November 2017 Issue

Page 1

November 2017

East Leyden High School

Senior Shines at Broadway Chiu Performs at Hamilton

O

Raul Rivera

n Wednesday, October 19, Ashley Chiu got the chance to perform a piece she had written on the stage of “Hamilton.” It was all part of a program called #EduHam. The program allowed for students to watch the play for $10 in exchange of writing something inspired by American history. #EduHam was created as a way to challenge students to imitate the style of the musical, fusing history with modern rhythms and power like playwright LinManuel Miranda did with “Hamilton.” Back when “Hamilton” was still a mixtape, Lin-Manuel noticed that many schools were using his songs in the classroom to teach history. “It makes it more tangible and come alive in a way that’s really hard to do with that era in history,” said Andrea Moverman to “The Hollywood Performer.” In order for students to attend #EduHam, their school must be eligible for the program via an application, which social studies teacher Johanna Heppeler submitted. If a school is selected from a “lottery,” all its attendees must create and submit original performance pieces. At the show, certain students are chosen in order to perform during the matinee in front of all the schools that went that day.

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Chiu’s submission was strong enough to be chosen. “It was insane that I got the chance to perform in front of a huge crowd,” recalled Chiu. Ashley wrote her piece, with help of her friend Yaret Serrano, about women’s rights and women in history. Her piece begins with the simple phrase “Remember the women.” It goes on and explain how women should not have to fight for their rights, and women should not be forgotten. “I [thought], what was something interesting I can write about, and I decided, why not something I’m passionate about. So I chose women’s rights,” Chiu said. Ashley also had the opportunity to meet the cast of the show. She got to meet Ari Afsar, who plays Eliza in the show. “I got to have a full conversation about high school and life with Ari Afsar.” Chiu was also featured on the local evening news, and attendees explain that she received a raucous applause after her work connected. “I was able to make an impact on people with my words.”

Remember the women One line Could’ve changed the course of history To this day Women are still not remembered Don’t get me wrong We have progressed Women have become more equal But we still deserve more Women still cower When walking the streets at night Or even during the day Or when we’re alone with a man No Means No

But we crave for our shot what Abigail Adams Angelica Schuyler Elizabeth Cady Stanton Envisioned for us What we could’ve had If John Adams Remembered the women History has its eyes on us Wait for it We will have our shot We are non-stop(power) The world is wide enough For us

This is not equal We shouldn’t have to make slogans for respect We shouldn’t let a cheeto puff disrespect us We’re worth more than this We should not have to argue for rights It’s OUR body OUR choices Men have no right to make these choices for us We’re not helpless Abigail Adams would be saddened As she put it These “dangerous creatures” crave power Over everything Nothing left for us I hope you’re satisfied It must be nice to have everyone on your side

Fizzle, Pop, No More Cent Per Drop:

Soda Tax Comes to an End

O

Hector Gonzalez

n October 11 of 2017, the Cook County Soda Tax met its maker. In an overwhelm majority, county leaders voted for the repeal of the tax, winning in an astonishing 15-2 vote. The tax was originally placed into effect on August 2, 2017 after being victorious in a narrow vote of 9-8, creating a rule that for each ounce of sugary drink, you were to be taxed one cent. The purpose for this tax, much like the cigarette and alcohol tax, was to discourage the buying and using of these products in order to improve one’s lifestyle. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle defended the tax by stating the extra $200 million in annual revenue was essential for funding county services, according to an article by CBS Chicago. Others believed the tax might be a step in combating obesity and diabetes in the community which is a critical issue. Yet the tax will remain in effect only until December 1st of 2017. After that date, you can crack open a cold, sugary drink with your boys or girls in peace. Oh how refreshing that must be and you can thank your community members who decided their voice should be heard and elected to write to their representatives. The swift repeal of the tax was prompted by dissatisfaction of citizens, many of whom argued that this tax was mostly an attempt

to grab more money from the public. In the same article by CBS Chicago, Commissioner Sean Morrison, who aided the fight for repeal, stated “It was the citizens who made this. The citizens who made the phone calls, who wrote the letters. Without their involvement, this likely would not have passed.” At Leyden, many students were delighted to hear this bubbly tax was popped, but there were some individuals who were in favor this tax. Culver’s worker and senior Eddy Reyes was one of those individuals, believing “It’s a small price to pay to help out Illinois that is a bit in debt.” Since the passing of the Soda Tax, Reyes says the sale of meals including drinks “hasn’t changed” stating that although customers noticed the tax, it really didn’t change their buying habits for the most part. However, Reyes did state there were a few complaints, people saying that “the soda tax is too high and that we (Culver’s) should change it, but it is not in our power.” Overall, Reyes did encounter some complaints, but when it was explained, “most people were very understanding.” Senior Emmy Sharaan who initially believed the tax was no big deal, later realized how much more important this tax was when seeing the major price rise. Sharaan believes that the money issue we are currently experiencing is the main purpose for the tax, and it is not necessarily for the public’s health benefit. “They’ve

known for a long time that a lot of sugar causes obesity, but they only decided to do it (pass a tax like this) now,” she said. “If they really wanted to do it for health they would have done it a long time ago, and if they wanted to efficiently deal with the obesity issue, it wouldn’t be in a certain region, it would be all over the state or even all over the country and would be fair on all things, not just soda. It would be more like candy or anything really sugary and unnecessary.” Sharaan feels better now that the tax is being repealed as she thought it was “bogus” to begin with, but to her it demonstrated the power of the public. “The people’s opinion matters too,” she said. She believed that a more “reasonable” tax approach to fighting obesity might work. “The tax was not the issue completely. It was the way it was executed and brought up. Whether you were in favor of the tax or disliked it to begin Senior Eddy Reyes filling up a cold drink at Culver’s with, it will not be an issue for the ing backlash and complaints coming in and mean time with the repealing of the tax. Although the attempt to help improve out of the representative’s desk caused the public health also promised an annual $200 soda pop tax to fizzle out. million for public services, the overwhelm-


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November 2017 Issue by The Eagle's Eye - Issuu