MARCH 2021 EDITION Ross Colton: From Robbinsville to the NHL By Abby Moir

On February 24, Ross Colton, the 24-year old Robbinsville native, made his debut with the . And, at 6:43 mark of the opening period, Colton scored his first NHL against the , making him just the ninth player in team history to score a goal in his NHL debut.

“It didn’t feel real when I scored,” Colton said. “Sounds cliché but I think after I scored I blacked out and didn’t know how to react because I was so excited. The best part was that my parents, brother, cousin, aunt, grandmother and two best friends were all there to see it happen in person. So, just to be able to experience that with them is something we will all be able to remember forever.”

Colton first became interested in hockey by going to Trenton Titans games when he was young. Colton went to school in Robbinsville from grades 1 “ I fell in love with the game watching them and the to 8 before attending Princeton Day School. After ,” he said. two years, he transferred to The Taft School in Connecticut. Colton and his brother Robert would try to go to as many Devils games as they could, where Ross’ favorite “It hit me that I would have a good of playing in player was Zach Parise. college when I was a freshman at PDS,” Colton said. “I started to get emails and calls from Division 1 Colton started skating at the age of four when his schools.. I always dreamed of playing pro but that parents signed him up him to learn how to skate. He really clicked when I was drafted by Tampa Bay that still skates with his long-time coach Chris Barcless at I was going to have a good shot at my dream.” IceLand in Hamilton, where he competed for the Mercer Continued on next page→ Chiefs from 2009 to 2012. 1 What is your favorite place to eat in Jersey? “Favorite place to eat is JoJo’s Tavern in Hamilton. My go to order is an antipasto salad, wings and a sausage pizza. The best pizza around if you ask me.”

What is a standout moment you remember about growing up in Robbinsville? “A special moment growing up in Robbinsville was winning the 10-year-old All Star State championship for baseball. I’m still close with a bunch of guys who I played with on the team and get together as much as we can every summer when I come home.”

Who was your favorite teacher or one that still stands out to you? “One of my favorite teachers growing up was my 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Zahn. We would always tease each other because she was a huge fan and I loved the Devils. She congratulated me along with He then transferred a final time his senior year to go Mr. Johnson, Mr. Snyder, Mr. Revay and Mrs. Oszvart play junior hockey in Cedar Rapids Iowa. He attended all of whom were some of my favorites during my time Cedar Rapids Washington High School, where he at Sharon and Pond.” graduated. After high school Ross went on to play hockey for the University of Vermont for two years before he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2016 as the #118 overall pick.

“I definitely feel as though I have come a long way,” he says. “I dreamed of this moment as a 4-year-old skating at Iceland and the moment I stepped on the ice for my first shift it hit me that my dream came true. Myself along with my mom and dad all sacrificed so much throughout the years for me to get here and to see it finally pay off was an incredible feeling. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family so I give all the credit to my mom, dad and brother.”

Here are some more questions Ross has kindly answered about growing up in Robbinsville: It’s safe to say that Colton has come a long way since growing up in Robbinsville. He still hasn’t forgotten Out of New Jersey, Vermont, New York and Florida where he came from and Robbinsville sure hasn’t which is your favorite state? forgotten him. So, make sure to watch out for number 79 “They all have their perks. I would have to say Florida for the Tampa Bay Lightning because he is proof that we because of the weather. Just the other day I was laying can all reach our dreams. by the pool getting a tan. I don’t think I could do that in New Jersey or Vermont in the middle of winter!”

2 Spirit Week

Check out the RHS staff and students showing their spirit!

3 Ravens Go Back to School

By Ava Goodman

As March kicked off, hundreds of RHS students With these safety measures, Robbinsville High walked proudly through the doors and into the School has been able to provide its students with commons, heading back to school for five days a high-caliber education while also ensuring they week for the first time this school year. After nearly remain safe. a year of virtual school, students were finally able to regain a sense of normalcy. With this change in schedule, teachers have had to juggle students in person and remote. However, in With many students in person from 7:30am to true Robbinsville fashion, teachers continue to work 11:45am, the previously desolate hallways now hard to make sure students in and out of school are buzz with excitement. With this excitement also still learning. With a lot of courage and a bit of comes appropriate safety protocols that the strength, the district’s staff is working hard to make Robbinsville administration and the CDC have put the rest of what has seemed to be an uneasy year a into place. The school has direction signs in memorable and fun experience. In the midst of hallways, ensuring they do not become trying times, Robbinsville High School is doing a overcrowded, one person to bathroom rules and great job pushing the school forward in a safe and social distancing. effective way.

4 Wrestling Season Starts off With a Bang

The Robbinsville High School wrestling team started The returning senior team captains are Drake their season off with a bang on March 1st. Rather than Torrington and Shailen Savur. Both are reigning starting in late November like it normally does, the Mercer County Tournament and District champions. team's season was pushed to the beginning of March. Torrington is committed to wrestle for TCNJ, and Since wrestling is a very close contact sport, Savur is going to wrestle at Wesleyan University. The COVID-19 has affected their practices in many ways. team’s successes would not be possible without their According to senior Shailen Savur, “Masks are worn amazing coaches: Sean Flynn, Brian Dempsey, and during practices, and the time is split between lifting Daniel Hughes. Their tireless effort has led past teams weights and wrestling.” Half the team wrestles while to many victories. the other half of the team works out in the Black Box. This allows for less people to be on the mats and makes “Without a doubt, I’m never going to forget the for safer practices. feeling of home I get from coaches Flynn, Dempsey and Hughes everyday in the wrestling room,” said Fortunately, the team's lineup for this year is extremely Torrington. “I am going to miss that the most when I strong. In previous years, the team lost matches due to leave Robbinsville.” forfeits. However, this season’s lineup is particularly strong because there are several talented freshmen joining the squad. The team’s first match was against Hamilton West on March 16th, and their most anticipated matches will be against Hightstown and Hopewell Valley. Along with the newcomers, there are many returning wrestlers who are excited to get back By Shreya Savur on the mats!

5 February Teacher of the Month: Señorita Brooks Congratulations!

Here are some things Ms. Brooks’s students Here are some things you should know about had to say about her: Ms. Brooks: “She always makes sure we understand the lessons and keeps in check the amount of homework, so no student What inspired you to become a teacher? is too stressed out.” “After college, I worked in education research and managed a team of data collectors who worked with “Because she truly cares a lot and understands how hard bilingual students. I had this feeling that I was ‘on the this year has been on all of her students. I really wrong side of the glass.’ I wanted to work directly with appreciate how hard she tries to make her class (and the students. While I went to college for Spanish, school in general) enjoyable for all her students.” psychology, and art, my favorite part-time jobs were always working with children at the YMCA, day camps “I really like Srta. Brooks because she teaches really and more. I loved making personal connections with well and I'm able to understand Spanish a lot better kids and creating a warm, supportive environment because of her.” where they could grow. So, I decided to make a career of it!” What do you enjoy most about being a teacher? “I still love the personal connections I get to make with students as a teacher; I love feeling like a trusted adult that students know they can rely on for any kind of support, academic, social or emotional. I love my team of colleagues. I also love planning lessons and developing interdisciplinary content; it has always been my creative outlet.” What’s your favorite thing to do in your spare time? “Train and play with my puppy, Bear. I also love horseback riding, walking, running, listening to the news, cooking and talking with friends on the phone.” Anything else you want to say to the Robbinsville students and staff? “It is a pleasure to work with the talented women in the World Language Department and I feel so lucky to work at a school with such motivated students and supportive administration.”

Interview by Himasri Cheerla Photo by Luke Szkudlapski

6 Gender Equality Club By Mia Lawrence

If you’ve tuned into Raven Time at any this month, chances are you’ve learned about some awesome women in history whose stories haven’t been told nearly enough. This is all courtesy of the Gender Equality Club here at RHS. This club is dedicated to the pursuit of equality for all, and that starts with educating and making changes in our own community. The Gender Equality Club’s biggest fundraiser in the past has been the International Women’s Day bake sale but due to COVID-19, that was not possible this year.

With lots of hard work, the GEC has found other ways to emphasize the importance of equality and celebrate Women’s History Month, such as the videos in the morning announcements. They have also held many What do you hope to accomplish with this club this discussion about various issues, and even held a movie year and in the future? night on March 13th to watch Moxie, a movie about a group of high school girls who start a club to call out Maitri: “Our goal is to help and support people of and combat the sexism they see in their school. gender-based discrimination, or discrimination due to any other aspect of their identity, in Robbinsville and The Raven Report reached out to Maitri Shah, the across the world. We hope to continue to engage president of the Gender Equality Club, to hear what members of our community in conversations about she has to say about the club this year. social issues relating to feminism. Throughout this year, our club has been learning about various social Why is this club important to our school? problems with the hopes that club members acquire the skills they need to grow into active, educated, Maitri: “Gender Equality Club promotes intersectional responsible citizens in their communities. In the future, feminism and its values. We focus on discussing topics we aim to expand our reach in the Robbinsville relating to prevalent social issues, sources of community through various fundraisers and events.” oppression, and people’s fight for equity, especially on the basis of gender. Our club provides a safe and If you’re interested in joining the Gender Equality respectful learning environment where anyone can Club, the Google Classroom code is zxrx3zy. freely express their opinions and voice their Also, give them a follow on Instagram experiences. We recognize and accept that people @rvillegenderequality. make mistakes, and our main goal is to help each other Remember, everyone is welcome, and as Maitri said, it grow.” truly is a safe space to learn while making a positive impact on our community.

7 RHS Swim Team Swims Virtually By Anusha Qaisar & Hima Thummala

While the world shifts to a virtual environment, so has the Robbinsville High School Swim team. In lieu of the typical in person swim meets, where hundreds of students from all over New Jersey come together and compete, this year, the Robbinsville High School swim team has been competing in virtual swim meets. Junior Gowri Madhu, a varsity swimmer, explained how these virtual meets happen, “All our meets are virtual, meaning instead of meeting the other team at the same pool, both teams swim at their own individual pools. Then after both teams swim, we compare the times from all the races to determine the winner. So instead of having the swimmers Although COVID has taken away many from the other team in the same pool as us, they memorable experiences of a typical season, the swim at their own respective pool.” RHS swim team has adapted to these new circumstances and continues to try new things to

make the unique swim season as memorable and Despite the unusual circumstances, the swim team productive as possible. has done very well. Recently, the girls beat Nottingham 121-45, and the boys won, 103-63. Senior team , Victoria Cheung, told the Many swimmers on the team also broke records: Raven Report about her most memorable experience from this year: “One of my favorite Luke Brennan (freshman): 500 yard freestyle & memories from this season is dry land practices. We never really did dry land in previous years, so 200 yard individual medley it’s great to be able to work out of the water again.” She also adds that she “loves the friendly Luke Brennan (freshman), Lian Gray (junior), competitions we have with each other. Even if Shreyas Pilla (junior), Pranav Kushnoor we’re exhausted and drenched with sweat from the (junior): 400 freestyle relay workouts, it's always a good time because we’re all suffering together!” This season has certainly Megan Dera (freshman): 100 yard butterfly shown that even COVID can’t stop the RHS swim team!

8 Catching Up with the Fishers

Interview by Ella Moir, an 8th grade guest writer from PRMS

1) How did you guys meet? 5) Have you started teaching Killian soccer? Mrs. Fisher: “We met when I was a freshman at Mercer Mr. Fisher: “We just signed him up for a few soccer County College and we both played soccer. It’s pretty classes. It’s more about going out running around and cool now how we both met on the soccer field and we having fun. We have soccer balls all around the house. are now teaching in the same school district both I’ll kick them around and sometimes he’ll kick them coaching soccer.” around. He’s really into trucks and trains and all those things right now. Soccer I think is an afterthought in 2) Who is the better soccer player? his mind right now but we’ll see how he likes his Mr. Fisher: “Mrs. Fisher always says that she’s never classes.” had a really good touch and she was all speed which I don’t think is necessarily true, but with her, you would 6) Who changes more diapers? tend to think that I would be the better soccer player.” Mr. Fisher: “I change some diapers, I try to do my part, but Mrs. Fisher definitely changes more diapers Mrs. Fisher: “Mr. Fisher was definitely the better soccer than me. I think Killian prefers Mrs. Fisher changing player. We compete a lot now in things like tennis and him rather than me.” even at home he’ll try to meg me all the time, so I would definitely say that he’s the better soccer player Mrs. Fisher: “Probably. He probably wants nobody to because my touch was not very good but I made up for change his diapers now but the answer would it in speed.” definitely be me.”

3) Are you fans of the same sports teams? Mr. Fisher: “I think yes we are but I think mostly because she sees me. She’ll pretty much always say that my mood changes if they win or lose, so I think she prefers when they win because then I’m in a better mood and everything will go a lot more pleasant at home. She watches the games with me but there have definitely been some times where she’s said good things about the opposing players and I look and say “no we don’t like that guy.” For the most part, we are pretty much in sync with who we root for.”

Mrs. Fisher: “I can’t not cheer for his teams too. I think that’s the easiest way of saying it. But I also enjoy watching it. I’ll cheer for the teams, and get into it because it gives me more of a reason to watch it if I’m rooting for Man U or the Jets.”

9 Emma: A Pop Musical! By Shreya Savur

In past years, Robbinsville High School has put on a number of crowd pleasing performances such as The Drowsy Chaperone, Beauty and the Beast, and Guys & Dolls, a show that the hard working cast and crew were unable to perform due to the start of quarantine. However, this year, the production staff refused to let COVID stop another musical. In early April, Robbinsville High School will be presenting the show Emma: A Pop Musical. Emma is a musical based off of Jane Austen’s classic novel of the same name. The musical retells the classic novel in a high school setting and features unforgettable hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s!

Since the show cannot be performed live, the production Ava Blando, Bella Riether, and Kate Myers staff was presented with the challenge of putting together a perform Man I Feel Like a Woman virtual musical. When director, Brian Williams, was asked what was especially difficult about producing a virtual This show has been a lot of work, but it is definitely musical, he responded, “Literally everything, but we have worth it! Both stage managers and directors express their such a creative and amazing team that we have cleared gratitude to be able to work with amazing people on the most obstacles.” This could not be more true! show. Ashley Spilatore said, “I am extremely proud of every little thing we have done this year. The incredible amounts of time and effort that have gone into this show blows me away!” Mr. Williams, similarly, said, “This show is incredibly impressive and I am so lucky to have a cast and crew who are capable of putting in the hard work to make this show happen regardless of COVID restrictions!” While professional theatres remain dark, this virtual production shows that theatre can always thrive—no matter the circumstances. Putting together this virtual production has been very time consuming for the production staff. According to Stage The cast, crew, and staff should be very proud of the Manager, Ashley Spilatore, “Mr. Williams has spent wonderful show they helped create! So don’t forget to around 80 hours mixing songs for this show.” He has been show your support by watching the show on completing all of this work on his own time. And this is Saturday, April 3rd and Friday, April 9th. Go to: not even all of it! Kat Nitti and Mr. Williams spent another https://www.broadwayondemand.com/series/oVg 80 hours working on the first act of the show, and the W069CTaCP-emma-a-pop-musical--robbinsville- dance captains, Kaleigh Rejent, Rafael Ferreira, and Ava high-school (or click here) to purchase a Malkin, have spent countless hours choreographing and streaming pass for your entire family! teaching the dances to the cast.

10 Theater in our Schools Month By Shreeya Iyer

The artistic world harbors some of the most resilient and Drama Club Vice President Sara Myers has undertaken a optimistic members of all of our communities, be it fascinating project: one demonstrating the adaptability of us international, national, or at home, in Robbinsville, New humans, and how to reclaim ourselves and what we may have Jersey. The world of art is characterized by its adaptability lost because of the pandemic. The Raven Report reached out to and its ability to accommodate ever-changing values, beliefs, Sara for a short interview about her project. and global situations. The effects on art of no past global situation, however, have resembled those of the current What sparked this idea for your project? COVID-19 pandemic. Performances conducted via ZOOM “The catalyst for this project was essentially our current were previously almost unheard of, but now have become situation as not only students of the arts, but as teenagers in commonplace in the world of art. RHS’s very own drama general. The constant need to be adaptable and on our feet was department presented a beautiful virtual production of Romeo truly the inspiration behind the piece.” and Juliet-- the first of its kind, at this school. What is one thing you want all of your viewers to take away March is Theater in our Schools Month, for which the drama from your final product? club is actively emphasizing the crucial role of a “The big takeaway I want viewers to leave with is that, no comprehensive theater education in students’ overall matter what life throws your way, there will always be a academic performance, through a campaign titled: Power the solution. Creativity will always be a way, not out, but through.” Change. As they mention on their social media, their troupe goal for this year is to “promote adaptability through the resilience shown in theater and those who produce it in their efforts to keep art alive during the pandemic.” They have been posting facts emphasizing the positive effects of theater education on their Instagram (@rvilledrama) every day, and have tirelessly worked to keep theater alive in the walls of RHS. President of the Drama Club, Gabriella Natale, says that “Through hardships, we find our greatest inspiration. No matter what challenges we may face art can still be created and still send a message to the world around us. It’s our time to use our voice and our creativity to show the world what we’re made of.” What are the challenges you’ve faced, or anticipate that you’ll face when putting together your project? “The challenges I’ve faced so far have been narrowing down my ideas because of everything I want to show. We’ve all been through so much, so choosing the specifics on how theater has helped me is such a broad task. Without the arts during this pandemic, I’m honestly not sure how I would’ve persevered.”

What is the main goal of this project? “The main goal of this project is to express the ways in which the arts have allowed us to power through such a rough journey, and to show viewers that there really is no one way to solve your problems.” 11 Teachers’ Top Three The inside scoop on what the RHS staff is watching

By Shreeya Iyer

Mrs. Bella: 2. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987) - “Are you

ready to laugh nonstop? John Hughes, wrote, produced 1. Godfather II (1974) “is a superbly written American and directed this laugh a minute comedy. This film stars epic crime film with many storylines and serves as the John Candy and Steve Martin - two of the most funny prequel and sequel to The Godfather (1972). The movie is men ever! Martin, a high-strung marketing executive, adapted from the 1969 novel written by Mario Puzo about and Candy, a shower curtain ring salesman, share a the Corleone family who came to be one of the leading three-day odyssey of misadventures trying to get Martin crime families in America. This three plus hour movie tells home to Chicago in time for Thanksgiving with his the story of Vito Corleone who came to America from Italy family. Funny! Funny! Funny!” as a young teen to avoid being killed by the man who killed his father and how he rose to become one of the most powerful ‘Mafia dons’ on the East Coast. Juxtaposed in the storyline is Corleone’s son, Michael, who eventually leads the family business after his father Vito retires and how he takes the family business to the next level. There are many storylines and roles played by Al Pacino, Robert

De Niro, James Cann, and Diane Keaton are outstanding.

It’s a movie about power, control, and family. One of my favorite lines from the movie is, “There are many things my father taught me here in this room. He taught me: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” (Michael

Corleone.) I’ve watched this film over 50 times and it never gets old.” 3. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) “is black and white film based on the book of the same title written by Harper Lee. Faithful to the Pulitzer Prize winning book, this is a powerful story of racism and bigotry in the 1930s Deep South, which still resonates today. Gregory Peck stars as Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer, who defends a black man named Tom Robinson (Brock Peters) against fabricated rape charges. I’ve watched the movie and read the book countless times, and in January of 2020 I was lucky to see the play on Broadway. Ed Harris did an outstanding job playing the role of Atticus Finch.”

Continued on next page →

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Mr. Alm: Mrs. Kanagawa:

Schitt's Creek - “The character development and Top 3 TV shows: growth throughout the series is addicting to watch. The 1. Criminal Minds dialogue is harsh but honest. The father-son-daughter combo of Eugene, Daniel, and Sarah Levy along with 2. Blue Bloods Catherine O'Hara is gold.” 3. The Office Derek - “Anything Ricky Gervais creates I will watch(creator of The Office). A show about caring for Top 3 movies: others and loving what you do. It's sincere and 1.Sound of Music hilarious.” 2. Mu Lan Westworld - “A fantastic sci-fi show that asks the inevitable question we will face, Do robots have rights 3. Spirited Away like humans? A wild west setting that quickly reveals a futuristic world where you can do anything you want. Full attention to the show is required.”

Mr. Hutchinson:

Top 3 Shows

1. The Simpsons

2. Any sports game

3. Curb Your Enthusiasm

Top 3 Movies

1. Saving Private Ryan

2. Pleasantville

3. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

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Meet our February Student of the Month: Evan Wille Congratulations Evan!

How long have you lived in Robbinsville? “Since 2014.”

What is your favorite class? “History.”

What is your favorite club? “Play Unified.”

Favorite thing about being a Raven? “Seeing my friends and teachers.”

What is your favorite TV Show? “Star Wars the Clone Wars.”

What is your favorite movie? “The Avengers.”

Who is your favorite artist? Describe yourself in 5 words or less: “Bruce Springsteen.” “Smart, helpful, a good friend.”

What is your favorite color? What are you planning to do after high “Blue.” school?

Tell me something about yourself many “Probably do something with music.” people don’t know about you: “That I am afraid of guinea pigs.” Interview by Abby Moir 14 Poll Results What is the best local pizza place?

What is your favorite place to get dessert?

What is the best meal?

Poll by Aubrey Strand 15 Meet the Crew!

Credits Reporters and Photographers

Exec Board Ava Blando Hailey Harrison Shreya Savur Christina Brannigan Shreeya Iyer Ryan Smith Mia Lawrence Himasri Cheerla Maryam Khan Luke Szkudlapski Ava Goodman Ravinderpal Chopra Abhinav Kotapati Hima Thummala Aubrey Strand Reshika Elavarasan Johnny Pancari Natalie Villegas Anusha Qaisar Abby Moir If you’re interested in joining the Raven Report Advisor: Crew or writing a guest article, please contact Mr. Lerner Mia Lawrence @[email protected]

Follow the Raven Report on Social Media! Instagram: @rvilleravenreport Twitter: @RvilleRavenReport YouTube: The Raven Report

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