Eastside: February 2020

www.eastside-online.org

Vol. 53 No. 5

Cherry Hill High School East: 1750 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

“OUR MUSIC, OUR STORY”

February 2020

Andrew Maier (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Inside This Issue

AACC Presents the Black History Month Showcase News, Pg. 4

Green Shares Perspective as a Mixed-Race Student Features, Pg. 6

Eastside Honors Black History Month Features, Pg. 12-13

NEWS

Page 2

EASTSIDE

February 2020

New construction near main entrance changes entryway for all ■ By Lauren Smith (‘20)

Eastside News Editor

The Cherry Hill Board of Education has begun preparations to build new security vestibules at both Cherry Hill East and West.

While construction for West began a little over a month ago, East started its renovations the week before winter break.

“Everything will be replaced,” said East Assistant

Principal Mr. Lou Papa when describing the new security vestibule.

Papa explained that the entrance to the school will still have double doors on the right side; however, the left side of the entrance will now only have one door with an intercom for students to use when arriving late.

There will be windows all along the entrance so that adults entering the

Jiseon Lee ( ‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor

A security vestibule is under construction.

school will not have access to enter the main building.

The system currently in place will remain the same except late students will scan into school at the vestibule rather than having to type in their student ID in the Main Office.

There will also now be seating for parents who are waiting to pick up students.

A teller pass will also be implemented so that if parents need to drop off a binder or school work for their children, they can simply slide it through the transaction window without having to enter the school.

The construction was originally planned to begin over the summer; however due to technical problems, the project was pushed to late December.

These new security measures have already been implemented at both Woodcrest and Thomas Paine Elementary.

“From what I know [the vestibule is] working very

well [at both schools],” said Papa.

The company working on the vestibule is entirely separate from the contractors working on the auditorium for East; however, the

same construction company is constructing the vestibules for East and West.

“We’re hoping that by the beginning of March it will be close to finished,” said Papa.

Lauren Smith ( ‘20)/ Eastside News Editor

This map from the BOE outlines construction plans.

Revisions to the bus procedure alters morning transportation

■ By Bella Levin (‘22)

Eastside News Editor

East plans to implement a new bus procedure to prevent student car accidents in the parking lots. This change will occur in February and only affects the morning procedure.

Mr. Lou Papa, Department Supervisor of Building Security, Campus Police, Buildings & Grounds and Discipline, said he researched methods to make drop-off easier for students and parents. He found information from a group of interns that devised a plan to keep students safe upon arriving at school.

“I worry there will be an accident,” Papa said when discussing the current bus procedure.

Papa also finds the morning arrival very unorganized, commenting on

the “chaos that ensues at the front of the student entrance.”

Students whose parents are dropping them off in cars will now enter through the student entrance in the morning, as the main entrance will be reserved for injured students or any individual needing the ramp.

The buses will now enter on the side of the Main Entrance and drop students off at the Library Annex doors before circling around the back end of the school to leave.

Administration plans to wait until the sun begins coming up earlier in the morning, as Papa said that it will be easier for students to adjust to the new modifications when it is not as dark out. He plans to inform parents who typically drop off their students with flyers, and hopes to get the word out efficiently.

Papa hopes that these adjustments will reduce accidents and overall be a safer way for students to arrive in the morning.

Kat Maslak (‘20) / For Eastside

Busses will now drop students off near the annex.

Art by Max Gaffin (‘22)/ Eastside News Editor

East’s annual open house night informs incoming freshmen and parents

■ By Ziva Davis (‘22)

Eastside Staff

East’s annual Open House was held on Tuesday, February 4, at 7 p.m. and was attended by incoming freshmen as well as their parents.

The open house is an information night for students and parents interest-

ed in attending East next year. The event began in the DiBart Gym this year due to the construction in the Auditorium.

Cherry Hill East student representatives from sports teams, music programs and clubs were in attendance in order to inform the incoming freshmen and parents about the different ways

that incoming students can become involved in at East.

Most clubs had two members in attendance to present their club to the incoming student body.

Numerous teachers were also at the open house to inform students and parents about the different levels of classes to choose from at East as well as to discuss

sports and extracurricular opportunities.

The event differs from a middle school open house as it is on a much greater scale with around eight hundred students and parents attending.

The event annually shows students the feel of East before they decide which high school they

would like to attend. In many cases, students already know they will be attending East but still want to get a feel for it “I hope the eighth graders and their parents get a taste of East spirit and that the eighth graders get a desire to come here,” said Mr. CJ Davis, East’s Activities Director.

NEWS

February 2020

EASTSIDE

“It’s a perfect day” for Legally Blonde

“I definitely underestimated their abilities to put on Eastside Sports Editor a show. They amazed me.”

Mr. Pete Gambino and Caitlin Cepeda (‘21), the the East Theater Departassistant stage manager, ment are preparing for further explained how the their spring musical, Leshow is more independent gally Blonde, which will this year since many stube performed early March dents are in charge. in Cherry Hill “It’s really High School fun for us to West’s auditoriassume these um. The musical adult roles for is adapted from these shows, the 2001 cultI’m really exclassic movie of cited to see it the same title. all come to“One thing gether,” said we had this year Cepeda. was an abunThe Orchesdance of strong tra for this proactresses, and duction is also Legally Blonde eager for the features numershow to come ous female parts, together. so that was the For now, main reason we they are pracchose it,” said ticing on their Gambino. own, apart Alicia Cosenfrom the perza (‘20) will be formers. portraying Elle “[We] typiWoods, and Morcally start regan Pierce (‘20), hearsing the will be portrayweek before ing Enid Hoopes, winter break law students at or the week Harvard. we come back, Cosenza and and it’s every Pierce are both Wednesday huge fans of and Friday afboth the movie ter school unand musical vertil the show in sions of Legally said Kelvin Yuan (‘22)/ Eastside Staff March,” Blonde, though Jackson Feudtner (‘20) and Marco Porras (‘20) re- Izzy Neville they favor the view their scripts for the spring play. (‘20), a violinist musical. The sewho will be perniors expressed forming in the their excitement that this Blonde,” said Gambino. production. “That’s really production is their final Looking back on the only a few months to learn show. previous fall show and on the whole show and coordiCosenza said that she is the current rehearsals for nate it with the actors.” beyond thrilled to play Elle the spring show, Gambino The stage management, Woods for her senior show. is particularly impressed music and acting all make “It’s a really nice feelwith the dynamic of the up an equal portion of the ing being able to leave the student-led production that show’s overall cohesivedepartment this way aftakes place in the East theness. ter these past four years,” ater department, he said. “[Every] year, everyone Cosenza said.

“Going into this job, I is so professional and the Another reason which was expecting to be in full show always ends up being led Gambino to select this control; I did not realize really amazing. Everyone play was the empowerment how independent the stuworks so hard,” said Nevof women. dents were,” said Gambino. ille.

■ By Lalitha Viswanathan(‘22)

“Other productions we could have chosen were ones where the woman is saved by the man at the end, the fairytale dynamic, whereas Legally Blonde is quite the opposite. We wanted to offer a different message through Legally

Page 3

Sophomore SGA plans Soph Cot

Jiseon Lee (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor

A student crowdsurfs at last year’s Soph Cotillion.

■ By Amanda Merovitz (‘22) Eastside Sports Editor

Suits and ties, dresses and pictures aren’t the only things to look forward to at the Sophomore Cotillion on February 21. Devyn Levin (‘22), the president of the sophomore class, and the sophomore SGA officers and representatives have been working hard to impress all of the Class of 2022 students who are attending the dance and their dates.

“SGA has met every day and is getting ready for the dance. There are going to be lots of fun things to look forward to for the dance,” said Levin. “There will be a really big red carpet to be excited for.”

Not only does SGA meet

every day, but the officers and reps collectively make the big decisions involving the dance.

They decide everything from food, to T-shirts and even the theme of the dance. Levin said that the hardest part of preparing was picking out the theme, Night at the Movies, and designing the perfect shirts that would satisfy as many people as possible. At the moment, Levin and the rest of SGA are still working on perfecting the shirt design.

“Many people underestimate how much we actually have to do to prepare for the dance. A lot goes into it, and it’s hard to satisfy everyone.

We work really hard and it really comes together at the end,” said Levin.

SOPHOMORE COTILLION Who’s invited? The Class of 2022 and their dates.

What theme? A Night at the Movies WHere? Cherry Hill High School East WHEN? February 21 at 7 p.m.

WHat to wear? Semi-Formal Attire

NEWS

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EASTSIDE

“Our Music, Our Story” 100 Years of Making Our Voices Heard

■ By Ziv Amsili (‘22) Eastside Staff

The annual showcase run by African American Culture Club took place on Saturday, February 8, at 2 p.m. Titled “Our Music, Our Story: 100 Years of Making Our Stories Heard,” the show reflected the African American experience through the use of music from the 1920s to the 2000s.

This year’s theme, “Music Throughout the Decades,” has come to embody the unique history of African Americans in the 20th and 21st centuries through the eyes of the Cherry Hill Community’s own members.

Mrs. Genene Barnes, Advisor of the African American Culture Club, had been watching the show take place for the past 19 years that she has been working at East.

Sponsored by the African American Culture Club, it is still a production that the students and clubs undertake in conjunction with Cherry Hill East, Cherry Hill West and the Cherry Hill Civic Association.

This year, the show was held at Cherry Hill High School West’s auditorium.

Practices for performers were held twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays at West, for two hours

and thirty minutes each.

The theme of “Music Throughout the Decades” was created in hopes of opening people’s eyes concerning the integration of African Americans throughout the decades of the 1920s2000s. Momentous events of African American history were reflected through dancing, singing and poetry at the showcase.

S t u dents reflected on events including the Harlem Cotton Club of the 1920s, lynching in the 1930s and the African--American presence in Vietnam during the 1960s.

Members of the show also collaborated with history teachers at East to expand their knowledge of events they por-

trayed within their performances.

East special education teacher Ms. Tanitra Rogers taught a lesson concerning the protest of lynching with the song “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday.

It helped influence the interpretive dance to this song, which was performed

by Mckenzie Taylor (‘21), Mia Bonner (‘21) and Nia Slaton (‘22). Another dance was performed to the song “Honeysuckle Rose” by Thomas Fats Waller.

“The overall goal is educating the Cherry Hill Community about Black History past, present, [and] future,” said Barnes.

Despite the multitude of extracurriculars that her own children are involved in, Barnes still encourages them to make the time to be a part of this show.

Many of the students

February 2020

who are involved in the show have been participants of African American Culture Club in previous years. They learn to show a thematic representation of black lives in U.S. history while spreading an important message.

Aliyah Bowles, the director and choreographer of the show, incorporated music of great importance to project what people may not know about African Americans throughout the decades. Although she came up with the ideas and choreography, the contents within each piece were usually student driven.

“There are a lot of things that we do on our own that Aliyah then [confirms] with us and [enhances] our vision,’’ said performer Machayla Randall (‘21).

This year, performers expressed that they represented very essential events that must always be remembered in African American history, impacted by experiences since the early 20th century and experiences of students now.

“We have freshmen and sophomores participating [this year] so hopefully they can [establish] a legacy,” said Barnes before the show. In the future, East hopes to continue to grow the Black History show.

Art by Max Gaffin (‘22)/ Eastside News Editor

Andrew Maier (‘20)/Eastside Photo Editor

The cast and crew of the production come together after the final performance to pose for the camera. Aliyah Bowles (far right), expressed how “the theme of the production is to highlight some of [the] nation’s most signifigant African American musicians and demonstrate how they used their artistry to uplift humanity.” The songs she selected for Andrew Maier (‘20)/Eastside Photo Editor production are an integral part of African American culture. Her Aiyanna Defreitas (‘21) performs “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye. the goal in presenting this work “is not only to entertain, but more importantly, to educate, empower, and inspire.”

Andrew Maier (‘20)/Eastside Photo Editor

Joey Timpanelli (‘20), Kara Willis (‘21), Mr. Cecil Leonard and Mr. Joe LaRosa Cherry Hill West senior kick off the show with some music for Christopher Williams sings the crowd.

“A Change is Gonna Come”

by Sam Cooke during scene 5, which expressed popular music by African Americans during the ‘60s. Williams’s mother, Dawn Williams, inspired him to take part in the show as she was involved with the show when she atteneded West in the 1990s.

Andrew Maier (‘20)/Eastside Photo Editor

CHECK OUT PAGES 12-13 FOR MORE ON BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Andrew Maier (‘20)/Eastside Photo Editor

Students from Cherry Hill East and Cherry Hill West come together during scene 1, in which they choreographed a dance to Fats Waller’s song “Honeysuckle Rose” from the 1920s. Bowles described how for artists like Waller, “music is more than entertainment. Music is a powerful tool for protest that reflects the continued struggle against racism, discrimination, oppression, and social justice...Whether it’s jazz, blues, gospel, rock and roll, soul, or hip hop, these songs are the soundtrack for the history of African Americans in our nation.”

Feburary 2020

EASTSIDE

Æ

The Score tells Everything!

2018 Y2 Students' College Board SAT Test Scores

Page 5

FEATURES

Page 6

EASTSIDE

February 2020

East alum makes an appearance on the Ellen Show ■ By Max Gaffin (‘22)

Eastside News Editor

As kids, many people have a lifelong dream to meet their favorite celebrity. For Noel Hartey (‘15), that dream became a reality.

This fall, Hartey went on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” after watching it religiously for many years.

Ever since her days at Rosa International Middle School, Hartey would rush to come home and turn on her favorite TV Show.

“I would just turn her [show] on and she would just make my day a whole lot better,” said Hartey.

Hartey loves how Degeneres is such a “happy and lovable person, [who] brings laughter and joy to everybody’s lives,” she said.

Hartey became inspired

by DeGeneres after watching an episode where she helped a child in need of a heart transplant by speeding up their surgery date.

Ever since then, she wished to one day meet this role

model of hers. that she was someone who Your Wallet,” where DeHartey, who then atclearly cared a lot about Generes went through tended Arizona State Hartey’s purse University, decided and poked fun to apply online for a at the items chance to meet Deshe found.

Generes, because she In a blooper lived close to the stuclip from the dio in Burbank, Caepisode, DeGelif. The application neres awarded is like a lottery sysHartey with a tem, where the winseries of presner gets tickets for ents. One of free, but they need these presents to supply their own was a jacket transportation to get from DeGethere. neres’s new “I applied as ofclothing line, ten as I could, and EV1. As she I hoped that at one took a spin to point I would get the show off the opportunity to go see back, she asked her, and luckily for if Hartey liked me, it worked out,” her jacket. said Hartey.

Hartey said Hartey knew that she loved the she was going to see jacket and Courtesy of Noel Hartey (‘15) jumped DeGeneres live, but with she was unaware DeGeneres and Hartey step away from the cam- e x c i t e m e n t that she was going eras to snap a quick selfie. when she was to get to be on the handed one of actual show. When she was DeGeneres. her very own. DeGeneres lining up to walk in, they On the show, Hartey laughed when she remempulled her aside, interwas called on stage to play bered she put on a different viewed her and determined a game called “What’s in jacket before recording the

episode and was not wearing the same one she just gave to Hartey. She teased herself about that awkward moment and said, “There’s nothing even on the back of this jacket. I was just like — hey, everyone, look at me!”

“I would say the most memorable part was the excitement leading up to the show and not knowing but hoping for the chance to meet my lifetime hero.

Meeting Ellen in person was something I had only dreamt of, and when it finally became a reality I think I [almost] blacked out from happiness,” said Hartey.

been at peace with my raWhat does it mean to one point in high school, for cial identity would simply be somewhat Black? I can example, I even purchased be disingenuous. I don’t trace my African-American a necklace with the African think I could truthfully say lineage directly to a slave continent displayed promithat I have fully reconciled plantation in Virginia. At nently at its center; not necwith my racial essarily because I identity. As somethought it looked “Depending on who I’m talking to, nice, but instead one of European, African American I’ve heard that I’m not really white, because I felt I and Cuban deneeded everyone not fully Latino or only somewhat scent, I often feel to know I was of internal turmoil Black. While in public I try to make African descent about my personal and identified as jokes or otherwise ignore people’s identity. I share such. Am I not some markers of Black because my comments, others’ confusion each of my ethnic skin is too light? regarding my race has often generidentities; howWhat does it ever, I have never mean to be Latino? ated my own confusion. After all, felt as though I My great-grandwhat does it mean to be mixed?” had enough of any mother moved to to feel completely the United States -Harry Green (‘20) accepted. from Havana,

Cuba as a child. Am I not Latino because my parents aren’t native Spanish speakers?

For years, I asked myself these questions, and unnecessarily tried to prove, both to myself and to others, the legitimacy of any of my ethnic identities. With time, I have come to see the folly of looking to others for personal identity. While I sometimes still feel insecure about my racial identity, I am increasingly aware that identity is something personal and ever-evolving.

Scan the QR code on the camera app or Snapchat for a link to Hartey’s clip on the show.

Identity through the eyes of a mixed-race student ■ By Harry Green (‘20)

Eastside Opinions Editor

I will not sugarcoat this for y’all.

I could w r i t e about how wonderful it is to be someone of mixed race — how I have benefited from being raised in different cultures and learned from the unique perspectives of African Americans and Caucasians alike.

While I love my family and am by no means ashamed to be of mixed race, to claim that I have

For more on Black History Month, see pages 12 and 13.

SPECIAL

February 2020

EASTSIDE

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SGA’s Variety Show entertains cafeteria audience

Jillian MacHenry (‘22)/ Eastside Staff

Sade Willingham (‘20) sings “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna.

Jillian MacHenry (‘22)/ Eastside Staff

Sean Coen (‘20) and Bobby Irwin (‘20) host SGA’s Variety Show.

Jillian MacHenry (‘22)/ Eastside Staff

Mr. Jacob Winegrad plays the ukele and performs a song about strawberries.

Sarah Zheng (‘20)/ Eastside Video Editor

Rebecca Kim (‘20) and Izzy Neville (‘20), top left, perform a symphony with Jaclyn Kim (‘21) (not pictured). Chris Bruce (‘18), Golan Levy (‘20) and Sean Duffy (‘20), top right, give a special performance. Daniel Habina (‘20) and Erica Tran (‘20), bottom left, perform “Open Up” by Daniel Caesar. Anish Suresh (‘21), bottom right, recites number facts from memory.

Check out Eastside’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/eastsideonline) to see videos from the event.

Sarah Zheng (‘20)/ Eastside Video Editor

Tyler Leomporra (‘21), Lin Asari (‘21), Ryan Lafferty (‘21), Tyler Burke (‘21), Nick Gangewere (‘21) and Tobey Maidenburg (‘21) (not pictured) suprise the audience with their rendition of Justin Bieber’s “Misletoe.”

Sarah Zheng (‘20)/ Eastside Video Editor

Lois Nazir (‘22), top, recites an original poem and Jessica Gollin (‘23), bottom, performs “Killer Instinct” from “Bring It On: The Musical.”

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EASTSIDE

February 2020

COMMUNITY

February 2020

EASTSIDE

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The Matthew Tarnopol Foundation fights addiction ■ By Sami Bell (‘21)

Eastside Community Editor

On August 28, Cherry Hill East alumnus Matthew Tarnopol (‘11) passed away after a long struggle with addiction spurred on by back pain. After this devastating loss, his family began the Matthew Tarnopol Foundation in his honor. The purpose of the charity is to raise awareness about addiction and help those who are fighting against addiction.

Their mission is to “create an environment where people feel confident and supported to sobriety by providing financial grants to individuals who complete 30-day rehabilitation treatment,” said Samantha Tarnopol (‘08), Matthew’s sister.

Matthew’s family wants to give financial grants to those combating addiction and trying to overcome it.

The grants can help assist in paying one to two months’ rent in a sober living facility; once entered, the sober

living facility patients may apply to have monthly food, clothing, doctor’s visits or transportation allowance, as well as continued education or General Education Degree programs.

The Matthew Tarnopol Foundation has become a passion project for Samantha.

“This is something very important to my family and me,” she said.

The foundation is having its first event on Sunday, March 8, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Punchline in Philadelphia. There will be live music, free food, a silent auction and a surprise speaker. It is an all-ages, family-friendly event. It is $100 for those over 21 and $66 for anyone under 21.

The 66-dollar amount was chosen because Matthew’s hockey number was 66. In addition, children five and under get into the event for free. All of the proceeds will go to the Matthew Tarnopol Foundation.

They are also partnering with the Victory Bay recov-

ery center, a sober living facility that helps people during and after rehab. A part of their foundation is about trying to prevent people from relapsing once they are going back to living on their own.

Matthew always wanted to help everyone else. Everyone saw him as a happy guy with a contagious sense of humor that left everyone joyful.

The Matthew Tarnopol Foundation wrote, “He took everyone’s struggles and made them his own. He faced his own demons every day without ever letting them burden another soul.”

Heartbreakingly, he could not save himself from the consuming power of addiction, but Matthew’s legacy will always be much more than that.

Another large portion of the charity is raising awareness of addiction.

Samantha said, “We come from an area where addiction may not look like what you might think. Matthew was a D1 athlete who

hurt his back, and Matthew was in the process of getting his masters.”

Addiction does not discriminate, she added; it impacts people of every race, religion and socioeconomic background. It impacts people from all walks of life.

“The stigma around addiction needs to be changed,” said Samantha.

Society needs to stop pushing the harsh realities of addiction out of the limelight. Instead, everyone must start addressing addiction and see it as the illness it is, emphasizes Samantha.

Since the devastating loss of her brother, people reached out and began to talk about their own struggles with addiction. Instead of keeping their addiction private, by talking about it, the Tarnopols and community members struggling with addiction started a conversation.

Samantha said, “By keeping this awful secret, [addicts] are torturing themselves.”

Since the start of the charity, “we have met so many families that went through and are going through what we are. They are still standing after two or three years,” said Samantha. “It is hard to think: how am I supposed to keep going? It has been very helpful to see the other families who have been in our position.”

After such a tragic loss, the Tarnopol family “wanted to try to do something good after something so awful,” said Samantha.

Matthew’s family wanted his death to mean something and help others from the same fate.

The foundation is determined to make a change.

There is no profit; every cent from the event will be used to combat addiction and raise addiction awareness in memory of Matthew.

“If we can just help one person from the demons of addiction, then we have done our job,” Samantha said.

Philly celebrates Chinese New Year with traditional customs ■ By Vivian Rong (‘23)

Eastside Staff

Strolling along the streets of Philadelphia on a Saturday evening, the delicious, mouth-watering aroma of spring rolls arouses an instinct to peer over an evergreen tree. A quick peek reveals a park decked out in intricate red paper lanterns and minuscule sparkling orbs that mingle with the stars, overlooking a crowd of enthusiastic people milling about the square.

This year’s Chinese New Year celebrations in Philadelphia have attracted the interest of many of the city’s visitors and citizens, who may be seeking a holiday spirit to warm themselves in the February cold.

Center City District hosted the 2020 Chinese New Year celebration on the evening of Saturday, January 25, at Philadelphia’s Dilworth Park on 15th Street.

This celebratory event gave residents in the area the chance to receive a taste of a traditional Chinese New Year. Dilworth Park was outfitted in a soft and welcoming yellow-andred ambiance, complete with bright red lanterns, a sign of good fortune, according to Chinese culture.

The festival also featured extensive strings of shining lights.

The night at Dilworth Park, in order to give a sense of true Chinese spirit, involved a performance by Kung Fu and Tai Chi Master Matt Zhang, as well as a traditional dance of the classic prancing lion act from the Philadelphia Sun, which is performed every Chinese New Year’s Day. Zhang has been in the performing arts for over 30 years. His students, who flawlessly performed the Kung Fu and Tai Chi set alongside Zhang, have been practicing martial arts for over 10 years.

Zhang believes that

Visitors watch a traditional Chinese New Year performance in Dillworth Square. this event is a good way to spread Chinese culture in the Philadelphia area and merge cultures together.

“Every year we try to promote all kinds of martial arts, not only Chinese martial arts,” said Zhang on account of his two talented students.

Later in the evening, Chinatown’s Philadelphia Sun, a talented group of entertainers trained specifically in traditional Chinese lion dancing, took the stage to show to the Philadelphia audience the magic of traditional Chinese New

Year shows. The dancers’ skillful footwork made the lion cloth they were under seem as if it were smoothly prancing to the drums and sparklers that played with them.

“We want to get the Philadelphia community together in a different way,” said Marketing and Events Manager of Center City District Giavana Suraci.

Suraci explains how this is the first year in five years that the Center City District hosted a true Chinese New Year celebration. Her goal was to help Philadel-

phians celebrate Chinese culture and try something new in a comfortable environment.

“We are in such close proximity to Chinatown and I know they always have a great celebration, but we never have the opportunity to merge the two neighborhoods,” said Suraci. “A lot of people [are not] familiar with Chinatown, or familiar with Chinese New Year, the Lunar New Year, so I wanted to really give people the opportunity to celebrate the holiday [without] feeling intimi-

Vivian Rong (‘23)/ Eastside Staff

dated or uncomfortable in a different kind of setting.”

The event also featured a unique menu that infused Asian food with Philadelphia favorites for visitors to try, such as Philadelphia cheesesteak spring rolls, another way for guests to feel welcomed celebrating the Chinese New Year.

The night ended with the traditions of the festive holiday being executed to the spirits of locals in such a way that presented it difficult to forget and desirable to return for next year’s celebration.

COMMUNITY

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EASTSIDE

February 2020

Rebecca’s Mission donates books to local children in need

with the help of a family friend who stripped it. It now Rebecca Benjamin, a juhas shelves on the nior at Moorestown Friends inside, hardwood High School (MFS), always floors and lights, had a passion for reading. making it a mobile Her passion for reading, library. They also combined with her philanhave an awning and thropic values, made it simoutside furniture ple for Benjamin to decide for spring and sumon a way to help others. Her mer events. With parents — a teacher and this tool, the charcharity owner — respecity can reach more tively passed down their people. The Bookcharitable ways to Benjamobile is just anmin and her sister, Ali Benother extension of jamin, a freshman at MFS. Rebecca’s Mission; It all began when Benjathey still donate in min’s family started a new mass. It helps them Hanukkah tradition to do immerse themseven nights of receiving selves into the comgifts and one night of givmunity and become ing. One year, Benjamin a consistent part donated school supplies to of each community an underprivileged family. they enter.

“I wasn’t satisfied with Their most reCourtesy of Rebecca Benjamin the fact that I only got to cent event took Benjamin and students pose in front of the Bookmobile. help one family, so I just place at a Camden started from there,” said school in December wanted more of it. So with pily gave the Spider-Man Benjamin.

2019. our donations, we will buy book to the new student After this realization, “All the kids came out to more copies of those books instead. That is just one of her charity, Rebecca’s Misthe Bookmobile,” said Benand popular books like it,” the lessons that come from sion, began. jamin. “A kid said ‘wait we Benjamin said. books into real life, the imSince its founding, Reget to bring these home?’

Rebecca’s Mission has portance of sharing and becca’s Mission has given And I said ‘Yeah! These are been picking up steam. At community. books and the opportunity all for you,’ and he hugs their most recent event, “I want to be able to give to learn to underprivileged me… he is beaming with Channel 6 News came and the children the opportucommunities. This is repride that he gets to keep covered it. nity to see themselves in it!”

“It was really fun and these books, so monetary The most difficult the kids were so excited to donations are very helpful aspect of the charity be on TV and something so we can go out and buy to manage is entering special they do not get evthese books that correlate communities. ery day. I was very touched to them and their lives,” “Because I am in and encouraged by [Chansaid Benjamin. school, I usually reach nel 6 News’s] words of en“To get involved is to out to teachers or figcouragement,” support us, with the Bookureheads of the comBenjamin sees how the mobile there [are] a lot of munities over email. power of literature flows added expenses like gas It is hard to commuinto the communities she and insurance. We have nicate your goals over enters. so much support from the email, and then we At the latest event for a community my whole basehave to wait for their kindergarten class, there ment is overflowing with response,” said Benjawas one kid who only spoke books. It is great, but monemin.

Spanish. He just came from tary donations [are also im“Another difficulty living on the streets in portant] because we know is staying current. I Mexico, and the only part of how to fill in the gaps in our am 16, so it is hard American culture he knew book collection.” to guess what books was Spider-Man. It just so Rebecca’s Mission delivthey want to read. For happened that one of the ers new opportunities to example, there was kids in his class took the children through the pages this book [called] Doglast Spider-Man book, but of a book and continues to Courtesy of Rebecca Benjamin man. I never heard when that child learned of inspire the next generation of the book. The kids the circumstance he hapof readers.

Rebecca reads to elementary school students.

■ By Sami Bell (‘21)

Eastside Community Editor

flected in its mission statement, which is “to provide literacy opportunities to underserved communities.”

“I try to keep it local because I like the fact that it is a homegrown foundation and it is so close-knit. The fact that we keep it local allows for the community aspect, in the communities we go into, but we have a community ourselves. I like the fact that I am able to be at every single event. I want not only my name but my face to be present,” Benjamin said.

She added, “I feel that one of our benefits is that [Rebecca’s Mission] has a familial aspect. It is not just me even though the charity is under my name. Without the support of my family and the community, none of this would be possible.”

Benjamin said her favorite part of the charity is “when all our hard work comes together and we get to interact with the kids or the community we are entering. It really fuels me for the next one.”

To help with the events, the family created the Bookmobile by revamping a senior citizen van

Who’s got the best french fries? Eastside decides ■ By Karissa Murray (‘2o)

Eastside Community Editor

French fries, despite their name, are maybe the most iconic American fast food staple. According to Fox News, the average American eats 30 pounds of french fries every year, which means the US as a whole consumes around 10 billion pounds of french fries annually. They are available anywhere, anytime and at practically every restaurant, but which place can really boast that they are the best? Eastside investigates which fast food place has perfected the french fry.

Six Eastside editors — Remy Abrams (‘21), Harry Green (‘20), Giana Maccarella (‘20), Jakob Silvert (‘20), Lalitha Viswanathan (‘22) and Angelina Witting (‘22) — put five favorites up to the test: Five Guys, Wendy’s, Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s and Shake Shack.

Each of the six editors judged the fries based on quality, flavor, texture and appearance. After, they rated each on a one-to-five

scale, with one being the worst and five being the best, for all criteria.

Coming in last place overall were Wendy’s fries.

The appearance was not the issue; “I like how these ones look,” Maccarella commented. But the taste immediately fell flat, with most feeling like there was practically no flavor in the first bite at all.

“These have very obviously been frozen for a long period of time,” Silvert said.

They lacked flavor, likened to soggy air or french fries out of a vending machine. Some judges even said they were repulsive or disgusting, so it was clear from the start no one was very fond of Wendy’s fries.

“The fries tasted like they were made by a chemist who got a C in chemistry,” said Silvert.

Shake Shack came in fourth place. The opinions on the appearance of these fries differed among judges: some enjoyed the unique crinkle-cut shape, while others disliked it and felt the potato was much too grainy.

“It tastes like cardboard,” Abrams said.

Many liked the outside texture, and for what it lacked in flavor it made up in crunch.

“It’s like they fool you. At first they’re good and then they trail off,” Silvert said.

McDonald’s fries came in third. Admittedly, the appearance scored low, as they looked pretty soggy.

Despite the outside, the balance of McDonald’s perfect salt-to-potato-to-grease ratio pulled through. Overall, they were the clear middle of the pack: not too good, not too bad, but definitely enough to get by.

“McDonald’s is the best, I don’t know what [you’re thinking],” Maccarella said.

The runner-up was Chick-fil-A. Everyone agreed that Chick-fil-A’s signature waffle shape was a solid leader for appearance.

“I like the shape of these, it’s more fun. And it’s easier to dip,” Maccarella said.

Some felt the texture was a little gritty, but the Chick-fil-A sauce helped enhance the perfect bal-

ance between the salt and potato.

“Wendy’s tasted like it was straight out of a lab, this one tastes like it was out of a lab, but a good lab, a higher quality lab,” Silvert said.

Green said that “[Chickfil-A] is the lord’s restaurant,” and most judges agreed that Chick-fil-A fries were heavenly.

The winner was Five Guys. Some of the judges felt like they were too soggy or mushy for their taste, and could’ve used a little more crunch. It was also noted that the salt may have been overdone, and Viswanathan felt that they were “too potatoey.”

Abrams was underwhelmed by their performance, saying, “I would eat them because I’m hungry, but I wouldn’t choose to eat them.”

However, most agreed that the freshness and quality of potatoes were

unmatched.

“These taste like they came straight from — where do potatoes come from? Idaho? Idaho,” Green said.

Although Five Guys’ fries are notoriously greasy, this brings the flavor that offered the most authentic french fry taste, which won over the majority of the judges, to some of their surprise.

“Oh, this is fire, c a n I get s o m e sauce?”

Silvert said after taking his first bite of Five G u y s ’ .

“Oh my God, this is fire, this is [very] fire!”

Karissa Murray (‘20)/ Eastside Community Editor

COMMUNITY

February 2020

EASTSIDE

Page 11

Roller Derby picks up speed in Philadelphia ■ By Alena Zhang (‘23)

Eastside Staff

Chances are, if you asked your grandma what roller derby is, she might have watched it on a Saturday evening television program. Now, roller derby is resurfacing as a fullcontact, competitive sport without the frills and theatrics of the 1960s TV shows.

Roller derby is not just skating around the track.

It is intense and fast-paced, with two teams of five players competing against each other in rounds that last up to two minutes. There are both offensive and defensive roles. One offensive player, the jammer, distinguished by a star on his/ her helmet, gains points each time he or she laps the opposing team’s members. The defensive players are called blockers, who essentially must block the opposing team members so the jammer cannot score points. In the words of Devoida Mercy, a coach for the Philly Roller Derby Juniors, it is “the fastest two minutes on the track.”

Roller derby originated in Chicago, created by a man named Leo Seltzer. In the midst of the Great Depression, Amer-

Art by Lily Cohen (‘20)/ Eastside Art Director

icans were looking for a new, cheap pastime, and roller derby quickly picked up steam.

The sport has moved in and out of popularity over the years, but nowadays roller derby teams can be found all over the world.

Mastering skills is key to being solid in the game. At the Philly Roller Derby Junior program, while practices take place once a week, individual training is crucial to maintaining physical strength. Mercy believes it was this intensive training and practice that helped the teams improve their game significantly.

In 2017, the team was eligible for the Junior Roller Derby Association Championships, taking sixth place overall. Just a year later at the World Cup, they worked their way up to second place. What was their secret? Practice and Philly’s Roller Derby Team circles up before a match. practice— especially skating. planning is vital to win“I think the best endurning games. Blockers play ance [training] for a skater defense at the same time is skating,” said Mercy. as they play offense. If the Many of the roller derby blockers are succeeding in players participate in other preventing the opposing sports, and some of team’s jammer from scoring Mercy’s players also points, some of them can skate in rinks duralso help to break up the ing the week. Aya, also opposing team’s blockers so known as “Aya The their own jammer can skate Storm,” a mempast to win points. ber of the Players do not have to be Philly a certain size or weight to be eligible either. Whether a player is a blocker or a jammer, having different sizes on a team proves advantageous.

“I’m a small person, but I’m still useful... on the track, even against skaters Rollwho are much bigger than e r me,” said Alison Rogers, Derby nicknamed “Sugar CookJuniors, ies.” pracWhile many sports can tices at be played at schools, roller the skatederby is rarely an option. park weekly. TrainAs a result, roller derby is ing can also be done not a widely known sport. at home, with exercises inHowever, many people are cluding footwork, running starting to pay attention to on the elliptical or cycling. it.

As a team sport, strat“We just had an open egy is key to roller derby. house for skaters, and Technique and constant around 70 new people

Courtesy of Philaelphia Roller Derby

joined, which is really exciting,” said Mercy. “Some of them have no experience in skating, so we teach them the basics.”

With roller derby’s growing popularity, Mercy hopes that soon everyone will know about this sport.

“This game is radical,” Mercy said.

Not only is it one of the only full-contact sports for women, it can also be played co-ed.

“I love how in roller derby all genders play by the same rules, share the same aggression levels and play all together on the same team,” said Quinn Shepler, also known as “Ruff Red.” The sport itself is not the only reason keeping roller derby players coming back – it is also about the community. The players accept and support each other for who they are. It is a place where “nobody judges [anyone for their] unshaven armpits,” said Dru Shepler (aka Motley Dru).

Roller derby is making a comeback, and the Philly Roller Derby Juniors are ready to play.

D&Q hosts first annual coat drive to benefit Burlington County YMCA ■ By Sophia Sitnick (‘20) Eastside Community Editor

After the October 2019 grand opening of the D&Q ski and snowboard store in its new Cherry Hill location, the owners learned of an organization that needed a large donation of winter coats for the upcoming season. With a specialty for outfitting customers for winter sports gear, it seems apropos that D&Q would choose to spread the warmth this winter by hosting a community coat drive. The first annual D&Q winter coat drive will benefit the Burlington County YMCA located in Mount Laurel.

According to Brandon Donegan, snowboard buyer and general manager at

D&Q, his boss, Matthew Hurley, decided to spearhead a coat drive at D&Q after learning that the YMCA in Mount Laurel required additional coats to meet its winter distribution needs.

“My boss saw an opportunity to help,” said Donegan.

That call for help inspired the coat drive, which began around mid-December in 2019 and ran through the end of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20, 2020. Using its social media accounts, D&Q has posted news of the coat drive on its Instagram and Facebook pages.

It has also sent numerous emails to notify customers about the coat drive. The

response has been terrific.

Donegan has been keeping track of donations, which have already surpassed

100 coats.

As this is the first coat drive, D&Q did not originally set a collection goal, but employees are thrilled

with the results. Due to the enthusiastic support of loyal customers and community members, Donegan is hopeful that the coat drive will help the YMCA meet its demand for winter coats.

Donegan said, “If we can break 200 [coats], that would be awesome.”

D&Q has provided a generous incentive for people to benefit from the donation of its gently used coats.

The process is simple: a customer who brings a gently used coat will receive a discount towards new outerwear.

Throughout the drive, discounts have ranged from $50-$60 for a new adult coat and $20-$30 for a new

children’s coat. It is a winwin for the YMCA and customers. D&Q already has plans to run another coat drive beginning next December.

“Bring in an old coat.

We’ll check it to make sure it doesn’t have holes or broken zippers. As long as it’s in decent shape, we’ll take it,” said Donegan.

While D&Q has experienced recent changes in ownership, moved locations and emerged as a specialty store for winter sports enthusiasts, it has retained a passion for serving the community. With cold weather at the root of D&Q’s mission, its decision to host a winter coat drive seems to be a perfect fit.

Art by Vicki Kahn (‘20)/ Eastside Staff

Page 12

EASTSIDE

What does black history month mean to you?

February 2020

FEATURES

February 2020

EASTSIDE

Page 13

Black History ■ By Defne Alpdogan (‘20), Jacy Dickstein (‘22) and Emily Mahaffy (‘20)

Eastside Features Editors

Art by Maddie Golden (‘23)/ Eastside Staff

Word Art by Jacy Dickstein (‘22)/ Eastside Features Editor

The african American experience at East For the celebration of Black History Month, Eastside has reached out to the African American Culture Club and other African American students to share their own experiences. Many students and teachers participated in this story and we thank them for their honesty and willingness to tell their stories.

To Noah Bereketab (‘20), his experience at East has been defined by being one of the only African American students in his classes.

“I started to deal with racist jokes a lot. It sort of has become a part of my life. I had to accept it because I know it was going to be a part of my life, all throughout my life,” said Bereketab.

This sentiment is also shared by other African American students, for instance, Michaela Kennedy (‘20).

“Personally I like to take higher level courses, and I wouldn’t say it’s different, but I kind of feel like the odd one out,” said Kennedy.

Echoing Kennedy’s sentiments, Christina Cruz (‘20) said, “Personally, in my classes there are not that many African Americans in my classes. Cherry Hill East is overall diverse but [there] just [aren’t] that many African Americans.”

Azariah Donaldson (‘21) added that she thinks diversity in school is important.

“When I’m thinking of college I don’t think I’m going to go to an HBCU [Historically Black College and University] because I feel like in the real world it’s obviously not just black people. It’s white people, it’s Asians, things like that. So I think Cherry Hill does a great job of bringing diverse people,” Donaldson said.

For Jarren Andrade (‘20), it seems to be a daily struggle of being singled out. He feels as though he gets “followed around the school to make sure [he isn’t] doing different things which was said by the teacher.”

In an experience similar to Andrade’s, Obinna Okorie (‘20) describes one time when “I was in a candy store with my aunt and my sisters and the clerk kept following us around to ensure we wouldn’t steal anything,” said Okorie.

While there seems to be an importance in diversity within the core principles of East, there still seems to be a disparity between principle and culture. Some students like Naomi Bereketab (‘21) “think the use of the N-word at East is a little excessive by people that are not African American,” adding to the normalization of the N-word within American culture. The discussion of the N-word at East also came into play with the musical Ragtime in 2017, where there was a controversy regarding the use of the N-word in a school production.

The meaning of the N-word traces back to the days when African Americans were not only degraded by that word, but also abused for the color of their skin. The historical weight of the word can still be felt by these students, yet these students have heard the word being used against them or around them so many times that it has now become a normal occurrence.

“The minor discrimination that I would face on a daily basis is something like people saying the Nword in the bathroom knowing that I am there,” said Okorie.

According to Daniel Pipersburgh (‘21), it is hard for African Americans to stand up because they are “always getting a second hand opinion” and thus need to refrain from certain reactions. But with this there comes a hard balance. Okorie believes that by turning his cheek against discrimination, he is avoiding getting into trouble.

However, many students attribute kindness as the way they have dealt with struggles or overcome these uncomfortable situations. Whether it be growing “thick skin” or learning to understand the situation, African American students at East have learned to become the “bigger person.”

“The big picture is that there is evil everywhere whether someone treats someone poorly but inside everyone is equal. Being the bigger person and understanding that this is how someone is raised and I can either accept it or go about it in a positive manner and keep my head up even when someone is being racist or discriminating against me and where my people come from,” said Andrade.

Month

After waiting 100 years for civil rights, African Americans were finally granted equality with the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. From the age of Black Power to Colin Kapernick’s stance at National Football League games, the landscape of African American culture has changed over time, but injustices still remain. With examples such as police brutality — highlighted by the deaths of Trayvon Martin and Philando Castile — these remnants of the past recall the pain felt by many generations.

In highlighting the history of the past, the month of February celebrates the voices of the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Lives Matter movement and the voices of the millions of African Americans living in the U.S. While the stories of African Americans have helped to shape the United States, in many cases, American students do not have the same knowledge of African American History as they do of the American Revolution. According to the Atlantic, in only about eight to nine percent of history classes are African American stories being taught. These discrepancies in the United States education system illustrate the lingering remnants of past discrimination and injustice.

As the Features section of Eastside, we highlight interesting students, alumni, teachers and stories about the student body at East. As we all come from different backgrounds, we as a section do not share the same experiences as our African American counterparts. However, while we cannot pretend to fully understand these experiences, we feel the need to highlight the importance of Black History Month and to give a voice to this part of our student body. We hope other students understand the importance of this month in not only our history but also in our present day.

Dealing with discrimination

Discrimination. That big ugly word that packs a lot more meaning and emotion than one can even realize. Discrimination comes down to distinction—the way in which we perceive different groups, classes or categories of people, which results from misconceived negative attitudes, stereotypes and biases.

Racial-based discrimination has deep ties in American history and culture. Less than 200 years ago the Jim Crow laws were introduced in the South. They brought about the mindset of “separate, but equal,” further perpetuating and justifying racial-based distinction and discrimination. Almost 100 years later, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and ‘60s still dealt with this ingrained attitude of separate but equal. Even today we still feel the imprint of this harmful mentality.

This article acts as a space for African American students and teachers to share their experiences with discrimination. Whether it be through small microaggressions or deep-rooted prejudices, these individuals have felt the weight of discrimination.

Daniel Pipersburgh (‘21) remembers the first time he was called the N-word. He was in eighth grade when a Caucasian student got mad at him and used the word. “I felt weirded out because I never had someone call me the N-word before,” said Pipersburgh.

Mrs. Jennifer La Sure, a special education teacher at East, remembers her junior year of high school when a boy called her a “black b***h” in her history class. She also remembers white students at her school “telling me that I wasn’t like the ‘other’ black students. They would tell me that I spoke well or that I was smart, or that my hair is ‘nice,’ and those are examples of microaggression. They thought they were being complimentary. They were not.”

Azariah Donaldson (‘21) remembers a time in middle school when an incident occurred between her mom and some of the ladies who worked at her school. Donaldson said that the women “were just kind of sitting there talking about my mom in front of me, and I felt like it was rude because they acted like I couldn’t hear them… At the end of the day, I am a child and they are adults.”

Christina Cruz (‘20) said that she has a fear of being pulled over by the police because of her race.

She said that there’s “still some fear and apprehension [about police brutality] because of stories on the news and everything.”

This fear of brutality stems from constant media coverage of instances regarding racial discrimination in the policeforce.

But how do you deal with something that you cannot control? We asked students and teachers what they would say to someone who is facing discrimination.

Mr. Julian Vann, a social studies teacher at East, said that while he feels as though discrimination is an unfortunate part of American culture, “education is the key to really breaking down these barriers.”

Vann emphasized that the more you get to know people, the more time you take to understand their backgrounds and cultures, it will begin to break down the stereotypes and biases. He added that those who face discrimination should not “allow themselves to be drug down in the same close-minded attitudes,” instead “be the best person that you can be and that will allow you to really overcome these adversities.”

Donaldson believes that her reactions to discrimination stem from the way her parents raised her.

“My mom and my dad always just educate me and my siblings to let us know that we come from great[ness]. And that we’re not just stereotypes that go around and that we are beautiful. They always just put good thoughts into our heads, so that’s the mindset that I have every single day. If anyone Collage by Emily Mahaffy (‘20)/ Eastside Features Editor were to say something rude to me, I would just brush it off because at the end of the day, nobody’s opinion really matters other than mine,” said Donaldson about responding to discrimination.

Mr. Jason Speller, a health and physical education teacher at East, said that it’s important to have a voice about discrimination.

“To have someone to go to, to talk to, to share [your] thoughts” is important, because “a lot of times, throughout history, people get silenced,” said Speller.

Following the same sentiment, Ms. Genene Barnes feels that when she faces discrimination, she has to understand where the comment is coming from. She usually steps back and reminds herself to play “devil’s advocate” and to create a teachable moment for others.

Speller added that students should try to find a teacher, guidance counselor or advocate to share their experiences and talk about their concerns.

Page 14

COMICS EASTSIDE

Do You Love Me? by Ian Fulton (‘21)/ For Eastside

Eastside Earl Gets Rejected by Braden Schwartz (‘21)/ For Eastside

Cuffing Season by Jordan Grossman (‘21)/ For Eastside

February 2020

EDITORIAL

February 2020

EASTSIDE

Page 15

Editorials represent the views and opinions of the Eastside Editorial Board.

Students deserve better communication about busing changes at East

A couple years ago, New Jersey tightened the requirements necessary to receive a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

School bus drivers, who need CDLs to drive, now had to know how to repair an engine. With the wage staying the same and the training increasing, many people who were or would have become bus drivers no longer wish to. This has led to a scarcity in bus drivers — the same scarcity that causes buses to be combined almost every day at East. If a bus driver is unable to work one day, there is nobody available to replace him or her. And while the district has indicated to the bus companies that they would be willing to pay more to

Benefactors Adam Kaminer Aimee and Rick Sitnick Bernice & Irving Kernis Bonnie Grossman Brody Auerbach Carol and Ted Bell Christine Betson-Smith Christopher Witting Eric Swift Frank Sweeny, CPA Gregory S. Gadren Jane Gelman Jody and Craig Rosen Kenneth S Rosen MD Krupa and Rajesh Viswanathan Adam Kaminer Aimee and Rick Sitnick Bernice & Irving Kernis Bonnie Grossman Brody Auerbach Carol and Ted Bell Christine Betson-Smith Christopher Witting Eric Swift Frank Sweeny, CPA Gregory S. Gadren Jane Gelman Jody and Craig Rosen Kenneth S Rosen MD Krupa and Rajesh Viswanathan Maria & Ben Levin Mark & Judy Hansen Michael & Donna Koenig Michael Fleisher Mr. & Mrs. Fleisher Mrs. Marilyn Diciurcio Patricia Bell

make sure students have busing (as the Cherry Hill Public School District does not own buses and instead sources from several different bus companies), the issue of buses being combined and rerouted remains.

But there is another problem: students do not know whether they are going to have transportation.

Announcements made 15 minutes, sometimes less, before the end of the day do not give adequate time for students who want to consider other options (such as a ride home with friends, getting picked up, etc.) — especially when some of those students have to wait for a bus to drop off its first group of students and then come back. There have also

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been cases where combined buses fill up and the driver has to turn students away.

This issue is exacerbated when some students are not able to hear the afternoon announcements due to loud classrooms, leaving them unaware of any changes.

Similarly, a student should not realize that their bus is not coming in the morning when said bus fails to show up.

If the lack of bus drivers itself is not a solvable issue, students could at least be kept in the loop as to when (or if) their buses are going to show up. Students deserve to know if the way they are getting home or to school is going to change.

There are many options for this — Google Classrooms or Reminds could be made

for each bus route, so all the school would have to do is send out one message and it would reach every student on the bus.

Even better: East is hoping to roll out student emails by the end of the year, according to Mr. Ted Beatty, Assistant Principal and Department Supervisor of Technology.

Currently, G Suite, through which students have access to Google Drive and Google Classroom by using their student IDs, does not have email capability. Student emails offer many uses both in and out of the classroom, but the implications for busing updates is highly motivating. The program that the district uses for bus routing, iBusBoss, ties into Genesis. This is how they are able to find parents’ numbers when they need to u p d a t e them about bus-related issues. Were s t u d e n t emails tied into this system, it would allow them to be looped into the status of their buses.

Of course,

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there are still issues that need to be considered: both in regards to who would staff these new initiatives and also between the bus company and central administration. Sometimes, the school gets a call at 2:15 p.m. that buses are not coming. Sometimes the district is not notified about bus driver absences until after students were supposed to be picked up.

But in the cases in which East knows that buses will be delayed or combined or simply not coming, it is pivotal that students know as well. No student should be asking “how am I getting home?”

Art by Jeffrey Kaminer (‘21)/ Eastside Art Director

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Publisher

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Letters to the Editor Submit signed letters to F087

Lisa Beaubaire Lisa Gershenfeld Mark and Alison Shapiro Murat Timur Budak Nicholas Dambra Risa Swell Sally and David Finkelstein Sangeeta, Nilesh Doshi and Family Sharon Sackstein Shu Li Sierra Stanczyk Stefanie and David Tuder Stephen A. Freidin Steve Lee Steven Meyers Suheyla Selvi Budak Susan and Dean Andrew Sy Engel The Berlins The Dashevsky Family The Ringold Family The Sarett Family Tom & Kathy Xenakis Wendy and Richard Feldman Advocate Christine and Matthew Gurkin Coco Puff Lazarus Gabriela Strifler George A. Dolnycky James and Shelley Kahn Margot Kaufman Samuel Patti Sophie Levine Suzanne B. Meyers Sybil and Mel Kleinfeld Tom Murtha

Eastside 2019-2020 Editorial Board

Managing Editor: Jacob Kernis Editors-in-Chief: Ali Koenig, Aine Pierre, Samantha Roehl Adviser: Mr. Greg Gagliardi Photo Editors News Editors Opinions Editors Jiseon Lee Max Gaffin Harry Green Andrew Maier Isabella Levin Jacob Graff Lauren Smith Jakob Silvert Features Editors Defne Alpdogan Jacy Dickstein Emily Mahaffy

Community Editors Sami Bell Karissa Murray Sophia Sitnick

Sports Editors Lily Lazarus Amanda Merovitz Lalitha Viswanathan

Culture Editors Remy Abrams Giana Maccarella Angelina Witting

Video Editor

Nate Pullano Sarah Zheng Business Managers

Jessica Levin Alex Levine

Contact the Board: Art Directors

Lily Cohen Jeffrey Kaminer Webmaster

Eli Weitzman Online Editors

Alexa Atlas Tomer Goldfinger Meghna Thomas

To contact a member of the Eastside Editorial Board via email, type the person’s first name followed by a period, then his or her last name followed by “@eastside-online. org,” ie: lily.cohen@ eastside-online.org.

(Note: There is a dash between “eastside” and “online”)

OPINIONS

Page 16

EASTSIDE

February 2020

Radical activists earned their part in Black history ■ By Harry Green (‘20)

Eastside Opinions Editor

Since 1976, people across the United States have celebrated Black History Month in February. This is seen as a time to celebrate the culture and accomplishments of African Americans.

Each year, people like Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson and Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) are recognized for their contributions to American society, predominantly for their efforts to combat systemic oppression. As a sign of appreciation, the country has erected national monuments for some, like MLK’s in Washington, D.C. There has even been talk of immortalizing Harriet Tubman on the 20-dollar bill.

Largely forgotten, however, are other African Americans who were no less committed to racial equality.

Even during Black History Month, this group will receive far less praise. These are the “radicals” of African American history.

Beyond their race, the celebrated African-American heroes upon whom we heap praise share a common trait. Each, in their quest for equal rights for African Amercans, sought to do so without dismantling the very foundations upon which America was formed. MLK dreamed of

an America that would treat his people as equals but never proposed that African Americans would be better off in a country of their own. Harriet Tubman helped slaves escape their bondage while leaving the institution of slavery intact. Both sought changes in degree rather than kind, seeking not to dismantle but to improve. As reflected in the reverence with which these African American reformers are viewed, our country’s history looks most favorably upon those who sought incremental, gradual and incomp l e t e change.

Less rem e m bered a r e t h o s e w h o sought

more radical change.

Some African American leaders are less remembered. Instead of seeking to

change what they viewed as an inherently oppressive system, these leaders endeavored to dismantle it. While Harriet Tubman worked to free slaves, Nathaniel Turner led slaves to take up arms against their masters. While Martin Luther King, Jr. preached sermons about demonstrating compassion and forgiveness for white oppress o r s , Malcom X argued for equal rights for African Americans (“by any means necessary”).

American history self-servingly de-emphasizes or otherwise sanitizes those who m a i n tained m o r e extreme, or “radical,” ideas about African American equality.

Frederick Douglass, a former slave and counselor to Abraham Lincolm, is often thought of as merely an abolitionist. Few realize, however, the extent to which Douglass was willing to fight for African

American emancipation. In a speech delivered in 1857, he alluded to the potential necessity of a war and that the country’s sins would be atoned for in blood. People like Malcolm X, Frederick Douglass and Nat Turner are often p o r trayed as on t h e p e riphe r y rathe r than

the cent e r o f American history.

Some might argue that African American leaders are more often recognized or celebrated simply because they were more successful in accomplishing their goals. After all, Martin Luther King, Jr., is remembered for his role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Few could argue that this was indeed

some measure of success.

But given the profound economic disparities that still exist between African Americans and their white countrymen, one is left to wonder to what extent MLK’s accomplishments can be termed success at all. Further, the role proponents of radical change play in fostering change is often underestimated. Without characters like Malcolm X, would King’s Often, when a system is asked to either make significant changes or marginal changes, it typically chooses the latter. Thus, when the United States government and its citizens who were committed to white supremacy were left to choose between MLK’s “civil rights” versus Malcolm X’s “Ballot or the Bullet,” the former seemed the more palatable option. The radical message served as a necessary juxtaposition to the moderate one.

It can be a complicated thing who we revere or consider our heroes. History often tells us that it is only the people who leave the system intact who are worthy of our reverence and remembrance. But there are others, no less committed to change, that are equally worthy.

Art by Madelyn Golden (‘23)/ For Eastside

Students must show support for East’s female athletes

in athletics?”

But we already have successful girls’ teams at East. Beirao looks to There are only five seconds left “our women’s tennis team, I think on the clock. Number 14 gets the 19 out of the past 20 years, they’ve ball. She shoots; she scores! The won sectionals. And 21 out of 22 buzzer sounds. The crowd goes years they’ve won the conference. crazy! Except, they don’t; no one is Same with our swimming team, our there to cheer. The buzzer blares in girls’ swimming team is going for utter silence. their fourth in a row sectional title Why? Should the cheers not be and they have a tremendous amount l o u d e r of acthan the colades. buzzer?

We have F o r s o m e most girls’ p h e teams, this nomenal is the start r a c k tling truth. and field It is not athletes a secret on our that girls’ female teams typiside,” cally have among low atteno t h e r dance and h i g h low folachieving lowing in female compariathletes. son to boys’ T h e teams on g i r l s ’ the high s w i m school levm i n g el for both team is phenomCourtesy of Mitchell Cassel and Allie Rosen (‘20)/ Eastside Staff currently enal and East boys’ and girls’ teams play the same, regular season game for the same goal but play to different sized crowds. u n d e mediocre feated girls’ teams alike. But this shouldn’t to represent the student body of represented on social media and and at the top of their division. be the standard.

East and promotes East sports, yet when they can barely fill bleachers, The girls’ cross country team People are not coming out to fewe see rare if any representation of it puts into question the priorities took first at the Olympic Confermale sports games. So then it falls the girls’ teams at East. We have to of girls’ teams in the stewardship of ence Championships in October. on the players themselves to supquestion if this is in fact representsports at East.

Annie Behm (‘21) qualified for the port each other. ing the scope of our athletic proMr. Mike Beirao, Athletic DirecJune Olympic Trials in two events: One senior girl on the soccer grams at East. That doesn’t mean tor for the district, said that “noth100 and 200 LCM backstroke. And team expressed that while she unthat those who run or follow the ing promotes women’s sports more Grace Yoon (‘20) has won the NJderstands that the boys’ soccer team account do not in fact support the than success and opportunity. So SIAA Meet State Championships had a better season this past year, girl’s teams at our school. It is simwith our programs, the more sucfor the past four years. East has she would have liked to see more ply a fact that the “Instagram for cess they have, the more accolades some stellar athletes, and there are students at the girls’ games. She the BEST student section in SJ” (as and acknowledgments that our femany more than just the select few described the way that the boys’ per their Instagram bio) only showmale student-athletes are going mentioned earlier. and girls’ teams support each other cases half of the student-athlete to receive, which brings more atBut how would you feel, if year as a “one-way street,” with the girls population. tention to them…I think the other after year after year, no matter how supporting the boys, but not always Title IX, added as one of the piece, too, is opportunity. How are successful you become or how many feeling like it goes the other way Education Amendments of 1972 we providing more opportunities for records you set, the buzzer is still around. She ended the conversation that provides equal opportuniour female athletes to be involved louder than the cheers?

■ By Emily Mahaffy (‘20)

Eastside Features Editor

by stating, “If [the girls’ team] had the top [field], people would at least have to walk past us.”

But as much as it is a player’s responsibility to support their teammates, there still should be an effort from the students to do so.

This article is not meant to attack the Cherry Hill East Countrymen.

However, there is a student-run social media platform that is meant

ties regardless of gender, ensures that female student-athletes are provided “other athletic benefits and opportunities” by their school.

These benefits include the nature of publicity, marketing and media services. While the Countrymen are not technically affiliated with the school, thus do not legally need to follow Title IX, when half of the student-athlete population is not

OPINIONS

February 2020

EASTSIDE

Page 17

With classrooms overcrowded, East students need more options ■ By Brielle Lampf (‘23)

Eastside Staff

Throughout the classrooms at Cherry Hill East, it is not unusual to find students struggling to recall a topic the class covered months ago. While the classroom settings at East are more than beneficial to some within the student population, the key to improved student performance lies in increasing one’s usage of Khan Academy.

Khan Academy is a nonprofit organization that provides tools for students in virtually any subject. These programs are designed to develop personalized learning courses for any student looking to study at their own pace, rather than at the pace of their classmates. Khan Academy is a globally used program that students around the world have given their thumbs up to, which begs the question as to why Khan Academy is not used more at East.

Khan Academy is not only helpful to students looking to study for a test coming up, but it can also be helpful to teachers as

well if they were to use it Khan Academy and College dents on what to focus on in a classroom setting. InBoard have created the ofbefore their upcoming SAT corporating Khan Acadficial SAT Practice through assessment. The program emy into a teacher’s lesson Khan Academy. There are also focuses students on plans is not impossible and questions designed just as their pacing to encourage Khan Academy has made they would appear on the beneficial test-taking habsure of it. It has a its. setting in which All of Khan a teacher can set Academy’s up a “classroom” teaching tools on the website are free as well. and students are In addition to able to join just SAT preparaas many other tion, this inprograms have cludes courses been designed like Physics, to do as well. If Calculus and teachers were even Finance. to use this more There are few in a classroom, negatives due not only would to the low cost students benefit of the material, by going at their so the district own pace in order should have no to ensure they problem supare not falling porting its imbehind in classplementation Jacob Graff (‘20) / Eastside Opinions Editor into the curricuroom teaching, but teachers addi- A screenshot of the Khan Academy student lum. Just as the tionally would be homepage displays lessons on East courses. district wants able to see where teachers to instudents are struggling and SAT, and since its incepclude more technology in where they are surpassing tion, more than 3.7 million the classroom, the district the goal of comprehension students have used it to can also require teachers to of the material. Additionstudy for the SAT, accordutilize Khan Academy as a ally, Khan Academy can ing to the College Board. It resource for the students. also help juniors as they gives the students instant While other programs like prepare for aptitude tests feedback and creates a perCourse Hero and Courslike the SAT and ACT. sonalized schedule for stuera do exist, they are not

nearly as optimal for student use. Despite them being very useful websites for students, they are not personalized like Khan Academy is and are not free to students.

Khan Academy can only help the school improve.

Just as Khan Academy encourages students to improve their scores by making it personalized, it also creates missions to empower the students to continue to learn and improve their skills. Missions are a leveling-up system in Khan Academy that rewards the students every time they are able to complete a mission, only making them want to better their scores even more.

Khan Academy is the key to more students’ success. It is empowering for students, and instead of sitting in a classroom setting where the teacher has to address all the students’ needs, Khan Academy can fit every individual student’s needs. Cherry Hill East and schools throughout the nation have the power to help students even more by using Khan Academy in schools.

Society has to finally embrace privacy by rejecting the paparazzi

■ By Jacob Graff (‘20)

Eastside Opinions Editor

There was never any reason for the existence of the media uproar surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to remove themselves from the Royal Family. In fact, since the inception of their public life, it always seemed like their futures lied some distance away from that of Harry’s brother, Prince William, their late mother, Princess Diana, and their beloved grandmother, Queen Elizabeth of England. Maybe a part of their decision stemmed from the maverick lifestyle of Prince Harry as a globetrotting soldier and public speaker and Markle’s fickle familial situation and acting profession. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that the media’s unethical and invasive coverage of the Royal Couple’s personal life was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

The Duchess of Sussex was never welcomed into royal life in the same way her sister-in-law was graciously, and such a seemingly innocuous subject as fashion became the battleground over which the press waged war on the Duchess. From criticism over her white shoes, which Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge wore only months later, to differing perceptions in the media over the Duchess’s cradling of their pregnant stomachs, it’s clear Megan has been “subjected to double standards that are blatant in their intent to frame her as ignorant, uncouth and unfit for the aristocracy, much less the royal family,” said Kristen Meinzer, a royal commentator.

But this, people may claim, can be easily dismissed as the norm for the notoriously aggressive British tabloids. Except,

this situation is anything but normal. Markle, as the first member of the Royal Family of mixed race, ap-

tematic racism, the British tabloids have come to resemble their American counterparts in their to-

pears to have become the victim of a tragic, veiledform of racism, where the actions of white individuals are glossed over for criticism while those of all other races are subject to intense, possibly unwarranted scrutiny. Not all the British press are guilty of this; esteemed houses of journalism like The Guardian have largely had their blushes spared. Nevertheless, the ostensible result of this coverage, the breakage of the royal lineage, should signal a call to arms for the British public to call out the unethical journalistic practices of the British tabloid industry.

In addition to their sys-

tal disregard for personal privacy. After announcing their intention to resign as royals, Markle retired back to her home in Canada.

Even there, she cannot find refuge from the press.

Long-lens photography and video footage showed Markle walking with her newborn son in the privacy of her own home, his face publicly plastered on the front page of The Sun, a notorious British tabloid. Up until recently, the British press had resisted printing photos of Archie in a sign of respect. Now, there is no pulling of any punches.

This development has repercussions beyond Megan and Harry; it serves

to highlight the domestic proliferation of a hostile paparazzi that completely lack respect for an indi-

there are no photos of celebrities that can and should be printed. Award shows, galas and fundraisers are all times when celebrities expect to be photographed, and as such, the practice becomes acceptable.

Where it crosses the line, however, is when a flash mob of blinding lights surrounds, say, Jesse Eisenberg, as he buys groceries, or long-lens photography of a “celebrity couple” at a private, intimate dinner.

No matter what the paparazzi will say in defense of their profession, these are times when boundaries need to be respected, and furthermore, reconstructed.

When their actions amount to stalking, the victims of the paparazzi can “become paranoid and anxious” through no fault of their own, according to Jeffrey Kaminer (‘21)/ Eastside Art Director psychologist Emma Kenney.

One paparazzi, vidual’s right to privacy.

Englishman George BamThis problem has been simby, said that they do “‘sit mering below the surface outside people’s houses. If of public consternation for they have a problem with a while. But like Megan it then we just sit further and Harry, it is time for the down the road,’” accordUnited States public to do ing to an interview he gave something about it. with Glamour Magazine.

It all starts with your However, people do eyeballs; refuse to give in not deserve to be treated to your cravings and walk like rare animals in a zoo past the Us Weekly and In(which is an issue in and Touch tabloids jutting out of itself). And while “‘these at you at the cash register. days [picture editors] have These magazines cover dia lot more conversations’” vorces and pregnancies like on “‘where the pictures they are televised events. were taken or how they Don’t kid yourselves; they were taken,’” it seems fairly are not. Fame does not exobvious that the best route clude individuals from an forward for this shady, inexpectation of privacy in trusive industry is that one’s daily life. there are no more conversaAll this is not to say tions to be had at all.

OPINIONS

Page 18

EASTSIDE

February 2020

You’ll never guess what journalists are using now ■ By Jakob Silvert (‘20)

Eastside Opinions Editor

Every other week another bombshell news story breaks. This story dominates coverage for days and the media feverishly attempts to squeeze as much hysteria out of it as possible. For those few days, the world will never be the same; this unprecedented, never-before-seen story will be the one that takes down Western civilization. The thing is… it never happens.

It has been less than a month since President Donald Trump ordered the airstrike that killed Iran’s most prolific terrorist, Qassem Soleimani. Soleimani served as the leader of Iran’s powerful security apparatus, the Revolutionary Guards Quds Force, and a “diplomat” for the past 20 years. Not to be confused with Merriam-Webster’s definition of “diplomat,” Soleimani shuttled around the Middle East, funding and organizing terrorism wherever he could.

“When the war to prop up Bashar al-Assad was going poorly, Soleimani would leave Iraq for Syria.

And when Iranian-backed militias in Iraq began to struggle against the Islamic State, Soleimani would leave Syria for Iraq,” according to Andrew Exum, the U.S.’s former deputy assistant secretary of defense for Middle East policy.

He added, “I do not know of a single Iranian who was more indispensable to his government’s ambitions in the Middle East.”

Soleimani’s orders became a death sentence for thousands of American

soldiers worldwide as well as thousands of Iranian citizens who criticized their government. Less than a week prior to the airstrike, the Iranian government opened fire on peaceful protesters, killing an estimated 180-450 people, injuring over 2,000 and detaining 7,000, according to the New York Times.

Thus, when an opportunity arose to take out one

sive irresponsibility and recklessness, as a spark towards world destruction, and even as the possible start of World War III. It grew increasingly easy for many to forget Iran’s recent airstrike on Saudi oil fields, their capture of a British tanker in international waters, and their sponsorship of an attempted take-over of a U.S. embassy.

Unfortunately, this kind

broke, a flood of readers desperately searched for information. Publications such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and the New York Times wrote with political fury encouraging what became a cultural phenomenon and internet meme of a ‘World War III draft’. Headlines such as, “Will There Be a Draft? Young People Worry After Military Strike” and

of America’s, as well as many other nations’, greatest threats, our military, under the orders of President Trump, took action.

Rather than phrasing the situation in such a context, the media largely framed this action as one of aggres-

of coverage has become the norm. Society’s most trusted sources of information have turned into ready suppliers of clickbait. Journalistic practices have reached a generational low, a situation that must be addressed.

When the Soleimani story

“How inevitable is war with Iran?” began to pop up.

These publications pushed the possibility of a grand-scale war, going so so far as to tease readers regarding a forced draft.

Those who read past the first 400 words were re-

lieved to discover the unlikelihood of a draft ever occurring. Unfortunately, these stories’ headlines, leads and images told a different story. These hysteriabreeding stories came one after another loaded with black and white draft photos. The Washington Post even had the audacity to craft an entire multimedia package with a conscription theme—on Snapchat of all places. As if their coverage was not enough, they decided that teenagers should be the ones they taunt with the possibility of a draft.

Since the airstrike, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued some threats and a minor act of retribution near an American base; that was it. This story has found a nice spot in Iraqi dirt, right next to where Iran fired its counter-attack. In light of such coverage and its growing popularity, society should begin viewing news outlets for what they are: profitdriven companies. While they may practice journalism, it is not what keeps their doors open. In order to do so, they need to reel in viewers with jaw-dropping headlines that seem worth the click.

It seems like yesterday when parents “lost” their children to the American draft, when Brett Kavanaugh “irrecoverably corrupted” the Supreme Court, when moving the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem sparked “catastrophic violence” in the Middle East, or when the repealing of net neutrality “permanently shut down” the internet.

It’s time to wake up.

that affects Americans so deeply, it is time that leaders put their focus in the right place.

President Trump argues that the Affordable Care Act was bad policy, too costly as a result of overregulation. His plan would cut back many of the ACA’s protections and requirements. Trump says this would save money while still ensuring Americans are covered.

However, according to the Economic Policy Institute, 29.8 million people would lose their access to coverage under Trump’s plan.

wards.

The question, then, is how far forward the system should be taken and in what direction. Former Vice President Joe Biden believes we should build off of the Affordable Care Act without creating an entirely new system right away.

Senator Bernie Sanders thinks we need to have universal coverage for every American. Andrew Yang wanted to start by addressing the root causes like the way doctors provide care and prescription drug costs, then move towards universal health care. In different ways, they are all right.

mer Mayor Pete Buttigieg is right that taking away private insurance that people want to keep is not necessary. Yang was right that the first step in reaching universal coverage has to be addressing the base problems.

Keeping the status quo, where Americans are underinsured and bankrupted by health issues, is not an option. The current President’s plan would only worsen the problem by further reducing healthcare access, so it’s not a realistic option either.

The next option that needs to be eliminated,

everyone.

The most dangerous idea would be to do nothing at all. Diseases like cancer are bad enough without draining finances in addition to health. Less severe ailments, too, cause enough problems without poverty becoming a symptom. In the wealthiest, greatest country on earth, people can and should be taken care of. So whether it’s a more extreme solution or less dramatic reforms, something has to be done.

Stop the infighting. Appreciate, don’t hate, the ideas of others. Forge consensus. Create a solution

Marc Celine Nicholas (‘21)/ Eastside Staff

Democrats need to find middle ground on healthcare ■ By Aiden Rood (‘23)

Eastside Staff

If you’ve heard anything about politics lately, you’ve probably heard about healthcare. A Hill-HarrisX poll from December found that healthcare remains the most pressing issue among a plurality of voters heading into 2020, with previous polls supporting said conclusion. Without a doubt, dealing with healthcare will be one of the top priorities for whomever is President next.

From decreasing the government’s involvement drastically to creating a

Photo Illustration by Eli Weitzman (‘20)/ Eastside Webmaster

massive new government program, ideas on healthcare reform span an entire spectrum. With such a wide range of beliefs in play, debate has often strayed from productive conversation and devolved into unhelpful infighting among Democratic presidential candidates. For an issue

Healthcare is a human right, so no amount of saving or deregulation is worth the pain that Trump’s proposed cutbacks would bring.

With 27.5 million people already uninsured as of 2018, the system needs to go forwards. Trump’s approach would clearly constitute an unacceptable step back-

Many criticize Biden’s plan for being too far to the center or Sanders’s for being too far to the left. What we need, though, is a combination of all these good ideas. Sanders is right that we need to absolutely ensure that every American is cared for in America, without financial burden. For-

though, is one in which great leaders tear each other down and distract from their shared goal of fixing the system. The Sanders plan isn’t perfect. The Biden plan isn’t either. Nor was that of Yang. However, whomever is elected this coming fall, save Trump, will make things better for

that will work for everyone.

If leaders can do those four things, millions of lives can be greatly improved by new access to affordable coverage. They could keep on arguing with no results.

Or, they can come together and bring justice to one of America’s most important issues at last.

CULTURE

February 2020

EASTSIDE

Page 19

Eastside Culture Presents:

A Valentine’s Day Special Staying in vs. Going out

■ By Karissa Murray (‘20) Eastside Community Editor

Money cannot buy you love. Every Valentine’s Day, people are bombarded by cards, chocolates, flowers and engagement ring commercials. If you’re in a relationship, it is bound to put the pressure on to find the perfect restaurant or the biggest teddy bear possible and make one feel like whoever spends the most money is directly correlated to who loves whom the most. In order to avoid all this materialistic stress, the best Valentine’s Day date would be one spent in the best place possible: the comfort of your own home.

Rather than money being what proves that you care about someone, the effort and thought that you put into them is more important. A home-cooked meal, streaming their favorite movie, making them a play-

■ By Olivia Pollack (‘22)

list or anything else of the sort has much more potential to be a great date when you really like someone.

It allows you to get to know them better, a n d y o u don’t need t o spend much money at all to have f u n o r make something special; at the end of the day, it’s really all about the person you are with.

So next Valentine’s Day, skip the fancy dinner and overpriced flowers, and remember it always has been and always will be the thought that counts.

... a few days late

■ By Lily Yudis (‘20)

Eastside Staff

There is no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than going out on the town.

Whether it is the traditional candlelit dinner at a favorite restaurant or a romantic walk in the park, Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to get out and be with the one you

love, serving as an excuse to step up your average date night and replace it with a new and exciting activity that just might bring you closer

as a couple. If the classic dinner date does not appeal to you, there are tons of alternative fun dates that you can take part in. Anything from bowling or ice skating to taking a cooking or art class can be an enjoyable experience.

On the other hand, you can go the cliché route. This would include activities like recreating your favorite date, watching the sunset or having a picnic outside. Whether your price range is high or low, finding a convenient activity to do on Valentine’s Day will create a fun experience and a memorable night for you and your partner. You and your significant other can go out and have the pleasure of being together while creating unforgetable memories on the most romantic night of the year!

Art by Emily Collins (‘20)/ Eastside Staff and Alison Maier (‘23)/ Eastside Staff

Roses & Chocolates vs. Jewelry

Eastside Staff

Valentine’s Day: the one day a year dedicated to being in love and showing your partner how much you care for them. When Valentine’s Day comes around each year, the expectation is for partners to buy expensive gifts in order to demonstrate their love and affection.

However, there are many other budgetfriendly options that can still make your partner feel loved.

Some popular alternatives to getting expensive presents are gifting people with chocolate, roses or teddy bears. These are kind gestures that, while cliché, are an effective way to let someone know how much they mean to you.

On the contrary, even

though buying inexpensive gifts are an effective way to convey an appreciation for someone you care for or love, the best presents are the ones that come from the heart.

While the price tag of an expensive product may show how much you care for someone, a more heartfelt way to approach Valentine’s Day is with a scrapbook of photos or a list of reasons why you love someone, whereas finding jewelry may be easy to do, it can be a bit… impersonal.

Meanwhile, putting effort into a scrapbook or some other project shows that time was taken out of your day to make your partner happy. At the end of the day, it’s not the price that counts, but the thought.

■ By Angelina Witting (‘22)

Eastside Culture Editor

Chocolates get eaten, roses wilt within a matter of days, but jewelry serves as a constant reminder of the love you share with your significant other. While sweets and flowers serve as a great, though temporary, romantic gesture, wouldn’t you rather gift your significant other something they could cherish for more than a few weeks?

This isn’t materialistic — s o m e individuals would just prefer to have a constant reminder of the love shared between them and their partner, and jewelry is the optimal way to do so.

For example, you’re having a rough day, but it’s made a bit better by the sight of the necklace your boyfriend bought you for Valentine’s Day. This isn’t to say the jewelry has to come with a hefty price tag: if you are at a point in your relationship where that is justified, then go for it. However, even a simple necklace or ring ranging from $20-$50 will spark joy for your significant other. And alongside a nice, handmade card, you’re as good as gold. So break away from the Valentine’s Day cliches and get your significant other a piece of jewelry they can show off every day to remind them of your love.

Art by Lydia Cheng (‘23)/ For Eastside and Jeffrey Kaminer (‘21)/Eastside Art Director

Or, maybe, treat yourself on Valentine’s Day

■ By Sarah Zheng (‘20)

Eastside Video Editor

While February is filled with romantic movies and love songs, many of us may relate to the couples that are typically portrayed in these films or lyrics. On Valentine’s Day, you might’ve scrolled past articles that told you where all the cute date spots were, or seen Snapchats and Instagram stories of everyone else’s significant other.

In these cases, we often forget that Valentine’s Day is not just a day for couples, but also a day to embrace self-love and treat yourself to something that makes you happy.

Rather than sitting at home alone, dwelling, go get a massage, schedule a spa day, get your nails done or even get a blowout or haircut.

At home, you could

take a nice warm and soapy bath and apply your favorite facial. I recommend a panda sheet mask — it’s adorable.

There is nothing better than sitting in the comfort of your own room with the lights dim and your favorite scented candle lit and a face mask on while watching your favorite movie.

It is so relaxing to spend some time away from your phone and everything that is going on around you in order to just indulge yourself in a story that takes away from your hectic day-to-day life. Instead of a movie, you

could even explore new music and make yourself a playlist.

Lastly, spend time with your friends! Go shopping, dress up and grab dinner together or stay in and try new recipes from a new cookbook. Whether it is a recipe for dinner or a new sweet treat, sometimes staying in for a home-cooked meal with your friends can be extremely cozy and comforting.

While these self-care tips may seem simple, they make all the difference in embracing self-love, independence and treating yourself on Valentine’s Day. Art by Sydney Krupnick (‘20)/ For Eastside

Border by Lily Cohen (‘20)/Eastside Art Director

CULTURE

Page 20

EASTSIDE

Iconic looks strut down the red carpet

■ By Emily Boyle (‘23)

Eastside Staff

The Academy Awards, commonly known as The Oscars, date all the way back to 1929. It was that year when, for the first time, a plethora of the country’s most respected actors and actresses flooded into the Dolby Theatre, ready to receive that now-famous statuette. As the years passed, The Oscars dished out more awards and collected more esteem. With the elegant red carpet laid out before each celebrity, all eyes would be glued and all cameras would be pointed toward the expensive garments draped around their bodies. The question on everyone’s mind: Who are you wearing?

The Oscars have grown to be a staple for American fashion, creating some of the most iconic looks to date and a new market for designers to advertise. Jessica Pastors, stylist for actress Emily Blunt, told The Cut that designers are willing to pay celebrities $100,000$250,000 and their stylists $30,000-$50,000 to appear on the red carpet.

In some cases, instead of contacting designers on an event-by-event basis, celebrities opt to do longterm brand collaboration.

Actress Jennifer Lawrence accepted a $15 million contract from Dior, which expired in 2017. For three years, Lawrence was required to wear Dior fashion to each red carpet event.

The process of choosing what to wear, however, only begins when nominees are announced. This year’s

Oscar nominees were revealed on January 13, and The Oscars were held on February 9. There is no

person can wear each item, the race to win a favorite piece can get competitive.

Announcers and nominees

time to dawdle; the celebrities and their stylists must get to work.

The stylist’s job is to work with designers on behalf of their clients. On rare occasions, a custom piece will be made for a celebrity, but most commonly, they will borrow from a designer’s collection. Because only one

are prioritized by designers determining who they loan their clothes to.

Celebrities do not just borrow clothes, however.

Practically everything on their body, from shoes to purses to jewelry, is given to them by brands. All accessories and articles of clothing are usually re-

turned in one to two days following the event.

In recent years, a celebrity’s fashion choice has usually gone beyond money or vanity. At the 2018 Golden Globe Awards, for example, many celebrities wore black in support of Time’s Up, a movement protesting sexual harassment.

Actor Billy Porter told Vogue, “My goal is to be a walking piece of political art every time I show up.

To challenge expectations.”

At last year’s Oscars, Porter wore a revolutionary tuxedo and ball gown hybrid, made custom by Christian Siriano. The femininity of a long velvet gown was intertwined with the masculinity of a black suit jacket and bow tie.

Danielle Kaplan (‘21) is fascinated by these rapidly evolving trends, and from a young age, she began sewing her own clothes and creating her own accessories. Kaplan pays attention to the fashion showcased in events like The Oscars, which serve as inspiration and add to her understanding of the fashion industry. “[Award show fashion is] usually much fancier and everyone tries to wear something that you’ve never seen before, so it’s interesting,” said Kaplan.

For the 92nd Oscars, stylists and designers worked frantically behind the scenes in preparation.

Undoubtedly, a number of hefty contracts with large checks were finalized, as celebrities secured their favorite outfit.

It all comes back to the big question: Who are you wearing?

‘50s with elements of hip hop and electronic dance music (EDM).

When researching electro swing, the consensus seems to be that the French band Caravan Palace encapsulates the genre. Their music is upbeat with noticeable jazz influences and a liberal use of samples from vintage songs. (They describe their music as a “decadent, potent cocktail of jazz, electro, hip-hop, jive and beats.”) Some of my favorite songs of theirs are “Dramophone” and “Jolie Coquine.” These songs keep large swathes of sampled vintage music while still modernizing it with EDM and hip-hop flair.

Another musician I have enjoyed is Jamie Berry. He is much smaller than Caravan Palace, boasting only 300,000 monthly listeners on Spotify to Caravan

Palace’s 1.5 million. While most of his music is less jazz and more hip-hop, my favorite song of his is “Old Records.” The remix samples “Get Out Those Old Records,” a song originally recorded by Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians in 1951, and adds a pulsing beat that makes it near impossible not to dance along.

One final song — “Bei Mir Bist du Schön” by Osundi — I stumbled across while trying to find a remix of the song that I could listen to on Spotify, as the song that first interested me in electro swing was not available on that platform. (While there is a lot of electro swing accessible on Spotify or Apple Music, there are many songs that are only on YouTube or SoundCloud. I assume that those platforms are looser when it comes to copyright

restraints and therefore easier to upload remixes to.) While I don’t enjoy the rest of Osundi’s music, as it lands firmly in EDM territory, the song brought me full circle.

I’ve never been a fan of swing or EDM or jazz or even hip-hop. But something about electro swing pulled me in. There is something beautiful about making the old new again, about repurposing music for the modern dance floor that would have only been listened to by vintage enthusiasts or hidden in the back of record shops. The live brass bands and improvisations, the fast tempos of swing and jazz might seem like a far cry from modern dance music. But that energy, that excitement, has never gone away.

It has just been reimagined.

Collage by Ali Koenig (‘20)/ Eastside Editor-in-Chief

Retro genre swings listeners back to the ‘20s ■ By Samantha Roehl (‘20)

Eastside Editor-in-Chief

T h e first time I listened to electro swing, I was falling down a YouTube rabbit hole. I had jumped from Panic! at the Disco to Frank Sinatra to a video called “The Andrews Sisters - Bei Mir Bist Du Schön (Alfonso Swing Remix)” by YouTube channel Beyond Radio.

I was instantly hooked.

Electro swing is a relatively new genre that originated in the late 1990s with the rising popularity of sampling vintage music in modern songs. The genre (sometimes referred to as “swing house”) combines swing and jazz music from the 1920s, ‘30s, ‘40s and

February 2020

Valentine’s Day Playlist

Although Valentine’s Day has passed, it’s never a bad time to listen to true love classics.

Whether you spent your holiday with friends or a significant other, prepare to fall in love with this playlist.

“Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion “I Have Nothing”

by Whitney Houston “All of Me” by John Legend “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley “Still into You”

by Paramore “Everybody Loves Somebody”

by Dean Martin “Stay With Me”

by Sam Smith “Always Be My Baby” by Mariah Carey “Someone Like You” by Adele “Me And My Broken Heart” by Rixton Scan our QR code to listen!

Infographic by Samantha Roehl (‘20)/ Eastside Editor-in-Chief

CULTURE

February 2020

EASTSIDE

The good and the bad of halftime shows ■ By Sean Meyers (‘20)

Eastside Staff

The biggest TV event of the year is the culmination of the NFL season: The Super Bowl.

This game has been played since the 1967 merger, either in late January or early February, to crown a new champion of the league. It has become such a huge attraction that the average price for a ticket to the game today is between $4,000 and $5,000.

The largest TV audience for the Super Bowl occurred in 2015, when 114.4 million people viewed Super Bowl XLIX between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. Yet, this global attraction is not solely about football. For people who are not huge football fans but are more so fans of pop culture, the halftime show is a huge staple of the big game. The biggest names in music have been brought out for

what has been dubbed “the biggest concert of the year.”

Rock legends such as Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, U2 and The Who have all appeared onstage at the beginning of this century. The 2010’s performers were more pop-oriented.

The biggest acts of the past decade were Beyonce, Bruno Mars and Coldplay.

From 1967 to 1984, all of the halftime shows were college marching bands from the city where the game took place. The Super Bowl started hosting more acts as the ‘80s commenced, but the shows all revolved around a central theme. The first “big name” that performed was New Kids On the Block in 1991.

Then in 1993, Michael Jackson took the stage as the headliner. He started off the show by holding a pose perfectly still for almost three minutes and then seamlessly broke into a jam. This performance has become legendary and

truly started the trend of top artists performing at the Super Bowl. However, the game continues to keep the old tradition going, as bands are still used on the field during the show as backup for the performer.

Since the Super Bowl is considered a major event, there’s no shortage of criticisms. The show has had odd combinations of artists put together like Aerosmith, NSYNC and Brittany Spears in 2001. Then there was the infamous Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake incident in 2004 where Timberlake accidentally revealed Jackson’s breast.

Many people were upset about the selection of Coldplay to do the Super Bowl 50 show, and many critics dubbed it the worst show yet. And last year had an extremely underwhelming performance from Adam Levine and Maroon 5, along with the whole “Sweet Victory” debacle with Travis Scott that was vastly hated

on, as the pair promised to include Sponegbob’s Bubble Bowl scene to honor the show’s deceased creator.

The majority of viewers were very disappointed in the short time that Spongebob was actually shown.

The clip that was shown of the yellow character was shown before Scott performed clocked in at two seconds.

This year brought something new to the table. At the 54th Super Bowl, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira headlined the big event, celebrating Miami’s Hispanic culture. This year was the first time that Spanish-influenced music was featured on the major platform and mainstage.

With Jay Z’s Roc Nation taking a much bigger part in the NFL’s public image, they helped bring these two pop stars together to perform in Miami. It was an exciting new chapter for the “Biggest Concert of the Year.”

Photo Illustration by Jeffrey Kaminer (‘21)/ Eastside Art Director

Super Bowl ads give brands crucial exposure

■ By Liam Reilly (‘20)

Eastside Staff

The Super Bowl is the final showdown between the remaining two teams of the NFL after a 16-game season and weeks of playoffs and the Pro Bowl. It is also one of the biggest days of the year for advertisement. During the 2020 Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, neartly 100 million viewers tuned in. Due to the incredibly high amount of viewers, companies shell out over five million dollars for a 30-second Super Bowl ad slot, and pay hundreds of thousands of dollars more for celebrities, locations, production and staff.

As far as industries that seize the game to advertise, Ms. Leanne Shine, a business and marketing teacher, explains that “beer, car, consumer product like detergent, and snack foods because the Super Bowl is the biggest snack food day”

tend to place the most ads.

Shine further explained how the commercials grew into being as popular as they are now.

“Back when the game wasn’t that interesting, the commercials became things to look out for. Particularly...the 1990’s when there were a lot of big blowouts, advertisers realized they can get more eyeballs.”

There is so much potential that the entire marketing and advertising budgets of medium-sized companies are spent producing a commercial for it.

Companies that do this, according to Shine, “use commercials just to inform viewers of their products.”

When it comes to the actual development of a commercial, there are a few popular elements that companies utilize. They typically utilize A-list celebrities and athletes or try to portray a typical family. Furthermore, they try to contain either humorous bits, pull-at-your-heart stories

or patriotism. Snack and beer companies typically opt to utilize humorous elements, with products such as Doritos and Skittles as the most widespread, and car companies are more likely to use patriotic appeals or tug-at-your-heart moments.

Platforms such as Instagram and YouTube offer companies to millions of other viewers. Shine explained that “companies sometimes leak the entire commercial beforehand, which is a weird move to do, but one reason might be that there are a lot of eyeballs, particularly with the 18-35 year-old viewership watching YouTube and they’re trying to get extra viewership.”

Given the rise of online presences of these companies, Shine said that “the data and statistics show that the cost will continue to rise because there will always be viewers, but when the data comes out of companies that leak the com-

mercial beforehand, they’ll adjust from there.”

Even with NFL’s controversies with players such as Colin Kapernick’s stance for social justice, data shows that there won’t be an impact on viewership during the Super Bowl.

As far as the election season, Shine said that “billionaires will spend that money but candidates like Bernie Sanders will stick to the traditional routes of advertising.”

Though the teams in the final game change each year, the marketing potential does not differ year by year. Companies will continue to develop new tactics and commercials to fit in with the new trends and popular cultural ideas.

Hopefully, 2020 brought everyone some memorable commercials that distracted from the main idea of this event: football.

Who needs to watch football when the commericals surrounding the game are even better?

Page 21

■ By Eli Weitzman (‘20) Eastside Webmaster

The year was 2009. I was in first grade at Bret Harte Elementary School.

It was an interesting year.

President Obama was inaugurated for his first term.

Michael Jackson died. The Nook was released. “Boom Boom Pow” by The Black Eyed Peas and “Poker Face”

by Lady Gaga were among the top songs. And a piece of software called Windows 7 was released, changing the game for everyone.

This past month, on January 14, Microsoft officially shuttered support for Windows 7, killing an amazing operating system. In honor of this, I would like to take a walk down memory lane and remember this piece of software.

It began early as a response to Windows Vista, a nice but flawed operating system that debuted three years earlier. Vista was the first to use Microsoft’s new Aero interface, which was modern and futuristic looking at the time. Many disliked Vista’s processing and performance while its device requirements worked to its detriment. So, Microsoft responded with Windows 7.

Windows 7 used a similar Aero interface design, but was stable and a breath of fresh air. It came built-in with classic games, including Hearts, Solitaire and Purble Place (the last version of Windows to feature games out-of-box). Plus, it was scalable and became rapidly popular.

Even when Windows 8, another redesign of Windows interface, was released, people stuck with Windows 7. When Windows 10 was released, Windows 7 was number two in usage (below Windows 10).

According to Statcounter GlobalStats, Windows 7 sat at number two in usage last year, having 26.79% of all Windows users. In the end, people seem to love Windows 7.

Now, in 2020, it’s time for Windows 7 to die. Its technology is old — and slow in comparison to today’s. Most applications that worked on Windows 7 are able to run on Windows 10. Microsoft even provided developer assistance to those remaining software applications left on Windows 7 that are needed for Windows 10.

There’s enough support that Windows 7 is not needed anymore and has become a blockade in the world of technological innovation.

It’s time for Windows 7 to go away.

Windows 7 was a great operating system that I have memories with. But it is time to move on.

SPORTS

Page 22

EASTSIDE

February 2020

Where are the fans: Lack of spirit or lack of wins?

■ By Jessica Levin (‘22)

Eastside Businesss Manager

Have you ever counted the students at the football games? I have and I can tell you for sure it is not what most people would expect for a spectator sport that normally would draw fans in.

The reason often falls on the idea that our football team had a record of two wins and eight losses this season. Similarly, the girl’s field hockey team had a fall season with two wins and 16 losses. Last spring, the boy’s lacrosse team had a season with five wins and ten losses. In my opinion, the poor records of some of East’s sports teams makes the spirit often lack at those games.

Walking through the hallways on a game day is no different from any other day of school. No pep rallies for a big game, no uniform clothing color to support the team and no school pride. Some schools direct their school spirit toward a one-star player.

Over the last few years, some of East’s sports teams have been improving their performance, which has tended to spark more spirit from students. For example, East’s boys’ basketball team has a small but committed group of Countrymen that have fostered more camaraderie and school spirit in the stands of the basketball games. In the past couple of years, East’s Countrymen have been dying out and have been lacking the spirit that used to light up the stands.

The boys’ varsity hockey team, which is a club team, has won three championships and routinely brings in a committed fan base that braves cold conditions at the rink to cheer o n their East team.

T h e combined hockey c l u b t e a m t h a t consists of East and West brings in a huge fan base from both schools, and the games are more fun because of the continuous wins that the team pulls accrues.

S u p port for sports teams naturally dwindles when there is not that feeling that the team can win any given game. After all, who wants to spend their time watching their school repeatedly embarassed by its sports teams’ losses?

■ By Sean Coen (‘20)

Eastside Staff

There cial about lights.

is

something speFriday night The roari n g crowd, t h e band playi n g “Sweet Caroline” a n d t h e cheerleade r s entertaining the crowd during stoppages.

There is something s p e cial in p a c k ing the bleachers of the gym for basket- ball games.

The loud “OOOOO”s while the other team is shooting free throws, the eruption when a three-pointer is made, and storming the court after a big win. High school sports are special, but without the student body being there to

witness, it can feel trivial. The impact that school spirit has on not only the community, but the actual athletes playing is greatly underappreciated. At Cherry Hill East, the idea has been formed that high school sports is just a “fun activity after school” or “a place to meet friends” or for some, just a means to getting to play at the next level. However, there is true glory in competing highly at the high school level. There is pride in representing your community and your fellow classmates on the field, on the court, in the pool and so on.

This idea of pride can’t just come from the athletes. It is a mindset that needs to be established in the minds of every East student.

Earlier in the basketball season, East played Eastern on a Friday afternoon in the DiBart Gym. During the first half of the game, the relatively big student section was quiet. Everyone was sitting down, no chants were started and it kept the energy low. The Cougars went into the locker room down 10.

While the team talked in the locker room, a few students who noticed the lack of energy made everyone stand and come together. When the second half started, every student was on their feet, cheering, chanting, clapping. The team fed on that energy, and eventualy they turned it on.

Art by Marcus Newman (‘22)/ Eastside Staff

Coach Bo Wood’s legacy shows the best of East sports

to play games with the Varsity team and see the game at a higher level, and I knew that’s what I The name of Coach Bo wanted to do,” said Wood.

Wood has been well-known And it was in football in the Cherry Hill East that he gained notoricommunity ever since he ety; he earned a football led the Cougars football scholarship to the Uniteam to a state championversity of North Caroship victory in 1988. lina, where he played for However, his journey the Tar Heels his final did not start at East. Wood three years and became was a three-sport athlete an All-American in 1966. at Haddon Heights High His football career School, where he earned 11 didn’t stop there. varsity letters. He was an “I was contacted by a outstanding athlete in any lot of teams when I got sport he played, whether it closer to the draft time, was football, track or swimdifferent teams saying ming. they were interested, and Not only was he able to of course I was interested prove himself as a player, in [going into the NFL but he was also honored too],” said Wood. as the team captain for Courtesy of Mr. Erick Wood In 1967, the New Or- all three teams. Although Coach Bo Wood is recognized for his endless hard work. leans Saints drafted him those three sports were a in the sixth round, and he Carolina where he earned his mark on East, but sevkey part of Wood’s life, he stayed with them for roughhis Master’s degree in eral players and coaches knew if he wanted to make ly a year. Although Physical Education. also left a mark on his he was drafted, he Before Wood came to journey. When coaching at still had to work East, he started his coachEast, he was lucky enough extremely hard ing career at Bishop Euto coach players that evento make the team stace. But he eventually tually moved into the NFL and prove he found his way over to the (one of them, incidentally, should wear the Cougars. Wood’s first grade played for his old high Saints’ black and teacher had been in the school coach). Players ingold.

Cherry Hill School District cluding Pete Kugler (‘77), “When I was and reached out to Wood to Glenn Foley (‘89) and Stan drafted I was exoffer him a position at East Clayton (‘83) all joined the tremely excited as a physical education NFL after their time under about it, but of teacher. Wood accepted the Wood. course when you’re position and coached all With so many outstanddrafted, you’re not three sports he had previing players and other on the team [yet]... ously participated in. He coaches, Wood certainly you have to make coached the football team had an incredible run in the team,” said through one of its best seahis athletic career and has Wood. sons in 1988, going undealways shown his passion After staying feated and being named the and dedication in his favorwith the Saints New Jersey State Champiite field, football. for a year, he was ons.

After being inducted into eventually traded “I wanted to make a pro the East Athletics Hall of to the Atlanta offense and ran the back Fame in 2018, Wood said, Falcons, played all the time… I wanted a “Thirty-three years at with the Canadian change and expose the playCherry Hill, and I couldn’t Football League ers to professional plays, have asked for a better ex Courtesy of Mr. Erick Wood in 1969 and then too,” said Wood. perience, home or workCoach Bo Wood encourages young East football players. returned to North Not only has Wood left place.”

■ By Lily Lazarus (‘22)

Eastside Sports Editor

a living, but also do what he loved, he had to make a decision. Also, coming from a school that, at the time, was not huge on sports, he had to work even harder to get where he wanted to go.

For all three sports, he won All-South Jersey and received notable honors during his athletic career. Life as a multi-athlete wasn’t easy for Wood; however, he did get more exposure in one particular sport: football.

Along with his many other accomplishments, Wood was inducted into the New Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame in 1987 and the East Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018.

“I guess the biggest reason I chose to continue on with football was that I could make money… Also, in high school, I was able

SPORTS

February 2020

EASTSIDE

Page 23

Athletes reflect on the college recruitment process ■ By Abby Yu (‘23)

Eastside Staff

The recruitment process is, arguably, one of the most stressful periods in high school for a studentathlete. From visits to interviews to choosing a major to pursue, these athletes have a lot to keep track of while being recruited.

The college recruitment

ality into rowing. The sense of being “in control” empowered Mahaffy and allowed her to branch out as a newcomer in a new school environment. Her stepsister’s experience and her parents seeing how rowing positively influenced her was the push for Mahaffy to give rowing a try. Mahaffy is a part of the South Jersey Rowing Club that pulls

Swim Club since a young age and the East Girls’ Swim Team since she was a freshman, and her best events are the long course of butterfly and breaststroke.

Swimming had not been on her mind when it came to college until the peak of her sophomore year.

Yoon began her early commission June of her sophomore year by send-

Maggie Balderstone (‘20)/ Eastside Staff

priorities best. She is more than excited to be a part of a unique community that immerses herself with different people of different backgrounds.

“Around 6-8 girls are on the team per class,” said Yoon. “[Getting accepted] was definitely a special day.”

Yoon describes the recruitment process as a very stressful one. She explains that it was difficult at first to balance good grades, swimming and college applications. Yoon was unsure what was suitable and realistic for her, but when visits and recruiting began, Harvard soon rose to the top of her list.

During the recruitment process, a common element in the college’s sports team stood out: teamwork.

Mahaffy recalls on her official visit a distinct memory that displayed active elements of teamwork.

Watching the girls was like a ripple effect to Mahaffy.

When the fastest girl finished her piece of the workout, she would cheer on the next girl. The process continued until a whole crowd of girls cheered on the last girl to complete her training.

“That was the team atmosphere and support that I wanted,” said Mahaffy.

Yoon remembers admiring the girls perform swimming events on her official visit to Harvard.

“I was in awe that these girls could live like that ev-

school where I could play soccer on a Division I level,” said Grant.

Mahaffy recounts her first year of freshman year as the “new kid.” Rowing allowed her to meet some of her closest friends from all over the South Jersey area.

Mahaffy says the struggles and accomplishments are what make up her identity, and she is grateful for them.

“Being in control the first day forced me to toughen up,” said Mahaffy.

Yoon describes that the biggest challenge for her was finding a balance between swimming, keeping her grades up and the recruitment process.

“It was tough to balance,” said Yoon, “I had to give up a lot of things.”

Swimming has taught Yoon how to manage her time. Without swimming, she would have had a different college search experience and not meet some of her closest friends.

“I felt a lot of emotions, good and some bad, but ultimately swimming has done a lot for me,” said Yoon.

Several sets of challenges came along with pursuing the sports. Each athlete had his or her own ups and downs, but cannot imagine life without the sport.

Their sports have become a part of their identity.

“Strive for your goal and commit the time and practice into the sport to improve,” Grant said.

Grant believes that in

Eddie Grant (‘20) committed to Lafayette College for soccer. process varies from senior kids from all over the South ing emails to coaches. She to senior. The option to Jersey area to row. She has toured Harvard on her ofpursue a sport along with placed in Youth Nationals ficial visit in April of her their major comes as a huge twice, during her sophojunior year and found that choice as well. more and junior year. she wanted to be a part of Eddie Grant (‘20) played In May of her junior the team. midfield for East’s Varsity year, Mahaffy received an “Once I committed, I had soccer team and will be offer from Rutgers. Not a renewed sense of motivaplaying for Lafayette Colquite ready to accept, she tion,” said Yoon. lege starting next fall. He kept up the dialogue with On her official visit to grew up playing soccer and her coaches. The coaches’ Harvard, Yoon was imhis passion for the sport encouragements were a big continued to grow during reason why Mahaffy decidfreshman year when he ed that Rutgers was the colbegan playing for East. He lege for her has also played Varsity all “I felt as though I had four years of high school. the capacity to be a high Not only does Grant play performer rather than just soccer at East, but he also a number,” said Mahaffy. plays for South Jersey Elite Rutgers was her first Barons (SJEB) Rush. He and only official visit. Mawas surrounded by a comhaffy committed the day of petitive atmosphere that return from her official, or allowed him to develop cercollege-paid, visit and endtain skills and sportsmaned the recruitment process ship. He and his team won with other schools, includthe US Club Soccer Nationing self-paid or unofficial al Championship in 2018, visits to Duke and Georgewhich was and still is a big town. deal to Grant.

Grace Yoon (‘20) played Emily Mahaffy (‘20) will a wide range of sports durbe attending Rutgers Uniing her middle school years. versity this upcoming fall She was an active athlete and will be a coxswain on in cross country, track and the Women’s Rowing Team. soccer along with swimHer passion stemmed durCourtesy of Rob Pungello ming competitively for her ing the winter of her freshEmily Mahaffy (‘20) committed to Rutgers University for rowing. club team. man year. Her role was As freshman year came serving as a coxswain — a around, she decided to pressed. Going with her ery single day, almost like a order to achieve your goals, ship driver — for boys. Bemake swimming her prigut feeling and evaluating vacation,” Yoon said. a player must commit the ing a new freshman in the mary sport and priority other factors, Yoon found Yoon wanted to be on a time and effort to improve district, Mahaffy found a until senior year. Yoon has that Harvard would suit team that embraces teamon their technique and way to channel her personbeen swimming for Wahoos her personal and academic work and learning from one skills. another.

“It’s important to alOn the other hand, Grant low sport to be a passion hit a bump in the road that of yours, not a chore,” said altered his progress.

Mahaffy. “[Being] in the “I broke my femur my presence of your sport as junior year, a time when much as possible is impormany students are in the tant.” process of looking for colMahaffy encourages asleges,” said Grant. piring athletes to be a conGrant was unable to play stant learner of their sport. soccer for months, having Having a passion for the to undergo surgeries and sport means enjoying the physical therapy. The teteam members and the atdious recovery process premosphere. vented him from displaying For future and current his talent during the school college athletes, Yoon offers year. However, Grant’s some advice: drive and determination al“Don’t stress too much as lowed him to strive for and long as possible,’’ said Yoon. achieve his dreams in the “It is important to enjoy sport by playing for Lafayyour high school experience ette College. as much as you can to preAndrew Maier (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor “I was looking for a pare for the future.”

Grace Yoon (‘20) committed to Harvard University for swimming.

SPORTS

February 2020

EASTSIDE

Page 24

Brookover and Merch display their love for swimming and each other

challenging things you can do when you are at such a competitive level.

Every single day I am going from school to swimming, and I am there February is the month of love, for two-and-a-half hours with no and swimmers Karolyn Merch (‘20) breaks and no days off. It is drainand Jackson Brookover (‘20) exing, but in the end, it has really set press love for each other and the me up to be disciplined in every assport. pect of my life,” said Merch.

Swimming brought them closer Although the sport can be chaltogether as a couple in freshman lenging, Merch does not know year. They have dealt with the where she’d put all her time and enstresses of swimming, schoolwork ergy if she did not swim. She cherand college applications together. ishes the friendships she has built Merch has committed to swim at and the memories she has made. the University of Tampa and BrooJust like Merch, Brookover also kover is committed to swim at Penn puts his heart and soul into the State University. sport. From the second he could They are both excited to take the walk, he and the rest of his family next step in their lives and continknew he would be a swimmer, as ue pursuing their swimming dreams. has always Merch started been a maswimming comjor part of petitively at the the Brookage of six and has over fambeen ever since. ily.

From the moment “ M y she first raced dad was a through the water, swimmer she instantly fell and he is in love with the currently sport. a swim Like many coach. My student-athletes, brother Merch swims inand sister side and outside both swam of school. Her proat East gram outside of and in colschool, South Jerlege,” said sey Aquatic Club Brookover.

(SJAC), is very dif“My whole ferent from East. family is “My competia bunch of tive team is much swimmers. more individual, I got tossed Courtesy of Karolyn Merch (‘20) while the East in [to the Swim Team has Merch and Brookover pose at their sport] at a swim banquet freshman year. much more of a young age.” team atmosphere.

BrookYou are relying on other people, over swims at East and he swims and they are relying on you, wherecompetitively for the Mount Laurel as with club swimming, you are doYMCA (MLY). Just like Merch, he ing everything for yourself,” said thinks East Swim is more teamMerch. oriented than his competitive team.

Merch swims six days a week for Between both his teams, Brookat least 14 hours. She has to balover spends most of his days in the ance swim practices, school work, pool. However, he would not want friendships, her relationship and it any other way. Brookover is so time with family. thankful for swimming. The sport “Swimming is one of the most has helped shape Brookover and ■ By Alexa Atlas (‘22)

Eastside Online Editor

has made him the person he is toMerch said, “The past three day. years, Jackson and I coincidentally Merch and Brookover both agree won the same awards at the East that they are completely different banquets. Freshman year we both athletes. They have different work won Rookie of the Year. Sophomore ethics and different mindsets. and junior year we both won Tough When it comes to swimming, ‘nut.’”

M e r c h With the deditends to cation the couple stress out has to the sport, more unit is no surprise der presthat swimming sure. She brought them tois also a gether.

Though very hard they barely talked worker during the first and is part of their freshvery hard man years, they on herself. became inseparaHowever, ble by the end.

Brookover Brookover said, usually “Right after State stays calm Champs, we startin intense ed really talking situations to each other and and does became closer.” not let the Swimming sport get plays a big part in the best of Merch and Broohim. They kover’s relationfeel they ship. The couple make the always finds perfect themselves talkmatch by ing about their each of practices Courtesy of Karolyn Merch (‘20) swim their per- Brookover and Merch pose in the pool and experiences. sonalities during a meet at Bucknell University.

“It is nice havbalancing ing Karolyn to talk out the to since she underother. stands what I am going through.

Brookover said, “[Merch] is a She is always there to encourage harder worker. She lifts, she works me when I need it and help me out.” out and she eats healthy, while I Merch and Brookover are always sometimes slack off and eat junk there for each other and help to food.” boost each other’s confidence.

Not only is Merch hardworking, Merch said, “I am so happy if but she is a natural-born leader.

Jackson wins.”

She is always there to lead the team The couple wants nothing but and help out her teammates. the best for each other. They both Isabel Andino (‘20), one of Merdedicate so much time to swimming ch’s teammates, said, “Merch shows and love to see each other succeed. her leadership when she gets the Although swimming takes up a lot swim team together, focuses them of their time, they still find ways to all on a single common goal and hang out and talk throughout the she can motivate anyone with the day. speeches she gives.”

Merch said, “Jackson and I alAlthough Merch and Brookover ways make time for each other. He are completely different athletes, is my best friend and I love spendthey have ironically won the same ing time with him, so even if we’re swim awards throughout their high both super busy, we still find a school careers. way.”

Local referee explains his perspective on heated games ■ By Aine Pierre (‘20)

Eastside Editor-in-Chief

Sports are nothing without the referees who ensure that the rules are being followed and that no one gets hurt. Despite the importance of this job, it can be an unforgiving one, both in rigor — one must see and call everything — and in the criticism one faces.

Still, there are many who love it, like Jordan Ablon, who referees high school and college basketball in New Jersey and has refereed many East games.

A Cherry Hill native and seven-year refereeing veteran, Ablon has always had an intense passion for basketball.

“I thought I wanted to be a coach, and I started coaching a little bit and then I... realized to be a Division I basketball coach you kind of needed financial support from your parents to chase your dream, and I didn’t have that luxury,” said Ablon. “And then I randomly thought, ‘let me give refereeing a try,’ and I sort of ‘caught the bug,’ as they say.”

On the court, Ablon said his goal is to get every call

correct — which he cites as the most stressful aspect of refereeing — while also communicating with coaches and players about the calls he does and does not

make.

“I have a pretty good rapport with all the coaches... what it comes down to is communication, so any coach that asks respect-

fully me a question... I always try to give them an answer,” said Ablon.

Ablon also gives verbal warnings to players if it looks like they are coming

Andrew Maier (‘20)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Eddie Grant (‘20), captain of the Boys’ Soccer Team, reacts after a referee makes an offsides call at a game last season.

close to committing a technical foul. Of course, with the job of refereeing sometimes comes derision from the stands.

Ablon says he has been called all kinds of names by fans, but he is usually unfazed.

“You really just try to ignore them, because 95% of the time they’re absolutely wrong,” he said.

Though sometimes Ablon will quip back at the fans if they start becoming rowdy, it is usually taken in good humor.

Ablon said he does not eject a fan until they cross a line, like cursing or threatening someone.

So, in such a hard job with nominal pay, why stay in the field of refereeing at all? Well, Ablon explains, it all goes back to his passion for basketball.

“I enjoy giving kids the opportunity to play,” said Ablon.

Despite, and perhaps in part because of, his love for refereeing, Ablon does wish that others would be more mindful of what referees sacrifice, in terms of time with family and gas money for drives as long as 90 miles and that referees are human beings, too.