December 2015 Curtain Rises on ‘Twelve Angry Jurors’ by George Rausch

THE LIGHTHOUSE

Vol. XXIX, No. 2 Lyndhurst High School: 400 Weart Avenue, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 December 2015 Curtain rises on ‘Twelve Angry Jurors’ By George Rausch

As the lights came up, a set of double doors were unlocked and 12 unnamed men and women spilled onto a stage, where an intense debate ensued. They were jurors, and the life of an al- leged murderer rested in their hands. On Nov. 19 and 20, the auditorium was trans- formed into a jury deliberation room for the performance of “Twelve Angry Jurors” by Reg- inald Rose. English Teacher Ms. Coppola, who has been directing the school play for the past decade, said she always looks for shows with ensemble casts and “Twelve Angry Jurors” fit the bill, ac- commodating a large number of principal characters with nearly equal parts. Coppola said she also chose the play because of its timelessness. Published in 1957 under the original name “Twelve Angry Men,” it is quite old, but she said audiences can still learn from it. “Even though it is from 60 years ago, it is still relevant,” Coppola said. “I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be interesting to take a look at how our justice system actually works?’ by watching a jury de- liberate a case.” In deliberation, if even one juror has reasonable doubt, the suspect cannot be labeled guilty. “If you cannot prove a person’s guilt, they must be innocent. That’s the way our justice system works,” Coppola said. Coppola said large trials are frequently impacted by the media. Therefore, she said if a case like the one depicted onstage took place today, despite various holes in the prosecution, the suspect would have been found guilty. At the beginning of the show, the jurors prac- tically have the verdict decided. All but one juror is convinced the suspect is guilty. They believe the testimonies they heard were solid and the evidence was undeniable. However, Juror #8, played by Senior Jose Rodriguez, sees reasonable doubt. Because the jury has to come to a unanimous decision, they begin to argue. Juror #8’s main opposition is Juror #3, played by Se- nior Zach Rossano. While Juror #8 believes there is something missing from the case, Juror #3 is positive the defendant is guilty and says he cannot possibly be swayed. After a while, Juror #8 begins to poke holes in the testimonies, proving that the wit- Courtesy of Jessie Bolton nesses could be lying or just mistaken. Students perform “Twelve Angry Jurors” at LHS on Nov. 19 and 20 in the auditorium. The play tells the story of a Over time, Juror #8 begins to convince other jury deliberating the verdict of a murder trial. Student actors included Seniors Jose Rodriguez, Emyah Crisosto- mo, Gillian Bove and Zach Rossano (top row, left to right). Juniors Tristan Benitez, Mackenzie Fletcher and Matt Continued on Page 2 Hooper (bottom row) also appeared as members of the jury. Fall sports set standard for upcoming seasons

By Nick Pacheco “There was a lot more teamwork I witnessed themselves and were good leaders for the un- long time. Our seniors were very hungry to win throughout the year, and it was seen in results. derclassmen, which made a big turnaround for every game, and the school spirit was unbeliev- Both on the field and in the stands, the 2015 I also think the student body really getting be- the programs,” Radigan said. able,” Brown said. fall sports season ended in success. For the first hind each and every sports program… gave an- Senior Boys Soccer Captain and Defender Aside from making state playoffs, every fall time since 1993, all LHS fall sports teams made other boost to the kids playing,” Radigan said. Ryan Brown, who received first team all league sports team had some distinguishing accom- it to the state playoffs. Radigan said the seniors’ goal of making their and third team all county, agreed with Radigan’s plishments this year that will go down in LHS Athletic Director Mr. Radigan said hard work final year a winning year also impacted the statements. history. over the summer led players to compete as a teams. “The class of ‘16 really brought a new culture unit rather than as individuals. “They put their minds forth and dedicated and mentality that this school hasn’t seen in a Continued on Page 3

Emoji takeover! Gift-giving made Hoping history repeats Junior Erick Estrada Jr. gorgeous itself and Sophomore Megan Senior Eva Pelidis Bowling team strives Rudden debate the effects offers the 411 on wrapping to win state title two of emojis. | 9 for the holiday season. | 6 years in a row. | 12

Check out “The Lighthouse” on the LHS website! THE LIGHTHOUSE 2 NEWS/FEATURES December 2015 Is a healthy diet possible?

wants to lessen the amount of GMOs modified ingredients whenever pos- of its stores in Washington and Or- are simply unavoidable. GMOs and an he consumes. He said Americans sible. Despite their efforts, these com- egon due to the discovery of E. coli “No matter how hard I try, I cannot should open their eyes to the dangers panies often rely on MSG, a manufac- bacteria in its food. Over 100 people commit myself to picking my food E. coli outbreak GMOs inflict on their bodies. tured amino acid, to keep their food were hospitalized because of expo- so wisely. With that being said, I still “I think I’d be lying if I said I was long-lasting and fresh. sure to E. coli, according to qz.com, a wish that our foods could be naturally prove eating conscious of [GMOs] all the time, but Spanish Teacher Mrs. Silvelo said global online news publication. made rather than be genetically mod- certainly I’ve seen a couple of docu- she would like to cut GMOs from her Two weeks later, Chipotle reopened ified. It isn’t right that we pay so much mentaries lately that have made me diet completely because they are po- its stores after deep-cleaning the for food that is half food, half injec- right is difficult more aware to the whole issue,” Kro- tentially harmful. properties and replacing food. tions,” said Kelly. pa said. “GMOs are a scary thought. “I think it’s important to eat things Junior Jackie Kelly said she is not By Julie Pacillo They fill up our bodies with practical- that grow naturally from the earth,” typically concerned about genetically ly garbage. It’s a shame it is in so many Silvelo said. “[People are] entrusting modified ingredients but rather eats Genetically modified organisms, things.” their health and their well-being into whatever tastes good and is afford- or GMOs, are common in American Kropa said he promotes non-GMO these corporations that make their able. She said she eats Chipotle at supermarkets, but are these enhance- foods in his health classes by watch- food, and I don’t necessarily think least once a week and is shocked by ments jeopardizing human health? ing videos and explaining the proper that people realize what they’re in- the recent events. GMOs are living structures that have way to read a nutrition label. gesting.” “It’s so scary because Chipotle was been artificially manipulated in labo- “I think awareness needs to be Silvelo said she reads every label known for being an organic, whole ratories through genetic engineering. reached out to every person and not before buying and is usually shocked food take out. It just goes to show that According to the Organic Consumers just on television, but in schools and by the ingredients found in common people can be so easily lied to even by Association, a group that promotes in workshops. I would love to say items. the largest of companies,” Kelly said. healthy eating, 40 percent of all U.S. they will diminish, but unfortunate- “We all use toothpaste. Toothpaste “Just because I don’t exactly look out crops are genetically modified, and ly, our society has told me otherwise has something called a carcinogen in for GMOs doesn’t mean I don’t want 80 percent of processed foods contain over the last couple of decades where it, and those things are known to be to be healthy. I want big name brands GMOs. The highest leading GMO is portions are larger and fast foods are cancer producing ingredients,” Silve- to tell the truth. I don’t want them corn, followed by soy and sugar. more prevalent,” Kropa said. lo said. “You would never think that risking my health.” Gym and Health Teacher Mr. Kro- According to the OCA, Burger King would be in your toothpaste.” Kelly said she eats GMOs every day pa said he sticks to a healthy diet but and McDonald’s avoid genetically In late October, Chipotle closed 43 without her knowledge. She said they Courtesy of Gina Minervini Student actors bring drama

Courtesy of Gina Minervini to auditorium Continued from Page 1

members until he gets the entire jury on his side and makes them realize there is enough reasonable doubt to conclude a not guilty verdict. What started as an open and shut case becomes the exact opposite. Senior Olivia Perez, who played Ju- ror #9, is a newcomer to the play. She said she wanted to try something new during her last year of high school. “I figured that I should do what all seniors do: go all out on my last year,” Perez said. “I’ve done the musicals for the past three years. So, I figured, ‘Why not?’” Coppola said she was glad Perez tried out for the play because of her participation in group readings of plays in Coppola’s Advanced Place-

What started as an open Courtesy of Mr. Radigan and shut case becomes the Through fundraising efforts, a $7,000 banner reading “Welcome to Bear Country” was added to the gym last month. exact opposite.

Banner welcomes fans to Bear Country ment Language and Composition class last year. “She read the characters so well By Angelica Santomauro Radigan said he believes the banner brings a lot of enthusiasm and repre- are meant to represent various sports that I recognized that she had talent,” will contribute to the pride students sentation of pride.” rather than highlight gender. Coppola said. “I invited her and en- Students and faculty who walk have for their school and its sports The banner features the silhouettes Junior Caitlyn Blake is an athlete couraged her to come out for the play. into the gym cannot help but catch a programs. of figures from track and field, foot- participating in soccer and track and So, I was happy when she did audi- glimpse of the latest addition to LHS. “This is our house, and we have to ball, baseball, swim, basketball, vol- field. Like Ringen, she said the banner tion.” Under the supervision of Athletic Di- protect our house. The student body leyball, soccer, wrestling and softball. symbolizes athletics and does not in- Alongside first time performer Pe- rector Mr. Radigan, a new eye-catch- has a lot to do with that,” Radigan Only the softball player is clearly rep- dicate gender discrimination. rez, Junior Sarah Almeida debuted as ing banner lines the basketball court said. resented as a female. “I think it’s an awesome addition student director. She had performed in the gym. The words “Welcome to Money for the banner, which cost Ringen, who coaches both softball to our gym, and it looks so cool,” in the spring musical since freshman Bear Country” are printed across the $7,000, was fundraised by Radigan. and girls volleyball, said she has no Blake said. “I don’t think it was meant year, but directing was breaking new banner, prominently capturing the It took the company BigSigns.com to hurt anyone. Instead, I think it is ground for her. She said her new po- spirit of the school. two weeks to produce the banner— meant to bring everyone together.” sition was challenging but rewarding. Radigan, who attended LHS, said which is 16 feet high and 64 feet “This is our house, and we Blake said the banner will motivate “It was definitely a new experience since his high school years, the gym wide—once it was ordered. The com- have to protect our house.” the fan section to sustain its support since I am used to being on the stage,” has changed tremendously for the pany was also responsible for hanging during the winter sports season. Almeida said. “Seeing the technical better. it up. “I think opposing teams will defi- aspects of putting on a show was real- “As a former athlete, the extra sup- Physical Education Teacher Ms. hard feelings about the lack of female nitely be intimidated by our gym with ly interesting, and I had the opportu- port gives you that little energy that Ringen spends most of her days in representation. this new banner,” Blake said. “Noth- nity to learn things that I wouldn’t be you didn’t think you had left,” Radi- the gym and agreed the banner is a “I don’t mind it. On a business end ing feels better than being on the able to by being in the show.” gan said. “A lot of money has gone positive change. of things, it was probably like a tem- court and knowing people are there Although Almeida expressed inter- into the gym to make it look cleaner “I love it. I think it exemplifies the plate. There is a female on there, and to cheer you on. This banner rep- est in acting in next year’s fall play, she and more presentable, and that’s a bear spirit,” Ringen said. “The gym’s it happens to be a softball player. So, resents how proud we are to be from said if presented with the opportunity great testament to our Board of Edu- like a home base to the whole com- that helps.” LHS and confident we are to win and to direct again, she would do so “in a cation to make that happen.” munity. So, for the school, I think it Ringen said the shadowed figures succeed.” heartbeat.” THE LIGHTHOUSE December 2015 NEWS/FEATURES 3 Peer Group aims to connect ninth grade students By Assmaa Elbanna other by asking questions to figure out their subject’s identity. Adjusting to a new school can be Other activities are meant to help challenging for high school freshmen. students discover each other’s unique Helping these students overcome the strengths and weaknesses. Each week academic and social struggles that centers around a different topic such accompany ninth grade are the Peer as coping with anger and dealing with Group Connection leaders. different personalities. This group of 28 seniors facilitate Freshman Ashley Pastrana, whose weekly freshman outreaches to aid in peer leaders are Seniors Jayson Courtesy of Assmaa Elbanna the transition to high school. Helmes and Tasneem Chowdhury, Freshman Bryan Sousa said he looks said she was initially nervous about forward to his Peer Group meetings. high school, but Peer Group helped “With your peer group leaders, you her adapt. Scholars balance school get to know more about them and not “Peer Group has opened me up and to be afraid of them. So, they are pret- made me find new friends that I have ty cool,” Sousa said. His outreach is things in common with, and it’s pretty led by Seniors Giana Nerney and Jose fun,” Pastrana said. “They planned a Rodriguez. and extracurriculars Nerney said she hopes to help freshmen understand they have a support “Peer Group has opened By Francesca Caliguire You don’t have a lot of free time any- up, but I just try and balance between system and are not alone. me up and made me find m ore .” sports and school, but school is most “No matter how a person may be When students come to LHS, they Cimicata said he advises those who important,” Venezia said, explaining feeling, they should know that there new friends that I have are often excited to participate in the struggle with balancing their sched- that it is never acceptable to neglect is always someone who knows and things in common with....” extracurricular activities that are of- his coursework. understands their situation,” Nerney fered. But when classes begin and Cimicata and Venezia both said they said. “Also, I hope they learn that they homework piles up, students are hit “Don’t overwhelm yourself, plan to continue taking honors class- do not have to change themselves in bunch of games that made us open up with the reality that it is hard to do but challenge yourself. es next year. order to find acceptance. They will to each other and have more friends.” it all. Junior Sarah Almeida is currently There is a lot that you always find somewhere that they be- Pastrana said she enjoys activities While some students decide to drop enrolled in Advanced Placement Lan- long and someone to share their ad- that involve social interaction like some of these after school commit- can achieve.” guage and Composition, Advanced ventures with during high school.” talking about their problems in and ments, others like Freshman Paul Placement United States History II, She said Peer Group Connection is outside of school and simply discuss- Cimicata find a way to fit both into Chemistry Honors and Pre-calculus important because it prompts fresh- ing their week to put them at ease. their busy schedules. Cimicata played ules to talk to their advisors or coach- Honors. men to branch out of their comfort Peer Group takes place during the freshman, junior varsity and varsity es and communicate their struggles. Since her freshman year, Almeida zones and meet new people. last 40 minutes of Block 5B classes football in the fall and is part of the Cimicata said while sports are im- has always taken an interest in a di- “The sessions are beneficial in guid- at the end of each week. During this freshman basketball team. portant to him, he puts academics verse set of extracurricular activities. ing them through their first year in time, peer leaders run group activi- He is also a member of the Junior first. She is a member of the band, chorale, high school because they provide a ties, lessons and team building exer- Honors Club and an honors student Freshman Frankie Venezia is en- choir, color guard, National Honors welcoming environment where they cises. taking Biology Lab Honors, English I rolled in the same five honors courses Society and the school musical. can speak to each other and not feel Freshman Anthony Hayes, who is Honors, Geometry Honors, Spanish I as Cimicata. He played varsity foot- Almeida said the key to balancing pressured by their peers. It lets them in the same group as Sousa, said he Honors and World History Honors. ball in the fall and is on the freshman a busy schedule is effective time man- make friends and have fun while enjoys Peer Group so much that 40 Cimicata said English I Honors is basketball team at LHS. agement. learning valuable lessons that will minutes does not feel like enough. a lot of work, but he decided to stay Venezia said being so involved is “It’s something I still have to work help them in the future,” Nerney said. “We should have the whole fifth in the class rather than switching out exciting and challenging since the on. If I could work on my time man- Activities that take place during Peer block instead of just having half of it during the first days of school. workload in upper elementary school agement skills, I could get my home- Group are icebreaker games such as because I really do feel we do need 80 “We learn a lot—how to write better is completely different compared to work done a lot sooner,” Almeida “Who I am,” where the freshmen minutes,” Hayes said. “I love the lead- essays and formal writing,” Cimicata high school. said. “Don’t overwhelm yourself, but wear on their backs various stickers ers that they picked. They are awe- said. “It’s very hard to balance. It’s a “I know sometimes I get stressed challenge yourself. There is a lot that with the names of well-known fig- some and great. There isn’t anything lot of hard work. It takes a lot of time. when we have big projects coming you can achieve.” ures. They then interact with each I dislike. I love Peer Group.” Sports teams excel, making it to state playoffs

Continued from Page 1 Football winning five out of five games. So, If the players had won their next sport like cross country where there is “We made history and changed The football team finished its season that was definitely the biggest accom- county game, they would have gone little to no one rooting for you, it feels people’s minds about Lyndhurst vol- 4-6 but managed for the first time in plishment for my team. It was just re- on to play Northern Highlands High good to win it,” Aviles said. leyball,” Senior Captain and Outside three years to make the state playoffs, alizing how to believe.” School, the number one ranked girls The girls finished third in the league Hitter Haley Duffy said. where the players lost to Rutherford soccer program in the nation. with a record of 6-2 and went on to The girls volleyball season ended on High School 35-12 on Nov. 13 in the Boys and Girls Soccer Head Coach Hykey said the coun- place third in states. Nov. 6 with a loss to Kinnelon High first round. The boys soccer team ended the sea- ty victory was the team’s biggest “I think every fall sport, as well as School in two sets. The Golden Bears also managed to son 14-5-1, its best record since 1998. achievement. mine, had a little bit of competition win two upset games, the first being The players also finished second in “It was a big deal to play in that kind within our school to see which would All of these achievements beg the on Oct. 9 against the then-undefeat- the league behind Harrison High of atmosphere where it is different be the most successful. This made question: Is such success sustainable? ed Garfield High School. The second School. Additionally, boys soccer than a league game. And even though everyone work harder,” said Junior Aviles said yes. game was against Pompton Lakes earned a spot in the county and state it is not a playoff game, our county is Lindsay Cirne, who has been running “Not only do the athletes improve High School on Oct. 30, which result- tournaments. so competitive that to be able to win a varsity for three years. but also the coaching staff. Younger ed in LHS clinching a playoff spot. “A majority of our team has been game on the road is a big deal for our teammates will have a taste for suc- This victory led members of the together since freshman year. So, program,” Hykey said. Girls Volleyball cess when their senior year comes Bear Cave, LHS’ fan section, to storm we’ve built a special bond within our Girls volleyball finished its season around, and coaches will learn how to the field. four years. As to why we did well, in Boys and Girls Cross Country 21-8 and went on to the second round improve their athletes as well,” Aviles Head Coach Tuero recounted a preseason all we did was rant about The boys cross country team won of states. said. memorable moment of the season making history for our program, and the league title ending the season “We were just as good as the other Radigan said the fall teams have set when, on Sept. 25, LHS went up that’s what we accomplished,” Senior with a 7-1 record. Senior Isaiah team too. We could have played just a precedent for those participating in against Hawthorne High School. First Team All League Midfielder An- Aviles, a second year varsity runner, as well as they did,” Senior Captain other sports. “We were down 31-7 at the half, drew Cosman said. and Junior Xavier Locke, a third year and Libero Shayna Southard said, “The bar is set, and now those win- and they could’ve decided to let it The girls soccer team closed its sea- varsity runner, went on to compete in recalling the team’s experiences at ter and spring teams should try and go or fight, and we ended up losing son 18-2-2, making it all the way to groups. states. make it a contest to see who can do the game 31-21 with a chance to go the semifinals of the state tournament Aviles said even though the league The group became the first volleyball better than the previous program. within a score at the end. But we had as well as winning the league title championship was a modest accom- team at LHS to ever reach 20 wins. It The bar is pretty high, and it should a turnover,” Tuero said. “After that, we and its first county tournament game plishment, it still had value. is also the first time in 20 years that make for an interesting next two won four out of five games, almost since 2003. “When it comes to a very unpopular the team won a state game. sports seasons,” said Radigan. THE LIGHTHOUSE 4 NEWS/FEATURES December 2015 Women take on presidential primaries

By Kristina DeRobertis having a female leader has its advantages. “I believe that a woman would probably start Since George Washington, every United States less wars than a man would,” Mitchell said. president has been male. However, with female Sophomore Rayane Fernandes said it makes candidates represented in the 2016 presidential no difference whether America’s president is primary, change may be on the horizon. male or female. There were originally nine females in the run- “What matters is their views on social and eco- ning at the primary-level. Two of these women, nomic issues and how they plan to better our Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a country,” Fernandes said. Democrat, and Former Hewlett-Packard CEO She said she supports Clinton because she has Carly Fiorina, a Republican, separated them- the ability to lead, make sound decisions and selves from the rest. carry out her vision to improve the country. Although Clinton and Fiorina have established Senior Gianna Arantes said one of the candi- distinguished roles in their respective parties, dates she is watching is Fiorina, explaining that Junior David Mitchell is among those who view Fiorina’s gender does not weaken her candidacy. their gender as a setback. “A woman can definitely be a successful presi- “There are many countries in this world who dent because women have been successful pres- do not respect and value females. Therefore, it is idents in other countries for years,” Arantes said. possible that more countries will try to harm us Countries including Argentina, Bangladesh, if they know that a female is in power,” Mitchell Germany and Liberia have all had females lead- said. ing their countries. Courtesy of Kira Adams Even though Mitchell is unsure if a female “Many women are just as smart, if not smarter, Courtesy of Kira Adams Hillary Clinton is running in the Democratic primary. president can command global respect, he said than men,” said Arantes. Carly Fiorina is running in the Republican primary. Climate change debate heats up as 2016 election approaches

By Teslim Olunlade Climate Change, there are six distinct address the matter. These ideas in- to come up with solutions, modify “At this point, climate change is hap- views on climate change. clude government tax on companies the infrastructure or relocate coastal pening. So, what we need to focus on It is almost impossible not to have In a YouTube video, Leiserowitz out- for carbon dioxide emissions, cutting communities,” Manzella said. is how we will adapt to these changes heard about climate change and its lined the “Six Americas.” He said peo- emissions from power plants and She said shifts in climate may also and what technology we can utilize effects on the Earth. ple’s reactions to climate change fall public use of renewable power sourc- affect which land people use for farm- or develop to help us tolerate these Climate change is a term used to de- into the categories of alarmed, cau- es. ing as well as the amount of freshwa- changes,” said Manzella. scribe a gradual increase in the aver- tious, concerned, disengaged, doubt- Science Teacher Ms. Manzella said ter available. age temperature of the Earth’s atmo- ful and dismissive. the public should be worried about sphere and its oceans which, in turn, Sophomore Adrian Baranowski said climate change. permanently changes the climate of he sees himself fitting into the cau- “Average atmospheric temperature the planet. tious group of Americans. on Earth is rising,” Manzella said. “If Climate change has emerged as a “I see no reason to dismiss climate climate is shifting at a rapid rate, then topic of debate in the 2016 presiden- change. You can’t forget, we [were] the species that live there may not be tial primaries. in November, and it [was] seventy able to cope or adapt to the changes, According to National Public Ra- degrees outside,” Baranowski said. and this may result in species extinc- dio, 16 presidential hopefuls believe “How can you even question its exis- tions.” climate change is real, four say it does tence?” Manzella said another dangerous not exist and Republican Candidate Baranowski’s concerns were echoed result of climate change is a rise in sea Ted Cruz has wavered in his com- by Junior Mykolas Perevicius. level mainly caused by a temperature ments on the topic. “We have reason to be worried be- rise in ocean water. She said water has Public opinion regarding the ex- cause our climate is clearly getting a high heat capacity, and the more istence of climate change, likewise, warmer. At this time last year, I’d be heat it absorbs, the more it expands. varies. wearing a jacket,” Perevicius said. “Much of the human population According to Anthony Leiserowitz, Leiserowitz said alarmed Americans resides around coastal regions, and the director of the Yale Project on have proposed various measures to if sea level rises, humans will have Courtesy of Kelly Weckstein Clashes with Russia serve as 2016 brings an end reminder of Cold War Era to one-child policy By Bernie Consalvo fication of the breakaway Ukrainian space, killing one of the two pilots. By Bernie Consalvo ulation growth will not be trouble- region of Crimea with Russia. Turkish officials said they warned the some. Violence, bloodshed and war. These “It is enough to know the histo- jet numerous times to leave before Last month marked the end of the “It will make the country stronger, are all words typically heard on the ry of Crimea and what Russia and shooting. 37-year-old policy, which will no lon- as they will have more people to work news when referencing Russia. Crimea have always meant for each These acts of violence enhance ten- ger be enforced as of March 2016. and increase their economy,” Reed Tensions between this country and other,” Putin said in a speech to his sions in the region. The one-child policy in China has said. the United States make the public parliament that was referenced in the “I think there are many reasons for existed since 1978. It came about be- He said allowing parents to have wonder whether the U.S. and Russia Washington Post. Russia going into Syria,” said Soph- cause China is the most populated more than one child would also mean are on the brink of another Cold War. Secretary of State John Kerry re- omore Giancarlo Sirio, a history en- country in the world, and the govern- that fewer females would be given up The conflict between these two na- sponded by meeting with Russian thusiast. “Putin is trying to show the ment saw the need to curb continued or aborted. tions was aggravated in February Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. world he is a force to reckon with due growth within its borders. “Before the law change, China want- 2014 when armed soldiers with no Kerry raised concerns about attacks to the fact of him supporting [Syrian History Teacher Mr. Tessalone said ed all boys,” Reed said. “So, we will insignia on their uniforms invaded that target regime opponents other President] Bashar Al-Assad from the people are overestimating the effects definitely see an improvement in boy- Ukraine. than the Islamic State, also known beginning.” to-girl ratio.” The following August, after contin- as ISIS, according to the Wall Street History Teacher Mr. Newman said Sophomore Alyssa Capasso ac- ued pressure from the U.S., Russia’s Journal. Russia is in a state of unpredictability “A person should be able knowledged the complexity of the government was forced to admit that In September, Russia moved into and no one can tell Putin’s true mo- to have the family that one-child policy debate. the soldiers came from their own Syria with the intent of joining the tives. they want....” “This policy was a violation of hu- country. fight against ISIS. “If [a second Cold War] were to hap- man rights,” Capasso said. “A person With Russia suspected of being the On Oct. 31, a Russian commercial pen, however, it wouldn’t be the same should be able to have the family that attacker, the U.S. put severe economic airplane, Metrojet Flight 9268, was way due to the advancements in tech- the policy change will have on China’s they want, and not have their child sanctions on the nation. brought down by a bomb, killing all nology,” Newman said. population. taken away if it’s their second.” Yet, Russian President Vladimir Pu- 224 passengers on board. An ISIS af- With all this violence, who is to “The results are yet to be seen,” Tes- However, she said she recognizes tin continued to assert that his coun- filiate in Egypt took responsibility for blame? salone said. “However, I do not think China’s standing as an overpopulat- try has done nothing wrong because the attack. U.S. History Teacher Ms. Cesari said it will have a huge effect on popula- ed nation and its need for population the area in Ukraine known as the The next month, on Nov. 13, ISIS both the U.S. and Russia have taken tion, as many were already breaking control. Crimean peninsula contains many conducted a series of coordinated at- hostile actions. this rule either in secret or [have “I don’t think this is the recipe for ethnic Russians. tacks in Paris, France that ended with “Due to Russia’s similar technolo- been] approved by the government.” collapse,” Capasso said, “but China This led Putin to sign an agreement 130 casualties. gy, they must always be considered a Sophomore Devin Reed said even will be faced with new problems since in March 2014 that formally recog- On Nov. 27, Turkey shot down a threat,” said Cesari. when families will be able to have they have now changed a major as- nized what he asserted as the reuni- Russian military jet in Turkish air- multiple children legally, China’s pop- pect of their everyday society.” THE LIGHTHOUSE December 2015 NEWS/FEATURES 5 Adele returns to say ‘Hello’

By Kislande Joseph always stuck in his head. Adele has emerged as a respected sales within a year. According to Re- A lot has happened to Adele since He said Adele’s soulful voice sepa- figure because she balances her suc- uters, Adele’s “25” is one of the U.K.’s “21.” She has gone from youth to After four years, singer/songwriter rates her from other artists and leads cessful career with the responsibili- best-selling albums and remains full-fledged adulthood and has trans- Adele is making a triumphant return listeners to feel the hurt and tears that ties of being mother to a son born in number one on the charts. formed from star to superstar. with her 11 track album entitled “25.” accompany heartbreak. 2012. She also stands out as a power- In her feature song, “Hello,” Adele Senior Briana Thomas also likes ful voice whose music has a profound conveys the emotion of heartbreak Adele’s new hit and the video that impact on dancers. and loss in various relationships. accompanies it. The video is set in an “The instrumental is what dancers This song has become so popular old, worn-down house that is meant love the most in each song because that it even appeared on a Saturday to symbolize a failed relationship. the beat and sound moves within you. Night Live skit on Nov. 21. In this Adele visits the home in hopes of It gives off such a powerful vibe,” said parody, a family argues during the repairing it, much like one might do Senior Tayla Frey, a four-year mem- course of a Thanksgiving dinner, but with a failed relationship. Throughout ber of the cheer/dance team. they are united by Adele’s song. When the video, there are flashbacks to hap- Adele’s album consists of other pop- it comes on, their feuding ceases and pier times. When she realizes there is ular songs including “All I Ask,” “Wa- they become entranced by the song. no way to restore the relationship, she ter Under the Bridge” and “When We With “Hello” quickly rising as a cul- breaks down, and the song reaches a Were Young.” tural icon, the SNL clip has already crescendo. According to an interview with En- received over 11 million views on “The video is so relatable because tertainment Weekly, Adele said “25” YouTube. we tend to push a lot of people away, will be the last album that will be “I think Adele’s new song is a con- and we regret it in the end, hoping titled by a number. Her previous al- tinuation of what she brought to her and wishing that somehow begging bums are called “19” and “21.” audience years ago, an incredible for forgiveness will bring them back The significance of “25” is that it performance with meaningful lyr- to us,” Thomas said. represents Adele’s age when she was ics with an amazing voice, but I will Senior Christina Vargas said “Hel- working on the album and her cur- say that this particular song is much lo” can be considered one of the most rent position as a mother trying to get more than a song,” Senior Bashkim alluring pieces Adele has produced rid of all her past grudges. According Saiti said. “It expresses her broken since “Someone Like You” in 2011. to an interview which aired on BBC heart from all her past relationships. “She is really dedicated when it radio, the album is not about anyone She doesn’t need much to inspire us comes to her music,” Vargas said. specifically. It is about friends, family, all, just her crazy vocals and a piano “Having a baby and finally coming ex-boyfriends—anyone who is absent is enough.” back to doing what she is passionate and missed. Saiti said prior to the release of about shows that there’s nothing you Since her album release on Nov. Courtesy of Stef Cilento and Julie Pacillo “Hello,” he did not take an interest in can’t do. I like that she’s back and bet- 20, she has sold over $3.4 million, Adele’s latest album, “25,” was released on Nov. 20. It features songs including “All I Ask,” Adele’s music. Now, he said “Hello” is ter than ever.” surpassing Taylor Swift’s record for “Hello,” “Water Under the Bridge” and “When We Were Young.” Google introduces the car of the future

By Teslim Olunlade

Imagine a world where your car is your driver. Thanks to Google, this just might happen, and soon. The multibillion dollar company, Google, has been making strides towards perfecting its new technology, the Google Self-Driving Car. Innovators at the tech company started the self-driving project six years ago and have tested the car with over one million miles of automatic “I’ve realized that 9:30s will and manual driving combined, ac- be the earliest classes I can cording to Google’s Self-Driving Car project’s official website. have in the future.” According to the website, the vehicle uses maps and sensor information to verify its location. It has the ability to sense the presence of pedestrians, cyclists, other vehicles and obstacles. It collects information on all of its surroundings to predict that object’s next movement and determines what speed and trajectory is appropriate for the situation. It also features an electric battery, passenger-designed seats, a custom- made self-driving computer and a rounded shape to increase the vehicle’s range of view. The self-driving car also has the safety feature of waiting 1.5 seconds after a green light, the time frame in which most accidents happen. While the car can drive automati- cally, it currently has manual controls such as a steering wheel, which Goo- Courtesy of and with permission from Google gle plans to eventually remove when Google’s self-driving car can sense the presence of pedestrians, cyclists, other vehicles and obstacles. It has an electric battery and rounded shape to increase the vehicle’s range of view. the vehicle gains public trust. “I would get it if it wasn’t strictly au- able to move around and have trans- it’d be cool if she could actually punch as driving because there are way too with an interest in selling self-driving tomated, if maybe they had a steering portation, it could open up job op- in where she wants to go and get many security threats,” Bekker said, vehicles. wheel and an option to have it auto- portunities for them,” Belmont said. there,” Fodera said. explaining that Google has had secu- According to a Bloomberg News mated,” English Teacher Mr. Belmont He also said he hopes Google’s Despite Fodera’s interest in a car that rity breaches and attacks in the past. interview with Elon Musk, the CEO said, explaining that he enjoys the motives are to better humanity but could meet the needs of those who “The car is a huge threat to humanity.” of Tesla Motors, Tesla is also pursu- freedom associated with driving. acknowledged there is still a level of cannot drive themselves, he said he Bekker said because the car drives ing a more cost effective method to One of Google’s reasons for starting commercial interest associated with is concerned about the problems that for its passengers, there will be no self-driving. the self-driving project was to offer the project. can arise when using technology. need for future generations to learn With their recent release of Auto a transportation alternative for dis- Senior Chris Fodera said self-driv- Senior Chris Bekker echoed these how to drive. He said he is concerned Pilot, an assistive driving feature, they abled people who are unable to drive, ing cars can better the lives of a range concerns. about what will happen when the are well on their way to achieving according to Google’s website. of people. “It’s a horrible idea to trust com- technology fails. self-driving vehicles. “By allowing [disabled people] to be “My grandmother can’t drive, and puters with something as dangerous Google is not the only company THE LIGHTHOUSE 6 NEWS/FEATURES December 2015 Make your gift wrap PRESENT-able

By Eva Pelidis expose their intricate, lacy designs. This simple, yet bold, embellish- It’s time to break the boundaries of ment will leave all other gifts as green traditional gift wrapping and get cre- as an envious Christmas tree. ative for the holidays. Forget about mundane bows and Reduce, reuse, recycle overused wrapping paper. Instead, Recycling has taken on a new mean- hit up your local craft store for unex- ing when it comes to gift wrapping. pected items that can make this year’s Out of paper? Don’t stress. Reach for holiday presents stand out. a sheet of the New York Times, South Bergenite or even The Lighthouse. Charming chalkboard designs This chic technique of gift wrapping Gift wrapping with black chalk- is perfect for any hipster, tree hugger board paper ($9.99) is the perfect way or news buff. to personalize gifts. Instead of purchasing a card to express your holiday greetings to a Out of paper? Don’t loved one, go for a piece of chalk or stress. Reach for a sheet white oil paint marker. Working with either utensil, use the entire wrapping of the New York Times, of your present to doodle all of your South Bergenite or sentiments to a relative or friend. even The Lighthouse. Top off this creative wrapping with red and white baker’s thread ($2.99) to incorporate color. Showing imperfections is crucial to Finally, crack a smile as you witness perfecting this method of wrapping. the recipient of your present rotate Instead of using clear tape to polish the wrapped gift to read all of your up folds, opt for beige painter’s tape. kind words. Complete this unique present with some winter floral accents ($3.99) to Dainty to dazzling doilies add a pop of color. Rustic and homey, Grandma’s paper doilies do more newspaper gift wrapping is worth a than just protect plates and tables. thousand words… literally. When it comes to gift wrapping, these decorative sheets of paper can Holiday gift wrapping is all about be used as small add-ons. having fun and being creative. With Using vibrant colored paint of your whimsical and unique wrapping choice, cover the doilies ($2.19) in methods, additional joy and humor Courtesy of Eva Pelidis hues that contrast your solid colored can be brought to this year’s exchang- Redesign this year’s gift wrapping methods with chalkboard designs (left), dazzling doilies (center) and recycled newspaper (right). wrapping paper. Painting doilies will ing of gifts. Dear Santa, ‘Tis the season for giving By Katie McMaster Senior Brooke Jinks buys most of accordingly. He said this method of All I want for Christmas is... her gifts from Lush, a fresh hand- listening and making observations It is the busiest season of the year for made cosmetic store. She said she of- resulted in him getting his cousin the gift buyers and holiday celebrators. ten resorts to the sparkly bath bombs, mini fridge he always wanted. By Jennifer Wartel Despite the cheery atmosphere, the which range from $3.95 to $8.95, Junior Emily Albano said she enjoys season can get stressful when one’s as well as the $21.95 ocean salt face giving rather than receiving when it Match the teachers and students below with the gifts you think they want to shopping list becomes too long. How- scrubs for her friends. Jinks’ favorite comes to the holiday season. find under their Christmas trees this holiday. Answers appear upside down at ever, buying all of these presents can scent at Lush is called Salted Coconut. “I love to purchase gifts for my the bottom of the page. be done much faster than expected if “They have cute little gift packages friends that I know they will really get you know the best places to shop. that are perfect for a Christmas gift,” the most use out of,” Albano said. Math Teacher Mrs. Granieri said she Jinks said. “Every time I give out Lush During previous holiday seasons, does her holiday shopping at Garden products, the person is always so Albano said she tried to create pres- State Plaza or on websites such as am- satisfied. Beauty products are always ents on her own because these tend to azon.com. needed. So, Lush is always perfect.” be more meaningful, but Albano said “I prefer shopping online where Jinks said she also enjoys scrolling she is not as crafty as she thought. there are no restless crowds,” Gran- through Pinterest, a curated online “I am not a big fan of making gifts, ieri said. “It is supposed to be a happy bulletin board of handmade prod- because I am not that creative,” Alba- time of year. So, I wish people could ucts, when the holiday season arrives. no said. Zully Arias Mr. Carucci Vin Dorio Brooke Jinks remember we are doing something She said it shows how creative people Instead, Albano said she prefers Freshman Math Teacher Senior Senior that should bring smiles and joys, not can be and inspires her. frequenting local discount stores like frowns and anger.” Jinks said she prefers shopping in T.J.Maxx and HomeGoods. Granieri said she used to take pride stores for gifts because she likes to “I love to buy people a bunch of lit- in getting her Christmas gifts pre- see the presents before buying them. tle things that they would really en- pared early, but with a busy schedule, Nonetheless, Jinks said she hates joy, and I can always catch some re- shopping has become a last-minute crowds and avoids them at all costs. ally good finds in there,” Albano said. priority. Junior Jeremy Ayala said he favors “All the little things come together to “A lot of people on [my] list get making holiday purchases on the in- make a great present.” Dunkin Donuts gift cards because it ternet. Albano said she enjoys the spirit of is something that will never go out of “I prefer shopping online rather giving that is part of the holiday sea- style, and it’s one size fits all,” Granieri than going to stores scrambling to son. Miss Rendzia Alyssa Robalino Bryan Ruiz Frankie Venezia said. find what I need,” Ayala said. “It’s such a great time. Even the English Teacher Sophomore Freshman Freshman In past years, Granieri gave fellow Ayala said he likes to get his ideas small gifts can mean so much because faculty members the ingredients to for gift-giving by listening to what it is always the thought that counts A. a pool table E. Under Armour clothes enjoy one of the season’s staple bev- people say they want over a period the most,” said Albano. B. a new iPhone 6s in rose gold F. a new pair of classic, chestnut Uggs erages from the comforts of their of time and then purchasing presents own homes. She packaged hot choc- C. a big, real cowboy hat from G. a portable speaker olate mix, chocolate kiss candies, Tennessee mini-marshmallows and a small can- H. new shades for my living room dy cane in treat bags. Included with D. an Official Red Ryder Car- and dining room the sweet treats was a poem called bine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot “S n ow m an S oup.” Range-Model Air Rifle Photos courtesy of Jennifer Wartel “I love giving that perfect gift that is

going to make someone smile and feel

Rendzia happy,” Granieri said.

F. Alyssa Robalino, G. Bryan Ruiz, H. Miss Miss H. Ruiz, Bryan G. Robalino, Alyssa F. Ingredients for these festive “Snow-

Dorio, D. Mr. Carucci, E. Frankie Venezia, Venezia, Frankie E. Carucci, Mr. D. Dorio, man Soup” parcels are available at su- A. Brooke Jinks, B. Zully Arias, C. Vin Vin C. Arias, Zully B. Jinks, Brooke A. permarkets as well as craft stores such as AC Moore or Michaels. Courtesy of Jillian Cancela THE LIGHTHOUSE December 2015 NEWS/FEATURES 7 Dressing for a Winter Wonderland By Megan Starrett wide selection of comfortable footwear. Fashion Design Teacher Mrs. Weckstein and Araujo both said With winter comes piles of snow and a struggle selecting clothes. shopping for winter clothing is much more complicated than A drop in the temperature can send your perfect outfit for a night shopping for summer attire. Weckstein said her summer ward- out with friends right back into the closet. robe is extensive in comparison to her winter garments. Fear not, your winter wardrobe doesn’t have to consist of obnox- “The clothes are heavier and more expensive because of the ious puffy jackets or layers upon layers. In fact, winter can be the materials used,” Weckstein said, referencing the common winter trendiest season of all. fabrics of wool and cashmere. Weckstein said one of her favorite stores to frequent when it’s For the Girls: sweater weather is J.Crew, Ann Taylor and T.J.Maxx. Though it seems like there is an endless supply of cute and stylish sweaters for the winter, in the end it all comes down to For the Guys: warmth. That’s where sweater shopping can become a hassle. Cardigans never go out of style. Senior Erik Gonzalez said they Junior Mackenzie Fletcher overcomes the challenges of finding are fashionable and comfortable. fashionable winter wear by frequenting Macy’s. “They go well with almost anything,” Gonzalez said. He said “That’s where I always go to buy my clothes,” Fletcher said. he finds nice cardigans at H&M. Like Gonzalez, Junior Mykolas “They have such a large selection of things to choose from for any Perevicius said cardigans are a stylish and convenient article of type of person or personality.” clothing. Fletcher said a lot of people do not realize Macy’s has great “Cardigans are a great and simple middle layer,” Perevicius said. merchandise. He said he prefers to stay away from cardigans with a lot of “Macy’s is actually pretty affordable. You get great quality for a shapes or folds. great price, and usually they have some sort of sale going on. It “I think the best cardigans are a dark shade of brown or gray, really can’t get much better than that,” Fletcher said. feature no more than five buttons, fit well and have long narrow- Sophomore Amanda Araujo said most of her winter wardrobe ing curves in their lapel instead of triangles,” Perevicius said. gets purchased at Guess. She said the sweaters and tops at Guess Perevicius said some high-end stores he likes to shop at are Ba- are both winter-appropriate and stylish. nana Republic, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom because they car- Araujo said faux-fur is one of her favorite classic winter trends. ry many styles that usually last a long time. He said some cheaper She also relies on accessories to make an outfit work for the win- alternatives with similar quality can be purchased at Abercrombie ter. She said a scarf is her go-to accessory. & Fitch, Gap, Hollister, Levi’s and Uniqlo. “They add flare to any plain outfit,” Araujo said. Like Weckstein, English Teacher Mr. Belmont said he shops at Araujo said she does not have a favorite scarf or store to buy J.Crew. Belmont said he invests in gloves and a hat that covers them. She said any scarf that adds character works for her. the ears. He also likes wearing corduroy pants and a warm pair of Both Araujo and Fletcher said boots are an absolute must be- socks during the winter months. cause they pair well with a variety of outfits. Araujo said she likes “If you’re cold, the best thing you can do is put something on Courtesy of Megan Starrett her leather knee-highs boots because she finds them trendy. Nine your feet because that’s where all of your heat escapes,” Belmont Sophomore Jennifer Arancio pairs a simple gray cardigan and black boots West is Araujo’s preferred store for shoe shopping because of its said. with a neon scarf to give her winter outfit character. H&M’s Close the Loop campaign broadens definition of fashion

By Nicolette Pezzolla ple, including those who are trans- dressed correctly, according to Islam, Muslims—expects the ad to bring gender, plus-sized and elderly. then there's no problem," Idrissi told about sales by appealing to untapped Even in Lyndhurst, the effects of the "It's empowering to see someone in Fusion. markets, according to the Ogilvy international Close the Loop cam- a hijab in [high fashion modeling]," Idrissi told Fusion she was treated Noor website. paign can be felt. said Junior Stephen Giordano, who with the utmost respect during the The Muslim consumer market en- The campaign, which is endorsed enjoys taking photos. "I think it's a shoot and given proper style options compasses 1.8 billion people and is by H&M, is meant to encourage con- message to women, especially Mus- fitting the demands of her religion. worth $2.1 trillion with a $500 billion sumers to recycle their clothing so the lim women, out there that you can "[The ad] makes people out there annual growth, according to Ogilvy material can be reused, textile fibers accomplish whatever you want in life who are different feel more welcome Noor. recycled and articles of clothing re- and nothing can hold you back but into society and that they don't have Senior Tasneem Chowdhury, who worn by others. yourself." to worry about being different,” said wears a hijab, said she supports Idris- One of the aspects of the minute- While Giordano agreed Idrissi’s Senior Rianna Cafaro, an aspiring si’s appearance in the ad, particularly and-a-half advertisement that has part in the commercial is positive, the fashion major. “There are models as it affects Muslim women who wear received significant media attention is main argument viewers raise is that it out there modeling clothes for such hijabs. the appearance of Muslim Model Ma- contradicts the reason for the hijab, amazing companies.” “The Instagram fashion bloggers, riah Idrissi. In the ad, she confidently which is to direct attention away from Although the ad brought about especially the hijabis, it isn’t a very expresses her style by wearing a pale oneself. Idrissi responded to the con- some negative attention, Cafaro said big society, but people from all over peach oversized coat, black pants, troversy by releasing her own state- the good has outweighed the bad, the world come [to their websites],” cream-colored blouse, oversized tor- ments on Instagram and to Fusion, a and variety in the world of fashion is Chowdhury said. toise shell glasses and a peach hound- news website. looking up. “[A hijab] is my identity. This is who stooth hijab. "There's nothing that says there is Shelina Janmohamed, the vice pres- I am, and not wearing a hijab would Courtesy of Nicolette Pezzolla The ad not only features Idrissi but anything against it. In our religion, ident of Ogilvy Noor—a company In this artistic rendition, Muslim model be like not wearing clothes to me,” Mariah Idrissi, who appears in an H&M brings awareness to other underrep- anything that's not stated as forbid- that specializes in advertising, brand- said Chowdhury. video campaign, is featured. resented groups of fashionable peo- den is permissible.... As long as I'm ing and marketing geared toward Body image at the forefront in ‘Dear Fat People’ YouTube video

By Kelly Weckstein lieves her words are not a form of may be an accessibility issue where eat, but [a person] may not have that conquering obesity requires more bullying but rather an intense form people have no way of getting healthy choice…. People shouldn’t be judging than just telling individuals to go on Body image and obesity have been of truth-telling, according to Time’s food, and there may also be medical someone who has been trying to lose a diet and start jogging. recently illuminated on social media news website. issues present. weight or has some kind of sickness.” Nowinski said Arbour’s video is by the viral YouTube video Nicole Student Assistance Counselor Ms. Valladares said one of her concerns counterproductive. Arbour posted on Sept. 3, entitled, Mulé said Arbour’s video has nega- about the video is that it can be ac- “There are many studies showing “Dear Fat People.” tively impacted others and that no “We can’t look at people and cessed by impressionable youth. that making people feel bad about Arbour is a comedian whose con- one should be speaking about obesity “Let’s think about who’s on social their weight and bodies actually in- troversial, bold approach led her vid- or someone’s health unless that per- just make a judgement.” media the most. It’s usually young creases the risk of obesity, rather than eo to have over 7 million views. In the son is an expert in the field. teenagers, young kids. And if they’re encouraging people to lose weight,” video, which is just over six minutes “Anyone that is passionate about a exposed to this kind of social media, Nowinski said. in length, Arbour uses an intense topic deserves the chance to cele- “We can’t look at people and just they’re going to think really badly She said positive changes require form of what she and some others brate that passion and to advertise make a judgement,” Mulé said. “Who about themselves, even if they’re not contributions from all parts of soci- consider to be satire to confront a that passion, but we all need to take am I to judge someone for who they fat,” Valladares said. ety, governments, schools, businesses, delicate topic in a blunt manner. She responsibility for the fact that we are are, who they exist as in this present Sophomore Jared Gabriel said the non-profit organizations, communi- said people who are obese are severe- not experts in some of the things that moment?” video carries an important message ties, individuals and families. ly damaging their health and should we’re passionate about,” Mulé said. “If Sophomore Melany Valladares that Arbour miscommunicated. “We need to change policies and cre- change their ways immediately. [Arbour] is really passionate about said it is insensitive for Arbour to “I can see her views, but I still think ate an environment where the default “Shame people who have bad habits helping people save their lives, then have talked poorly about people who it is a form of bullying,” Gabriel said. option is the healthy choice,” Nowins- until they stop,” Arbour said in her she is going to come up with a much might not have the opportunity to “I think she was possibly trying to get ki said. “Being obese or overweight video. “If we offend you so much that better way than that negative video change. a message out, but it came off feeling does not make you less beautiful, and you lose weight, I’m okay with that.” to influence others to take control of “If you eat disgusting meals all the wrong and that it was as if she was I personally think it’s wonderful if an Despite the negative feedback Ar- their lives and take control of their time, of course, you’re going to gain bullying people and making fun of overweight [or] obese individual has bour has received, she said she will health.” weight,” Valladares said. “You have them.” a positive self-esteem.” not apologize for the video and be- Mulé said, in some instances, there control of what you eat and don’t School Nurse Mrs. Nowinski said THE LIGHTHOUSE 8 COLUMNS December 2015 Dream-Do-It-Yourself Eva’s Beauty Corner Festive Stiff Yarn Tree Decoration By Jessie Bolton Step 5: Let the Stiffy dry for at least Step 6: Embellish with any glitter or Nail your winter manicure 45 minutes. stickers you like. Place the LED tea As the holidays approach, home de- light beneath to brighten up the tree. By Eva Pelidis and Violet Pearl will complement the cor transitions from fall leaf garlands snowy season. and pumpkins to evergreen wreaths White nail polish has been a season- In order for this look to reach its full with twinkling lights. al trend for years. This winter, revamp potential, it is best to get your nails This season, wow your guests with a classic white manicure with an in- done at a professional salon. this simple craft that is bound to novative technique which is slowly Nevertheless, this wintery manicure bring cheer to the winter months and emerging from the shadows. can still be achieved at home with the your holiday dining experience. Nail colorings, such as CND’s nail use of the Sally Hansen Pro Gel Kit. additives, are a unique way to add ra- Available for $49.99 at Target, this Materials needed: any color yarn or diance to any ordinary manicure. Best kit includes a base coat, top coat, nail twine (this will determine the color used with gel polish, these pigments color, LED lamp, cleansing pads, ace- of your tree); styrofoam cone; plastic have a powdery consistency that can tone remover, cuticle stick and buffers wrap; LED tea light; stickers, gems either be swept across the nail for a to achieve a professional manicure at and/or glitter to decorate your tree slight gradient or packed onto the nail home. (optional); Plaid’s Stiffy fabric stiffen- bed for a glittering effect. If you are using the Pro Gel Kit, er; one plastic bowl Additives are best used with white start by applying your base coat and nail polish because the ivory pigment nail color, curing the polish under the acts as the perfect base to reveal their LED lamp. true colors. CND offers five white Once the polish begins to harden shades from which to choose, all pos- and turns tacky, place a generous sessing their own individual features. amount of the additive of choice on An average white manicure can re- the polish. Gently rub the additive semble shimmering snowflakes with into the polish until both products colors such as Titanium Pearl and Vi- become one. Seal in the pigment with olet Pearl, which sell for approximate- a top coat, set your nails once more ly $13 each on Amazon. under the LED lamp and enjoy your The effects of the Titanium Pearl glistening snowflake nails.

Step 1: Cover your styrofoam cone in plastic wrap so that it is easy to remove the finished product from the cone. Step 2: Fill the plastic bowl with Plaid’s Stiffy fabric stiffener.

Step 3: Unravel the yarn and drench it in the bowl of Stiffy.

Courtesy of Eva Pelidis Get the perfect white manicure with CND’s nail additives.

Photos courtesy of Jessie Bolton Step 4: Wrap the yarn around the This quick and festive craft can light up any dining room table. It is also the perfect deco- cone. ration for the mantel of a fireplace. Julie’s Book Nook: Literature Review

Monthly Recipe It’s a new life ‘Every Day’ By Julie Cappiello

Bring a sweet Imagine being born without a con- crete body or gender. Instead, you wake up each day occupying some- treat to the one else’s life until the clock strikes midnight. This is the way it has always been for A, the main character holidays with in David Levithan’s New York Times bestseller, “Every Day.” A’s soul is only capable of spending this fresh 24 hours in a body—one completely chosen at random—of a teenag- caramel cake er living in one of the small towns Courtesy of Raymond Valenzuela throughout Maryland. This caramel cake is sure to sweeten any holiday. By Raymond Valenzuela The novel starts as A awakens as a Directions for cake: aluminum foil. Invert the cakes so teenage boy with a girlfriend named ‘Tis the season to give and receive. 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. they face one another, and let them Rhiannon. After spending the whole This year, show your loved ones you 2. Butter two 8-inch cake pans. Line cool completely. day with her, A finds himself develop- care by baking them a fresh caramel bottom and sides with aluminum foil ing feelings for her. Since a single day and then flour the pans. Directions for caramel icing: with his love is not enough, A makes Courtesy of Julie Cappiello cake. With a mesmerizing taste, it’s a Published in 2012 by Alfred A. Knopf, 3. In a bowl, mix ¼ cup of milk with 1. To make icing, cook the remaining it his mission to see her again. dessert that can’t be missed. “Every Day” by David Levithan tells the eggs and vanilla extract. sugar and unsalted butter in a pot The book, though confusing at the story of A, a soul that inhabits the Ingredients: 4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, over high heat, stirring constantly times, is intriguing. A has only fallen body of a different teenager every day. 1 cup whole milk sugar, baking powder and salt using a for seven to eight minutes until light in love once before meeting Rhian- 1 can evaporated milk spatula. Add butter and the remaining brown. non. In order to get more interaction low this couple to be together. 4 large eggs at room temperature ¾ cup of milk. Blend until smooth. 2. Carefully stir in evaporated milk and gain mutual adoration from his While “Every Day” depicts a teen 2 ¼ teaspoons pure vanilla extract 5. In another bowl, using an elec- and reduce heat to medium. Keep beloved, A puts the lives of the bodies romance, it is far from a lovey dovey 3 cups cake flour tric mixer, beat the heavy cream un- stirring constantly until smooth. inhabited in difficult situations. novel. Although the main plot re- 1 ½ cups sugar til whipped. Stir ⅓ of the whipped 3. Cook for an hour and stir occasion- A eventually gains the courage to volves around A and Rhiannon’s ef- 4 teaspoons baking powder cream into the batter. Divide the bat- ally. tell Rhiannon about this peculiar ob- forts to make sense of their relation- ¾ teaspoon salt ter evenly between the pans, and bake 4. Mix with a wooden spoon for about stacle. At first, she is hesitant, but she ship, it features a variety of dramatic 2 sticks of unsalted butter (softened) for 25 minutes. Insert a toothpick in 20 minutes until thick, glossy and eventually agrees to see A the follow- conflicts. Nonetheless, it is rooted in ¾ cup heavy cream the center. When it comes out clean, spreadable. ing day. the inspiring message that love has ½ bottle corn syrup it is done. 5. Finally, ice the outside of the cake. Despite their differences, their love no appearance, and that true love is 6. Let the cakes cool for ten minutes. You may also place icing between the for each other grows, and the reader based on the beauty of the human 7. Unmold the cakes and peel off the layers of cake. will be rooting for the universe to al- soul rather than physical appearance. THE LIGHTHOUSE December 2015 OPINIONS 9 Letters to the Editor The Lighthouse Dear Lyndhurst Student Body, my academic performance, my social life, extra- truly are. Simply being yourself should never be Lyndhurst High School In response to “The Bear Cave celebrates six years curricular activities, etc. On top of this, I have illegal. of cheers” by Eva Pelidis to consider my future, which is what this article A big thanks to Stef Cilento for writing this ar- 400 Weart Avenue It gives me great pride to see how the Bear successfully reminded me about. ticle. Even though identifying yourself as some- Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 Cave has grown! To know that I created a tradi- I really enjoyed reading this article because thing other than the “norm” is widely accepted 201-896-2100 tion that seems to be a huge staple in the success it talks about the stresses of college planning, in our school, the LGBBTQ+ community still at all Lyndhurst sporting events is amazing. which everyone in this school is going to face needs support. Follow us on Twitter: It took me a long time to get the Bear Cave go- very soon, and it reminds people to be mindful Sincerely, @LHSLighthouse ing. I’m proud of all the students involved, past about their futures. Nazli Tiyaloglu, Class of 2019 and present. Go Lyndhurst! Sincerely, ______Signed PFC Galvez, U.S. Army, LHS Graduate Paula Agustin, Class of 2019 Dear Julie Pacillo, I enjoyed reading through your Dream-Do- Adviser: Dear Editors, Dear Editors, It-Yourself “Faux leaf bowl table decoration” ar- Ms. Pastor I enjoyed reading this interesting issue of “This year brings new legislation regarding ticle. Fall is easily my second favorite season and The Lighthouse from cover to cover. I enjoyed LGBTQ+ community” by Stef Cilento is my fa- one of the main reasons is because of the leaves. Editors-in-Chief: reading this issue because it features topics that vorite article in the November 2015 issue of The I am always looking for new ways to decorate or feature my fellow classmates and topics that we Lighthouse. It is so important to be educated “spice up” my room when new seasons or holi- Nicole Plonski high school students deeply relate to. about the LGBTQ+ community. days come around. Ashley Stephens But, the article that I related to most was Fran- At some point in life, you will come across a I love how you used easy yet effective steps in cesca Caliguire’s “Senior stress strikes again.” transgender, lesbian, bisexual, whatever the per- this project to reach the final outcome. It is also Staff Directors: Although I am not a senior yet, this article ex- son identifies as. It is important to comfort that very helpful that you included pictures of the plains how stressful the application process for person and make that person feel welcome. different steps throughout the leaf bowl process. Julie Cappiello college really is, and it is making me become I especially liked how Stef used a quote from Seasonal decorations are my favorite, and I can- Eva Pelidis even more aware about my future. an LHS Gay-Straight Alliance member. I am not wait to try this one out at home. I can relate to this because even as a fresh- pleased to see that we have a large number of Sincerely, Content Editors: man, I am confronted with tons of stress about people at LHS who accept others for who they Colette Bouteloupt, Class of 2017 Jessie Bolton Assmaa Elbanna Head-to-Head Gina Minervini Nick Pacheco Julie Pacillo Emojis keep the conversation going Jennifer Wartel Staff Writers: By Erick Estrada Jr. Brian Arroyave Today, people rely more than ever on writ- Do emojis improve communication? Kyle Bouteloupt ing to convey their feelings. However, when the Francesca Caliguire typed word grows dull, emojis are the ideal addition. Jillian Cancela An emoji is a small digital icon used to express Nicholas Carnevale emotions and ideas when communicating elec- Stef Cilento tronically. According to the Washington Post, No these little conversational images have been Bernie Consalvo around since 1999. 14% Kristina DeRobertis They were developed by Japanese mobile de- Vincent DiTonto signer Shigetaka Kurita, who created the first emoji for cellphones. The original, a package Stephen Dittamo of 180 different pixelated symbols, was created Alyssa Engels within a month’s time. Erick Estrada Jr. Kurita is now considered “the father of the emoji,” according to the Washington Post. This Danny Flusk title is well-deserved, and the positive contribu- Yes Kayla Friend tions that emojis have made to human interac- Alexis Gerbasio tion cannot be ignored. 86% Some people relate better to pictures than Kislande Joseph words. Emojis give these people better tools for Katie McMaster being understood and understanding others. Teslim Olunlade Thanks to emojis, people have more opportu- nities than ever before to convey their thoughts. Nicolette Pezzolla Users can choose from various categories in- George Rausch cluding food items, nature images, symbols of Megan Rudden celebration and icons representing diverse hob- bies. Plus, emojis are great for those who find Courtesy of Erick Estrada Jr. Angelica Santomauro reading messages annoying. In a survey of 116 students from all grade levels, 100 consider emojis to be helpful in conversation. Sixteen stu- Megan Starrett dents said emojis weaken conversation. Additionally, emojis make communication Raymond Valenzuela speedy and easy to read. Instead of texting a pretation. For example, sarcasm often does not Instead of replacing conversation, emojis en- novel, emojis can clarify the tone of the message Kelly Weckstein come across in text messages. Therefore, emojis hance the quality and ease of people’s conversa- and the writer’s intentions. can aid a person in being completely sarcastic tion. They offer a clear and concise way to sum- Finally, emojis add emotion while reducing the Contributing Artists: without confusing the recipient. marize feelings and relay expressions. chances of miscommunication and misinter- Kira Adams

Head-to-Head Opinion articles do not reflect the opinions of the entire staff, only the writers themselves. Emojis are everywhere The Lighthouse is a free forum that accepts letters to the editors. Letters can be submitted to By Megan Rudden emoji of a face sticking its tongue out. convey mixed messages and lead to confusion. Ms. Pastor in Room 234. However, That’s her only response, and I grow frustrated. For example, if a person is trying to expose his they must be signed with your first Words have historically been a human’s main Although sending an emoji is an easy, quick or her sadness, feelings of failure or aggravation, and last name in order to be form of communication, but now that’s chang- there are few emojis that can be an appropriate considered for publication. ing. More and more, people are depending on response. emojis to get across their ideas in conversations. Although sending an emoji is an Instead of offering a sympathetic comment, The staff reserves the right to edit Serial texters can agree that emojis make com- easy, quick way to communicate, it emoji addicts tend to respond with a cheery icon material and reject any content not munication more enthusiastic and interesting. meant to lighten the mood. However, once a per- suitable for publication. However, now they have become overused to doesn't mean as much as words. son is really upset, these upbeat emojis tend to the point that they are negatively impacting in- be insulting and make the person feel ignored. teraction. CNBC reports that active users of messaging CORRECTION Too often, emojis are irrelevant to the topic way to communicate, it doesn’t mean as much apps send an average of ninety-six emojis per Photos published alongside an article of discussion and replace words entirely. I en- as words. Rather than saying, “I love you” or day, according to Swyft Media. All of this adds about the boys soccer team on counter this regularly when I text my mom sim- “Great job,” we send a heart or a thumbs up up to six billion emoticons streaming around the Page 11 of the November Issue were ple questions such as, “When are you coming icon. Personally, I’d much rather hear these world every day on mobile messaging apps. taken by Emma Chloé Caamaño. home?” heartwarming words than be sent a quick emoji. It is that people are so dependent on these Four out of five times, she responds with the Another shortcoming of emojis is that they silly symbols. THE LIGHTHOUSE 10 OPINIONS December 2015 Question: If you had the opportunity to star in a film with a celebrity of your choice, who would you choose and why? Column Column What would What would Newman do? Jose do? Compiled by Ashley Stephens Compiled by Ashley Stephens

A celebrity can be so many things. A great ath- Robert Downey, Jr. No question about it. lete, a funny comedian, actor, a gorgeous star- That man is a pure genius. He is obviously let; man... this is seemingly a tough one! At the Courtesy of Jessie Bolton best known for his role as Iron Man (a.k.a. Tony Courtesy of Jessie Bolton same time, if I can press my luck and challenge Stark). He is such a phenomenal actor. Every the consciousness of this very question, I could ammo. Sounds like some game modding to me! movie that man stars in is a hit. So, I’d also be hansson or skydiving with Leonardo DiCaprio. go the route of saying any celebrity ever through Chuck Norris, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Syl- starring in a hit film. Plus, starring in a film with Downey and being all the decades of Hollywood. However, that vester Stallone and Bruce Willis were the OGs Eventually, Marvel would see Downey and a Marvel superhero ensures I’d get to go to the could also be creepy too! of the action cheat codes. However, now they’re me together and realize that we have such great best place in the whole world: Comic Con. If I could have the ability to be in a film with old, grey and out of touch. Hell, in this new chemistry, and I would sign on to star in Marvel I’d get to hang out with all my nerdy fans, James Dean, Elvis, Errol Flynn, Marilyn Mon- “Rocky” called “Creed,” it looks like Stallone is movies as a superhero. which is great because I’m a nerd too! I’d forget roe, Betty Page, John Wayne and my uncle, Paul in the hospital more than he’s actually training They’d probably cast me as Spider-Man be- I was a celebrity, to be honest, but that’s why I’d Newman, the possibilities would be endless. Apollo Creed’s son. So, they’re out before they cause I fit the personality pretty well. I’m nerdy have RDJ by my side, to remind me I’m there to However, they’re all dead and gone. die on set with me. yet funny and sarcastic, yet I know when to joke star with him in conferences. We’d laugh togeth- And no, Paul Newman was not my actual un- Starlets such as Brooklyn Decker, Megan Fox, and when not to. BUT since he has already been er and have a great time with our fans. cle, but his company still makes incredible salad Scarlett Johansson and Kate Upton are all gor- casted by the great actor Tom Holland, I can see The thing I really admire about RDJ is that he dressings, popcorn and many other foodstuffs geous and our acting would be completely thes- myself playing Nova. knows he’s a big time hot shot, yet he is such a whose profits go to charity. RIP "Uncle" Paul. pian and professional. However, those would be He’s a kid superhero with a helmet that gives kind and down-to-earth person. He is there for So, now that they’re out, let's look into other roles for Mr. Newman about three or four years him powers. It’s pretty sick. So, I’d be set to star his fans. LIVING candidates. ago. alongside RDJ in many many films since we’d He is always doing charity work and making Well, the comedians of my teenage years have Now, as a happily engaged man, there is no both be playing the roles of superheroes in Mar- his fans smile. He is so humble, and if I ever decided to become all dramatic, instead of being way I could take those—not for my temptation, vel movies. We’d both become best friends in- make it in this world and become a celebrity, I’d the funny guys they once were. So, Jim Carrey, but for their own safety. Sorry, ladies, you are stantly. I can tell, honestly. want to be like him. Adam Sandler and Vince Vaughn are out. Sorry, all OUT! One time he starred in a film with a boy, and Plus, since he’s so humble, maybe he’d let me guys, but much like some of my relatives, I liked I guess I’ve been beating around the bush, but the boy asked what he should call RDJ while on wear the Iron Man suit. I mean, since we’re best you better when I was little and you were seem- that’s the entertainment of this article. set. Robert Downey, Jr. responded, “Master and friends and all, I think he’d trust me with it. ingly funny before you got serious or just kept When I sit down and think about it, there is Lord of the Universe.” That’s honestly how I joke Can you imagine showing up to a party with being the same annoying character. only one guy out there that I would love to be around with my friends. So, I see a lot of myself the Iron Man suit AND the literal Iron Man? around. Robert DeNiro comes close too, but he in Downey. We’d be the life of the party. Honestly, I’m about never played an incredible archaeologist who After our big Oscar winning blockbuster, I’d to send over a résumé right now to Robert The temptation of starring in an fights Nazis while on adventures, nor an awe- like to imagine that we would both go out to Downey, Jr. Why hasn’t this happened already? action film is always cool. Lots of some blaster-toting space pirate who always a party with all of the big name actors and ac- Watch out Marvel. I’m coming for you, and I guns, explosions and action with shoots first. tresses. We might go clubbing with Scarlett Jo- got Iron Man by my side! That man is Mr. Harrison Ford. I think peo- little risk of getting hurt. ple might remember that he was flying around his antique airplane last year when it started to What would you do? crash. He landed it and survived. Every other month, The Lighthouse will invite a student The temptation of starring in an action film is Who else but Han Solo himself could do that? always cool. Lots of guns, explosions and action That tells me it’s not just all acting, but who this to write a column that will appear beside “What Would with little risk of getting hurt. The action films incredible man is. I’m intrigued and want to Newman Do?” If you envision your words next to of my youth were like playing the Call of Duty know more... A LOT more about this ultimate Mr. Newman’s, please contact Ms. Pastor in Room 234, games with all the cheat codes on. The heroes dude. Harrison, I look forward to you contact- rarely got hurt, had to reload or ever ran out of ing my agent! and explain that you would like to be selected. Higher education comes at steep cost

By George Rausch educate one person. Keep in mind these num- dents can enroll in nearly 1,000 undergraduate solution could possibly be to put more taxpay- bers don’t include room and board—just the and graduate programs to earn degrees without er money toward college education. Another We have all heard the story. After four years education. paying a dime, according to The Washington would be for the federal government to offer of hard work in high school, young, ambitious According to debt.com, there are about 40 Post. universities subsidies, as occurs abroad. students get accepted into their dream schools. million students in debt, totaling about $1.2 This issue goes back to the federal govern- These alternatives are necessary for the gov- With the assistance of their college student trillion between them. Therefore, it is a distinct ment. Because running a college campus and ernment to consider because a college education loan program, these students are able to defer possibility that you will be paying off your stu- hiring professors is expensive, colleges have to secures the nation’s future and makes it possible their payments with high hopes for their fu- dent loans long after you have completed your charge high tuition to cover these expenses. One for more people to achieve their dreams. tures. However, after college graduation, these studies. initially optimistic students get crushed by debt If you happen to have this experience, the that takes years, or even decades, to pay off. good news is that you will be in good company. University Tuition Costs Across the United States Per Year This is the story of the American teen in the Crippling debt as a result of high tuition rates Twenty-First Century. For this population, ed- is college students’ main gripe in 2015. Howev- ucation is not denied due to lack of academic er, it is a gripe that is almost impossible to avoid $25,000 achievement or effort during high school but by because it is necessary to get a college education economic barriers that most students and par- in order to stay afloat in today’s job market. $20,000 ents can never overcome. That said, if these students fail a few classes or According to the College Board, whose web- pick an unprofitable major, they could be throw- site provides students with information about ing a lifetime’s worth of savings down the drain. $15,000 schools, in the United States, a year’s tuition at a The worst waste of all, though, is when stu-

public in-state university averages about $9,000 dents realize during their sophomore or junior Tuition Annual $10,000 per year. Meanwhile, tuition at an out-of-state year of college that they just will not be able to public university is $23,000, and the average make it. cost of a year’s tuition at a private university They spend thousands of dollars reaching for a $5,000 is $31,000. These figures are especially telling dream, possibly working paycheck to paycheck when one considers that a median household part-time during their schooling, only for it to income is about $54,000, according to the U.S. end with them dropping out—not due to aca- Binghamton Michigan Montclair Univserity of University University Ohio Washing- Census Bureau. demic failures but because of economics. University State State California, of of Texas State ton State So, if you want to go to school out-of-state, it This issue is not international, and there are University University Los Angeles Florida University University could run your family half of its household in- universities in foreign countries where English University come per year. speaking students can study for free or for much These figures are ridiculous, as it could cost ev- cheaper than they would at universities in the Courtesy of George Rausch ery working body half of his or her earnings to U.S. For example, in Germany, American stu- Statistics were compiled from individual college websites. THE LIGHTHOUSE December 2015 SPORTS 11 With senior Girls basketball team presence, wrestlers look shoots for victory By Kristina DeRobertis toward success Despite finishing with a 6-19 record last year, the girls basketball team has high expectations By Nick Carnevale for a better season this time around. The girls are led by Coach Cousins and Senior Captains The wrestling team is striving for a fresh start Joanne Arvanitakis and Cameron Halpern. this season after closing the previous one with “This season, I hope for everyone on the team an 11-18 record. This year, the team—which is to work as hard as they possibly could and never co-oped with North Arlington High School— stop playing,” Halpern said. will be led by a new head coach, Mr. Collins, She said while playing basketball is satisfying, who teaches science at LHS. Courtesy of Lors Studio it comes with many challenges. Collins, who has been involved with wrestling Senior Corey Leclerc (right) is among the five up- “The toughest thing about it is the endurance, his entire life, coached at Bayonne High School perclassmen hoping to lead the team to a successful constantly running and sprinting up and down for 12 years. Because of this experience, Collins season this year. the floor while still playing basketball,” Halpern said he thought it was a good idea to get in- said. volved with the LHS team. the state tournament is held every year. Yunis The girls’ workout routine consists of six bas- “I’ve coached before, I have experience and I said it is his goal to qualify for this event. ket shooting, dribbling sequences, team shoot- Courtesy of Julie Cappiello like a lot of the kids on the team. I know them Yunis, a four year varsity wrestler, holds a total ing and going over defense. All of the drills are Junior Kira Adams practices dribbling at practice on through class, and I was happy to fill the role record of 48-25 with 28 pins. He is coming off comprised of conditioning. Dec. 4. when needed,” Collins said. his best season yet, having 26 wins, nine losses Sophomores Grace Cappiello and Makenzie Collins said the team was solidly structured and 17 pins. McMillan said if the players communicate more “I'm always going to have good expectations under the previous coach, Mr. Goff, and that His younger brother, Junior Conor Yunis, is effectively this season, they will have more wins. for my team, and I believe we can and will do everyone is dedicated to the common goal of also on the varsity team. “As a team, I think we have a better connection better from last year,” Cappiello said. winning. “It’s something that we can spend genuine time which will hopefully give us more victories,” The first game will take place on Dec. 18 at Sophomore Ethan Hughes, a returning wres- together with and build a closer relationship. It’s McMillan said. New Milford High School. Last year, the team tler, is in the 120 pound weight class. This is a something that we will remember for the rest of opened against New Milford High School and bump up from the 113 pound weight class he our lives,” Devin Yunis said. only lost by four points. Later, in the season, competed in last season. Another varsity wrestler who may prove to be “I'm always going to have good they took a bigger loss, falling short of a win by Hughes said he does not foresee getting used a contender is Junior Christian Campana, who expectations for my team, and over 20 points. to a new coach as a problem. wrestles in the 145 pound weight class. Campa- I believe we can and will do Cousins said he cannot predict the outcome of “I think we have enough swagger and enough na has been staying in shape this offseason by the season opener. talent for a coach not to make or break our sea- going to open mats and lifting in the fieldhouse better from last year.” “We will put ourselves in a position to win the son,” Hughes said. with fellow wrestler Senior Corey Leclerc. game through hard work, high energy and tre- Hughes is a devoted wrestler, having partici- Campana said the team is poised for a success- mendous effort,” Cousins said. “We are looking pated in the sport for most of his life. ful season. Cappiello said the team is more like a family forward to the upcoming season, as we believe “I love the competitive nature. It clears my “We’re senior heavy and have a lot of good this year than ever before, and that is why she we will be an improved team both individually mind of everything. I only focus on wrestling talent in the upcoming freshmen. It’ll be differ- loves playing the sport. and collectively.” for the time I’m playing,” Hughes said. ent with the recent change in coaching, but it’s He said he has been getting ready for this sea- nothing we cannot overcome,” Campana said. son by running and eating right. Conditioning Campana said the five LHS seniors on the can be vital to winning matches since they are team can help the newcomers transition from Boys basketball seeks to overcome lengthy and tiring. Also, conditioning stabilizes recreational play to varsity competition. He said a wrestler’s weight so he can remain in the same he is anxiously awaiting a new opportunity to challenges in upcoming season weight class. prove himself among his teammates and peers. One wrestler to keep an eye on this season is This season, the Golden Bears will be com- By Brian Arroyave and Kyle Bouteloupt said DiTommaso. “We lost a few starters, have a Senior Devin Yunis. For Yunis, there’s no offsea- peting in the New Jersey Interscholastic Con- younger bench and a couple of people are gonna son. He trains every day at a wrestling club in ference, Division One. The NJIC includes teams In preparation for the upcoming boys basket- have to fill in those starter roles.” Mahwah to prepare for tough matches. from Bergen County. The wrestling team kicks ball season, the Golden Bears took on preseason Among those players the team lost this year Making it to Atlantic City is a huge milestone off its season with an away match against Kear- workouts starting in September. The workouts are former Captains Marc Estevez and Brandon in any wrestler’s journey because that is where ny High School on Dec. 19. were mostly conditioning training that consist- Karlok, who graduated in June. ed of running and lifting. Freshman Campbell Donovan, a team fan, said The team started working out early so the he would describe the team as passionate. athletes could be fit and ready for the tryouts, “I hope that they get above a 500 average and New coach leaps into cheer/dance which took place on Nov. 23 through Nov. 25. get a chance to make the playoffs this year,” One of the returning players is Senior Nic Donovan said. “They are a hard-working team DiTommaso, who played on varsity last year. He and have a lot of good players.” season with high hopes for team said he hopes this year will be better than the Senior Center Justin Smith, who played var- previous season, when the team finished with a sity last year, said it is important to be one step By Jessie Bolton best kicks, turns and splits. 4-19 record. ahead on offense and defense as well as on the Sophomore Frida Sanchez, who danced on the The team is mentored this year by Head Coach same page with teammates. The cheer/dance team keeps crowds enter- team last year, said the tryout process was differ- Tom McGuire. Smith said, “I think the most challenging thing tained during halftime performances and with ent than in the past, when the team was headed “I think it will be a little bit more challenging as a player is getting rhythm with the starting their sideline cheers at home basketball games. by Coach Mickendrow, known as Coach Sam, than last year because we have a new coach, and five players when the game first starts, but once The team begins this season with a new coach, from Franklin School. Last year, students were he is going to implement a different offense,” we all sync in we get going.” Mrs. Montillo, who teaches remedial math at taught the dance as a group over the course of Jefferson School. a few days. Montillo said in June she was asked by Athlet- “Although it was a struggle at first, it really ic Director Mr. Radigan if she was interested in showed who was serious about the dance and coaching the cheer/dance team. who was willing to dedicate their time to the “I love new challenges and the chance to coach. team,” Sanchez said. “A lot of new girls made the So, of course I was interested,” Montillo said. team this year. Many of them are or have been She said she does not have an extensive back- in actual dance academies. That provides an ad- ground in dance but knows technique and will vantage to all of us, and we’ll definitely improve be able to step up to create a winning competi- as a whole.” tive routine. Sanchez said Montillo is also planning for two “I am most excited for this season for the start competition routines in the genres of jazz and of something new, a chance to bring some rec- hip hop. ognition to the LHS Dance Team,” Montillo “As a team, we’ve only ever performed one said. dance. So, it will be a big change for any return- Montillo said she expects hard work and ded- ing members,” said Junior Lindsay Cirne, who ication from the team and believes the dancers has been on the team since freshman year. can do great things this year. Cirne said Montillo was straightforward and The prospective members’ first task this season organized at tryouts, and she believes this will was to succeed in tryouts, which were held on be the same throughout the season. Nov. 18. Those vying for a spot on the team were Cirne said not only will Montillo be able to asked to perform a two minute, memorized give input on competition dances but also side- dance from a YouTube link that was provided line cheers. earlier. “She seems to be very experienced and can Those trying out performed in groups of really help our team out,” Cirne said. “I think Courtesy of Lors Studio two or three. Each student was then asked to she will use her skills as a cheerleading coach to 2015 Graduate Brandon Karlok (left) was captain last year along with 2015 Graduate Marc Estevez. Team cap- demonstrate her tumbling skills, along with her positively contribute to our team.” tains for this year have not yet been announced. THE LIGHTHOUSE 12 SPORTS December 2015 Swimmers splash into new season

By Alyssa Engels sport,” Hoyt said. She recalled when her son won his As the winter sports season arrived, heat in the league meet last year. swimmers dusted off their swimsuits “That was the first time he ever came and hopped into the water at the in first place in the 500, and when Lyndhurst Community Pool, located they rang that bell in his lane, I burst- on the LHS campus. ed into tears,” Hoyt said. The team is mentored by Coach Senior Captain Mackenzie Bancroft, Frew, who has been head coach since who has been on the team since her 2009, when LHS first introduced freshman year, said she has a great swim as an extracurricular sport. deal of enthusiasm for her teammates While last year, Math Teacher Mr. and the sport. However, Bancroft said Carucci filled the role of assistant she wishes the rules would change coach, this year Math Teacher Mr. so she would not have to be quiet on Falcicchio has taken over this posi- deck. tion. Carucci said he was unable to “I wish I could scream and pump return as assistant coach because he them up,” Bancroft said. teaches algebra at Bloomfield College Bancroft said the moment she will in the evenings. never forget from her experiences on Falcicchio said it is a hard task to the team was when she went to dive live up to the standard set by Carucci. into the pool, but instead, she just fell “One reason I became coach is be- into the water. cause of the two wonderful people “When the diving board is wet, it is I get to work with, Head Coach Mr. difficult sometimes to dive, especially Sean Frew and Assistant Coach Mrs. because it gets very slippery,” Ban- Clair Hoyt, both wonderful people, croft said. and I have a lot to learn from them,” Bancroft said she hopes to beat her Falcicchio said. personal record this year in the 100 Being a former swimmer, Falcicchio meter backstroke. said he understands the love the team The first meet of the season took members have for the sport. place on Dec. 3 at the Lyndhurst “I took swim in high school, but Community Pool against Leonia not competitively. But I wish I did High School. The girls team lost with compete. I loved it,” said Falcic- a score of 48-115 and the boys tied chio, a graduate of Rutherford High 84-84. School. “All other sports are outside “I honestly attribute this loss to of the water, and being in the water nothing other than Leonia’s amazing is a whole new element. I think that swimmers being more experienced brings something new to the table.” than our own,” Bancroft said. “I can Junior Cierra Wartel, who has been confidently say that in this meet on the team since her freshman year, Courtesy of Lors Studio against Leonia, we left it all out in that said, “As a swimmer, you have many Last year, the swim team completed its season with a winning record of 6-3 for the boys and 7-3 for the girls. pool.” responsibilities like pushing yourself Bancroft said she is proud of the and working hard until you can’t feel “My parents and brother like it the “Work hard, and just be the best the sport because she is both a coach LHS swimmers because they compet- your body.” most. They always come and cheer they can be,” Hoyt said. “Of course, and mother, supporting her son ed to the best of their ability. She said it is when a swimmer push- me on and find it interesting about it's every coach's dream to win every Christopher, who attends North Ar- “The commitment I was hoping es past that point that he or she really how someone can swim so fast,” War- single game—or in this case, swim lington High School and swims with for from the wonderful athletes who improves. tel said. meet—but that's not always possible. LHS as part of the co-op team. make up our team is present and will Wartel receives support from her Assistant Coach Hoyt said she en- I'd like for them to just try to do their “This is my son's fourth year of only continue to grow as the season family. She said they are fascinated by joys watching the swimmers striving best, win or lose.” swim, and I want to support my son, progresses,” said Bancroft. the sport. to achieve. Hoyt has a unique perspective on and I've also truly grown to love the Bowling team hopes to Hockey team says practice will pay off spare another state win as they hit the ice By Jillian Cancela bowling since his freshman year, is the only one who has not graduated. By Alexis Gerbasio “We expect our players to help one After winning the state champion- Despite the significant loss, Donohue another on and off the ice, while ship last year and achieving 69 con- maintains a hopeful attitude. The ice hockey team kicked off its working towards the same goal—and secutive undefeated wins, the bowl- “I absolutely feel that this team can season with mixed results. The season that is being competitive every game. ing team has some big bowling shoes go a long way,” Donohue said. “We started strong on Dec. 1 with a victo- A state tournament run would be our to fill this season. have a lot of fresh new faces, and we ry against Fair Lawn High School. ultimate goal, while making a run at Coach Balkin, who has led the team can shape them into good bowlers.” After that, the team lost to Montville our league championship as well,”- for three years, said the last few sea- Donohue recognizes the impor- High School on Dec. 4 and Pascack Jelcic said. sons have been monumental, but her tance of skill in the game, but he also Valley High School on Dec. 5. As of In addition to focusing on a collec- expectations for this season is for the relies on some “lucky charms.” Dec. 7, the team was 1-2. tive goal, individual team members team to continue working hard and “At tournaments, I always wear my Senior Captain Evan Kelly said the also have their sights set on personal winning. bright red fuzzy socks,” Donohue team, which is a co-op team with achievement. “We were the best team in the state said. Hackensack High School and Para- Sophomore Matthew Tomko said of New Jersey,” Balkin said. “It didn’t He said staying motivated is key. he hopes to get 20 points this season come easy, though. We put our blood, “Don’t let a bad shot get to you,” and make himself known on the ice, sweat and tears into last season.” Donohue said. “Just let it go over your “We expect our players while Kelly hopes to reach the 100 Balkin said the bowling team lives head, and focus on the next one.” to help one another on point mark. by the motto, “Winners practice until Junior Tyla D’Andrea, who has been and off the ice.” The team will work with their part- they get it right. Champions practice on the team since her freshman year, ner schools to try and reach these until they cannot get it wrong.” balances her optimism with the reali- goals. Coach Jelcic said he believes Freshman Sarah Martone is new to ty of competition. mus High School, has been training being a co-op team can be a challenge the sport, only having bowled for fun “Hopefully, we’ll make it into states,” since the summer. but is also beneficial. with friends, but she set her sights on D’Andrea said. “If not, we’ll win some “We started lifting and conditioning “It is not easy to get three schools making the junior varsity team. tournaments.” in August. Then, when school started, together and on the same page. How- “I feel like it’s a lot of pressure,” Mar- D’Andrea said her personal goals we continued in the fieldhouse all the ever, with the administration sup- tone said. “We had a lot of good ath- are to get a higher bowling average way through to the start of the sea- porting us from all three schools, it Courtesy of Lors Studio son,” Kelly said. helps us achieve more than we ex- letes last year, and now they’re gone. and win as an individual in counties, 2015 LHS Graduate Daijon “Mush” Smith Head Coach Jelcic, who is in his So, we have to keep up those expec- rather than taking third place like last was one of six starting players who assist- pected,” Jelcic said. “The players love tations.” year. ed in last year’s successful season. Smith second year coaching, said he expects being involved with players from oth- Out of last year’s six starting players, “This year I want to win it all,” said bowled two perfect games last season. the players to work hard and compete er schools and have really grown well Junior Ryan Donohue, who has been D’Andrea. each and every day on the ice. together as a team. It is great to see.”