Tedx Returns to BCC Learning to Be a Leader

“Truth, No Matter The Cost” The Torch BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT NEWSPAPER IGNITING STUDENTS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE VOLUME 25 . . . No.7 TORCHBCC.COM APRIL 2017 Learning to be a Leader LESHAY JONES News Editor

Forty-three students piled onto a Coach bus in April to attend Bergen Community College’s annual Leadership Weekend in Parsippany. This special weekend is organized by the Office of Student Life and has been going on for the past 20 years. According Over 45 Bomb to Greg Fenkart, Coordinator of Student Development, the Threats and Incidents purpose of the weekend is of Vandalism Since to provide an intensive yet inspirational learning experience New Years in which students are exposed to pg. 4 leadership information and ideas in ways that might not occur inside the classroom. “Students have the opportunity to interact with faculty, staff, and outside presenters in a more direct and personal way than they would in another environment,” Fenkart said. This year, the focus Leadership weekend atendees ready to start a weekend of growth.//Thea Oh was on unity and leading with compassion, and was centered given by Ronald Mcknight, the fruit of your labor if you do explained the importance of around a Star Wars theme, director of MultiCultural Affairs not know how to network,” following your civic duty and courtesy of Fenkart who is a at BCC, was on networking and Mcknight said. helping the community around diehard fan of the franchise. building impactful relationships. There was also a you and getting involved. He There were many insightful In his presentation, he spoke of presentation on civic leadership explained that is one of the first presentations from BCC staff the importance of networking given by John Reinhardt, steps in leadership. More Than and faculty and even one from and how it is essential for leaders Coordinator of Leadership Pace University. to be able to network effectively. Initiatives at Pace University. Melancholy One of the first presentations, “You will not get the best In this presentation, Reinhardt Continued on page 2 pg. 9 Tedx Returns to BCC ADRIANNA CARABALLO Editor in Chief TEDx has once again giv- entertainment industry. “One of my greatest joys is en Bergen Community College In the middle were other watching a group of students students a reason to file into the inspiring and personal speeches who didn’t know one anoth- Anna Maria Ciccone theatre. delivered by the various TEDx er before that morning become On March 7th, between speakers. Subjects ranged from friends,” said Feig. the hours of 9:00 and 4:00, BCC sexual abuse to family issues to Creating a TEDx event is a hosted yet another success- becoming successful. yearlong process that takes a ful TEDx event. There were 3 Many people outside great amount of time and effort breaks for free snacks and lunch of Bergen Community College from both student volunteers in between the event. have jumped online to watch and faculty. TEDx usually consists these Ted talks. “As there is no pay involved, of various speakers giving short “We just found out that our this effort is really one of love, a motivational speeches to their videos have surpassed 6 mil- love of the experience and a love audience. Oftentimes, speakers lion views, which is unprece- of helping students expand their will go deep into their person- dented for a two year college,” world. This event is an import- al lives to convey an important said Ellen Rosner Feig, profes- ant one for the college as it puts Bergenstages: Oh message to their audience. sor, founder and coordinator of us on the map worldwide,” said The theme this time TEDx Bergen Community Col- Feig. Coward! was all about change. How do lege. pg. 12 we make change? How does It is no doubt that TEDx has change transform us and those been a success at BCC, but how around us? Can change create a did it all start? better world? “TED offers licenses for These are some of “X” events which are like fran- the questions this TEDx event chises for the larger TED orga- hoped to answer for those strug- nization. I applied for the TEDx gling with forgiveness. Forgiv- license for BCC five years ago ing is one of the hardest things and received it which made us a person can do for themselves; the first community college in it’s always easier to hate but that the country to have a TEDx is hardly the answer. event,” said Feig. The event started with Ever since then BCC Rebecca Scritchfield, an author, has been putting on yearly well-being coach and moth- TEDx shows that have benefited er. Her main focus was having students in more ways than one. compassion and understanding “The student volunteers real- for oneself and those around ly get to experience the process you. She addressed the issue of of doing a TEDx event, learn to body image and hating oneself, work as a team, get to meet the something especially difficult to speakers and interact with them handle as a college student. and meet other students that they The event ended with would not necessarily meet,” Cherie Smedile Nick Maccarone, an actor who Feig said. pg. 20 has appeared on multiple pop- Valuable lessons can be ob- ular shows like Law and Order tained both from listening to the SVU and Scandal. His talk was guest speakers on stage and the formed around 6 principles that hands-on experience of volun- can help those getting into the teer work. TEDx presenters lecture students. //Courtesy of Larry Hlavenka Immigration Lawyer Editorial: The Un-United pg. 4 States pg. 6

2 VOLUME 25 ISSUE 7| APRIL 2017

NEWSThe Torch BCC Holds Annual Art Exhibition CHRISTOPHER MOLINA staff writer March 31 and was curated by Professor Bergen Community College held one Claire McConaughy, whose teachings of its annual art exhibitions, displaying involve visual and fine art, along with various kinds of artwork from eleven graphic design. professional artists from New York, New McConaughy helped curate the event, Jersey and Massachusetts. which took seven months to organize and This exhibition displays various kinds visited many art galleries in trying to pick of artworks from paintings and film out what pieces of artwork would be the pieces, to handmade sculptures. best fit for the exhibit. The goal of the exhibit was to provide “Since I curated the exhibition [and] students with a better understanding of since I chose all of the artworks that art and the messages it brings. The artists, would come together here, I had an idea many of them local to the area, were more that I wanted to fill the gallery with than pleased to have their work displayed vitality,” Professor McConaughy said. to the student body. Testifying to the variety present in “I really enjoy the company of the art, the exhibition presented many events other artists that are here. I think it such as discussions of Gregg Biermann’s says something about at least a current video called the “Abstraction Galactica movement in art that employs color, shape and Abstraction in Film” on March 22. and form as vibrantly as the title says. They also held lunchtime movies and [There’s a lot of] activity and energy in documentaries about the abstract artists, the work, so I’m really glad to be a part of which included Gerhard Richter, Joan it,” commented James Pustorino, an artist Mitchell, Agnes Martin and others. whose work is displayed at the exhibit. The exhibit lasted from February 15 to

Proffessional art was displayed for everyone to view and buyers to buy. // bergen.edu Learning to be a Leader LESHAY JONES Continued from page 1 News Editor When closing his presentation, Justice professor at Bergen. Farhat, being Reinhardt said, “Leadership is a process, another diehard Star Wars fan, gave not a position.” students a Star Wars Leadership Style test Bergen’s very own Joli Nelson, to help students find out even more about Department Secretary of Student Life, led the kind of leader that they are. a discussion on leading with compassion. Afterwards, the student facilitators -- She had some students participate in an who were there to help the advisors get improvisational skit on the differences students talking and make sure they felt it between and an authoritative leader and a was a safe space -- gave a presentation on compassionate leader. how each of them are becoming leaders. Philosophy and Religion Professor Surely, the Leadership weekend was Peter Dlugos gave an interactive a very insightful and inspiring experience presentation on cultivating compassion for students and staff who have attended, through mindful presence and led the and there was a lot that was to be taken group through a guided meditation. away. Ian Wolfe, Coordinator of Student “The main takeaway I would like for Conduct & Information, gave a students to have from the weekend is that presentation on individual leadership and they not only have the ability to create offered students a leadership quiz called, change and improve the world, but the “True Colors.” Students were able to find responsibility to do so,” Fenkart said. out more about who they are and how they behave as leaders. One of the last presentations was given by Mecheline Farhat, a Criminal

Leadership weekend atendees ready to start a weekend of growth.//Thea Oh 3 News THE TORCH VOLUME 25 ISSUE 7 APRIL 2017 Student Group Feeds Hungry Kids IAN HARTMAN Contributing Writer Phi Theta Kappa, the was funded by money raised honors society at Bergen, held during the club’s Valentine’s a snack pack event on Friday day bake sale Mar. 17. Childhood hunger is a The snack pack program major issue in New Jersey, with was born after a teacher one in seven families across noticed that her students were the state struggling to put food coming into school suffering on the table. In 2014, 375,000 from lightheadedness and children suffered from food other symptoms of hunger. insecurity in our state. Without the free food provided According to Agatha by the school lunch program, Rodolfa, a spokesperson for millions of children face a PTK, the group filled 90 “weekend of deprivation” snack packs that will provide which the snack pack program nutritious food for students aims to eliminate. at schools including Grieco The program provides poor Elementary in Englewood children with healthy snacks and Washington Memorial that can keep them going over Elementary in Little Ferry. the weekend, despite the lack Rodolfa noted that hunger of a regular lunch. The BCC has a negative impact on students gathered to help in the students cognitive abilities, last step of the program, filling making it harder to learn. plastic bags with a variety of By providing students with healthy snacks. healthy snacks, the club hopes These bags were distributed they can make a big difference to hungry children across the in the lives of children at the county by The Center for Food bottom of America’s economic Action, a local food bank. The system. event, Phi Theta Kappa’s first collaboration with The CFA,

PTK gathering food for hungry kids..// Thea Oh Phi Theta Kappa Welcomes Spring Inductees THEA OH Copy Editor A rush of pride and At the same time, these are networking advantages that opportunities within BCC. the cut was “double the work anticipation filled the air as new inductees will be met with come with getting involved This semester, BCC has because [of] the language hundreds of students, guests, open doors like never before. in an organization like PTK. witnessed PTK in action barrier—it was my first time and this season’s newest Phi As part of PTK, members “Even just walking around during their recent blood and speaking English 24/7,” she Theta Kappa members packed will learn to foster the four campus, you say ‘hi’ to people bone marrow registry drive, knows the her efforts will pay into Bergen’s resounding hallmarks of excellence: more.” Bergen Salon session, TEDx off in the form of leadership, gymnasium. scholarship, leadership, Being part of an and snack pack events, and community service and social As the induction fellowship, and service. organization that puts positive many more programs. opportunities. ceremony commenced, almost Describing his experience social change and student Incoming members can Of the induction ceremony, 300 inductees took their within PTK since his induction activism at the forefront of its expect a proactive community she exclaimed, “I was so place within an ever-growing last year, residing member vision comes with rewards. of high-reaching peers to guide excited I was shaking this community of peers. Alex Czechowicz, notes, Members are encouraged them along their path through morning.” Phi Theta Kappa is “Immediately, you notice you to get involved in outreach Begen. Roida Cenomeri, a Congratulations to all of an international honors have a lot more opportunities to programs, community service, freshman international student Bergen’s Spring Phi Theta organization that recognizes get social capital.” In ways big and campus events, and are and incoming PTK inductee, Kappa inductees. the achievements of students and small, he explains, there challenged to pursue leadership said that, although making in two-year colleges. At any point in time, Bergen boasts approximately 1,000 members, who in turn represent Alpha Epsilon Phi, one of the top 30 most active chapters of PTK in the world. Amidst a student body 15,000 strong, these new inductees represent the top 5% of Bergen students. Alumnus speaker and former PTK President David Kawash addressed the crowd with words of encouragement and advice. “Get involved right away,” he stressed, and “network, network, network!” Meanwhile the keynote address, given by Dean of Health Professions Susan Callahan Barnard, celebrated the diversity and grit that lies within every inductee. Imbuing her address was the idea that excellence is wrought from “lessons learned”, risks taken, and plenty of hard work. For these inductees, the challenge begins here, as being a part of PTK is no easy feat. In order to qualify for membership and moreover, to keep their status as members, students must maintain a GPA of 3.4 or higher at all times or face probation. For those working full- time or part-time, or with children and dependants at home, this only adds to the Bergen Community College is a safe place that builds extraordinary men and women for the heat. success of the future. //Thea Oh 4 news THE TORCH VOLUME 25 ISSUE 7| APRIL 2017 Immigration Lawyer Advises BCC Students

FERNANDO VAZQUEZ Staff Writer Immigration and Nationality Lawyer David H. Nachman from Visaserve Law Group hosted an important forum for the BCCs International F1 students and the people in common. The presentation was organized by the International Students Center’s office and its staff. Nachman gave a thoughtful insight on immigration laws such as the controversial IRAIRA immigration law, the confusing executive orders of President Donald Trump’s travel restrictions, how to apply for a provisional waiver and whether or not it’s appropriate to travel abroad. Nachman spoke of the constant calls he has been receiving from employees of major multi-national companies worried about their status and whether they have to apply for a provisional waiver. Nachman stated “It’s been one of the most confusing years. The United States used to be an immigrant country, but now under Trump’s administration, the platform was anti-immigrant.” One of Trump’s controversial executive orders was the travel ban, Symbolic representation of the many lawyers willing to help. //Wikimedia Commons which prohibited people from seven muslim-majority countries from Indeed, the Trump administration According to serious reports, the most difficult and chilling times, entering the United States. The ban rolled out another travel ban in early permanent U.S. residents are getting Nachman gave wonderful advice. caused an uproar from the people in March, which was also blocked by detained and unfortunately getting “We’re in a period of time where the U.S. and concerns from people federal judges. extradited to their country of origin enforcement is going to get established, overseas. Federal courts blocked the In light of the confusion from an offense that was on the person’s and scrutiny is going to step up, where ban. surrounding non-citizens travel status; record. telling people to be careful and make “For now, there’s no travel ban, Nachman suggests that “if you done a “If getting detained, do not sign sure you’re doing very well and obeying but tomorrow, we will never know if misdemeanor, a DUI or a serious minor anything and insist to see your own the laws and make sure to find good there will be another controversial offense, find an immigration lawyer, immigration lawyer,” Nachman said. guidance and information,” Nachman restraining order,” Nachman said. whether or not to travel abroad.” While the country is witnessing concluded. Over 45 Bomb Threats and Incidents of Vandalism Since New Years IAN HARTMAN Contributing Writer

A wave of Anti-Semitic, racist and Islamophobic incidents have left communities across North America reeling. Ranging from bomb threats against Mosques and Jewish Community Centers. The distribution of racist and far-right propaganda on college campuses, such incidents are part of a general spike in far-right attitudes and white supremacist mobilization and militancy. Allison Tate from Today.com reports that 54 Jewish Community Centers, most of which provide preschools for children as young as 3 years old, have been shut down due to bomb threats. New Jersey alone has seen 21 such threats as of Feb 28., according to a report by S.P Sullivan published on NJ.com. In addition, the Council on Islamic-American Relations has documented 23 incidents targeting Mosques, including bomb threats in Ohio and Cincinnati, according to Jack Jenkins at Thinkprogress.org. In addition to threats, several incidents of vandalism have been documented. Vandals kicked over headstones at Jewish cemeteries in at least three cities. Several Mosques have also faced serious vandalism, including an arson attack on a Mosque in Tampa, Florida. While the fire was contained by the prompt action of emergency personnel, the attack was the second incident of arson against a Mosque in Florida. The September 2016 firebombing of The Islamic Center of Fort Pierce in Orlando Vandelism shows the racist actions taking place. // Flickr was investigated as a hate crime by the local sheriff’s office in conjunction recruitment and propaganda activities Georgia according to Atlanta Antifa, an looking to move off of online forums with the FBI, according to Al Jazeera at over 100 universities since the start organization that monitors hate groups. and into the physical world. America. of the semester in September. These recruitment activities By using vandalism and threats Alongside anonymous threats Hackers at Vanderbilt University represent a concerted effort by against those they see standing in the and lone wolf vandalism, far-right and made several school printers churn out organized hate groups to build on the way of their vision of an all white, male racist organizations have stepped up anti semitic flyers, according to The momentum of the Trump campaign. dominated America, these hate groups public recruitment and propaganda Tennessean. Activists affiliated with Emboldened by what they understand as are attempting to create a climate activities. The New York Times reports the racist Identity Europa Organization an endorsement by a majority of voters of fear in which they can enact their that far right groups have engaged in put up “alt right” and Neo-Nazi flyers for an explicitly racist and nationalistic program with minimal resistance. at several universities in Atlanta, political platform, these groups are 5 News THE TORCH VOLUME 25 ISSUE 7| APRIL 2017 The Muslim Ban 2.0

DAVID PEREZ staff writer The first Muslim ban was undeniably unsuccessful and was also shut down by the courts within a week or so of its application. A few days after the ban was implemented, two members of Muhammad Ali’s family were stopped at an airport in Florida when returning from a celebration of Black History month in Jamaica. These two family members were Muhammad Ali Jr. and his mother, Khalilah Camacho-Ali. Khalilah was the boxer’s second wife and is the mother of his four oldest children. When the two arrived at the airport in Florida on February 7 they were detained for over two hours for questioning when they were headed to the baggage claim area of the airport. According to an interview with Democracy Now!, With Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez the two recount their encounter with immigration. They were ask a series of question ranging from: “What’s your name?” “Where did you get it from?” “What religion are you?” Muhammad Ali Jr. responded accordingly telling them that he got his name from his parents and that he was Muslim. After this, they took him to a room and then proceeded to ask him the same questions even though he is Child holds a sign in protest toward the ban. //Flickr an American citizen. and no one had bothered her at all. that the order doesn’t have a religious filing” that the new Muslim ban would Since he was with his mother they Chris Mancini, their Immigration test for Muslims due to the fact that is harm Hawaii’s educational institutions, were separated and then told that they Attorney and a United States Prosecutor unconstitutional. private business and discriminate would see each other on the other side. of nearly 10 years, said,“This is the This ban still applies to non-visa against families with relatives overseas. While in the other room Khalilah type of thing customs, border patrol holders but does not apply to multi- In an interview he stated that asked why this was happening and if does when they want to develop a entry visa and valid visa holders. this was the same policy “dressed up her papers were in order, the response profile.” Some of the things that have come differently” according to an article by she received was, “we just want to ask With this in mind, a new Muslim over from the last ban are the refugee The New York Times. you a few questions that’s all.” ban is being rolled out; this time the resettlement program being banned for He went on to say that the ban When asked if this has ever signing of the executive order was 120 days and the travel ban for citizens brings back memories of anti-Asian- happened in the past, Muhammad said much quieter than its predecessor. of some countries are in effect for 90 American discrimination. These would that this was the first time this has ever One of those differences between days. Overall, this new Muslim ban is include the Chinese Exclusion Act and happened to him. the new and old ban is that it has six a watered-down version of the original. the Internment of Japanese Americans He explained how he went to majority-Muslim countries instead of There are other challenges to the during WW2. Manchester, England a year ago and seven, Iran now excluded. new ban and this comes from Hawaii However, it is unknown if this had no problems whatsoever. His There also have been changes to and Washington; Washington has 12 challenge to the President’s revised mother then added that she had come those who can and cannot enter the states in support of their challenge. executive order can halt it. from Paris, France two weeks prior to country. The exemptions for religious Hawaii’s Attorney General claimed in the event at the airport, she was alone minorities was also removed, meaning a legal document known as a “legal The New Front...In Syria? DAVID PEREZ staff writer

Northern Syria could be seeing more of the American Flag soon if the early plans that the U.S. military has drawn up get approved. This approval would come from Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and President Trump and the details of the plan would come from Gen. Joseph Votel, the head of U.S. Central Command, according to The Washington Post. This could potentially double the amount of troops in Syria overall if this were approved. According to the article “U.S. Army Rangers have been sent to the city of Manbij, west of Raqqa to deter Russian, Turkish and Syrian opposition forces all operating in the area,” this could potentially lead to more confrontations with other militaries that are operating in the region. In addition to this, a Marine artillery battery has come under fire according to a defense official with direct knowledge of their operations in the area. The Marine, Artillery battery was deployed with the goal in mind of supporting the siege of Raqqa, ISIS’s capital, when it happens. There are 500 special operation forces along with the Syrian Democratic Forces and an additional 250 Rangers and 200 Marines. New troops would have to come Soldiers march in a group. // Wikimedia Commons from somewhere, and this would come from “a flotilla of ships loaded with 2,200 Marines that is now steaming Kuwait” The Washington Post’s article also be a plan B so to speak in this be supplied by United Arab Emirates, toward the region — and the U.S. said. matter. This plan B would be potentially Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, from This is more of a hands on approach pushing US forces into direct fire and which 2,500 troops are headed to to the situation in Syria. There would into combat. These forces could also 6 News THE TORCH VOLUME 25 ISSUE 7| APRIL 2017 The Torch The Un-United States NJPF Wins THE TORCH, a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the ADRIANNA CARABALLO time rooting for. More than College Media Association, is the Editor in Chief anything, no one wants to The Torch took home Torch Editor-in-Chief official student newspaper of Bergen feel like they made the wrong 11 honors and garnered the Adrianna Caraballo won first- Community College. The purpose of From the minute Donald decision, so they defend their Sweepstakes Award at the place awards in News Writing THE TORCH is to report on the events Trump was elected president choice to the death. New Jersey Collegiate Press and Enterprise/Investigative at BCC and the local community, of the United States, the However, it would be unfair Association annual meeting Reporting, and former Co- and to offer the BCC community a country split into two. This is and awards luncheon in April, Editors-in-Chief George forum for expression. The opinions to dump all of the issues the not even about Democrats and United States is facing onto sponsored by the New Jersey Guerra and Iness Rabah placed expressed in THE TORCH are not Republicans, nor liberals and neccessarily those of THE TORCH. Trump. He contributes greatly Press Foundation. first in Editorial Writing. conservatives. This is about to it, but he certainly didn’t The Sweepstakes Award The Torch won second-place All the materials submitted to THE Trump supporters and non- TORCH become property of THE start it. The people of the U.S. recognizes the student awards in Feature Writing, Trump supporters. TORCH. have freedom of speech and newspaper winning the most Biography/Personality Profile, Things are not getting any opinions always clash. individual awards, with the Arts & Entertainment/ ADRIANNA CARABALLO better since nothing is being We are vulnerable right highest weight given to first Critical Writing, Enterprise/ Editor-In-Chief done to unite the people. now because we are divided. place and decreasing weight to Investigative Reporting, Trump has not made any The only thing powerful seconds and thirds. The contest Photography, and Layout & ADAM GRASSANI efforts to soothe the concerns enough to demolish the United is judged by professional Design. Third place awards Co-Editor of those that may not agree States is itself, and we’ve journalists and includes were for General Excellence with his ideals. already taken dangerous steps student news media across the and Biography/Personality THEA OH “Trump does what state in two-year and four-year Profile. Copy Editor in that direction. he wants and if you don’t like I urge you to stop talking classifications. it, then too bad”—that’s the and listen to the opposition LESHAY JONES attitude that is being displayed News Editor even if you disagree with on a daily basis. Trump is everything they are saying. ALYSSA BLUNDO losing his supporters and he’s Understanding the other Features Editor not gaining any new ones, person will drastically reduce yet the supporters lost aren’t conflict and create a new ANTHONY KHELIL running to the other side. sense of unity. Only then can Sports Editor What is occurring is we put down our protest signs reminiscent of a sports game: and red baseball caps and JONATHAN OROZCO neither side wants to abandon Online Editor move forward, together as one the team they’ve devoted their nation. YOUSIF SHAMIL KARINA QUINTERO Layout Editor

FOREVER HOLMES Ad Manager

REBECCA KARPINSKI Photo Editor

PROF. LEW WHEATON Advisor Some of the winners. From left to right: Rebecca Karpinski, Adam Grassani, Corrections Genesis Fuentes, Alyssa Blundo, and The Torch strives for the highest Torch advisor Prof. Lew Wheaton // journalistic standards and accuracy. Rebecca Karpinski Readers are encouraged to contact Protesters hold up signs. //unsplash.com us if they find any mistakes in any edition of the Torch

Editorial. and SGA Letter Opinion Pieces As an open public forum, The Torch Room A-118 while the classes to share with you all, that I anyway because all you would welcomes guest opinion pieces and themselves begin in September. learned from experience, is be doing otherwise is sitting letters to the editor from any member One of the mistakes that I made how to be more efficient with in traffic getting annoyed. I of the Bergen Community College coming in to Bergen my first your day. At Bergen, there tested this out myself and I got community. Materials should be semester was, I waited until are campus wide 75 minute home only 4 minutes later than submitted to [email protected] or the end of August to come in time slots for classes with 15 I normally would. 15 minutes delivered to The Torch office, SC- and register for classes. As minute breaks in between. of studying for a 4 minute 111. Such submissions must include many of you probably know, For example, the first class the writer’s name, contact informa- tradeoff is a great deal. tion and affiliation with the college. from doing exactly what I did runs from 8:00am-9:15am, I sincerely hope that these Students should include their major; before, there are 3 hour waiting the second from 9:30am - tips will help you in your faculty and staff should include cam- lines to register in the few days 10:45am, the third 11:00am- journey here at Bergen. With pus title or position. Opinion pieces before classes begin. Then you 12:15pm, so on and so forth. that being said, if you have are limited to 600 words and letters have go to the Bursar and/or What ends up happening is, any tips, tricks or strategies to the editor to 200 words. The Torch Financial aid office and wait everyone who leaves Bergen that you’ve come up with, reserves the right to edit and to re- another 2 hours on lines. The after their classes are over for e-mail me at SGAPresident@ fuse publication of any submission. whole process is a headache the day does so at the same my.bergen.edu that way I can that many of us here have gone exact times, right after their share them with the rest of the The Torch offices are located through before. classes are over. For those student body. in Room SC-111D, SGA President David DeLizio// Here is my advice to you. of you who have sit in the Have a great rest of the 400 Paramus Road Jonathan Orozco Register for classes early. Start daily traffic jam leaving the day and good luck with your Paramus, NJ 07652-1595 your registration process in parking lot, and then venture educational journey! April or May. The second time through the nightmare known Sincerely, 201.493.5006/5007 Dear Student Body, [email protected] around when I registered, I as Paramus Road, I offer a President David DeLizio I hope that everyone went during May and finished strategy that I use to be more has had a great academic year the entire process in about 30 efficient. so far. In this month’s letter, minutes. This is because there Rather than waiting in I’d like to give everyone some is almost nobody in the school traffic wasting time for 15 advice, tips and locations of during the summer months and minutes trying to escape FOLLOW services that you can all use to therefore, there are no lines to the parking lot, use those 15 your own benefit. I also seek wait on. Work smarter, not minutes after class to go to to ensure that you all learn harder! the library and touch up on US from my mistakes and the Next, for those of you who some of the things you aren’t mistakes of others rather than might be confused about what sure about in your classes. repeating them yourselves. you want to do with your lives, By the time you’re done, the The first and most Bergen offers free personality traffic will be gone, everyone important thing is registration. tests at the Advising Center in will be in their classes already Registration for Fall classes Room A-118. All you need to and you can freely leave with begins April 1st online and do is go there and ask to take no problems. The beauty of it April 10th in person at the it! all is that you’ll end up getting Academic Advising Center in Another tip that I’d like home around the same time

First Place Awards: Editorial Writing, News Writing, First Place Awards Enterprise/Investigative Reporting 2016-2017 Society of Professional Winner for General Excellence, Photography, Layout Journalists: Breaking & Design, Biography/Personality Profile,Arts and News Editorial, Entertainment/Critical Writing, Features Writing, Editorial Writing, 2016-2017 Best All-Around New Jersey Press Foundation Better College Non-Daily Student Newspaper Contest FB.com/bergentorch Newspaper WHY DREW IS GOOD FOR BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS: GOOD � Generous merit and need-based scholarships just for you—up to $25,000 MOVE. � Additional awards for PTK students with associate degrees. � Seamless transfer of credits. � 2016 Forbes College of Tomorrow. � 50+ fields of study. � 10:1 student-faculty ratio. � Undergraduate research opportunities. � NYC semesters on Wall Street, at the United Nations, and in contempo- rary art, communications/ media, theatre, and social entrepreneurship. � International opportuni- ties spanning the globe.

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Take a tour, start a preliminary application, get a credit evaluation, learn more about the Drew Honors Partnership with BCC and find out which scholarship could be yours. Register Now: drew.edu/bcctransfer 8 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 25 ISSUE 7 |APRIL 2017 9 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 25 ISSUE 7 |APRIL 2017 Contemporary Color Makes It To The Stage And The Big Screen!

REBECCA KARPINSKI I put this [color guard] together with live Photo Editor cent, Les Eclipses with David Byrne, music?’” The Brigadiers Zola Jesus, Shenende- And thus the idea to create a documen- member Dustin Juers. “They introduced howa High School with Lucius, Black Color guard is “the best kept secret tary about color guard was created and color guard to the viewers very well, and rary Color, Delmotte said, “Kelis (The Contemporary Color Watch with Devonte Hynes, Ventures led to the start of Contemporary Color. still made the sport and activity heartfelt original artist that was to work with the on earth” claims with Nelly Furtado and Somerville High founder David Byrne. Singer/songwriter “I had no idea what it [Contemporary and intriguing.” Brigaders) just wanted out. They as- - School with Money Mark and Ad-Rock. Color] was at first,” said Black Watch The color guards who participated in signed us a new artist like two weeks be- Byrne created this event, co-commis The concept to start Contemporary sioned by the Brooklyn Academy of Mu- World cast member Todd Watson, “but Contemporary Color were contacted by fore the tour. Worked out great because Color was started by a high school sim- once I found out, I thought it was an WGI first. Zola was so great and into it.” sic and Toronto’s Luminato Festival, and- ply asking Byrne for permission to use Whether there is to be a second Con- with support from Winter Guard Interna amazing idea.” - “I believe WGI was part of the initial his music for their winter guard program. Normally, indoor color guard perfor selection process for Contemporary Col- temporary Color film or not, many mem tional Sport of the Arts (WGI). - Byrne gave them permission and didn’t - Contemporary Color was a perfor mances are supplied with previously re- or.” said the Brigaders director Christian bers are all for doing it again. charge them for the music because he corded background tracks. Delmotte. “We were asked and upon our “If there was a second Contemporary mance event and now a major motion saw that they were just a high school picture inspired by the artistic stylings of “Performing to live music is nothing excited YES we started receiving infor Color, I wouldn’t even question doing organization. He asked only for a fa- new for most WGI level performers, mation from the producers. There was- it again.” Said Juers about the subject. color guard, also known and dubbed as vor: that they show him a video of their “the sport of the arts.” thanks to marching band or drum corps,” quite a bit of logistics and scheduling on “Like, I would have to say yes! I would - championship performance. - said Emanon World cast member Paige their part to get 10 teams and 10 artists march another winter season if it meant Consisting of ten 20 to 40 mem Months passed and Byrne complete bers, color guards from both the United MacKay. “However, adjusting the count moving. We had a different experience doing Contemporary Color again.” ly forgot about this color guard until he structure of the show to fit our new piece because our artist backed out in the mid- Contemporary Color is currently States and Canada, Contemporary Color, received in the mail their video of their alongside an extraordinary arrangement of music, ensuring that we were all able dle.” showing in select theaters all across the - world championship performance held- to adjust our choreography to different When asked about the sudden change United States and Canada and you can of musical talent all performing togeth in Dayton, Ohio. Upon viewing the per - er live, was held during the summer of tempos in case the artist wasn’t metro in the artist’s decision to do Contempo also pre-order the film on their website at formance, Byrne was blown away by the nomic in her beat… that was the sort of - www.contemporarycolor.com. 2015 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and spectacle he saw these young performers Toronto’s Air Canada Centre and was re- thing we had to work on.” creating with flags, rifles and sabres, and Contemporary Color first premiered leased in theaters on March 1, 2017. wanted to get involved. The ensembles that performed in Con- on the big screen at the 2016 Tribeca film “I started watching it and my jaw festival in New York City from April 13 temporary Color hailed from as close as dropped,” Byrne said when describing New Jersey’s own Somerville, to as far through April 24, 2016 but many of the watching color guard for the first time. performers got to view the finished prod- away as Kitchener-Waterloo in Cana- “My first thought was ‘what the hell is da. The event featured performances uct for the very first time the day before going on out there!? Look at this!’ This the film was released. by Emanon with Tune-Yards, Alter Ego is amazing creativity out there and really with Nico Muhly and Ira Glass, Mechan- “I loved the film and loved the way very interesting and we don’t know any- they edited and cropped different clips icsburg Area High School with How To thing about this. Then I thought; ‘what if Dress Well, Field of View with St. Vin- to make everything more appealing to an audience who wouldn’t fully understand color guard,” said Alter Ego World cast

“If there was a second Contem- porary Color, I wouldn’t even question doing it again.” -Dustin Juers Alter Ego World cast member

A series of mesmerizing spectacles brought to life in Contemporary Color. //Courtesy of the members of Alter Ego, Black Watch, and the Brigadiers 10 o pinions THE TORCH VOLUME 25 ISSUE 7| APRIL 2017 Selena Quintanilla Holi 2017: Festival of Remembered 22 Years Colors Later pg. 12 pg. 13

OPINIONSThe Torch Be Proud Of Who You Are ADRIANNA CARABALLO Editor in Chief Any sort of racism is mindless and primitive. Haven’t we’ve moved “You’re Donald Trump” were the passed this? Sadly, no. Society needs words that were shouted at my father to learn to embrace other cultures while walking down the street in New and ethnicities, not just in the United York city recently. Why so? He looks States but around the world in order to nothing like Donald Trump, other than progress. the fact that he is white. My father was People who are bi-racial, a a victim of reverse racism. massive part of the population, feel the I also know the feeling all brunt of this hatred. You don’t quite fit too well. When I was eight-years-old in with one side and you don’t quite fit I went to a mostly hispanic school in in with the other. Queens, New York, PS19, also known I am Puerto Rican, Irish and as Dutch-Kills. Colombian, but all people see is the While there, I was ostracized by Irish side of me that makes my skin both teachers and students. One teacher white. There was a time when the Irish in particular would not give me cookies were not even considered white, but no if I didn’t complete my homework longer. I, and many others who are bi- or answer a question correctly. My racial, should be proud of all their sides parents confronted her on the matter instead of trying to be accepted by one and her response to them was, that she or the other. was hard on me because she expected Do I consider myself to be more out of me since I was white too. Hispanic? Yes. Do I consider myself These “labels” on children are to be Irish? Also yes, and that’s okay unfair and need to be stopped. No child because that’s what I am. Be proud of is better than another because of their who you are. skin color. And then, there is bullying, ridicule and name calling. Why are children subjected to that? Being Bi-Racial is not always easy.. //The Blue Diamond Gallery

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view course schedule at montclair.edu/summer 11 o pinions THE TORCH VOLUME 25 ISSUE 7 APRIL 2017 Living with Siblings

LESHAY JONES News Editor Living with siblings is a complete train wreck. Take it from someone who child. Being the middle child is almost has two siblings and is smack in the exactly like being invisible. I remember middle. times where my older sister would be For most of my life, I have been the out with my mom, my little brother middle child in my family and trust me, would be out with my dad and I, well, I it is just as traumatizing as it sounds. was stuck cooking in the kitchen with From growing up with siblings, this grandma. is my basic understanding of how the Being invisible, I mean the middle “sibling chain” works. child, has its perks. Number one is that The first born, aka the queen/king: no one ever really wonders where you The first born has it worst in the sense are. I can shut myself in my room for that they have a lot to live up to. When a full 24 hours and have no one bother you are the first born your parents have me. Middle children are also sometimes extremely high expectations in regards considered the “peacekeepers” of the to your grades, maturity and overall siblings but in my experience, that’s a behavior. load of nonsense. However, the oldest is also the one Now, with every group of siblings who calls the shots when your parents comes competition; it’s like living in aren’t around. They are automatically the wild and each of you is a different left in charge when mom and dad species hunting the same antelope. decide to go out and try to relive the You may not feel like you compete, but thrill they felt before they had kids. My trust me, you do, from who is the best older sister is the queen of the house, or at UNO to whom is mom’s favorite, so she likes to think. My siblings and I are extremely The youngest, aka the spoiled competitive and none of us really likes brat: The youngest probably has it to admit it. There were times when we best, considering the fact that they can used to fight over who loved mom or practically get away with murder. When dad more, and trust me, those fights you’re the youngest, you are more than can turn brutal. likely the apple of your parents’ eyes, Despite the middle-child syndrome their precious little baby. that I have extensively suffered from, I like to think of the youngest as living with siblings isn’t all that bad the demon child that can do no wrong and it definitely has its perks. and can get whatever they want, just by For one, you get lifetime batting their little demon eyelashes at best friends. For me, no matter how your parents right after torturing you. much we argue and fuss, we’ve got My little brother is the epitome of this: each other’s backs, we can tell each cute and sweet on the outside, pure evil other almost anything and more than on the inside. anything else, we love each other. The middle child, aka the ghost: Have you ever wished you were invisible? Just wish to become a middle You can’t live with them, but you can’t live without siblings.// Rebecca Karpinski More Than Melancholy NICK COWLING Staff Writer “Snap out of it.” “Smile more.” “There are a lot of people who have it worse.” These phrases share the common misunderstanding of the incredibly difficult subject that is mental health. Physically intangible but consisting of serious circumstances, illness of the mind is a silent and pervasive disease still in its infancy of understanding. Many of the symptoms associated with a mental illness begin to boil during the end of adolescence and into adulthood. It’s a frightening and confusing development that many sufferers will find problematic to share. I was 18 years old when I suffered my first bout of crushing depression that I could not explain. Months later, I had an adverse reaction to an anti-depressant medication and it put me into a hyper- agitated state of mania that kept me running at a maximum speed for days on end. I was to learn my diagnosis of bipolar disorder that changed my life forever. Self-harm, suicidal ideation and hospitalizations have all been part of my existence in the last few years. My knuckles and arms still bear the scars, a permanent reminder of my strife. Art showing what it is like to live with a mental illness.. // Courtesy of Billy Capozzi Medication has aided me greatly The point I wish to get across to but it’s invaluable and your best There is no magic pill. There is but not without its downsides and side- anyone reading this piece, who find instrument to adequately prepare for no grand epiphany where everything effects. I experience tremors and I their mind taking them to unexplainable periods of depression or anxiety or succeeding it becomes perfect. The often have difficulty with memory and places that they don’t understand, is to hallucinations or any symptom across struggle of mental illness is a life-long concentration. A tradeoff, but a worthy realize that there are victories that can the spectrum. war with peaks and valleys. There are one. be accomplished in this ever-present To those reading without a times to be adamant, and what better My story is not unique, nor is it battle. disorder: There is an obligation to time to fight than when you’re facing special—far from it. I’ve been through You need to speak up. You need educate yourself for the betterment feelings of worthlessness and fear. It clinical group therapy sessions with a to take initiative. It’s scary, I know, of your loved ones. You would never doesn’t have to be a one-man march, variety of people who have experienced but to wallow in misery is a recipe for tell a diabetic to simply “get over” though. everything from social anxiety to dangerous actions and a life of burden. their condition, so why would you do Reach out. Someone will extend attempted efforts to kill themselves Utilize your resources: family, friends, a it when it comes to someone’s brain? their hand for you to grasp and when to paranoid schizophrenia. All of us professor, or colleague. Set appointments Never invalidate a person’s struggle they do, pay it forward. Someone may shared a common goal and that was with doctors and therapists. simply because you don’t understand. need it more than you realize. to get better, to understand why we Cultivating inner strength is taxing, We need your support, not scorn. experience what we feel. 12 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 25 ISSUE 7 |APRIL 2017 NHL Playoff Bergen’s Upcoming Preview Track Season pg. 14 pg. 16

FEATURESThe Torch Bergenstages: Oh Coward! REBECCA KARPINSKI Photo Editor young amazing talent, great staging, acting, and upbeat music that had Bergenstages performed Oh, audience members dancing in our seats Coward! this past February and March and definitely put a smile on our faces. in the Ender Hall Theatre Lab. Oh, The cast superbly performed many Coward! was an extremely witty and of Coward’s most beloved song and it’s fun musical showcasing the work kept the visions, voices and magic of of the late Noël Coward under the a classic playwright alive on today’s direction of Professor Jim Bumgardner stage as well as in the hearts of the and musical direction of Jess Abrams. audience. Oh, Coward!, was devised by Beautifully directed and Roderick Cook and contained music choreographed by Professor and lyrics by Noël Coward. The Bumgardner, under the skillful musical musical featured songs such as, direction of Jess Abrams, and further ‘London Pride,’ ‘Chase Me, Charlie,’ enhanced by perfect period costumes, ‘Mrs. Worthington,’ ‘If Love Were accents, and an imaginatively inspired All,’ ‘Dance Little Lady,’ ‘Why Do the set, the audience is propelled back in Wrong People Travel,’ and ‘Mad Dogs time to a visually rich and exciting and Englishmen.’. place. The performance was a sharp 34 song-set musical that was brilliantly performed by eight very talented young cast members: four men and four women. The production was performed by Bergen’s own Angelina Aragona, Emily D’Onofrio, Kevin Oh Coward! was W. Bergen, Matthew Rella, Sarah Klausner, and Wally Villanueva. an extremely witty The performance was outstanding in every way. They had a very beautiful and fun musical... set that made the very limited spacing they had for this production feel much bigger. The direction, lighting, and costumes were all wonderful and it all worked to perfection. The musical is filled so much Shots of the Oh Coward performance. //Courtesy of Jim Bumgardner Holi 2017: Carnival of Colors PURNASREE SAHA Contributing Writer On Phalguna, the day after full moon in early March, many throughout areas of India, Nepal, Pakistan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and South Asia celebrate the festival Holi Holi is the festival of colors and happiness, and is meant to represent the triumph of good over evil. The main purpose of the Holi festival is to welcome the beginning of spring, share compassion with others and to honor the Hindu god Vishnu. This festival has spread throughout Europe and North America. In India, Holi is celebrated for two days: Dhuleti and Holika. On the day of Dhuleti, Hindus The joy of celebrating and participating in Holi. // Purnasree Saha gather together and light up a bonfire to practice religious rituals. They also the Mahwah Hindu Samaj Mandir, Various food stalls at the festival two festivals are that Holi involves sing and dance. located in Mahwah, NJ, held its annual served South Indian vegetarian foods throwing colored and scented powders Holika is the day during which Holi celebration on March 25, 2017. and sweets such as dosa, samosas, at each other in the beginning of spring, people, youth and adults throw colored The word mandir represents temple for chaat, pani puri, and gulab jamun. whereas Diwali involves dancing and and scented powder solutions known as Hindus. Mango lassi, pizza, and soda was also playing with Dandiya sticks in an event gulal powder at others, which causes This celebration was open to served at the festival. There were also called Garba in mid-October. their clothings and skin to get messy. all children and people of different vendors where people were selling Since the Holi festival is free Many adults also smear the colored cultures and religions. People were various types of jewelry, bags, and and occurs once a year, people of powders on others’ faces. Children publicly encouraged to attend the clothings such as saris, salwars, kurtis, different religions and cultures should also throw water-filled balloons and festival through social media, and and long skirts. attend it the upcoming year due to the use water guns to throw color at others through posters hung up and handed As people started to gather around fun entertainment. during Holi. out by priests. and throw colored and scented powder Bergen Community College Holi could be played on open streets At the beginning of the celebration, at others, the festival drew to a close. usually holds an annual Holi festival and parks, and outside of buildings and many children were entertained by fun Holi Festival is different in March, but due to a lack of temples. Many people laugh or gossip events such as arts and crafts, henna from, but similar to, the Diwali Mela entertainment, Roshan Patel, Vice and like to dance to music provided by tattoos, face painting, bouncy rides, in many ways. Holi and Diwali Mela President of SAATH told The Torch, a DJ while they are playing Holi. At the balloons and a magic show. Adults are related because they both include “There was no South Asian club this end of Holi, people wash up and change were able to volunteer, sponsor and entertainment for children, dance semester. Therefore, if anybody is into clean clothes to visit their family contribute to these events. If adults performances on stage, food stalls with interested in attending the Holi festival and friends. wanted to volunteer they had to contact South Indian vegetarian foods, and every year, they could find out on [email protected]. vendors with various jewelry, clothings, social media or google where and when Although the actual date of the There were also performances done by and bags. it is happening. “ Holi festival was on March 12, 2017, children and youths on stage. The differences between these 13 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 25 ISSUE 7 |APRIL 2017 Selena Quintanilla Remembered 22 Years Later

REBECCA KARPINSKI Photo Editor Because Selena was getting even were complaining that they weren’t America, her music crossed cultural boundaries to touch the lives of young It’s been 22 years this March 31 more popular by the day and the receiving their packets they paid for. traveling to perform was interfering The Quintanilla family confronted and old women. A flamboyant, sexy since the Tejano superstar Selena stage performer, sometimes hailed Quintanilla-Perez was tragically with school, Abraham pulled her out Yolanda, who by this time, was also of school when she was just in the manager of the boutiques. Money as the Latina Madonna, Selena was shot and killed and 20 years since nonetheless considered a role model the “Selena” biopic starring Jennifer 8th grade. Even though she was not also started to turn up missing from attending school anymore, Selena the Selena Etc. account. Yolanda was for so many people to this day 22 years Lopez was released in theaters across later. the country. Known as the “Queen of earned a high school degree from a stealing from them. Tejano Music,” Selena was a beloved correspondence school in Chicago. On March 12, 1995, Selena fired Latin recording artist who was killed In 1988, two more Selena albums Yolanda. On March 30, Selena went to by the president of her fan club, Yolanda were released, Preciosa and Dulce where Yolanda was staying in Corpus Saldivar. Amor, but it was in 1989 when Selena Christi, Texas at a Days Inn Motel, Selena Quintanilla was born on got her big break. That year, she signed to get the missing paperwork. When April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas. with Capitol/EMI Latin label. Selena and Chris got home that night, Around the age of 9 or 10, Selena By this time, Selena’s concerts they found out that some of the papers became the lead singer of her family’s were drawing thousands of people and were still missing. band, Selena Y Los Dinos. The band her band was expanding. Pete Astudillo Early the next morning, Selena consisted of her older brother A.B. joined Selena Y Los Dinos. A.B., who got up and went to face Yolanda on the bass guitar and her older sister was already writing most of Selena’s again. There Yolanda told her she had Suzette on the drums. Her father, songs, joined Pete and wrote songs for been raped in Monterey, Mexico and Abraham, a former member of the old Selena such as her most iconic song needed to go to the hospital. Being doo-wop group “The Dinos,” managed “Como La Flor”. Pete stayed with the the kind person that Selena was, she and produced the young band. The band for 4 years but left in 1993 to go took her. After about an hour, Selena band’s first performances were in solo. and Yolanda returned to the motel and Papagayos, the Quintanilla family In 1988, Selena met a guitarist argued, where Selena told her that she restaurant.in Lake Jackson, Texas. by the name of Chris Perez. The just couldn’t be trusted anymore. Selena grew up speaking English Quintanilla family hired him to be in At 11:48 a.m., Yolanda took out as her native language, but her father the band in 1990. On April 3, 1992, a gun and fired at Selena. The bullet taught her to sing in Spanish so she Selena married Chris Perez. struck her in her right shoulder. With could resonate with the Latino audience. In 1990, a fan approached Abraham all her strength, Selena ran towards the She learned the lyrics phonetically at with the idea of starting a fan club. lobby to get help. She collapsed on the first, and eventually learned to speak Her name was Yolanda Saldivar and floor as the clerk called 911. Soon an Spanish fluently. her wish was granted. She was often ambulance came to take Selena to the Soon the family restaurant fell referred to as Selena’s biggest fan. hospital where she was pronounced apart due to bankruptcy and the Yolanda became a very close friend of dead at 1:09 p.m. Quintanilla family went bankrupt. The Selena’s, but later on, one of her worst News of Selena’s death spread all family moved to Corpus Christi, Texas enemies. over the world like wildfire. Selena where they piled into an old bus with In February of 1995, Selena sold fans mourned the loss of their queen, all their musical equipment. out the Houston Astrodome with her the queen of Tejano music. They played everywhere they last concert for the Houston Livestock The tragic death of Selena created could, on streets, and at weddings, but and Rodeo. A record attendance for a reaction within the Latino community soon all the hard work paid off. Selena any Tejana. that can be compared to the deaths of recorded her first album in 1984 under Also in February, trouble started Elvis Presley and John Lennon. with the Selena Fan Club. Fans An enormously popular singer the Freddie label. in Latino communities across North ...her music crossed cultural Selena in her amazing outfits and positive MOVE boundaries... energy. //Rebecca Karpinski ON UP

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Job Number: a1415-0929 Pub/Issue Date: BergenCC 4/2/15 Product: McGhee Transfer Date 3/20/15 Size: 4.9” x 7.5” Artist: pw Bleed: .NA Proof #: 1 Color/Space: BW Note: 14 Sports THE TORCH VOLUME 25 ISSUE 7 | APRIL 2017 NHL Playoff Preview NICK COWLING Staff Writer The NHL playoffs are upon us Eight teams from each conference accomplishment. The West is given Each individual player on a winning and the battle for Lord Stanley’s Cup will remain for the division final. All the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl and team will find their name engraved witnesses its latest iteration starting four division finals consist of two the East is given the Prince of Wales onto the Cup assuring a permanent this April. teams, the winner between the division Trophy. reminder of their success. Hall of Fame A massive change was made leader and the wild card matchup, and While these honors are grounds for coach Fred Shero expressed one of the before the 2013-14 season creating the winner between the 2nd and 3rd a sturdy sense of accomplishment, the most famous quotes in hockey when a new method regarding how teams seeded teams in each division. The true prize lays in the final round between he said to the 1974 Philadelphia Flyers play each other in a postseason, which victor of each series will advance to each conference winner, The Stanley before a Cup final game, “Win today caused much confusion. What was their Conference’s respective final. Cup Final. The Final is one of the most and we walk together forever.” Teams once a very simple playoff seeding Only four teams are left at this point. exciting championships in all of sports. will dissolve and players will move on bracket for the league, a radical change The winner of the following series The process to achieve the Cup is a war in their careers, but the unity of victory was made to the format to allow for is considered to have won the West of attrition and the blood and flesh shed will bind them together in a poetic stronger rivalries within the Western or East and is awarded a title for this to attain it is worthy of admiration. display of sports lore. and Eastern conference teams. To bring understanding to this relatively new system, an explanatory preview of its machinations will be presented. Each matchup throughout the postseason consists of a best of seven games series with the higher seeded team allowed home ice. There are two divisions within each conference. The Atlantic and Metropolitan divisions make up the East while the West consists of the Pacific and Central divisions. Each conference also holds two wildcard spots for teams falling just short of their division’s top three placements creating a total of eight playoff teams for both conferences. The seeding is noticeably a bit more complicated from the previous method. The two division winners will play one of the two wild card teams. The leader with the most points accumulated that season will play the wild card team with the fewest points. Naturally, the 2nd leading team will play the wildcard team with the higher point total. This leaves the other four teams to battle out for advancement. The second and third ranked teams in a division will play each other. The first team to achieve four wins in a series will move on to the following round of the playoffs. The previous system re-seeded the teams while this new one maintains a strict structure. Chicago Blackhawks players celebrating a Stanley Cup victory. //http://power97.cms.socastsrm.com/ New York Knicks Experiment Gone Wrong? ANTHONY KHELIL Sports Editor

On Sunday, March 6th, Madison During most of the pregame, a ridiculous.” Richard Rodriguez, a sophomore at Square Garden decided to perform an message was shown on the overhead There are many rumors as to why BCC majoring in education, and long experiment as the New York Knicks video board saying that the first half the Knicks would experiment with time Knicks fan did not appreciate faced off against the Golden State would include no video, music or in such an idea, especially on the night of the silence, he said, “The in game Warriors. MSG experimented by game entertainment so the fans could, a nationally televised game. Some say entertainment is what can sometimes playing no sound during warmups or “experience the game in its purest that it was a result of many of the older dictate the momentum of the game. any stoppages of play in the first half form.” season ticket holders who complained It was hard to watch, and hard to get of Sunday’s game. In what has so far “It felt like an open gym kind the games were too loud, others excited for.” Gianfranco Vaccaro, a been a disastrous season for the Knicks of,” Warriors All-Star shooting guard believe it was because there was a Political Science major in his second it seems odd they would attempt such said after the game. Golden States malfunction with arena equipment and year at Bergen Community college a thing, especially at this point in the power forward, Draymond Green was the experiment was used as a cover up. said, “I hope no team tries this again.” season. not much of a fan of the idea either. Whatever the real reason may be, many There were not many fans of MSG’s The silence the absence of “That was pathetic. It was ridiculous. of the players as well as the fans found so called first half experiment, and it sound provided did not seem to be It changed the flow of the game. It it to be a hard adjustment, as all players will be interesting to see if other teams an appropriate setting for an NBA changed everything,” he said. “You and fans of the game have grown so try this new idea. As for the Knicks, basketball game, let alone one that advance things in the world to make accustomed to in game entertainment. instead of focusing on the “game in its was being nationally televised. it better,” Green added. “You don’t go I was able to speak to a few purest form,” they should be focusing Knicks budding star forward Kristaps back to what’s bad. Computers can do Bergen Community college students on making a run for the eighth seed in Porzingis said,“I Didn’t like it,” after anything for us. It’s like going back to who follow basketball to get their the Eastern Conference. the 112-105 loss to the Warriors. paper. Why would you do that? It was thoughts on the so- called experiment.

Stadium filled with fans listening to the bouncing of the ball and the squeaking of the sneakers. // staticflickr.com 15 Sports THE TORCH VOLUME 25 ISSUE 7 | APRIL 2017 What will 2017 have in store?

ANTHONY KHELIL Sports Editor

In 2016, The Chicago Cubs finally whose playoff appearance was short broke the curse of the Billy goat, lived after reaching the World Series capturing their first World Series in 2015, retained their MVP Yoenis championship in 108 years. After losing Cespedes and look to finally show off key pieces from their championship their rotation stock piled with young team such as Aroldis Chapman and flame throwing arms. The St. Louis Dexter Fowler, the Chicago Cubs are Cardinals, who missed the playoffs the still among the league’s elite, and previous season look to make a deep widely considered to be favorites to run into October with their balanced take home yet another championship. roster consisting of veterans such as The question everyone’s asking is, who newly acquired Dexter Fowler and will dethrone the mighty Cubs? up and coming stars such as Randal The defending American League Grichuk. champions, the Cleveland Indians, The 2017 Major League season look even stronger, with the acquisition will certainly be a roller coaster of a of slugger Edwin Encarnacion and a ride. Fans anticipating the start of the healthy starting rotation, the Indians season, can look forward to opening look to once again be contenders in the day, April 1st, where many of their A.L. The Boston Red Sox will likely questions will finally be answered. make it back to October once again, There will be many teams who surprise, and look primed for a great run with like the New York Yankees, a team in the offseason trade acquisition of star transition, building for the future. Will pitcher Chris Sale from the White Sox, the infusion of youth spark a playoff adding to an already deep rotation. run? Or possibly the Milwaukee The Texas Rangers who also made it Brewers who are stockpiling young too the playoffs last season certainly talent. The Detroit Tigers and Kansas look like they will be back, keeping City Royals both have many question their star studded lineup intact over the marks but have a chance to contend. offseason and having Cy Young caliber The Royals, a small market team, will pitcher Yu Darvish for a full season. be facing a tough decision at the trade The National League will be deadline, as the core of their team are very interesting this upcoming MLB all in the last years of their contracts, season. The Los Angeles Dodgers look and they will not have the funds to re- to make it back to the playoffs again sign all of them. If it seems like they after retaining all three of their major are out of contention will they begin a free agents this offseason, Kenley fire sale? The Toronto Blue Jays, even Jansen, Rich Hill and Justin Turner. with the loss of Edwin Encarnacion, The Washington Nationals look for will look to slug their way into the The world of baseball excited for the season. //unsplash.com Bryce Harper to regain his MVP playoffs. With all the offseason drama form, and hope Trea Turner continues involving star center fielder and team to strengthening their minor league League baseball is finally back and his development. The San Francisco captain Andrew Mccutchen keep the system? What team will underachieve will certainly have something special Giants will look to bounce back from Pittsburgh Pirates from contention? and who will this year’s cinderella in store. not making the World Series in an even Will the Chicago White Sox continue team be? April 1st will be the start to year since 2010. The New York Mets to deal major league talent, in route answering all these questions. Major

Professor Naseem Choudhury, Psychology, (left) and Professor Jeremy Teigen, Political Science, (right) teach and mentor Ramapo College students. Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Regional Learn in small classes. Universities North category for public Succeed in big ways. institutions. With an average class size of 23, and a student–faculty Ranked as one of the ratio of 18:1, Ramapo College offers students an “Best Bang-for-the- VISIT CAMPUS Buck Colleges in the individualized learning experience. Our students are able Northeast” by to build meaningful, close-working relationships with Washington Monthly. faculty members through mentorship, collaboration, and UNDERGRADUATE OPEN HOUSE: research opportunities. Listed by Kiplinger’s as one of 100 Best Values in Each year more than 700 transfer students enroll at Sunday, April 30 Public Colleges. Ramapo College, continuing their studies in one of over 36 undergraduate majors. Discover how we prepare our As a College of students for a lifetime of success. Distinction, Ramapo attracts and supports Learn more: www.ramapo.edu/transfer engaged students, great teaching, a Visit our Transfer Advisor on the BCC campus: vibrant community and Mondays & Thursdays, 9:00am-4:00pm successful outcomes. Center for Student Success: Room A118 Email Nicole at [email protected] 505 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 16 Sports THE TORCH VOLUME 25 ISSUE 7 | APRIL 2017 The Torch SPORTS Bergen Community College’s Own Makes ALL GSAC Team

ANTHONY KHELIL Sports Editor On Monday, March 6th, the All- Smedile is an education major Garden State Athletic Conference formally from Saddle Brook, New Division III women’s basketball Jersey, where she played shooting team was announced, and on the guard for her high school, leading list of honorees was one of Bergen them to a 17-8 record in her senior Community College’s own Cherie season. Throughout her high school Smedile. Smedile, who serves as a career, Smedile earned many awards combo guard for our Lady Bulldogs, such as Honorable mention all league earns a spot on this list as as a freshman. in the 2012-2013 season, Second team Smedile started all 28 of the Lady all league in the 2013-2014 season Bulldog’s games and was a work- and First team all league, as well as horse for her team, leading the team in honorable mention all county in the minutes played with 38.4 mpg. Smedile 2014-2015 season. Maybe the greatest averaged nearly 21 points per game of all her feats, in her senior season, along with 8.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists Smedile racked up her 1000th point in a per game. She also provided a presence win against Palisades Park in February on the defensive end, averaging two of 2016. steals and one block per game. Cherie Smedile has proven to be a Smedile did it all for the lady Bulldogs, valuable asset to the Bergen Bulldogs stuffing the stat sheet for her team, success down the line. She now can providing one of the few bright spots add first team ALL GSAC to her list of for the Bulldogs this season. accolades.

Cherie Smedile posing for the bulldogs. //BergenCCbulldogs.com Bergen’s Upcoming Track Season

CHRISTOPHER MOLINA Staff Writer

As the spring semester continues, the many sports teams at Bergen Community College are preparing themselves for the upcoming 2017 spring season. Of these sports, one team to focus on is Bergen’s track and field team. Since October, the team along with head coach Erika Czjiko and first year assistant coach Deana Dedovitch have been preparing for the upcoming season. Both the athletes and coaches are eager to make their mark on this season and believe that this year’s team has a lot of potential. The team will have their first meet on Saturday, March 25th, in West Chester, Pennsylvania at West Cchester University. “They are ready to get on the track and shows us what their made right now,” said Coach Czjiko. The track and field program has a history of success through every season, such as defeating bigger schools and having many of their athletes participate in Nationals, and they look to repeat that this season. Assistant coach Dedovitch, who’s also the head coach of the Women’s Cross country team, is getting used to the transition to assistant coach, “It’s Student jumping into next season. //bergenccbulldogs.com extremely different from cross country, just because there are so many skills to school track team. The team continued Bergen’s track and field team does more skill to a program that has so work on and they’re all different, but that season without a replacement. not have many returnees. This season few veterans. “Just because you get different is a good thing so I’m good for Despite what could have been a major brings only four athletes from last more time to practice with them and the [spring] season,” said Dedovitch. distraction, the team and the head coach season. This year’s team includes 21 more time to work on technique and Last season’s assistant coach Angel were able to perform well during the newcomers, 15 of whom participated form,’’said Czjiko. Solias left the program at BCC to season and have some of their athletes in cross country. However, the head become the head coach of his own high compete in nationals. coach sees it as a good sign, as it brings

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