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 wom- en 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 char- acters 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 be- lieve 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 be- comes 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.

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