The Eagle Eye Winter/Spring 2020 Edition

THE EAGLE EYE Volume 41 No. 1

News Briefs: As the Democratic primaries have advanced, Joe Biden has come out on top, largely thanks to Super Tuesday and the nine states he gained.

Biden currently leads with a total of 881 delegates while Bernie Sanders is not far behind with a total of 725. Since the commencement of the primaries, Elizabeth Warren, Michael Bloomberg, Pete Buttigieg, Michael Bennet, Deval Patrick, and Andrew Yang have all dropped out.

As the Coronavirus has spread, and the death toll has surpassed 5,000, worldwide panic has struck. The viral disease has since reached 121 countries, according to The New York Times.

President Donald Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives on December 18, but has recently been acquitted by the United States Senate on February 5.

Chefs from JBJ Soul Kitchen visited South on February 25 to serve students Stir Fry in celebration of Mardi Gras.

Newman Springs Dental Care, based in Lincroft, is offering two $500 scholarships for graduating seniors at Middletown North and South who are interested in joining the healthcare field. Winning applicants will be notified by May 2, 2020.

Jersey Mike’s has opened their newest location, now expanding to the Lincroft Commons. The franchise store opened February 23.

On February 24, Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of criminal sexual act and rape. He was acquitted on the charge of predatory sexual assault.

The Monmouth Mall’s redevelopment project, an effort to convert the mall into a retail, restaurant, and entertainment center under the name “The Heights at Monmouth” has continued to stall while more of its stores close.

Middletown High School South, 900 Nut Swamp Road, Middletown NJ 07748

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Spring 2020

No Limits Cafe: Inspiring Inclusion

By Mary McIlvain & Nicole Guglielmi

iddletown is known for its exceptional Special Education programs, especially those offered here at High School South. Many students who have taken part in these programs have graduated and are ready to tackle the responsibility of partaking in a meaningful career. But, for many intellectually disabled adults, fulfilling employment is rarely accessible. Subsequently, this period of time after graduating high school is often coined ‘Falling Off the Cliff,’ as Middletown mom and restaurateur, Stephanie Cartier explains. When Cartier, alongside husband Mark, were met with a lack of opportunities, both work and education-related, for their daughter, South graduate Katie Cartier, they realized they wanted to do something about it. “We were trying to think of something for her to do, that didn’t just serve her, because there are many people in the same boat as her. We came up with the idea of a restaurant. Coincidentally, two weeks later, Lester Holt came out with a story on NBC Nightly News about a restaurant in Texas called ‘Hugs Cafe’ in the Dallas area, that did exactly what we had thought of [employing Pictured (left to right): Ryan, Mark, Katie, Stephanie, and Mark Jr. Cartier. young adults with disabilities]. So my husband and I went Photo courtesy of Two River Times there; we were trained and they mentored us, because we wanted to make sure we could do it in our area. We knew there and then that we could, and that’s how No Limits Cafe was born.”

Katie’s senior quote, “Don’t limit me,” not only provided inspiration for the cafe’s name, but also exemplified the necessity for employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities. The Cartiers began to make their idea of creating an inclusive work environment for disabled employees a reality in early 2019, when they started to construct their restaurant near Route 35. Despite typical setbacks often faced by blossoming businesses, the duo faced few other challenges, as a result of the overwhelming support received from the Middletown community.

Many local businesses and townspeople showed their support for the cafe, and their shared hopes of the business becoming a flourishing venture, through generous donations and numerous services offered pro bono. “I knew that townspeople would be accepting...but the support that we receive financially, that blew us away,” says Stephanie Cartier. “I mean, you always hope for something but you never expect anything. We got way more support than we could have even hoped for. Even the people that couldn’t do anything for us...what they gave in their hearts was beautiful too. That’s the magic...”

No Limits Cafe is currently training its staff members, many of whom are South graduates, and one who is still a student here at South. Student and employee, Claire DiGiorgio, expresses her excitement for the cafe’s opening, “I am looking forward to greeting all the customers at my job. I am very excited to see my friends who are working there with me, like some of my friends from high school.”

Establishing inclusive inclusive work work environments environments is is just just one one solution solution to to helping helping adults disabled adults find success.

A staggering statistic only 20% of Establishing with intellectual disabilities find success.

A of staggering statistic of people with currentlyare employed. as Cartier says, “The main wething hopethat customers from their experience only 20% of disabilities people withare disabilities currentlyBut, employed.

But, as Cartier says,thing “Thethat main we hopetake customers take from theirdining experience here ishere thatdining people withisintellectual disabilities are capable of anything that you and I can do, they just need a need little helpor tohelp get to dining is that here people withpeople intellectual disabilities are capable of anything that you andthat I can they justdo, might amore littletime moreor experience that with intellectual disabilities are capable of anything youdo, and Imight can they just might need a time little more to the finish line.

By us empowering these adults, by giving them jobs, everyone will be able to see that they are worthy of employment, that they get to the finish line.

By us empowering these adults, by giving them jobs, everyone will be able to see that they are worthy of employment, that time or help to get to the finish line. By us empowering these adults, by giving them jobs, everyone will be able to see that they are worthy of they need aa meaningful meaningful life,need that they deserve it. it.

They can dodeserve it, they they it. just needcan chance.” need life, that deserve They do it, just need aa chance.” employment, that they athey meaningful life, thatcan they They do it, they just need a chance.”

Gordan Ramsay Visits Monmouth County Resturant

By Laura Durante

Chef Lisa Baker oversees food production at all of Middletown’s schools, is a single mom, has two full-time jobs, and this past summer, she worked with Gordon Ramsay on his Fox show, Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell and Back.

When Chef Baker was first asked to participate in a kitchen renovation show back in the summer of 2019 while working at Blend on Main, an upscale Manasquan restaurant, she wasn’t sure what to expect. “We still didn’t really know what we were involved with but we were asked to be very specific and honest about some of the issues that we thought could be corrected” stated Baker.

The premise of Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell and Back involves Ramsay transforming a struggling restaurant in just a day’s time and a large part of that transformation is mending faulty management. “The show is based on confident people that were really capable of managing the back of the house without the chef owner actually working” explains Baker.

The crucial role that Baker would play in turning around Blend on Main’s kitchen soon became evident as Ramsay began making modifications to the resturant. “They wanted me to run the kitchen,” stated Baker proudly, “...so I was very happy to participate and work with Gordon Ramsay and his talented production crew and chefs to really be part of that change.”

Despite Ramsay being notoriously famous for his meltdowns and harsh temper, Baker witnessed a more reasonable version of the celebrity chef as well. “I mean the fact that he gets angry is true,” she stated, “He is a professional. He is a Michelin star chef, he has over Ramsay with Baker, featured on Gordon Ramsay’s 24 twenty five restaurants, and he really does know the business inside and out. He’s very talentHours to Hell and Back. Photo courtesy of FOX ed but he is also very candid and if he sees people struggling he’s going to tell them the truth and it’s usually not pretty. Unfortunately, being on television and having that happen is really a tough thing for people to endure but I think he has calmed down a lot and he’s doing more of coaching people and encouraging.”

With most of his head chefs as well as the chefs on his shows being women, Ramsay has also made a point to create space for women in a heavily male influenced industry. “I have been tested in this industry, being a woman and having been cooking for a long time, it’s been primarily male-dominated, but I felt really encouraged to keep pushing and going for it because I know what I believe in and he supported that and it was amazing,” stated Baker. Despite her dedication towards her two jobs as a chef, her most important role is as a single mother. By mixing her passion with her hard work ethic, Baker has made it so when she puts in all these hours to support her family, she fills it by doing something she loves.

“What I learned from the experience was that you should never stop dreaming and if you aspire to do something, don’t let people talk you out of it,” says Baker. “I need to keep cooking. It’s really important to me to stay connected and do it often. It’s tough sometimes, working two full-time jobs, but I just have to remember that I’m doing this because I love it.”

2 FEATURES

The Eagle Eye Vol. 41 No. 1

South Students Learning to Save Lives

By Nicole Guglielmi

From the moment we sat down, the camaraderie utilized for training that tracks hours spent on it, which, And this desire to help is one of the many reasons amongst the group was undeniable. They greet each for him, has already reached the hundreds. And to this, EMS has been so fulfilling for South students, includother with smiles, and moments after gathering around many nod in agreement as if to personally confirm. And it ing [Fiona] Maguire, who has found that the “biggest the table, they are already laughing, exchanging inside makes sense. Although you can retake a skills test if you takeaway is knowing that you can actually help people, jokes indiscernible to myself. As I ask the first question, fail it, there is no reprieve if you fail a second time. So you can actually make an impact in your community and it’s unsurprisingly clear to me that they care about what while you can eventually retake the test again, you must do something...It’s honestly rewarding for you, but it’s they do. Many of them have been volunteering within first re-complete the rest of the course first, no matter also awesome just to see that you’re doing something to the program for years, some of them only a short few how far you originally were. Luckily, the state of New help people...” But this relationship between volunteer months. Whether they’re cadets solely practicing EMS, Jersey provides the funds for these courses, so, if you are and patient hasn’t been one of commensalism. For [Josie] like junior Fiona Maguire, or aged-out squad members to fail, it is not your money wasted but you do have to Maguire, her work has in turn helped her become more like seniors Jenna Colacichi confident in her abilities, something she and Josie Maguire, or, members wasn’t always so sure of, “...I remember enrolled in a rigorous EMT class, when I first started, I was so scared to do like seniors Kasey Doughney, anything but it [volunteering] has shown Cameron Gillen, Chris Nolan, and me that I am capable of more than I give Tatum Sinopoli, their dedication myself credit for.” And as for advice for is obvious. And as for why they those who are feeling the same way, “Get decided to join the program and involved. The thing that stopped me for volunteer their time, their reasons a long time from volunteering, and that vary. For Doughney, Sinopoli, and made me nervous at first, was the notion both Maguires, it just seemed like that I wasn’t enough and that I didn’t the logical decision as it would know what I was doing. But know that provide them with a glimpse into you’re not going to be thrown into a situathe medical field that they are all tion that you can’t handle.” interested in pursuing. For Nolan, Whether it’s helped them build up he was inspired to join in part due confidence or taught them the importance to the fact that many of his family Pictured above (left to right): Fiona Maguire, Josie Maguire, Chris Nolan, Kasey Doughney, Jenna of community, EMS has provided each Colacichi, Cameron Gillen, and Tatum Sinopoli. Photo courtesy of Nicole Guglielmi members are first responders themmember with invaluable life lessons. And, selves. As for Gillen, it was a nonchalant conversation pay out of pocket to rebegin the course. But, as Nolan ex- as for Sinopoli, she too can definitely attest to the ways in with those heading the Rude Awakening program South plains, despite this lack of payment, the courses are truly which EMS, and the experiences it provides, opens your students participated in the day of junior prom. And for representative of the nature of college, both in rigor and eyes, “...if that person starts to go downhill, you need to Colacichi, the immediate immersion into the field was a accountability, “So much is placed on you... it’s up to you figure out what you’re doing and how you’re going to try major factor that sparked her interest in the program, “... to do well in it, and if you don’t, you’re doing an injusto get them to their feet. And that’s everything we teach After you get three certifications, which is what you need tice to yourself by not even trying. If you would rather go people in cadet training, how to take care of individuals in order to ride on the ambulance, you kind of just go home and not read, no one is going to care, it’s just going in really stressful situations. And that’s how it helps you right into it and you start doing hands-on learning right to hurt you. The teacher is not going to care, nobody else to prepare for the future, because in life, you have to alaway, it’s not super gradual. At the meetings you do learn in the class is going to care, it’s all on yourself.” ways try to figure out how to get by in stressful situations a lot but I like how quickly you are able to apply what But, despite this mentality necessary for success with- and EMS literally changes how you think.” But overall, you are learning to what you are doing.” in the testing portion of the course, when you’re out in no matter what each member has taken away from their As we sit together, surrounded by a sea of crowded the field, there is an entire support system you can rely on time apart of EMS, they all truly recognize the great retables occupying stressed students focusing on their when needed. As Nolan explains, the state of New Jersey sponsibility they’ve been handed, and over the course of work, the idea of balance definitely comes to mind. With provides critical incident counseling, an initiative that this interview, it’s become clear to me that it’s not somethe significant time commitment EMS entails, it presents allows for first responders to talk about what they’ve exthing they take lightly, as Nolan puts it, “...we have to be a difficulty of balancing both school, EMS, and whatperienced, in a safe environment. Oftentimes after calls, that lighthouse, that supportive pillar, that makes them ever other responsibilities one may have. And although the squad will reflect on what they did well and what they say, ‘I can trust this person, they’re going to help me, and there is an immediate reaction consisting of knowing could have improved upon. But overall, as Nolan states, as long as I believe in them, I’m going to be fine.’ And, glances and nervous laughter, when the idea of balance “Everyone is there to help you, even inside the squad. at the end of the day, you may go back and you may hear is broached, their struggles are still humbly downplayed, It’s not just you only help other people outside, we help back from the patient, ‘Oh thank you so much, you saved Doughney answering, “...we all chose to do it and there each other as well.” And this sentiment is definitely one my life.’ And that’s what I think everyone would say are people there with full-time jobs, kids, everyone is echoed by others, Colacichi adding, “They’re really easy we do it for, not for the praise, but just knowing that we really sacrificing their own time.” Nevertheless, the class to talk to, it’s like a big family. Everyone wants to help helped someone in their time of need, that’s what keeps is still a major time commitment, Nolan noting a website each other.” all of us doing it.”

South’s Annual Alumni Day Gives Great Advice to Seniors

On January 6th, Midd South alumni returned to South in order to share their newfound college advice with South’s seniors. The panel of alumni, composed entirely of recent graduates, discussed everything from deciding where to go to balancing school work with a social life.

By Laura Durante

Academically, how is college different than high school?

“In high school, you’re here for seven hours, you go home, you go to work, you go to practice. But in college you make your own schedule, and with all that free time it can get hard to actually do your work because you think you have so much time to do it, but it easily catches up with you, so I would definitely say manage your time, do your work as soon as you get it.” - Claire Blose, freshman at Loyola Maryland

Any advice on making friends?

“College can be very stressful at times. You might be feeling like you’re not enough or that maybe this isn’t for you. Don’t psych yourself out. Make friends that are going to support you and that you’re going to support back; that support group is what’s gonna help you actually achieve.” - Robert Diasio, freshman at NJIT

How much of a role should money play in choosing a school?

“You have bartering power. You can go to one institution and say this one school is giving me x amount of money, what can you do for me? Money is a big factor. Most students graduate in debt because they don’t know how to balance their money in college. If you’re dorming, you’re basically your own adult, so if you can, try to save yourself a big check of tuition.” - Danny Buchsbaum, freshman at University of Mary-

Is it okay I don’t know what I want to major in?

“I really like being undecided! You get to take electives and a bunch of gen eds. You’re still figuring out what you want to do with your life and what you’re good at. So don’t feel pressured to go in with a major. If you know what you’re doing that’s great but if you don’t, that’s also okay. Don’t freak yourself out about that.”

- Hannah Pontari, freshman at Villanova

Alumni at the panel. Photo courtesy of Mrs. Fortunado

The

Eagle Eye Informing the South Community since 1976

editor-in-chief managing editor online editor news editor opinion editor feature editor sports editor entertainment editor art director advisors

staff members Nicole Guglielmi Mary McIlvain Kaitlin Covino Morgan Barnes Laura Durante Sara Ragab Danny DeCrescenzo Kim Goldman Josie Maguire Heather Altz Lisa Whitmore

Angelina Anshelewitz Dea Bregu Ella Cascone Samantha Crispino Isabella Destounis Joy Falotico Ana Generelli Cameron Gillen Leili Grzybowski Abbie Heller Christopher Hoffmann

Carly Jones Abigail Maguire Abby Malakoff Nicholas Nowicki Avery Seldin Sophia Stemmer Kylie Swanson Kimberly Tow Andrea Valentino Sarah Weber Marlys Wenzel

The Eagle Eye is the student-run news publication of Middletown High School South. We serve as a designated public forum where every student can create, share, and exchange ideas and information. We inform and entertain, delivering community and world news with honesty and integrity.

FEATURES

Spring 2020

8 Ways to Step Up Your Fashion This Season

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By Angelina Anshelewitz

Fashion. It allows for self-expression and creativity. During this time of the year, it makes a bold statement just to wear anything stylish in the midst of this grueling cold. Summer fashion is definitely more manageable: tank tops, shorts, bathing suits, it does not get much easier than that. Early spring on the other hand, is all about layering the right pieces to put together chic outfits. This article is here to help you guide your way through the ‘in’ trends for 2020. After all, with the new year comes new styles.

Beanies: I know that wearing winter hats

Big sunglasses: A blast from the past, right? Totally 2000’s. I know there was a phase where small, slim, more fashion-forward sunglasses were in, but say goodbye to those. As a key rule to the 2020 fashion world: oversized is everything. Regardless of the time of year, sunglasses are never unseasonable.

goes without saying, due to the fact that it is still below 50 degrees in the morning, but the specific style of a beanie goes far beyond a basic winter hat. Beanies come in all different styles and colors. This fashion trend is also practical, as it keeps your head warm, and even covers your ears.

Cropped puffer jackets: This

Black: Anything and everything black

is in during this season. The more black, the better. This means leggings and black sweaters. Black is a very slimming yet totally mysterious color to wear. Don’t forget to style it with some matching,colorful, accessories though, or even a pretty eyeshadow look to complete the statement you’ll be making with this.

piece of clothing is at the top of this season’s fashion hierarchy for the sole reason being that it is stylish yet totally warm. If you happen to take a trip out to the city, I can assure you that many people will be flaunting this style. Throw on a pair of high waisted jeans with this and boom, you have a perfect outfit.

Oversized: Oversized clothing is something to live by: sweatshirts, pants, t-shirts: it’s a total skater look. This look is super trendy and hip; may I go as far as saying it can be called ‘indie.’ If you really want to master this look, go for a tighter cropped shirt with baggy pants. Tight top, loose pants will beat a boring top with skinny jeans anyday. If you really want to hold onto those skinny jeans, grab an oversized t-shirt, sweater, or hoodie and there you go, you are still rocking this look.

Mismatched: Although this look can be tasteless for some, it is totally in-style right now. Check out Urban Outfitters for example, their whole look, being promoted everywhere, is pretty mismatched with a large-ranging color palette. This look is where flannels, graphic tees, and cute patterned socks come into play. So don’t go out looking a mess...but also do, you get it, right?

Art by Mary McIlvain

Doc Martens: All kinds of docs are in, always. A warm, fuzzy, decorative sock with a pretty boot is totally hip and in-style.

Wear your docs with a pair of mom jeans or leggings and you instantly have a cool outfit.

You can even rock them in the summer with a pretty dress. There are few limits when it comes to these trendy shoes.

Plaid: Yes, plaid can be old school, but go into any fashionable store and you will find a large selection of plaid. Brandy Melville, Urban Outfitters, PacSun, you name it. Plaid pants and skirts are go-to’s for this season. Match these items with a solid colored top and there you go, a perfect outfit in the making.

A Bucket List to Help You Make it Through March in Middletown

By Sara Ragab It’s that time of year again. The long and painful stretch between winter and spring break is here. Luckily, The Eagle Eye has a bucket list to help you survive the March blues.

It will be fine and I’m not complaining, because I have this March bucketlist. With this bucketlist you can find a bunch of new things to do! Read on for some inspiration to make your last few weeks of winter a bit more memorable.

See live music at the Chubby Pickle in Highlands on Friday nights For a fun spot to study with friends, go to Bell Works in Holmdel, where there are open lounging and work areas, as well as food vendors Get a head start on spring cleaning. Any old clothes or toys that you find can be donated to the Salvation Army in Red Bank Relive your middle school glory days and go ice skating at the Middletown Ice Rink Head over to a local movie theater to catch upcoming films, like the highly anticipated A Quiet Place: Part II or the live action version of Disney’s Mulan

Drink an overpriced hot chocolate at Inkwell Coffee House Get brunch with friends at the Waterwitch Cafe in Atlantic Highlands Dedicate an afternoon to volunteering at the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen in Red Bank to help out your community.

Forget about your New Years diet and try baking a new dessert recipe Buy scented candles from Bath and Body Works in Holmdel to set a cozy mood Go thrifting for some nice chunky sweaters at The Goodwill in Atlantic Highlands

Go see an upcoming local performance at Two River Theatre in Red Bank

Get excited for the warmer weather by planning upcoming vacations or summer excursions

Fuel your caffeine addiction by buying a drink at Rook Coffee in Holmdel

Plan an elaborate celebration for Saint Patrick’s Day

Spend a day exploring New York City and check out the Natural Museum of History for any new exhibits

Art by Ana Generelli

Learn how to snowboard with the Ski and Snowboarding club at South

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The Eagle Eye Vol. 41 No.1

Features

The Nutcracker: My Debut as Snow Queen

By Carly Jones

between Thursday and Sunday.

Being a part of The Nutcracker Ballet is a gift. At eight Thursday, I arrived at Count Basie at 8 AM to prepare years old, I perfmormed in The Company of Dance Arts’ for the first show. The cast had two hours to do hair and production of The Nutcracker for the first time. It was a makeup, warm up, and get in costume before the places magical experience, having rehearsals every weekend and call. When the show began, I waited backstage until the working hard until the performances arrived. After the Snow Pas de Deux arrived. As the battle scene concludshows were complete, it was so rewarding to realize that I ed, my partner met me in the wings and we wished each had performed successfully. Every year since, I have been other good luck. When the Pas de Deux started, I came fortunate to be cast in The Nutcracker following auditions out on stage for the first lift and all of my nerves washed and I have performed annually at the Count Basie Theatre. away into pure This year, I was excitement. I was lucky enough to be performing my cast in the roles of first principal role Snow Queen, Flowas Snow Queen! ers, and Marzipan.

The time flew After being cast, by and the snow all of the dancers in scene ended. In the show started the Act Two, I came rehearsal process. In back on stage as addition to over 20 Flowers. At the end hours per week of of the night, my ballet classes, The first show as Snow Nutcracker season Queen was over, brings another 8-15 but I was excited hours per weekend for the next shows of rehearsals. After coming that week.

Saturday classes, Thursday evening I was in the studio was our second for four hours to dress rehearsal berehearse for the fore the remaining roles of Flowers five shows. and Marzipan. On On Friday,

Sundays, a warmI performed as up class typically Marzipan in two began an entire day shows at 10 AM of rehearsals for all and 7 PM. Then, of my parts. For the on Saturday, I perSnow Pas de Deux, Pictured above: Carly Jones and Josep Monreal during the Snow Pas de Deux. formed in two shows I danced in the role Photo courtesy of Sori Gottdenker as Snow Queen and of Snow Queen with Josep Monreal, a professional dancer from New York City, Flowers. Before the last Saturday show, I got corrections from the artistic directors on how to improve my Pas de who came to the studio to rehearse with me weekly. FinalDeux. My partner and I reviewed the corrections and ly, in November, the cast had its in-studio dress rehearsal. hugged each other for good luck. It was the best show for Before I knew it, it was theater week. After school on me. Everything went perfectly, and during intermission I Wednesday, I went to Count Basie Theatre for our first cried tears of happiness. All of the hard work I put into my dress rehearsal. As I approached the stage door, a feeling of excitement washed through my body. It was almost time rehearsals paid off on stage!

On Sunday, there was one final show, and when it was for the shows! The dressing room assignments were posted over, I already missed it. Being a part of The Nutcracker by the red spiraling staircase. I was assigned the fourth was always an amazing experience, and since this was my floor dressing room with four other principal dancers. In first season performing a principal role, I didn’t want it to our pre-professional company, principal dancers are the end. Although my experience performing in this year’s The highest ranking dancers, followed by soloists and corps de Nutcracker was over, it was a wonderful opportunity and ballet. After I went up to the balcony for warm-up class, I know I have bigger and better things to look forward to, the cast blocked the show with lighting and ran through awaiting me in the future. it in costume on stage to prepare for six performances

4 Ways to Give Back to Your Community

By Abby Malakoff At South, many students are interested in ways to give back to the community. Below are a few volunteer opportunities through which you can do some good this 2020.

Lunch Break Organization

Mission: Lunch Break was founded as Monmouth County’s first soup kitchen. Lunch Break is committed to alleviating hunger and providing basic necessities for community members in need. Their mission is to freely provide food, clothing, and fellowship.

How to Volunteer: go to https://lunchbreak. org/ and click volunteer. Then sign up for their newsletter.

Riverview Hospital

Mission: Riverview offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that can best be suited for you. Whether you work the gift shop or the front desk, or shadow a medical professional, you can gain truly valuable experience.

How to Volunteer: visit https://www.riverviewmedicalcenter.com/donate/volunteer/ and contact those available under the contact information portion of the website.

Middletown Public Library

Mission: The Middletown Public Library offers many ways to help out your community and local librarians, by either volunteering at events or running a weekly shift to help clean the library’s children section.

How to Volunteer: Visit https://www.mtpl.org/ teen-volunteers/ and fill out the application hyperlinked on the page.

JBJ Soul Kitchen

Mission: At JBJ Soul Kitchen, you can help your community by working at a resturant that serves regular paying customers and also those in need. At JBJ Soul Kitchen, you get to meet all different kinds of people, serve meals, and bus tables.

How to Volunteer: Visit https://jbjsoulkitchen. org/volunteer/ and fill out the registration portion of the website.

South’s Top Podcasts Picks

By Mary McIlvain

n today’s world, information and technology go hand in hand. It seems that anything can be found online. Still, there is something about the power of spoken word that text on a screen cannot quite communicate. In the past decade, the rise of an interesting combination of learning and listening through the use of technology has: podcasts. Much like radio talk shows, podcasts consist of one or more speakers telling a story or explaining an idea over a recording. From celebrities sharing details about their lives come to scientists proving theories to investigative researchers exploring obscure subjects, podcasts present information in a simple yet effective manner that engages listeners. South’s staff and students are no strangers to podcasts either. Many have favorite shows, and here they share:

Serial

Dolly Parton’s The Joe RoganAmerica Experience

“My favorite is Serial, an investigative podcast about the American criminal justice system. It’s a great way for criminal cases that might not necessarily get coverage to be explored in a very analytical and open-minded setting. It makes you feel like you are solving the case yourself. It forces you to confront the flaws within America’s criminal justice system. Most of all, it’s aimed at uncovering the truth.”

- Josie Maguire, senior

“One thatExperience I found really “The podcast Joe Rogan is a Parton’s interesting was Dolly podcast narrated

by Joe Rogan, a America.

It'sHe only aboutinteresting nine comedian. makes episodes butinterviews it tells thesuch storyaof points and wide Dolly Parton and what she variety of people; professors, represents in our country.

It brings actors, comedians, and everyday up a lot of really people come on important the show. He questions about America [Rogan] covers a lot of science-y and howtalks you about relate political to it. I love how topics, topics they able to use this iconic fromare both sides, and there are a figure Partonmoments. as a portal to bunchofofDolly humorous so manywhat different It also just That’s I like,stories. the variety.” features good music and - Kelly some Matri,really environmental I love Dolly Parton now!” science teacher - Laura Durante, senior

The TryPod “I like to listen to this podcast made by a group The Try Guys, called The TryPod. I feel like it’s a way for people to come together and talk about things that they are all interested in.

Like maybe not that many kids from your school would be interested in those topics, like advice from members of the cast but you have an outlet to listen to someone who cares about similar things to you.”

- Joy Falotico, senior

The Happiness Lab ““The Happiness Lab is a podcast by Dr. Laurie Santos, a psychologist who teaches at Yale University. And it really breaks down your daily life and focuses on why stressors, like grades, are bad for our happiness, or how to maintain better relationships. In each episode, she talks to experts about how you can change your life to lead a happier one.”

- Marc Siegel, educational technological specialist

Bill Burr’s Monday Morning Podcast “Bill Burr’s Monday Morning Podcast covers topics from sports to politics to personal stories. What I like best about it is the fact that Burr doesn’t really have boundaries for what he speaks on. He’ll just say things as he sees them.

People should listen to this podcast because it makes you think about things from other perspectives, rather than your own. It will make you laugh because of the crazy stories and point of views.”

- Christian Huelic-Moralez, junior

FEATURES

Spring 2020

2010s in Review...

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The last decade has been a whirlwind of events from natural disasters to empowering movements to everything in between.

As we look back on 2019, it is important to remember on what has shaped the last decade of our lives.

By Abbie Heller

2010:

2010 was the start of a new decade. Unfortunately, it began still suffering from the effects of the Great Recession, more than just a staggering slump to the global economy. It emanated from the collapse of the U.S. real estate market, and the crisis ended up escalating worldwide. On January 12th, Haiti experienced one of its worst earthquakes to date, killing 230 thousand. On April 20th, the Deepwater Horizon spilled about 210 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, and it is generally considered to be the largest environmental disaster in American history. However, on the lighter side of subjectively influential events, the first iPad was released, British boyband One Direction was formed, and Vi Lady Gaga stunned the general public for years to come by sporting her infamous Meat Dress, made entirely of raw beef at the MTV Video Music Awards.

2011:

This was the year the world population reached 7 billion. A magnitude 9 tsunami hit Japan, causing almost 25,000 casualties. A ten year-long manhunt came to a close when Osama bin Laden was killed on May 2nd, and Operation Iraqi Freedom ended on December 18th. On a less serious note, 2011 saw the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the premiere of Game and Thrones, and Beyoncé’s iconic on-stage baby announcement.

2012:

The Curiosity rover landed on Mars, furthering the United States’ role in space exploration. In pop culture, we saw the release of two record-breaking films: Marvel’s Avengers and The Hunger Games. 2012 was also one of the heaviest years of the decade, muddled with violence from a multitude of sources. Best-selling singer/actress and the creator of the soundtrack to many people’s lives, Whitney Houston, died unexpectedly at the age of 48. Hurricane Sandy leveled the East Coast, hitting us in New Jersey particularly hard.

Barack Obama, the first black president of the United States, was re-elected for a 2nd term. Gun violence came to mind on a national level when multiple shootings caused the deaths of innocent people across America, including the Century 16 movie theater shooting in Colorado, and the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Conneticut. The latter was a tragedy that would haunt the nation for the remainder of the decade, as it is one of the most referred to tragedies of gun violence in the rising movement against it.

2013:

The tragic Boston Marathon bombings occurred in April. In June, Edward Snowden flew to Hong Kong after leaving his job at the NSA and leaking thousands of classified documents, including the work of the PRISM project, a surveillance program utilized for the collection of server data. The #BlackLivesMatter movement was started by three teens, protesting the acquittal of a cop who shot and killed unarmed black teen Trayvon Martin.

2014:

In the Spring of 2014, a deadly Ebola outbreak started in West Africa, creating a global epidemic. In an unfortunate case gone cold, the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 failed to reach its Beijing destination when it went missing with no trace. The terrorist group, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), gained power and elevated dangers in the Middle East, giving a new meaning to inhumanity. The Winter Olympics in Sochi and the FIFA World Cup in Brazil brought talented athletes from around the globe to compete.

2015:

A deadly Amtrak train derailment in Philadelphia killed eight and injured more than 200 in May. In June came a long-awaited victory when gay marriage was finally legalized in all fifty states, making it a federal law. 195 countries adopted the Paris Agreement in December, an accord meant to set a framework for avoiding climate change. In the pop culture world, breakout play Hamilton forever changed Broadway and Harper Lee released Go Set a Watchman, which was actually the first draft of her 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird.

2016:

A debate over the morality of animals in captivity was sparked in May when a three-year-old boy climbed into an animal enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo and Harambe the gorilla was killed. The Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida was fired upon on June 12th with over 100 casualties, and the Charleston Church shooting took place only five days later on June 17th, where 9 African Americans were killed in a hate crime during a bible study. The shooter was a white supremacist aiming to start a race war, as cited in his online manifesto. Donald Trump was elected president in November after a tumultous race. Leonardo DiCaprio won his long-awaited Oscar.

2017:

2017 was an intense year for political movements and unfortunately, more violence. The Women’s March in Washington D.C. took place in January, resulting in the largest single-day demonstration in the history of the United States. On June 1st, President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement which dealt with climate protection measures.

In August, the Unite the Right rally took place in Charlottesville, Virginia. White supremacists and neo-Nazis marched in opposition to the removal of a Robert E. Lee statue. It became frenzied and terrorizing, when on the 12th, one man rammed his car through a crowd of counter protesters, killing one and injuring 19. On October 1st, 59 were killed and 869 were wounded in the Las Vegas shooting at the Route 91 Harvest music festival. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria became some of the costliest storms in U.S. history. As well, the #MeToo movement exploded after a The New York Times article exposed longtime rumored accusations against Harvey Weinstein. To close off the year, Ajit Pai repealed Title II, synonymous with net neutrality, in December.

2018:

In early 2018, there was a false missile warning in Hawaii. Students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School fell victim to a brutal school shooting on Valentines Day. Greta Thunberg, now 17, became known for her climate change activism. She addressed the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference in December. Wildfires ravaged California,

2019:

In April, we saw the first picture of a black hole, nudging the human race further into the endless stream of stars in our universe. ICE cracked down on undocumented immigrants, separating thousands of families into camps at the border. The Walmart shooting in El Paso, Texas was the place of another awful act of violence. The year closed with the impeachment of President Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of justice.

Shining a Light o Teen Suicide: How Can We Address the Issues?

An in-depth look into the second leading cause of death amongt young adults

By Kaitlin Covino

An inside look at Midd South’s Mental Health...

Have you struggled with mental health in high school?

35.8% 64.2%

No

Yes

Have you ever reached out for help?

32.5% 67.5%

With greater and greater frequency, schools across America are starting to shine a light on the epidemic that is teen suicide, yet students are still mostly in the dark about what they can do in times of crisis. The facts speak for themselves.

“Suicide is the second leading cause of death in our young, which is completely unacceptable,” states Susan Tellone, Clinical Director for the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, located in Freehold, NJ. Further statistics by the American Association of Suicidology show that in 2017, 14.5 out of every 100,000 young people between the ages of 15 and 24, commited suicide, a number that is rising each year. With this being such an issue in today’s world, it is important that we look at the problems and find a solution.

The Factors

Not only are teens faced with the issues that have always come with being a young adult, they also face the added pressures of being part of Generation Z (1995-2012), such as cell phones and social media. Tellone explains: “What teens are going through today is a lot different than what kids went through 10-15 years ago. There is a lot of competition: competition academically, competition physically, competition sports-wise; it’s just a lot of pressure. Kids have a hard time finding time to talk to not only adults, but other kids.” Teens just want to fit in, and in a world where people post the ins and outs of everyday life on social media, it can often feel like they are missing out. With the internet, grades, homework, and other people’s lives all available with the touch of a finger, it becomes impossible for students not to compare their lives to those of the people around them. William Zimmermann, the Clinician Supervisor for the NJ Suicide Prevention Hopeline at Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care says, “Feeling connected to and a part of a community is vital and bolsters our resilience - feeling disconnected from family, friends, and other communities adds additional stress and makes us more vulnerable.” And these circumstances are only a few of many that teens struggle with daily.

The Stigma No

Yes

This anonymous survey condutcted by The Eagle Eye polled roughly 100 students from Midd South about their mental health.

The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide is a non-profit organization that works with helping in the fight against teen suicide.

If you or someone you know would like to join, there is a youth concil that they host once a month, to get teens’ ideas about how to help both themselves and their peers.

For more information, go to: https://www.sptsusa.org/

“

But the struggle to fit in isn’t the only thing that is contributing to the every increasing number of teen suicides. There are many factors that have always been an issue in society, one of which being untreated mental illness. With so much ignorance surrounding mental health issues, anyone could fear seeking help.

Our society has always placed a stigma around mental illness. Zimmermann explains that a common stigma is people making “snap judgments - like ‘oh, they’re just doing that for attention’ or ‘you can’t mean that, your life is so good!’” People’s lack of understanding has led them to jump to conclusions rather than try to understand the complicated details surrounding mental health.

Mental health has always been something that has been treated differently from other aspects of wellness. People constantly try to work on their physical health through working out and eating healthy, so why is it so uncommon for people to work on their mental health? “Mental wellness is the same as physical wellness,” states Tellone. “You would never not go to the doctor if you had a cold or a sinus infection, but somehow we don’t seek help for issues like anxiety, depression, eating disorders. When in fact the brain is an organ in the body just like all the other organs in the body.” In order to start to fix the issue, it is imperative that society works to better understand what mental health really is and what we can change to help people live a more healthy life.

1 in 5 teens between 13-18 live with a mental illness

You are Ne

National Suicid Hotli

1-800-27

What Schools Can Do Now “Let students know that help is available, and it’s okay to reach out for it,” states Zimmermann. If an issue can’t be solved independently, with the help of friends or family, there are many resources available. Educating young people on the matter is also crucial to helping the suicide rate go down in the future. Educating them about how mental health is just as important as physical health. Educating them on how to get rid of the stigma surrounding mental health. Educating them to know how to help their peers. “We are really trying to build a movement,” says Tellone, “The movement has to come from the young. The young kids are the ones who can tell the adults it’s okay to talk about mental health.”

I’ve been dealing with anxiety and depression since I was 13 years old. I go to a therapist weekly and have been for years. I’m on two different medications for anxiety and depression and it definitely helps. Things are still really hard but getting help makes things easier.

1 in 3 teens su

Open 24 hours a d

Mental Health a

“

I just don’t like to burden other people. I’ll help anyone out, but I feel guilty asking the same.

”

”

“

I never thought I would have mental health issues, but I have progressively a struggle. I have never reached out to one because I think things are not bad I try to tell myself that it is manageab myself. Part of me feels like I don’t w to have a title over me for my struggle with my mental health after hearing o people tell me their diagnoses, whethe for depression, anxiety, etc.

on Mental Health Tips to Deal with Anxiety and Stress

By Ana Generelli

It’s no secret that school can be stressful, no matter what grade you’re in or what classes you’re taking.

Tests, projects, and homework assignments can overwhelm students easily. According to the article, “The Epidemic of Anxiety Among Today’s Students,” published by National Education Association (neaToday), 70% of teenagers say that “major problem[s]” amongst their peers are mental health issues including anxiety and depression. These concerns are widespread and show that this kind of school-related pressure is a pretty big deal. Fortunately, there are many ways to deal with this type of mental strain and anxiety. Here are some helpful tips to improve your mental health:

Meditate.

Chances are you have heard a lot about meditation; however you might not know why, exactly, it is recommended for students. Well, meditation has been known to reduce a person’s stress and anxiety, improve their self-image, help them focus more, and increase their optimism. Another good thing about meditation is that you can meditate anywhere, at any time, and it can take as long or as short as you want. In fact, there are actually apps for your phone that give you guided meditation sessions, which comprises of an instructor helping you through a session of meditation by giving you tips and instructions. Some of these apps are Headspace, Calm, and Meditation and Relaxation Pro.

Do yoga.

You most likely know the physical benefits of yoga, such as increased strength and flexibility. However, yoga also provides many benefits to a person’s mental health. For example, yoga activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which is essentially the opposite of the “fight-or-flight” impulse.

When your parasympathetic nervous system is activated, your anxiety decreases and it is easier to relax.

Additionally, after you finish a yoga session, you feel more energized and creative due to your brain releasing certain chemicals that cause you to feel happy. If you want to try yoga for yourself, there are many videos on YouTube of people guiding yoga routines that range from waking yourself up to feeling your very best.

Journal.

uffer from anxiety

4 out of 5 teens who attempt suicide gave clear warning signs

ever Alone

Although it is not as commonly talked about as yoga or meditation, journaling is actually a very good way to improve your mental health. Journaling is very similar to keeping a diary -- it’s where you write down all of the things that make you feel stressed or worried on paper in order to let out your thoughts and feelings easily. Journaling is very helpful to your mental health because it helps you reduce stress, prioritize any problems you might have, and manage anxiety. Additionally, journaling can help you work out any nervous feelings you might be experiencing in a safe and private area where you can express how you truly feel. To journal, you can use a notebook or any journaling app on your phone, and you can write whatever you’re feeling at that moment. And, if you feel comfortable, you can show your journal to your friends or a trusted adult so that they can comfort you and help you with whatever you’re dealing with.

Do Teens Place Grades Above Wellbeing?

By Josie Maguire

de Prevention ine:

73-8255

day, 7 days a week

Most students can relate to the suffocating feeling that is evoked by the pressure to do well in school. They are often told to “toughen up,” or “not take school so seriously.” This does nothing to help kids who may be struggling with anxiety or other mental afflictions. The level of work that students are being expected to complete is just not possible for many and causes students to feel as if they are not living up to the impossible standards that they are placed under.

This mindset has caused a major change in the way that students are experiencing high school. The high school experience has devolved from a focus on growing up and self-discovery into academic rigor and superiority. This shift has taken an immense toll on the mental health of students.

The flurry of work and impossible standards has left no time for students to simply be teenagers anymore.

There’s no time to have a hobby, explore new paths, and figure out who you are when every waking minute is spent at sports practices, SAT tutoring, college visits, and doing hours of unnecessary homework. Students feel trapped, forced into a system that cares more about a number than their mental wellbeing. Is this accelerated learning worth it? Does it actually help students succeed in life or is it simply perpetuating a system that deteriorates mental health and breeds anxiety?

at Midd South...

y felt o anyd and ble by want e other er it’s

“ ”

I feel like life is moving too fast. I don’t want to be an adult or grow up this fast. I want more time as a kid, and high school is ruining that. It takes up so much time and so much of your life. Every day feels like it’s going too fast, and even when I get home, I still have more stuff to do for school. I feel trapped in this life that I don’t want and I don’t know what to do.

“ ”

I keep all my feelings to myself because I fear I am imposing too much on others. I try to seem as mellow as possible. I have the idea in my head that my problems are my problems and no one should know about them. It gets hard because I use humor as a way to mask my feelings. I’ll crack jokes and make others laugh because then it seems like I am doing something. It’s a distraction that I take part in too frequently.

”

8 Opinion

The Eagle Eye Vol. 41 No. 1

In a World of #MeToo, Are We Leaving Students Behind?

By Nicole Guglielmi Disclaimer: The following article contains mention of sexual assault and abuse. Below are hotlines and other resources survivors and family can use to navigate media and begin their healing.

The MeToo Era

In 2017, the world witnessed an unprecedented movement in which survivors of sexual assault and harassment shared their stories and reclaimed their narratives, both empowering themselves and others to begin their healing in whatever way they saw fit.

And in the years since, we’ve seen a monumental societal shift in regards to our attitudes towards sexual abuse. A newfound willingness to openly criticize those who have employed their positions of power to assault and harass others has resulted in a culture of accountability, one in which that has prompted the fall of many influential figures.

In the past three years alone we have seen powerful men - Kevin Spacey and Harvey Weinstein among them - once hidden by the spotlight, now ostracized by the Hollywood community that they were once accused of exploiting (Weinstein has since been sentenced to 23 years in prison). Political figures on both ends of the spectrum, Roy Moore and Al Franken to name a couple, have lost bureaucratic power as a result of serious accusations. Serial abuser Larry Nassar has been shunned from the gymnastics world while Brett Kavanaugh became a Supreme Court justice, despite rape allegations and the subsequent four-day hearing that saw alleged victim Christine Blasey Ford testify against him. An important conversation centering on male survivors has begun, thanks to actor Terry Crews and his outspokenness in regards to his experience being groped, one that, when spoken about, left many mocking Crews, behavior that spoke volumes about the stigma surrounding male victims. And, the “revelation” surrounding R. Kelly’s alleged decades-long abuse has been publicized in Lifetime docuseries, Surviving R. Kelly, a tense documentary that has made obvious society’s chronic disregard for B black women survivors, as R. Kelly managed to evade scrutiny for years, despite continuous horrifying behavior.

Taking Back the Power

Perhaps most symbolic of the MeToo movement’s widespread reverberations was a case that lacked celebrity but nevertheless put privilege and “rape culture” on full display.

Chanel Miller’s MeToo declaration resurfaced the infamous 2016 sexual assault case revolving around Brock Turner, a then-Stanford swimmer whose “bright future” earned him a brief six month sentence for a violent crime that had been nonchalantly coined “20 minutes of action.”

While these “20 minutes of action” may have only garnered Turner a mere three months in jail, Miller, then identified by the pseudonym Emily Doe, was left to deal with life-long trauma, only exacerbated by the retraumatizing judicial experience, one in which many survivors who decide to come forward face. Miller’s ordeal and subsequent novel, Know My Name: A Memoir, has brought a newfound attention to the ways in which we, as a society, fail survivors. It has shown that the recovery process is life-long, and therefore, our support should be too. Although Miller’s proclamation has proven revelatory, as Erinn Robinson, press secretary for the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), explains, “It’s important to understand that, for any survivor, to describe [their assault], reveal their name, [share their story], it’s a personal decision.”

powerful prey on the powerless. And this increased awareness has allowed for more open conversations to take place, conversations that will significantly shape society’s perspectives on sexual harassment and assault in the coming generations.

What About Us?

And yet, despite the extreme prevalence of sexual assault, especially among young people, sexual assault is rarely discussed at schools, if ever.

Although we talk of equally-important issues such as alcohol and drug abuse, as well as mental illness and suicide (though these topics are discussed much less than the former ones), we fail to conceive that many of these struggles are often onset by traumatizing events such as sexual assault and abuse. It’s easy to recount a handful of presentations organized to educate South students on the dan- Chanel Miller posing for a The New Yorker profile.

Photo courtesy of Jared R. Stapp gers of drugs and alcohol. The day of junior prom alone was dedicated solely to activities that would allow students to experience the ways in which intoxication would impair their physical abilities. Yet, the ways in which these substances affect one’s mental state and their ability to consent did not play a part in the day’s activities. To say it’s not something a part of teens’ lives is simply untrue. According to RAINN’s website, 1 in 9 girls and 1 in 53 boys under the age of 18 experience sexual abuse or assault at the hands of an adult. And this fails to even factor in the harm many adolescents encounter from others under the age of 18. According to the Journal of Adolescent Health, by the age of 17, 18% of girls and 3% of boys have faced sexual assault or abuse at the hands of their peers. And yet, sexual assault is not an issue highlighted in traditional curriculums.

Consent is rarely discussed and healthy relationships are not outlined. And this must change. Many high schools, including MHSS, are making strides to better the sex education being taught to students. Just recently, South seniors assembled for a presentation organized by 180 Turning Lives Around, Inc., a non-profit organization that works to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Students were educated on indicators of abusive relationships and informed of the rules of consent. But, as advocate Kristine Raye explains, “It’s an ongoing conversation that needs to happen, I’m grateful that I got to come in. They are going to be instituting that this stuff is supposed to be happening, but I don’t think a one-class thing [is enough.]”

“It’s important to understand that, for any survivor, to describe [their assault], reveal their name, [share their story], it’s a personal decision.”

A Changing World

Survivors still face a broken justice system and societal stigma, factors that, according to RAINN, result in a meer 230 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults being reported to police. But, there has been a shift in attitudes towards sexual abuse. Widespread wrongdoing has lost its veil of secrecy, decades-long abuses, such as those within the Boy Scouts of America and the Catholic Church finally being unearthed. And although it was once oft overlooked, workplace harassment has begun to be more widely considered inappropriate, no longer condoned as commonplace. According to Gallup surveys, conducted in both 1998 and 2017, the percentage of Americans that consider workplace sexual harassment to be a major problem has increased almost 20%. Furthermore, in 1998, 53% of those surveyed felt Americans are too sensitive to the issue of workplace sexual harassment. But, in 2017 that number dropped to 30%. This clear shift in American opinion signifies a growing unwillingness to accept a world in which the

Two teens protesting in support of the #MeToo movement at a march hosted by the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance. Photo courtesy of Gary Ghayrat

Sex Education Throughout the Nation

Yes, talking about sex is uncomfortable. It’s a discussion many teens don’t want to have and many adults don’t want to lead. But, when schools shy away from these difficult conversations, leaving them in the hands of families to be had, the risk of “the talk” never happening arises. Furthermore, parents’ personal beliefs may lead to abstinence-only and hetero/cisnormative sex education that leaves students both confused and illinformed. And that’s not to say that schools aren’t leading sex education programs that follow these narrow, oftentimes theocratic guidelines anyways. According to the Guttmacher Institute, only 39 states and the District of Columbia require sex education and/or HIV education, 27 of which require both, 2 of which solely require sex education, and 10 of which only require HIV education. Yet, of the 29 states, only 20, along with DC, require contraception to be part of the curriculum. Meanwhile, 29 states require that abstinence is stressed while 10 states and DC require its coverage. Of these, only 17 states legally mandate the content of these programs to be medically accurate.

And only 10 states (including the state of New Jersey) and DC demand inclusive content in regards to sexual orientation, subsequently failing LGBTQ+ students who face sexual violence at an alarmingly higher rate than cisgender and/or heterosexual individuals. As pressure mounts for modern-day high schoolers, many of whom are encouraged to consider college, a decision that necessitates maturity, they are still burdened with a sense of assigned innocence. Through doing this and actively ignoring the issue of sexual assault amongst young people, we are doing them a disservice. We are failing to provide them with the necessary counseling and support that is so important, and are subsequently failing our future. While the movement moves on, we must ask ourselves, are we leaving our young people, our students, behind? When we champion movements like #MeToo, we must recognize that if we approach these movements with silence, we cannot expect anyone to speak out.

RAINN’s hotline is 800-656-4673 / 800-656-HOPE Help is available 24/7 for those who need it and are ready to talk.

For survivors, navigating media and its often-triggering content is difficult. It’s important that survivors take care of themselves first and make sure that they are cognizant of what they are viewing and how it is affecting them. For support, RAINN has a self-care series that can be found here: https://www.rainn.org/news/self-care-tips-survivor. For further support, visit 180 Turning Lives Around’s website, 180nj.org.

Spring 2020

Cancel Culture in Today’s World

OPINION

9

By Kim Goldman

In today’s world of constant celebrity Instagram posts, tweets, and Snapchats, it’s safe to say that most stars have the world watching them at all times. For every positive comment and reaction a celebrity recieves for their posts on social media, there will always be users with a negative opinion about them, rushing to the comment section to share their views. For someone with a following as massive as most celebrities, a handful of hateful remarks are inevitable amongst compliments and praise from fans. But what happens when the insults begin outweighing the positivity? How and why does this occur so frequently?

Oftentimes, this occurs due to some sort of controversy the celebrity gets involved in—an event viewed as so terrible that the figure loses general support from the public so that most people, even their own fans, start to turn against them. When people get “cancelled” in this way, it is referred to as “cancel culture,” which in and of itself becomes a debate. The ethics of this societal habit to abandon celebrities in the midst of a scandal are often questioned whether the celebrities deserve the hate they recieve or if it is simply people being to quick to judge others.

The answer to this question can vary depending on the person and the situation. Often, petty celebrity conflicts reach heights where someone is unjustifiably “cancelled.”

Take popular YouTuber James Charles for example. In May 2019, Charles was engaged in drama with fellow beauty guru Tati Westbrook when news broke out that he had gone behind Westbrook’s back by publicly supporting her competitor in attempts to earn money. Tati released a long video detailing the many reasons she was upset with Charles, eventually stating that she felt that they could no longer be friends; many viewers sided against him. In the midst of this drama, Charles lost two million subscribers and his reputation has since remained damaged.

Yet another infamous example of cancel culture dates back to 2016, with the feud between Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. This controversy was based around Kanye’s decision to distastefully name-drop Taylor in his song “Famous,” and the uncertainty over whether the pop singer had agreed to having her name included.

A video posted by Kim of the recorded phone call between Kanye and Taylor painted Swift as the liar, as listeners could hear her giving consent to being mentioned. The general public rushed to side with the couple, by trending the hashtag #TaylorSwiftIsOverParty on Twitter. Swift was subsequently labeled as a snake, emojis of which flooded her Instagram comment section for weeks.

Cancel culture can often prove unreasonable when it comes to the world of celebrity drama,but it is important that people can also discontinue support for some truely problamatic behavior.The 2018 incident involved American actress Roseanne Barr and a deeply racist tweet, in which Barr likened former Obama adviser, Valerie Jarrett, to the “Muslim Brotherhood and Planet of the Apes.” This comment resulted in extreme backlash directed towards the comedian. In the wake of the backlash came the cancellation of her eponymous ABC sitcom, Roseanne, and later, Barr was dropped from talent agency, ICM Partners. Despite Barr’s subsequent apologies, her words ultimately led to the demise of her career, which has still not recovered.

Although Barr’s actions were reprehensible and deserved the uproar that ensued, the incident poses the question if we are taking cancel culture to a level of petty approaches to call out misbehavior.

People debate whether or not cancel culture is necessary for pop culture to progress or if it is something that we should try to avoid. Though many often overexaggerate drama to make it more captivating, it is important to consider both sides of every story.

If a celebrity is confirmed to have repeated questionable behavior throughout their career, it might be necessary for the public to reassess whether or not they are worthy of continued support. In other cases, cancel culture can be toxic, as society has a tendency to jump at the opportunity to cancel somebody, even when they may not be totally deserving of it. At the end of the day, celebrities are only human, and a mistake here and there might not mean they are immediately undeserving of their career. Expressing your own opinion matters more than hating somebody only because of a trend.

The Pressure to Play Sports in High School

By Ella Cascone

The American high school is an image that continues to prevail in our culture. Based on this image, we create a set of expectations for what the high school experience will be, but the honest truth is that these expectations often differ from reality. For me, they couldn’t be any more different: I have played soccer my whole life and wanted to continue doing so throughout my time in high school. However, when I tried out for the team at South, I got cut. I understood why this happened but after this experience I was really shaken up. Over the course of my freshman year, I struggled with finding my place in the school and I often worried that I was missing out by not playing a sport. I would see my peers in their uniforms, hear the announcements about games, and I felt surrounded by everything that I wasn’t a part of. I battled with myself over who I was and what I was meant to do.

I feel as though my stress was mainly occurring because of the pressure I put on myself to play a high school sport. I had always pictured myself participating in a sport and had not prepared myself for a high school experience that wasn’t consumed by athletics. I knew, however, that I wanted to get involved at South in some way. Thankfully, my friends felt the same way. Since none of my friends play sports, we felt as if joining clubs would be the best path for us. I joined FBLA, RethINK, Freshmen and Sophomore Executive Board, Key Club, Bottle Cappers, and Circle of Friends. I have since dropped some of these clubs but I have also joined new ones in my sophomore year, such as The Eagle Eye, Friendship Club, and Spanish Honor Society. Even though I was extremely South’s many clubs and activites as depicted in the school’s 2018-2019 yearbook. involved in clubs last year, I still felt left out from the world of athletics. It took me a while to realize that participating in clubs was just as noteworthy. Not every student can say that they are involved in seven clubs. It took me months to be proud of that statement, but I have come to peace with my position at South.

For any new freshmen students who may be feeling the same way as I did, know you are not alone. Also know that you don’t have to play a sport to get the full high school experience. However, if you play a sport, that’s great too. There is no one way to experience or enjoy your time in high school. Whether you participate in school plays, play three varsity sports, or are an amazing artist, you will eventually find your place here.

10 Opinion

The Eagle Eye Vol. 41 No. 1

How Gen Z and Millenials Actually Compare

By Abbie Heller

Everyone knows that Generation Z has been raised alongside technology, supposedly “learning to swipe before learning to read.” Everyone knows that Millenials love avocado on toast and prefer Facebook over any other application. But there’s more to these generations than surface-level judgments and stereotypes.

So how do these groups of people view the world similarly, and what is it that separates them? What shared experiences bond these groups of people in a complex 21st century camaraderie? And is it true that Zoomers and Millennials are basically siblings, or are they as close as strangers?

Chuck Underwood, who popularized the field of generational studies, founded The Generational Imperative, and hosted PBS’ America’s Generations with Chuck Underwood, explains during the show the way generations form perfectly: “What we experience and are taught during our formative years will largely dictate our basic value system for life. It is burned into us by the times we witness and the teaching from our parents and others.

The age cohort that shares these same times and teaching will by and large share the same core values and thus become a generation.” While not all members of a generation may share the same views and beliefs, the majority reflect certain traits and behaviors that result from their shared experiences.

Let’s start with the defining events and experiences that impacted the two generations. Millenials were born between 1981 and 1996, meaning that they grew up during the economic boom of the 1990s and witnessed the terrorist attacks on 9/11, an event which a large portion of Gen Z was not alive to see, let alone remember.

The devastating fall of the Twin Towers

Gen-Zers ordering coffee

jarred the country’s sense of safety, particularly that of the children being raised post the event. Quickly, they realized that the world was not all fun and games. They also witnessed the rise of global internet, experiencing, first-hand, the evolution of blocky, large computers and flip phones to the advanced pieces of technology that we have today.

Many of Millenials’ generational traits stem from their happy and privileged childhoods. They are most commonly known as achievement-oriented. They are confident, ambitious, self-expressive, and open-minded. They are also optimistic and are seen as being doted on by their Baby Boomer parents, who did not want to repeat the mistakes of the past generation.

My own mother, with two older Millennial children, describes this doting nature: “When I was a kid, my mom never came to any of my sports games, even when they were just down the street. Because they experienced the Great Depression, they were careful with their money.

When we got older, we wanted to give our kids what we didn’t have, which included that support and those finances.”

Due to this, many will recognize the term “participation trophy,” a phrase that is routinely used to define Millennials.

They are also said to be positive about their long-term futures but uncertain about their short-term futures. Millennials, also, have close relationships with their parents, typically feeling much gratitude toward them. To them, it’s important to be part of something that is bigger than themselves as a generation with strong core values of teamwork and being active and engaged.

Millennials are commonly known for postponing marriage and children, and sampling many jobs instead of having a steady career. In fact, the average Millennial has had 7 full-time jobs by the time they are 26. Underwood describes this as an “extension of adolescence,” sponsored by their doting parents that are willing to finance them. A common phrase you’ve probably heard already is, “Millennials are killing…” and a multitude of different industries following. These include department stores, sit-down restaurants such as Applebee’s and Ruby Tuesday, the concept of “starter homes,” and banks. In terms of the supposed decline of restaurants, it could be because Millennials typically find themselves at home and cooking in the kitchen. They tend to rent longer and then buy more expensive homes due to their eary financial instability and that short-term uncertainty. As for banks, they just don’t trust them.

Among these things, Millennials are also blamed for the decline of bars of soap, designer handbags, and yogurt.

In contrast Gen Z, are typically

Is

defined as being born between 1997 and 2010. One of their most formative events is global terrorism; they do not know what the world was like before the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but rather grew up in its dark aftermath: the War on Terror. They watch as the world grows more dangerous with each passing day, many already desensitized to violence and gore. With the open internet at their fingertips as digital natives, they have easy access to a mass amount of information, including images and videos of less than appropriate material.

The climate change crisis also matters to them, as it is a source of impending hardships on their futures.

Greta Thunberg, a climate change activist from Sweden, is only 17, making her a member of Gen Z. At the Global Climate Strike in New York this past year, she said, “We deserve a safe future. And we demand a safe future.

Is that really too much to ask?” The push for activism comes from a strong sense of justice and a growing fear of what their world will become.

They also grew up with the fallout of the Columbine shooting in 1999 and everything to come after, therefore not knowing school without lockdowns or safety drills. Many strive for gun control in order to protect themselves and others.

This situation is very similar to their attitudes of the climate change crisis - they are worried for their future lives.

Gen Z is further known for being the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in history due to increased mixed marriages. They are big advocators for equality, stemming from their norm of growing up with legalized same sex marriage and a president of color. This makes them more likely to be accepting of others in comparison to generations before them. Zoomers are competitive as well, growing up in a time where there are limited spots for a limited number of people to fill. Many members of Gen Z tend to have a pessimistic view of the world, one that is pragmatic to the point of devaluing inner dreams for success. They are realists at their cores, with studies showing that in workplaces, they are more focused on benefits and payment than engagement.

This trait is credited to their craving for financial stability, as they have seen friends and family struggle with the repercussions of the 2008 recession.

Angie Read, co-author of Marketing to Gen Z: The Rules for Reaching This Vast - and Very Different - Generation of Influencers, says that members of Gen Z are “old souls in young bodies.” She also says that members of Gen Z are hardworking, progressive, and independent.

It is interesting to note that many traits of generations are cyclical, as children tend to adopt the traits of their parents.

Millenials ordering coffee Art by Mary McIlvain

Millennials, raised by Baby Boomers, adopted their parents’ idealism and selflessness. They are also known for their activism, something strongly influenced by their parents, who grew up in a protest culture of the 60s with the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement. On the other hand, Gen Z, raised by Gen X, grew into their senses of individualism and skepticism. They are both resourceful and independent generations.

Millennials and Gen Z share a lot of similarities. In general, both generations are tech-savvy, aligning themselves with it. They also tend to be impatient when technology doesn’t work, because they have become accustomed to the fast pace so many devices now offer. They saw the results of the recession as well, which affects their financial decisions greatly, including how they handle their money and what they spend it on.It’s safe to say that the two are probably the most different than the past generations before them. At the same time, they do have different outstanding world events that affect their choices and views. Many common Millennial traits are amplified in Gen Z while others are completely forgotten. It is important to recognize that the average traits do not apply to everyone. There are varieties in every generation, and it is necessary to not overgeneralize an entire age group of people.

Hopefully, as our generations grow older and transition into the adult world, we can find a better way to unite through our differences and not let them separate us. Differences are a good thing, as through them we learn tolerance and gain open minds, ready to accept change and see causes bigger than ourselves. Eventually, members from both groups will be the leaders of our future world, guiding it to wherever they see fit.

Truly Worth It?

By Avery Seldin

Disney+, Disney’s long-awaited take on the streaming service phenomenon, has certainly made its mark, whether it be a result of internet sensation Baby Yoda or the criticism-inducing removal of content from the platform due to a lack of licensing rights. Unlike streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu, which offer shows and movies from a multitude of companies, Disney+ solely offers programs with the famous Disney name attached. From classics such as The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and The Hunchback Of Notre Dame to Star Wars and Marvel movies, Iron Man, The Force Awakens, and The Avengers, to fan-favorite television shows Gravity Falls, Kim Possible, and Phineas and Ferb, this service allows for almost all of Disney’s content to be available at your fingertips.

I am an adamant Disney fan, so I do hold a little bias, but I have found this streaming service to be one not worth missing out on. Having Disney+ has allowed me to revisit childhood favorites and enjoy up-and-coming original content, The Mandalorian and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series to name a few. And as Disney sets to “reimagine” countless classics in the form of Home Alone, The Sandlot, Night at the Museum, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Cheaper By the Dozen; they are sure to guarantee a mass exodus from the platform, despite any criticism Disney may receive for reviving these beloved films. Overall, getting to see so many classic and contemporary Disney films all together is a treat, especially in regards to older and less popular movies that are harder to find nowadays. In my mind, Disney+ is absolutely worth the money, if not only for Baby Yoda.

SPORTS

Spring 2020

Addio, Mamba

11

A Lakers Fan’s Goodbye to Kobe Bryant Dear Kobe, I was born too late.

My parents were only dating when you were drafted into the NBA. They just got married when you won your first ring. I was less than a year old when you three-peated, four when you had 81 in a game, six when you won MVP, and eight when you won back-to-back championships. I only found out who you were when I was 11 because I often played as the Lakers in NBA2k13 and refused to shoot with anyone else besides #24; after that, I was hooked on you and the Lake Show. By that time, while I began to love basketball and finally understood your eminence, I was forced to watch your career’s end.

By Danny DeCrescenzo

It was a terrible downward spiral.

The myriad injuries, carousel of teammates, Kobe Bryant tribute at Staples Center. Photo courtesy of News Break lost seasons, and front-office turmoil were all I knew the Lakers for during my early teens. so much love and joy. And when your final game came I stuck by them only because you were still there. As around, and you lit up the Utah Jazz for 60, it was the I began to read books about you, I learned about those perfect way to go out. I remember watching you nail immoments in your life I never got to see: your battles with possible three-pointers off the dribble; it seemed that the your father who was a former NBA player, your upbringman who once averaged 35.4 in a season was not entirely ing in Italy, your high school dominance in Philadelphia, gone; he had one last hurrah, and it was awe-inspiring. the Hornets drafting you before Jerry West snatched you up for LA, your air balls against the Jazz as a rookie, your What a way to end it. emergence as an All-Star, the rings, the feuds with Shaq, As I entered high school, I was still as big a fan as the scoring prowess in the mid-2000s, your Olympic ever. While your playing days were over, I remained a achievements, and your journey back to championship Laker fan and religously watched your old highlights (my glory. All of these amazing things made me an even bigfavorite moment being your insane corner three against ger fan of you and the Lakers, and it made watching you Portland in 2007). I watched your daughters pull off the struggle to set foot on the court that much worse. exact same moves you once did. I saw you mentor some of my favorite players and was thrilled that your legacy That brings me to 2016. would be secured by their stardom.

At first, I was happy it was your last season. However, as the season went on, I began to understand that, while And then you were gone on that fateful the Lakers were pummeled by the rest of the NBA, this January day. was a farewell tour you deserved. Instead of turning my I cannot overstate how important you were for me. eyes away from your poor playing, I began to watch even While you were not the reason I got into basketball, you more, becoming so happy that you were the recipient of exponentially amplified my adoration for it. I sat in my

The XFL’s Revival: Is the Second Time the Charm?

By Kaitlin Covino

The XFL, a professional football conference with a very experimental rule set, is a self-proclaimed “fan-first” league. Vince McMahon and Dick Ebersol, executives within American wrestling and NBC respectively, revived the league that McMahon tried and failed to create back in 2001 (due to a net loss totaling $35 million out of a $100 million investment). It was announced in January of 2018 that the league would come back after a documentary on ESPN mentioned a possible new iteration. The league’s professional player base is mostly made up of younger players who desire to one day jump to the NFL. Just after Super Bowl LIV, the XFL had its inagural game on February 8th between the Seattle Dragons and DC Defenders.

The league currently consists of eight teams; the Dragons, Dallas Renegades, Houston Roughnecks, and the Los Angeles Wildcats, sit in the West Division and the Defenders, New York Guardians, St. Louis BattleHawks, and Tampa Bay Vipers sit in the East Division.

There is also a ninth team, known as the practice squad, which operates as a full team, but does not play games. Instead, it acts as a farm team for the league.

The XFL isn’t traditional American football. Branding itself as a more exciting and allegro alternative, the league includes several unique provisions to spice up a traditional game, such as allowing teams to risk longer plays from scrimmage to score up to three points following a touchdown, an overtime with five rounds, a quicker play clock, fewer timeouts, allowing one foot in bounds to be a catch and allowing the infamous double-forward pass.

The reception of the XFL has been very positive thus far. Only two weeks into the season, the first game attracted 3.3 million viewers on ABC and the second weekend grossed an average of 2.393 million on the same network. The small drop in viewership was expected, according to insiders, but it is still a concern for a league hoping to make it past this inaugural season in its second iteration.

As the weeks have progressed, less and less people have been tuned into the games, which could be worrisome for those who hope the league will continue after this year.

The idea for an NFL substitute for fans still hooked on football has shown its promise in today’s market; hopefully, the league can prevent a second meltdown and fully reinvent itself as premium off-season entertainment.

car and cried because you were taken from us too soon, and I couldn’t yet handle a world without you.

Your style of play, while it begot nothing short of basketball purity, was polarizing; you have never been able to shake the label of “ball hog” and you have missed the most shots of any NBA player ever. While these points are the songs of your critics, your defenders will point out your 30,000+ points and your unusually high number of assists for an off guard. It was a joy ride either way, epitomized by your “Mamba Mentality.”

Your personal life was equally as polarizing.

Your rape case in 2003 left a permanent scar on both your legacy and, more importantly, those involved. While I won’t digress on the details, it was arguably the lowest point of your life off the court. In the decade after the case, you matured in your later years into an august husband and father to your daughters, often referencing to yourself as a proud “girl dad.” That is perhaps what you would want people to remember about you the most.

Even though your prime was before my time, I have no qualms calling you one of the top five basketball players ever, the best player to ever wear the great purple and gold, and in your later years, an exemplary role model for all. I would not have become such a fan of the Lakers, basketball, and sports in general if I didn’t have a global icon like you to look up to. The fact that you were so fixated on outworking everyone, crafting the famous “Mamba Mentality,” is the aspect about you that will forever transcend the game and will inspire millions more to pursue their dreams.

I also cannot forget to mention that your daughter Gianna Bryant, as well as Payton Chester, Sarah Chester, Alyssa Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, John Altobelli, Christina Mauser, and Ara Zobayan all tragically lost their lives, too soon on that tragic day.

Rest easy, Kobe Bryant.

Astros Cheating Scandal Causes Team Repercussions

By Kylie Swanson

Former Astros manager, A.J. Hinch, who was involved in the scandal. Photo courtesy of The New York Times

In recent weeks, Major League Baseball (MLB) has faced a slew of controversies in the wake of a shocking investigation that has unearthed a cheating scandal surrounding the Houston Astros’ 2017 season and playoffs, and part of their 2018 season. MLB Commissioner, Rob Manfred, has since fined the Astros five million dollars and has subsequently taken away their first two picks in the 2020 and 2021 drafts. Both Astros manager, A.J. Hinch, and general manager, Jeff Luhnow, have been suspended.

Jim Crane, owner of the Astros, seemed to be unaware of the cheating that was occurring and made the executive decision to fire both Hinch and Luhnow.

The investigation has found that the Astros used cameras and other video equipment during home games, held at their ballpark, Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, in order to steal the signs that their opponents’ catchers gave their pitchers. The Astros players then signaled to their teammates in the batter’s box whether the next pitch was going to be a breaking ball or a fastball by banging on a trash can in the dugout. This illegal sign-stealing system may be the reason that the Astros won 101 games during the 2017 regular season and why the Astros beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series that year.

While problematic, this cheating discovery has allowed for the MLB to look internally into the Astros team and others to prevent future similar incidences. Alex Cora, who was a manager of the Astros at the time of the scandal, and had moved to managing the Boston Red Sox, has recently been fired in lieu of the investigations. As of now, the future of the Red Sox, who Cora led to winning the World Series in 2018, is uncertain as the team could be investigated for alleged use of the same illegal tactics that just recently embroiled the Astros in intense scrutiny.

12

Spring 2020

SPORTS

Middletown South Boys Hoops Enjoys Historic Season On The Court

By Danny DeCrescenzo

A 26-3 record only four years removed from a 2-24 record the SCT, the Eagles got some rest and took care of Point Boro seems like the impossible, but this season, the Eagles have and Lakewood in tune-up contests to get their record to 24-2. proved they could do just that en route to a stupendous year The Eagles crushed Howell and raced past Manalapan in the that saw them win the second most games in school history. state playoffs before bowing out to the #4 seed and eventual The Eagles started when they finished 3rd in the WOBM champion South Brunswick in a hard-fought semifinal. While Christmas Classic, ousting rival Marlboro in the consolait was the end of an era for the 7 seniors who had built the tion game. Coming out of the tournament 3-1 (being bested program up to superpower status (being ranked as high as #12

by NJ #6 Manasquan), the Eagles proceeded to go on a win in New Jersey at one point), their legacies have been immortalstreak spanning ized for their con19 straight games. tributions; James In this streak, the Anderson was Eagles ensured that named the A North Marlboro had no Player of the Year shot of winning and to the All the Class A North Shore First Team. crown by beating Mike Dabas was them twice more, named to the A including a 100-84 North First Team, victory at Marlboro. and Jack Sheridan The Eagles also joined junior Luke earned revenge for Albrecht on the last year’s postseaA North Second son defeat by taking Team. Standout down defending NJ seniors Bobby champs Ranney at The varsity Boys Basketball team following a victory over A North opponent Freehold Township Pirie and Richie Brookdale Commu- on February 13th. Photo courtesy of Kevin Prefer.

Boyko both had nity College. Interserious cases to be division powers Matawan, Rumson-Fair Haven, and Mater Dei recognized in the same vein and the senior duo of Joe Gervase Prep all fell, as did rival Middletown North, and, for the first and Jake Brown gave the Eagles great depth off the bench all time ever, the Eagles defeated the CBA Colts twice in a season. season. To put icing on the cake, head coach Jim Anderson, For their efforts, the Eagles earned the #1 seed in the Central was named the A North Coach of the year.

Jersey Group 4 playoffs and the #2 seed in the SCT, which When it comes to their amazing success, Mike Dabas is where their streak came to a heartbreaking end; in their couldn’t be happier with the great year the program has round of 16 rematch with Mater Dei Prep, Seraphs guard Pete enjoyed. “I’ve been playing South basketball for four years Gorman sank a buzzer-beating layup to stun the Eagles 57-55. now, and I’ve seen the bad times,” he remarked. “It is the best While this ending halted the Eagles from advancing deep into feeling to now see South back on top.”

Midd South Girls Rule the Pool

By Isabella Destounis

When it comes to sports, Midd South is one of the strongest, most involved high schools in Monmouth County. One sport that is fiercely competitive and does not receive enough recognition is Midd South’s Girls Swim Team. This year, the team not only had an undefeated season, but they also came in second at the Monmouth County Championships, as well as third at the Shore Conference Championships.

Q&A

with

Coach Nemati

By Christopher Hoffmann With Middletown South’s Ice Hockey team’s 2019-20 season having closed, The Eagle Eye sat down with head coach Anthony Nemati, who has loved the sport since the age of five. The history and mock trial teacher has had a long-standing hockey career, having spent many years playing club hockey for the NJ Devils Youth Program, before advancing to the high school level at CBA, followed by a return to club hockey at Monmouth University. Nemati began coaching hockey after he graduated, with stops at Manasquan and RFH before his arrival at South; where he has been head coach for the last six years.

The Eagle Eye: What is your favorite aspect of hockey?

Coach Nemati: My favorite thing about hockey is the teamwork that’s required for success. If we play together, we win together.

EE: What inspired you to become a coach?

CN: I was inspired to be a coach by the great coaches I had growing up. I unfortunately can’t play competitively anymore, so coaching is the best chance for me to feel that competitive environment and be apart of a team. The feeling of accomplishment everyday when you see players getting better and achieving success is also very rewarding.

EE: Have any of your players gone on to play college-level or professional hockey?

CN: Yes, there are several players who I have worked with that have gone on to play professionally and at college levels. Just to name two from Middletown South, Gavin Gulash committed as a Division I athlete to Robert Morris University, and Ryan Lambert committed Division III at Framingham State University. We have also had many play club hockey in college, which is an excellent level of competition at academic schools.

EE: What has been your greatest achievement as a hockey coach?

Winner, Winner CN: My greatest achievement as a hockey The first week of December marked the intial meet of the coach hasn’t happened yet. I am still chasseason. With all of the girls excited to swim, a win looked pretty ing a state title. If I am able to win a state promising. The collaboration and effort from all of the girls served title, that will go to the top of the list of any as a catalyst for the team’s undefeated season. In their second meet achievements in hockey I have had. I have of the season, freshman Vienna Eckerstrom broke a previous meet been fortunate to be a part of many great record in the 100 backstroke. Coach Denise Skinner recollects, victories but I want a state title!

“For me, one of the most memorable moments of the season was seeing one of my freshman girls, Vienna, break a school record.”

EE: Do you have any pre-game rituals?

After these first two successes, the wins just kept coming. One of CN: I listen to the same music and buy the South’s captains, Caroline McGann, stated, “We had a great season same pre-game coffee. I try to arrive at the South’s Girls Swim team celebrating a second place win this year from beginning to end, all of the girls performed very well at each same time and park in the same spots. I am at the 2020 Monmouth County Swimming Championships. Photo meet. I am very proud of our team.” courtesy of Ms. Skinner full of rituals. The rituals give me confidence The first week of January marked Monmouth Counties, a very and help me deal with pre-game anxiety. important meet. Being the team that held the first place title last year, the pressure was on. South Girls ended up taking second to cross-town rival Colts Neck, by a mere six points. However the girls held their heads high. Coach Skinner said, “Every loss is EE: How do you get your team to stay a new learning experience, and you learn from your mistakes. Always continue to be optimistic.” A few weeks later, the Eagles motivated after a loss? went on to compete at the Shore Conference Championships, a considerably harder meet. The girls ended up taking third place to CN: Our team is a great group of men who rivals Colts Neck and Trinity Hall. Captain Victoria understand that one game isn’t the be all, end Ireland said, “It was a good effort, everyone who all. If we have a loss, we talk about it, do our swam definitely did their best. It was hard because best to understand where we came up short, all of the events were pretty close together, but overand move on to the next day. Same approach all, we did well.” when we win. Enjoy the victory for the day, then next day move on and prepare for the Grade A Coaching: Skinner is on top next opponent.

A team is nothing without a solid coach, and that is exactly what Skinner is. The-teacher-turned-guidEE: What advice would you give to ance counselor/swim coach has been in the game for someone who is interested in hockey? many years now. She has always been motivational CN: Anyone interested in hockey that has during the good and bad times, so when talking never played should go to the rink and start about her role and thoughts on our team this past talking to a coach. You never know if they year, it was no surprise her remarks were all positive. have equipment they can lend you to start The most important thing Skinner wanted to relay you on the path of becoming a hockey player. was that no matter the losses the team incured this It is a great time to learn the game with all year, she will continue to use the same coaching the initiatives out there to bring more people methods: “I think that my methods have worked well into the game. Don’t be shy. If you want to for our team in years past, and, I will continue to learn the game and want to play on a team South’s Girls Swim team after securing their ‘A’ North Championship title. utilize them with some changes and additions.” there are opportunities for everyone.

Photo courtesy of Ms. Skinner