1

A Note from the Editor

Hello, Baldwin High School community. Biden-Harris Victory! By Reyna Palmer We at The Gold- en Wave would On Saturday, were high for the majority claim. Nonetheless, at the like to congrat- November 7, four days of Americans. Despite the behest of President Trump, ulate you for after Election Day, the unconventional election in thousands adopted this state of Pennsylvania was the shadow of Covid-19, claim as fact. As President- making it this declared a blue state. Its 20 the winner had been elect , and his far into the electoral votes would go to announced. Traditionally, Vice President-elect former Vice President when the results of the , declared school year. The Biden, pushing him past election come in, the victory in his home state of pandemic has the 270 electoral votes losing candidate makes a Delaware, the Trump been a truly tu- needed to win. The former concession speech, campaign filed lawsuits Vice President was congratulates the winner, and called for recounts. multuous time declared the President- and encourages their However, the demands and we applaud elect. The news swept the supporters to do the same. have done little to stop the you for your nation as Joe Biden However, this precedent transition. became the 46th President was broken by the Trump Furthermore, leaders from resolution and of the of administration. President countries around the world, determination- America. Much to the Trump refused to including, Japan and With this in chagrin of President concede the election. He, England, have Trump, people all across along with his campaign acknowledged the mind, this issue the country took to the staff, continue to push the legitimacy of Biden’s win. will take a brief streets in celebration. They narrative that the election look at the past waved Pride flags, Black was fraudulent, although Lives Matter flags and the no evidence has been Continued on Page 2 year and the op- American flag. Spirits produced to support this portunities that lie ahead. Dylan Pigott

Pg. 1-2 Politics

Pg. 3 Sports

Pg.4 Activism

Pg. 5 Economy

Pgs. 6-7 Entertain- ment

Pgs. 8-11 Lifestyle

1 2

Continued from page 1

So what does this new individual states to make both seats to secure a chance at the administration mean for the decisions regarding the senate majority. With the tie country and the world? For one, it pandemic. breaking vote of future Vice shatters a glass ceiling. The People all around the President Kamala Harris, they administration will include the world will be watching to see if could begin to implement first ever Black, Indian female the new administration upholds its significant policy changes. Thus, vice president, providing young promises, which may not be as as President Trump challenges the African and Indian American girls simple as it appears. The president election results, the Democratic the representation they lacked for is the head of the Executive Party is working to get the word so long. It will also include a Branch, but without the out about the senate run-off. They working , Dr. Jill Biden, cooperation of the Legislative want Georgia citizens to know the who will keep her job outside the Branch, the government works importance of their vote. while fulfilling her almost as well as a car without an role as First Lady. Other than the engine. After the 2020 election, differences in the demographics of the Democratic Party still holds the two administrations, there are the majority in the House of Update: other major changes anticipated. Representatives, and is in a The two candidates publicly position to possibly gain the The Senate run-off took disagreed on major issues such as majority in the Senate. The current place on Tuesday, January 5th. climate change, the Covid-19 count is 50 Republican senators Democratic candidate Raphehal pandemic, economic recovery, and and 48 Democratic senators. The Warnock defeated incumbent racial equality. Biden promises to Republican Party needs to secure Kelly Loefler and John Ossoff implement his plan for battling 51 senators to hold a majority for defeated incumbent David Perdue, Covid-19 and to re-enter the Paris President-elect Joe Biden’s thereby establishing Democratic Agreement. Further, he maintains presidency. The Democratic Party control of the Senate. that we cannot truly begin to needs 50, as a tie in the Senate Consequently, Senator Chuck tackle the economy or racial would be broken by incoming Schumer will replace Republican equality until we have nationally Vice President Kamala Harris. Senator Mitch McConnell as quelled the pandemic. This The Georgia run-off in January Senate Majority Leader. contrasts with the former will determine which party administration, which had taken a controls the Senate. The more lenient position by allowing Democratic Party needs to win

2 Sports in the Bubble 3 By Roh an Punj

On March 12, 2020, the Eventually, though, the the two groups. In addition, some world changed in the blink of an despair lightly lifted on July 30, students are entirely remote. As eye. On this day, almost one year 2020, when the NBA announced for sports, the administration has ago, the National Basketball the season would open in a set up programs where students Association suspended all games modified “bubble” version. Games are able to practice in a socially when many of the league’s top would be held in Orlando, Florida distanced manner. For basketball, players were exposed to COVID- and players would be required to the students who attend school on 19. The shutdown of the NBA, the isolate and be screened daily for Tuesdays and Wednesdays come biggest basketball association, Covid-19. The bubble turned out in at 3pm on Wednesdays and triggered a domino effect; right to be a huge success as the NBA 4pm on Fridays. The students after, we saw baseball, football, was able to finish their season who attend school in person on hockey, golf, and tennis close smoothly, with zero positive test Thursdays and Fridays come in at down due to similar concerns results among the players, 4pm on Wednesdays and 3pm on regarding Covid-19. However, this coaches, staff, and directors. After Fridays to practice in what was only the start of an enclosure witnessing the NBA’s success, we call the “preseason,” keeping of the entire world. For the next other sports slowly returned and students in shape and preparing four months, the world became were eventually also able to finish them for future seasons. quiet, each and every person their seasons, despite some minor With the Covid-19 isolated. People lost their jobs, and setbacks. Soon enough, it seemed, vaccination now a reality, BHS the economy was decimated. American life would be back to intends to start sports in the spring. For four months, all sports normal. We look forward to life returning stopped. The great tournaments Fortunately, even schools to normal, and to sports providing were expected to be canceled and, reopened with a modified the same level of intensity and frankly, the wait tortured fans. . In our school, hybrid entertainment they once had. As Watching updates about the virus students whose last names begin for the NBA, it resumed on had become the new spectator with the letters A-L began December 22nd with a reduced sport. Life became extremely attending classes in-person on number of games and following repetitive, creating irritation and Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Covid-19 guidelines. As the boredom. Athletes were forced to whereas the rest joined classes spread of the virus slows, national stay home, unable to train for online. On Thursdays and leagues intend to have a limited whenever the next season would Fridays, students whose last names number of fans attend events, in a be. The life everyone was used to begin with the letters M-Z safe and healthy manner. 2020 and the busy bustle of each day returned to school, while the rest went by in a blur, and life really became a memory. joined classes from did change. Hopefully, the home. Mondays alternate between upcoming year of sports will generate the energy and excitement that sports fans need more than ever.

3 4

Life After George Floyd By Andrea Ortiz

government buildings, urging that 2020 has been a difficult changes be made to public policy year. The pandemic surged, and police funding. They causing thousands of deaths, and demanded justice for Ahmaud social turmoil brewed, as the world Arbery, Tony Mcdade, Breonna witnessed police brutality and its Taylor, and the countless other toll on the lives of Black innocent lives lost. Americans. Hundreds of civilians from Millions witnessed George across the country gathered, some Floyd’s death as a recording on an holding signs, kneeling, chanting, iPhone, as police officer Derek and praying, with the common Chauvin abused his role in law goal of unity and peace for our enforcement. Social media was of NYC, Boston, Houston, and country. Unfortunately though, flooded with posts for increased other populous cities, holding even right here on Long Island awareness, and young activists signs and chanting, even while protesters in Merrick were met began planting their roots in the wearing masks. Protesters were with shouts of “Go west!” and fight for change. The death of sometimes met with tear gas and “Get the hell out of here.” The George Floyd forced Americans to rubber bullets, and some of the Merrick Chamber of Commerce confront the endless suffering of most dangerous injuries were denounced the actions of the Black, Indigenous, and People of reported on social media. counter-protesters. It is evident Color at the hands of law Unfortunately, cries for change that we still have a battle ahead, enforcement. What came next was sometimes resulted in an but with continued effort and a the result of years of trauma and escalation of violence. united goal for equality for all, we “Given the tone from the top and oppression. will prevail. the grassroots anger, it’s a surprise this confrontation didn’t come sooner,” says Alex Altman of TIME. Police killed 164 Black Americans in the first eight months of 2020, according to CBS News. The stop-and-frisk procedure in NYC, which allowed officers to stop anyone on the basis of reasonable Globally, we saw the suspicion, was deemed gathering of people protesting, unconstitutional in united against police brutality. , Tokyo, Syria, and other 2013. However, in 2019, parts of the world shined the according to The , 88 beacon of humanity and percent of people stopped by compassion. At home, we flooded police were Black and Latino, the streets which suggests an implicit bias in law enforcement. For this reason, among others, ordinary citizens became activists. Large crowds took to local town halls and

4 The Economy and the Pandemic 5 By Angelo Guerrero

The COVID-19 pandemic halted financial crisis in 2007. spreading out their most popular almost all economic growth in the Homeowners were hesitant to list products to prevent clusters of U.S., one of the only major events their properties or allow strangers customers in one location. This to do so since the 2008 stock to enter their homes due to health measure helped avert a possible market crash. Measures taken in concerns, while many potential spread of the virus; however, many response have directly impacted buyers often backed out due to customers ended up not shopping the economy in ways that are personal financial shock. The at local businesses anymore and evident in the stock market, the real number of delisted homes turned to online shopping from estate market, and local business increased over 25% from one year popular websites such as Amazon operations. ago in the early spring, and new to minimize contact. To stay afloat, The stock market was listings decreased over 40% in small businesses had to enter the the first major section of the April compared to the same period realm of online shopping by either economy to be affected by the last year. Inventory of homes for creating a website from scratch or pandemic, as many investors sale fell 17% in April compared optimizing their current website. panicked once they heard the news with the same time the previous Many turned to digital advertising of the deadly virus. Many factories year. Although the real estate to drive traffic to their websites, in China became temporarily market experienced a short period which helped increase sales. closed as a result, which raised of little activity, a rebound began to Likewise, restaurants faced similar uncertainty about when they would occur in the early summer. challenges. Restrictions were reopen. Tesla shares experienced a Potential buyers started to search placed on restaurants that 17.18% drop in February due to an for homes, causing pending sales in prevented them from offering any announcement that cars scheduled U.S. metro areas, which were down in-person service aside from for delivery would be delayed due more than 30% in pril. However, curbside pickup. However, to the virus outbreak near its sales increased almost 30% over curbside pickup proved not to be Shanghai factory, making last year’s during the same time enough to cover expenses, causing investor’s faith in the company period. Home showings also them to further expand to the deteriorate. Many other companies reached pre-COVID-19 levels by online world as well. GrubHub, with factories overseas experienced the early summer as many listings DoorDash, and UberEats similar reactions and caused began to offer virtual tours. By mid experienced a significant increase investors to sell off their shares, -summer, the supply of homes in partnerships with restaurants as resulting in an overwhelming wave remained relatively low while these services allowed restaurants of panic throughout many demand steadily began to increase. to connect with their customers industries of the market. Although This caused many homeowners to while delivering their food through this panic caused a steep 31.81% rethink listing their homes because a third party. The challenges that drop in the S&P 500 Index, within of the uncertainty about finding COVID-19 presented changed how five months the index quickly another one to purchase for business was conducted, leading returned to its pre-panic share themselves. By late August, the way to more accessible price of around $3,400. With this however, more homeowners began connections to potential customers volatile market we’ve seen over the to list on the market, which led to through the internet. past ten months, many investors increased sales, making the real also became opportunists and estate market's activity equal, if not invested in hot sectors such as greater, to this time period last COVID-19 impacted almost health and pharmaceutical year. every sector of the economy in companies researching Local businesses were one of the some way. Those that recovered possible vaccines for COVID-19. most impacted sections of the have proven themselves to be It’s clear that the stock market economy over the past ten months. resilient when under attack from perfectly reflected the Not only did small business owners the unknown. What the future pandemic’s challenges and its have to adapt their stores to holds is uncertain, but the best we resilience to bounce back. accommodate physical distancing can do is adapt and change in ways COVID-19 significantly and public health guidelines, but unimaginable, overcoming every impacted the real estate market. they also had to change how they obstacle hurled at us to emerge During the early spring, there was a approached gaining customers. At stronger than ever before. sharp decline in home sales, the first, many small businesses lowest since the housing and reorganized their stores by

5 6 The Shift in Entertainment as We Know It By AJ Vargas due to the pandemic. among this group. All of these One of the main changes that Consequently, many have resorted highly anticipated films were nearly came with the emergence of the to an already rising form of forgotten as they could not be COVID-19 pandemic was the shift entertainment: streaming services. released into theaters. The future of in entertainment as the world Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney viewing movies in theaters is very knew it. This applies to simple Plus, and many others were in uncertain, but having the movie on recreational activities such as constant use throughout the long popular streaming services could bowling, going to the movies, months of quarantine. These potentially benefit the creator. The going out for meals, and more. services eventually became the new alternative is that the movie may Future entertainment way to release content that normally not be released. To this day there announcements such as movies, would not be available outside of are films, TV shows, and video music, concerts, video games, and theaters and television. For games that have been announced example, Disney but due to delayed releases they are Pixar's animated almost forgotten. film, Onward, was While the way we access released in theaters and experience movies and TV March 6th, 2020. It shows has changed dramatically was the last major since the beginning of the film to release pandemic, it wasn’t the only form before the of entertainment that underwent this pandemic became shift. Non-technological means of a national threat. entertainment such as real-life Just two weeks recreational activities came to a after its release in complete halt for an extended time. theaters, Onward People of all ages, even the non- was put on technologically savvy people, were Disney's streaming affected by this halt. Parks, service, Disney shopping centers, bowling alleys, Plus. Usually, it clubs/restaurants, amusement parks, takes months or and many more venues closed years for a movie down. In a film created by PBS to be released on titled, Family of Us: A PBS streaming services American Portrait Story, numerous or DVDs, but in stories and views into the lives of this case Onward families stuck in quarantine are was put onto shown. Families are seen coming streaming services together to produce alternative for all the families means of entertainment. Family who were stuck at walks, board games, new recipes to home to enjoy. cook together, makeshift games, are Around the same among the vast list of ways people events such as concerts were time that Onward was put on can experience and produce canceled or postponed. streaming services, there were a entertainment when at home. When A perfect example of a number of films, as well as other it comes to this specific shift in change in experiencing and means of entertainment such as entertainment, which affects people accessing information is the video games, that were slated for a of all ages and interests, the result downfall of the movie theater Spring 2020 release. These films has been positive because it brings industry and the rise of the did not receive the same quick families closer together. streaming service industry. treatment as Onward. Films such as Experiencing and producing Baldwin's only movie theater, Black Widow, No Time To Die, A entertainment together improves Grand Avenue Cinemas, next to Quiet Place Part 2, Scoob!, Wonder relationships. Baldwin High School, has closed Woman 1984, and many more are Continued on page 7

6 7

Continued from page 6

Music artists rely on Fans continue to attend grander scale. This method producing entertainment and music concerts virtually using various of new entertainment is one of the for their fans and listeners. They media platform. Big artists such as more impressive, innovative, and also perform live, whether this is Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, Lil Nas successful shifts. It still brings the on tours or at festivals, clubs, or X, and Khalid are among the many artists and their fans together other gatherings. However, during famous artists having virtual while being safe and a typical performance there is performances. Not only did solo responsible. usually a large crowd. During the artists begin having virtual This drastic shift forever pandemic, this became a major concerts, this new form of altered our lives. Entertainment is challenge because of the fear of entertainment even went as far as something that all people, contagion. Tours and performances music festivals. A plethora of technologically advanced or not, that were scheduled to happen artists are set to perform at these enjoy. While the need for change during Spring 2020, were canceled festivals, all done virtually. An brought about by the pandemic or postponed until further notice. example of this is Rolling Loud was unwelcome, the innovative Some artists came up with a way 2020. Rolling Loud is an annual response has led to exciting new to still perform for all of their fans: festival that hosts a large number venues. virtually. Using their media of popular music artists, mainly platforms, they notified fans of rap artists. This year, however, their plans to have virtual concerts. large crowds were unsafe, so the Instagram Live was the main festival was streamed on almost venue for these events, as well as every media streaming platform. YouTube, Twitch, and other live This is an example of this new streaming entertainment platforms. means of entertainment on a

7 8

Staying Connected

By Carlee Melvin

Last March, COVID-19 Since we couldn't have face to Floyd’s death, a revolution forced everyone in the U.S. to face interactions, we turned to erupted through social media as quarantine. For about six months, Instagram and Snapchat to people emerged from the confines people had to stay in their homes connect with one another and of their homes to support the to avoid contact with other share how we were spending our Black Lives Matter movement people. Humans are naturally time. Social media has been and to protest police brutality. social beings and having Even celebrities like Beyonce, opportunities to get together is used to seek social support from Keke Palmer, and Harry Styles important, so quarantine was friends, relatives, and colleagues. joined the chorus for difficult for most people. In her It made us feel less alone. Tik change. article “Social Evolution and Tok became an immensely As more information became Why We Need to Communicate,” popular platform as well; millions available about COVID -19, we Rikke Friis Dam states, “Human of people posted videos about also tuned in to social media for beings are social animals. We how they were coping during this updates. We learned more about want to be in the company of difficult time. Thankfully, we its symptoms and how to best friends or family and share our even found humor in many of the protect ourselves and one lives with them.” Most people postings. another. Social media reassures had their family to communicate us by communicating, thereby and socialize with, and Also, through social media we pre-empting rumors and thankfully we did have some received constant updates on panic. During a time of great other resources and outlets. From COVID-19 and other pressing fear and immense division, we the onset of COVID- 19, social news from across the country and need more than ever to support media has become an essential world. Following George each other and spread tool for connecting. hope. Social media, thankfully, brings us closer together.

8 9

Quarantine Blues

By Allison Nicolas

March 13, 2020. That was has sickened many. Negative it is good that students were building the last normal day of school for symptoms recorded were sadness, stronger relationships and students across the country, paranoia, anxiety, fatigue, and developing new interests, because including us at Baldwin High loneliness, which are common they were stuck at home for the School. In this new era of the symptoms of chronic stress majority of time, many students did pandemic, all aspects of life, from according to the American not have the opportunity to seeing our families and friends to Psychological Association. Stress participate in activities they are most attending school and participating in may lead to high blood pressure, interested in. outdoor activities, have been heart disease, cancer, depression, or As seen from the results of affected. Communicating with anxiety. this survey, both positive and friends, classmates, and teachers has negative outcomes have resulted become a difficult task. In order to from this major life-changing event. get a glimpse of the average student The pandemic is a huge source of experience in Baldwin when the stress for many people, not just pandemic closed schools, I surveyed students. At the end of the day, we 20 BHS students. are all trying to get through this The first question posed was, tough time. For BHS, the results of “On a scale of 1-10, how stressed this survey should provide insight were you?” Seventy-five percent of about the challenges it has caused respondents selected the 5-10 range. for some students. Common coping strategies reported were listening to music, watching Thank you to those who TV shows or movies, picking up participated in the survey, allowing new hobbies, or playing video me to spark conversation on this games. While the switch to remote Friends continued to topic. learning for some was smooth, communicate via Discord, others felt their mental health FaceTime, or texting. While these severely suffered. All students do are efficient ways to reach out to not learn the same way, so the peers, nothing replaces in-person switch to remote learning might be contact. However, respondents also easy for some and demanding for shared what positive experiences others. For example, sixty percent of they had as a result of students said the workload was, in quarantine. Fifty percent claimed fact, too much to handle. Daniela they grew closer to their friends and Zambrano, currently a sophomore, families because they were expressed concern about the work constantly available, and 25 percent load and expectations associated said they were able to learn and be with remote learning. productive. “I learned a lot of new The quarantine lasted from March to things, things that you can’t really September 2020, and from a mental learn at school. I was able to use my health perspective, time differently as a result of not having a strict school-life schedule,” one student said. While

9 10

Classical Toys Make a Comeback Amid Pandemic By Beranna Beckett As more people find Childhood games, like These games, popular for many themselves stuck inside, they Monopoly and Scrabble, provide generations, have the same are looking at older forms of comfort during a worrisome purpose: to bring people together. entertainment. Over the summer, time. It is a unifying turnabout, a This year, as frightening as it’s the toy industry was flooded with way to bring families together been, has likewise brought us orders for alternatives to screens, when everything feels like it’s together as families and such as bicycles, scooters, and falling apart. In some families, communities. What a good time to inflatable pools. This time of year, game night has become a regular be with loved it seems people are turning to board event. Games even bring people ones! games and puzzles to keep their together online. Favorites like Uno minds occupied during the holiday and Clue even have mobile season. Professionals say that toy versions that allow users to play sales have been up 18% so far in with friends and family outside of 2020, and companies are struggling the household. to meet those demands.

______

Staff Writers: Editor-in-Chief: The Golden Wave Reyna Palmer Dylan Pigott Rohan Punj Andrea Ortiz Secretaries: Angelo Guerrero Andrea Ortiz A.J. Vargas Beranna Beckett Grace Salazar Carlee Melvin

Advisors: Allison Nicolas Mrs. McManus Mrs. Taormina

10