Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Magnet Center Thursday, June 10, 2021 Volume 65, Issue 5 The Class of ’21 Is Virtually Over After about 15 months apart, the culminating eighth-graders will gather one last time. By AVERY ZEMLAK This past year has been un- imaginably different from any other in many ways, from log- ging on for school instead of walking through the front gate, and eighth-graders eating lunch at home most days instead of sitting in the quad which is an eighth-grade rite of passage. One thing, however, stays the same. Paul Revere continues to celebrate their culminating eighth-graders and all they have accomplished. Despite their on-campus time having been cut short, they still were able to socialize with friends, complete all three grades, and most im- portantly learn from themselves, their peers, and their teachers. Although some of the most well-known eighth-grade events could not take place this year due to the outbreak of COVID-19 that caused the school to turn virtual in March 2020, Patriots were able to adjust to these new changes. “Given that we have been hearing about the Disne- yland and DC trips since sixth grade, it is sad knowing that On their last Monday as eighth-graders, Class of 2021 members headed out to Chino for paintball and a picnic. we will not be able to partake in these special activities,” said took place on Monday, June 7. Week, and even an Among Us pages 2 and 3 for the finalists of Revere’s Vice President, Ella In addition, there were many Zoom with teachers. This year “Most Likely to Succeed.”) Hoffman. However, students virtual events throughout the eighth-graders ran for yearbook Another activity eighth-grad- could look forward to a day of year hosted by Leadership, such superlatives, voted by their fel- ers got to enjoy was the annual paintball with their friends that as lunchtime Kahoots, Spirit low eighth-grade Patriots. (See (continued on page 2)

Mikaela Reyes gets vaccinated Sarah Hajmomenian strums out Jean Haney’s award-nominated Tennis player Tavian Talbert tries soon after teens got the OK. Page 7 a tune in the talent show. Page 20 hair gets a grin and selfie. Page 24 to keep his eye on the ball. Page 28 2 June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School speech contest that began on message to the eighth-grade Apr. 26, 2021, when all culmi- students: “Do not dwell on chal- nating Patriots were invited to lenges, get through them and write a speech following this that’s how you become resilient. year’s theme: “It’s not about Always try new things, join dif- where you’ve been, it’s where ferent school clubs, try out for a you’re going.” Between Apr. new sport, have different friend 26 and May 7, twenty students groups. It’s always important to submitted their speeches to be be yourself and the right friends considered for the culmina- will love you the way you nat- tion ceremony. On May 13, ten urally are. Don’t pretend to be speeches were selected, written anyone else. Life goes by too by Eli Hamid, Shayan Naeim, fast so have fun and always treat Kalyssa Ferdinand, Taylor people kindly because you never Beljon-Regen, Emma Shay- know what kind of day they are estehfar, Jada Michael, Lily having or what impact you make Williamson and Michael Wil- Lily Williamson gets her eighth-grade photo taken at Revere. on them. Also, I am so proud of liamson, Annalisa Hurd, and my eighth-graders! This class Logan Mirzadeh. From May will always have a special place 17 through May 21, tryouts in my heart because my first year were held over Zoom to narrow at Revere was their first year at down the final three: Kalyssa Revere as sixth-graders.” Ferdinand, Eli Hamid and Eighth-grade English teach- Shayan Naeim. The fourth er Mr. Slavin’s advice to the cul- speaker will be school president minating class: “Read every day. Hailey Sugarman. Culmination If you’re not reading, you’re will be held tomorrow at Pali not ready. Reading is push-ups High in two separate social- for the brain! Also, take time to ly-distanced ceremonies: one at study what you love. Yes, there 10 a.m. for last names A-K and are certain courses that you’re 2 p.m. for last names L-Z. required to take, but always find Teachers and students shared a way to study a subject you their final thoughts on the abnor- adore, even if it feels frivolous, mal school year. Ms. Evans, the because, after all, education is culminating class’s counselor, about more than just accumulat- described this year as “transfor- The hybrid eighth-graders in leadership finally get to enjoy the quad. ing knowledge. It’s about living mative.” Her advice and special your dreams.”

Leena Adeli Willa Browne Hailey Sugarman Lily Williamson Sam Sonnett ”In 20 years I see myself “I see myself as a doctor. “I can picture myself as “More than anything, “I see myself as a public as an engineer at NASA I want to receive an a politician or a U.S. am- I hope to be happy, and speaker, a job where I exploring what other life education that I’m proud bassador because I enjoy doing what I love. I am can help others as well forms could exist in our of, and really enjoy my being a leader with a lot very interested in law as bringing satisfaction massive galaxy. ” career and life.” of responsibility.” and public service.” to my own life.” June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 3 This year symbolized growth, them adjust to a new school. perseverance, and how change Hailey Sugarman Daniella Traum says, “I hope is okay. Eighth-grader Hailey practices her they understand there is nothing Sugarman, Paul Revere’s school culmination to be afraid of. Entering a new president, notes, “I really en- speech in the environment is frightening, but joyed being school president. auditorium. you’ll quickly feel right at home. One thing I learned from it was Don’t shy away from participat- how to adjust and adapt when ing in conversations! Everyone you face adversity, which is is going through the same thing definitely a lesson that will be as you, so by locking onto bonds, beneficial later on in life.” Fel- you’ll find wonderful peers to be low eighth-grader Natalie Alpert with you on your journey.” also learned important skills this Michael Williamson remi- year. Natalie added, “These three nisces about his time at Revere years have taught me how to ef- saying, “Enjoy your time at Re- fectively manage my time be- vere, incoming sixth-graders, tween school, sports and family/ it really does go by fast.” Riley friends, and the yearbook elec- Lenz advises, “Stay on top of tive really taught me to respect your assignments and do not deadlines.” Jasper Hoegh-Guld- fall behind.” Finally, Izzy Koch- berg says of his time at Revere, er thinks it is important to “try “Adapting to a bigger school and your best and get with the right meeting new people has helped crowd, since the people you me get ready for high school be- hang out with will affect your cause I feel comfortable around education and your life.” new people.” The past three years have For this year’s culminating shaped all eighth-grade Patri- eighth-graders, they seem to ots into students ready to go agree that the past three years into high school with newfound have not only resulted in educa- friendships, knowledge and ex- tional learning but valuable life periences. Even if half the time lessons learned, such as time of middle school career was management and confidence. spent at home, the Revere spirit Lastly, these eighth-grade proved to be strong and perse- students have some advice for Eli Hamid Shayan Naeim Kalyssa Ferdinand vered, much like the class that incoming sixth-graders to help culminates tomorrow.

Illustrations: Owen Fisher

Teddy Grandy Arik Kraft Logan Mirzadeh Matin Farhangnia Brandon Lustgarten “I plan on living in Bos- “I see myself helping “I see myself running “I see myself as a “I plan to be an ophthal- ton as a lawyer working others. I want to get an my own hedge fund or business manager. Doing mologist (eye surgeon) in litigation, with season amazing education and real estate business. I something that can make and a teacher at the tickets to the Red Sox then create bonds with want to start a family our world better is what Maloney-Shamie Vision and Patriots.” my patients as a doctor.” and donate to charities.” I plan to do. ” Institute in Westwood.” 4 June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School Year Ends with Students Back on Campus One-third of Paul Revere students choose to finish their spring studies with in-person learning.

By NICO TROEDSSON students participate in their first advisory the front rose garden, where my students like session with their teacher who is present to explore, talk, and laugh together. We also After over a year of distance learning, in the classroom. Students are organized in have a weekly book club with the librarian, some Patriots have finally had the opportunity cohorts to keep class sizes small. Each cohort Ms. Gualano, where we chat informally to return to campus. Kicked off at the end meets every other day, and alternates Fridays. about a book that a bunch of us are reading of April, the hybrid program allowed small Luzia Marcus, a seventh grade Patriot, together in advisory.” cohorts of students to get back to in-person enjoys advisory period. “Advisory is really For the next two periods, students “Zoom classes, see their teachers and the campus, fun,” she says. “My classmates are funny in a Room.” That means students remain in and catch up with friends. and kind. Most of the time we are just being their advisory classrooms while connecting According to the LA Times, only 12% social, but Mr. Amos takes us on walks and to their scheduled classes through Zoom. of middle school students have opted for the we sometimes play games like Heads Up”. Even though students are in the same hybrid program. Even though numbers of Seventh grader, Chris Riberi agrees that classroom, they may be attending different returning students fell below expectations, advisory offers a good opportunity to have classes online. those that did return to Paul Revere felt fun and socialize. “In advisory, we all play Seventh-grader Luzia Marcus says that positive about the experience. games and socialize a lot and laugh,” he “Zoom in class is strange but still fun. It feels explains. “It’s super fun and much better than like you’re in class with your teacher but not What Does a Typical Hybrid staying home by yourself. The first week, at the same time. I feel like it works well but School Day Look Like? our teacher organized the games, but after it is a little annoying knowing you are so we just did the games ourselves. Some of the close to your teacher but so far away.” Revere’s in-person school day starts at games are random like Night at the Museum One of the main concerns about the “Zoom 8:30 am which is when students line up at the and Four Corners. The one my teacher had us in a Room” format was the level of noise Main Gate to get their that could be heard temperatures checked in the classroom. and have their Daily LAUSD provided Pass scanned. The noise-canceling Daily Pass is a QR headphones intended code that allows the to help counter the school to see whether distraction. students are actively Asher Moore, an experiencing any eighth-grade Patriot symptoms of COVID. whose advisory is in Daily Passes are only his Band class, said available to students he doesn’t find the who had already had a format distracting. negative COVID test. “Considering the Eighth-grade number of people Patriot Teddy Grandy in a classroom, (in describes the morning my case 8), there’s procedures as “pretty only a pretty small smooth. You just chance that you will show up, wait in line, be speaking while and they scan your someone else is. The Daily Pass to let you way my classroom is in.” laid out, my teacher Once checked has his own ‘office’ in, students report to of sorts and so we their advisory classes can barely hear him where until 9:00 am, most of the time they are allowed to if he has his door complete school work closed. Again, this or read. On the way, is probably a lot they must follow one- different in regular way directional paths rooms, but in the and may notice other band room, being small changes on distracted by a lot of Students are welcomed back to campus with bright letters on the marquee. Photos: Mr. Wechsler campus like no access noise is truly not an to water fountains. issue!” During advisory, teachers instruct their online play was like an icebreaker game.” President and eighth-grader Hailey students over Zoom while in-person students Eighth-grade English teacher Mr. Slavin Sugarman has this to say about the noise level either work or socialize. In the classroom, tries to keep his advisory group active. “I try in the classroom: “At first being on a different students are spaced apart (at a minimum of to give my students as much opportunity to Zoom than the other students was something six feet). There are signs on certain desks interact socially as possible, and we avoid I had to adjust to. But I have come to like notifying students not to occupy them, to activities that involve screens,” he states. it. More than annoying, it has become funny ensure distancing protocol. “We often go outside to visit the farm, the to hear my classmates in different classes After this transitional period, hybrid outdoor learning area, the nature walk, and randomly speak up to answer questions, June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 5 the band students and staff at Pali High, or classroom. “Because my advisory classroom play along some of the songs we are learning. is located directly outside the quad, we’re Unfortunately, only at-home students can able to sit in the quad. We eat lunch and talk play along, as some people in my homeroom about all different topics related to and not aren’t in Advanced Band. For Jazz Band, we related to school.” usually rehearse the songs we are playing Some students like Shaya Soleimani feel together in person, or if we have a homeroom a little too restricted at lunch. “It’s a little with people on Zoom in it, they would play annoying that you have to stay with your along to us playing in person! It’s a lot of fun, class at lunch but I understand it’s for our and it’s great playing with a live band, even if safety,” she explains. we are spread out across the room.” Seventh grader Adina Medencevic Overall Reactions are Positive doesn’t attend elective on her in-person days. “My photography elective is conducted Overall impressions of the hybrid through Zoom,” she explains, “because I go program have been relatively positive. After to school on period 1, 3, 5 and photography is over a year of at-home learning, Patriots my period 6, so I do it at home.” appreciate the face-to-face time on campus. Luzia Marcus, a seventh grade Patriot Eighth grade English teacher Mr. Slavin Mr. Iannucci checks students’ QR codes and also attends the band elective. “I have band reveals that “being back on campus has been temperatures at the school’s front entrance. in hybrid learning so I don’t have much to do. very liberating.” He goes on to describe the I can’t play my instrument obviously because positives about the experience, “I appreciate I’m in a classroom with other kids who aren’t speak too loud due to their headphones, and the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful campus in band so I don’t really know what I’m see myself in the background of their Zoom with the small cohort of my students who supposed to do. Usually I just pay attention screens. Although, my favorite part is when have returned in person. I had no difficulties while the other students are playing.” I am in the same Zoom as another kid, and in transitioning to hybrid because I’m Seventh grader Shaya Soleimani doesn’t get to laugh at jokes with them (much to providing the same instruction over Zoom as see much of a difference when it comes to the confusion of my class), and ending up I was doing remotely, and there have been far taking her elective in person or online. “My in the same breakout room as somebody fewer distractions during ‘Zoom-in-a-Room’ elective doesn’t change much because it’s sitting right next to me is always a blast.” than I expected.” coding so I can do it in the classroom just as She hardly notices her teacher conducting While most students would prefer a full easily as at home,” she says. his own classes. “Between us both having return to normal, the hybrid program has been a reasonable compromise. Seventh headphones, talking discretely, and sitting on Lunchtime Brings Students Together the opposite sides of the room, him leading grader Adina Medencevic describes the his class has never been an issue for me.” program as a “success” because “you can Lunchtime gives students another For others, there are some negatives. see your friends and teachers, and still be in opportunity to socialize. Although everyone Eighth grader Ella Hoffman, for example, school even if it’s not full-time yet!” is expected to remain with their advisory explains that “the inconvenient thing about For sixth grader Leo Wolfe, this is his first group, it still provides a fun way for students Zoom in a Room is taking tests. It can be time on campus. He explains that the hybrid to get to know each other. The cafeteria is distracting given that even a little noise can program was especially important for him, occupied by sixth grade classes while the throw me off.” saying, “Now, I get to know all the teachers eighth graders are able to enjoy their meals in and know the campus. I like hybrid because I Not All Electives are the Same the quad. The seventh graders are dispersed get to go back to school and see my friends,” throughout the campus. though he doesn’t like to wake up early. “Lunch is pretty fun,” says eighth grader While most students who have opted for Because of the way cohorts and schedules Asher Moore. “After we finish eating, we can the hybrid program have expressed the desire are organized, hybrid students are having sometimes play a few songs before we have to continue with it, some people feel that it’s different experiences when it comes to their to go to our next class, or do our homework. not perfect. Seventh grader Chris Riberi says elective classes, depending on whether the Overall, it’s monitored closely, because we that “it’s funny to see the person sitting right class is held in-person or online. have to take off our masks while we eat, but next to you in your class through Zoom but I “My elective is Advanced Band and Jazz we still manage to have a good time.” kind of find it strange to do this whole ‘Zoom Band,” drummer Asher Moore explains. “In Eighth grader Ella Hoffman also in a Room’ thing. It doesn’t really make Advanced Band, we usually either talk to appreciates the ability to socialize outside the sense and I would rather have regular

Sitting six feet apart, Ms. Manes’s advisory students (left) attend their classes through Zoom while sixth grade students (right) eat their lunches and socialize in their designated cafeteria location where signs help enforce social distancing guidelines to keep them safe and healthy. 6 June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School class in person without the Zoom aspect. But I will definitely stick with in-person learning because it is super fun and so nice to actually see people in person again.” Eighth-grade president Hailey Sugarman explains, “My initial reaction to the ‘Zoom in a Room’ plan was skepticism. I wasn’t sure if it would run smoothly, and thought that too many things could go wrong. But I was pleasantly surprised. Right from the start, the process was very organized. It made my day getting to see some of my teachers. It’s nice seeing faces in real life, and feeling like life Teachers get creative during advisory period. Mr. Slavin’s class (left) regularly enjoys the ani- is getting back to normal. I also really liked mals at the farm while Mr. Cook’s class plays fun games outside. Photos: Mr. Slavin & Mr. Wechsler how although everybody was distanced, I still got to be with my friends, and have some good laughs.” She added, “As President, I some aspects of the plan, explaining, “I’m for him. In regards to that first day, Mr. was really hoping that the school would offer new to Revere so I don’t really know a Iannucci says, “I had a great time. I loved in person learning ASAP, if not for anything whole lot of people and I don’t really know seeing students back on campus, it made else, to offer the kids at Revere a chance the campus that well so it would be cool if school feel like school again. The students to see their friends, and make their school we could have more opportunities to walk are the reason I work in this job.” He is also year brighter. I know that this option is not around and be more social with other kids.” happy that “hybrid seems to be moving along ideal to many students, who would rather be smoothly and that students seem to love the Zooming from the comfort of their beds or What about COVID Tests and Masks? social time during breaks and lunch.” simply do not feel safe coming back, but for When asked what his hopes for the fall a lot of kids (including myself) going back Two aspects of the hybrid learning that are, Mr. Iannucci responds by saying, “that to school is something I have been waiting may have prevented some online students the Dodgers win the World Series again. And eagerly for, and I am so grateful to get to be from attending are the regular COVID tests as far as school goes, I hope for a return to a back on campus.” that students are required to take weekly normal school day.” Teddy Grandy, an eighth grader in band, and wearing masks. However, most hybrid appreciates the opportunity hybrid gives him students don’t think either are a problem. So what will the Fall Semester to play music with his friends. He says “I like Although eighth grader Hailey Sugarman Look Like? the hybrid plan. I’m in a band home room so finds the COVID tests “redundant,” she it allows me to play with my friends instead accepts them. “I imagined it would be more On May 24 in his weekly address, of playing to a click track. Also, I feel I pay chaotic to get the whole school tested than it Superintendent Beutner announced a full- more attention in class because I’m being has turned out to be,” she says. “Although I time reopening of LAUSD schools in the supervised. Lastly, it’s nice to get social do have to miss some class time in order to fall. The district will keep an online option interaction after being mostly at home.” get tested (approximately 20 minutes), it is available to families who don’t want to August Evans, a seventh grader who is very smooth and I get my results back same send their children to school. But for those new to Paul Revere, would have liked greater day. The test tickles a little and makes my students who prefer in-person learning, they liberty at school but still prefers the hybrid eyes water but it’s over quickly.” can expect a complete return. program to staying at home. “Even though On the topic of masks, Ella Hoffman, Not only has the hybrid program been I would much rather be in person full time, an eighth grader explains that “wearing my a relative success, in-person learning hasn’t hybrid gets me by,” he says. “But sometimes mask all day did feel a little weird at first. caused any sudden spikes in COVID cases. it gets boring in the classroom and I can’t talk But by the end of the first day, I got used to it. That fact together with efforts to vaccinate to anyone so that sucks.” August critiques It feels almost normal now and I don’t even students makes a full-time return to campus notice that my mask is there.” Eighth grader this fall seems like it could be a sure thing. Teddy Grandy agrees that “masks are not that annoying. It feels natural to wear them and doesn’t bother me,” he states. Seventh grader Shaya Soleimani, finds wearing masks inconvenient. “Masks are kind of annoying because you can’t hear very well when someone else is talking,” she says.

What Does the Principal Have to Say?

Putting together the hybrid program was a huge task. Mr. Iannucci reveals that “the greatest challenge was organizing the staff and students into cohorts. Only about 1/3 of our students returned to campus so Mr. Shibata had to adjust people’s Advisory classes.” This involved moving a lot of students and teachers around in order to find a plan that worked since a large number of teachers did not return to campus and continued to work virtually from home. Still, Mr. Iannucci feels that all the hard Mr. Hernandez self-administers his weekly work paid off in the end. Welcoming students Mr. Slavin’s advisory students pose for a COVID nasal swab test in the Town Hall. back to campus was an emotional moment picture inside the Revere farm. Photo: Mr. Slavin June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 7 Cole Hubbard didn’t even have to get out of his car to get his shot. Tyler Harper even know when the needle was in my arm! My arm was barely sore the next day. I was pretty surprised.” Seventh-grader Tyler Harper’s mother signed him up as soon as they found out the vaccine was available to kids his age, and soon after he received the vaccine at the Ronald Reagan Hospital at UCLA. Tyler said, “Once I knew that I could get a COVID shot, I told my mom and we signed up for an appointment a week from that day. When we got there to take the COVID shot, it was very professional.” After his shot, he VACCINES experienced several symptoms of the virus, and ended up sleeping for an entire day. Sixth-grader Finn Coelen FOR TEENS went to CVS, where he had to After COVID-19 shots open for kids ages 12 fill out paperwork and wait about five minutes before being called and up, Patriots line up to get their first dose. in to get his vaccine dose. Fol- lowing the shot, he experienced By TAMARA GEAR safe to leave the house and be around friends.” several side effects, including When eighth-grader Cole Cole is not the only teen stomach aches and fevers. Like Finn Coelen Hubbard heard that kids ages excited about this new develop- many Patriots who’ve received twelve through fifteen were -eli ment in the process of returning the vaccine, Finn feels safer and gible to get the COVID-19 vac- to normal. On May 12, the FDA more protected, stating, “I can cine, he immediately jumped at approved the Pfizer-BioNTech spend time with my friends and the opportunity and had his dad COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages play basketball without having to schedule a vaccine appointment twelve to fifteen, and since then, worry about COVID-19.” for him at the Beverly Center parents have been scheduling According to Time Magazine, garage. As Cole arrived at the their kids to get the first dose. the FDA and the CDC proclaimed vaccine location, he had to wait Like Cole, eighth-grader Brett the vaccine safe and effective about five minutes while his dad Federman received his shot soon when data from the two compa- filled out some paperwork. After after hearing the news about the nies was released in March and the vaccine shot was over, Cole vaccine approval. He went to was reviewed by officials who stayed at the Beverly Center for get the vaccine with two friends, found that two doses of the com- Brynn (left) and Brooke Santos an extra fifteen minutes to ensure Enzo Choi and Henry Jamison, pany’s vaccine provided teens that he didn’t have any reaction with whom he had planned to with similar protection against COVID as it did for adults. Time to the shot. Over the next two get vaccinated with. Brett says of Brett Federman days, Cole developed a sore arm, the process, “I went to Courtyard Magazine also stated that stud- but he believes it was worth get- Pharmacy in Calabasas. The shot ies showed that out of 2,200 ting the vaccine saying, “I feel did not hurt whatsoever. I didn’t teens who were part of a study group only 16 were infected with COVID, none of which were part of the vaccinated group. To allow for even more Patri- ots to conveniently get their vac- cine, a Paul Revere vaccination site opened at the school cam- pus on June 2. Parents can now schedule vaccine appointments set up in the lobby of the school for their children, which require auditorium. “I’m a right-handed consent forms from parents/ pitcher for a baseball club in Cal- guardians are required for kids abasas so I wanted to get the shot ages twelve to seventeen. Open in my left arm,” he said. from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., the site After getting a first dose, a is only for students ages 12 and second dose will be automatical- Conor Greene over from LAUSD. Along with ly scheduled and students will receives his first offering the vaccine, there was receive an email to remind them dose in the lobby also free food handed out to the of their appointment. LAUSD is of Revere’s newly-vaccinated Patriots. strongly encouraging students to auditorium. Seventh-grader Conor Greene schedule their vaccine shot in or- got his shot at the vaccination site der to return to normal activities. 8 June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School

With the pandemic, students have new schedules to adjust to. By HORUS KUP “My schedule changed when I started to go to hybrid school. I have to wake up Comic Book Creator a little earlier to prepare my lunch and get Inspires Imagination my backpack packed and DailyPass ready. I also have to remember to charge my iPad By HORUS KUP the day before and skip walking my dog in It takes a lot of imagination to create a the morning.“ This is seventh-grade student successful comic book. On May 17 guest Isabella Aguilar’s story on how her routine speaker Scott Marcano from Diablo Comics has changed to fit the new schedule. Many presented the history of graphics and illustra- revere students have had to change there tions. From the first-ever comics to how his routine to adapt to the new schedule. From own company makes comics, he talked about packing a backpack to carpooling to school, many interesting things throughout his pre- many students have adapted their routine to sentation. work with the new schedule. He first started out by talking about the With the new start time many people’s history of comics and how they got started. mornings have changed. From having to He talked about some of the first ever com- remember to pack their backpack to being Seventh-grader Maya Bhasin makes a ics such as Batman and Superman. He also able to go surfing and do more activities, quesadilla during her lunch break. talked about how the comic book format was this has changed a lot of peoples mornings. created. The comic book format was created One person who has changed their mornings lunch breaks. Eighth-grader Isabella Tava- by a guy named Will Eisner. is 6th grade student Avery Kawejsza. She koli uses this longer lunch to do homework From there he talked about how all the says, “Before, I started the hybrid schedule and/or study for a test. Isabella Tavakoli says, older comic books were very uniform, in for school, I had a lot of time to get ready in “My routine has become more flexible. I do which they would always have the villain the morning for school and I could take my have to wake up earlier for homeroom at 8:30 escape and the main character would not time. Since I started going to school again I am, but I get plenty of breaks. During these change. From that topic he talked about have been waking up earlier than I did be- breaks I am able to do homework, study for a graphic novels. From talking about how fore and rushing out the door, so I wouldn’t test, and have a snack. I now feel like I have graphic novels are different from comic be late. Though, on the days that I’m home more time to relax and give my brain a rest in books in which they have a beginning, mid- during the week I have even more time to get between classes.” Meanwhile, seventh-grad- dle and end to graphic novels now. He talk- ready.” er Maya Bhasin says, “At lunch I can make ed about how one of the first graphic novels Meanwhile, seventh-grader Sammy better meals since I’m fully online and have was the series. It was different to Dunn says, “I can now do a lot in the morn- over an hour for lunch. Next, my days aren’t normal comic books in which the characters ing because my real classes don’t start until as rushed because I have longer breaks in be- actually changed and there was a defined end. 9:30. So I can surf for a lot longer. Also, my tween classes.” He then talked about graphic novels now that lunch is longer so I can surf or play baseball Overall, a new schedule is now in effect aren’t as dark as they may have been back during lunch.” On top of this some people and with that people have had to change their when Watchmen was released. are carpooling. 7th grade student Sophie routines. From simple things such as put- After this, he talked about how comics Smeeton is in a carpool and says, “I’m in a ting on a backpack to getting extra time and are made now. He first started talking about carpool so other people are relying on me, surfing during breaks, students have - adapt how he gets his inspiration. One of his sto- and I need to be more organized by making ed their routines to the new schedule. These ries, Nancy Hernandez and the Black Wid- sure everything I need is in my backpack.” examples were some of Revere students’ ows, was based on a story that the students Also, the new schedule allows for longer routines. at a school he presented at told him. He then talked about the process they take to make comic books. He talked about how they hire artists in which they would all send art based on an overall summary of what the story was about. He described how they did this same process for their best selling book Hum. He ended by talking about how his book Nancy Hernandez and the Black Widows is now an animated series on YouTube.

CLARIFICATION In the last issue, the student who nominated Mr. Roig for the national award was not iden- tified. Camil Al Hashim recommended Mr. Roig for the honor. He wrote that Mr. Roig From left: Alex Dahlberg, “inspired me through schooling by his cre- Sophie Smeeton and Emma ativity, his dynamism, and his love of teach- Schmidt carpool home. ing. He always encouraged me to think out- side of the box.” June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 9 Patriots Elect New Leadership Team BY PARSA IMANKHAN Paul Revere chose Kayla Ring as their Current seventh-grader Lilly Browning next vice president. “As Vice President, I was elected as historian for the next school The results are in and Revere has a new will really listen to your suggestions and get year. Lilly said she was running because she group of student leaders ready to assume actual results rather than empty promises,” wants “to make sure that all the incoming office next year. The presidential job was said Ring while campaigning. seventh-graders have a terrific year for the won by Alessandra Santini who said in her Patriots chose Ava Loos to be their secre- one that they have lost. I also want to make campaign, “If you give me the privilege of tary. “I believe with my skills and persever- sure that the incoming eighth graders make being your president, I will work on your be- ance, 2021-2022 school year will be the best the most of their last year.” half to make sure all our days at Paul Revere one yet. Although our circumstances aren’t Finally, seventh-grader Yasmine Santini are filled with joy and happiness. I embody ideal, I feel that as a school we need to focus ran unopposed and did not have to campaign inclusion, diversity, strength, and courage. on new perspectives through unique and fun but will be taking office next school year as Let’s make Paul Revere the best it can be.” events,” said Loos while running for office. treasurer.

Cold War Inspires a Hot Competition Paul Revere’s Aca Deca Club Clarke, the sixth-grader who put together student represent each grade level. But his makes the most out of Zoom study guides,” Mr. Hamanishi says. The pro- sixth-graders were so competitive that he gram practiced every Monday and Wednes- added two more sixth-graders to compete. and finishes sixth in nation. day at lunch. Shortly before nationals took place, it The regionals were back in February and was announced that international students By CONNOR PETOYAN it was fully online. Revere competed against from China would be joining the national fi- COVID-19 has put a stop on a lot of fun about 15 LAUSD schools. Individual stu- nals. The competition was held online, with activities, but not this one. The Aca Deca dents performed really well. Sixth-grade a mixture of students competing from home program led by Mr. Hamanishi gave it their magnet student Jackson Perkins racked up and from Paul Revere’s computer which is all over Zoom. Through practice and prepa- enough points to earn five medals. Another room number E-2. Over the course of about ration, the students were determined to suc- sixth-grader, Lily Clarke, won four medals. four hours, students answered a series of ceed. As a result of individually placing well, multiple choice questions in the five catego- “In a normal schol year, we would have the United States Academic Decathlon or- ries. The results came in for Revere and the been going to a competition site, like a high ganization invited Revere to compete at the school ranked sixth among over 20 schools. school gym, but this year it was all virtual,” individual level in the national round. At “I am so proud to see individual students explained Mr. Hamanishi. “The pandem- first, Mr. Hamanishi decided to have one earn medals in the categories,” Mr. Haman- ic made it very difficult to go to a physical ishi said, adding that he foresees even more site because of health protocols. So with success next year. COVID, the kids actually had to focus more. They had to get the COVID environment out of their minds and that was very diffi- cult, but at the same time they had to focus on the subject,” Mr. Hamanishi said. And that subject this year was the Cold War. So they started studying and working hard. The students participating had five categories to work on, literature, fine arts, math, Science, and social science and an essay which is part of the overall competition. “Preparation was completely different this year. Since we had limited time together, we had to focus immediately on the most im- portant things. That’s where The kids came (Left to Right) Mr. Flowers, Lily out and blossomed. People like Noah Hou- Clarke and Mr. Hamanishi pose to riani who put together Kahoots and Lily celebrate Aca Deca’s victory 10 June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School AWARD WINNING PATRIOTS

8TH GRADE AWARD WINNERS AMERICAN LEGION 6TH GRADE MAGNET STUDENTS OF THE MONTH Layla Johnese Isaac Jossel PRINCIPAL’S AWARD Brandon Lustgarten Casey Scaduto Williams Schwartz Samantha Sonnett

REVERE RECOGNITION Leena Adeli Camil Al-Hashim Marissa Aniel Kalyssa Ferdinand Isabelle Kocher Luca Marucci Morales Christopher Morris Jr Giada Rice Diego Rogers Zachary Shapiro Mikal Sims Dickerson Lawrence Smith Avery Zemlak ROTARY CLUB Guillermo Vazquez Brooklyn Walker 7TH ANNUAL FILM FESTIVAL AWARD WINNERS 2021 PACEMAKER AWARD WINNERS June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School 11

Fati Adeli (right) gives Nurah Abokar Dr. Anthony some coffee. Ms. Mabashov gives Mr. Amos some coffee and treats. Is Makeup Worth Killing For? Animal testing has played a huge role in human science and has been used since the Greek scientist Aristotle. The practice of animal testing has always fallen into the category of sinister acts but people fail to understand why. The majority of people believe that the practice Thank You, Teachers! of animal testing only consisted of putting makeup on animals, but the act is far Parent and students thank educators for all their hard work. graver than that. According to PETA, experimenters By SOFIA ALDANA and some flowers.” Johanna Minassian, the mother of Mason Minassian, wrote a letter to force animals to inhale toxic fumes, immo- During Teacher Appreciation Week at show her appreciation. She wrote: “It’s our bilize them in restraint devices, drill holes Paul Revere, parents and Patriots took time 1st year at Paul Revere — Covid year. And into their skulls, mutilate their brains, and to show their appreciation for Revere’s we are blown away by the community + uni- burn their skin and eyes. Whether it’s for teachers, administrators and staff. Along with ty of the teachers + staff! Thank you. You biology lessons or cosmetic, drug or chem- kind acts of thanks from Patriots and parents obviously CARE about our students — And ical testing, these animals are confined throughout the week, PRIDE & PTSA orga- it shows! For this + many more reasons we in cages and are physically traumatized. nized ways to celebrate staff for their hard are grateful.” Along with these thoughtful The vast majority of animals that are used work throughout this year. demonstrations of appreciation from parents, during these experiments end up being A raffle was held each day from May students also showed their thanks in other euthanized, but in some cases, they die as 3 through May 7. Three teachers were ran- ways. a result of the experiment. domly picked to get gift cards each day. The Students also took time to give their teach- Each year, over 110 million animals winners would be announced during adviso- ers special messages such as seventh-grader are killed in U.S. laboratories. The rabbit ry periods by Mr. Iannucci. On Wednesday, Andrew Tarica, who thanked his six teachers irritation test is an experiment used to May 5, teachers who had placed an order for by email on Schoology. He wrote that he ap- test irritation on the skin and eyes. The a cup of either tea or coffee got them deliv- preciates “Ms. Stewart for keeping me calm rabbits that are put through these trials ered to their classroom during advisory or and focused, Ms. Robertson for teaching me suffer from irritation, inflamed or bleeding transitions. On Friday, May 7 during lunch, to be kind, Mr. Liberatori for teaching us to skin, swollen eyes or even blindness. This teachers were given veggie or turkey sand- be accountable for our actions, Mr. Kirby experiment on rabbits has been proven not wich wraps with salad from the Palisades for introducing lots of new exercises, Mr. very accurate because it can predict human Garden Cafe which was paid for and orga- Honda for teaching science in a fun way and skin reactions only 60 percent of the time. nized by the PTSA President, Keri Kraft. Fati reminding us to chill out, and Mr. Wechsler Many people have tried numerous Adeli, PRIDE co-President helped with all for teaching me to be organized, precise and times to bring attention to this topic but the drinks and PRIDE co-President Maryam never to give up.” the “Save Ralph’’ short film topped them Zar also helped with the event. This year was one like no other but teach- all. The film brought so much awareness During the week treats were dropped off ers were able to move forward and adapt. Pa- and truly attracted the right attention to by generous parents. Ms. Vogel, someone else triots showed their thanks in different ways this cause. It had such a strong impact on who helped organize the week-long events, but with the same desire to appreciate the the matter and gave this topic the spotlight said, “I saw lots of donuts, cookies, coffee educators who have done so much. it deserves. Many people now can say that they are finally educated on the matter and Ms. Esparza (left) offers lunch to Ms. Mello Ms. Evans passes Mr. Vial a wrap, know ways to not support these acts of and Mr. Matsu. cruelty. Many big organizations practice these acts on animals such as L’ Oreal, MAC, Lancôme, Maybelline, and numer- ous others. Other alternatives to animal testing do exist like tests using human cells and tis- sues known as vitro methods and advanced computer modeling techniques. When comparing in vitro tests and tests on rab- bits, the in vitro test correctly detected all of the chemical skin irritants while tests on rabbits failed 40 percent of the time. Why let animals suffer in silence when there are other science-proven alternatives? 12 June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Paul Revere Middle School Farewell to Faculty Family homework was due. I made students think and en- Revere says goodbye to 3 teachers joy the learning process. I hope they all enjoyed who are retiring and 4 who are my class as much as I enjoyed teaching them.” In addition to three teachers retiring, the school moving on to jobs at other schools. also has four faculty members moving on from By MICHAEL WILLIAMSON Revere to find success outside of the family they helped create. As students and teachers come to the end of an- Ms. Jenna Roman, an English teacher who other year at Paul Revere, we say goodbye to some has been at Revere for years is moving on to a Mr. Anderson amazing staff and faculty members who have made school in . Ms. Roman played a great role Revere feel normal even while we were online. in the English department helping the Literary An- This year Mr. Anderson, Ms. Del Cambre, and Mr. thology become what it is now. Mr. Iannucci, while Bachman is retiring from teaching. Ms. Roman, Mr. giving a farewell speech to her, said, “Jenna came Castillo, Ms. Yang, and Mr. Parra is moving away in and rocked it from day one. You talk about peo- from Revere taking on new schools and jobs. Be- ple who are born to be teachers. She is obviously fore moving forward from Revere, all the teachers one of those people. She walked into Revere and spoke about their history with Revere and their sat- started teaching like she had been doing it forever. isfaction with what they have accomplished. She coalesced that seventh-grade team, helping it Mr. Steven Anderson has been working away Ms. Del Cambre form the perfect bond. She was a valued member of in Room E-3 for over two decades as an eighth- the English department with her contributions to the grade math teacher. He first heard about Revere on literary anthology. She is going to be greatly missed a history school trip to Washington D.C. He said, “I by all of us.” asked the chaperone sitting next to me on the flight One of the two discipline deans at Revere, if she knew of an awesome school south of the Sep- Mr. Jose Castillo, is also moving on. He will be ulveda Pass. Anywhere...just so I didn’t have to working at Warner Elementary next year. In his continue across the Valley floor! Toni, an AP at the final meeting with the faculty, Mr. Evans said, “This time, said, ‘Well, my friend is the principal at Paul guy was a rock star. He stepped right in and we’re Revere.’ Mr. Anderson’s immediate reaction, ‘Paul going to miss his funny candor and his work ethic. Mr. Bachman Revere? Never heard of Revere. Where is it?’” Even with the challenges he got thrown in his two The math teacher immediately took off at Revere, years here he did not miss a beat.” Then the oth- loving his job while his students enjoyed his corny er discipline dean, Mr. Lockwood, said, “His first jokes and entertaining teaching style. The pandemic great quality is his thick skin. He has a great sense hit in early 2020 which heavily affected the style of humor and can take a job. Next is his work ethic. of his classes, but not the quality of them. During He’s a dedicated employee who was eager to learn the retirement process, Mr. Anderson said he won- and ask the right questions. His next great quality dered, “Did I make a difference? Would any of my is intelligence. He’s a quick learner. He’s a great 6000+ students think so? Would any of them re- person with a kind heart.” Mr. Castillo said, “Thank member our time together in class? Did they laugh? you for welcoming me to Revere and I wish health Did they learn anything?... I’d like to think the an- Ms. Roman and wellness to everyone.” swer is ‘Yes.’” He ended by saying, “Take care, be Another teacher moving on is Ms. Ester healthy, be happy; and, much love to everyone from Yang. She came to the magnet school two years a 64-year-old eighth-grader. I’ll miss you.” ago fresh out of her master’s program at USC. She Another renowned veteran math teacher, is now going to teach science at a new school in the Ms. Misty Del Cambre, is also retiring. Over the fall. “She was an amazing addition to the magnet past two decades, she has been admired by other program for the past two years,” Ms. Lee said. “Es- teachers and even mentored them to teach. Ms. ter has been such an asset to the eighth-grade mag- Stewart said, “If you know her, you know she’s an net team, always eager to learn new things, kind angel. She has been an integral part of our depart- and caring towards her students and colleagues, ment at Revere and also my best friend. She taught Mr. Parra super smart, great with technology, committed to me how to be a better teacher and a better person. delivering fun and rigorous science lessons.” In re- She’s a kind, compassionate and generous teacher, ply, Ms. Yang said, “I remember two years ago I colleague and friend.” With that, Ms. Del Cambre stepped onto the Revere campus not even knowing said goodbye to the faculty and to Revere. She said, where to go for my interview. I’m going to miss “Revere has been a family. It seems like we all be- everybody who helped me get through the last two longed to each other. I’m going to miss you but I’ll years.” never forget you.” Another teacher moving from Paul Revere is Also retiring is Mr. Jon Bachman. He said, “I Mr. Erick Parra. He is going to Perris, Califor- started teaching in 1997 and was eventually placed Ms. Yang nia in Riverside County where he will teach special at Revere by the district around five years ago.” education classes at a high school. Mr. Cook said, Mr. Bachman also said, “My teaching style was re- “There’s clearly nothing this fellow cannot do. He laxed and fun. I got to know how students thought fixes cars, builds houses, he’s a technology wiz, and what was relevant to them. I kept up on what a fabulous teacher.’’ After Mr. Cook spoke about was important to them, and feel I made a differ- him, Mr. Parra said, “I’m going to miss everybody ence in their lives. My homework was fair and the greatly. Thank you to the great team of people who tests reflected what we took notes on.” Regarding brought me in. I had the best start a teacher could his accomplishments at Revere and his connection possibly have at a school. I wish more schools were with students, he said, “ I feel I accomplished hav- like this where you feel appreciated and everybody ing students be responsible for deadlines, and when Mr. Castillo has your back.” June 10, 2021 Paul Revere Middle School 13 Opinion Nico Troedsson In Retrospect Generation Patriot Looks to the Past and Reflects on the Future Lockdown

I will always remember something friends which I would have never done We all know a few once-revolutionary from each year I was a student at Paul without the pandemic. I’d be too busy Boomers, independent-minded Gen Xers, Revere. I’ll remember the teacher’s strike so it would be hard to do homework at and Millennials who care for social issues. when I walked through an almost emp- the same time; it’d be a lot easier to do But what about our generation? What ty school with rain pounding above my it by myself. Doing homework with my defines us and what will we be known for? head as I went to different classes full of friends helps me understand what I’m Looking over the past year, it’s natural people I couldn’t recognize. I’ll remember learning which has been very helpful to feel that our generation will be defined having to evacuate for three days because during this pandemic. I also watch a by illness–and not just by any illness but by of wildfires, waking up to roaring helicop- movie or TV show almost every Friday a global pandemic that caused over half a ters above my house then going outside to night with my family, which we started million deaths in the US alone. see a huge cloud of smoke. I’ll remember doing during quarantine. We are a generation of kids that grew having trouble Over this up spending over a year in quarantine. breathing and past school year, That’s over a year of solitary confinement seeing an orange I’ve learned how where we accepted our isolation without glow while driv- important it is to a fuss. During that time, we learned to get ing away. And I’ll stay focused and on by ourselves, talk to ourselves, play by remember doing to stay motivat- ourselves. We’ve grown distant from other online school for ed to do work. people and lost our social requirements, over a year during I think that is spending months at home – too afraid to go the quarantine. something that out in case we catch the virus. What I’ll we all learned We lost out on education. Pew Research remember most this year because defined us as being “on track to be the most from online self-discipline well-educated generation yet.” But we will school is every- suddenly became likely be less informed and less competitive thing the teachers so important. when it comes to getting into college have done to During class it’s and finding a good job later. We attended stay connected, very easy for me middle school for only half our three years. because staying to just look at We missed out on the 8th grade PSATs to connected to class my phone and prepare us. We haven’t had campus tours has been very dif- stop paying at- to get us ready for high school. We barely ficult for me and tention to class. remember our teachers and classmates have many others. I’ll It is very easy legs and can walk around. also remember all for me to get We were the first generation to have the things that I distracted while been born into the world of the Internet. But would have done I’m on Zoom technology failed us because it made finding in person that I at home either a safe path to normal less convenient. We ended up doing Middle school has certainly by my phone or were able to bring school into our little over Zoom. by my family. isolated burrows. We were able to shop for The thing had its ups and downs. I could miss our groceries with one click. We played keeping me sane something im- games online and we binge-watched throughout the portant so I don’t whatever we wanted until we were totally pandemic has been being able to commu- understand the homework assigned and apathetic about the situation in the world nicate with my friends. I am able to talk to need to get more help from my friends. around us. We were too comfortable in the them a lot more now that school is shorter I’ve also become a lot less organized quarantine, too resigned and distracted to and I don’t do much after school. I think so I try to get work done as soon as it is insist that world leaders get this thing under the pandemic would be even worse if I assigned. control for all of us. couldn’t talk to my friends. I had always looked forward to going So what will our generation be known There have been lots of bad things that to with all my friends for the for? When an illness hits the body, the body have come from this pandemic like many eighth-grade school trip. I was very dis- builds up immunity. It becomes stronger, people getting sick and making it hard appointed when it was canceled and that more resilient, and better equipped to stand to see other people but there have been I wouldn’t get to do all the fun culmina- up to the next unexpected challenger. So some good things too. I have a lot more tion activities this year. Now that I got after the stress of this last year, I hope that’s free time so I can still talk to my friends my first dose of the COVID vaccination, what we’ll be known for… for being the and I also get to spend more time with my I hope I will be able to see my friends most resilient generation ever. A generation family. and go back to school soon. that was impossible to hold back even with a I’ve started to do homework with my —Arik Kraft deadly global pandemic. 14 June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Opinion Paul Revere Middle School

TALKING HEADS Is it possible to go away this summer and still stay safe? As the year wraps up, usually most students are excited for their summer travel plans. Now, with COVID-19, students must decide if it is possible to travel and have fun while staying safe.

“I think it’s possible to go away this summer on vacation or to camp and still stay safe because as long as people social distance and try to wear their mask as much as possible, people can definitely stay safe while having some fun.” —Avery Kawejsza, Grade 6 “ Yes. If people at camps get tested and are kept in cohorts it will be safe to return to camp. Testing and maintaining cohorts shouldn’t be too hard. On vacation people generally can wear masks and stay with their family. With vaccina- tions rising and COVID numbers plummeting, vacations and camps should be safe to go back to in the summer.” —Cole Sugarman Grade 7 “Yes, I think you could travel during the summer and still stay safe. I think this is true because you can either quarantine if you travel on a plane, or you could drive instead. I think people should still wear masks. They could also try and stay away from people by social distancing.” —Gabi Willis, Grade 6 TOWN CRIER POLL “My family is going to Hawaii for the summer for one week for my dad’s birthday. We don’t plan on going anywhere far. I feel like it’s ok Should Patriots be required to get to fly there because most of my family will be vaccinated except my sister who’s eleven. It’s not COVID vaccinations before as big of a risk anymore. I will also follow safety procedures. This is my first flight since COVID returning to school next year? started.” — Jasper Hoegh-Guldberg, Grade 8

62.1% Yes “You can still safe while enjoying your 14.4% No summer vacation. All you have to do is continue to wear masks, do COVID tests, 23.5% Not sure and practice social distancing from strangers.” —Nurah Abokar, Grade 7 Based on a poll of 153 Patriots from all three grades through Google Forms the week of May 24, 2021.

“It is absolutely possible to go away this VOLUME 65, ISSUE 5 summer and be safe. If we are talking about COVID safety, just follow the protocols already put in place. Wear a mask and socially distance. Wash your hands often and try not to go to large crowd gatherings.” —Mr. Kirby, P.E. Teacher Published by and for the students of Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Magnet Center “I think it is possible to travel this summer or go 1450 W. Allenford Avenue to camp as long as before you go, you have been , California 90049 quarantined and have negative COVID tests. I Editors: Hunter Hughes, Arik Kraft, think staying cooped up during summer will affect Nico Troedsson, Amanda Wexler, many people’s mental health. In addition, it is Lily Williamson, Avery Zemlak, bad for child development to have their social life Member of the National Mason Wiener, Giada Musumeci, cut.” —Misha Keyvanfar, Grade 7 Scholastic Press Association Casey Scaduto, Grant Coelen Faculty Advisor: Mr. Wechsler Interviews and layout by Giada Musumeci June 10, 2021 Paul Revere Middle School 15 Entertainment Cover artwork by eighth- grader Naomi Amster.

Eighth-grader Isabella Canella reads her “Every Memorable Moment” poem. UNSTOPPABLE WRITERS Revere’s young authors celebrate a collection of their works in 17th annual literary anthology. By AMANDA WEXLER tantly, students get the opportunity to come mostly had a common theme: loneliness, together and appreciate their beautiful writ- isolation, and the impact that COVID-19 Each year, Paul Revere Middle School ing. This event is a tradition that is incredibly has had on the mental health and general hosts an event to celebrate the literary an- important to Paul Revere, and one that could life of students. When asked about this joint thology that its students have worked so not simply be let go. And so, despite the topic, Ms. Roman shared, “Overall, I think hard to contribute to. Speeches are made, challenges of the pandemic, the Revere Lit- the writing in this year’s anthology is more submissions are read aloud, and most impor- erary Anthology event was held with much personal and sincere than past years.” success, as it has been for many years. Of course, this year’s event came with its own unique struggles—mostly revolv- ing around the fact that the event had to be hosted online. When asked about the chal- lenges that the staff faced when organizing both the event and the anthology itself, Ms. Roman, the teacher behind the event, said, “I think it was a little bit harder to collect submissions this year because we weren’t able to remind everyone with the morning announcements. But the English teachers Eighth-grader Annie Smith reads from her did a great job gathering their students’ Eighth-grader Eli Hamid his narrative “Walk, personal narrative titled “To Float on Air.” writing and I think our final project will be Then Run” about a scary episode in his life. fantastic!” Mustering the motivation to submit work has been difficult for most students during online learning, which made getting a suf- ficient amount of submissions challenging. However, this year’s middle school students were able to overcome these adversities, and the anthology was created as planned. The recent struggles are not the only im- pact that the pandemic has had on this year’s literary anthology. While the writing from past years has covered a variety of topics, Eighth-grader Zachary Shapiro reads his au- from short stories to silly poems to pieces Sixth-grader Lyla Brugger reads her “What tobiographical “Conquering Stair Mountain.” from class, the writing submitted this year My Name Means Poem” to the camera. 16 June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Entertainment Paul Revere Middle School

Disneyland and other nearby theme parks are finally reopening, but does the magic feel the same?

By SHANE MASTERSON Even with that, though, it’s not all bad — as ridiculous as those lines were because With COVID rapidly slowing and of distancing guidelines, the wait times were restrictions lifting across the state — and short, with Disneyland only being allowed across the country — many were asking: to have less than 25% of their original ca- when would the happiest place on Earth, and pacity at the time of writing. This was one of all of California’s other great theme parks, the main reasons I went just a couple weeks be open again? That lingered for after reopening. With Disneyland canceling a while, but eventually we got our answer: the Annual Pass subscription and line-hop- Disneyland was set to reopen April 30. But ping programs like FastPass and MaxPass with strict COVID guidelines, closed down being unavailable, I was able to get onto rides, and no in-park entertainment, was in ten minutes, Pe- there “magic” still there? ter Pan’s Flight in five, and Indiana Jones in When I visited Disneyland in early May, over a year since my visit before the park closure in March of 2020, the expe- rience felt far from normal; lines stretched into other rides depending on the attraction (like Indiana Jones’ line going through , then the currently-closed , and then finally outside the Eighth-grader Jayden Lucas visit Main Street. original queue area) and being able to walk around with food isn’t a possibility. Instead, entertainment, the park admittedly felt a bit you need to find a “designated dining area” odd at the end of the day, but seeing thou- that isn’t populated in order to enjoy your sands of people — even at 25%! — walk treats. There are no nighttime spectaculars down Main Street and wave goodbye to all like the incredible Fantasmic or the iconic the Cast Members was a magical feeling in fireworks, or in-park entertainment like and of itself. the Dapper Dans or the Disneyland Band. And Disneyland isn’t alone in this Characters are still there, but greet you from realm. Many of California’s other theme a distance; no hugging Mickey this time! parks are in the process of or have reopened. (I was definitely okay with that, though.) Universal Studios reopened April 16 with Mobile Order, pretty much the only way to similar rules and restrictions to Disneyland. order popular food items like Dole Whip, Six Flags jumped the gun on reopening, is finicky and annoying. It may sound like cracking its doors open on April 1. And I’m nitpicking, and I still believe Disney did Knott’s Berry Farm was the latest of the a great job restoring the park to its original bunch, reopening on May 21. So even other glory, but there are some noticeable things than Disneyland, April-May was a fantastic missing. month for theme parks. These parks have a lot to offer — Universal is similar to Disne- yland, with heavily-themed lands and rides, with Knott’s and Six Flags engaging more on high-speed thrills and lighter theming. But back to Disneyland; is it the same? On paper, no — but the magic feels like it’s still there, and I had a fantastic visit to the park. Rise of the Resistance was still the best Sixth-grader Vanessa Masterson gets ready Disney attraction ever, even with a slight to go on attraction. pre-show modification. Pirates of the Carri- bean felt as immersive and engaging as it did twenty, even when the app displayed double pre-COVID, even with the temporary clo- or triple that. And the lack of entertainment sure of the Blue Bayou restaurant that was around the park is at least somewhat substi- going on during my trip. And the new ride, tuted by the speakers blasting music around Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, brings even the park being noticeably louder, preserving more magic to . Revere students the “natural soundtrack” that the Disneyland who are looking to take a stab at Disney Band used to provide. A decent amount of again but are apprehensive, rest assured. If restaurants were closed due to dining re- wait times and capacity hold true, it may just strictions, but no rides; the closed rides, like be one of the best Disneyland experiences the aforementioned Jungle Cruise (which is you’ll ever have. And if Annual Pass, Max- getting a redux) and the iconic Matterhorn Pass, and FastPass return once COVID ends Eighth-grader Sophia Hopf enjoys a socially were down for refurbishment rather than and capacity increases, it’ll be an experience distanced visit to :Galaxy’s Edge. shuttering due to COVID. Without any night you won’t be able to have ever again. June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Entertainment Paul Revere Middle School 17 Showcase Showdown

Andrew Bramblett sings Six talented Patriots show Sunny Lehrhoff a song he wrote himself grace under pressure at the plays “July” by called “U Know Who U Noah Cyrus Are.” Revere Talent Showcase sponsored by Leadership.

By SONNY MULNIK Sixth-grader Mabel Lowe was just about to begin singing “Escape My Mind” for the Student Showcase on Mar. 19 when her WiFi went out. “I went downstairs and had to reset it so quickly, Isabelle Kocher and I had to move my place,” said Mabel. plays “Your Song” The technical glitch, which have become Lucas Boneti by Elton John. all too familiar over the last 15 months, performs an did not deter her from missing a beat once original song she got started singing. titled “When Mabel was not the only performer You Need Me to show off their showbiz spirit. Sev- the Most.” enth-grader Lucas Boneti, who per- formed “When You Need Me the Most,” an original composition, said he wanted to inspire people to be their best selves. Mabel Lowe performs “Escape My Mind” “I chose this song because I feel it has by Grace VanderWaal. inspiring lyrics that say that even when you are struggling, I’ll be there for you, no matter what.” Fortunately for Lucas, his wifi worked just fine. “It was very exciting to showcase my work to the school,” he said afterwards. “Even though I practiced it many times over, I was still afraid some- thing could go wrong because I wanted to Sophia Krikheli sings put out the best performance for you all “Riptide” by Vance Joy. to see.”

Milo’s skills were again put to the test when competing on one of the biggest stages for danc- Zooming ing ever: ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.” He ended up placing second. Zombie! Whitney Baker asked what his By MICHAEL WILLIAMSON Actor / dancer Milo favorite part of the show was, and Manheim answers he responded, “The best part was Well-known actor and dancer questions at a Revere the friends I made. Something Milo Manheim starred in a Zoom Zoom meeting hosted that is unique about Dancing with meeting hosted by Mr. Hyman on by Mr. Hyman. the Stars is that the people in it Mar. 11 to inspire students work- are so different. There are sitcom ing on their film festival entries. actors, NFL players and more. I Milo is the son of Golden learned so much there. However Globe award-winning actress my favorite singular moment was Camryn Manheim who herself in the finals; yes I made it there. went on a Revere Zoom only a We were on a float and I was in few weeks earlier. Milo spoke awe because I was only 17 at the about his boost to fame from time and was there in front of Disney as he starred in the film that interest came from my mom. stage with the job.” millions. To sum things up, I re- series Zombies. Revere student Anyways, my first gig came from Milo spoke about following ally enjoyed my time at Dancing Ella Rich asked, “What was your a simple high school play called your dreams, and said that even with the Stars.” first role, and how do you get it?” Rent. There was a Disney scout he, who had such a big starting The lunch break ended after Milo responded, “Zombies was and she was going from school to gig, still had trouble finding a Milo shared about his career, actually my first professional gig. school to find an actor that fit the new role. Another student asked with everyone happy to have I have loved musicals and plays role. She came to mine, saw the about Milo’s dancing career. Al- heard the stories from the per- since I was a kid, and a lot of play, and came up to me back- though shown off in Zombies, spective of a young actor. 18 June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Entertainment Paul Revere Middle School

Lily Williamson More Than “Perfectly Fine” The year is 2013. I’m seven years- old, and performing ’s “You Belong With Me” to my stuffed animals, decked out in a fedora and sunglasses (the epitome of 2010s Wake Up, Samurai. fashion). There was no stress, no heart- break, just at-home concerts that I’m sure annoyed my family. We’ve Got a Game to Fix. The award-winning Fearless, containing the hit songs “Forever & A Patriot reviews the “hyped up” new game Cyberpunk 2077. Always,” “Love Story” and the aforemen- tioned “You Belong With Me,” may have By SHANE MASTERSON all. Games with similar scopes, budgets, and come out when I was just a toddler, but I development time like Red Dead Redemp- still spent many of my elementary school Cyberpunk 2077. It’s been called the tion 2 have in-depth systems, with police years bopping to this new type of country most hyped video game of all time, and that actively chase you if someone witnesses music. It was this album that turned me that’s been attributed to its aggressive a crime, but leave you alone if nobody is into the Swiftie I am now. Fast forward marketing campaign. Like, seriously, a game around. 2077 is completely absent in this to April 8th, 2021. I’m in my room and with Keanu Reeves is bound to get some realm. Police spawn next to you regardless it’s a typical Thursday night, except I’m attention. Developed by CD Projekt Red, of where a crime was committed, then disap- anticipating the release of the re-recorded Cyberpunk 2077 is the studio’s newest game pear once you drive away. Fearless album. after their 2015 surprise hit The Witcher None of this, however, is nearly as As of November 2020, Taylor Swift 3: Wild Hunt which has been famed as severe as the unacceptable performance and has been able to re-record her masters off one of the best games of all time. Gamers rampant bugs in both the PC and console of her first five , after her former trusted CD Projekt to deliver a microtrans- versions of the game. Where it’s really bad was acquired by a new label action-free, no-nonsense package. The is the last-gen base consoles. PS4 Pro and (a deal Taylor has spoken out against). developers themselves even said they would. Xbox One X have performance that just The first album Taylor Swift has chosen to But this couldn’t be further from the barely crosses the threshold of acceptable, record is her second one, titled Fearless truth. Cyberpunk 2077, while at its core a but Xbox One and PS4 have ridiculously (Taylor’s Version), marking the beginning pretty good game, is hampered by problems low resolutions, pop-in and texture stream- of a new era of re-recordings. This release that aren’t just bugs and glitches; problems ing issues, and framerates that commonly was a hit, dominating the Billboard Charts that the developers of the game promised go into the low twenties. In other terms: it’s in the United States. wouldn’t be present. For example, I was unplayable and bad looking. I encountered Not only is this album monumental for constantly pulled out the game by literally hundreds of bugs during my play through, Taylor’s career, it is also something very nonexistent non-player-character (NPC) and they consistently distracted me from close to my heart. I grew up inspired by AI; shooting a weapon up into the air in the the experience. I experienced only a small the happy-ending themes in her songs like midst of a large crowd in the city the game amount of “game breaking” bugs. Whenev- “Love Story,” “Fearless,” “You Belong is set in results in every NPC around you er I started to get immersed, my car would Me” and “Hey Stephen,” and would crouching and cowering at exactly the same flip me across the map, an enemy would daydream about the fairy-tale-like world time. And they don’t get up, even if you skip glitch under the floor, or my character would Taylor Swift created with the album. Now, 24 hours of in-game time. Turn away from randomly explode on the street. And it’s far I’m almost fifteen years-old, about to that group of NPCs and turn back? They’ll from the polished experience you expect begin high school, and I can relate to her be gone completely. Contrast this to devel- when you purchase a $60 AAA title. song “Fifteen” in a way I never thought I oper CD Projekt Red’s original promise, A recent patch, titled Patch 1.2, fixed would. Even “From the Vault” track where in the gameplay reveal for the game, over 500 bugs plaguing the game after three “Mr. Perfectly Fine” is a personal favorite they stated “we’ve greatly enhanced our months. And CD Projekt has been relative- that I never would’ve understood when I crowd and community systems to create the ly responsible recently. They released a was little. most believable city in an open-world game roadmap for the game that includes multiple When this album dropped, I listened to date.” And in an interview with Game- updates, improvements, and DLC expan- to every single song. I danced along to Star, they hinted at over 1,000 NPCs with sions over the year. Cyberpunk 2077 might the songs I’ve known since kindergarten, unique, handmade routines that would lapse become the game I wished it was eventually. and cried to the songs that have been over 24 hours; so any typical NPC. Cyberpunk 2077 has its moments, but more relatable as I’ve gotten older. I have In the finished product, the AI is worse it’s still a buggy mess with broken systems. grown-up with Taylor Swift’s music, and than 15-year-old games. Interacting with an And even though the future looks better, this new release helped me to both revisit NPC will result in a one-liner sometimes what was delivered was almost certainly not my childhood, and explore aspects of my with inaccurate voices or with no voice at a finished product. teenage years. June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Entertainment Pail Revere Middle School 19

By AMANDA WEXLER During the pandemic of 2020-2021, all people were forced into lockdown and for many artists, this meant they could spend more time than ever working on what they love doing most: music, writing, recording and even producing. Music, unlike most things, can be enjoyed by all people regard- less of age or identity. A song has the power to unearth deep emotions in people, which is why music is so greatly loved by almost everyone on this planet. This is also why there is no age limit to music — whether you are listening to it or creating it. Olivia Rodrigo proved this when she dropped her new hit singles “Drivers License,” “Deja Vu” and “Good 4 You” which all rocketed towards number one Future Nostalgia is English singer Dua by is an absolute- on ’s top 100 charts just 1 day after Lipa’s breakthrough album, released on 27 ly brilliant pop album which somehow being released. The fact that a teenager can March 2020 under . This manages to strike a perfect balance with its create a piece of art that is enjoyed by peo- album is a mix between 80s music and energetic, fast paced numbers and mellow ple of all ages shows that age is not a barrier modern music,which personally is perfect songs about heartbreak, love and friendship. to overcome, nor a roadblock in the path of combination. Throughout the album you can It is everything you want in a indie/pop/ success. Everyone has the ability to make see that Dua Lipa has found her music style rock album and more. Kid Krow has swept people feel something, which is a capability and when she won best Pop Vocal album at me off my feet and will continue to do so that should not be taken lightly. The Grammys, I was so excited. with every listen! Quarantunes Music created by quarantined artists has broken records, topped the charts and touched our hearts.

Folklore is the eighth studio Dancing with the Devil ... SOUR is the debut album by Plastic Hearts is the seventh album by singer-songwriter the Art of Starting Over is singer songwriter Olivia Rodrigo studio album Miley Cyrus has Taylor Swift. It was a surprise the seventh studio album by and was released on May 21, put out, released on November album, released on July 24, Demi Lovato and was released 2021. SOUR covers every emo- 27, 2020, under RCA Records. 2020, through Republic Re- on Apr. 2 by tion from sadness to rage and I After only 5 short months of the cords. This album has proven along side their documentary absolutely love how much in- album being out, Miley became that Taylor Swift is not just a series on YouTube with the same spiration she took from her idols one of three female artist, Taylor pop star, her ability to transition title. THIS. ALBUM. That’s all such as Taylor Swift and even Swift and Lady Gaga, in all of through genres, from her early I need to say. It’s so cohesive took a sample from Taylor’s Spotify history to reach 1 billion days of country music with her between the tracks and I love song “New Years Day” from her streams on all of their albums. self titled album to Red and then the way it flows and tells a story. album “Reputation.” I appreciate I loved most of these songs and her triumphant transition to pop You can really tell that Demi how true to time and relatable I especially like how there are with the award winning record took a lot of time with this album each song is and how different rock songs among slow and smashing 1989, followed up by and dug deep into everything each one is from the next, this emotional songs that reflected on the dark and electric Reputation that’s happened in their life over gives the album a great sense of the past! Through this album Mi- and the brighter pastel themed the past two years. Even if some uniqueness. I also like how ex- ley shows that she is a versatile love filled Lover, and now folk- tracks weren’t my favorite, they pressive the songs are and how it artist and I think we get the best lore, this album further proves still tie into the story as a whole. isn’t only about the melody but of her voice on the song featur- that Taylor Swift can do it all! Not a single track is out of place. also about the message. ing Joan Jett,“Bad Karma.” 20 June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Entertainment Paul Revere Middle School Smart

About Revere’s future superstars wrapped up the school year on a high note with a Zoom show on Friday, Jun. 4. Performers included (top to bottom) Olivia Clark, Ilsy Calero, Natalia Crystal, Ronin Suarez, Evonne Brider, Chole Dallas, Roxanne Bakhtari, and Uma Ra- ART maswami. Mr. Bilek and his leadership team hosted the event which drew a triple digit Friday night addiuence.

NICHOLAS SARTORY I’ve had a knack for visual arts ever since I was a small kid. The oldest memories I have dating back to when I was around six-to-seven years old. I’d say my favorite style of art is pencil drawing. For as long as I can remem- ber, I’ve mainly been sticking around the level of sketching, shading, and inking. Every so often I may add more to a piece, but lighting and color were never really my strong suits, so the majority of draw- ings I create stay black and white. I never The eighth-graders voted really have a defined source of inspiration. I “Most Artistic” in the year- may be inspired by something as simple as a new song I just discovered, or by a stunning book poll share their insights view at the end of a long hike. Some things about their artistic talents. will cause a sudden and unexplainable burst of motivation, and I just like to sit back and DARBY RASTEGAR wait for them to arrive. I realized I had a I have been doing art since I could pick talent that I could take seriously in the third up a pencil and found that it’s a great way grade when I would receive compliments to translate life’s ineffable moments into telling me about the gift I had. And, in fourth pictures for everyone to understand. I like grade, I grew close to obsessed with drawing, drawing figures and landscapes with chalk often doodling in a workbook or on handouts pastels, paint, and colored pencils. I’ve ob- during class, then filling sketchbook after tained most of my knowledge from friends, sketchbook at home. Over time I improved and gained inspiration from my family. greatly and reached the level where I’m Lauryn Rahimi has actually taught me a lot currently at. I think that developing this skill of helpful tips and tricks when it came to comes from a love for creativity. If someone drawing hands in particular. Over the years, doesn’t have the motivation to call upon I have acquired many new strategies and their imagination and try to depict their ideas techniques that really improved my draw- to the best of their ability, then they simply ings. I found it makes a crucial difference won’t be able to. Practice is definitely one of when you pay attention to the small details the most important factors, but you have to that make something realistic, and convey want to put in the time and genuine effort of some sort of a message. Most importantly, practice if you intend to improve. If you take art is about expressing yourself and having up any hobby half-heartedly, you may not a good time. I think my ability to draw came find yourself getting to the level you want from years of practice and my love from and it may be right to ask whether or not you interpreting art. My motivation to become a really enjoy it. I believe that I have a passion skilled artist was stimulated by friends and to create, and I think the desire to pursue that family, who always encouraged me. passion is what allows me to excel. Screenshots and Layout: Grant Coelen June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Entertainment Paul Revere Middle School 21

The “Best Musician” yearbook poll finalists talk about what music means to them. By JAMES BALL

#1 “A while back, I heard some- #1 “I started playing the violin one say that learning to play music when I was in first grade, but I had is like running the tap in an old also previously learned how to play house. For a while you’ll get the piano when I was four. Ever muddy water, but eventually some- since I started to play the violin, I thing clean will come out. have always enjoyed it. It is always In my opinion this couldn’t be exciting when I am learning a new more true.” –Henry Jamison piece.” –Leena Adeli

#2 “I was seven years old when I posted signs all over the house asking for a trumpet. Since my #2 “Not only has singing and parents bought me one, there is piano helped me, but it brings barely been a day when I haven’t joy to other people. During played it. It is a huge part of my COVID I formed a duet with my life and I can’t wait for all the friend Leena. We perform in the music I get to play in the future.” Palisades and raised over $500 –Max Von Der Ohe for St. Jude’s.” –Izzy Kocher

#3 “I have played piano since I was eight. In sixth grade I joined the school orchestra playing the #3 “I’ve been playing violin violin. But then I switched back for seven years and flute for to piano. It’s pretty fun. If you three and love both of them. I’m learn really hard songs you can really looking forward to all the learn how to play them in different opportunities high school has to ways.” –Sherwin Hazany offer.” –Natalia Ray

#4 “I started playing piano when I #4 “In all my years of playing, the was four years old. I also play the last three years have been the most violin and viola. I’ve been studying enjoyable due to my fellow musicians music theory. I love being able to and Mr. Samuel in the orchestra.” play with other people to bring joy –Benjamin McCullough to others.” –Annalisa Hurd

#5 “‘Don’t feel stupid if you don’t #5 “Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve like what everyone else pretends always loved to play the saxophone. It to love.’ This quote is from Emma just feels so natural and I don’t think Watson but I really admire her!” I’ll ever stop playing.” –Zac Shapiro –Annika Johansson 22 June 10, 2021 Paul Revere Middle School Lifestyle

Matthew Tarica’s plexiglass shield added extra safety to his memorable ceremony. Making Mitzvah Memories Due to the pandemic, many Patriots had to change and postpone their Bar or Bat Mitzvahs.

By NOAH HOURIANI congregated in their backyard, digital except for a dozen people. families. This would ensure that zooming the service to family It was also delayed from May to the Jewish youth would become “Sorry, your Bar Mitzvah is and friends. Similarly, another November. Also, everyone who a Bar Mitzvah according to postponed.” Those were the in- Paul Revere student hosted his spoke was behind plexiglass, tradition. evitable words every Jewish 13 Bar Mitzvah with Temple Kehil- so it looked like everyone was Prior to temples being closed, year old dreaded between March lat Israel in his backyard as well. in a box.” Bar Mitzvah services and parties and August of 2020. Hours upon Seventh-grader Max Dor- When the pandemic hit, rab- could take place anywhere and hours, months and months of band said, “I had my Bar Mitzvah bis were forced to close temple you were not limited in party hard work, rendered useless. service and party on April doors to their congregations. size. No rules, no limits, or even COVID-19 hasn’t just im- 24, 2021 where I invit- In order to keep their masks. The family would attend pacted our daily lives, it has also ed family and very communities en- services and then host a party, impacted a Jewish rite of passage close friends. Misha Keyvanfar gaged, rabbis congratulating the Bar or Bat that has been preserved since the There was a had no choice Mitzvah on becoming a mature 13th century. This tradition has significant but to adapt adult. Guests would look forward survived World Wars and even reduction in quickly. One to feasts, mouth-watering des- the Holocaust. A B’nai Mitzvah our guest way they serts, fun games, heart-warming serves as a transition from child- list so I was did this was speeches, and dancing. Today, in hood to adulthood where you only able by allowing the midst of a Pandemic these are are now obligated to abide by to invite 20 cameras all distant memories. the laws of the Torah. Severely people. The to record COVID-19 hasn’t just elim- affected by the pandemic, many Pandemic Torah read- inated the festivities of a Bar families in the Jewish communi- affected my ings, an act Mitzvah. It has also impacted ty have been forced to reconsid- Bar Mitzvah so that is tradi- Jewish traditions that have been er celebrating their Bar Mitzvah much but I’m still tionally banned practiced for many centuries. this year. For those who chose very appreciative.” during holy Satur- The state and CDC temporari- to keep their original date, many Another significant day morning services. ly banned singing and chanting changes were necessary to follow change families had to adapt to Furthermore, rabbis decided to prayers in every temple service state guidelines. Venue changes, was not having their rabbi by conduct all their services on an in California. An extreme change vendor choices and guest list size their side for this milestone. As online platform. This would not from the norm, this sudden rule were just some of the required the pandemic affected the elderly only keep everyone safe, but also was made for the sake of people’s modifications to adapt to the cir- more significantly, most elderly allow the community to practice health and safety. For example, cumstances. For example, eighth decided to stay safe and perform Jewish rituals. Rabbis further Sinai Temple in West Los An- grader Arik Kraft’s Bar Mitzvah the service through zoom. adjusted to the current circum- geles had to close their building was originally planned to take Eighth-grader Matthew Tarica stances by allowing sacred To- completely due to health mea- place at Temple Kehillat Isra- said, “The audience was mostly rah scrolls to be sent home with sures. Because of all this, some el, but in order to proceed, they June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Lifestyle Paul Revere Middle School 23 families have opted to postpone Sinai Temple’s virtual zoom plat- their B’nai Mitzvah altogether. form. But some of my close fam- This intensifies challenges, as the ily and friends attended the torah Bar Mitzvah student now needs reading service in my own back- to learn a whole new Torah por- yard to support me on this huge tion for the new corresponding milestone. I was not allowed into week. On the other hand, many my temple so I had an ark and a families out of necessity have let Torah brought to my backyard. their imagination and creativi- Although my Bat Mitzvah didn’t ty lead them to reasonable Bar go as planned, the fact that it Mitzvah plans while also adher- was hosted in my backyard just ing to COVID-19 precautions. made it a much more memorable Currently, many families experience!” are hosting Zoom Bar Mitzvahs Seventh-grader Sammy Paul where the Rabbi, cantor, and also had a similar plan for his other assistants come together Bar Mitzvah this year. “My Bar not in person but over Zoom to Mitzvah was towards the end of celebrate this milestone. As the the year on Apr. 24, 2021, when pandemic spiked, synagogues the pandemic was dying down such as Sinai Temple and Ste- and more people were vaccinat- phen Wise Temple hosted High ed. The service took place out- Holiday services through Zoom Arik Kraft side Stephen Wise Temple where platforms and live streams during I invited 70 kids and adults and Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. the party was at my house later As COVID cases decline, the same day. I think the pandem- many temples are trying their ic affected everyone’s Bar/Bat best to creatively implement Mitzvah by the size of the peo- COVID Safe services. For exam- ple invited. It definitely affected ple, by October as COVID cas- mine because I was supposed es declined Sinai Temple finally to do mine at a hotel with more opened two outdoor locations people but instead I hosted it at a where B’nai Mitzvahs could con- temple.” duct Torah services. However Many Paul Revere Patriots there’s a catch: you’re limited to are showing their appreciation to 20 people. Thus, family size de- have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah during termines whether it will be host- the pandemic. For example, Max ed at a temple or in a backyard. Dorband says, “I really enjoyed Seventh-grader Sasha Saleh- my Bar Mitzvah. I really liked rabi and her family decided that the service and I don’t think I hosting her Bat Mitzvah in per- would really change anything! I son at the temple would make am very thankful to have had my this milestone much more mem- Bar Mitzvah during COVID!” orable. She said, “I had my To- Sammy Paul also says, “If I rah Reading service on Apr. 10, had the chance I would change 2021 with my immediate family it to a hotel but I am grateful for and I was the first one to be back what I got. I am very thankful to in person for a physical Bar/Bat Noah Houriani have one during covid and thank- Mitzvah at Sinai Temple. My ful people came.” Bat Mitzvah was affected by Misha Keyvanfar says, “al- COVID-19 because even though Eli Hamid though I didn’t get to experi- I was in person, it was still very ence the full joy of having a Bat stressful and the safety rules Mitzvah, I am so thankful that were stringent. For example, we I had this experience because it had to wear a mask most of the was really one of a kind and it’s time, our whole family was re- amazing that I could have such a quired to stand behind a plexi- beautiful service in the middle of glass cover, and I wasn’t able to a worldwide pandemic.” invite friends. Because I want to Now as the year is coming have a big party for my Bat Mitz- to an end, Paul Revere Patriots vah, I’m willing to wait until the are learning that having a Bar or pandemic dies down so that way Bat Mitzvah during the pandemic I can celebrate without any re- with close friends and family just strictions.” makes this monumental experi- An instance of improvising ence much more memorable. during difficult circumstanc- So, there is a new generation es was experienced by sev- of Bar and Bat Mitzvah students enth-grader Misha Keyvanfar. who are learning that the real “Due to COVID, I wasn’t able gift of becoming a Bar Mitzvah to have all people attending my isn’t really all the frills and fun Bat Mitzvah in person and had but rather the opportunity to read to have most people join through from a Torah. That’s the true blessing. 24 June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Lifestyle Paul Revere Middle School Hair We Go Again! Meet the latest group of eighth-graders who won “Best Hair” honors in the 2021 yearbook poll.

By MASON WIENER Some students seldom have a bad hair day. Take the 11 eighth-graders on this page, for example. They all made the cut in the recent yearbook poll. Pre-COVID-19, most people on campus had shorter and more groomed hair, but recently the mul- let (which was huge in the ’80s but has since lost pop- ularity) has made a come- back. Eighth grader Charlie Speiser, the winner for the boy’s best hair, lives life on the edge by daring to cut his own hair with a straight- edged razor. In fact, Charlie is all Riley Lenz Charlie Speiser business about his mullett. “Every morning, I wake up and siphon diesel from my Chevy truck and oil down my hair until it is to my liking. People have told me my hairstyle reminds them of a young Billy Ray Cyrus. However, I find that very disrespectful. I pride myself on my mullet while Billy ray Cyrus uses his for clout. I look up to great Arik Kraft Ben Barnett Isabella Karimi mullets such as legendary tennis player Andre Agassi and My favorite artist .” For Riley Lenz, the winner of the girl’s best hair poll, it’s all about keeping up a root-ine. “Every day I shampoo and condition my hair with sun- bum and Pantene,” she said. “I also make sure to brush my hair throughout the day. Any time I use a heat Isabella Tavakoli Jasper Hoegh-guldbergArik Kraft Jean Haney product (curling iron/ hair straightener) I use heat pro- tectant spray to refrain from any damage to my hair.” Whom does Riley look up to for hairstyle ideas? “I don’t have any main per- son I base my hair off of,” she explained, “but I do take some inspiration from the hairstyles worn by Kat Stratford from “10 Things I Hate About You.” She add- ed, “My main hair inspira- Oliver Banafsheha Olivia Stanley Ronin Sherertz tion is the ’90s.” June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Lifestyle Paul Revere Middle School 25 The Boba Samantha Beckey A Club for Shortage Everyone Local stores struggle to meet Pride parades the high demand for the chewy bring people socially together treat that faces delivery delays. throughout the month of June. At By CASEY SCADUTO Revere we have the Prism Club Boba, a sweet drink filled with chewy that brings people tapioca pearls has taken the young adult socially together world by storm. This drink emerged from in the same ways, Taiwan and since then boba shops and stores not just in June have opened their doors all across the U.S., but all school year long. The club is a predominantly the West Coast, sweeping the place where people can talk about their food and drink enthusiasts who were deter- common interests. mined to try the beverage. Unfortunately, a LGBTQ+ is an acronym for shortage in tapioca starch supply has struck Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer A favorite of many Patriots is the milk tea many of these shops. With a high demand or Questioning. These terms are used to with boba from Palisades Garden Cafe. for this product and a lack of workers in lo- describe someone’s feelings or gender cations that handle and assemble products dling processes during the pandemic. Just identity. The sexualities gay and lesbian there has been a backup in ports. Which has are homosexual people who are only stopped ships from Asia, many of which car- like the prior shortage in sanitary supplies at the beginning of the pandemic, many flocked attracted to the same gender. Queer is rying tapioca starch, from landing in these an umbrella term used to describe a ports. to stores to stock up on boba products. Ac- cording to NewYorkTimes.com, “There’s no homosexual person. A bisexual person The scarcity of this product is an exam- is sexually attracted to two or more ple of the upset in many shipping and han- sign that the ship delays will abate anytime soon. The number of container ships waiting genders. Transgender people were born at anchor to dock in Los Angeles or Long in the gender they don’t feel comfort- Beach peaked at 40 in February, according to able with. That person then transitions data from the Marine Exchange of Southern to the opposite gender they are most California.” Boba supply stores in Califor- comfortable with. Someone who is non nia have also seen shipments coming in very binary does not identify as woman or slow. The news of this sparsity has spread male but is instead referred to as they/ across social media, making many food and them. Pansexual means the person has beverage connoisseurs sad. Many people no sexual preference and like all genders. have bonded over their liking to boba. Addi- An asexual does not have sexual feelings tionally, many boba shop owners are nervous or desires. Genderfluid people will go by for their business rates since their boba sup- different pronouns with ones they feel ply has become finite. This includes James comfortable with. They may feel more Kwon, owner of Palisades Garden Cafe, a comfortable going by they/them, she/her, local favorite restaurant in the Pacific Pali- or he/him or a combination of a few. sades that sells a large amount of boba. Revere’s Prism Club used to be When asked about his thoughts on the called GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) shortage of tapioca starch and its effect on where LGBTQ+ members and their his business, Mr. Kwon said, “Yes the short- friends could feel welcomed and accept- age is real and we have been struggling to ed. Ms. Cruz and Ms. Martinez have get it ourselves. It’ll affect us by not being served as the co-sponsors for over 8 able to offer it to our customers.” He also years now. said that there really is no good substitute “At the end of the Summer of 2014, for boba. He also mentioned that “there have Ms. Martinez came to me and asked me been numerous items that are back ordered if I wanted to co-sponsor the GSA club due to the port issues., including containers, at Revere,” remembered Ms. Cruz. “A utensils, etc.” student of hers had asked her to do it but Many Patriots have enjoyed drinking she was not sure about it. The problem boba in recent years and during the pandem- was that we needed at least 12 students ic. Seventh-grader Nurah Abokar said, “I to join in order to keep the club open. enjoy boba because of its taste and texture. Well, we were surprised that our club has Usually it has a very sweet taste since it’s had 30-40 students per meeting since its boiled with sugar and the texture is so soft opening. We changed the name to Prism and gooey. I like to get boba at Wushiland this school year because the club was Boba, Volcano Tea House and Sharetea.” online.” Seventh-grader Isabella Aguilar said, As we celebrate Pride month, we can “One reason I like boba is the texture of the feel proud that at Paul Revere we have Seventh-grader Mia Harrington poses with her boba balls. I typically buy my boba at Pali- a club where everyone can feel safe and boba at the Westfield mall in Century City. sades Garden Cafe.” supported. 26 June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Lifestyle Paul Revere Middle School REVERE’S BEST DRESSED Yearbook poll finalists show The Town Crier fashion police their best fits. By LILY WILLIAMSON

Lily: Annika Johansson channels Rory Gilmore in her 90’s and indie themed outfits. Her aesthetic combination of DocMartens with a flowing skirt and blouse help this outfit take the cake.

Nico: I like how she put a long, casual skirt on top of big, black boots. Her clothing is flowy which works well with the boots. She- expertly balanced a laid-back hippie style with a bit of punk.

Lily: It’s no secret that Natalie Alpert knows how to make pieces blend well together, and she demonstrates this in her decision to wear a dress shirt as a jacket, which complements her dress nicely.

Nico: She has a cool, all-purpose look. With the funky sunglasses and tall black boots, her accessories make her outfit a good choice for any occasion.

Lily: With statement articles of clothing, Claire Sibson is able to create a look that is chic and eccentric. The green skirt paired with the neutral-toned sweater make this outfit stand out.

Nico: She has an elegant and yet comfortable look going on. I like the color combination with the vibrant greens and pinks of the skirt with the snow-white sweater. Her look mixes fancy and casual.

Lily: Dylan Weidling blended Y2K fashion with earthy tones to create a summery vibe. Her use of platform flip-flops and shorts to create this aesthetic makes this outfit the best.

Nico: Dylan has a summer look going on. She looks stylish and ca- sual like she’s going to lunch at the beach. The light colors together with the sandals makes it a good daily outfit. June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Lifestyle Paul Revere Middle School 27 In a year like no other, some chose to abandon all hopes of staying for Best Dressed, are Samantha Bowden, Ryan Hirschberg and stylish. These eighth-grade finalists of the yearbook’s “Best Dressed” Joshua Sheridan. Each of these Patriots bring their own creativ- annual poll did the opposite, using their fashion as a form of ex- ity and combine it with inspo from their style icons and different pression and creativity. Natalie Alpert and Jasper Hoegh-Guldberg aesthetics to create their unqiue, noteworthy looks. This year’s received the most votes from their peers, and were officially named fashion police, Lily Williamson and Nico Troedsson, pick their fa- Paul Revere’s Best Dressed. Not pictured, but still voted as finalists vorite outfits(boxed in blue) from the following finalists’ collections.

Lily: Jasper Hoegh-Guldberg keeps his fits trendy, while throw- ing in his own 90’s and indie flair. The green sweater creates a look that is simple, yet fashionable, paired with Converse.

Nico: Jasper has a calm look that feels a little 90’s with the over- sized sweater and Converse. The casual look contrasts with the crys- tal hanging from his necklace so it’s nonchalant but also mystical.

Lily: Arik Kraft is an accidental style icon, whose outfits vary be- tween casual and fancy. This time around, he rocks the fancier look, which is fun and fashionable.

Nico: Arik created dressed up look you don’t see often enough with teens. His pants and shoes are ultra-chic while his patterned button-up is fun and approachable, creating a balanced fit.

Lily: Cameron Torkian looks especially cool in his vibrant blue hoodie, creating a look that is casual yet put together. The shoes, which share the same blue as the hoodie are a nice touch!

Nico: Cameron’s outfit with the blue hoodie and matching shoes looks awesome. The color combination is fun and bold, and I like how he uses the black jeans to offset the hoodie.

Lily: Carrying a mix of casual and sophisticated, Eli Hamid serves us awesome looks, and the fit that looks the best is in between the two. His jacket and Nikes add a level of coolness to his outfit.

Nico: I’m digging the mix of styles that Eli has going on. The cool jacket, button down shirt and Nikes bring together a little bit of everything and it feels both dressed up and dressed down. 28 June 10, 2021 Paul Revere Middle School Sports

Hannah Assefa Jocelyn Harris Nicole Nguyen Tennis Serves Up Some Relief Revere’s ace players take up buzzing around other opportunities to play reopen without any restrictions. “Since ten- tennis outside of school. Some play tennis at nis is outside and everyone is spread out, it their rackets and slam the a local park nearby, while others take private is generally a safe sport, especially if people virus right out of the park. lessons and/or play in a group with other my age are able to get vaccinated.” Nicole’s kids. been playing tennis four to five times a week By GRANT COELEN Nicole Nguyen, a seventh-grader, has car- and is having the same amount of practic- ried on with tennis throughout the pandem- es compared to before COVID. “Tennis While some sports were crushed by this pan- ic. She said, “I’ve been playing tennis since has gotten me through these rough times,” demic, tennis seemed to ace it. In fact, more first grade but started playing a lot more and Nicole said in conclusion. people than ever took interest in the sport be- competitively when I was in fifth grade.” Just like Nicole, sixth-grade Patriot Han- cause of how safe it is to play during COVID. Even though COVID has prevented Nicole nah Assefa hasn’t let COVID shuffle her It’s great outdoor exercise that keeps people from doing UTR (Universal Tennis Rating) off the court. “I have been playing tennis in shape, especially since many have been tournaments, she’s spending her weekends all throughout quarantine,” she said. Han- cooped up indoors for so long. Overall, ten- playing matches against people in a private nah has played tennis for the past two to nis has served up a great opportunity for kids league. “Tennis has helped me get through three years and enjoys the game because it and adults to escape their everyday stresses. COVID because it gets me out of the house requires good hand-eye coordination. She When you drive by Paul Revere, you’ll and is good exercise,” she said. “After Zoom- has tennis courts near her neighborhood and see that the tennis courts have been taken ing all day, playing tennis makes me feel en- practices her skills sometimes with her dad over by weeds shooting up through the ce- ergized and keeps me busy.” Nicole made it when it isn’t too crowded. “I play tennis of- ment, creating multiple cracks. COVID has on the school tennis team last year and since ten outside of school, as it is my stress re- been a real thief during this pandemic and there wasn’t a season this year, she misses liever,” Hannah added. As a matter of fact, has not only stolen the courts’ smooth sur- the team experience and being able to com- she’s even played more tennis during the face, but the entire tennis season from Pa- pete against people from different schools. pandemic because of all the leftover time she triots. Because of this, students have been She thinks tennis should be allowed to fully has every day. Hannah thinks it would have June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Sports Paul Revere Middle School 29 been rational for the team to have had a sea- Tennis Center, has found some real benefits make changes, like cleaning the ball tubes son this year and says, “As long as Paul Re- bouncing out of the pandemic. “At first, not after every lesson, smaller class sizes, re- vere follows necessary precautions in order many people felt comfortable playing ten- quiring masks to be worn at all times when to stay safe from COVID, participating on nis,” he said. “There were fewer people play- not actively playing, and social distancing. the tennis team should be a safe experience.” ing and the experience was very limited and Mike noted that tennis during this time has Although Hannah is in sixth-grade, she has full of restrictions. However, once COVID been an amazing learning experience for him high hopes for joining the tennis team next had been around for a couple of months, because he has had to learn how to adapt to year. “Playing the sport I love has definitely more people got involved with tennis since change with everything that’s happened. helped in getting me through COVID. If you it’s such a socially distanced and safe sport.” “Almost every day, someone has told me do something you love during a time you Before the coronavirus hit, tennis had wit- that tennis has been the one thing that’s kept hate, everything will be alright.” nessed fourteen million participants, but them sane during the pandemic and that ten- Seventh-grader Tavian Talbert has kept after a year, tennis had over twenty million nis is an essential part of their life.” his tennis passion alive even after all the participants! Tennis has definitely shined a light of challenges COVID has shot at us. Tavian has Mike keeps welcoming new tennis stu- hope over a dark time. Revere students have been playing tennis for almost eight years, dents and adding more “Introduction to used this sport to persevere over this pan- and during the pandemic, he’s been practic- Tennis” classes. They’ve definitely had to demic. They’re ready for their next match. ing in a group three times a week. “Tennis is good exercise and gets the whole body and mind moving,” Tavian commented. He also plays football, but since that got can- Bumping COVID Out of Bounds on the Beach celed, he’s been focusing most of his time on tennis. Tavian made it on the tennis team By EMMA ZARUTSKY last year, but since Revere wasn’t able to The coronavirus is no match against a team that’s de- have a season this year, he’s now on anoth- termined to keep going. Since last November, there er team and thinks the experience has been has been a beach volleyball PEP class. At first, this completely safe. He’s been playing tennis PEP was with a coach named Cuty at Will Rogers the same amount compared to before the Beach, but then PEP partnered with a beach volleyball pandemic and feels that tennis has definitely camp called Sinjin at Will Rogers beach, tower 17. helped him get over the struggle of this poi- There are also new coaches, coach Dalton and coach gnant pandemic. Diana. This PEP takes place Mondays and Wednes- Jocelyn Harris appreciates all the op- days from 3:00pm to 4:30pm. The PEP begins with portunities tennis has presented her over the a passing circle warm up, seeing how many touches past several months. Now in eighth grade, students will get before the ball hits the ground. The she’s been playing tennis for eight years and coaches divide everyone amongst usually 3 courts to enjoys watching herself improve. Through- practice and they play scrimmages at the end, which out the whole pandemic, she hasn’t stopped is a game used to simulate volleyball games and pos- playing tennis. “Tennis is a safe sport to play sible situations in them. Scrimmages are useful for during COVID because you’re pretty social- making fast decisions like you would in an actual vol- ly distanced and spaced out.” Jocelyn said. leyball game and it helps participants stay competitive Jocelyn missed out on her chance to be on throughout the whole match. Avery Kawejsza says, the Paul Revere tennis team during her last “This PEP volleyball experience was so fun because year at Revere, but has already come up with we got to socialize with other kids at Revere and have Avery plans for her freshman year. She’s going to fun while getting exercise.” Kawejska Pali High next year and is preparing for her tennis team tryout. “Tennis was my escape through the craziness going on. It calmed me down. Tennis relaxed me and helped me get the exercise I needed.” Coach Grant Friedman has been keep- ing busy coaching tennis throughout the pan- demic, only not at Revere. “I miss coaching Paul Revere’s tennis team a ton. It has been a constant in my life for the past six years so I’m hoping to get back to it in the fall.” In the meantime, he has been mostly coaching pri- vate lessons. “I am really missing the team atmosphere and energy,” he added. He thinks that Revere made the right decision in not having a tennis season this year, noting that it would have been incredibly hard to orga- nize the amount of athletes Revere has. “The safety of the students is the most important thing to a coach. That being said, tennis is more socially distant than most other sports. I think we can start fresh in the fall with a more safe outlook on sports.” Grant thinks tennis is a hit because people can play it all their life, from age five to eighty. “Tennis is an easy way to make lifelong friends and stay fit in the meantime,” he remarked. Mike Tomas, director of the Palisades 30 June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Sports Paul Revere Middle School

Leena Adeli competes at Ronin Sherertz comes a meet as a in first in the sixth-grade seventh-grader. cross country finals in 2019. DRIVEN BY ADRENALINE The “Most Athletic” yearbook poll winners answer questions about their athletic abilities. By HUNTER HUGHES

Leena Adeli and Ronin Sherertz had a lot to miles. Seeing on how I got sub-six every would also want to join cross country. share about what it’s like to be a top athlete. mile probably turned some heads. Ronin: Well in soccer it got started from a In a recent interview with The Town Crier’s Leena: When I saw the results in the year- childhood bully, and I eventually worked Hunter Hughes, they talked about the joy book I was surprised at first because I hadn’t hard and beat him. It was the same for bas- that sports brings them. campaigned for Most Athletic. But it was ketball. And ever since then I’ve practiced a nice feeling knowing that some of peers both soccer and recently basketball. Hunter: Were you surprised that your thought that I was the Most Athletic Female. classmates voted you “most athletic”? Ronin: Also some people know I started do- What do you love most about sports? Ronin: Well, in all honesty, no. That prob- ing heavy weights, so that might’ve helped Ronin: I just love the feeling of teamwork and ably sounds really cocky and bold of me to my vote. Overall I wasn’t too surprised, but the adrenaline rush you get while playing. say, but I kind of expected it. All through I am humbled to get the nomination. Leena: I like the feeling of finishing a race seventh and sixth grade, people would call and crossing the finish line because it always me a “tryhard” on how much effort I would What sports do you play? feels like an amazing accomplishment just to put in P.E. Especially on things like the Leena: The only sport I do is running. I am finish. part of the track and field team and the cross country team for Revere. Ronin: I don’t exactly play sports but I prac- tice basketball and soccer. I am thinking of playing competitively in high school. What’s your sports schedule like? Ronin: Monday, Wednesday and Friday are normally weight days. Every day is soccer and basketball. And every other day are small workouts like core or cardio. Leena: On Mondays and Wednesdays I have running club with Revere. On Thursdays and Saturdays I run with a separate running club that is not a part of Revere. How do you balance your sport with school? Ronin: Well I normally get my work done during class so it allows a lot of time after to practice sports and exercise. Leena: I balance running and school by try- ing to not procrastinate. Before I go running, I like to do as much work as I can, so I am not rushing everything to the last minute. What got you started in the sport? Leena: In second grade, my mom would sign me and my older sister up for easy 5ks, but as we got older, we started to participate in more races. Then, when I saw my sister join the cross country team at Revere, I June 10, 2021 Paul Revere Middle School 31 F un Zone

FUN TIMES AT THE FARM STANDING UP FOR SITTING DOWN Satire: Mason Wiener Patriots and other students of LAUSD have been waiting in an- ticipation for the opportunity to finally return to campus and lucky for them they now have the opportunity to. Schools both nation- wide and statewide have started to open up again, giving students the in-person experience they have been waiting for since March 13, 2020. However controversy struck when Patriot Mac Believe forgot to bring something to sit on for lunch. The horrendous crime was committed in April 2021. The month of April is national decorating month, so whether this crime was a carefully-planned one over the course of months or just a coincidence we can not be sure. The day unfolded like every other day for Patriot Mac Believe, who is currently being detained in LAUSD headquarters for the crime he committed,”As usual I got up early in the morning to get ready for school. Normally before I left for school I would grab a chair but I was tired and forgot too. I really don’t see what the big deal is.” Some people saw this incident as a malicious plot against LAUSD. “This was a planned attack against our values and ideas! I saw a look of pure evil in his eyes as he did it,” said Mr. Believe’s teacher. Some people however agree with Mr. Believe and a movement has started to stop the tyranny that is enforcing bringing your own chair. These Patriots have all together stopped bringing chairs to school in protest. “I really don’t understand why this is mandatory,” said sixth grader Jen Uine Person. “How do they expect us to put a chair in our backpacks? They just don’t fit in them. Why can’t we just sit in our chairs we were using for actual school?” These activists have taken to the streets spreading the word and some have even driven to the capital of California to appeal to Governor Gavin Newson about this. The movement’s name is “Stand Up for Sitting Down.” Gavin Newsom rejected the appeal, however, and so the fight for not having to bring your own seats to class was swatted like a fly.

THAT WAS THEN . . . THIS IS NOW . . .

THE OFFICIAL HARDEST NFL QUIZ By: Mattias Hernandez Caution: This quiz is intended for only the most knowledgeable fans. 1. Which Current NFL Player just signed a contract with the New York Giants after not playing for 3 years? 2. Which Current NFL Quarterback was just traded after 12 years with one team? 3. Which Current NFL Wide Receiver won the game off a punt return in the “Miracle at the Meadowlands” game? 4. Which Former NFL player is nicknamed “Ageless Wonder”? 5. Which former NFL running back had 11 straight seasons of rushing over 1,000 yards? 6. Who was the last running back to win Super Bowl MVP?

7. Which NFL Team’s Mascot is named “Sourdough Sam”? Seventh-grader Sammy Dunn has less hair now, but the same snarl.

8. Which Former NFL player is famous for overusing the now Sayers. Gale 10. Moseley. Mark 9. Hayes. Lester 8. Mascot. 49ers 7. Davis. Terrell 6. Smith. Emmitt 5.

banned substance “Stickum”? Green. Darrell 4. Jackson. DeSean 3. Stafford. Matthew 2. Benjamin. Kelvin 1. QUIZ: NFL background. to

9. Who was the only kicker to ever win MVP? added Dog 8. blanket). of top on (sitting added Napkins 7. out. taken blanket on Phone 6. pink. to blue from

10. Who was the youngest player ever inducted into the Pro Foot- changed Mask 5. cup. drink to added logo Starbucks 4. cake. chocolate to added Fork 3. changed. colors : SPOT THE DIFFERENCES: 1. Beach ball stripe changed from red to yellow. 2. Blanket stripes’ stripes’ Blanket 2. yellow. to red from changed stripe ball Beach 1. DIFFERENCES: THE SPOT :

ball Hall of Fame? ANSWERS 32 June 10, 2021 THE TOWN CRIER Fun Zone Paul Revere Middle School

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES Find the 8 changes made to this group selfie taken by Chloe Suh with friends Sofia Delantar (left) and Asa Stratmann.Photoshopping: Gabrielle Traum ASK AVERY

One last time, eighth-grader Avery Zemlak offers some of her advice to Town Crier readers.

Dear Avery, I’m nervous that after over a year of online school going back in person will be a difficult adjustment academically. How can I prepare myself to return to school hopefully normally? Signed, Ad Just Dear Ad Just, High school will be difficult for sure, so remember to hold on to the same great study habits you developed in middle school. Maybe you can practice some math problems or take a class over the summer to better prepare yourself for what’s to come in the fall. —Avery

Dear Avery, All my friends are going out of town this summer, but my family doesn’t think it’s safe yet so I am staying home. What should I do to entertain myself? From, Sad 4 Summer Dear Sad 4 Summer, Be Glad 4 Summer! You can still Zoom or FaceTime with your friends while they are away. You can also spend time with your family and go to the beach and do other outdoor-distanced activities. —Avery

Dear Avery, I’m scared I will be overwhelmed in high school with work and will struggle balancing my social life and school life. —Nerv Ous Dear Nerv Ous, As long as you keep up with your schoolwork and focus on that, your social life will fall into place. You need to re- member it will all be okay and it’s good to take breaks once in a while from work and screens. —Avery

Good luck to all of my fellow culminating eighth-graders. You guys did a great job this year. Remember to be nice, take deep breaths, and go Dodgers! —Avery