THE JOHN P. STEVENS

Tuesday JAN 31, 2017 VOL. LIII - NO. 2 HAWKEYE WWW.JPSHAWKEYE.COM A Secret Symphony By NEHA CHOUDHARI, sophomore IT IS COMMON KNOWLEDGE that the music program at JPS is one of the best in the state; students learn and develop their musical skills in school concerts and competitions throughout their high school experience. However, there is one ensemble that is not as well-known but equally as talented. The House Band, currently consisting of seven former and current staff members of JPS, has been prosperous over the years and has had many memorable performances of its own. The plans for creating a staff-run band as well as its actual creation occurred in the fall of 1999, just in time for the first Faculty Talent Show, to benefit the JPS Hall of Honor. “Colonel” Nick Romanetz, a former MONICA GHOSAL assistant principal at JP, began recruitment by issuing a memo to all teachers asking Senior Victoria Tan, winner of the competition, sings and plays the ukulele during her act at JPS Got Talent. if they played an instrument. With a very successful response, Mr. Romanetz held a few “get togethers” and created the original lineup: Mr. Romanetz on rhythm guitar, Mr. Keeping Up with the Talent Boufford on lead guitar, Mr. Kearney on and the Student Council committees. They has talent. Seniors Aryaa Sahasrabuddhe By KELLY CHEN, junior rhythm guitar, Mr. Donner on percussion, made all the decorations, picked the acts, and Cheikh Higgs impersonated Kim and Mr. Andreuzzi as lead singer and backup THE KIM AND KANYE themed talent show ran rehearsal, and organized the show. The Kardashian and Kanye West respectively vocals. The purpose of creating this group hosted by the Student Council on December talent onstage wasn’t the only talent that was throughout the night as the hosts of the See HOUSE BAND, page 10 9 entertained both students and faculty involved in making the show successful.” show. Aryaa and Cheikh made their grand ...... through its diverse acts that ranged from JPS Got Talent began with a soulful entrance to welcome last year’s talent show OPINION singing to magic tricks. The special events rendition of the national anthem sung winner to the stage as a special treat for the and publicity committees orchestrated the by sophomore Shruti Venkat. The lights audience. Sophomore Alan Hsu entertained “The creation of event from start to finish with extensive then dimmed for a humorous opening the audience with a dynamic routine using preparation. Senior Kammi Law, the 2nd video that introduced the premise for the his Chinese yo-yos. He executed difficult a national Muslim Vice President, acknowledged, “The show show—Kim Kardashian’s desire to host a tricks to upbeat music, weaving the yo-yos could not have happened without the techies talent show in order to prove that she also registry will only See JP GOT TALENT, page 11 increase negative A Victory for Us All PaJAMming Out sentiment.” to the BEAT See WALL, page 3 By XAVIER LEE, junior ...... AS THE HECTIC WEEK before winter FEATURES break came to a close, the flashing lights and exhilarating music of the Bandboozle dance offered students an opportunity to You Know You Go celebrate and relax before the holidays. This year’s pajama party theme allowed to JPS When... students to dress more casually with their outfits ranging from flannel pajama sets …there are still geese to onesies. The dance, hosted annually by the B.E.A.T. (Band Enthusiasts Acting AARUSHI GOVIL in the courtyard. In the Together) club, took place on Thursday, December 22 and helped raise money and winter snow. awareness for the VH1 Save the Music CHHAVI VERG Foundation, an organization that funds JP alumuna Chhavi Verg poses with her fellow Miss NJ contestants. See YKYG, page 7 music programs for under-resourced public and dedication would soon bear fruit at the schools across the country. Maintaining its ...... By SRIRAM SRINIVASAN, junior SPORTS Miss New Jersey USA pageant held this philosophy that music is a core component WHEN FORMER JP STUDENT Chhavi Verg past October where she claimed the crown. to a complete education and gives students “On a level that perhaps learned about the Miss New Jersey USA Miss New Jersey USA is a preliminary the confidence to excel, the organization pageant through the Guidance Counseling beauty pageant for those wishing to compete will use the money raised to buy instruments no other activity can newsletter during her senior year, she for the Miss America title. The contestants and build music rooms for the schools. decided to participate. With some prior compete in various stages of competition The Bandboozle dance is coordinated and match, sports are a modeling experience in Florida during her including: Swimsuit, Evening Gown, Talent, run completely by the students. Planning junior year, she began modeling much more Private Judge’s Interview, and Onstage started weeks in advance at weekly B.E.A.T. healing factor.” frequently for South Asian companies in Question. The Swimsuit and Evening Gown meetings, where students split up into See UNITY, page 14 the tri-state area. Her months of hard work See VERG, page 11 See BANDBOOZLE, page 10 PAGE 2 OPINION JANUARY 2017 Hawkeye Putting the “Face” in Facebook Editorial Staff same exact problem. Instead of a dislike are completely anonymous. This makes By RICHARD YE, junior button, there’s a “surprise,” “sad,” and a huge difference: the basic purpose of 2016-2017 FACEBOOK is an eventful place. A friend “angry” button, designed to anticipate the Facebook is to connect with your friends, might post about his or her new relationship different reactions a user can have toward a even if they are people that you do not know. Editors-in-Chief status, or the passing away of a new pet post. People can react according to specifically However, a “Dislike” option on Facebook Kelly Yu & Courtney Zeng goldfish, or even about Donald Trump. the way they feel. Also, the recipient would will tell the person who posted that you Sometimes these posts have so much meaning get a more constructive outlook on their didn’t like his or her post, which could bring that liking these posts isn’t enough. Back in content. Finally, since there is no “Dislike” conflicts and render the idea of connecting News Editors the old days, Facebook users were forced to button offered for Facebook posts, the and sharing useless. Likewise, it is unfeasible Samarth Patel resort to their good, old “Like” button for recipient would not receive negativity on to make “dislikes” anonymous; some Deeksha Udupa years. However, with more and more users their posts. The emoticons will enable users people could recklessly dislike everything Assistant News Editors begging for a “Dislike” button, Facebook to respond with a more appropriate reaction they see, bringing unwelcomed negativity promised some sort of “extension” to the compared to a “Like” or “Dislike” button. to the community. In contrast, Youtube is Lekhya Kollu “Like” button. As a result, the iconic “Like” The “Like” button has catered very well for video sharing, where the only means of April Wang button was joined by five emoticons: sad, to the inherent desire of humans to be seen judging whether a video is good or bad is by love, haha, wow, and angry. Finally there is a and appreciated for their work. Many users the comments and the number of “likes.” Opinion Editors solution to those awkward situations where share content not only because they want to These are the only possibilities to do so, so you find yourself ironically “liking” posts show the world their creation but also to get a “Like” and “Dislike” button is imperative Grishma Adenkar about someone who drank expired milk, to the interaction between the viewer and Angela Cao suffered through a cold, or mourned the creator. In contrast, Facebook offers Michelle Fang the death of a loved one. Emoticons many alternative means of interaction, Assistant Opinion Editors allow users to respond in several including Messenger and comments specific ways, such as empathizing on posts, making the “Dislike” Diana D’Souza with tragic and saddening events button unnecessary and detracting. Daniel Zhan and expressing surprise at a recent Finally, the “Dislike” button would turn of events. However, Facebook be largely harmful to the business Features Editors didn’t just consider the desires environment provided by Facebook. of the users—a “Dislike” Social media is an effective Alicia Kang button would hurt means of allowing a Prateek Khandelwal Facebook’s business to be heard, Michael Wang financial standing. and Facebook plays Assistant Features Editors Therefore, a major role in emoticons communication. Kylen Bao are the perfect Large businesses Akshata Shukla choice to satisfy would be immune to both the users and the “Dislike” button Sports Editor Facebook’s wallet, while because they expect bringing about a level of to have a portion of Karen Jiang sophistication and interaction to a an assessment from their peers. These haters and dissenters. However, for small Assistant Sports Editors social media platform never seen before. users want to to gain an understanding of businesses, this is not the case. If you were a Eric Li For the user, the effectiveness of a how they are perceived by others, which small business owner, seeing dislikes on your Ashley Shah “Dislike” button is hard to judge because is reflected in how others respond to their business page would shake your confidence people express their emotions in a wide content. However, with the “Dislike” button, and affect how people view your business. Grace Wang variety of ways. What would often be a people would think or worry more before With small businesses leaving Facebook, playful act of the “Dislike” may be perceived sharing their content, or even not share it it could spell disaster for both parties; Business Managers as a stunning, critical rejection of the at all, because they know that their content businesses would lose a valuable connection Ojas Jangada recipient. Some people could actually hate a could be received negatively. Moreover, to customers, and Facebook could lose post, but others may be slightly critical of if the user’s content is disliked, then he or revenue generated from online traffic. Manan Modi it. One could dislike a post because they she would feel a subtle yet alarming sense Both the “Like” button and the emoticons Assistant Manager disagree personally, or they might feel sorrow of rejection. This atmosphere of fear of are effective in allowing Facebook users to Harshi Rasania for the post. It is impossible to use a “Like” criticism would bring down the amount of show a wide range of emotions to a post. Event Chair and “Dislike” button to show such a wide interaction and user activity. Less user activity The “Dislike” button would differ. It would range of emotions. By taking the wide range equates to less ad revenue, and less ad revenue create a chaotic environment, undermine Maggie Pan of negative emotions and affixing it to one leads to a financial loss on Facebook’s part. healthy social network principles, and predetermined “Dislike” button, Facebook One may argue that other sites such as discourage users to post their content and Creative Department Editor would be encouraging more negativity in Youtube have “Dislike” buttons. While this is reduce online traffic. The emoticons are Alice Fang its online social community. In contrast, the true, the main difference between Facebook the solution that Facebook users need. Assistant Art Editors introduction of the emoticons solves this and Youtube dislikes is that Youtube dislikes This is the solution that Facebook wants. Julia Kim Elisha Zhao Assistant Photography Why No Invite? whether you’d be better off in some other between multiple interests. People who Editor By ANJALI MADGULA, senior field, or settle down at a job but notbe experience FOMO can rejoice in being an Aarushi Govil THE FEAR OF MISSING OUT on something happy because you’re unsure of what could athlete who loves chemical engineering or great is arguably right up there on the same have been otherwise. This fear of missing a law student who takes classes in interior Advisor level as the fear of fear itself. As a senior, I am out can too easily lead to discontent and an design. People can even go a step further charting off a long list of lasts: as a student unhealthy romanticization of everything and see how coding an application can aid Mr. Louis Andreuzzi at JP Stevens, as a teenager, and possibly as a you don’t have and haven’t experienced. their interest in protecting the environment resident of Edison. I am currently scheduled While trying to do everything, you may or learning enough about astrophysics can Hawkeye is a forum for to try out a kickboxing class this Saturday, end up doing nothing of real meaning. help them to write a novel set in outer student expression. Published go see Rockefeller Center on Sunday, and It is easy to romanticize everyone else’s space. Instead of having to permanently articles express the views maybe join the Ski and Snowboarding Club “exciting” lives and think your life pales in sacrifice passions or opportunities, there are of their authors, not of the to go on their ski trip and fail at skiing for comparison, but that dissatisfaction can always other ways to explore your interests newspaper. Hawkeye reserves the first time. I am afraid of missing out on easily turn into a never-ending cycle. There through online forums or through a hobby. the right to edit all material. these things and not spending enough time will always be something you cannot do. Not Depending on the type of person you Please visit our website at with my friends while I have them right to be the bearer of bad news and broken are, FOMO can be your greatest vice or www.jpshawkeye.com for more here with me. We have all faced the fear dreams, but it is not very probable that you virtue. We must balance between exploring content. of missing out in a social setting, which is will become an all-star ice skater, biomedical and committing to things and sometimes why we find ourselves back at school some engineer, Grammy winning singer, and a go through the process repeatedly until Interested in writing, nights for a dance, or a game, or a show, successful neurosurgeon—all at once. As we find something and stick to it. I believe drawing, or selling for simply because we are inherently curious to we are often told, “a rolling stone gathers that we must destigmatize the idea that it is Hawkeye? Email us at see what is going on around us. This can be no moss.” The traditional path to success is absolutely necessary to know exactly what [email protected]. a positive thing that motivates us to be a part picking something to excel in and sticking to we want to do right after high school or of memorable experiences. However, that it, which cannot be done if you are moving even in college. Why rush a process that Published by the students of same fear can cause us to never be satisfied, through activities too fast. That being is unique to every person? We must take John P. Stevens High School leaving us searching for something we said, our world is adapting as well, and it fear out of the equation, so people can 855 Grove Avenue somehow missed out on. For example, you is becoming more acceptable to specialize take the time they need to explore and Edison, NJ 08820 might choose a college major but wonder in multiple areas or to find intersections commit to something when they are ready. JANUARY 2017 OPINION PAGE 3

The Virtual Wall Against Muslims Shell-shock are committed by people of all religions and discrimination against Muslims is thought to By REBECCA FANG, freshman By SARA DAVE, junior ethnicities. While attacks such as 9/11 are the have been what provoked this normal young EGGS AND SALMONELLA go hand in “JEWS MUST WEAR a yellow star, Jews ones most commonly remembered, countless man to commit an act of terror. He was also hand. Steal a bit of that cookie dough or must hand in their bicycles, Jews are banned numbers of terrorist attacks are performed influenced by Anwar al-Awlaki, a Yemeni- lick the cake batter off a mixing spoon, from trams and are forbidden to drive.” by non-Muslims in the United States, such American who joined Al-Qaeda after being and be subjected to cries of something The words Anne Frank writes in her iconic as the Oklahoma City bombing. In fact, the investigated by the FBI for visiting Yemen along the lines of “You’ll get salmonella journal, The Diary of a Young Girl, are a creation of a Muslim registry would have the and falsely accused for plotting the kidnap and die!” We’ve developed this notion that perfect reminder of Germany’s anti- of a U.S. official. Awlaki inspired raw eggs are almost guaranteed to give you Jewish legislation in the Holocaust. many American Muslims, including food poisoning, and while it is true that the At this time in 1942, Adolf Hitler had the Tsarnaev brothers who were chickens they come from are often raised already occupied various European responsible for the Boston Marathon under less than ideal conditions, eggs in nations and imposed anti-Semitic bombing. He even went so far as to say the United States actually undergo a unique decrees on their citizens. None of that “jihad is becoming as American process to prevent foodborne diseases. these events would have occurred as American pie,” insinuating that Similar to how it measures temperature, without one specific thing: the creation there are more Muslims leaning the United States insists on doing things of a Jewish registry, which helped the toward terrorist tendencies because differently from the rest of the world with German “government” know who to of the hostile environment present in eggs as well. For the most part, salmonella purge in the first place. A proposal the United States. Artan and Awlaki is spread in two ways: by infecting the yolk made by Donald Trump to create a are prime examples of how treating through the ovaries of the hen or through national Muslim registry to counter a certain group with hatred will only fecal matter on the outside of the shell. Eggs terrorism is both dangerously familiar make matters worse by fostering more in the United States are washed directly after and familiarly dangerous. Although it hatred within that group. Alienating hatching to avoid infection through fecal is unlikely that his xenophobic tendencies opposite effect on terrorism by alienating Muslims by creating a registry will only lead matter. In most other countries in Europe will escalate to this degree, the creation Muslims living in the United States. to similar, if not worse, attacks and will and Asia, however, the hens themselves are of a national Muslim registry will only The proposal by Donald Trump will only in fact increase the frequency of Islamic vaccinated, which prevents the first form increase negative sentiment, amplify the perpetuate existing discrimination against terrorist attacks in the United States. of infection. Consumers can then wash already existent disunity in the country, and Muslims and lead to the onslaught of more Donald Trump’s plan to create a Muslim eggs at home after purchase if necessary. have an undesirable effect on terrorism. terrorist attacks. A prime example of this registry will only further divide the While both methods achieve the same Terrorism became a paramount issue in phenomenon is Abdul Razak Ali Artan, the American population. As an old African end, the method American producers have the United States following the 9/11 attacks student who drove through and stabbed a fable once stated, it is easier to break one adopted to prevent salmonella in eggs on the Twin Towers planned by an Islamic group of students at Ohio State University. individual stick than it is to break a band of is not only comparatively less effective terrorist group called Al-Qaeda. In an effort This young Somali-American had made ten sticks—united, we are strong, but alone, but also more environmentally costly. to counter terrorism, many people have numerous Facebook posts and complaints we stand no chance. We must remember Washing eggs, while reducing the risk taken an anti-Islam rather than anti-terrorist regarding the treatment toward Muslims that a nation is nothing if its people are not of salmonella from factors like chicken stance toward the issue. Creating a Muslim in Myanmar, and he longed for a place to united. The plan to create a Muslim registry manure, also removes a thin, naturally registry will have little effect on terrorism, openly pray. The growing anti-Islam hysteria will only split the country and actually make occurring barrier around the egg. This as there are many forms of terrorism that in the United States and the relentless it more susceptible to terrorist attacks. barrier prevents oxygen from leaving the egg and protects it from bacteria. Without the barrier, eggs must be refrigerated at all times afterward to prevent bacteria and Same Ol’, Same Ol’ mold growth. This is why eggs in American are forgotten forever. Well, until next year. issue that absolutely needs to be dealt supermarkets are found in refrigerators; By ADITI KALLA, sophomore Let’s say that you decide to actually create a with. However, resolutions are often based in Europe, eggs are not washed and can NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS are a sore solid, well-planned resolution, and you stick around minor issues that people have with be found sitting out in the open at room topic for me, and probably for everyone to it all year. Does a resolution ever create themselves. If there was a serious issue that temperature. Nearly 600 million gallons of else. Nowadays, the word “resolution” has lasting impact on a person’s life, or even someone had, why would they be waiting fresh water a year are consumed nationally become synonymous with failure. But it is make a sizable dent for that around for New Year’s to make that change? for this purpose, as well as a staggering the whole concept of resolutions that is to matter? Have you ever People have an exaggerated idea of the energy requirement needed to maintain the blame for our failure to uphold them. New heard someone credit effects of resolutions on their life, and these long line of refrigeration from farm to store. Year’s resolutions have lost all meaning their amazing New grand expectations often go unfulfilled. And while eggs themselves may seem to us, and they do more damage than Year’s resolution for What they need to understand is that New incredibly trivial, they are a part of a bigger improvement in many situations. Although their good habits? Year’s resolutions are not going to transform problem in the food industry. Modern resolutions have good intentions and hopes Perhaps, but they them into a completely new person. factory farming prioritizes efficiency and behind them, they rarely last through the were probably lying. Many people praise New Year’s, as it profit, meaning thousands of chickens are year and have a trivial impact on the lives provides a reason for people to change for crowded into a single farm, with less than of those who choose to stick to them. the better and it is one of the more positive a square foot of space each. Conditions are New Year’s resolutions are infamously traditions in our culture. But in reality, even worse for egg-laying hens, who are known for being short-lived and unrealistic. resolutions often do more harm than good. often kept in tiny wire cages and stacked For once, a popular stereotype is actually Let’s not forget the fact that human beings to thousands, one above another. This accurate, as only 8% of people who make have the ability to change their behavior makes it impossible to maintain any form resolutions end up sticking to them. and habits anytime they like. If that change of hygiene or health standard. Excrement, The broad and impractical nature of is really worth it, they should not have to a major cause of salmonella, piles up these resolutions often makes failure tie themselves down to a specific date. consequently, which is why American inevitable. This is because most people Planting the idea in the minds of Americans producers must wash eggs in the first place. don’t treat New Year’s resolutions that New Year’s is the time of year for But many smaller countries can’t afford as goals—though that is what they improvement is unhealthy, as people should to waste such resources. Instead, hens are essentially are. Goals are well-thought not be waiting around for New Year’s to vaccinated, preventing most cases in which out, defined, and realistic. Consider make a change. When people eventually salmonella infects the ovaries. This strategy one of the most popular resolutions, abandon their weak resolutions, self-loathing is much more effective. In Great Britain “losing weight.” Not only is it undefined is a common result that follows. People alone, infection rates among commercial and impractical but it also lacks a solid plan falsely believe their willpower is the reason egg layers dropped to 1% after widespread of action, one of the most crucial behind their failure, when the true culprit vaccination laws were put into place. aspects of any goal. This is, is their inferior resolution. The tradition of Furthermore, simply vaccinating birds therefore, by no means making resolutions to alter your bad habits is much cheaper. Small-scale farming is a goal; it is merely is actually encouraging bad habits instead. promoted as well in these countries, meaning a wish for the The common saying “new year, new me” less chickens per coop and less infections future. The hype is nothing more than a common saying. due to fecal matter and hygiene issues. around New Unfortunately, New Year’s does not hold Because there are clearly issues with our Year’s does not improve some sort of mystical power that allows current standard of egg production, why the situation, as many one to break old habits and create new ones hasn’t the United States followed the example feel pressured to make resolutions, with ease; only you can do that, during any set by the rest of the world? By removing because “everyone does it” and they want time of the year in fact. For the majority, the washing and refrigerating process, a feeling of productivity. But once that When people do follow through with their New Year’s resolutions do not last long, and vaccinating hens and adopting smaller scale feeling is fulfilled in the first week of resolutions, they expect their whole life even if they do, their negligible effects make farming like other countries have, millions of January, that resolution gets thrown out to change. When that expectation is not you question if they were even worth the dollars can be saved, the number of cases of the window. People fail to consider New fulfilled, it is just another force pushing effort. This year, skip the annual practice of foodborne disease can be reduced, and the Year’s resolutions as a serious matter. As a person to revert to old habits. For a making that list of resolutions, and embrace lives of millions of poultry animals can be a result, their badly-made resolutions get resolution to actually alter the life of a the fact you are the same exact person on improved. It’s time for America to break out lost somewhere in their to-do list, and they person, it has to be focused on a major January 1 as you were on December 31. of its shell and embrace the unwashed egg. PAGE 4 OPINION JANUARY 2017 The Right to Hate Speech illegitimate without bothering politically to the citizens? Allowing the government to done. Banning the “normal” hate speech By SANJANA BHANUSHALI, sophomore to challenge them. And that is dangerous. brand certain phrases as illicit can only lead can also lead to the creation of new words RACISM, DISCRIMINATION, BIGOTRY. As No speech should be banned solely to banning certain ideas as illicit or certain to be used in a derogatory fashion. This much as the general society would like to because of its content. Such laws are traditions as illicit. It will eventually spin out will eventually lead to the ban of those think that these concepts do not exist today, wrong in principle because free speech for of control and lead to a downward spiral words, and so the vicious cycle continues. unfortunately, they do in reality. For the past everyone except bigots is not free speech at for the freedoms of Americans. If anything, Campaigns against racism and other several months, there has been a surge of all. It is meaningless to defend the right of education to battle ignorance would bigotries tend to have a precisely opposite hate speech linked with crimes—graffiti free expression for people with whose views be more effective than banning effect. As efforts to silence bigotry become stating “Make America White Again” with we agree. The right to free speech only has phrases all more intense, the language used becomes anti-semitic and islamophobic undertones is political bite when we are forced to defend together. even more hurtful. By driving bigotry just one of them. Hate speech has become the rights of people with whose views we There was underground, the term becomes associated prominent today despite the efforts to quell profoundly disagree. And in a recent with rebellion and defiance. Many people it. However appalling the idea of “hate practice, you cannot reduce or movement express bigoted opinions humorously speech” might seem, it isn’t particularly eliminate bigotry simply by to replace for precisely this reason. While in our correct; there is a lot that can be said, of banning it because you the “N-word” society, bigotry is widely considered wrong, course, that promotes hatred, but it doesn’t are only allowing from Mark “informal” bigotry has become socially make much sense to group it all together the sentiments Twain novels with acceptable as a form of “edgy” humor, in the in a single category, especially when hatred to fester “slaves.” If that were to same way that socially unacceptable drugs, is such a contested concept. In a way, the underground. be done, it would allow America music, and other media have become— restriction of hate speech has become a Much like to be off the hook for its past simply by virtue of having been banned. As means of not addressing specific issues the black mistakes. Although events a result, calling people various obscenities about intimidation, but of enforcing general market such as slavery and the because of their race has become a part of social regulation. If you look at hate speech for the Jim Crow the status quo. Unfortunately, when teachers laws across the world, there is no consensus illegal laws in the call students out for yelling these obscenities over what constitutes hate speech. Britain drugs that plagues our country, hate South are in the hallways, it almost always leads to these bans any abusive, insulting, and threatening speech could eventually develop a market moments insulting words to be used more often, as an speech. Denmark and Canada ban speech for itself with devastating consequences. in our history act of defying the authority. If most of the that is insulting and degrading. India and With the recent turmoil in America that we would hate we regularly encountered was genuine Israel ban speech that hurts religious regarding the ongoing racial violence and like to put behind us, they should not “formal” bigotry, our reaction against it feelings or incites racial and religious slurs, it may seem obvious to just ban those be forgotten. The only thing that can lead to intellectually would be far stronger than it hatred. Australia prohibits the use of racially charged words. However, from a healing will first be acknowledging the past, presently is, where most hate we encounter speech that offends, insults, or intimidates long term perspective, this can only be and that starts with not banning racial slurs on a daily basis is being used as humor. individuals or groups. In each country, the more dangerous. Allowing the government but instead educating ourselves about them. The real hate has been driven underground law defines hate speech in a different way. to control what we can or cannot say as a Unfortunately, hate speech will never and become all the more entrenched One response to this dilemma might be country will inevitably lead to restriction entirely stop and people will always find a by the various efforts to eradicate it. to define hate speech more specifically. of seemingly normal sayings that might way to somehow promote hate. Banning Morally, it seems like the right idea to However, the problem runs much deeper. seem offensive to the overly sensitive part the use of hate words will not be able ban hate speech for the protection of the Restricting hate speech is not a means of of the population. And this is all for what? to effectively accomplish anything. Not citizens. However, the restriction of hate tackling bigotry but of rebranding certain, Giving powerful politicians more power many will take the ban seriously and unless speech will lead to the path of making often obnoxious, ideas or arguments as to make decisions that violate the very we get every single report of the use of certain ideas illicit without challenging them. immoral. It is a way of making certain ideas fundamental freedoms that were granted racist or offensive words, nothing will be And when has that ever been a good thing? JANUARY 2017 OPINION PAGE 5 Speculating on Trump’s First 100 Days

By YATI SANGHVI and ANDREW SHEN, political columnists

Taxes ANDREW: Republicans have consistently YATI: Throughout his campaign, Trump it is very unlikely that Congress would ever to people who have had a complete vetting. held tax reductions as a cornerstone of ran on the promise of lowering taxes, authorize the funds for the project, not to Overall, Trump will definitely stay consistent their fiscal policy, and Donald Trump’s especially for the middle class and small- mention Congress would have continuous with his statements about immigrants and campaign stuck with that ideal for the most business owners. It is likely that Trump will debate over the wall. Therefore, the plan of the views of the Republican party, but his part. However, it does not seem likely that carry out these changes. Middle-income building a wall will be stuck in deadlock for actions will not be as drastic as he described Trump will completely uphold his promise Americans will receive the largest tax years and eventually be shelved. during his campaign. within his first100 days, let alone his entire reduction, followed by large cuts for blue- term. Trump will most probably decrease collar Americans. Low-income Americans taxes for the rich, like the many Republican will have an income tax rate of zero. Abortion administrations in the past. However, while Considering Trump’s background, it seems ANDREW: While Trump’s official position YATI: Both President Donald Trump and he will stick to his tax programs for the probable that the rich will not be affected too on abortion during the election was Vice President Mike Pence are pro-life, rich, some of the American population much, although Trump has claimed that the contentious and hotly debated due to his along with the majority of the Republican will actually have increased taxes under his rich will pay their fair share if he is elected. previous flip-flopping, it is now predictable party. Trump has switched around a lot in presidency, according to his plans released in The income tax plans laid out by Trump are that he will go against abortion during his his views about abortion, but he is now November. This increase in taxes for some generally consistent with Republican ideas, presidency. As stated numerous times during sticking with the views of the Republican Americans would manifest itself in groups so they should pass through the Republican- his campaign, Trump will contest abortion party. Trump will probably defund Planned like single-parent households and married majority Congress easily. Trump’s vision also rights, and this will manifest itself in Parenthood right away, as he had promised couples with more than three children. includes lowering taxes for small-businesses multiple ways. For one, he will likely defund to do in many debates and speeches. This Although Trump may shift his policy once to keep jobs in America and help businesses organizations like Planned Parenthood, will pass through Congress fairly easily. It he takes office, it is quite likely that he will grow without being held back by the current which serve women with services related to is important to note, though, that Trump stick to what he has already outlined. His tax rate. Trump and the Republican party are abortion. Furthermore, many of the advisors has acknowledged the good that Planned proposed tax plans do not really constitute a strong believers in competition; therefore, he has chosen are extremely pro-life on the Parenthood has done and that abortions reform; rather, they seem to impede change. one of Trump’s first tax cuts will probably topic of abortion and oppose the entire make up only about three percent of what Thus, while Trump’s planned tax reform will be for businesses, going along with his concept. Even if Trump moderates many it does. Trump is only opposed to abortion, benefit the rich, it will likely have minimal party’s main goals. Come April 15, 2017, and of his other positions, it is doubtful that he not to everything else. For that reason, effect on many middle-class households and taxes for everyone will be much lower than will move toward a more restrained position Trump may look to fight abortion itself. actually harm some of them. the year before. on abortion simply due to his allies’ views There are several ways he could go about on the topic and his willingness to listen to this: Trump may choose to fight Roe v. Wade them. This could result in Trump arguing by appointing a conservative Supreme Court Foreign Policy against Roe v. Wade and attempting to get it justice after the death of Justice Scalia. Or, ANDREW: Trump’s foreign policy stance YATI: In the past, Trump has been very repealed; however, it is highly improbable instead of defunding Planned Parenthood, will likely remain similar to what he has outspoken about his foreign policies, which that anything will actually happen to Roe v. Trump might reassign money to it, so that proposed so far, at least in the early part of his was great for campaigning, but not for Wade during the next four years. the government does not pay for abortions. term. His desire for warmer ties with Russia actually running a country. However, many will probably manifest in immediate efforts of the things Trump said on the campaign Policing to try to improve relations and attempts to trail were probably exaggerated for effect. ANDREW: It is expected that Trump YATI: Donald Trump’s views on policing cooperate with Vladimir Putin. However, Trump will take on more moderate policies, will adopt policies favorable to the police; align with that of the Republican party. In regarding the rest of Europe, Trump may while his advisors and cabinet will help however, he may not be the person to carry general, Trump is in support of the police withdraw slightly from the official Obama him make well-thought-out and diplomatic out all of these policies. Though Trump has and believes that police officers have been presidency stance. It is hard to predict what foreign policy decisions. Although Trump vocally supported the police throughout his mistreated in America. During the First he will actually do in regards to European claimed that he would get rid of the Iran campaign and would likely maintain a pro- 100 Days, Trump will probably call for an allies in the NATO and EU because of the deal, it’s more likely that he will change it or police policy on the outside, this may not end to the Black Lives Matter protests. In potential major shift in the European political renegotiate it. One thing we can be sure of is necessarily be reflected through presidential addition, Trump will support the practice landscape next year. (UK’s EU referendum a large increase in defense spending: Trump actions that he will take himself. He will of stop-and-frisk, as carried out in New will have major implications on the future plans to re-work the budget in order to probably not specifically urge laws that will York by one of Trump’s closest advisors, of Eurozone and EU integration in 2017.) rebuild America’s weak military and increase benefit the police officers or make serious Rudy Giuliani. A stop-and-frisk is when the On the topic of Asia, Trump will likely hold the military’s cyber capabilities. Trump also moves in their favor. However, Trump’s police temporarily detain and pat anyone a hardline position toward China, whom he will probably call for less involvement in policy toward the police will be tangibly that seems potentially armed and dangerous. has repeatedly called out for perceived trade other nations’ affairs, in the form of nation- beneficial in that he will appoint federal Trump claimed “It worked in NY, it will disagreements. Although this could translate building and regime change. In general, the officials who are more sympathetic toward work for the country.” As signified by his into a pursuit of closer ties with traditional administration will probably not do much and openly supportive of police causes. blanket immigration bans, he seems to be American allies in the Asia-Pacific, like Japan in terms of foreign policy in the First 100 Such officials include Attorney General Jeff willing to take such radical measures to solve and South Korea, Trump has also stated Days. Trump may try to align himself Sessions, a former senator from Alabama. America’s problems. Trump will support the his desire to see both countries do more with Russia, but as seen with major stance Under Trump, we could see a drastic police in cases of suspected police brutality, for their own defense. Regarding the Syria changes after his election, nothing can be rollback of police reforms and a potential such as not making body cameras mandatory crisis, he will take on a very different stance certain. It takes time to draw up plans and increase in police power in the future. It for the police to wear. However, his opinion than that of the Obama administration, as allocate funds, and these activities happen is also likely there will be a reduction in may not lead to actual policy because it could he has stated he wants to withdraw financial mainly behind-the-scenes. Trump will be investigations of police, and there is also the be difficult to pass any legislation against funding and support for the rebels and work well into his presidency before major foreign possibility Trump will allow police officers Black Lives Matter and in favor of the police more closely with Russia. policy decisions will be known to the public. to play a part in his immigration plan. Thus, through Congress. To conclude, Trump’s Trump’s presidency is shaping up to be an presidency may be marked with greater overall beneficial change for police officers. support for policial measures. Immigration ANDREW: Trump’s position on immigrants YATI: Everyone knows about Trump’s plan during his campaign was especially tough for to build a wall along the Mexican border a presidential candidate, and it is unlikely and make Mexico pay for it. He repeated it that he will repudiate most of his stated at least once in every debate. But this wall policy goals. Given that Trump will assume that Trump claims he will build will probably all of the same presidential powers Obama not actually happen. A wall like the one he had, Trump will also be able to sign his describes is unrealistic and not at all feasible. own executive orders on immigration. Most Trump is surely aware of this, too, and probably, this means that he will overturn probably has no intention at all of actually many of Obama’s actions, such as granting pursuing plans to build a wall. Border amnesty to illegal immigrants. He will also security will definitely increase within the have the power to ban people from certain First 100 Days, however. There will be geographic regions from entering the tighter regulation on who is allowed into country. In spite of his hypothetical powers America, for safety and security. In regards and actions, he will not likely succeed on to Muslim immigration, Trump will not ban other aspects of immigration policy that he all Muslim people outright. Although Trump would like to implement. For instance, it is has acknowledged in the past that Muslim almost impossible that he will ever build a people aren’t inherently terrorists and that wall on the Mexican border simply due to the the vast majority are good people, he will sheer cost and effort needed to make such a still likely make the vetting process for project work. In addition, given that there immigrants especially difficult and tedious. are other more pressing priorities right now, Visas will be issued very cautiously and only

JANUARY 27 FEATURES PAGE 7 You Know You Go To JPS When... …all students are intensely concentrating …you constantly wish for the Coffee Shop …an ice pack seems to be the solution to …when you forget to charge your mac on their MacBooks during class... to open up for an excuse to eat in class. every injury. overnight and spend the rest of the day …playing Mario Kart. …the computers run slower than students …passing through the courtyard is your trying to live off of 9%. ...your teachers’ websites are blocked... around the track. saving grace… …you know kids who were caught in hall …but not Twitter. …you wonder if the JPS greenhouse will …but if it’s raining or freezing, it’s the bane sweeps twice…on the same day. …the words “I’ll make a doc” can be heard ever end up being called the green-and- of your existence. anytime. gold-house. …fire drills seem to be timed to expose By HARSHITA JAIN, …you include everything you’ve ever …there are still geese in the courtyard. In students to near-zero temperatures... CHRISTINE NGYUYEN, juniors GRACE CHEN, accomplished on your college application, the winter snow. …but if plans for a history quiz are and GIRISH GANESAN, sophomores right down to that “Good Behavior” award …students compromise school safety by derailed, there are no complaints. you got in second grade. letting in anyone banging on a door. …you stayed up all night studying for your …lockdowns are basically five minutes of …you realize to your horror that it is a lab tests on Friday… JPSHAWKEYE.COM: staring sessions with your friends while you day and you don’t have study hall to finish …only to be told to have a Thunderous try not to laugh. the homework due in your next class. Thursday. CHECK IT OUT. Student Debt? You Bet! you still live under their roof. It suddenly bar, you need your nutrition, and the school is close to a million billion. Obviously, I By NATHANIEL MUMAU, sophomore becomes unacceptable to ask them to spot is smart enough to charge you for it. Either want to support my school; I want to let WHILE COMMUNISM ONLY works on you a repayment-free twenty bucks because learn to mooch off your rich friends who my classmates know I encourage their paper, capitalism is a pretty solid system of apparently you’re supposed to be getting a can afford water in bottles instead of from educational endeavors and hope they economics that plagues a certain population job and paving the way for when you live free fountains, or just stop eating for the rest succeed accordingly. What I don’t want to of people. That population is none other apart from your birth family. It sounds like of your life. All seven days of it. do is pay ten-plus dollars for a cold plate of than students because as it turns out, in a big scam orchestrated by that raucous Educational utensils. There’s a reason spaghetti or a squeaky auditorium seat. Sure, America at least, stuff costs moolah— and wild Generation X, but in fact, there places like Office Depot, Staples, and the ten bucks is a small price to pay to show my especially education. However, you, the has come a time when high schoolers must School Store stay open every year. The appreciation for whatever obscure honors average high school student, are probably indeed pay for themselves, or at least pay holiday of “back-to-school-shopping” society or ensemble group you belong to. saying, “Yes, an education requires dollars, back loans taken from the Bank of their allows office supply superstores to make But honestly, nobody could possibly go to but they are my parents’ tax dollars, and I Parentage. 87% of their total yearly income in one all those school events, so therefore, you don’t have to worry about student debt until short season. And then, eight should go to none of them. Rather, stand years after college.” And you, the unaverage days into the school year— about fifteen feet away from the front of the high school student, are probably saying, when most of those previously school and shout your support throughout “I’m not going to college, so money will purchased educational utensils the duration of the talent show or art never be an issue for me, ever.” Stop lying go missing—the School Store showcase or whatever is going on that night. to yourselves! Do you not realize that every opens its doors to make money As a wise man probably once said, “Your single high school student, no matter how selling the school planners we words are worth more than any amount of average, actually develops crippling student have all become dependent on money you could pay for a ticket to attend debt by the mid-high school years? Luckily, because they gave them to us random garbage your school has organized. it is quite easy to identify what drains all of for free in middle school! To Trust me.” your money, and the trick is simply to pry get around this issue, there are By avoiding these obvious vacuums of those pipes off the sink of life before they two obvious paths to take, each a student’s finances, you will be one of become clogged with your dough. leading to a clear solution: the rare few who actually owes no money Before we begin our financial analysis, 1) Take as many classes as you whatsoever! After all, you can’t be in debt we must understand where this debt is can that do not require paper, if you spend no money. Furthermore, you coming from. Up until high school, you are pens, pencils or binders. should celebrate your financial independence technically still under the legal care of the 2) Be an entrepreneur and from the oppressive school system. Are our people who gave birth to you, or at least paid open your own office supplies tax dollars not enough? We can all agree, the money and signed a certificate to keep you superstore. If everyone does less money we put into our public schools, in their house. Due to these uncontrollable this, the sudden multitude of the better off everyone will be. Therefore, circumstances, it would not be wrong to But what could be gobbling up so much similarly-themed office supplies superstores tuck that piggy bank back under your bed assume they will continue to pay for all of our precious money? The short answer is will spread profits so thinly among all the and rebury that metal box of discontinued survival necessities up through childhood school, but they don’t ask a Features writer to stores that they will edge each other out of two dollar bills; you won’t have to worry and into the rest of your adult life. But this give you the short answer. The long answer: business. about loans until at least your college years, is an incorrect assumption! Apparently, Food. Whether it’s the stick of meat in School events. Do you know how many and hopefully by then the U.S. economy parents and legal guardians take great joy in your delectable Chartwell’s lunch or the stick dances, banquets, movie nights, fundraisers, will have collapsed beyond repair. No throwing you out on your own in economic of meat loosely labelled “hotdog” at Tailgate and concerts this crazy school has? After economy means no debt to repay, right? It’s terms, while continuing to remind you that or the leaves you purchased from the salad careful calculations, I have found that it Economics 101. College Application Talents your hidden talents shine through by starting have perfect GPAs and SATs. In order to against anything you have even the slightest By ANNA JIANG, sophomore New Jersey’s first curling team. All those solve both problems, you can learn distaste for: the school lunches, the dirty AT THIS STAGE IN LIFE, you’re starting to years of sweeping floors for your parents how to hack the system. If you’re bathrooms, the government, you decide! think about your future a lot. You’re not really are finally going to pay off (I’m looking at thinking about going into a tech field, This is the package deal right here; it sure why, but all these questions about where you, Cinderella). Besides, wasn’t your mom what better way to get a head start shows leadership, devotion to a cause, and you want to go to study and what you want always nagging you to join a sport? Who on the curriculum than by breaking organization skills (it can also make for to be when you grow up start popping into knew she was secretly training you for this into Genesis and changing all your one heck of a wild college essay). You’ll your head. Maybe it’s because you’re starting moment the whole time! On top of all grades to perfect 100s? Doing surely stand out amongst the rest when to mature and you’re finally taking your this, you can demonstrate leadership and so demonstrates to the the admissions office reads about that time parent’s advice to think about these things. your extensive knowledge of Canadian world how intelligent you overthrew the government like it’s no Or maybe it’s because your older friends will culture—something all admission you truly are, and now big deal (of course, if you get pegged as a not shut up about college. And as much as officers love hearing about! you have an outstanding Communist and spark another Red Scare, you enjoy hearing all about the drama and Maybe you simply don’t want to GPA to back it up. you didn’t hear this from me, got it?). After stress the seniors are going through right invest your time in sports, which is fine. If you find yourself lacking all, what other teenager has led a full scale now, remember, that will soon be you. Now, However, this means that you really in all of these categories, don’t political revolt in America? it may be too late for them, but it’s never need to shine in the academic field. fret! Another thing colleges love Come next year, you may find yourself too early for you to start constructing your Everyone is always trying to ease to see is dedication. By the time face to face with a blank college app. Don’t college application. your concerns with sappy phrases you start considering college let yourself fall behind and end up crying in All colleges want to see some form of like, “your grades don’t measure applications, it may be a little a bathtub the night before your deadline . sports on your application. You’re always your ability” or, “just do your too late for you to squeeze in because you’ve done nothing with your life hearing about that varsity bowler who got best,” but an F is a real pain to four years of some obscure club. for the past four years. Instead of wallowing a full scholarship, or the high school golfer recover from. Think about it: However, there are still several in your sorrows, make the last year of your recruited for his legendary skills. But maybe how else are colleges going unique ways for you to display high school career count. Take some action you’re just not the kind of person built for to see how intelligent you your commitments. and start diversifying your application today! these extraneous activities. Have you ever really are unless you show Show off your Use these helpful tips to make the most of noticed that our school only offers a selection them your flawless transcript? true passion and your high school career; show those colleges of American sports? Perhaps it’s time to You need to be able to set yourself fervor by staging just how unique you are by picking up some bring another country into play: Canada! Let apart from the vast sea of applicants who a rebellion! Revolt of these new talents. Gym 101 for the Unathletic By LUCIA CHOI, sophomore ARE YOU ATHLETICALLY incompetent? Can you gym? There are many things you encounter in high school that prepare you for the real world, but the most important by far is physical education. For all my painfully unathletic people out there, scraping along with a mere A-, this is now your chance! Beat the odds by learning tips and tricks for sports you will never play! Ultimate Frisbee Early on in your PE career, you’ll receive the daunting task of catching multicolored fluorescent disks without having all of your fingers dislocated by the end of the day. If you do happen to get your hands on one of these disks, congratulations! Your immediate reward is to be hunted down by a frenzied pack of your peers. Rather than focusing on your lack of reflexes and your extra-buttery fingers, find an easy solution used throughout history. Channel the spirits of this ancient sport, and be one with the golden retriever. You may be inclined to use your mouth to catch the frisbee and run on all fours, but don’t worry, this is all part of the game-winning process. (Warning: side effects may include excessive happiness, drooling, nausea, and an extreme desire to be a “good boy.”) Field Hockey If you’ve ever heard of hockey, you know the game is all about strategy. Take the stick, hit the puck, and get it in the goal. What they don’t tell you, however, is to watch out for the crushing weight of your own inadequacy as your slightly-more-athletic peers shoot death glares in your direction. While your general clumsiness makes you a prime victim in this sport, counter with your own violence (sorry, “roughhousing”). Wack- A-Knee is a tactic used by the best of the unathletic elite. And if you get called out for intentionally trying to hurt people, pass off your blows as misses. It shouldn’t be hard to convince your opponents of your innocence, since you basically lost any control of your limbs at the age of one. Jump Rope This is a Level 9001 activity. Stay away. Weight Room Every unathletic person hates one room, and only one room in particular. No, it’s not your math class, or your biology one, but the dreaded weight room. Instead of struggling to lift five pound weights, here’s a solution to make yourself the strongest person in the room—well, at least in appearance. Cut out some styrofoam circles and paint them black; these will act as fake weights. Then, sneak these clever contraptions into weight room and while no one is looking, put them on the bench press metal bar. Pretty soon, you’ll be lifting “500 pound” weights in no time at all! Running If pretending you’re running from your commitments doesn’t work, consider taking advantage of your friends! Be proactive! Put on your banned Heelys™, latch on to your overachieving buddies, and release your inner freeloader. If your friends object, then they’re not your friends at all. As an experienced “unathletic” for nearly 16 years, I am proud to say that I have survived and (surprisingly) have not died. I am glad to pass on my limited wisdom to the new generation of unathletic children. Follow these steps and you’ll get to AP Phys Ed in no time! Stay tuned for our next edition: Gym 102: So Gym 101 Didn’t Work Out...Did It?

Group Projects By GLO TRINIDAD, sophomore IT’S THAT DREADED week before the end of the marking period: teachers are struggling to throw together last-minute assignments and students are scrambling desperately in the vain hope that they’ll be able to drag up their sinking grades. During this final countdown, there’s one thing that can make or break a student’s grade: a group project. Perhaps the deadliest quality of group projects is the madness they cause among group members, a hysteria known as Noneofusknowhowtoworktogether-itis. This illness can generate extreme rage among students and cause them to turn on each other as they struggle to complete the assignment. But fear not! This guide, based on my own experience battling a vicious group project alongside my classmates, will reveal to you the way to earning a healthy grade. The most well-known project member is the Micromanager, a self-proclaimed know-it-all who has a habit of getting on other people’s nerves. In some groups, this member can become an aggressive control-freak, and may cause the group to fall apart. If you just can’t handle the stress this member is giving you, rally up the rest of the team to help you fix the issue: tie up your Micromanager and throw him or her out the window. I mean, in the end, what matters is the good grade; and as long as the Micromanager also gets the A, he’ll be fine with suffering a two-story fall. Usually during a project, the Slacker and the Procrastinator are nowhere to be seen. Although similar, these group members are not the same. Slackers often avoid actual work under the well-meaning excuse of “checking in” on other members or “offering support.” As for Procrastinators? These people are the ones who stay up until 2:00 a.m. the day before the project is due, and will then work insanely hard for a few hours to make sure that the project is finished. Trick these two into thinking that the project you’re working on is due one day earlier than it actually is, and although they’ll despise you for the rest of your life for fooling them into working on it early, your grade will greatly benefit. Found hunched over in the corners of the room are the Backseat Driver and the Fairy Godmother, illuminated by their glowing laptop screens. The Backseat Driver is a person who has a lot to say about other people’s work… but is suspiciously missing any work of his or her own to contribute. Fairy Godmothers are not as common as Slackers and Micromanagers, but you can recognize them by their empty promises to add all sorts of special effects to the technical part of your presentation. Unlike Procrastinators, these two can’t be controlled by the simple switch of the deadline. Employ a more hands-on approach: lock them in a dark cave with no food or water until they get some solid work done. Over by the windows, you’ll find two group members working happily: the Happy Hippie and the Oprah. The Happy Hippie is essentially a Fairy Godmother who utilizes pencil-and-paper rather than digital special effects. The Oprah, meanwhile, is a master orator, with dramatic flair and the crucial ability to improvise and cover for shyer group members. Fortunately, these members need no extra motivation to complete their work and are happily rewarded with a lack of bodily harm and/or forcible relocation. In the end, our group project was a moderate success. If you follow these tips to improve productivity, yours could be one too. Remember, no pain, no gain. (Hawkeye is not responsible for any legally or morally objectionable incidents that occur due to adherence to the above advice.) The Average Avengers By JANA LI, sophomore WHAT DO BATMAN, Spiderman, and the slightly less relevant Antman all have in common? They’re all fictitious superheroes created by monopolous corporations trying to swindle you out of your money and creativity. Don’t play into mass media. If you used that imagination of yours, you could create your own personalized superheroes free of charge. Imagine the possibilities: if you were in an ethnic mood, your newly created Spongeman could easily become the feared and esteemed Spongehombre. But let’s say you didn’t have the brainpower to come up with a man who could control the aquatic population of sponges in the Pacific Ocean (copyrighted; don’t you dare think about stealing Spongehombre), there are other options. In fact, there are everyday superheroes roaming the world right now, just waiting to be discovered. Their lack of nylon tights and flashy leotards may make them hard to find, but if you scream “Help!” really loudly, you’ll attract a whole horde of them (or cause a mass panic, but that’s a risk you’ll just have to take). When the heroes arrive, either by foot or by reliable Honda Fit 2008s, the ability to recognize each hero is vital if you want to avoid making some fatal error on par with mistaking the Man Thing for it’s DC Universe rip-off counterpart, the Swamp Thing. (A swamp made into a man versus a man made out of swamp; it’s not that hard to differentiate so long as you just don’t think too much about it.) Luckily, you don’t need to be a superhero to accumulate the power of identification. Swaggering out of that Honda Fit is a poindexter sporting a plaid sweater vest paired with a haughty, know-it-all smile. This nerd can only be known to the public as Iron-y Man: wielder of irony (both dramatic and situational) and verbal sarcasm. Every ounce of your fleeting patience will be tested by a simpleton and his consistent, unnecessary commentary. With the power of wit and satirical comedy by his side, you can count on Iron-y Man to deliver that verbal smackdown your enemy deserves. Or more likely, you can count on this hero to leave the buffoon in a dazed state as he tries to make sense of anything Iron-y Man’s got to say. Nonetheless, the sucker is paralyzed in confusion, giving you a prime opportunity to run away before he decides some geek in suspenders has no authority to prevent him from spitting out more useless crud. The greatest irony of it all? Iron-y Man is just as simple-minded as his victims. Afterall, two men uttering complete garbage will eventually cancel each other out. On par with superheroes that don’t make sense, flying in from left field with the help of an intricate cable-pulley system and heavy duty rope is one dressed in knockoff spandex and a bedsheet cape, quite obviously trying to portray himself as the classic hero. You guessed it, it’s Captain Obvious. This non-naval Captain is an antihero who uses his villainous powers of overused cliches, commonplace idioms, and painful increativity to bore his enemies to death. Thankfully, it is obvious to him who is considered good or bad as the power of terrible literary content can be deadly in the wrong hands. At least he can say he isn’t Captain Oblivious. But what do all heroes, spandex clad or not, have in common? No, it isn’t their tragic backstory surrounding the death of their parents and all other guardian figures in their lives. No, it isn’t their comical sidekick who is neither talented nor really that funny. Along with whatever power a superhero may posses, the job comes with an added bonus: the ability to make women swoon. It’s just about the only thing that’s going for the everyday Souperman. Saucy, spicy, and just a bit salty, Souperman holds the ability to warm soup to just the right temperature for perfection. Whether it be seven degrees above lukewarm, or ten degrees below boiling, Souperman really brings the heat. And what do women look for most in a father figure for their children? The prime ability to work a microwave properly. That’s husband material right there. If you’re doubting the legitimacy of these everyday superheroes, just remember that creativity can go a long way. There could be some small high school girl out there making up random superheroes for the sake of completing a high school newspaper article.

Expectations vs. Reality

MANY STUDENTS COME to JP with optimistic expectations about how their school life will unravel. But halfway through the year, it becomes apparent that such aspirations were simply wishful naiveté. Group projects that you were so enthusiastic about turn into living nightmares. Gym isn’t a walk in the park anymore, and you’ll end up having to pull off superhuman feats in order to run eight laps. (Though even superheroes couldn’t manage some of the difficult tasks you have to deal with.) But when you’re gasping for breath on your eighth and final lap or nursing your bruises from hockey sticks, remember that all these struggles are just temporary. PAGE 10 NEWS JANUARY 2017 Bandboozle, contd. Taking Care of Business trying to flip bottles with friends. In the end, By ERIN PARK, sophomore “Snap-On Silicon” was the winner of the STUDENTS FROM ALL GRADES gathered day. Sophomore Parnika Anand, a member in the JP Stevens library to explore the of the winning group, said, “The Snap-On world of business at the FBLA Northern Silicon is a moldable case that fits any kind of Central Regional Conference on December phone. The packaging includes a rectangular 6. Members spent the day networking moldable silicon case and cutters that would and attempting to place in the top help cut holes for the camera and the buttons.” eight of their respective testing events. Simultaneously, others were taking their The day began with guest speaker various objective tests in the library. Members Stephany Kim talking about her experience aimed to score high enough to qualify for in business. As the youngest branch manager the New Jersey FBLA State conference. for BCB Your Community Bank, Stephany Junior Tyra Gravesande said, “Regardless of SARAH SCHILDKRAUT offered insight into the banking sector and if and where I place, I know the information Seniors Aryaa Sahasrabuddhe and Chiekh Higgs dance with others at Bandboozle. the business world at large by drawing from that I learned to help prepare for this test committees to plan out different aspects Bandboozle was by far the best one I have her own experiences. Junior Somya Jain will help me in the future.” This reflects the of the dance. Sophomore publicity DJed. I tried my best to mix in many genres said, “Stephany’s experience became evident purpose of the FBLA: to educate students committee member Grace Chen described throughout the night, such as K-Pop, Hip- when she talked about her past and current about the world of business, regardless of her experience in preparing for the event, Hop, Rap, Pop, EDM, and Christmas music.” jobs. She was a great speaker and was able what their preferred career choice may be. stating, “At first, promoting the event was In many ways, this year’s Bandboozle to tap into some of the students’ interests The second guest speaker, JP alumnus a challenge because people generally don’t was similar to years past; however, it never and thoughts about the future job market.” Jeff Zuttah, spoke next to FBLA members know what Bandboozle is, but it became fails to change from the perspective of the After breakfast, all of the students were about his experiences with business in high easier when I explained that it was going students. Senior B.E.A.T. Consul Cheikh split into two groups. While one group school, college, and the working world. After toward a good cause. Our efforts paid off Higgs explained, “I think it was a different tested in their competitive events, the graduating from high school, he attended the in the end when we sold almost 100 tickets!” perspective for me this year because I was other group played a simulation of the TV University of Michigan but later transferred As students walked into the cafeteria, they the upperclassman who had to make the show Shark Tank. The show consists of to Stanford. He then went on to work for were greeted by uplifting music and other dance happen. I remember when I went as entrepreneurs who pitch their products major Wall Street firms, assist the Obama students dressed in pajamas in accordance a freshman, all of the seniors were dancing to a panel of rich “sharks” in order to administration during the 2008 recession, with this year’s party theme. In the back of the with their friends trying to get my hype up convince them to invest their money into and attend Harvard Business School. cafeteria, many students helped themselves but this time I was the person trying to the products. In the simulation game, FBLA The conference concluded with a bingo to a buffet of pizza, fried rice, and assorted get the underclassmen excited about it.” members were divided into groups and activity that helped students network and baked goods. When the lights were shut off Although the dance only lasted for one required to brainstorm a unique product make new friends within the club. Senior and the disco lights illuminated the walls night, the money it raised will give students concept to pitch to the “sharks,” who were Victoria Tan, co-president of FBLA stated, and the ceilings, students took to the dance across the country an opportunity to be visiting board members of Rutgers Phi Beta “The executive board put a lot of effort into floor and danced to songs ranging from involved in music forever. Junior B.E.A.T. Lambda, the college division of FBLA. the conference. We registered people on a mainstream pop to EDM. Alternatively, Consul Nivea Mohankumar remarked, “I Group presentations included innovative database, arranged for food, and proctored students could venture into the annex and realized how the money we make can make a ideas such as the “H2-Flippin-O”, a device practice tests so FBLA members were challenge their friends to a Super Smash difference in the lives of others. As my first that, when attached to the bottom of a familiar with the tests. A lot of work was put Bros free-for-all. Senior Andrew Chen, the year as Consul, I was really determined to water bottle, will automatically land upright into the event, but it was all worth it because DJ of the event, exclaimed, “This year’s make sure it was as successful as possible.” when flipped, giving buyers the edge when everyone had an amazing time!” The Light of Language House Band, contd. lit, Mme. Reusch announced the official By KRISHNA PATEL, junior induction of all the members and prompted ON DECEMBER 15, 90 members of French the inductees to blow out their candles. Honor Society and 72 members of Spanish Before the start of the Spanish Honor Honor Society were officially inducted. Society segment of the inductions, band The event, which lasted for three hours and guitar students serenaded the audience in the auditorium, would not have been during a musical interlude. Sra. Martinez possible without the assistance of the music then commenced the SHH portion of department, theatre technicians, JP staff, inductions with a humorous yet sentimental advisors, and FHS and SHH executive boards. anecdote, joking about her students. After a Senior Jahnavi Sakhamuri, a member of the brief introduction of the executive board, FHS executive board, acknowledged, “FHS senior Samiksha Khetan thanked all of the started prepping about a month in advance, teachers and parents for coming. Senior and it took the collaborative effort of both Paul Trevidic discussed the significance of the societies to make the event successful.” language in his childhood and how Spanish LOUIS ANDREUZZI/EILEEN PLESNARSKI Inductees gathered as early as 3:30 opened up new opportunities for him The original House Band poses onstage after a successful performance. p.m. to prepare for the inductions. while guest speaker Michael Veltre, a JP was to have fun with colleagues and create There have been great performances but Dressed in red, blue, white, and black, alumnus, also addressed how Spanish has “concerts” worth listening to. Today’s lineup, not without barriers for future success. As members were lined up in alphabetical helped him personally and professionally. however, is slightly different, consisting time went on, practice time diminished and order and were given pins to wear. Senior Emily Lo, a Spanish Honor Society of Mr. Boufford on lead guitar, Mr. the band performed more to accompany The ceremony began with everyone inductee, stated, “The guest speaker made Kearney on rhythm guitar, Mrs. Plesnarski students rather than perform on its own. rising to recite the Pledge of Allegiance me understand that not everyone is going on bass guitar, Mr. Andreuzzi on vocals, Personnel changes also prevented the and hear members of the Chamber Choir to speak English or necessarily want to Mr. Maluta on drums, Mr. Huaman on band from meeting as often as they used sing the “Star Spangled Banner.” French learn English because it could be difficult. keyboard, and Mr. Pierce on rhythm guitar. to. “When we started this, most of us Honor Society Advisor Mme. Reusch gave I had a similar experience to that of the With a sense of purpose and camaraderie, were single with no children,” remarked a brief greeting, saying, “Language is special guest speaker where I employed my ten the first few practices yielded better results Mr. Kearney, who participated in the band because it allows us to form a connection. It years of learning Spanish to try to start a than expected. Although the rehearsals from the start. “Now, we are all married is about creating bridges and bonds which conversation through broken Spanish and were entertaining for the members, hard with kids. Our family obligations have are amazing.” After an introduction of all English. I held the conversation for about work was necessary in finding and adjusting to take precedence over band activities.” the officers, senior Shankar Iyer discussed 15 minutes, which made me really happy!” scores to make them suitable for the band to During the past few years, the band has how learning French empowered his life The inductees finally got the chance to play. Mrs. Plesnarski, who joined the band been asked to accompany acts on numerous and introduced him to a new lifestyle. have their names announced by seniors later, reflected back on her first practices by occasions; however, they have been forced to Seniors Maureen Mirza and Muskan Shah Jagathi Kalluru and Esha Patel. Inductees commenting, “There was a lot of prep time. expand their music playlist. Today, the band recited the poem “Ode à Cassandre” by repeated the “Juramento, or oath, in unison We wanted everyone to feel comfortable with only practices when there is a major event; Pierre de Ronsard and seniors Taylor Dean, which was delivered by senior Andrea the songs by making sure the songs were in the members came together last year to Anjali Madgula, and Jahnavi Sakhamuri Quispe. Junior Julia Vaynerchuk said, “It their playing or singing range.” perform at the Social Studies Honor Society performed the “L’Appel de Nouveaux felt exhilarating to stand next to my peers The excitement of creating a new band Inductions. Nevertheless, the talented staff Membres” or the “Call of New Members.” who put in just as much as effort as I did was evident during their first performance still puts in as much effort as they did The anticipated moment came when all to reach this moment.” The ceremony ended at the Faculty Talent Show of 2000, which before, practicing as much as three times the new members’ names were announced. with all of the SHH members reiterating was one of the most memorable for the a week when a show or event approaches. Each student walked onto stage, shook the in unison “todos a una” or “all together.” original group. Songs played at this event Fortunately, the House Band has high hopes hands of the officers and advisors, and Everyone was then directed to the included “Stairway to Heaven” and “Soul for the future as well as many amazing went to stand on the risers. Seniors Parth reception in the cafeteria where the new Man,” where members sang like the Blues memories to look back on. “Working with Narvekar and Tanmay Majmudar recited the members enjoyed dessert and took pictures. Brothers. Other notable performances the House Band,” reflected Mr. Andreuzzi, “La Course du Flambeau,” or the “Passing The members left with a sense of fulfillment of the House Band included “Mack the “provided me with an opportunity to the Torch pledge,” to officially induct all the as they joined their peers in illuminating the Knife” and “Proud to be an American”, also work closely with very talented colleagues new members. After all the candles were world with the light of language. played at an annual Faculty Talent Show. and develop long lasting friendships.” JANUARY 2017 NEWS PAGE 11 Chhavi Verg, Decking the Trees JP Got Talent, contd. stages simply require the contestants to contd. model in their respective outfits and the around his body and legs and sometimes Talent stage requires the contestants to juggling two or three yo-yos simultaneously. display their abilities. The Private Judge’s The first of nine competing acts was Interview is an opportunity for the judges to a vocal performance from senior Keilah get to know the contestants. The final stage, Snipes, who paired her voice with unique Onstage Question, involves the judges and choreography. She was followed by senior viewers asking questions regarding current Allen Kung’s magic act, in which he attempted events to the contestants. to guess the card that an audience member To prepare for the competition, Chhavi had randomly chosen from his deck. The developed a particular mindset: in order to audience cheered for junior Tajira Harmon’s perform her best on stage, she needed to feel powerful performance of Alicia Keys’s her best. For the entire year leading up to “Girl on Fire” as well as the energetic dance the pageant, she spent the majority of her AARUSHI GOVIL routine performed by sophomore Avi Sura time figuring out her interests, her values and Seniors Swara Patel and Yash Pednekar assist in decorating the Christmas tree. and seniors Sanjana Saji and Sahil Kumar. strengths, and what made her happy. Her As the decorating began with students Senior Victoria Tan delivered a more mellow experiences taught her the value of caring By BRIAN DAN-DING, sophomore clamoring to adorn their trees, each class’ performance of a medley of Drake songs as for herself and working to become a better WITH THE WINTER HOLIDAYS overarching traits became clear. The juniors, she played along on her ukulele. Several other version of herself each day. approaching, the JP Stevens Character Tree for example, had Polaroids of students musical acts followed: sophomore Sameer Shaping her mindset throughout the Decorating Contest began on December 19. lined along the tree and a topper made Madhukar played percussion and keyboard journey were people who cared about Sophomore Karina Melgar, the Vice out of homework to show responsibility. simultaneously to produce a unique sound, her. The most valuable parts of Chhavi’s President of the Class of 2019 attested, “We As Class of 2018 advisor Ms. Boff senior Simran Belani and freshman Arya experience were the honest advice of her had to make sure to balance between having puts it, “The reason why we had used Massand sang Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” friends and family. At certain points during something that was aesthetically pleasing recycled math homework was to as senior Ria Karangutkar played guitar in the preparation for the competition, Chhavi and something that exhibited the character emphasize personal accountability: the the background, and senior Rishi Jamarwala began to second-guess herself; however, this trait. Luckily, we were able to do this.” idea that every individual is responsible for played his drums along to a mashup of taught her the importance of focusing on In November, each of the four classes contributing to the school environment.” two songs. The first round of competition herself rather than others. received a random pillar of character as the The senior class took a different approach concluded with senior Divya Khanna’s When Chhavi heard the words, “Chhavi theme of their Christmas tree. The freshmen by bringing boxes of Christmas presents and emotional rendition of Demi Lovato’s Verg—Miss New Jersey USA 2017,” when were assigned “caring,” the sophomores lining them under the tree to signify citizenship. “Skyscraper,” which was accompanied the winner was announced, she was surprised, “fairness,” the juniors “responsibility,” and As the seniors gathered to crown by junior Maya Merchant on the piano. with her first thought being: “Wow, I’m Miss the seniors “citizenship.” Most important their tree, senior class officer Simran Junior Amulya Mutnuri commented, “I was New Jersey. My life just changed.” of all, the contest’s rules stipulated that Banga stated, “It’s comforting to stand astounded by the variety of talent I saw When asked about any advice she would all decorations had to be handmade. here amongst my peers, especially to from each performer. It was refreshing to give to JP students, Chhavi emphasized that The Character Trees, however, were honor the effort we put into the tree.” see people showcase skills that you never people cannot compete with or compare not to act simply as a display. The Student After a week of tough decision making, really get to see at other school events.” themselves to others. Chhavi stated, “Being Council advisor, Mr. Baer pointed the administration decided that the junior During the interims between each act, the Miss New Jersey is fun, but it is also a huge out, “The greatest impact has been class had made the best overall tree while hosts entertained the crowd by exchanging responsibility. You are a role model and you increasing awareness about the pillars of the senior class had made the second best banter. Both Aryaa and Cheikh embraced the have the power to truly make a difference in character and having students appreciate tree with the sophomore class and freshman personalities of their characters, assuming the community and the lives of others.” their peers’ hard work for their class.” class placing third and fourth respectively. the speech patterns of Kim and Kanye everytime they introduced a new act. Cheikh also showed off his own talent during the ‘Tis the Season to Celebrate show by playing a jazz piece on the saxophone. After all nine acts were performed, the three judges, Mrs. Sutter, Ms. Holborow, and Ms. Biloholowski, deliberated on which of the three acts would move on to the second round. While the audience waited with anticipation, the hosts conducted a game to keep everyone engaged. Eight volunteers were invited onstage to sing a line of a song on the spot, and if they were unable to, they were eliminated. During this period, the tech crew that coordinated the show was also acknowledged. They took the stage to perform a choreographed dance routine to “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from Hairspray. As the performance came to a close, Aryaa and Cheikh prepared to announce the finalists. Tajira Harmon, Victoria Tan, and Rishi Jamarwala all advanced to the next round of the competition and performed a second time. Tajira delivered yet another moving performance, this time of “If I Ain’t Got PRIYA BHATT You” by Alicia Keys, which displayed her SHH members and attendees enjoy their time at the event and join a dancing train that goes around the cafeteria. vocal strength and elicited cheers from the by the SHH executive board. Senior Jagathi want for Christmas is You” started a sing- audience. Victoria played the ukulele to a By ANDREA QUISPE, senior Kalluru, a SHH executive board member, a-long among attendees and immediately medley of Britney Spears songs, including WHEN THE CAFETERIA DOORS opened on commented, “The toughest situation was brought everyone to the dance floor. “Baby One More Time” and “Toxic.” The December 21, students celebrated the holiday definitely trying to buy Santa hats for all of Throughout the event, the executive arrangement masterfully combined the spirit at this year’s Navidad. Every year, the our members. We went to over three stores board sought for attendees who sported elements of each song, which transitioned into Spanish Honor Society hosts a Christmas to collect 150 hats and we still ran out!” the ugliest and most festive sweaters in each other smoothly. The final performance party for the approaching holidays. The Navidad immediately began with order to choose winners for the event’s of the night was Rishi’s drum solo, in which advisor, Sra. Martinez, stated, “Every year students lining up to treat themselves with Sweater Contest. The winners were finally he nimbly moved his hands across the our Navidad makes this ‘Family Holiday’ a grand feast of Hispanic foods, including announced by the executive board with drum set to play many impressive rhythms. a reality, but 2016 was just amazing. This Spanish seafood rice, picadillo, and beef senior Jenna Thaochuetoua winning Once the second round came to a year, the level of enthusiasm, dedication, empanadas. After the dinner, people were the “most festive sweater” category close, the audience was asked to vote on and preparation put by the executive invited to get dessert, which also had a and senior Erin Cervelli winning the which act they found most entertaining. board lifted the spirit of the holidays.” Hispanic influence. Students either ate Tres “ugliest Christmas sweater” category. After a night of many astounding The SHH executive board was in charge Leches cake, a sponge cake soaked in three Navidad brought friends together to performances, Victoria Tan was named the of running and organizing Navidad. types of milk, or Panettone, a sweet fruit celebrate the holidays. Senior Alisha Soni winner of JPS Got Talent. “Performing is a Close to an hour before the event started, cake; both of these desserts are popular commented, “One of the things that stood mixture of trying to remember the lyrics and executive board members began decorating in Central and South American countries. out to me about Navidad was the atmosphere chords while keeping your composure,” she the cafeteria with lights, posters, and even After eating, many students took to the among the SHH members. When I talked said. “On top of all that chaos, I feel like I’m christmas trees. All of these details were dance floor with their friends. The music, to some of the board members. they were dreaming. I’m humbled to have people come completed with the help of SHH members. provided by the JP Stevens DJ Club, ranged really intent on making sure that everyone hear me sing, to have such supportive friends, Each attendee was surprised with a Santa from popular holiday tunes to familiar pop was having fun. Their hard work was one of and to have been given this opportunity that hat and goody bag filled with candy gifted songs. Songs like Mariah Carey’s “All I the reasons why I had so much fun!” is one of the highlights of my senior year.” PAGE 12 NEWS JANUARY 2017 JANUARY 2017 SPORTS PAGE 13

A Mentor in the Sidelines

ByALISON PARK, sophomore, BRANDON CHOI, MR. BERNER, a loyal hockey aficionado, has been with the hockey program since it and IRENE QUAN, freshmen began 11 years ago and is eager to be coaching the co-op hockey team (JP Stevens, Edison, and Metuchen) for his fourth year. Born and raised in Edison, Coach Berner AS A NEW YEAR of winter sports begins again, we are constantly reminded of found that hockey was not a common sport, but he still managed to play the game that the intensities of every sports competition. When we see our student athletes, he loved. He reflects, “We played a lot of roller hockey and street hockey, but there dedicating hours daily to practice and improve at their sports, let us not forget the wasn’t much of a chance to play organized ice hockey.” Later, he began playing more coaches who work tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare the team for success. traditional hockey in college, and as the sport gained popularity in Edison, he “leaped at the chance to coach hockey in [his] hometown.” As a coach, Mr. Berner emphasizes that academics are just as important as athletics, and he instills this important lesson by telling his players that “you earn it by doing your job in the classroom, so you can be on COACH BONK, who is returning for her eighth year coaching the girls basketball team, the ice with your hockey family.” Though he loves coaching his hockey family, Coach has always found basketball to be a monumental part of her life. Ever since she was three Berner is a devoted family man, and the long bus rides make it difficult to spend valuable years old, “[she] grew up watching [her] older brother play and hearing stories about [her] time with his three kids. However, hockey’s appeal will never be lost on Coach Berner, as dad.” Such experiences soon led her to pursue her own aspirations in her memorable he remarks, “It’s a sport where a game can turn on a big hit or a majestic rush up [the] high school career at JP Stevens. She comments, “I cherish all the experiences of playing ice to score a goal… It’s got something for throughout high school, from winning three GMC titles to creating great friendships everybody.” with my teammates!” Furthermore, Coach Bonk’s family greatly impacted her decision to begin coaching basketball, especially her father, who played at JP as well. From all of her extensive experience as a player and a coach, she asserts, “I instill many things in my players but most of all to never give up. You are going to make mistakes, you are going to miss shots, but you have to move and get back up and try again.” Coach Bonk’s focus on skills that are used in both basketball and the real world steadily drives her players to tap into their true potential.

COACH AZHER is returning to the winter track and field team for her sixth season as the assistant coach. Her past experiences running cross country and track here at JP Stevens have “taught [her] dedication and perseverance,” allowing her to view the sport with a new perspective. Recalling the “family atmosphere” of her JP track and field experience, she looks to bring the same values to the team as an assistant coach. COACH JONES will be coaching the boys Experiencing the “raw sport” of winter track and field helped her better understand the basketball team for his eighth year, and he keys of developing with the sport. Working under the slogan “trust the process,” Coach attributes many of his successes to his own Azher trains with her runners everyday with a hard-working mindset. Track and field years playing basketball in high school. does not hold any secret shortcuts or “ways to get faster overnight,” and Coach Azher After playing at Sayreville War Memorial understands that. In addition to coaching her athletes in the “rain, snow, or a heat High School for four years, he gained a vast amount of knowledge from wave,” she encourages her athletes to trust each other, the coaches, and the sport. his mentors. He remembers, “I had an opportunity to learn how to coach She also motivates her athletes to “go out there and push themselves past their basketball from some great high school coaches: Joe Lewis, Charlie limits, under any circumstance” in order to mold them into great runners. Coach Mohr and Jeff Lubreski.” Coach Jones has used his past experiences to Azher’s diligent and caring approach prepares the give indispensable words of advice to all of his players, stressing the idea winter track runners for success, season after that “people will remember the team, not individual statistics.” His instruction season. has stayed with his team members over time, as “ players come back from my first year for our Alumni Game.” Coach Jones has learned to cherish these relationships that have been built, making it one of the many reasons he loves coaching basketball. When asked about the key to coaching, he affirms, “Support from parents, coaches, players, administration and teachers is essential for the success of a program.” Without doubt, Coach Jones is a dedicated leader who uses his passion for basketball to create a memorable environment for his players to succeed and prosper, not only in basketball, but also in the future.

AFTER COACHING WRESTLING for his first season in 1988, Coach Gioffre is now COACH CANOVA is entering his fifth season as the head bowling coach at JP Stevens. entering his fourth year as the head coach of the JP Stevens wrestling team. Throughout Growing up, Coach Canova used to watch bowling every weekend on television. These his coaching career, his success has been evident. Winning state and district titles as fond experiences led him to develop an interest in the sport and realize the difficulty an assistant coach, he has grown with the game throughout the entire process. As a of bowling. Previously a four year high school varsity bowler, Coach Canova loves to coach, he focuses not only “on each individual athlete, but also on the team” in order to pass on his knowledge and tips about the sport to help his athletes. He loves witnessing succeed. Although developing successful wrestlers is paramount to Coach Gioffre, he “the players gain more interest in the sport and develop their abilities” which makes also stresses the importance of a loving and respectful community. The values he holds coaching particularly enjoyable for him. Year after year, student athletes impress him are clear in his style of coaching, as he maintains connections with his athletes as they with their ability and eagerness to compete at their best capabilities. Coach Canova move on with their careers. Most notably, his memories of “following [his] high school couldn’t help but comment how “this season [he] hopes the wrestlers to their college games” put a smile on his face. As he works on the sport, he team enjoys the opportunity given to them to not only watches his wrestlers grow, represent JP, get better during each match, but also “fall in love with the and establish a team chemistry between game along the way.” both teams to make competing fun.” PAGE 14 SPORTS JANUARY 2017 Ready to be RecruitED Cheerleading Master by the athlete vowing to play for the college happy experience.” The team not only By AVI SURA, sophomore By RISHABH KAPOOR, senior team. However, this is subject to change finished with a stellar performance, but also AS THE FEVER for college recruitment in the event that the athlete’s desires turn WHEN DANA MASTERS was seven years left seniors like Dana with something to spreads, coaches nationwide flood high elsewhere. Driven by this agreement, the old, her older sister expressed interest in remember after they graduate. schools in search of physically and mentally coach can take an additional step towards joining a cheerleading team. Like in most At the pinnacle of her cheerleading strong athletes who have the potential to officially recruiting the athlete by inviting families, when “one sister does something, career, Dana was named an All-American bring pride to their college’s name. However, them to their campus to familiarize them the other one does it too so she doesn’t feel Cheerleader after having attended a four this interest is not one-sided; the athletes with the college’s environment. As one of left out.” Cheerleading definitely wasn’t an day cheering camp from August 28-31 themselves reciprocate the interest of the the benefits of college recruitment, students instant “love at first sight” for Dana, but hosted by the UCA (Universal Cheerleaders coaches in their drive to continue playing have the opportunity to gain a first-hand rather a gradual realization of her passion. Association). In addition to this honor, on sports in college. For both parties, the experience on campus and converse with the As she pursued the sport, she slowly fell in New Year’s Day in 2017, Dana and fellow JP recruitment process has the potential to be alumni in order to have both their academic love with “the people, the practices, and the cheerleader Kiara Warfield will participate in laborious and stressful; however, with the and athletic questions answered. However, a tumbling classes.” the All-American Varsity Spirit Cheer Tour proper procedures taken, the burden can be large distinguishing factor as to how deeply After thousands of hours of training to in London, England, where they will cheer significantly lessened. the coach wishes to recruit an athlete is improve technique and years of tumbling, in the New Year’s Day parade. This is quite NCAA rules prohibit coaches from whether the coach provides an official or Dana became the captain of the JP an honor for the two cheerleaders, for only contacting athletes until September 1 of the unofficial campus visit; an official visit is fully cheerleading team in her senior year. She All-American cheerleaders are eligible to athlete’s junior year; however, if an athlete paid by the college, including transportation, now finds herself engrossed in the sport attend the parade. As for what she is most contacts a coach prior to this date, the coach lodging, and three meals a day per person, of cheerleading and incomplete without it. excited for about this unique experience, she is allowed to communicate with them. As whereas an unofficial visit is self-paid. When asked if she had ever imagined herself explains, “It’s a tie between the parade itself such, the process is usually initiated through These visits provide an opportunity for the being in this position, she responded, “I was and actually going to London. I’ve never the athlete contacting the coach via email students to familiarize themselves with what only seven at the time, so I just went with been there or anywhere in Europe so that’s or phone call to express their interest in the may potentially be their home for the next it like all kids do. I realized I wanted to be something new. And all the information I school’s athletic program. This expression few years. cheer captain later. At first it was just a fun know about London is from movies and TV of interest is usually accompanied with a The recruitment process is officially sport but as time went on, it became a part shows.” highlight video for the coach to make an completed when the National Letter of of me and who I am.” After years of hard work, Dana has initial evaluation, a schedule of games or Intent–an official agreement guaranteeing As the cheerleading captain, Dana led her certainly earned herself this incredible tournaments, and the contact information that the athlete will enroll in that college for cheer squad through many performances honor. Along with the title of All-American for the athlete’s current coach. If the coach the next academic school year in exchange this year: one every week at football games, Cheerleader, she served as a four-year varsity is interested, he or she will communicate for athletic aid—is signed. However, this as well as countless others at competitions. cheerleader at JP. She was named Rookie of their consideration to the athlete as they agreement does not mean that athletes can She serves as a motivator and role model, the Year in her freshman year, and received continue to remain in touch. This interest is relax their effort; failure to adhere to the making sure to spread her passion for the Captain’s Award twice, the Coaches’ often manifested in the form of the coach’s college’s expectations can potentially result cheering to the rest of her team. The team’s Award twice, and the Athlete of the Month attendance of a tournament or match to in athletes forfeiting their seat to another performance at State Championships this award three times. As she moves on with watch the athlete play in person, which student. It is important to remember that year was not only their best performance of her cheerleading career, she will not only offers an even better display of the athlete’s a college is an educational institution first, the season, but also Dana’s favorite memory take her passion for cheerleading to college, skills than a previously sent highlight video. and an athletic institution second. Though from being a cheerleader at JP. She fondly but also carry the memories she has made in If the coach is impressed, he or she the fever for college recruitment may plague reminisced, “The moment the music ended, high school through the rest of her life. We may try selling the college’s program to every athlete, it is in the student’s best we all hugged and cried together because we wish Dana the best of luck in the future and the athlete in hopes of receiving a verbal interest to seek the prospects that bring were so happy that we performed the best thank her for her dedication to our school’s commitment—an informal agreement made them the greatest success. performance we could. It was an overall athletic department. Cheers! Unity in Sports: More Than Just a Game What matters to us today is that humanity For instance, David Ortiz, the now retired terror attacks, no other moment could have By SAMUEL CHEN, sophomore emerged as the victor. slugger from the Boston Red Sox, made a been more perfect but for the President to HERE AT JP STEVENS, we strongly embody Fast forward twenty-two years later, and rousing speech after the Boston Marathon unify America with a single throw. two principles: one, a competitive spirit to again the world was on the brink of another bombings. Additionally, last July, during Just as how every viewer felt like a true bring out the best in ourselves and others, and war. This time, though, an extraordinary the ESPYs, Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, American that night, a few months ago, two, the idea of looking at the bigger picture. African American athlete by the name Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Paul delivered on the night of September 26, 2016, every When these two are combined, it’s revealed of Jesse Owens would lead the way in an impromptu yet powerful call to action baseball fan became a Miami Marlins fan. that sports play a much bigger role against recent social injustices on the After the tragic passing of star pitcher José than what is seen on the scoreboard. nationally televised award show. Fernández, Marlins fielder Dee Gordon hit For individual athletes and teams, an emotional leadoff home run. There was the end goal undoubtedly is to be a no other way to describe his crossing of champion by first outperforming the home plate than simply breathtaking, if competition. not magical. For America, however, sports are Perhaps Tommy Tomlinson summarized integral to the big picture: they can it best in an article for ESPN’s Outside the restore the fleeting peace in society. Lines, writing, “This is the blessing of There is no doubt that America is sports. They help you remember when suffering from a deep national divide, a you want to remember, and they help you gap which widens with each shooting, forget when you need to forget. They heal case of police brutality, and the ever-so- us an inning a time, quarter after quarter, recent Presidential election. This article play by play. Not all the way. But enough.” will not be one with political interests; Mark Naison also makes an undeniable in fact, its purpose is the opposite. statement in saying “sports history is Still, each incident is increasingly American history.” This applies not just to worthy of both our attention and the achievements that American athletes anxiety. On a level that perhaps no other obtain, but also to the fact that in those activity can match, sports are a healing special moments, we are compelled as factor. They bring unity in a time of Americans to all be cheering on for divide and clarity in a time of desperate something greater. After devastating need. And history has only proven this hurricanes, earthquakes, or shootings, with each passing year. sports are a symbol of everything for In 1914, in the midst of a despairing which our nation continues to strive. World War I, attempts at an official Viewers observe with anticipation as cease-fire for the holidays had failed. their favorite athletes achieve success Yet on Christmas Eve, Christmas carols by putting forth hard work and were sung across the lines. The following dedication. Christmas morning, German and British Admittedly, it is discouraging to troops fighting on the European front took bringing America together as one. In From first pitches to the national anthem witness the setbacks that plague our nation— the unified moment of joy and cheer to an unforeseen turn of events, a segregated to annual Thanksgiving football games, setbacks which today occur so often that another step. Shaking hands and exchanging America found itself cheering on Owens sports traditions have rooted themselves we might naturally become indifferent to gifts, the adversarial soldiers did something as he won four medals that summer in the in American culture. Before Game 3 of them. Yes, chivalry might seem dead. But unexpected: they participated in a lively Berlin Olympic Games. the 2001 World Series at Yankee Stadium, sports and its hope for healing are not. So soccer match. Although recorded diary And since then, sports have continued President George W. Bush threw probably even though the holiday break is long gone, entries disagree on who ultimately won to resonate in their impact. Athletes do not the most important first pitch of all first America will always have sports to be on its this “battle” between the Germans and the hesitate to capitalize on the tremendous pitches and the most important strike of list of things to be thankful for when other British, the result is ultimately insignificant. influence that accompanies their fame. the World Series. Just 49 days after the 9/11 things don’t go as planned. JANUARY 2017 SPORTS PAGE 15 I Got This: After Rio

By JENNA YAN, sophomore in the 36-city Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics WITH THE new year come new traditions and resolutions, and the sports Champions, which gained her a massive section has decided to take a new approach to its content. While the awards and WHILE SOME ATHLETES might buckle legion of fans. Her big smile and cheerful statistics of sports teams at JP are important, the training regimens, practice under pressure, sixteen-year-old gymnast personality has also given her the nickname schedules, and daily challenges are often not addressed. As opposed to the Laurie Hernandez seems to embrace it. “the human emoji.” traditional sports pieces, we have also decided to shift our focus on sports that Starting off as a junior gymnast, Hernandez In addition to going on tour, Hernandez are not often recognized. With the goal to shed more light on these hidden, had risen quickly in rank. As one of the joined season 23 of the televised but equally important components of sports and give some well-deserved youngest US Olympians this past year in Dancing With the Stars competition with recognition to students who participate in these rather unconventional Rio, Hernandez participated in three events: professional dancer Valentin Chmerkovskiy sports, we hope you enjoy this special edition. the vault, balance beam, and floor exercise. as her partner. Unfortunately she faced The Old Bridge native also brought home some obstacles through familial sicknesses. a gold medal with her teammates, known as In the final weeks of the competition, the Final Five, during the team all-around Hernandez’s grandmother had passed away competition and scored her own individual due to Alzheimer’s disease. With the help silver medal for the balance beam. of her partner, she performed the foxtrot However, her journey to the Olympics in an emotional tribute to her grandmother, was not an easy one: early in 2014, she showing the courage and strength she had as By AKSHAY KHANNA, encountered many injuries because of one a performer. The loss of her grandmother sophomore STATISTICS bad vault landing. Although she was unable had impacted her greatly, but it did not stop to compete that year, she persevered and her from winning the competition and taking worked her way back to full strength after the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Although the surgery. Her determination and positive competition is over, Hernandez’s time with attitude allowed her to spring to success dancing is not. Since the end of the season, the following year, following closely behind she has been working on opening numbers December 2 Boys Swimming defeats Piscataway 102.5-67.5 three-time world champion Simone Biles like her Chicago re-creation, referring to and Olympic floor champion Aly Raisman. the Argentine tango she performed, for the December 2 Girls Swimming defeats Piscataway 140-60 At the 2016 Olympic Trials, Hernandez Dancing With the Stars live tour that she was at her peak; finishing second in the all- will be joining in the near future. And while December 7 Boys Swimming defeats S. Brunswick 107-63 around event and earning the highest scores she’s focusing on dance at the moment, she on beam, she became the first US-born has certainly not left her love for gymnastics December Girls Swimming defeats N. Brunswick 103-67 Hispanic athlete to make the US women’s behind. In fact, Hernandez plans on gymnastics Olympic team since Tracee returning to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, December 13 Boys Swimming defeats Metuchen 74.5-19.5 Talavera in 1984. but will take a hard-earned rest after the live Having been homeschooled since the tour ends in February. December 13 Girls Swimming defeats Metuchen 59-35 third grade, Hernandez had planned in Aside from both gymnastics and dancing, 2014 to continue both her education Hernandez will also release her memoir December 16 Girls Swimming defeats Mother Seton 132-36 and her gymnastics career as an NCAA titled I Got This: To Gold and Beyond on student-athlete at the University of Florida. January 24, which chronicles her journey December 21 Girls Swimming defeats Sayreville 122-48 However, in the lead up to the Olympic from New Jersey to the Olympics. With Games, she had decided to forgo the NCAA all of these commitments, it is clear that December 21 Boys Swimming defeats Sayreville 123-38 eligibility, becoming a professional athlete on Laurie Hernandez is continuing her legacy August 3, 2016. Coming off the Olympics inside and outside the spotlight, adding new in high spirits, Hernandez also participated memories to an already remarkable career. An Honor Beyond the Court The End of the Drought the high-grossing basketball film of all time, memories of collapses and curses in their By GRACE WU, senior By ADARSSH NAGARAJAN, senior and SANJAY ATHREY, junior “Space Jam.” His entrepreneurial spirit has history. In 1945, a fan was turned away after extended to five restaurants, a car dealership, AFTER 108 YEARS of suffering, waiting, trying to bring a billy goat into the stadium; WHEN REMEMBERING history’s great and ownership of the Charlotte Hornets. In and hoping, the Chicago Cubs could not legend has it that he got so angry that he athletes, most of us recall their most addition to his business ventures, Jordan have won the World Series in a more set a curse upon the Cubs. In 1969, the prominent achievements, such as their is a generous humanitarian and is involved dramatic fashion. In a nail-biter of a Game Cubs were having an excellent season when records, titles, and championships. However, in several charities, including the Boys and 7 on November 2 that went into extra a black cat walked in front of their dugout while individual feats are outstanding in their Girls Club of America and the Make a innings and ended at around two o’clock during a game. The Cubs then proceeded own right, they do not define an athlete’s Wish Foundation. After he was recognized in the morning the following day, the Cubs to lose their position in the standings to the legacy alone. To deem an athlete as “great”, by the U.S. Senate for his charity work, he outlasted the Cleveland Indians with a final New York Mets, who went on to win the one must reflect on both their achievements was determined to contribute to the Habitat score of 8-7, and in the process gave their World Series. In 2003, the Cubs were leading on the court as well as their impact on for Humanity Foundation to rebuild New fans retribution after suffering generations the Florida Marlins with a chance to go to others off the court. On November 22, Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. of futility and heartbreak. the World Series when a fan, Steve Bartman, 2016, President Barack Obama did just Right up there with Jordan as one of the Originally, it looked like the Cubs had the infamously interfered with a foul ball. The that, presenting basketball legends Michael greatest players of all time, 19-time NBA game all but won, leading 6-3 going into the Cubs went on to lose the game and the series. Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with All-Star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recently bottom of the eighth inning. After the first Now, after 108 years marred by misfortune, two of twenty-one Presidential Medals of added to his own extensive legacy by winning two batters got out, it looked like the Cubs the Chicago Cubs’ dream of a World Series Freedom. The award is considered to be the the nation’s highest civilian honor: The were just four outs away from winning the win can finally be put to rest. Following the nation’s highest civilian honor, celebrating Presidential Medal of Freedom. President championship that eluded them. victory, one fan held a sign saying “Now I those individuals who, regardless of field or Obama had high words to describe Jabbar, But Cleveland had other plans. can die in peace.” It was a testament to the specialty, were able to influence the country saying, “Physically, intellectually, spiritually The Cleveland Indians launched a three fans of the maligned organization, who had for the better. —Kareem is one-of-a-kind American who run rally, with the catalyst being the two-run suffered again and again but never lost hope. Widely considered to be one of the both illuminates our most basic freedoms home run off the bat of Rajai Davis to tie it In a way, this entire postseason is a greatest basketball players of all time, Michael and our highest aspirations.” Abdul- all up at 6-6. Both teams remained scoreless metaphor for the Cubs franchise. To win, the Jordan’s career is undoubtedly deserving Jabbar is unquestionably worthy of such in the ninth ending, resulting in extra innings Cubs had to push past numerous obstacles. of this feat. The former Chicago Bull and high praise; in addition to all of his All- added to the game. They scored four runs last minute of the Washington Wizard player accumulated Star selections, he had six MVP awards, After a brief rain delay, the Cubs started ninth inning to eliminate the San Francisco unprecedented statistics during his college won six championships and scored 38,387 off with a certain fire in their eyes, and they Giants in the National League Division and professional careers that were nothing career points—the most in NBA history. In scored two runs in the top of the tenth Series. short of pure excellence. Jordan started his addition to his decorated basketball career, inning off a double by Ben Zobrist, who They had to win three games in a row career in 1984 as Rookie of the Year and has he is also notable for his contributions to would be later named the Most Valuable to set up their comeback and beat the Los won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) various world issues. Originally named Lew Player of the 2016 World Series, and a single Angeles Dodgers in the National League Award five times since then. He was a six- Alcindor at birth, Abdul-Jabbar changed his by Miguel Montero. The Cubs then had to Championship Series. And finally, they won time NBA Champion and retired with the name upon converting to Islam at the age survive the bottom of the inning, and after three games in a row to win the World Series. NBA’s highest career scoring average of 30.1 of 24; as such, he has strong opinions about Rajai Davis hit a single to score a run, it was Throughout these seemingly insurmountable points per game. His talent undoubtedly religious issues such as Muslim extremism looking grim. But the Cubs persevered, and challenges, the Chicago Cubs showed revolutionized the game of basketball, but and is not afraid to speak openly about the last out was a grounder to third baseman endless perseverance and an innate ability to Jordan also became an American culture them. He writes about such world issues in a Kris Bryant who threw it to first with the never give up. Every season for the past 108 icon during his 15-year career. He became regular column for Time magazine, and is an eyes of millions of fans watching. Seconds years had ended in heartbreak, some more the inspiration for Nike’s Air Jordans author of multiple autobiographical books. later, the Cubs players were converging on than others, but in 2016, they were finally signature shoe line, which now bears the Like Jordan, his legacy extends beyond just the middle of the infield to celebrate. rewarded for their patience. world-famous “Jumpman” logo. A fictional basketball; both are truly deserving of their With this win, the Chicago Cubs and What a great storybook ending for one of story of his retirement was transformed into respective Presidential Medals of Honor. their fans will never again be tortured by old the most deserving franchises in baseball.