams’ dejor scare. fensive front headDuring the early lined by Von Miller part of the game, racked up six more neither team could in the second half establish an effective of the game. The running game, leadnotorious “refball” ing both to rely on also made an aptheir passing attacks pearance as well, to drive the offense. when Higgins illeThe Bengals got gally grabbed Rams tricky in this aspect, CB Jalen Ramsey’s This year’s Super Bowl was a unleashing a trick facemask during a letdown, compared to the magic this play that had RB Joe 75-yard touchdown season’s playoffs has brought. Mixon throwing a completion; there Photo by Pixabay/Tiffany and Co 6-yard touchdown to was no flag thrown. WR Tee Higgins with 5:47 left in the half. The score now read 17-13 Bengals, and This brought the score up to 13-10 Rams. after a costly interception throw by StafUnfortunately for Los Angeles, their ford on a short field, McPherson tacked second-best receiver in Beckham Jr. left on another field goal, this time from 38 the game not too long after, suffering a yards, to give his team a one score lead non-contact injury to his left knee. It was at 20-13. On the next possession, the devastating to see him fall victim to injury Rams tried to replicate the Eagles’ famous after playing so well in the first half of the “Philly Special” trick play from Super game. Bowl LII, but Kupp’s throw sailed over Going into halftime, where Snoop the head of Stafford. The Rams settled for Dogg, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, a field goal, and kicker Matt Gay convertand Kendrick Lamar headlined a solid ed from 41 yards out to make the score show, it seemed that the Bengals had the 20-16 Bengals. advantage, although they trailed by three At this point, the game was under-

Tom Brady’s retirement marks the end of an era in the NFL

Most Valuable Player three separate times, and is deservedly considered one of the most skillful and famous players to ever step foot on the field. This additionally causes possible doubts when it comes to om Brady, well-known as arguwhether the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will ably the greatest football player be able to maintain their longevity after of all time, has officially anBrady’s absence. In fact, he is technically nounced his retirement, marking still under contract with the Bucs through the end of an era. Over his spectacular the 2022 season after signing a one year twenty-two season career in the NFL, he extension last March. has earned more However, Tom Brady money than any is still likely to work other player, just around the financial shy of $293,000. situation with Tampa Furthermore, he Bay, which could has won seven look slightly different Super Bowls, not depending on whethonly the most of er he wants to uphold any player in NFL the option of a future history, but also comeback, which more than any could happen. Howsingle franchise. ever, Tom has stated Six came with that forty-five was the the New England desired age to reach Patriots (2002, a conclusion, which 2004, 2005, 2015, he will turn next Au2017, 2019), leadgust, so this will most ing the Pats to all likely be the last we six of their Super see of the dominating Bowl wins and figure. one with the BucWhether fans of caneers (2021). supported That one is espe- Tom Brady’s retirement from the NFL football cially notable as sees the most decorated quarterback in or despised Tom Brady and the teams Brady helped turn the sport’s history hang up his cleats. Photo by Wikimedia Commons he played for, he unTampa Bay into a doubtedly created NFC juggernaut; endless entertainment and inspired many his arrival in free agency saw them imacross the nation. His presence in the NFL mediately win a title, their first since they has been unmatched, with few quarterbeat the Oakland Raiders in 2002. In a backs ever having or being able to reach Tweet made on February 1, he remarked the level of his excellent and extraordithat his decision to relinquish his comnary nature. petitive commitment has little to do with Tom Brady’s impact is undeniable and injuries or age but rather that it was “now he will be remembered as one of the time to focus [his] time and energy on greatest quarterbacks in the entire history other things that require [his] attention.” of the sport and will unquestionably beLooking back at more of Tom Brady’s come a first ballot Hall of Famer. accomplishments, has won the award of By TIMUR MARKOWITZ ‘24 and KYLE GOLDSTEIN ‘24 Staff Reporters

whelming. Neither quarterbacks were playing up to their potential, and the running backs couldn’t find any openings to cut through. The Rams defensive linemen were quickly becoming the stars of the game, as Burrow began to take a beating. “Joe Shiesty,” as he is becoming known, couldn’t withstand sack after brutal sack, and his face showed it. However, as the game began to wind down, it got a bit more interesting. With around six minutes left in the fourth quarter, Bengals WR Tyler Boyd dropped a pass on a critical third down that forced them to punt the ball. If he held on, he more than likely would have picked up the first down. The Rams took over, and proceeded to methodically drive down the field, relying on Kupp to get them to the promised land. After dominating all season long, he scored the game-winning touchdown on a catch in the right side of the end zone with 1:25 left in the game to launch the Rams back in front, 23-20. Eastern alum CB Eli Apple was the defender in coverage. The Bengals got the ball back for one more possession, but a poor decision to throw the ball on fourth-and-short ended their Super Bowl dreams. The Rams emerged victorious, taking home their first Lombardi since 1999. As a whole, I wasn’t completely satisfied with Super Bowl LVI. It had enough scoring to be interesting, but the player performances weren’t compelling until very late in the game. The playoff magic that we’ve seen all winter long just simply wasn’t there on Sunday night.

Simmons-Harden trade could be season-definingcamp. for the 76ers By DAWN BETNER ‘23 Staff Reporter

Tensions thickened when the 76ers withheld $8.25 million that Simmons was supposed to receive a quarter into his conometime in January of last year, tract. Philadelphia 76ers PG Ben SimIt all continued into the preseason when mons’ name began being tossed Simmons missed the first two games. He around in James Harden trade was fined $227,613 and finally returned talk. This rubbed him the wrong way, beto Philly in early October, however he cause what player wants to hear that their missed the rest of the team’s preseason team is thinking of trading them? games. In the midst of his return, SimWith this mindset, Simmons began to mons was also kicked out of practice beperform poorly on the court. It began with cause he did not want to “play nice” bethe inability to shoot from the foul line. ing suspended for one game. The 76ers He shot 10 for 28 over the span of five opened up the regular season without him. playoff games, and this poor form continIn late Octoued throughout ber, Simmons the postseason. claimed to not After the end be “mentally of the season. ready” to play. Simmons’ The Sixers agent met with stopped fining the 76ers to him and tried discuss Simto get him help, mons’ future. but when he The summary refused, they of the meetresumed fining ing was that him. It had the Sixers saw been quiet for Simmons as a The Simmons/Harden trade could define a while up until key part of the the outcome of this season for both teams. Photo by allprophotos/Flickr this past week team. when rumors beLater in June, gan to spread about a Ben Simmons and Simmons withdrew from playing on the James Harden trade. This became reality Australian team for the Olympics. He on February 10th, when Simmons, Seth mentioned that it was to focus on personal Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first development. round picks were traded to the Brooklyn In mid-July, the 76ers opened up trade Nets in exchange for James Harden and talks for Simmons, with a high asking Paul Millsap. price. These discussions slowed down in The 76ers have a lot to look forward August with no viable offers for the Sixto with star duo Joel Embiid and James ers. Harden. The Nets also have a bright fuSimmons began to stir things up when ture with Simmons and superstars Kevin he requested a trade and said that he Durant and Kyrie Irving. The highly anwouldn’t attend training camp until he got ticipated game between these two teams traded. He continued with this behavior will be in Philly, March 10th. Both playinto media day, where the main topic was ers should play in that game, which will his absence. Simmons stuck by his word be the biggest for both teams this season. and did not attend a single day of training

Sports

16 The Voyager

February 2022

Wrestling’s Jared Brunner reaches 100 career wins By ANDREW SHINKLE ‘22 Editor-in-Chief

ared Brunner made history on January 21st, 2022. In a home match against Cherry Hill East, he became the 19th wrestler in Eastern history to reach 100 career wins. However, that’s only part of the story of his ascent to South Jersey sporting stardom. Wrestling runs deep in the Brunner family. His father wrestled for Cornell University, and his grandfather wrestled for Brown University. Brunner first began wrestling at the young age of six, taking part in the Eastern Junior program where his father coached. After the high school practices concluded, kids of all ages would come in for their own practice, and go head-tohead in matches of their own. Brunner is from Cherry Hill, but initially joined the Eastern Junior program due to the lack of a similar program there. However, as he moved through the program, he grew attached to the friends and relationships he formed. “That definitely pushed me to come wrestle for Eastern; being around all those kids and definitely forming those bonds with the older kids from the Junior program helped, so definitely seeing them allowed me to form some core relationships,” he said. Brunner transferred to Eastern before his freshman year, and he’s been a core member of the team ever since. “A bunch of kids are excited to get their

names on some walls. I’m excited to get that state title, that’s been my goal for a while now. I feel more confident than ever that I can get that this year,” he said. Brunner is no stranger to success in the postseason. He was the district champion in 2020, was a regional finalist in 2020 and 2021, and placed in the state in both years (The order of postseason progression is districts, regionals, then states). His most recent accomplishment firmly cemented his place in Eastern sports history. In front of his extended family—parents, grandparents, aunt, and uncle—he hit the century mark in career wins. “After the win, it felt great to look up there and see the banner with 100 wins on the wall, and know that my name’s gonna be up there; see my family in the stands cheering, and see my teammates going crazy on the side. It was a great feeling,” he said. His coaches congratulated him on the milestone, but reminded him that his work isn’t done yet. As a senior, Brunner is one of the team captains, and he credits his development as a leader to his role models from freshman year: star athletes T.J Franden and Jacob Brocious. “Having those positive influences definitely helps rub off on me, and I hope rubs off on the rest of my team,” he said. Unfortunately, last year’s short season may have derailed Brunner’s quest for setting a new Eastern all-time win record. Robert Deutsch currently holds it with 156 wins, but there aren’t enough matches left in the season for Brunner to best

Jared Brunner celebrates with his teammates and coaches, following his hundredth career victory. Photo by Tiana Cyrelson ‘22

him. Despite this, other records he hopes to set include most pins in a season, and most wins in a season. As a freshman in college, Brunner will continue his career at Brown University, following in his grandfather’s footsteps. Aside from his wrestling career, Brunner enjoys math and computer science in school, and plans to major in the latter. “I like to think that I have a good imagination and I like coding, so combining the two would definitely be a bit of a dream job for me,” he said. In his free time, Brunner’s hobbies include cooking, water sports, traveling, and hanging out with his friends. Some of his favorite foods to cook include french

toast, eggs, and pasta. In terms of traveling, Brunner has been to a wide variety of places, including Canada, Mexico, Spain, Portugal, France, and all over the U.S. “Definitely experiencing different cultures and seeing different sites is something I love,” he said. In ten years, Brunner envisions himself owning a computer shop, and finding ways to combine his loves of coding and design. He’d like to live somewhere warm; maybe the West Coast or Hawaii. “Living a tropical life,” he said. But in the meantime, wrestling is his focus. Is an NJ state title next? “Definitely.”

By AIDEN KREMER ‘23 Staff Reporter

season ace Andrew Tofolo had an incredible season, but Murphy has zero doubt in his team this year. “Tofolo was a big piece of our success last year, but I feel like we have a great team coming into this season that can more than fill those roles,” he said. Baseball is more than a game to Murphy. He views his teammates like family, and feels that the connection between the team and coaches contributed to their success in previous years. “Baseball is not an individual sport. If one person isn’t buying into the program, the entire team suffers; however if everyone is buying in, then the team will succeed more when it matters most,” he said. As it is Murphy’s senior year and last year on the Eastern Vikings, he recalled a favorite memory he had with the team. “My favorite memory has to be winning the conference last year away against Cherokee, we had to overcome so much adversity,” he said.. Murphy’s work ethic he puts toward the game is unmatched. He always keeps his head high, and he is staying confident amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic. Murphy is a natural at baseball and it’s clear how he does it—with confidence.

Matthew Murphy’s confidence is key

Matthew Murphy, the ace of the Vikings pitching staff, is ready to confidently lead his team to victory. Photo from @matthewmurphy_6 on Instagram

he Eastern Vikings are set to start the baseball season this month, and senior Matt Murphy feels beyond confident in his team. “We’re the reigning Olympic Conference Champions, but I still feel like we’re underrated,” he said. “I think this team can repeat and challenge for a state title.” Murphy has been with the varsity team since his sophomore year, and continues to prove himself not only to his coaches and teammates, but many schools across America as well. “My dream was to play baseball in college, [and] I was extremely excited to receive an offer from Chestnut Hill. I toured the college, and I realized it was the perfect fit for me,” he said. At Chestnut Hill College, he plans to major in General Business and Administration. Confidence is what makes a baseball player successful, and Murphy is nothing short of confident. This is his first year as the Vikings starting ace, although it feels like he’s been doing it for years. The 2021

Signing Day 2022: Where are Eastern athletes headed? Field Hockey Izzy Bianco University of Louisville Ryleigh Heck University of North Carolina Kylie Dawson Indiana University Tess Herman Rowan University Riley Hudson The Ohio State University Susie Miller Cabrini University

Devyn Shapiro Ithaca College Camryn Silvestro Army West Point Vincent Trasatti Immaculata University Nick Yushchak St. John’s University

Lacrosse

Soccer

Kelsey Barratt Central Michigan University Jane Trauger University of Vermont Evan Townsend Widener University

Emily Eustace Duquesne University

Baseball

Matthew Murphy Chestnut Hill College Sean Perkins Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

Basketball Mia Robbins Widener University Sanaa Thorne Stevenson University

Swimming Kat Gagnon Campbell University Isabella Roma University of Delaware

Aidan Kim Salisbury University

Softball Megan Guns Rosemont College

Wrestling Jared Brunner Brown University

Track/XC Sophia Staiger American University