The Viking Saga Edition 12

THE

East Lyme High School

30 Chesterfield Rd.

East Lyme, CT 06333

Volume 54 Edition 12

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Viking Saga

17 March 2022

Mural Project Complete in Norwich; EL Waits on Location of the Underground Railroad and transported many people to freedom.

It connects both East Lyme and Norwich.

“I believe he is something of a cultural hero in parts of our state. I hope with this project and others like it awareness about his life and important work in the region grows,” EL photo:NHS mural organizer Jason NHS members Allie Martin and Bayla McCaffrey paint a Deeble said. rose for the Norwich mural as volunteer work.

“Our original goal was to try to paint both Sister mural project looks to the East Lyme and Norwich sister murals connect history and present within together in June. East Lyme did not have a neighboring communities wall identified or approved so that held up the process,” the Norwich branch NAACP MEGHANA GOGATE (National Association for the Advancement In the past few years, as racial equity of Colored People) and PARJE president has become increasingly prominent, many Shiela Hayes said.

Members of PARJE also believe that organizations such as the Public Art for making and establishing these murals could Racial Justice Education (PARJE) have come be the start of a bigger change. together to educate others on racial history.

“This one mural will generate some In December, members of PARJE started conversations.

It’s not going to fix that a sister project with EL and Norwich: murals tremendous historical inequity, but it can start to honor different civil rights activists in both a conversation that can lead to meaningful towns. One ELHS volunteer, senior Allie change, ” Mr. Deeble said.

Martin, helped make the Norwich mural The monumental start of PARJE and these relate back to its town’s history. bigger art projects came at a time when the “We were given the opportunity to volunteer world was in lockdown. through the National Honor Society… They “People were stuck inside their houses showed us their outline of the design and gave because of the pandemic, unable to do us the rose (Norwich symbol) to paint and we anything and make meaningful change. In worked together on the flower,” Martin said. that situation some of the people of PARJE The organizers took to incorporating started public art projects, ” Mr. Deeble said. prominent activists into the mural.

Volunteers also believe that this mural One such activist, David Ruggles, was born will serve as a way to educate people on in Lyme, educated in Norwich, and became racial justice. the first African-American bookseller in the “[The goal] is to open the eyes of students United States. He was also a notable member

and any community members because it will allow [them] to look at another aspect of racial justice education that people wouldn’t normally go out of their way to research,” Martin said.

Similar to the Norwich mural, the East Lyme mural hopes to be constructed using the theme of important civil rights activists in the late spring.

The current idea is painting a David Ruggles bookstore where elementary school kids could fill it up with books of their choice.

The mural in Norwich has been constructed with the hopes of making residents of color feel accepted in their towns.

“Personally, similar to any project that I work on, I hope that it leaves and instills a sense of identification for anyone who grew up here or anyone who chooses to live and work in the city of Norwich that they can look at this mural and find a piece of history,” Ms. Hayes said.

Overall, organizers and volunteers alike hope that these murals in Norwich and EL bring connection between people and start conversations.

WHAT’S INSIDE...

Pg. 4

COP26 Delegate Talks Environment

Pg. 6

Winter Sports Recap and Star Athletes

Pg. 9

Aditya Kabra Up for Coca Cola Scholarship

Pursue Pg. 10 Students Career in the Arts

Exemplifying allyship to encourage building a community of changemakers

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OPINION

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Journaling Taught Me to

My experience with self-reflection and how it benefited my mental health Opinion Of: KENNEDY HOLSAPPLE I didn’t start journaling until the spring of 2021, at the end of my sophomore year. I had been dealing with intense mental stress, an injury in track, and simply the effects of the pandemic that had finally caught up to me. Life itself became extraordinarily overwhelming and I found myself just trying to hang on.

With this turn of events came immense frustration. I began to question how I arrived in this position. With the temporary, yet apparent, absence of track in my schedule, I started to question who I was without running.

I had many questions for myself, and there were numerous I couldn’t answer.

My therapist, after noting my gradual shift toward unhealthy tendencies and mindsets, recommended I start journaling.

At first, I was quite inconsistent. Some nights I would tell myself I was too tired, when in reality I simply didn’t want to confront my tangled mess of emotions. But, as I gained consistency, noticeable changes followed.

Some people benefit from prompted journaling, but my entries would consist of

anything that was on my mind. If I didn’t have blaring issues bothering me at the time, I would open by walking through my day. Sometimes I would stumble across subjects I didn’t even realize were creating internal conflicts.

I paid particular attention to the topics that rose up rather frequently and focused on repeating themes: how I was feeling, why I felt that way, and what needed to be done to solve the issue.

I found myself becoming much more self aware, and following that awareness came a higher self esteem. It became increasingly easier to understand what triggered certain reactions; I started to trust my intuition more. Every entry was a weight lifted off my shoulders.

Journaling was, and is, a huge factor in improving and maintaining my positive mental health. It came with huge reliefs as I allowed myself to leave certain stressors in the past. I adapted to my own way of learning and communicating and incorporated them into my life so I felt adequately represented.

Overall, the understanding of myself has made me a happier and more complex person.

By building journaling into your routine, consistency will follow. When you’re first starting out, leave yourself reminders such as a notification on your phone or putting your journal in a place you’ll remember. The key to journaling is self-motivation and genuinely wanting to better yourself, so going in with a positive, open-to-growth mindset is arguably the only way you’ll be successful.

Entertainment: Ruby McMahon (‘23)

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Reporters: Adam Dickie (‘22), William Dumond Meghana Gogate (‘24), Cecile Horst Kylee Johnston (‘23), Josh Morway Isabelle Paggioli (‘24), Alex Salerno Fiona Samuelson (‘24) Advisor: Jeff Beale (‘92)

Opinion Of: KYLEE JOHNSTON Life 360 is a phone tracking app which allows you to see where your friends and family are at all times. You can even see how fast they drive. There are many benefits to Life 360, but it also has its drawbacks.

Life 360 is convenient for safety reasons.

If someone loses their phone, they can see where it last was, or you can use the app to find someone you can’t get a hold of.

My sister was driving home from her friend’s house, someone who lives far away. My mom got mad when my sister didn’t answer her phone until she realized she could locate her. My sister’s reason for not responding was simply because she was driving. Parents tend to feel more relaxed about letting their kids leave the house when they can check their location.

At the same time, this can also be hard because kids feel as if their parents don’t trust them and are controlling. Teenagers who have this app may find it a pain, and it’s usually because their parents forced them to get it. It can also cause many issues regarding trust.

I do know some people who use the app just for fun with their friends. My friend group, for example, uses it to track each other as a joke and have fun. In my family, my mom feels at ease knowing where her daughters are.

I suggest trying out the app to see if it works for you. Use it with friends or family for serious or fun.

Get Involved

MEET THE SAGA STAFF Editors-in-Chief: Noelle Avena (‘22) - Articles Jennie Sherwood (‘22) - Back Page Mikayla Stahl (‘22) - Opinion Editors: News: Eve Slemp (‘23) Features: Kennedy Holsapple (‘23) Sports: Alex Brown (‘23)

Tracking Friends on

(‘24), (‘24), (‘22), (‘24),

Check out our Instagram @elhssaga for daily updates on coming games, events, and more!

All of our content and more is posted on our website: www.vikingsaga.press Contact thevikingsaga.elhs@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram for submissions.

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OPINION

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While reflecting on women’s history month, what defines the modern woman’s experience?

As our understanding of gender grows with new research, the definition of womanhood becomes blurred.

It’s one of the hardest terms to redefine, and it becomes near impossible to define womanhood without entering transphobic or misogynistic territory.

Opinion Of: NOELLE AVENA

What is the term “woman” used for?

What defines a woman’s identity?

“Woman” is an identity marker- it summarizes how a certain group of people will experience the world based on their socialization. “Woman” on its own is not enough to signify anything significant. Culture and family shape women in completely different ways. If you use the term with other terms, it takes on meaning. For example, if you’re told “young woman in East Lyme,” then it’s possible to identify traits in her experience that will differ from her counterpart, the “young man in East Lyme.” Gender, like age or location, is a shorthand that will pinpoint some information when used among other identity markers.

Simone de Beauvoir, philosopher, theorized “one is not born, but rather becomes a woman.” In other words, to be socialized as a woman refers to the differences in treatment and experience a girl will have due to her gender. This can be different expectations placed on her compared to a brother or male classmate. In a more tangible sense, think growing up with pink, dresses, makeup, and other stereotypically feminine signifiers.

Think of what you associate with womanhood. A pursuit of beauty, the gentle power of the moon, a precious softness- is this what it means to be a woman? Is it to master the divine feminine and wield it like a magic wand?

It bothers me when people say that women are the gentler or kinder sex, and that’s what makes women precious and womanhood special. What does that leave for women who are stone cold evil? Is their womanhood taken away because they’re not sweet creatures?

Feminists are aware of these stereotypes and the alienation standards cause for the women who don’t fit the cookie cutter. Some women exercise their feminism by rejecting these standards of beauty and character. These are where we recognize those common “female empowerment” catch phrases along the lines of “women can fight too,” “women can do science too.” I’d like to add some more to our girlboss slogans: “women can be ugly too,” “women can be the absolute worst too.” All stereotypes are bad stereotypes, so don’t pigeonhole women into sweetness. There’s female politicians with war crimes on their conscience out there.

Definitions pertaining to beauty, kindness, personal traits, and aesthetics cannot define womanhood. They aren’t enough to define womanhood because oppression cannot define an identity- and, they’re the assumptions that women are constantly working to find liberation from.

Is there any experience that all people who identify as women share?

Women decide what “woman” is, but we’re not a monolith.

Many women do experience a sort of sisterhood, where they look out for the women around them, but that wouldn’t exist if not for the dangers of life as a woman- many women feel safer around women than around men, but this isn’t because they think women are naturally warm and kind, (they’re not), but because they’re distrustful of men, and women happen to make up most of who’s left.

A distrust of men is not a reflection of women’s opinion of men. Most women like men perfectly well, but distrust is part of a girl’s first socialization. Again, not a monolith, but many girls are taught to be wary of men, either from other people or their own experiences. It’s thinking that you don’t need the protection offered to you, then after one fateful day, deciding that yes, in this world maybe you do. This is certainly an experience almost all women share, but again, it’s not quite what defines a woman. She shouldn’t be defined by only the hardships she’s endured.

Clovers Up, Clovers Down: Thursday, March 17, 2022

What’s the strength in womanhood?

There is one trait, maybe- the feminine is selfless. Girls are taught to be wholly selfless, but that’s something everyone should be taught. It’s more of a shortcoming of masculine socialization than a trait of womanhood. Still, women give of themselves to their families, to their husbands, and to their children. For centuries women forfeited their dreams, not out of weakness, but out of strength. They survived lives lived completely for others. This history is honored when women are respected for the unique and often hidden burdens of oppression they carry.

“Woman” is a beautifully spacious, vacuous term, and the modern mystery in it is its beauty. Women who don’t subscribe to biological definitions of womanhood don’t feel a need to define womanhood.

It will evolve as women evolve, and although it carries the weight of subjugation, there’s an undefinable sense of something more where a woman’s power blooms.

Check out the upcoming TEDx East Lyme High School annual event March 25 at 6 p.m.

SAT and PSAT testing on March 24. Bring your school laptop and charger.

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NEWS

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Approaching the Climate Crisis Takeaways from a COP26 (a climate change conference) attendee FIONA SAMUELSON The Ecology Club hosted Emily Polakowski on Feb. 15 to share a presentation focusing on her experience as an observer at the November United Nations Conference of Parties (COP26). Ms. Polakowski attended COP in Glasgow, Scotland through a League of Women Voters (LWV) scholarship.

“I walked in knowing climate change was real and that’s about it. I walked out with a mission to educate others,” Ms. Polakowski said.

COP is the only global conference entirely dedicated to addressing and lessening the effects of climate change across the world by passing pacts and environmentally conscious policies as well as spreading awareness. Ms. Polakowski described the climate crisis as “intimidating.”

One of her goals in presenting to the Ecology Club was to teach members how to approach climate issues.

“Find what you’re passionate about and get involved in your community. It’s impossible to make global change without local change,” she said.

Starting a green team to educate and

integrate more sustainable practices at her church in Waterford was one of the first steps Ms. Polakowski took after returning from COP to approach the climate crisis from within her community.

While she talked about the highlights of her trip, Ms. Polakowski also shared some disappointing moments at the conference.

“Ms. Polakowski said that many of the delegates attending COP PHOTO:EPOLAKOWSKI were there on behalf of fossil fuel COP26 (Conference of Parties) was the 26th United companies, which goes to show Nations Environmental Conference discussing how much progress needs to be solutions for climate change. made phasing out fossil fuels, since that is not happening globally,” vice change, specifically for the women who feel president of the Ecology Club junior Sophie its effects most directly as the sole caretakers Lambert said. and providers in developing nations.

The attendance of such representatives “COP talked up its inclusivity and record limited the success of COP26’s goal of shifting number of attendees, but many negotiations reliance on environmentally harmful fossil and events were severely restricted,” Ms. fuels, like coal, to more sustainable forms of Polakowski said in The Day newspaper energy like wind and solar through the Global where she submitted an opinion article titled, Coal to Clean Energy Transition Statement.

“What I Learned at COP26, and What to Do AP Environmental Science teacher and About it.”

Ecology Club advisor Laura Ashburn said Ms. Polakowski ended her presentation to the recurrence of “keeping certain groups the Ecology Club saying, “My main piece of from the discussion table,” is one of the main advice is to get involved where you care and roadblocks in effectively mitigating climate do what makes sense to you.”

EL Supports Ukraine Through Week of Giving

April 4-8 EL clubs will fundraise for Ukrainian refugees

FIONA SAMUELSON Superintendent Jeffrey Newton approved a district-wide effort to raise funds for the humanitarian crisis affecting Ukrainian citizens as they seek refuge from Russian conflict in surrounding countries. The goal of this Week of Giving is to raise cash funds through donations.

“We’ll give the money we make to two or three reliable, reputable, and established organizations that already have the means and procedures to help people and just need the funds,” Latin teacher and effort organizer Cheri Meier said.

At ELHS, about 10 clubs and societies including the Red Cross Club and the Rotary Club will facilitate coin drives during lunch waves. The National Honor Society will also raise funds with a movie night and donate

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proceeds to the effort.

Heart shaped yard signs with the Ukrainian flag will be sold to raise additional funds. To purchase a sign, students should see French teacher Nathalie Casey.

While themed days like pajama day haven’t been confirmed, organizers are hopeful the week will look similar to a Spirit Week.

“I see this as being bigger than the high school and reaching the whole community. If you’re wondering ‘what do I do,’ donate and participate,” Ms. Meier said.

See Mme. Casey for information about buying signs in support of Ukraine. $20 per sign, $10 goes to the cause PHOTO:NCASEY

TEDx TALK EVENT

March 25 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium

Mikayla Stahl (senior):

Atheism Awareness

Jennie Sherwood (senior):

What Makes an Older Sibling Emily D’Aiuto (junior):

Benefits of Music for the Soul Meghana Gogate (sophomore):

Women Equity in the Workforce Mannat Kadian (junior):

How COVID-19 Has Impacted Learning Dalynn Jackson (freshman):

Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable Jiacheng Kang (Groton, MA senior):

The Importance of Debate

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NEWS

Connecticut Struggles with Opioid Overdose Epidemic

Extremely potent drug, fentanyl, causes overdoses across the state and country

Around 2015, the rise of synthetic opioids caused a nationwide epidemic.

According to the CDC, in IZZY PAGGIOLI 2017, 60 percent of opioid 100 times stronger than heroin, and related deaths involved the cause of over 40,000 overdose deaths fentanyl compared to 14 nationally in 2020, fentanyl’s potency percent in 2010; across the makes it a cheap and deadly additive in the nation, 128 people die every drug market. day from overdose.

The booming market for heroin and Officer Don Hull investigates fentanyl has become more prevalent over the drug dealing in East Lyme. last 10 years. Fentanyl has been added into a “It’s never been this bad; PHOTO:CDC variety of substances, t h e r e ’ s Changes in synthetic opioid overdoses from 2018 to 2019 especially heroin to m o r e show a rise of 23 percent in CT; darker colors represent a increase the volume opioid larger percentage change. of the drug at a deaths hospitals were under pressure by the federal cheaper rate. than ever At ELHS, drug across the country. Our government to treat pain aggressively, and and alcohol counselor numbers are a record pain became the fifth vital sign (indicating the Jenna Deluca offers high every year. We’re state of a patient).

“People who were genetically predisposed a way for students to obviously not doing confidentially talk enough to help people enjoyed the feeling, especially the relief from about not just their own, but the experiences because there’s just way too many people that anxiety and depression,” Dr. Paggioli said.

At this time, oxycontin, a long acting form of of friends and family. She explains that most are in that situation for whatever reason,” oxycodone, a pain reliever, became available students don’t initiate drug use because they Officer Hull said. expect an overdose; it starts out as fun and leads “People think you have to use drugs for and mistakenly thought to be less addictive. to emotional and physical consequences. years on end to get an overdose. That’s not Due to the drug abuse crisis and the addictive “Most students just need someone to talk the case. With fentanyl, it’s so potent that it’s nature of oxycontin, doctors drastically cut to that they can be honest with, someone that too much for your body to handle,” Officer back on prescribing, making pills harder to get and more expensive. Because of the lack ‘gets it’ and someone who hears them and Hull said. makes them feel safe. That’s my number one According to Officer Hull, people don’t of available opioid pills, people then made the leap to cheaper heroin. Dealers were able goal – to be the individual in the building that fully realize the potency of fentanyl. they can trust. And when/if they are ready to “Imagine seven grains of sugar, that’s all it to make the heroin stronger and cheaper by change or are in a crisis, I am there to help would take to kill you. It’s so powerful, and so adding fentanyl, a synthetic opioid.

“Originally the drug crisis and deaths were guide them,” Ms. Delucia said. scary, you can get sick from just touching it,” from pills, especially oxycontin, now the Officer Don said.

The CDC is working to problem involves drugs laced with fentanyl,” combat this through programs Dr. Paggioli explained.

From personal experience, Ms. Delucia like Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) which funds health has lost clients and friends to overdoses. She departments for surveillance and will celebrate 10 years of recovery herself this prevention efforts as well as using year and encourages students to talk about law enforcement to address the their experiences.

“Many of the problems we have now are growing illicit opioid problem.

Specifically in East Lyme, because we cannot have an open and honest there were a total of 15 reported conversation about drugs, addiction, and overdoses in 2020; as well as three recovery. Stigma reinforces shame. Shame reinforces stigma,” Ms. Delucia said. “At East deaths due to heroin or fentanyl.

Starting out in the 1990s, Lyme, students can reach out to any counselor doctors increased prescribing or administrator, and they will be guided to PHOTO:DEA.GOV The amount of fentanyl that could kill you compared to opioids for chronic pain. me – no questions asked. The best way to get According to Pain Management in touch with me is through Ms. Hurlock the size of a penny. specialist John Paggioli, M.D, in A250.”

‘Imagine seven grains of sugar, that’s all it would take to kill you.’

- Officer Don Hull

Thursday, March 17, 2022

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SPORTS

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Winter Sports C Cheerleading Comes Out on Top

EL cheerleading squad made a statement in their 2021-2022 winter season ALEX SALERNO This winter was a season full of cheers for the ELHS varsity cheerleading team. With fans back in the stands, the cheerleading team was ready to make a name for themselves in the ECC. “Winning ECC was so surreal. I was so surprised and excited when I heard our team get called for both first place and grand champs,” senior cheerleader Hanna McIntyre said.

During the winter season, the cheerleading team earned the 2022 ECC Division 1 championship and were also the 2022 ECC Grand Champions. They then went on to place third in states, and are going to New Englands.

“I feel like all the juniors and seniors are just so welcoming to the team,” sophomore and photo:INSTA@EASTLYMECHEERLEADING cheerleader Annabelle Dueker said.

Dueker added that everyone on this team was close and there was never any drama.

Individually, this team was outstanding with senior Hanna McIntyre, sophomore Annabelle Dueker, sophomore Jazmin Hall and freshman Lily Daley making the ECC cheerleading First Team.

EL also had two All-State cheerleaders: senior Nina Sheehan and freshman Emma Johnston.

Track and Field

Ryan McLaughlin JOSH MORWAY The boys’ swim and dive team competed in ECCs on Feb. 26, and senior diver Ryan McLaughlin took to the challenge.

McLaughlin is one of two divers for the swim and dive team, accompanied by senior Jack Walsh. Having a background in gymnastics, McLaughlin fluently transitioned to diving in high school.

Although EL finished a close second to Fitch in ECCs, McLaughlin took first in diving, decorated with an exceptional performance of 379.15 points. He also was 11th in the Class M state championship.

Having additionally won the diving title for the past two ECC championships as well, McLaughlin is now the three-time defending ECC diving champion finishing off his ELHS diving career.

EL Track teams get two more

ALEX There were many outstanding pe winning ECCs. During the boys’ me Vogel won the high jump. In additio photo:INSTA@ELTRACKANDFIELD Freshman Thomas Matlock also got t “I feel very fortunate that as a fres to help the team,” Matlock said.

During the girls’ meet, junior Izzy Paggioli won the 3,200 met Soleau won the shot put. Sophomore Jayla Washington placed first in “When I found out the girls’ track team won ECCs, I felt v important thing,” Washington said.

SAGA ACC Benji Tan

Riley Walsh

photo:JWRIGHT/VSAG

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Grade: 12

Grade: 11

Sport: Basketball

Sport: Fencing

Reason: Ranked 22nd in the nation for charges with 34

photo:CMUSCHINSKY

Reason: Two straight undefeated seasons, going 48-0 in the regular season

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SPORTS

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Come to a Close Fencing Team Lunges to Victory EL fencing teams foil others’ dreams of winning ECCs WILL DUMOND

In fencing, men’s foil and epee won the Division 1 conference and overall, and were crowned as ECC Champs. Men’s epee, another category of fencing, won overall as well. On the women’s side, the foil team came away in second in the division while the epee squad won the Div. 1 conference. Needless to say, EL men’s and women’s foil and photo:CMUSCHINSKY epee showed Southeastern Connecticut who is boss.

“We had so many new fencers join this season and they improved so much. One of our men’s foil novices even won the novice tournament,” co-captain of the women’s foil team Cora Muschinsky said.

Benji Tan absolutely dominated for mens’ foil this season, going undefeated for the second photo:CMUSCHINSKY straight season in a row. These wins led to a dominant season in fencing.

d Finishes Strong

e ECC wins to add to their record

X BROWN erformances that led to both the boys’ and girls’ indoor track teams eet, senior Blake Harris won the 55 meter-hurdles, and senior Nick on to this, the team won the 4x400, 4x720, and sprint medley relays. third in shot put. shman, all the hard work I have put in during the season came together

ters, junior Grace Blackwood won the high jump, and senior Savannah n the long jump, as well. very proud of myself and my teammates for accomplishing such an

Eagles Hockey ADAM DICKIE Second overall in conference play and being the No. 2 seed didn’t stop the ELHS players on the Eastern CT hockey team from shaking up the Nutmeg Conference Ice Hockey Tournament.

After beating the co-op Tri-Town Terrorcats in their semi-final matchup March 3, the Eastern CT Eagles were set to match up against Woodstock.

Junior goalie Cameron McCollum had 42 saves, and sophomore Drew Sager scored the first goal of the championship game. Senior Anthony Gesino was able to score the game winning goal to cement the 2022 team as Nutmeg Conference Champions with a final score of 3-2. Junior goalie Cameron McCollum had 42 saves

COLADES Savannah Soleau (left)

photo:SSOLEAU

Thomas Matlock

Grade: 12

Grade: 9

Sport: Indoor Track & Field

Sport: Indoor Track & Field

Reason: Tied meet record for shot put at states

Reason: Won shot put at ECCs as a freshman

Thursday, March 17, 2022

photo:TMATTLOCK

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FEATURES

Thursday, March 17, 2022

MEET THE CUSTODIAL STAFF!!

ELHS’s custodial staff has been working hard to keep our schools clean. Take a look at a couple of the staff members who are dedicated to ELHS and do their best to care for the people and the school itself.

JOHN JUSKA

INTERVIEWS BY: KENNEDY HOLSAPPLE

I worked in the school system for eight years, four years of them full-time. The other four years I was a substitute custodian and worked at the other schools in the district. I ended up working for East Lyme Public Schools after graduating from the high school. This is my school, so I do take care of it. It stuck with me; I’m never leaving. It’s one of those things where learning new things and talking to people is a stepping stone. I never intended to work here for very long, but it stuck with me and I ended up liking it.

FRANK BURDICK I’ve been here nine years. I was a sub custodian here since ‘08. I went to school here: I played football and did track and field. I work in the athletic wing, so I know most of the kids that do sports, and they know me.

My favorite thing is watching the students grow and play your sport. We watch the kids grow from being freshmen to seniors getting ready for college.

Enjoy it while you’re here, enjoy your friends. Once you graduate, everyone goes their own ways. You still have your friends, but you might not see them as much. You don’t want to look back and go, “I wish I did this in high school,” or “I wish I could go back and do it all over again.” I always say that. It was so much fun, and you sit back and you look at it and say, “Aw, I miss those days.” When you’re in high school and you’re a kid, it’s a lot easier. When you get older, there’s a lot more you have to do, and you always have your fun, but you’re a little more free back in high school. Enjoy high school.

Get Educated With the Cultural Awareness Club Get to know the Cultural Awareness Club at East Lyme KYLEE JOHNSTON The Cultural Awareness Club is made up of students dedicated to educating people on racial equity.

“The purpose is to talk to teachers and younger kids to make sure they are aware of all of the disparities that are happening within the community,” junior and Cultural Awareness co-president Kenya Greene said.

By educating younger people, these problems won’t continue to occur as they get older.

“During our meetings, we are thinking of ideas of things we can do to diversify the school and make everyone more openminded and accepting,” sophomore and club co-president Maheera Hassan said. Recently the club gave a presentation to the staff about microaggressions. Microaggressions are a serious matter and most trauma comes from

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your childhood, according to Greene. Since the pandemic, they haven’t been able to do much. Before COVID, though, they would put on events such as culture night, when people from different cultures and ethnicities come and make food, dress up, and talk. In the future, they hope to do a movie night or a food truck festival.

“The most important aspect about this club is to make sure people feel represented, have a voice, and make sure someone is looking out for them,” Greene said.

Victoria Thomson, club advisor, said she had to apply to be the advisor but was glad to do it. It is a very student-driven club, but she still helps out when needed.

All three said this can be a low commitment club and they encourage everyone to join.

Every person who joins makes a difference, even if they aren’t the most upstanding people.

Even if they don’t have prior experience with social justice, all are encouraged to join.

PHOTOS:KGREENE

Members of the Cultural Awareness Club discuss microagressions at a meeting in the media center.

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FEATURES

Aditya Kabra Continues to Impress and Inspire ELHS Accomplishments continue to pile up for senior Aditya Kabra

Mathematics has been a key part of his success dating back to early middle ADAM DICKIE school where he was a member of competitive $20,000 Coca-Cola Scholarship regional math teams. Excelling finalist, accepted Yale University student, within our school’s math recipient of a full ride scholarship to UConn, programs has shown senior class treasurer, and those are just the colleges and those who top three lines of the resume. consider scholarships that Rumored to have the highest grade point he has both talent and average in school history, senior Aditya Kabra passion for the subject.

PHOTO: AKABRA has exceeded any and all expectations that “He’s extremely Kabra and his fellow mathletes gather for a picture. He has were set out for him. dedicated. There was a been a member of math teams since middle school.

Up to 100,000 students across the country colleague that used to apply for the Coca-Cola scholarship every work here that has since as an opportunity to extend some of my year, but only 150 are selected. Currently, as retired who said that when he first came in volunteering initiatives over there because a regional finalist, there are 250 students left he was like an excited puppy, and that’s how it’s so close and nearby and it does have for consideration and results for those that he was in the beginning … he’s still that way very similar circumstances to New London receive the scholarship will come out early four years later. He still has that excitement. County in general,” Kabra said. to mid-March.

As far as Math League goes, not only is he Kabra has racked up countless hours of “It’s a scholarship based on leadership and that excited, but he really volunteer work achievement within a certain field of interest wants other people to be between the LEO … I selected a combined field of interest of successful and excited with Club, NHS, ELHS both applied mathematics and biology,” him,” math teacher Lynne senate, and other Kabra said.

Hansen said. opportunities Kabra’s success that he has taken and dedication advantage of. He to his craft is cares about the EL one of the many community and reasons he was the surrounding accepted into communities. He Yale University. doesn’t volunteer He is waiting to hear back just to meet a requirement. He wants to make from all his potential schools an impact. before making a decision. It is “He sets a great example with his still immensely impressive he dedication to his community, his honesty, accomplished this feat. and his kindness. He truly is the model “Location definitely played a big student,” senior class president Riley Walsh role; Yale is close to home. It gives said. “When I’m having a bad day, he lifts me you that sense of independence, up with his positive energy and I gravitate but if you ever need your parents towards it and appreciate it.” for anything, they’re close. I felt like it was that perfect medium in some sense. Yale is also in PHOTO: AKABRA Senior Aditya Kabra has been accepted into Yale and a very underserved So earned a full ride into UConn, but is still undecided community.

I also saw that on where he will be attending in the fall.

‘He sets a great example with his dedication to his community, his honesty, and his kindness.’

- Riley Walsh

Thursday, March 17, 2022

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Streaming Services Are Losing Their Value Decisions of streaming organizations have shifted student preferences JOSH MORWAY In recent years, streaming services have taken the world by storm. Few days pass without the mention of shows from services such as Hulu, Netflix, or Disney Plus. Although, there seems to be a shift in preference for entertainment, as not only have these services been altering their content, but as well as their prices.

Streaming services have acted as an exceptionally large part of a majority of people’s lives, those people having been exposed to these services since a young age. The accessibility of content has made streaming services noticeably prevalent, as senior Evan Lombardo would concur.

“Streaming services became my main method of watching shows ever since I was 9,” Lombardo said. “They allowed me to watch whatever I wanted at any time, unlike cable television.”

It appears that not only the accessibility of the content justifies the preference of a certain service, but also the variety of the content.

“I mainly used Netflix in the past, watching shows like ‘The Flash’ or ‘Arrow,’ but as my interests shifted to shows like ‘Attack on Titan’ or ‘Demon Slayer,’ I began to use Crunchyroll primarily,” Lombardo said.

Senior Jamie Kim has also shared the same appreciation for variety, being able to peer back to her childhood via streaming services.

“My current preferred service is probably Disney Plus,” Kim said. “A lot of my childhood involved watching old school Disney, and I haven’t been able to relive those moments until Disney Plus was released a few years ago.”

It seems that, through streaming services, anything is available for anyone, no matter their preference. Although, that said, availability often costs a price, a monthly payment. Of course, it would be unwise to stream this content for free, but a recent increase in prices for select streaming services have backed off those who were otherwise loyal to the service, myself included.

Netflix serves as an example, as the organization is expected to increase their prices for all plans by a couple more dollars per month. Senior Grace Liu is apprehensive of maintaining her subscription amidst the price increase, despite being subscribed for years.

“I haven’t switched from primarily using Netflix just yet, but with the loss of some really good shows and the addition of some pretty bad ones, I am considering ending my subscription and possibly switching to Hulu or HBO Max, especially if Netflix follows through with increasing the price,” Liu said.

Lombardo thinks otherwise, believing that the price increase is justified.

“I think that Netflix increasing their price is fair enough. They are constantly growing the library of shows and movies that they offer to clients, so it’s not a far stretch to say that the price should increase as well,” Lombardo said.

JOSH’S OPINION on the streaming service debacle: Personally, I feel the price increase is not worth it when considering the addition of mediocre shows such as “Hype House” in tandem with the omission of popular shows such as “Mad Men” or “The Office,” not to mention the future omission of the entire Marvel Defenders series.

I know many who are unhappy with the departure of these shows and who are expecting great shows in the future, so I find that using other streaming services such as HBO Max have been preferable to Netflix.

Even then, I find that streaming services even outside Netflix lose rights to amazing shows and eventually degrade in quality.

As the quality degrades, the price increases.

Streaming services are not as great as they once were, as I pay more money only to become bored scrolling through the library without anything catching my eye.

Streaming services have nonetheless held a grip on the world for over a decade, and they will continue to do so, because no matter the price that is paid, these services have still managed to out-class cable television with ease. Although, I hope for these price increases to be justified with the addition of better content rather than a loss of customer interest.

Students Pursue a Career in the Arts The underrated career path makes strides in ELHS CECILE HORST

Senior Nikki Hahn visits future school, SCAD, and poses with Art the Bee.

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Arts schools are often stigmatized as undignified, but for ELHS students, taking the leap is worth the risk to make an impact in the art world.

“There is a beauty in being able to work with your hands and create art. And that’s the thing, art is whatever you want it to be,” said fine arts teacher, Rachel Michaud. In order to fully pursue a path in the arts, you have to completely devote your life to it. Students

like senior Nikki Hahn and senior Richard Chen are some of the few examples that prove otherwise.

“When I was looking at schools, I looked for ones that had a strong music program and were strong academically,” said Chen.

Although Chen is very talented at the instruments he plays, with some of his achievements including playing the piano at Carnegie Hall, he also has a strong background in math and plans to pursue that as well.

Hahn, just like Chen, has other talents that live outside the realm of art. Hahn is a very strong swimmer and has plans to

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Is It Damaging, Or is It Art?

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Licorice pizza and Euphoria explore controversial themes NOELLE AVENA

LICORICE PIZZA I will always be a defender of a creator to be able to explore all themes in their art, but 2021 movie “Licorice Pizza” raises both eyebrows. The plot centers around an almostrelationship between a 15-year-old boy and a 25-year-old woman in the ‘70s, who met when she was working as a yearbook headshot photographer. Moviegoers have left the theater halfway through or even boycotted the film altogether.

On the surface, it’s a romantic, slice-oflife movie, so what purpose does the age gap serve? The writing is witty, and the colors and costume design are captivating, but the plot is a bit endless and rambling. Alanah is the older character, but without any direction or emotional maturity, while Gary is like a miniature businessman, always on some

sort of entrepreneurial adventure. They work together on Gary’s projects and share a clumsy friendship.

The movie poster features Alanah, the female lead, holding her romantic counterpart in the palm of her hand. This slightly ominous design choice leads hints that yes, the creators were aware of the discomfort the power imbalance creates.

Film is all about giving you an experiencesome are comfortable, some are not. Comedy makes you laugh, psychological makes your brain hurt, and horror makes you scream.

To me, “Licorice Pizza” explores what makes you cringe. Discomfort is definitely a tool- it makes you question, what was it that made me uncomfortable, and what does that say about our world?

‘Licorice Pizza’ movie sports retro vibe as critics question controversial themes.

D.A.R.E. has denounced HBO’s hit show, “Euphoria,” claiming it glamorizes “drugs, sex, and violence.” In reality, it presents an over-dramatized version of some of the most difficult experiences a teenager can experience- abusive relationships, addiction, and family trauma. Just because there’s glitter on the screen doesn’t mean the actions depicted are being glamorized.

Recently, the ideas of romanticization have turned people against entertainment meant to reflect real life in an art form. In “Euphoria,” the main character, Rue, is a drug addict. She’s shown ruining her relationships, going through withdrawal, and being unable to care for herself because of her addictions.

Her declining health, loss of bodily functions,

and painful outbursts are accurate.

There are other, more grounded criticisms of “Euphoria.” 30-year-old actors play juniors.

High schoolers complain that much of the content is not relatable or reflective of real American high school experiences. Teenagers don’t dress, talk like, or have the experiences that the “Euphoria” teens do, but that’s what makes it cinematic. Creators are criticized for presenting controversial content, and then criticized for not having any substance to their shows if they don’t.

“Euphoria” wouldn’t be “Euphoria” without its over-the-top themes, in-yourface styling, and oversaturated, glittering colors. Its characters are unrealistic, sure, but they’re memorable.

and psychology and music therapy is such an upcoming career, so it just made sense for me,” said senior Dylan McKee. For him, music therapy was the perfect harmony of his two interests.

A career in the arts has such a strong range for students, from music, to art, to even fashion.

“You really need to make a smart choice with your education. Financially it is difficult for most families, and you want to be able to

do something with it, but that doesn’t mean you should automatically count out a career in fashion,” said Freda Gianakos, a family consumer science teacher.

In her 45 years of teaching, she has watched and aided students who go off into fashion schools and end up being successful.

“Because at the end of the day, although there is a risk, art is so much more important and freeing and valuable than people understand,” said Hahn.

EUPHORIA

Glamorous glitter and camera work spark interest and questions of millions. swim at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she plans to pursue a career in visual arts, illustration in the animation business.

“People are scared to try it, but as long as you have a fall back plan and the desire to succeed, you can at least try. Even if you don’t make it, your life doesn’t end. There is a lot more still to go,” said Hahn. Some find the arts woven into other careers.

“I always knew I had a love for music

Thursday, March 17, 2022

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BACK PAGE

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Who could use a little extra luck in March and why?

“The Lancers because they can’t win an ECC championship.”

- Junior Nathan O’Neil

“My dad, Jeff Gannoe, because the Bills still haven’t won a Super Bowl.”

- Senior Sophia Gannoe

“The whole school if we don’t get everyone Shamrock Shakes.”

- Junior Thabian Riley

“Raleigh Loring because lacrosse season is about to start.”

- Freshman Hannah Hausner (left)

“Anna Brown needs luck so she doesn’t get any more concussions.”

- Juniors Katie Whewell & Abby Cellemme

“Anyone who takes Anatomy with Hiltz and has huge tests this month.”

- Senior Ella Freed

this many o s a d a “I’ve h even went on I , month day streak.” iley three abian R Th r o - Juni “They are scrumptious and minty fresh.”

- Senior Paige Tangey

e.” ’t like coffe “Cuz I don s tu re Lo - Sophomo rtz a w h Sc

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Shamrock Shakes?

Poll taken by 148 ELHS students on our Instagram, @elhssaga

YES OF COURSE

69%

EW NO

31%

aste.” like toothp “They taste lby Regan - Junior To “They scare me. ” - Senior Kate C lark

“My stomach aches after drinking them.”

- Freshman Genesis Colon

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