Volume 35, No. 2: November/ December 2018

Married alums become Instagram sensations and share their “food baby� story. Read the full story on pages 6-7.

THE CLASSIC

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Alum’s film shown at film festival

By Shabab Ahmed and Daniela Zavlun, Staff Writer and Copy Editor

In early October, Townsend Harris alumnus Daniel Sotelo-Reiner’s award-winning film FIRST Relations was broadcast at the AMC Theater in Times Square. His film, along with other high school cinema projects from around the world, was showcased as part of the All American High School Film Festival.

“If I could describe what it feels like to see a film you’ve spent hundreds of hours working on projected on a full size theatre screen, that word would be ‘surreal,’” Daniel explained.

“This is an incredibly exciting time to be a filmmaker, as even for a high-school student there is the opportunity to see your work in a theatre.”

The film depicts a narrative fictional story largely influenced by Daniel’s experiences on the Steel Hawks robotics team at THHS. Several members of the robotics team attended the event to support Daniel.

Among those who went, students were impressed by Daniel’s success and the journey that his film went through to get to where it is today.

“It’s really good that a Townsend alum was able to get their film featured in the Tribeca Film Festival and get chosen for the All American High School [Film Festival],” said

current Vice President of the Robotics Team Joshua Tsai.

Head Robotics Coach Joel Heitman said, “He worked really hard... I think he felt that the support he was getting from the robotics coaches was also something that he didn’t want to give a lesser product

Before becoming vice president of the robotics team in his senior year, Daniel was deeply involved in the team’s activities as their primary photographer for several years.

While participating in a program at the Tribeca Film Institute, he was

Townsend Harris alum Daniel Sotelo-Reiner’s film FIRST Relations was shown in Times Square. | Photo courtesy of Daniel Sotelo-Reiner

of anything and so his character and his honor and all those things built into him wanting to be the best at what he did and give the best that he can give.”

inspired by his team’s special camaraderie to produce this film, which later premiered in the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival.

The film largely contributed

QC receives funding for track

By Samantha Alzate, Managing Editor

Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, alongside other generous contributors, has recently secured Queens College with funding needed to renovate the track and other facilities throughout the upcoming school year. In mid-august, Queens College received a donation of $750,000.

Rozic stated, “Queens College is a cornerstone of our community that provides quality, affordable education for students of all backgrounds and academic pursuits.”

Rozic, along with other state lawmakers, wants to continue improving and rebuilding CUNY facilities in years to come.

Many Townsend Harris students were relieved at the news of a new track.

As part of the girls’ cross

to the SteelHawks’ advance to World Championships in 2017.

FIRST Relations delves into the unique environment fostered by FIRST Robotics during build season as a diverse group of teammates come together and form close, lasting

country team, junior Emily Tan stated, “We definitely need [the track grant], especially because the track is falling apart.”

“The track looked very old and really needed a renovation,” junior Tabassum Sami said.

She, along with various other students, rejoiced at the fact that the track will inevitably be inaccessible for some time.

Junior Anastasia Sachionie stated, “I don’t like running so when they shut down the track for renovation, that [will be] my saving grace.”

Physical education and health teacher Matt Lemanczyk often uses the track for his students and knows the impact that a new track will have.

He stated, “It’s a very exciting time for Townsend Harris and even Queens College to recei-

ve a new track because I think it is due for some repairs and I think it will enhance our track experience in class.”

However, student athletes who use the track fear that their practices will be interrupted during the renovations.

“We need an area to practice on for track,” Emily explained.

She continued, “If we lose the QC track, our ability to run as a team will be compromised.”

Mr. Lemanczyk reassured the Townsend Harris community that “As a [physical education] department, we all do a very good job modifying our classes to the resources we have. Each one of us will have no problem being able to do that while the renovations are occuring.”

relationships united in a common goal to build a winning robot.

The drama focuses specifically on the growing bond between characters James and

Ethan as the intensity of build season causes them to realize their feelings for each other.

“The topics that FIRST Relations are a testament to [are] the openness of the Steel Hawks, Townsend and FIRST Robotics in general,” Daniel said.

“It was the Townsend community that allowed me to create a film including members of the LGBTQ+ community and diverse ethnic communities. In today’s political climate, that is not always as easy and I hope this open acceptance of others is a message that inspires other artists at Townsend.”

Daniel now attends Emerson College and has just finished a film project for the Emerson 48-hour Film Festival, during which he worked with a group to create and submit a film in 48 hours.

He looks forward to continuing to produce works of cinema and pursuing a career in film.

“To any current student at Townsend who may even think they have an interest in film or photography, it’s an intimidating industry, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying,” Daniel advised.

“You may end up finding what you want to spend the rest of your life doing.”

Onsite acceptance with Seton Hall

By Yadira Gonzalez, Staff Writer

Many seniors have already submitted applications for early action and early decision, while others are working on their applications for regular decision. In addition, some Townsend Harris seniors were able to participate in an onsite acceptance program with Seton Hall University.

The onsite acceptance process consisted of a regional guidance counselor from Seton Hall University sitting down with a senior and discussing topics such as their grades and academic interests.

Based on the interview with the student, the representative immediately tells the student if they have been accepted.

According to Secretary of Guidance and College Tina Marie Kendall, the onsite acceptance process is a much more personal way of getting

to know the student. “They actually get to meet you and get a better feel for who you are and what you’re looking to study in college,” she said.

Senior Alexa Barisano, who participated in the onsite acceptance program said, “It takes some of the pressure off because you know you are in at least one college.”

To qualify for this opportunity, seniors have to apply for the interview and speak with Ms. Kendall and his/her guidance counselor. However, for those who missed the chance for the onsite acceptance program with Seton Hall University, there will be another chance on December 11 when a representative from New York Institute of Technology will be coming to interview students.

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Demerits & distractions: sexism in schools

By Danielle Amster and Isabelle Guillaume, Editors-in-Chief

In 2017, #MeToo went viral, breaking decades of silence regarding sexual harassment and violence in both the entertainment industry and the workplace. The hashtag, which was created after dozens of sexual harassment allegations against Harvey Weinstein, ultimately became synonymous with unity against sexual misconduct. As a result, proponents of the #MeToo movement have connected sexism in America to school dress codes.

“Dress code enforcement easily reproduces exactly the types of behaviors that adults are seeking to prevent. They involve a pattern of silence, shame and obedience in situations where someone bigger and more powerful tells a girl what to do with her body,” Soraya Chemaly wrote in an article for The Washington Post. “These are lessons in the dynamics of power, control and silence in abusive situations. They are also lessons in male sexual entitlement.”

In light of this, we decided to get the numbers, looking to measure ways by which the dress code could potentially create vastly different experiences according to gender. The results of a survey of two classes each from the current tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades demonstrate a distinction in how the dress code affects students, dependent on their gender. In particular, girls report having to more frequently consider dress code restrictions when making outfit choices in the morning while preparing to go to school. The results show that 80% of girls always, often, or sometimes take the dress code into account when getting ready in the morning. On the opposite side, 80% of boys surveyed say that they rarely or never think about the dress code when getting ready for school.

We expanded our survey for the senior class, which has had the most experience with the dress code in the building. The results of a survey of 201 current seniors (taken at the end of their junior year) revealed that of the 46 who have received demerits pertaining to dress, 90% are female, 5% are male, and 5% identify as non-binary. Of the 137 female seniors surveyed, 13% have received demerits for dress code violations; of the 62 male seniors, 0.02% have received demerits for dress code violations.

The survey invited students to share comments and feelings on the dress code anonymously.

“The dress code is sexist, overly strict, and needs to change,” stated a senior female.

A senior male further explained, “The current dress code is sexist and unfair.

While there should be rules on what is appropriate, most females at THHS are unable to dress stylishly or comfortably because of the stringent policies enforced here.”

For years, students have used the pages of The Classic to share concerns

about the dress code and its role in creating a sexist environment at THHS. In 2013, staff writer Catherine Moskos called the dress code and its enforcement sexist, a view expressed in her opinion piece “Code behind the dress code: Boys matter more.”

Moskos cited correspondence of the administration, who had sent out an email deeming certain types of clothing inappropriate for school and making it clear that certain articles of clothing, mainly those worn by girls, are seen as a distraction. “The email reminded that the dress code ‘has been devised to promote a positive learning atmosphere’ and that attire must not ‘interfere with the educational process.’ It discussed dresses, leggings, undergarments, shorts, which are ‘specific items that may cause distraction.’”

“People might also claim that dress codes are not sexist, but are merely meant to preserve students from distraction in an educational atmosphere,” Catherine wrote. “It’s abundantly clear that these ‘distractions’ are the hypothetical distractions that scantily clad women will create for males.”

Later, she continued, “This idea of distraction unfairly places blame on women. I shouldn’t need to care about the potential that a boy cannot handle being distracted by women’s bodies anymore than I need to care that a student in a computer lab can’t stop himself from playing solitaire and missing the lesson.

It’s called personal responsibility.”

Dean Robin Figelman feels that the restrictions placed on clothing by the dress code apply equally to students of all genders. Ms. Figelman stated, “[The dress code is] supposed to prepare everybody for the future to be dressing as a professional. But not everybody sees that, and they feel like we’re stifling them and that we are mean and have too many rules. It’s really to prepare you for what happens… after high school.”

She continued, “More girls do disobey the dress code because there are more girls. There are some boys that push the limits as well…. Sometimes I have to find some of the seniors or some of the underclassmen and ask them to pull their pants up.”

As mentioned by supporters of the dress code, the regulations are meant to promote a professional environment that fosters a positive educational atmosphere.

“I believe it is necessary to have a dress code because the way everyone dresses impacts the way the school environment feels. It’s why professional offices maintain a dress code,” said senior Max Kurant.

“The problem is that we don’t need it to be as restrictive as it is currently; there’s no point in not being allowed to wear shoulderless shirts or being forced to wear shorts/skirts so low. What we’re doing now, quite frankly, accomplishes nothing,” he added, referring to just two of the features of our dress code that students disagree with.

In Townsend Harris today, students still express views similar to those of Moskos. “It is offensive that females are expected to cover their shoulders so they can avoid distracting their male classmates,” a female senior said in her survey.

“Girls shouldn’t have to change the way they dress because males might get distracted,” added another female senior respondent. “Instead, they should be taught to respect females no matter what they’re wearing. Girls’ lives/clothing shouldn’t be affected because of potential disrespect [from males].” “[Feminism] really doesn’t play anything in the dress code. I don’t look at the popularity of feminism, and I don’t [take] any of that into account.

We basically take into account what we want to see our students in and how [students] are going to succeed in our school dressed professionally,” Ms. Figelman commented in response to the rise of feminist opposition to the outfit restrictions.

“I think it’s wrong that people say you need to dress a certain way as not to distract boys, which is how people discuss dress codes,” said AP English Language teacher Christine Duffy.

“There’s evidence of [dress code] being applied unevenly to certain kinds of girls, like depending on your b o d y type.

Then, it’s definitely a sexist application; s o m e girls are tall, so sometimes it’s hard to find a longer

skirt. I understand why this is problematic, but I do feel like there should be a certain level of professionalism in the way that you dress.”

Senior advisor and physical education/health education teacher Maria Assante, however, addresses the additional burden placed on females. “We put different standards on women than we do on men and there’s the [feminist] argument right there,” she said. “We say that girls need to dress a certain way so they don’t distract the boys, but why are we putting all the responsibility on girls and not putting the responsibility on boys? Rather than teaching our girls how to dress, we need to teach our boys how not to rape; we need to teach our boys not to sexually harass. We need to teach our girls how to demand respect.”

While the #MeToo allegations are occurring within the entertainment industry, women’s rights within the political realm are also being questioned. The public exposure of allegations defined the line between what is acceptable in the private sphere compared to that of the political sphere, as exemplified in the circumstances surrounding the Brett Kavanaugh hearing.

“The government sets the example for how [sexual] assaults and accusations should be handled, and the use of political bias in swaying the investigation and the uproar caused by it makes it seem that even if women can vouch for experiences they have had, they can be overlooked,” explained senior Bria London.

Continue reading on p. 7

“ Clothing is self expression. Short shorts and crop tops are not an excuse to flirt with someone. She’s not asking for it, she’s rocking it, for herself, not for you to come be gross. ” -Bria London

Female sporting a evealing top | Artwork courtesy of Amanda Renzi

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The Chaus (left to right) Matty. Alex, Sammy, Mike | Photos via @foodbabyny on Instagram

Meet the Townsend Harris alumni instafamous food bloggers: Foodbabyny

By Jessica Brite and Alyssa Nepomuceno, Features Editors

“One of the great things about @foodbabyny [is that] it brings so many people a smile on a daily basis,” said the man behind the page.

Garnering over 306,000 followers in the last four years, this famous page by two Townsend Harris alumni combines Instagram’s biggest loves: food and babies.

Featuring mouth-watering desserts and scrumptious meals, @foodbabyny posts frequent updates on restaurants and food festivals littering the nooks and crannies of New York City.

However, accompanying every post, self-proclaimed Food Babies Matty and Sammy join in on the fun and are often seen sleeping or gazing longingly next to each new treat.

But behind the camera are the parents behind the account, both of whom hail from the home of the Hawks. Mike and Alexandra Chau, class of 2001, were high school sweethearts.

“Our first date was S!NG on January 27, 2001,” Alex said.

“It was a Saturday night. We shared a Sunkist soda, which is how I knew we’d be married and together forever.”

They continued their relationship in college, where Mike attended Boston University, gaining a background in software development.

Although Alex attended Northeastern University, she later transferred to Boston University in her sophomore year.

There, she majored in business with a concentration in finance.

“Go to college and get a real degree,” Alex said, in case any current students consider trying their luck at social media stardom.

“Study a real major. iPhones and Instagram could be gone tomorrow. Have a real paying job while you follow your passion. Being unemployed is not cute. Being broke is not cool.

We’re able to do @foodbabyny because we have real serious jobs paying the mortgage while we follow our passion.”

The food blog originally started out as a hobby. “I felt compelled to share all of this great stuff since family and friends always asked for recommendations,” said Mike.

While he previously posted some Yelp reviews and countless baby photos, he said he “realized it made the food a lot more fun to look at with [my baby] making a cute face in the corner, so [he] started posting photos in that style.”

Four months after its debut in June 2014, @fo o db aby ny began to gain attention from other food blogs, which was when “the account really started to grow faster and [they] knew then that it was becoming a popular thing.”

Recently the family made an appearance on The Rachael Ray Show. They have also been featured on several food segments on ABC 7.

One of the many perks to being popular food bloggers are the people they get to meet, Mike said.

“My favorite places to go

are small businesses and family-run places, and getting the opportunity to meet the people running them because it makes the whole experience more meaningful and interesting and turns it into more than just taking a picture of a random piece of food.”

“My favorite part of it all is

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Dresscode after #MeToo “That is a very frightening thought.”

“Many women complain about the [dress code] restrictions placed on them, citing them as a burden,” said senior Tyler Tavares. “While this may be true, the school claims it is for the girls’ own good. They claim it is to prevent being a distraction to boys. While this is true to a certain extent, I believe that the school should also then take the proper steps to inform both boys and girls about sexual misbehavior and how to prevent it.”

Despite the heated controversy about these restrictions, not all students are against the ideals of dress code and believe it is enforced the same way for everyone. “Honestly, I don’t mind the current dress code. If people follow the rules and wear appropriate clothing all would be fine,” said a female senior survey respondent.

“With changes that go in society with dress and apparel, I think [the dress code] can change a little bit. But [in regards to] the length of the skirts and the shorts, I don’t getting to spend time with the love of my life and the little creatures we made together,” Alex said. “And I get to eat carbs. A lot of carbs. Carbs on carbs.”

As for what to expect next from the family of five, the Chaus are simply taking it in stride, said Alex.

“We want to continue to travel and show our children the world. We want to continue eating well and meeting new

people. Maybe one day you’ll turn on E! and see Keeping Up With The Chaus!”

Mike added, “that’s a question I get every single time and my joke answer is that I will make Alex have a baby every 2 years for the next 20 years.

My real answer is that I have no idea.”

“I think part of the fun of the account for both myself and the audience is that it changes literally every day and

Fictat asimus il eturita arum lamus ea cor autem quibea. | Delluptatio ommo

[the kids’] new faces and personalities develop before our eyes.”

The next time that you go looking for a spot for some Instagram-worthy food, Alex suggests “Nick’s Pizza, Snowdays, Dani’s House of Pizza, Spot Dessert Bar, and White Noise Coffee Co.” “Some of the best and most unique ice cream flavors are right over on Main Street at Max & Mina’s, a really fun pla-

ce that’s a must visit for dessert,” Mike said.

Reflecting back on her high school experience Alex said “I miss being in a community of smart intellectuals every day [...] I learned that I can do a two mile run without stopping. I learned that the Required Exercise Series means nothing to no one. I learned that a referral is more terrifying than prison. I learned that Townsend Harris is the best

know if that is going to change anytime soon,” said Ms. Figelman. “I think it’s more of a safety issue. When girls walk up staircases, you don’t want anybody looking up, and girls don’t get that. They think it’s feminism. It’s really not. It’s just to protect them.”

Whether or not the dress code really does protect girls, it struggles to remain straightforward in the way it defines professionalism in the school environment.

“I don’t think the dress code should end, per say, because everybody has a uniform that they have to wear to work,” Ms. Assante said. “I’m still going to stick with my fact that the onus is put on the girls. The boys aren’t showing too much skin. They aren’t wearing things that are too short or too tight, their bellies aren’t showing; but we vilify girls’ bodies and we shouldn’t be doing that. But then again, what is appropriate for work?

Let’s say a teacher wore a skirt to school but her skirt was really short. Is it still appropriate?

There’s no easy answer.” dating app in the world.”

The Chaus both agree that The Ephebic Oath is one of the major lessons learned after graduating, stating, “we still always believe in leaving things greater than we’ve found them and trying to do good and bring happiness to others.”

You can follow the Chaus’ on all their food adventures on Instagram @foodbabyny.

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S’well asks students to BRING IT

By Yamila Frej and Julia Jinu, Staff Writers

In light of NYC Climate Week from September 2430, S’Well provided 320,000 high school students with free S’Well water bottles.

On Monday, October 1, each Townsend Harris student that purchased an SU card received one Sip by S’Well bottle, a $25, 15 oz stainless steel mini version of the original S’Well model during their gym or health band. The bottles were offered in two designs: “Lemon Drop” and “Sour Apple Green.”

Teachers had students sign their name on a roster to keep track of recipients.

The move is a part of the company’s new BRING IT campaign: a partnership with Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Office of Sustainability to promote environmental action among youth.

De Blasio hopes to eliminate all landfill waste by 2030 by encouraging reusable alternatives in order to decrease global plastic consumption.

According to a public statement by BRING IT, one million plastic bottles are purchased globally every minute only to be “used once and then thrown away.”

This un-recycled plastic disintegrates into the soil, negatively impacting our food supply

S’Well supplied almost every THHS student with a free reusable water bottle. | Rachel Lin

in the process.

However, with 320,000 more people making the switch to BPA and toxin free containers, BRING IT has the potential to get rid of 54 million single-use plastic bottles and positively impact the environment.

“I think it’s a really cool thing,” freshman Shania Jugdeo.

“It helps students a lot and also helps the environment,

and in the long run, our health.”

In its efforts to educate youth about their role in the environment, BRING IT asserts that “one person’s actions make a difference for our city and our planet.”

This message, posted on BRING IT’s website, has been positively received by Townsend Harris students.

Senior Max Kurant explai-

ned, “I think it’s great because students here are so busy and stressed that being environmentally conscious just isn’t something we think about.

This makes it easy to do so.”

Freshman Hanna Kurdziel added, “They’re raising awareness about the importance of recycling and conserving water so that people will either protest the actions of large corporations or do small-scale ac-

DOE deems fountain water safe

By Julia Wojtkowski and Jacqueline Woo, Staff Writer and Layout Editor

Earlier in September, the entire school received a notice regarding inspections that were done to test for lead in the water system at Townsend Harris High School. The notice announced that 6 out of 153 water fixtures that were tested had elevated levels of lead, exceeding the acceptable amount of 15 parts per billion (ppb).

Despite the alarm and confusion raised by this notice, Custodian Gary J. Viola is confident that “There really never was any lead issue at THHS to begin with.”

“Routine lead testing in drinking water began several years ago. All drinking fountains at THHS were found to be clear for consumption,” Mr. Viola explained. “All water faucets were also clear except for six faucets. These six faucets had slightly elevated levels but

are located in service areas that are not accessible to students.

Those six faucets and supply piping were removed and replaced.”

He added, “Going forward, all drinking fountains and faucets are thoroughly flushed after every break in serviceWe do this as a precaution even though we do not have any lead elevated fixtures in service.”

Mr. Viola also stated that THHS was built in 1995, long after the use of lead was discontinued in plumbing. He assured students that“ …all drinking, washing and cooking water is totally safe for use. We continue to monitor and flush all potable water fixtures at THHS on a regular basis” Some students remain concerned about drinking from the water fountains nonetheless.

“I feel like it is a very serious issue that should be dealt with as soon as possible. I am very

tions that will begin to make a difference.”

According to Kathleen Corradi, Zero Waste Manager, the Office of Sustainability “will continue to connect this water bottle donation to students and school activities throughout the year.”

For more information about getting involved in environmental advocacy, visit bringit. nyc.

Nicole Olivia Chau | Photo via @ foodbabyny on instagram

Food baby #3

By Alyssa Nepomuceno, Features Editor

Despite reports saying the water is safe to drink, students are still wary of drinking it. | Nikki Ng

concerned,” added sophomore Emmily Cipriana.

However, for some, elevated lead levels at THHS is old news. “My initial reaction was apathetic, but I found it humorous after making jokes about the lead with my friends,” said Junior Samantha Lee. “I find it funny that there’s still lead in the water, though I am very concerned.”

“I refuse to drink from the school fountains even if I’m dying of thirst. I don’t trust them,” Samantha continued.

Zarif expressed that he feels the same way and brings his own water to: “We should bring our own water, and we must fight for these problems to be resolved so that they never happen again.”

On November 3rd, Townsend Harris alumni Mike and Alexandra Chau, also known by their instagram handle @ foodbabyny, welcomed their third child to the family.

Shortly after her birth, Nicole Olivia Chau can already be seen taking after her siblings, posing next to aesthetically-pleasing foods varying from pastries to sushi.

Nicole will continue to be seen joining her siblings in their food reviews around New York City. You can keep up with their adventures on their Instagram.

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Is it written in the stars?

By Lynda Irizarry and Pooja Sugunthan, Staff Writers

It’s always exciting to find posts on social media telling users what their favorite pastime or musical genre is based on their zodiac sign. Instagram explore pages are often piled with these accounts claiming to define someone using their zodiac signs.

However, zodiac signs date back to much earlier times.

They were first created by the Babylonians, then introduced to the Greeks in the fourth century B.C. Later on, astrology reached the Romans and Arabs as well.

Eventually, the science of zodiac signs was spread to the rest of the world and still remains to this day.

Zodiac signs are the astrological signs of humans based on the time of year and positions of celestial bodies when they were born. Each of the twelve signs highlight the strengths and weaknesses of a person born within the respective timeframe.

These signs also reflect one’s potential goals, personality, and interests.

Born between June 21 and

July 22, senior Colleen Chang is a Cancer; Cancers are typically thought of as tender-hearted and emotional.

However, she believes that “it doesn’t make sense to generalize all of the people who are born at around the same time of the year.”

Similarly, Senior Ralph Rodriguez does not believe in the zodiac signs.

He doubts that “the alignment of the stars have something to do with how well or badly one’s day is going.”

Out of curiosity, Ralph ran his own experiment by checking his horoscope everyday for a week.

He found himself “trying to find any applications of these predictions to different situations that day. In a way, the horoscopes influence me to find situations that would cause it to be true.”

Freshman Julia Maciejak, a Pisces, uses a daily horoscope app.

She stated, “I only believe in some [Pisces stereotypes].” Julia explained how many people claim she is great to come to for advice, which is a stereotype about her zodiac sign.

“I don’t believe [Pisces] are calm because that’s definitely not me,” she continued. “But some of them are very accurate, it’s scary.”

Julia advised students not to stress over a negative prediction because “at the end of the day, it’s a horoscope, not the definite.”

For some students, the indefinite predictions seem to lower their trust in horoscope apps.

Junior Faye Shemper thinks that the accuracy of zodiacs are 50/50.

“It’s just a matter of your personality and the way you are,” she said. “I think people pull from different areas of that zodiac.”

Despite acknowledging the vagueness of horoscopes, many students seem to enjoy reading them.

For instance, senior Andreas Migia jokingly tags his friends on Facebook posts to tease them for the traits associated with their zodiac sign.

Although astrology may not be the most accurate way to plan your future, you may enjoy trying to match your day to a zodiac prediction.

Zodiac signs drawn by Amanda Renzi and Jessie Ye

Should you put a ring on it?

By Jessica Brite and Alyssa Nepomuceno, Features Editors

This summer, Americans witnessed a number of historical meetings, from the monumental Trump-Kim summit in Singapore to the Trump-Putin summit in Finland. Of these engagements, however, one in particular had taken the internet by storm.

This engagement, of course, belonged to singer Ariana Grande and comedian Pete Davidson.

After only one month of dating, Grande announced to the rest of the world her plans to marry the Saturday Night Live regular.

Grande is not the only celebrity to have donned the ring out of the blue, as celebrities such as Justin Bieber and Nick Jonas also plan on tying the knot with their respective partners.

In accordance to its nature, the Internet had blown up. These surprise engagements sent up a flurry of discourse throughout comment sections and forums alike, highlighting the brevity and unexpectedness of the latest news from pop music’s most-streamed female soloist, one tweet saying, “@carolynrfreeman: the b in ihob stands for

but they’ve only been dating for a few weeks.”

Students have had mixed reactions to the whole situation.

Senior Brenden Picioane said, “I don’t really care about celebrities’ [personal lives] but I definitely do not agree with their decision to get married so soon.”

However, junior Faye Shemper thinks that “if a celebrity couple is ready for marriage, they should make that decision regardless of time spent dating.”

Changing times continue to challenge the norms and traditions of what was thought to be basic marriage values. In recent years, couples have begun to stray from marriage constructs such as asking permission for marriage, having males propose to females, and, of course, dating for a lengthy amount of time before getting engaged.

The time at which a couple decides to get married varies from couple to couple. Some individuals choose to get married within mere weeks of knowing each other, while others choose to wait until they are at least financially stable.

“A couple should know and strongly trust each other before

making the obviously big decision to get married,” Faye said.

“Often times, in order for this to happen, I feel that it is especially important for each person to meet the other’s family. Being on good terms with each others’ families early definitely minimizes problems post-marriage.”

One of the most prevalent traditions that spans across multiple cultures is to ask for the man to ask for the woman’s hand in marriage.

“It depends, because some people would do so just out of respect,” said Bianca.

“When you’re marrying someone you’re also becoming a part of their family, somewhat, and some families might see it as a sign of respect to ask permission to marry someone while other families may not see it like that.”

Another engagement trend that defies tradition is that women are now proposing to their partners rather than the tradition of a man asking a woman to marry him. One video that has gone viral is of a couple in Disney who proposed to each other at the same time.

Junior Lucas Ayala shared, “It’s

totally okay for a girl to ask a guy to marry her. Guys wanna be surprised sometimes, too.”

Brenden added, “Women are their own persons and [they] can make the decision to marry someone on their own.”

In today’s society, not only are women proposing, but data also shows that for the last fifty years there has been a steady increase in the age at which females are getting married.

“The emphasis on education and career establishment has become considerably heavier and has certainly developed into a standard that society sets up for the average citizen,” Faye stated.

“Many feel the need to put college completion and career establishment ahead of relationships… and as people make time to work on themselves as an individual, they push back working on themselves in a relationship setting to a later time.”

“The old idea that a woman’s purpose is to have and care for a family is fading away in our society,” Brenden said. “People tend to [just] wait so that they can ‘live their lives’ and try to find ‘the one,’ not just anyone, before settling down.”

Lab lunches

By Danielle Akilov and Maimunah Virk, Staff Writers

This year, students in chemistry and biology classes are now required to complete their labs during their lunch band once a week.

In previous years, labs would take place during zero band, which started at 7:30. This change was partially due to the new block schedule, which made zero band start 15 minutes earlier at 7:15. Since students were already struggling to make it to class at 7:30 due to commute times and public transportation delays, the school administration decided that chemistry and biology labs would take place during lunch bands instead. Assistant Principal of Organization and Physical Education/Health Ellen Fee said,“We needed to start the day earlier at 8:00 am to accommodate the new longer periods. That bumped zero band to also be earlier in the day, so we moved as many zero band science labs to the middle of the day, mostly Chemistry and Biology.”

Continue reading at thhsclassic.com.

10 | THE CLASSIC

THHSCLASSIC.COM

Trauma tells the truth: sexism in the Kavanaugh case

By Danielle Chan and Abigail Dutes, Staff Writers

An intense discussion in many senior AP Government classes suddenly emulates a spark of controversy that completely takes over the student body.

The world is taken by storm as the public receives the story of another possible Brock Turner, Harvey Weinstein, or Kevin Spacey. The injustices of sexual assault cases are not hidden; the environments of said cases span from school campuses to behind the curtains of Hollywood.

Brett Kavanaugh is now amongst those that can be credited for amplifying the silence forced upon those who have fallen victim to sexual assault, as well as perpetuating sexist stigmas that continuously harm the female population.

On September 27, students listened attentively as Dr. Christine Blasey Ford- an American professor of psychology at Palo Alto University and a research psychologist at the Stanford University School of Medicinerecounted the traumatic experience of being sexually assaulted by Mr. Kavanaugh nearly 36 years ago during a highschool gathering.

The controversy surrounding the case begs three questions: Why did she wait until now to bring these allegations forward?

Is her evidence enough to condemn him? Why were these allegations brought against Mr. Kavanaugh specifically?

It’s with these questions that the general public, including students like us, became invested in the nature the issue was approached.

The events that occurred during the hearing frame what many people feared to be a conflict between the government and the people.

The Supreme Court handling a case of this nature becomes unsettling as it transforms the conversation away from vilifying sexual assault into a political issue, dissolving the morality of the situation into a partisan based argument.

Representatives from both parties became concerned with who was at fault for delaying the course of action, rather than focusing on the impact an accusation such as this one can have on both individuals and their families.

The priority of recognizing the protocol of law can become muddled in an effort to understand the harsh reality of trauma, and how it can manifest over a lifetime.

Kavanaugh proclaimed the allegations to be a “left wing conspiracy”, failing to sympathize with Ford’s experience of sexual assault and instead, focused on the political effects surrounding.

Furthermore, many students argued against the credibility of the accusation, defending the idea that Kavanaugh should be viewed through a scope of being “innocent until proven guilty”.

The problem with this approach is that it replaces human empathy with political practicality, and supports the stigma that victims of assault should not come forth with stories in fear of not being believed.

In these cases, how much evidence is “concrete” and “enough”?

Thus, a space of thought is created where the victim is disregarded altogether.

In a setting where the most important decisions are made to dictate the lives of the American people, the temperament displayed during the hearing is dubious especially when taking into account the position for which Brett Kavanaugh was nominated.

While it may appear as the accused defending his reputation against the fire of controversy, his phrasing was harsh and adamant towards dismissing the cries of those he possibly may have scarred.

While the anger incurred during his trial is justified, his speech and unwillingness to offer any sorrow on behalf of Dr. Ford and other victims of sexual assault is what issues cri-

ticism.

The Republican Party appeared transparent in rushing the hearing, limiting the amount of time Dr. Ford was given to exhibit her sorrow; it fell amidst a potentially premeditated plan to admit Kavanaugh into the Supreme Court regardless. Are we protecting the powerful or preserving the sacred title of representing the American people?

While many speak on the harsh way Kavanaugh’s image has been tainted, they fail to forget the same repercussions Ford faces as a woman placing herself in the eyes of the public.

Why is trauma’s altercation in her life justified, but brought up as a red flag for Kavanaugh?

Are women supposed to walk on eggshells around males, and reap the results of actions forced upon them?

While Kavanaugh may have presented himself as a successful nominee for Supreme Court Justice over the years, it does not hinder the possibility that in his youth, he may have been a different person.

The mentality of “boys will be boys” is one rooted in sexism and instilled in adolescents across the country, seemingly as if the misconduct towards the opposite sex is justifiable or forgivable if you are willing to cover up and change in the future.

With sexist controversy li-

ning the ranks of our President as well, an ugly taste was left in the mouth of the public following the final Senate decision to confirm Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.

The President issued a national apology to Kavanaugh for the absence of “every notion of fairness, decency, and due process.”

His apology illustrates a conflict of interest and again, fails to acknowledge the severity of admitting a potential offender to the highest court in the nation.

By apologizing on behalf of the nation, President Trump furthers the narrative that men cannot be at fault.

To many of us, it is increasingly frustrating to be on the sidelines witnessing a time gaslit in reckoning and perfumed with the hopes of rebalancing power in society.

To many of us women, it is demeaning to witness the regression of the power female voices have- not only in society, but in the eyes of the government as well.

Where do we stand in society? A woman’s basic desire to be heard, to be believed, and even to be respected should not be ignored when challenging the opposite sex.

Countless times women have been failed by systems of power and now more than ever, is the time for action.

Guilty until proven innocent: the influence of media

By Zeyad Shariff, Staff Writer

Amidst his confirmation hearing, a massive controversy has arisen over the sexual assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh, an American lawyer and jurist who was eventually confirmed as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Americans watching the nationally televised hearing were able to draw their own conclusions about Kavanaugh’s guilt or innocence. However, the news media played an undue part in influencing the public’s opinion against Kavanaugh.

Studies following the hearing reveal that the majority of media have chosen to focus on the doubtful aspects rather than depict it in whole. The conservative Media Research Center shows more than 90 percent of coverage of Kavanaugh has been negative. Because the me-

The wording on the front of the Supreme Court building promises equal judgement under the law.| Katrina Dydzuhn

dia is for many Americans the main source of information, it is concerning that media outlets, through negatively biased coverage, have the ability to influence the public’s perception of the candidate. The case of Brett Kavanaugh is an especially worrying example, because it is very possible that Kavanaugh may have been denied due process under the law, specifically

a fair confirmation process, as a result of media bias.

I understand that this claim may be hard for some to comprehend, as Kavanaugh was eventually confirmed.

However, his confirmation was still nearly stopped by public opinion, a result associated closely with negative coverage by the media. Several senators, including Jeff Flake of Arizona,

received thousands of phone calls urging them to vote against the nomination, and two citizens went so far as to block the door of the elevator Sen. Flake was taking to implore him to vote against the nomination.

The emotional moment, which was caught on video and quickly distributed by media sources, was widely credited as the reason that Flake decided to demand an FBI investigation of Kavanaugh before giving the nominee his vote. Such influences of public opinion are a direct result of negative coverage by the media.

Now, to be clear, I am not supporting Brett Kavanaugh, Donald Trump, or any other conservative figure or agenda that one might try to associate me with. I believe rape and sexual assault are despicable actions that should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

However, by jumping to con-

clusions and basing media coverage based on these assumptions, the public is deprived of all the facts. As a result, the opinions of Americans become limited to the majority opinion of the media.

For members of the media to deliberately portray people in a negatively biased manner is irresponsible, as it cultivates public opinion - a large force that has the power to sway the decisions of authority figures - to be negative and prejudiced.

If we cannot hear the accused’s side of the story without condemning him, then what kind of democracy are we? We owe it to any accused individual, as well as to each other, to cover people accused of crimes fairly in the media, such that they may have a true right to due process. If not, we risk falling victim to a culture of “guilty until proven innocent.”

THE CLASSIC | 11

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

The Classic

EDITORIAL STAFF

FROM THE EDITORS

The dress code is discriminatory. It’s time for the SU to do more.

The Townsend Harris dress code has been devised to promote a positive learning atmosphere and a wholesome attitude for each student and the school as a whole.”

Students have been told this for years. But are positive learning and wholesome attitudes unattainable if a girl next to me shows her shoulders? Although not explicitly stated, this is exactly what the dress code implies. More than that, it is what the school faculty enforces every year as the weather begins to warm up.

When the annual email gets sent out, you can hear the collective groans of the female student body as they are forced to prepare for the worst in the coming months. The groans come from the female side of the student body because, as people have argued for years, the dress code is sexist and discriminatory.

The numbers don’t lie.

In a survey conducted by The Classic’s news department during the 2017- 2018 school year, 91% of the students who reported receiving demerits for breaking the dress code are females. A mere 9% of those reporting that they received demerits are male.

Although one can argue that there are more females than males in the school population, the numbers presented suggest that the female student body is impacted more heavily relative to the overall population.

Moreover, the numbers show that females at THHS, even when following the dress code, are disproportionately impacted.

Time and again, students have suggested that the code disproportionately applies to women; our news department’s reporting gives concrete numbers to these accusations. s.

T h e Ne w Yo r k C i t y Department of Education has a program called Implementing Respect For All, which states that “the ability of students to learn and meet high academic

“

standards and a school’s ability to educate its students are compromised by discrimination or harassment, including bullying, taunting and/or intimidation.” This is responding to the state’s Respect For All Act, which says that discrimination in any way, shape, or form is intolerable in schools.

The dress code has been shown to target girls much more often compared to their male counterparts, and the SU should make the argument to those responsible for implementing Respect for All that these rules apply to our school’s dress code.

There are three scenarios in which females are targeted more than males because of the dress code: financially, timewise, and emotionally.

Unlike most males, many members of the female student body must have two separate wardrobes, half of which contains clothes based on their personal style and the other half full of clothes considered dress code appropriate.

Males, on the other hand, only have to worry about what they feel like wearing, as both their casual and fashion forward outfits rarely clash with the dress code. If males in the school do not have to purchase a separate wardrobe with the dress code in mind, the females shouldn’t be put in a different position.

While guys can just throw on outfits, girls have to lay out multiple outfits. With each outfit comes trying the items on and measuring the length of our pants with an I.D. card.

It may seem like a small concern, but the time it takes a girl to get ready in the morning should not at all be impacted because of school r u les when males are not similarly impacted.

Even though the rules put in place are meant to ensure a safe environment, the females student body can’t help but feeling as if all eyes are on their shoulders or knees as they walk down the halls. Yes, female students do frequently

EST. 1984

The Classic is an open forum for the expression of student views. The opinions expressed therein should not be taken to represent those of the administration or faculty, or of the student body as a whole.

break the code and attempt to avoid being caught; they do not do this to avoid getting demerits, they do it because the prying eyes of the administration makes them feel uncomfortable in the clothes they choose to wear.

They should not be made to feel as if they are dolls in a game of dress-up with the administration. Many students have expressed the anxiety and fear they experience regularly and that is simply not indicative of fostering a safe environment.

In light of the past year, it is clear that we live in a culture that encourages women to maintain their silence in light of injustice. School, as an extension, is proving to students that what is happening to women in the world is acceptable.

Women i n Tow nsend Harris must resort to measuring their legs in accordance to the hems of their skirts in order for them to be accepted into the building.

Much like measuring a slab of meat for its worth, girls are forced into the mindset that they are not worthy to learn in a safe environment if the skirt they wear exceeds a mere three inches above their knee.

Women at Townsend Harris begin their lives as Harrisites at the age of 14. For the next four years of their life, they are supposed to take what they learn in school and develop a sense of self. With a restrictive dress code and environment that encourages discriminatory behavior, it is more challenging for girls to recognize their selfworth during a critical period of development.

Truth be told, if someone were to wear something really inappropriate, social interactions would lead to better choices. Arbitrary rules written by those who do not wear what is advertised for people of our age group lead to unnecessary fingers being pointed.

Change needs to happen.

There is no way for this to happen without action taken by the Student Union. For

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Danielle Amster Isabelle Guillaume NEWS EDITORS Nefertari Elshiekh Julianna Zitron

SPORTS EDITORS Hritamber Chakraborty Kunchaka Fonseka

FEATURES EDITORS Jessica Brite Alyssa Nepomuceno

SCIENCE & TECH EDITOR Ryla Pasaoa

OPINION EDITORS Amberly Khan Aresha Parjohn

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORS Katrina Dydzuhn Matthew Neil

A&E EDITORS Victoria Kuzma Crystal Ngan

COPY EDITORS Daniela Zavlun Nataniela Zavlun

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Ava Nabatkhoran

LAYOUT EDITOR Jacqueline Woo

MANAGING EDITORS Ilma Aamir Samantha Alzate ADVISOR Brian Sweeney We welcome letters to the editor.

Townsend Harris High School 149-11 Melbourne Avenue Flushing, NY 11367 thhsclassic@gmail.com

The Classic reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and concision.

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Have an opinion on an article published in The Classic?

Want to have your thoughts on a topic published?

Write a “Letter to the Editor” and email it to thhsclassic@gmail.com. years, the SU has brought student concerns to school administration, but nothing has yet to happen.

We are calling on the SU to make a case to governing bodies above the THHS administration that is legally bound to ensure that students face no discrimination, in any form, during their school experience. Multiple professional media outlets should also be contacted to amplify voices of students who feel that this is an injustice that causes our female student body to feel singled out and under the watch of the school’s administration.

There is evidence to be presented now, evidence that shows that there is a clear difference in what it is like to learn

in an environment as a female versus as a male. In the words of Townsend Harris himself, doors should always be open to all, with “no distinction save that of industry, good conduct, and intellect.” Nowhere does it say in the fabric of the school’s beliefs that shoulders and skirts are a determining factor of our right to a stress free educational environment.

We a r e s t u d e nt s o f Townsend Harris presenting the argument that the Student Union desires, and we are students who would like to finally see a change that would leave our school better than we found it.

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OPINION: Instead of blaming the SU, students need to act if they want dress code reform

By Marsad Kabir and Brenden Picioane, Staff Writers

A heated issue that the student body and administration continue to debate is the dress code, but large changes such as allowed skirt length modifications and allowance of fully uncovered shoulders do not come very easily. The Student Union board has worked tirelessly to make some adjustments to the policy in cooperation with the administration, but the student body is simply not giving enough argument to push this change forward and is instead focusing on complaining about changes toward which they’re being passive.

Considering that a change in a code of conduct such as

dress code affects the entirety of the student body, there is a more complex process to implement such a change than students think.

A change in dress code policy would have to pass through the Townsend Harris administrators, and one cannot just ask for the dress code to be changed.

The SU board has consistently brought up these issues to the administration with no solid progress, but this is not necessarily due to the unwillingness of these parties.

Many students believe that the administration is not budging in their stances because they don’t care about the student’s desires. However, in a poll conducted within the SU board, 100% of the executi-

ves answered “yes” to “Is the administration open and willing to change in cooperation with the SU board and student body?”

The dress code not being reformed is not the fault of the administration not listening to Harrisites, but rather the inability of the student body to prove that a change in the dress code will benefit the THHS community and properly relay this information to the administration and SU members.

The main reason for which the administration does not believe in immediate dress code reform is the fact that students are only asking for change without having concrete reasons to do so, and the administration has to have

multiple solid and beneficial reasons as to why the dress code should be more lenient.

A lot of administrators do feel that the dress code is apart of the Townsend Harris culture, and thus would need to hear good reasons for its change.

It is a conversation that happens every year at Consultative Council, but every year students’ arguments fall flat.

The two main arguments cited by the student body are hot temperatures at the end of the school year and fashion trends making it difficult to buy women’s shorts that are of an appropriate length.

However, the administration has effectively refuted both of these, saying that at THHS has a central air and

Online data security & privacy

By Kyle Lai and Jasmine Palma, Staff Writers

In the thriving metropolis we live in today, the use of social media platforms and online shopping is a norm. Bustling New Yorkers check their social networking sites as they move to and fro to keep up with friends, family, and pop culture.

With their increasingly busy schedules, people are resorting to online shopping for its accessibility and the convenience of not having to leave their homes.

As a result, people input so much data into an electronic void including their cre-

dit card numbers, birthdays, phone numbers, and other sensitive information without knowing how it is processed or where it could end up.

This begs the question: is it safe to trust networking sites’ policies that information is kept absolutely private?

Hackers exposed multitudinous data of tech giants Facebook and Google+ in the past weeks.

On September 28th, Facebook announced that cybercriminals attained nearly 50 million users’ private information.

10 days later, Google reported that a bug is said to

have affected approximately hundreds of thousands of accounts and left their accounts’ sensitive data vulnerable to hackers.

The Facebook attackers utilized a bug that targeted a vulnerability in Facebook’s “View As” feature, which allows users to view their account in the lens of other users.

Hackers were then able to control users’ access tokens, which are unique to each login and are responsible for keeping users logged in to Facebook after they exit the site.

This enabled hackers to view sensitive information ot herwise kept private to the

Facebook experienced a hack in September, Which led users to wonder if their data would ever be safe while being online. | Tasnimul Taher

user only, including information shared by friends linked to the profile. They would also gain access to third-party services that were connected to the Facebook account.

After Facebook contacted law enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), over 90 million profiles were forcibly logged out, including the accounts of Facebook Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg and Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg. Out of the 90 million accounts, 50 million were impacted.

Google then reported of a bug that exposed the personal

that students are permitted to change into shorts at the end of day once they’re leaving school.

If the students actually want the dress code to be reformed as much as they say, the student body has to show all members of the Consultative Council how strongly they want the change with strong arguments rather than base accusations.

The council’s sole purpose is to represent student views.

If the students make a valiant effort in showing how much they want a dress code reform, it will make policies in line with what the students want.

data of up to 500,000 people from the social network Google+, as declared in a blog post by the prominent search engine on October 8.

The bug revealed the information of people using the social media platform from 2015 to March 2018. Consequently, Google is set to shut down Google+ as of August 2019.

As users of electronic platforms, the public must be aware of the potential threats and the significance of uploading personal information.

Chemistry teacher and robotics Head Coach Joel Heitman stated, “Once it goes digital, it’s everybody’s game.”

THE CLASSIC | 13

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

AIDS Awareness at THHS

By Togay Atmaca, Adamary Felipe, Jasmine Wang, Staff Writers

October marks the start of AIDS Awareness month in the United States, and the students and faculty at Townsend Harris High School are getting ready to learn more about the importance of how AIDS impacts our society. Although all NYC high school students are mandated to take a Health course for one semester, recognizing AIDS Awareness month annually reminds everyone about what AIDS is and what the syndrome does.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) spreads through certain body fluids and affects certain immune system cells, such as CD4 cells or T cells, which work to protect your body from infections and diseases. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is diagnosed once the CD4 cell count is less than 200 since the normal range is about 500 -

Condoms are the number one way to prevent STDs and STIs, such as AIDS.

1,500. This low count of CD4 cells allows for opportunistic infections to take advantage of the weakened immune system and is potentially fatal.

With this knowledge, we can understand how to take steps to prevent it and where we are in the process of discovering a cure for HIV, the virus that leads to AIDS. According to Health and Physical Education teacher

Matt Lemanczyk, the most important step to take when it comes to prevention is staying educated in regards to how HIV is spread. “If proper education is provided on preventative measures,” Mr. Lemanczyk said, “the risk of contracting the disease is drastically decreased.” He continued to explain that “simply understanding the risk and seriousness of contracting HIV”

is all it takes to help mitigate the spread of the deadly virus.

This is especially important in today’s society because, as Health and Physical Education teacher Jamal Bermudez described, “More teens are exposed to sex these days than ever before. The music has become more raunchy and access to pornography and other graphic content [have increased].”

Students currently in a health class share the same sentiment when it comes to HIV/ AIDS education. Sophomore Joshua Vieira described how learning about the disease and other STDs in health class is useful beyond a school setting, such as by introducing students to the “treatments and… methods of prevention” so that they will “know how to practice safe sex” as they enter sexual maturity. This understanding, according to Joshua, also means that “we aren’t necessarily afraid of [HIV/AIDS] as we were in the 80s,” rather,

we are more prepared to understand and treat it.

Junior Cathy Chen agrees, adding on that spreading awareness is so important because HIV “is a life-altering, potentially life-ending, [virus] that is preventable.” She highlights how important it is to understand that HIV/AIDS is preventable, as she feels that “to lose one’s life due to an HIV infection that’ll lead to AIDS when it could have been… prevented from the start is something that should never happen.”

It’s important to keep infections at a minimum because, as more people contract HIV, it gets more opportunities to mutate and becomes harder to treat.

Each time we take a moment to learn and teach others about AIDS this month, we are taking strides towards prevention and alleviating the hardship on researchers who are actively seeking a cure.

A journey of scientific exploration: Lucia Lin and her research experience

By Ryla Pasaoa and Togay Atmaca, Science and Technology Editor and Staff Writer

Outside of the swimming pool and Latin League Certamen, senior Lucia Lin is an answer-seeker in every sense of the word. As a child, she persistently asked questions about how and why things worked the way that they did.

She turned to science to give her the solutions to the inquiries of her childhood and, more importantly, give her the tools that she needed to continue to answer those inquiries as she grew.

At Townsend Harris High School, Lucia took every opportunity to satisfy her boundless curiosities. In her freshman year, she joined the school’s Science Olympiad where she quickly ascended the ranks and is now the Vice President on the team’s executive board.

The following year, she chose Science Research as her elective and learned basic lab techniques. “My independent research project [during my sophomore year] was messy.

Nothing was really clicking,” Lucia recalled. “My original project dealt with genetics and gel electrophoresis, but I found out that the gel electrophoresis in the research lab didn’t work with my particu-

lar project.”

For junior science research, students are required to enter the New York City Science and Engineering Fair (NYCSEF).

After several attempts to conduct new experiments to submit to the competition, Lucia ended up using a project from her sophomore year.

the Garcia Research Scholar Program at Stony Brook University, a research program that focused on materials science and engineering. The two fields go hand in hand, as Lucia explained how materials science “studies the behavior of materials and how we can use the properties of

“I entered NYCSEF with incredibly low expectations because of how rushed my project was. On top of that, I thought that [my experiment] was pretty simple in comparison to the other projects,” Lucia commented. However, contrary to her expectations, they achieved second place at the NYCSEF Finals.

While searching for a topic that she felt passionate about researching, Lucia discovered

certain materials to create advancements in” engineering overall by optimizing the materials that are used for different projects.

Her participation in the Garcia Program opened many doors for her research. Not only did it provide access to a professional research lab and facility, but it also gave her the chance to learn about groundbreaking research conducted by experienced scientists in

the fields of materials science and engineering.

Along with the educational benefits, the Garcia Program provided the chance for Lucia to bond and network with the other students who participated in the program and shared the same interest materials science.

Lucia’s project at Garcia involved the use of graphene oxide, a type of nanomaterial, in hydrogen fuel cells to maximize their power, density, and performance. These hydrogen fuel cells convert chemical enerinto Lucia gy electrical energy using an electrochemical cell. At the anode, hydrogen is supplied and, when it encounters a platinum catalyst, splits into protons and electrons. The protons and electrons recombine with oxygen at the cathode and create a clean byproduct of water.

One particular material that has been observed to have great potential to reduce gas permeability is graphene oxide, which, Lu-

cia explained, is “a revolutionary material that consists of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice.” Graphene oxide contains nanopores which decrease gas permeability, while still allowing protons to pass through due to its proton transport channels.

She observed that utilizing graphene oxide to coat the membranes in fuel cells significantly increased power output.

Her findings hold great importance because it “makes hydrogen energy a more viable alternative to fossil fuels in terms of energy production, which will hopefully increase hydrogen fuel implementation in the world around us to decrease harmful emissions from fossil fuels.”

Her experience in Garcia and science research in THHS helped her realize her interest in doing research and studying chemical engineering.

Lucia’s newfound ambitions are accredited to her understanding that research is “one of the most important fields of study because you can directly impact both the people and the world around you, [which is] an incredible privilege.”

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THHSCLASSIC.COM

Body image in Netflix rom-coms

By Reshma Deonarain and Tanisum Halim, Staff Writers

The recent hype involving Netflix among teenagers has more or less to do with the two big romantic comedies, Sierra Burgess Is a Loser and the TV show Insatiable. Both the movie and the show feature sensitive issues like body image and fat-shaming which resulted in a debate about whether they truly break or enforce the stereotypes and the stigma.

The movie includes Shannon Purser who plays Sierra Burgess. Her identity gets

mistaken which leads to a “relationship” with her crush, Jamey, played by Noah Centineo.

Sierra is not as skinny as the other girls in her grade which makes her feel bad about herself. Although Jamey likes Sierra’s personality, Sierra is too scared that Jamey won’t like her if he actually sees her. Sierra asks someone who is more popular, Veronica, portrayed

by Kristine Froseth, to help her.

The movie as a whole ends with a good resolution where the former “loser” gets the guy,

but it’s all the little details that lead up to the moment that creates all the controversy.

The biggest factor that makes the movie problematic for many is the concept of catfishing, which drives the whole storyline.

“I think even though in the end of the movie she gets the guy, it kind of encouraged the fact that you have to look a certain way for a guy to like you,” explained junior Bridgit Ramlakhan.

This brings up the question of whether the film is endorsing being in disguise for so-

meone to truly appreciate one for who they are.

The film also brings up the issue of consent when Sierra kisses Jamey, who thinks he is kissing Veronica. This whole “identity-swap” concept is a classic for many rom-com movies, but it is the underlying message that it conveys to young girls that is at the core of the controversy.

The movie was supposed to show that people shouldn’t be ashamed of their bodies.

Bridgit added, “I think that it’s ironic because through the whole movie she struggles to

Hollywood and social media has a big imact on how teens view themselves | Shannon Thomas

be perfect. It shows like you have to change yourself to be noticed.”

Similarly, Insatiable is also a Netflix series that presents an overweight girl, Patty, portrayed by Debby Ryan. Patty is first shown as a victim of bullying due to her weight. She later becomes thin and seeks revenge on all the people that made her feel self-conscious.

The show also raises controversy of having the overweight Patty being the target of bullying, which makes it seem as though being fat makes one unworthy.

The way that Patty undergoes her transition and loses her weight is not realistic or healthy either. When she is punched in the face and her jaw is wired shut, she can’t eat which leads to her weight loss.

With numerous eating disorders, this dangerous way of weight loss sends out the wrong message to people struggling with their body image.

The movie and show are both offensive in some manner when it comes to body image and catfishing, however, they have also touched some people who struggle with their own image.

“We all care about the way we look one way or another,” said sophomore Zoe Tylipakis.

“So although the movie ‘glorified’ catfishing in a way, it still captured the essence of being a teenager, which I loved.”

Diverse Hollywood: The impact of Crazy Rich Asians

By Angelina Jimenez, Ava Nabatkhoran, Savannah Sclafani, Usha Sookai, Staff Writers

When Crazy Rich Asians came out in American theaters on August 15, it was the first movie in 25 years to don an all-Asian cast, topping the box office for 4 weeks in a row.

It was not only its cast full of A-list actors, but also the Asian representation in media that drew people to theaters, especially Townsend Harris Crazy Rich Asians was one of the hottest movies of the summer. | Xander Izower students. somebody who’s clearly made and give minority groups a For many viewers, one of up and you know they’re cau- voice in the media. She conthe most remarkable things casian.” With this, she referen- tinued, “We are representing about this movie was its allced the problem in Hollywood the diversity that we see in Asian cast, only the second of of whitewashing characters our society… and that is a step its kind since 1993’s The Joy of color, where a white actor [forward].”

Luck Club. Science teacher would be playing a character In addition to its unique Mrs. Shen said, “I think it was of a different race, most of- cast, audiences are celebrating sad in the really old movies ten Asian or African Ameri- Crazy Rich Asians for its rare when [they’d] have the Asian can. Movies with diverse casts representation of Asian cultucharacter… [who’s played by] like this combat those issues re. Sophomore Francesca Ma-

nabat said, “Something that I really enjoyed about Crazy Rich Asians was it’s setting and world-building, and its portrayal of Singapore. Another big step [in developing diversity in media] is portraying characters in movies ([especially] ones based off books [well]) not just racially, but ethnically... We saw a [little] bit of that in Crazy Rich Asians, with a good portion of the cast being Malay [or] Singaporean. I really hope we can see more of that.” She also emphasized the importance of small details, like traditional clothing and food. These added “magic” to the film without making the characters’ races their defining qualities. Additionally, as sophomore Zoe Tylipakis put it, creating a movie that brings traditional Asian customs to the big screen allows more

Asian people to “connect with their background and embrace their heritage”.

Hollywood demonstrated its effort to promote this inclusivity and diversification through other recent movies such as Get Out, Black Panther, and Coco, all of which were big hits. Senior Alexa Barasiano also believes that movies like these are encouraging to those who may want to pursue a career in the media industry.

People of color “are inspired knowing that they could possibly do this one day,” she said.

Mrs. Shen also agreed, adding that seeing Asian actors on the big screen playing large roles in major films creates a sense of pride. “As an Asian person in America,” she stated.

“That’s a great achievement to look at.”

THE CLASSIC | 15

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Crocs: fashion friend or foe?

By Kelly Casottana, Staff Writer

Walking down the halls, one can spot the various types of footwear that students are wearing.

But senior Katilyn Wu’s camo colored Crocs stand out among her classmates’ shoes.

Kaitlyn, a Croc enthusiast, owns five different pairs of Crocs and wears them at least once a week to school; “I love Crocs. They are so versatile.

You can wear them all year round. In the winter, you can wear fuzzy socks underneath them and in the summer, the waterproof material is great.”

Kaitlyn said, “I love seeing other people wear Crocs because it’s like a little Croc family.”

This Croc family seems to be growing in popularity. Senior Matthew Cabrera, who frequently wears the shoe in school, claims that Crocs are “the best thing to happen to humanity.”

He said, “Crocs are practical because they are durable and comfortable. They are easy to put on and take off, they remove the hassle of shoelaces, and they can basically be slippers for the outside.”

Senior Safiyah Khan shared her opinion; “I wear them all the time. They’re super comfortable and help me get through the long day.”

Junior Adrianna Romanowski agreed, saying she wears her Crocs everyday as

they are “convenient and easy to wear.”

Safiyah believes Crocs allow for individual expression.

She said, “There’s so many ways to be expressive with Crocs, from the color of the actual Croc to all the charms you can put on them. Additionally, you can be expressive with your socks because they’re visible.”

Although Crocs seem to be popular, many students are still hesitant to wear them in public.

Junior James Hopkins commented, “I personally wouldn’t wear crocs to school. I Hollywood and social media has a big imact on how teens view themselves | Jason Bacalla have since upgraded to flip kids or old people that are bejust don’t think they look yond caring about what they that good, and from what I re- flops.

“I was too young to unders- look like. They may be practimember they were really rubber-like and pretty uncomfor- tand the importance of aesthe- cal if you want to take out the table. I think they’re practical tics back then, but if given the trash but only for that.” choice now I would not wear However, when asked about but not fashionable.” their thoughts about their Similarly, junior Efaz Ah- Crocs.”

She continued, “I would not classmates wearing Crocs, thomed said he wouldn’t wear Crocs to school because they wear crocs to school just be- se against Crocs seemed to lescause I feel that they would ins- sen their judgement. don’t suit his fashion sense.

Sean stated, “Honestly, I Crocs’ lack of fashion appeal tantly ruin any outfit of mine. I seems to be its biggest dete- have other choices of footwear wouldn’t care if someone was rrent and the shoe brand still that are more comfortable and wearing Crocs unless it was a friend, then I’d probably call faces some hate from the stu- easier on the eyes.”

Junior Sean Sharma expresthem out for that.” dent body.

“I usually assume that peoSenior Deborah Kong spoke sed his feelings towards Crocs passionately about her deci- stating, “[Crocs] are so bad; I ple are wearing Crocs to be don’t think I could be that bold ironic, because crocs really do sion to ditch Crocs.

She said, “I used to wear ever. Crocs are definitely not not pair well with any outfit,” Deborah said.

Crocs to swim practice when fashionable.”

He adds, “They’re for little “I see them only as a humoI first begin swimming but I

The misconceptions of K-Pop

By Kathryn Kwon, Staff Writer

Korean Pop (K-Pop) is a genre of music that includes different audiovisual elements.

With known artists such as BTS and NCT playing over American radios and appearing on American television shows, K-Pop is slowly growing more popular in Western media.

However, with this change in the music scene, K-Pop is becoming increasingly misunderstood.

In Korea, K-Pop idol musicians only debut after passing a singing audition, a dancing audition, a profile test, and a rigorous training that can last anywhere from a couple months to a decade.

This training period is considered the hardest part of being an idol, with set rules trainees

need to follow and contracts they must sign before entering their training period.

As a result, Korean idol musicians are seen as conditioned products of strict Korean standards.

This has led to many misconceptions of K-Pop as they become more prominent in Western media.

Freshman Angela Choi said she believes many of these views stem from the idea that “K-Pop is something that [people] are not used to,” so they “have a hard time accepting [K-Pop], as they weren’t [exposed to it before].”

As K-Pop filters into Western media, opposition and hate towards the genre of music expands.

Junior Suhyun Park believes this opposition to K-Pop is also because male groups, in

particular, “are typically more feminine in looks and their songs than what Western culture accepts. We like to see our male celebrities as masculine and K-Pop groups [defy] the norms.”

Compared to popular American artists, Korean male idols are more flexible with their use of makeup, sense of fashion, and music concepts.

A common misconception is that K-Pop idols aren’t real musicians.

Many opposers of the music believe idols shouldn’t be called musicians as the process of becoming a singer differs from that of the US: Singers aren’t discovered but rather shaped to become public influencers.

In response, Angela said, “All K-Pop idols go through intense training… [and] calling them talentless is blatantly ignoring

rous choice and not a stylistic one,” said Deborah, “but I wouldn’t be against anyone wanting to wear it because they are in charge of their own feet and their own decisions.”

Junior James Hopkins said that although he wouldn’t wear the shoe to school himself, he doesn’t have a problem with other people wearing Crocs to school since a school shouldn’t dictate people’s style choices for them.

“We should just let people wear what they want to wear,” says James, “and not put such an emphasis on what people choose to put on their body.”

[their hard work to be] where dings of K-Pop, leading to unethey’re at.” ducated beliefs surrounding Another common miscon- the genre of music. ception stems from the belief that idols aren’t musically inclined.

People tend to believe that idols in the K-Pop industry are chosen solely for their visuals or other factors rather than their ability to sing or rap.

Senior Christopher Thomas said, “A lot of people think K-Pop groups are untalented because a lot of the concepts are repeated and sometimes generic.”

As a result, these misconceptions cause a listener who is first exposed to K-Pop to stray away from the genre of music or react negatively to it.

This reaction only addsKpop group BTS held a concert at Citifield on onto the misunderstan-October 6. | Katrina Dydzuhn

16 | THE CLASSIC

THHSCLASSIC.COM

A look at the fall’s biggest sports moments

By Hritamber Chakraborty and Kunchaka Fonseka, Sports Editors

Lebron and the LA Lakers Lebron James’ joining of the Lakers has shaken up the entire NBA. He decided to enter the ultra-competitive Western conference for the first time in his career. Signing a four year $153.3 million contract, James chose to take his talents to Los Angeles and has become a leader to a very young team with young stars like Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Kyle Kuzma.

With the court vision and passing ability that he has developed over sixteen seasons, James hopes to elevate the Lakers into a playoff contender improving from their 35-47 finish last year. New additions, Rajon Rondo, Javale McGee, Lance Stephenson, and Michael Beasley, will benefit from James’ winning mentality and astute understanding of the game.

He has sights set on reviving the purple and gold into the well-respected franchise that we all knew and loved.

Messi’s Noteworthy Play With a disappointing elimination from the 2018 World Cup, Lionel Messi couldn’t lead his poorly coached Argentine National Team past the round of 16. This lackluster performance has led many critics to deem his as an “overrated” player who can only

play on the stacked Barcelona team. However, after Messi’s “magisterial” performance against the Tottenham Hotspurs F.C. where he scored 2 of the team’s 4 goals, the discussion has immensely shifted.

The conversations now en-

ments in the regular season are far too many to count, this trek to glory will have to stop.

Messi broke his arm in a game against Sevilla from a hard foul after falling on his arm.

According to sports doctors from Barcelona, he will be out

demolished anyone’s expectations for him while rewriting the record books. He threw thirteen touchdowns through the first three weeks, beating Peyton Manning’s previous mark of twelve in his record-setting 2013 season. His

for approxinmately three weeks with a radial fracture in his right arm.

A Star in Pat Mahomes Second year quarterback and 2017’s tenth overall pick for the Kansas City Chiefs, Pat Mahomes, has been playing at an incredible pace. He has

future looks extremely bright as in his week six game where he brought the Chiefs back from sixteen down against the Patriots to a three point lead with six minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Many people thought this game would be a passing the

Student repping Tom Brady jersey. | Matthew Neil

tail Messi as “the greatest of all time” or “amongst the greatest the sport has ever seen.” His club performances never fail to disappoint the sport’s biggest fans as he led Barcelona to 2nd place in La Liga with 7 wins, 4 draws, and 2 loss.

Although Messi’s achieve-

Varsity volleyball girls keep improving

By Dhruv Patel, Staff Writer

At the start of the fall season, the girl’s varsity volleyball team hoped to build on their success from last year. They had finished third in their division but had lost in the first round of the playoffs.

This season the girls started off with a bang and in their first game beat last year’s division winner Francis Lewis two sets to none. This was the start of a four-game winning streak to open the season. The Hawks, however, dropped a pair of tough games in a row midway through the season to Cardozo and Francis Lewis. After this short stumble, the team got back on track and won four straight again including a pay-

back game over Cardozo.

The team finished the season with an 8-2 record and a second overall finish in the Queens A East division. They had finished last year with a 6-4 record with all four losses came at the hands of rivals Francis Lewis and Cardozo.

This year, however, our girls won 2 of their 4 games against these two opponents helping them in their improved finish. According to senior and team captain Rosalydia Caputo, “[The] team’s chemistry was way better this year than any other year so far.” It was this chemistry that allowed the team to play together efficiently and blister opponents, giving up zero sets in their eight wins.

“We all worked very well together and constantly pushed each other in practice, making each other play better...

We were always practicing, even on weekends,” she added. Sometimes, if the team encountered obstacles in their training, they overcame them to be able to accomplish their goals for the season.

For instance, if another THHS team was using the gym, the team would instead use the basement or staircase to do conditioning drills.

The team recognized the importance of maintaining an intense work ethic and drive for success through their long season.

Continue reading on thhsclassic.com

torch from Tom Brady to Pat Mahomes as the best quarterback in the American Football Conference. Brady ended up working his magic and pulled out the win with another last second game-winner from Stephen Gostkowski.

After week nine, Mahomes’ Chiefs have a record of 9 -2. in his young career and the Chiefs have their eyes set on the big stage. Pat Mahomes is the next big star in the National Football League. Remember the name.

Brady Over the Hump?

ESPN reports that the average age of an NFL player is 26.6 and the average for an NFL quarterback is 29.1. The average player plays 3.3 seasons on average while rookies who make their starting roster play for about 6 years. The oldest current player who is not a kicker is forty-one year old Tom Brady, quarterback for the New England Patriots.

Now in his nineteenth season, Brady is playing at an unprecedented level for his age. Just last year, Brady became the oldest player to win the Most Valuable Player award for the NFL. So far through eleven games, Brady has thrown nineteen touchdowns and seven interceptions while posting an average quarterback rating of 96.3. It is not a stretch to see Brady playing when he is forty five.

Eyes on the prize: How the boys’ track team stays motivated

Track team comes together for a cheer. | Matthew Neil

By Dhruv Patel, Staff Writer

also qualifying for the Penn Relay: a prestigious meet to which only a few teams are invited to participate. Although they accomplished such feats, the team was somewhat disappointed since factors such as weather and injuries prevented the team from performing better.

For many students, the start of the school year marked a return to the academic “grind,” but for the boys’ track team, August and September marked a return to the grind on the track. Last year, the team performed exceptionally well; the team ranked as one of the top three teams in Queens in each of the cross Continue reading on thhscountry, indoor track, and classic.com outdoor track seasons, while