THE JOHN P. STEVENS

Friday NOV 15, 2019 VOL. LVI - NO. 1 HAWKEYE WWW.JPSHAWKEYE.COM BOE Meeting By JAY RANA, freshman ON OCTOBER 16, the Edison Board of Education held a combined caucus and public action meeting at the Edison Board of Education Center. The meeting began after the flag salute and roll call with an opening statement from Mr. Shi, the Board President. After the opening statement, the meeting was adjourned to a privileged session during which the board members participated in a brief discussion amongst themselves. Then, the meeting reconvened to an open session. Ms. Contaldi, the acting Superintendent of Schools, introduced the Chief Academic Officers, Ms. Mahabir and Ms. Pawlikowski, to give a presentation on results for state standardized assessments such as the NJSLA, which is aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Ms. Mahabir, the elementary administrator, spoke about ROHITH NADIMPALLY the difference in scores between different Dr. Shallop hopes to foster a greater sense of community as principal of JP. subjects, grades, schools, and even races and programs of students in third to fifth grade. Meanwhile, Ms. Pawlikowski, the secondary From Assistant Principal to Principal administrator, explained the NJSLA results for students in sixth to tenth grade as well as By SNEHA BHATTACHARYA and “Growing up, science was always my basic chemistry through AP Chemistry. other tests like AP exams, SATs, and ACTs. ABHINAV VAYYETI, juniors favorite subject,” said Dr. Shallop. “I’ve “If you asked me 30 years ago if I would be See BOE, page 11 AFTER SERVING as one of JP’s assistant loved science ever since I was a little kid and I a principal in a high school or even teaching ...... principals for eight years, Dr. Shallop took advanced chemistry and biology classes in a high school, I probably would not have OPINION has now taken the role of principal. when I was in high school.” While earning given it much thought because I was teaching In addition to his background as an his Ph.D. in organic chemistry, Dr. Shallop chemistry at the collegiate level. I really didn’t “If such a law is doomed administrator here at JP, Dr. Shallop has a taught as a graduate student. Afterward, he think it would happen,” said Dr. Shallop. strong connection to the sciences, earning taught chemistry at the collegiate level, and “But our lives follow paths, so as long as you to fail, is there any point undergraduate and graduate degrees in then moved to secondary education, where can keep an open mind and an open door chemistry from Rutgers University and he taught chemistry and forensic science. to opportunities, things present themselves.” in wasting time trying to teaching science for 14 years, from 1995-2009. He taught all levels levels of chemistry, from See SHALLOP, page 10 formulate it?” ...... See RELAX, page 2 JP Garba: A Mix of Cultures A Terrific Tailgate FEATURES By WRETAM PURKAYASTHA, sophomore ON SEPTEMBER 13, students attended the You Know JP Stevens Tailgate to cheer for the football team in their game againstPerth Amboy High School. You Go to JP With just $5, students were able to buy food, participate in a variety of activities, and watch the game. An abundance of food When... was offered, such as pizza, pasta, chips, soda, and more. Some of the activities included ...the real Día de los Muertos is were volleyball, bean bag toss, and face painting. As the event continued, many of quarterly day. the students took numerous photos and See YKYG, page 8 videos as a reminder of the fun they had, ...... SRIJANI SARKAR including TikToks, which are popular short SPORTS video clips. As the sun began to go down, Students pose for a group photo at garba in the Old Gym. the students headed to fill the bleachers. “Through their continu- “My dress was a traditional Gujarati Soon, the athletes started prepping for By SHUBH SHARMA, sophomore ous dedication to the three-piece outfit comprising of a blouse, the field. All of them were excited for what THE NAVRATRI RAAS GARBA was held on a long flared skirt, and a long scarf.” said was to come. The JP Stevens Marching Band rebuilding process, the October 6 in the JP Stevens Old Gym. sophomore Forum Desai. was also there to lighten the spirits of the The JP Stevens PTSO mission statement In the middle of the Old Gym, there was crowd. “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten and Nets pulled off the un- is to act as a forum for parents to get together a statue of a Hindu goddess to honor the “All the Lights” by Kanye West were two to share their concerns and provide support festival of Navratri. The Rhythm Bollywood of the many songs played by the marching thinkable.” for teenagers. They hold many fundraisers Group played many traditional Indian songs band. See GRIND, page 14 throughout the year similar to Garba for to which students of all ethnicities danced “It took time to learn the songs, but in ...... scholarships and school events. euphorically. Additionally, the event featured the end, it paid off well, and we were able EDITORIAL The JP Garba is held annually in order a variety of foods including chips, pizza, to cheer the crowd and support our school,” to celebrate Indian culture and honor the soda, and traditional Indian snacks such as said marching band member sophomore “If you walk into any diversity of JP Stevens. Students of all samosas. Johnny Xu. grades gathered ecstatically to dance to Weaving entertainment with heritage, this As the game progressed, the crowd classroom at JP, you can music and hang out with friends. This event dance proved to be a successful fundraiser chanted mottos, such as the ever-so-famous, amassed many positive reviews, especially and an effective approach to promote the “Stevens, Stevens, lets go Stevens, JP Stevens, see students sitting side about the live music which was performed blending of cultures. hawks fly high!” or just “JP Stevens!” by the Rhythm Bollywood Group. “Garba was an exciting experience “Even though we lost, everyone did by side with their eyes The attendees were not only committed and also gave me an entirely new cultural have an amazing time, which is what really glued to their screens.” to the dance itself but the attire as well. Most perspective,” said sophomore Aadhesharjun matters.” said sophomore Rianna Advani. participants wore a rich, traditional, and Senthilkumar. “I really enjoyed the fact that Though JP lost by a score of 34-7, tailgate See UNPLUGGED, page 4 colorful three-piece dress. I could intertwine school with my culture.” was a fun and exciting event for all. PAGE 2 OPINION NOVEMBER 2019 Hawkeye Share the Wealth incentive for the ultra-wealthy to save and reverse many climate change provisions that By ARYAN KHONDE, senior Editorial Staff invest. The money collected from the wealth have undone decades of progress. Under 2019-2020 AT THE WORLD Economic Forum in tax would raise government revenue, which Warren’s plan, the influence of political Davos, Switzerland, billionaires and titans could be invested into projects; the amount mega-donors and special interests groups Editors-in-Chief of industry discuss monetary issues such collected would outweigh any detriments of would inevitably be curbed, as they would Rebecca Fang & Irene Quan as reducing financial inequality in a town instituting such a tax. no longer have as much discretionary where the average median cost of a house Despite being in the minority, the interests income to spend. Similar to how absolute News Editors is north of a million dollars by talking to power corrupts absolutely, inequity only a diverse group of . . . fellow billionaires. perpetuates more inequity. Income inequality Sneha Bhattacharya This year marked a stark difference from in America has risen to the point that the Abhinav Vayyeti the usual setup of the conference as top 0.1% controls more than 20% of the Assistant News Editors a new figure emerged on the stage: nation’s wealth while wages have largely Navleen Kaur Dutch historian Rutger Bregman. stagnated, colleges have become more Varenya Mutnuri Instead of praising the rich like expensive than ever, and the middle class the yes-men previously included in has been shrinking every year. Warren’s tax Davos panels, he berated them for their plan would undoubtedly alleviate some of Opinion Editors overall malevolence as they regularly avoided the problems that the majority of Americans Shivi Jindal taxes. Bregman asserted that the U.S. should face by enlarging the social safety net at the Nina Trousdale consider going back to a larger tax rate for cost of modestly taxing the rich. The few the wealthy (including President Donald of the ultra-wealthy people of our nation would be Assistant Opinion Editors Trump), and, despite what some pundits wealthy taxed a mere two cents for every dollar of Ishneet Kaur may say, there is nothing “socialist” about usually their assets, a far cry from the accusations Nilay Patel this idea. Bregman’s idea of taxing the rich seem of socialism. The money raised from is spearheaded by Democratic frontrunner to be such an endeavor would help average Elizabeth Warren. America should consider more vital Americans, as a New York Times study Features Editors Warren’s plan to combat income inequality, than those estimates that about $2.6 trillion would Christopher Cheng which can only be implemented if we first of the be raised in governmental revenue from Saransh Saini decide what to do with the accumulation masses: Warren’s wealth tax in 10 years, which Assistant Features Editors of wealth and then look into the specifics just take could then be invested into programs Ramaa Deshpande of wealth distribution and increased social a glance such as universal child care, infrastructure safety nets. at the improvements, universal healthcare, and Aadi Hari One misconception the public and wealthy student debt forgiveness. Anisha Saple pundits share about a wealth tax is that it Koch Brothers and their charity: they have Previous forums in Davos have been contributes to a slowing economy. However, donated several millions of dollars to think dominated by billionaires like President Sports Editors the idea that we can only create economic tanks such as The Heritage Foundation Trump, whose 2017 tax cuts have already growth by keeping taxes low on the rich is and the Cato Institute under the guise exacerbated the widening gap between rich Brandon Choi simply not true—supply-side economics of promoting free-market advocacy and and poor. The Brookings Institute estimates Jay Prasad only creates a temporary economic stimulus. reducing government overreach. However, that by 2027, the tax cuts will benefit only Assistant Sports Editors Furthermore, upon examination of the finer with the political influence of think tanks the rich. Warren’s tax plan represents Christie Chen details of Warren’s wealth tax, we see that and direct political contributions, the Koch a dramatic reproach from Trumpian Benecia Zhang those earning less than $50 million would brothers were able to roll back many laws economics, intending to benefit the majority not be affected, so there would still be an dealing with the Affordable Care Act and of Americans as opposed to a wealthy few. Business Managers Aryan Doshi Tanya Mishra Relax the Tax and what is not? Some items, like gold and the conservative majority will ensure that By MRUNMAYI JOSHI, junior silver, have a fixed exchange rate, making any wealth duty dies a quick death. If such Creative Department Editor ON PAPER, the United States is by far them simple enough to tally. But what a law is doomed to fail, is there any point in Cynthia Chen the wealthiest nation in the world, with a about examples of wealth like artwork and wasting time trying to formulate it? Assistant Art Editors GDP of nearly $21 trillion. The United priceless antiques? Historians and artists In France, a similar law had disastrous States’ purported abundance of luxury and argue for days over their value, which is outcomes. In 1982, socialist President Mona Wu opportunities is one of the main reasons why they are generally sold at auctions. François Mitterrand signed into law a wealth Allison Yu for immigration, and an entire culture Such debates would also consume the time tax and about 42,000 millionaires fled France. has been built surrounding the American and money of Congress and taxpayers; it is From 1998 to 2006, the French government Photography Editor Dream. Regardless of one’s background highly improbable that any one branch of lost more than $125 billion from capital Rohith Nadimpally or skills, a home-owning, early-retirement Congress would ever be able to agree on the flight every year, according to tax consultant future is possible if one lives in America. matter. And even if the wealth tax were to Éric Pichet. When wealthy people leave, they Assistant Photography Editors True? Not really. Today, the top one percent come to fruition, taxpayers would eventually take with them not just their money, but Nicholas Kimble of the United States owns more than the find ways around it, using their wealth to their portfolios as well. This, in turn, leads Maryam Mughal bottom 90% combined, according to The hire lawyers and other experts to help reduce to a collapse of the economy, which relies Washington Post. On the surface, the amount their taxes. Wealthy citizens looking to heavily on the wealthy. In the United States, of wealth that the U.S. controls appears to escape the wealth tax could also just buy up where high income taxes already exist and Online Editors be increasing. However, the majority of artwork, which is monetarily unquantifiable, the minimum wage is relatively high, adding Ansh Gupta this wealth is going into the pockets of the and, therefore, nontaxable. Consider another burden to the rich runs a very high Shivan Mukherjee very richest—the tax bracket that needs the wealth in the form of stocks. Stock values risk of pushing them and the markets they money least. The situation came to a head are incredibly dynamic; the government control to countries where they will be in 2018, when President Trump signed into cannot stop time and assign values to stocks welcomed by looser economic regulations Advisor law a tax cut for the wealthy. In response, because it will likely not reflect the true value and dramatic tax cuts. Thus, a wealth tax will Mr. Louis Andreuzzi the majority of the Democratic candidates of those stocks. And since 94% of the top not redistribute wealth; it will lose it entirely. running for President in 2020 have promised ten percent reported having significant stock Although a wealth tax is a sensible- some sort of increased tax on the rich; holdings, according to economist Edward sounding idea, it falls apart at the seams when Elizabeth Warren has been the most vocal, J. Wolff, most wealthy people are already examined. Once proposed, it would stagnate Hawkeye is a forum for touting her “two cents” plan, in which familiar with using fluid forms of wealth to in Congress for months, if not years, and student expression. Published households worth $50 million or more pay a escape taxes. Therefore, the different forms would draw the ire of the Supreme Court articles express the views two percent tax, and households worth more that wealth can take would make a wealth tax if ever put into practice. It would encourage of their authors, not of the than $1 billion pay a three percent tax. From nearly impossible to implement. the wealthy to leave America, taking jobs newspaper. Hawkeye reserves the outset, her idea has been popular, placing The Founding Fathers spelled out that and industries with them. This does not the right to edit all material. her second in the Democratic race in polls “No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall mean that the rich should not pay taxes Please visit our website at conducted by The New York Times. However, be laid” in the U.S. Constitution. Although entirely; there are many alternatives, such as www.jpshawkeye.com for more content. like many promises made during this tight what a direct tax is has been subject to some taxes on inheritances, and taxes specifically race, the plan threatens to be all smoke debate, a wealth tax, enforced on personal designed to value stocks. Not only would Interested in writing, and mirrors. If implemented, the possibly assets, would likely be a direct tax. Even implementing these ideas steadily decrease drawing, or selling for unconstitutional cut will make growth for liberals, arguing that a wealth tax is the rising income inequality that affects the Hawkeye? Email us at stagnate as millionaires flee the country. constitutional would be exceedingly difficult, majority of the population, but they would [email protected]. The main obstacle in implementing and the law would face severe opposition also serve as more practical alternatives to any wealth tax is that wealth is extremely from Republicans in Congress. If Senator the wealth tax. Change is possible; however, Published by the students of difficult to quantify. Wealth is defined as an Warren is elected and tries to muscle the to make a real difference for the American John P. Stevens High School abundance of valuable resources. Herein lies tax through Congress, it will undoubtedly people, politicians will have to learn how to 855 Grove Avenue the problem: who is to say what is valuable be dragged to the Supreme Court, where ditch the easy solutions. NOVEMBER 2019 OPINION PAGE 3 Prejudice, Not Prestige any bias against Asian-Americans. However, is that, although the difference in scores uphold our country’s principle of equality. By ANIRUDH HEBBATAM, freshman if you stop to consider this argument, you see of Asian Americans and white students If it is not equal to all races, then does the HARVARD, ONE OF the most prestigious that it does not carry any weight. If Harvard is small, it is still statistically significant, state deny “the equal protection of laws?” universities in the world, was embroiled in a analyzes these letters as it claims it does, it meaning that this racial divide is unlikely due If that is not the case, then, logically, there legal battle with a group of Asian-American should have discovered this bias. Harvard has to luck. One notable observation to point must be a law that allows for a different students for almost a year. Students for Fair the power to limit the importance of these out in this situation is that Judge Burroughs treatment of certain races, in which one Admissions, a group led by conservative letters, minimizing the impact of such bias, identified this fact, showing that the court race is benefiting while another is losing activist Edward Blum, sued Harvard and but instead chooses to continue considering was aware that there is likely racial bias. If out. Is that not the definition of racism? accused the school of discriminating against them in their application process, which only this was the case, then why did the judge rule And yet, there are federal judges who deny Asian-American applicants in multiple ways. exacerbates the problem. in favor of Harvard? It is clear that Harvard this argument on the grounds of diversity. This case also challenged the concept of One of the most concerning revelations discriminates against Asian-Americans, and This situation also draws many parallels to affirmative action, which aids minorities that came out of this case was that over 43% yet, judges refuse to disallow this prejudice. the Jewish quotas of the 1920s that were who are known to be socioeconomically of white Harvard students were ALDC— This injustice has already been brought used by Harvard to restrict the number disadvantaged, because it puts Asian- athletes, legacies, people on the dean’s list before the Supreme Court in Fisher v. of Jewish students admitted to the school. Americans in an unfavorable position. (usually as a result of large donations made University of Texas in 2013, when the Harvard had noticed a steady increase in the On October 1st, U.S. District Court Judge by their parents), and children of the faculty. Court sent the case back down to the lower Jewish population enrolled at the university; Allison D. Burroughs ruled in favor of A shocking 84% of these ALDC admissions courts and demanded strict scrutiny; when to limit this surge, they made admission for Harvard, stating that there was not enough were white students, meaning that non- the case was appealed again in 2016, the Jewish students harder. Unlike modern-day evidence to prove that Harvard was racially white students have a very low chance of Court ruled, along partisan lines, in favor affirmative action programs, that program biased against Asian-Americans. However, using this system to get in. Furthermore, if of the university, upholding its affirmative received condemnation for discrimination. this ruling is questionable at best, as many ALDC was not taken into consideration in action policies. This closely mirrors the In practice, the processes used in both parts of the case show that Asian-Americans the admissions process, then approximately previous decisions made in Regents of programs are nearly identical. So why is one are truly at a disadvantage when compared three-quarters of all white applicants would the University of California v. Bakke and universally condemned while the other is to non-Asian applicants in the Harvard have been rejected. Excluding athletes, Grutter v. Bollinger. However, Associate praised? admissions process. ALDC students have an easier route to Justice Clarence Thomas, in his dissent from Even though the courts ruled in favor An interesting theory used by the court admission to Harvard because of their status, the decision made in Fisher, argued that of Harvard, it is now very clear that certain to explain why Asian-American applicants which comes as a result of their parents’ jobs “a State’s use of race in higher education factors make this ruling flawed. This does ranked lower than white applicants was or actions. The fact that the overwhelming admissions decisions is categorically not mean that affirmative action is a horrible racial bias in teacher recommendations. majority of ALDC students are white shows prohibited by the Equal Protection Clause,” system: it allows many minorities that have Recommendation letters from an applicant’s that white applicants have a higher chance of essentially categorizing affirmative action as been historically underrepresented to attend instructors are one of the most crucial being illegitimately accepted into Harvard. racist. top-tier schools and overcome the obstacles components of an application. In fact, they These white applicants use ALDC to gain The Fourteenth Amendment to the that they face. It is also unfair to heavily are so important that they are projected an advantage over not just Asian-Americans, Constitution states that all citizens, punish Harvard because it is admittedly onto a large screen during application review but all other races as well. For a school that regardless of their race, must be afforded difficult to find the right balance between to allow all members of the admissions claims that their admissions process is very equal rights in all forms of the law; this subjectivity and objectivity to create the committee to read them. These letters are diverse, this is obviously discriminatory means that all races must be treated equally perfect admissions process. However, there used to demonstrate that the applicant has behavior. according to the laws of the State. The has to be a change in the Harvard selection certain important qualities, like character On top of receiving less adequate teacher American government and 42 of the 50 process that makes it fairer for all people, and leadership. The court argued that while recommendations, Asian-Americans deal states in the Union already support or no matter their race. Universities must grant teachers might give inferior recommendation with the bias of often scoring lower than sanction affirmative action. If affirmative everyone a fair chance at harnessing this letters to Asian-American students because white applicants when judged on personality. action gives certain races an advantage in weapon in order to make the world a more of racial bias, Harvard itself does not harbor The most damning revelation from this case the admissions race, then surely it does not equal place for all. This Title is No Longer Available. owners of the song would have every right his experiences with the copyright system. disclosed information on how they choose By RISHA ROY, sophomore to place a copyright claim on the so-called In his video “They Took My Video Down the creators that they back up during legal HOURS UPON HOURS of filming. parody. This is a blatant flaw in the system, So I Fought Back In The Most Petty Way debates when it comes to copyright, but it Painstaking days of editing. And when as the clear intent behind changing the lyrics Possible,” he explains how Billion Surprise has been speculated that they are more likely the video finally gets uploaded, it gets was to create comedic imitation. Toys, another YouTube channel, took down to support bigger creators who bring more taken down almost immediately. All of Beyond the problems in the loose a video he made, claiming that Gonzalez money to the platform. It becomes a simple that effort goes to waste. Something that definition of fair use arise issues within the was poking fun at their content. Being game of opportunity cost; why would could have been shared with the world is YouTube choose to support small creators suddenly replaced by an obstructive red who are not likely to help YouTube profit icon with a frowning face. Welcome to when they can support a large creator the world of the YouTube copyright who earns YouTube thousands or even strike. Though this system may have millions of dollars? started with positive intentions by YouTube is unlikely to help support attempting to keep people from a creator when these claims are made stealing content from others, in recent against them, leaving individuals only years, the regulation has proven to be to ask the claimant to retract his or her impractical. Given that five hundred claims. However, owners are unlikely to hours of content are uploaded to the withdraw claims, as doing so would serve platform every minute, it is no surprise no benefit to them—they would prefer to that YouTube has become one of the take the money from the creator’s video most influential forms of media in or take it down to minimize bad press. recent years. From music videos to These accusations give rise to another compilations, YouTube has it all. Of problem: if a user receives three strikes, course, nothing is perfect, not even their account and all of their videos YouTube, as seen by its policy on across all their channels are terminated; copyrighted material. For starters, the moreover, they cannot make new channels. very basis of the policy can be classified This consequence is especially devastating as fuzzy at best. Rather than accepting to those who rely on the platform as a the policy of giving credit where credit is source of income, as it is the equivalent of due, YouTube prefers to go by the terms of very system of copyright striking and its a commentary video that solely used other being fired from their jobs. fair use, which only allows for the creation ability to be abused: it is relatively easy to YouTube clips for the purpose of criticism, With videos being taken down or of work that it deems transformative. make a false copyright infringement claim. it was a form of transformative work that demonetized left and right, it is evident that Transformative work can be split into three All you would have to do is provide your completely abided by YouTube’s standards the YouTube copyright system is currently categories: criticism, commentary, and contact information and accept the fact of fair use. And yet, his video got taken impractical and requires improvement. The parody. Of these categories, criticism and that you might face a consequence if your down not once, but twice. general and loosely-defined standards of fair commentary are relatively straightforward, allegation is false. And with this claim comes Even individuals who are following use must be revised to include more forms and allow YouTubers to use clips from the owner’s ability to restrict the monetization the terms of fair use word for word are of creative work, and it is imperative that other videos for the purpose of providing of a video and take its ad revenue. Even if subject to receiving copyright strikes; all copyright policies establish measures that commentary or criticism. The term this is not the case and the publisher of YouTube has to say about it is that they deter users from abusing their ability to file “parody” refers to a comedic imitation the original video merely finds the video “can’t offer legal defense to everyone” claims, such as by holding copyright owners or caricature of something. However, a insulting, they still possess the ability to take and “offer Fair Use Protection to a small more accountable for fake claims. Hours school project involving changing lyrics but the video down. For instance, YouTuber number of individual videos each year of hard work should not be thrown out the keeping the melody of a song would not Danny Gonzalez, who runs a commentary that [they] choose based on a variety of window because of Youtube’s refusal to be categorized as fair use, and the original channel, has recently spoken out regarding factors.” Unsurprisingly, YouTube has not create clear guidelines. PAGE 4 OPINION NOVEMBER 2019 New Outlets for Unplugged Day

By THE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF having a little free time,” Mrs. Stein said. unplugged lesson, and I had to actually there are times when technology is misused, To promote Edison Unplugged, the use technology to put it together.” Despite students are able to reap the benefits, such IN 2016, the Edison Board of Education district emailed flyers to students and parents the district’s attempts to decrease students’ as increased collaboration and productivity, handed brand new MacBook Airs to detailing a study that found that limiting technology usage, the success of Edison in the long run. high schools, Chromebooks to middle digital media use in children led to improved Unplugged—or lack thereof—highlights There is no doubt that the presence schools, and iPads to elementary schools. sleep, decreased BMI, improved grades, and the various improvements necessary to of technology is stifling in our school Since then, JP has seen a rapidly digitized decreased aggression. In addition, they cited instill a sense of restraint from the addictive community. Mr. Miller, a sociology and AP educational experience, especially with the statistics reflecting the sheer extent to which nature of technology. U.S. Government and Politics teacher at JP, use of applications like Google Classroom Americans are addicted to their phones: 81% On the subject of technology usage in points out the strong connection that we feel and Screencastify. However, due to the of Americans own smartphones, 69% of school, there are some who think it takes toward our devices, one that even borders ubiquitous presence of technology both smartphone users check their phone within away from the overall educational experience. on addiction. “As much as technology has inside and outside of school, an increasing 5 minutes of waking up in the morning, and As a math teacher at JP, Mr. Hrevnak said, helped us become more productive as a amount of addictive behaviors has been 29% of cell phone owners describe their “Technology is a tool, like a hammer is for society it’s also increased stress levels because associated with our digital devices. If you phone as “something they can’t imagine a construction worker, and it has its place, now we’re expected to do even more,” Mr. walk into any classroom at JP, you can see living without.” but it shouldn’t be an end-all. And Miller said. The immense pressure put upon students sitting side by side with their eyes unfortunately, in current society, students to complete their assignments glued to their screens. In an era where people spend too much time and study for their assessments combined technology is constantly evolving, students looking at screens … and there with the expectation that they restrict their are expected to balance their lives on and off isn’t anymore personal interaction.” technology use is simply unrealistic. technology, a task that the district of Edison Many students already live their To fully enforce a true has attempted to combat with the advent lives through their smartphones on “unplugged” day, the district will have to do of Unplugged Day. social media and other apps; with the more than just choose a random day to tell The idea of “unplugging” added encouragement induced by students and teachers to first originated in Woodrow our technology-driven district, it regress to paper and Wilson Middle School, where seems that there is never a pencil. This is not to they host an Unplugged Day time when students are say that Unplugged every month to limit the use of technology. unplugged. Day should be As of last year, it has expanded to JP and On October 7, the day of Edison removed entirely; other schools, leading to a district-wide Unplugged, students were reluctant to fully rather, a more comprehensive plan should “Edison Unplugged” event on October 7. embrace the idea. Junior Jay Prasad noted, However, be implemented to fully enforce a much- Mrs. Stein, the librarian and media specialist “In many of my classes, we still needed our the purpose needed “technology detox.” As of now, Mrs. at JP, currently heads a committee of MacBooks for the material we were learning, of these devices Stein and her committee are considering teachers and students overseeing the event. so there wasn’t a big effect on our general is rooted in our future and is intended to allowing teachers to choose their own days “It actually started a few years ago when technology use.” For a majority of students, prepare students for college, the workforce to be unplugged without having it interfere we first gave MacBooks out to students, the MacBooks are a necessity in their lives, and beyond. Many argue that being with their lesson plans. Other teachers have and we thought it might be a nice idea to especially to complete the overwhelming technologically “literate” is an essential life suggested corresponding Unplugged Day show how important they are but also how workload and study for the sheer number of skill, and the MacBooks in JP are there to with a Lucky 13 date, minimizing concerns much we don’t need them every minute … assessments that they have. serve that mission. As Mr. Ray, one of JP’s that a loss of technology would interfere It’s not about not using them, it’s about For teachers, it was equally as difficult assistant principals, puts it, “We have kids with teachers’ lesson plans. The necessity of making decisions of what is the best tool to completely sever ties with technology. who use Google in a true sense, where they technology is one that cannot be denied, but for whatever I need, whether it is teaching Computer science teacher Ms. Quan said, are collaborating between classes in different until a plan is finalized, students will have to a lesson, learning something, or even just “It was a big effort for me to make an periods and working on projects.” Though learn to find their balance. Electronic Eavesdropping someone calling Alexa’s name. In Danielle’s third-party service providers to “improve incursions on people’s personal lives, thus By SIYA SCINDIA, senior case, the company adds that Alexa also the customer experience.” Under the third- sacrificing their privacy. “ALEXA, WHAT’S THE weather like mistakenly picked up on a command to make party doctrine, which states that people who Alexa’s ability to eavesdrop was proven tomorrow?” “Alexa, wake me up tomorrow a call. But Danielle claims that her Echo Dot voluntarily disclose private information when Senator Chris Coons sent a letter at 7 AM.” “Alexa, play 92.3 FM.” Most of was hacked. to third parties have “no reasonable demanding answers about Alexa and the data us have said these things to the Echo Dot Regardless of the cause, it expectation of privacy,” that it supposedly collected to Jeff Bezos, speakers in our living rooms. But what we doesn’t change the fact that protections guaranteed by the the CEO of Amazon. Brian Husemen, really need to say is this: “Alexa, stop spying Alexa was able to pick up on Fourth Amendment are no Amazon’s vice president of public policy, on me.” conversations that weren’t longer applicable to users responded to these questions by asserting Every time you activate the “wake” intended for it. Horror of smart speakers that although Amazon was trying to ensure command on the Echo Dot by calling stories like Danielle’s like Echo Dot and that transcripts would be removed from all Alexa’s name, indicated by the blue light that merely go to show Google Home. The storage systems, it was not guaranteed. appears on the speaker, your interactions that it is impossible to doctrine implies that, To prevent smart speakers from infringing with the speaker are recorded, transcribed, know what Alexa and by communicating with on your privacy, Amazons has recently added and annotated by human reviewers, then other smart speakers smart speakers, users some new features, including the ability to fed back into the speaker’s software. But know about users agree to freely share configure some Echo devices to play a tone even without a command, isn’t Alexa always or with whom they their data with their any time a recording is uploaded to the cloud. listening? Isn’t Alexa always patiently waiting are sharing users’ service providers, It was previously a difficult process to clear to hear its name called while sitting on your information. They though users tend the information, as there was no easy way to coffee table? trigger the fear that to overlook the fine simply export the data: the memory could Amazon claims that tracking user smart speakers are print: their data only be cleared by restarting the device. interactions with Alexa helps it “better always listening and may not be entirely However, in May, Amazon announced understand customer’s speech patterns, make us feel unsafe protected. Therefore, the “Alexa, delete everything I said today” voice, and requests.” We know that Alexa within the walls of Alexa is not only feature, but it has some hurdles. You have stores our information when it is listening our own homes. able to listen in to enable the feature in the privacy settings to us. There have been countless instances And since smart on our private on your Alexa app before you can use it, and in which it has been discovered that Alexa speakers aim conversations, but you can’t set your Alexa to delete recordings was indeed listening to and picking up to make it is also able to every day like you can for other commands, private conversations in the household our lives share them with posing a major inconvenience for users. without command. Two human reviewers easier, they third parties, Undoubtedly, the most sure-fire way to of Alexa’s transcripts at Amazon suspected should such as protect your privacy when it comes to smart that the device had picked up on a potential not be advertisers, speakers is to simply unplug them when they sexual assault, but they were told that it used to which are not in use. Smart speakers can certainly wasn’t Amazon’s job to interfere. In another infringe opens facilitate daily tasks, but they also come with case, a woman named Danielle discovered on our the privacy concerns that we cannot neglect— that Alexa had been recording private privacy. door the loss of safety and security. To ensure that conversations with her husband and sending The data stored for even our privacy is protected and to limit our data them to a random contact in Seattle. “I felt about us are in no way secure. greater privacy from being collected and shared, we may invaded—like total privacy invasion,” she Companies such as Amazon and concerns, such as identity theft. Smart have to go out of our way to take a few extra said. How did this happen? Amazon insists Google have both stated in their terms and speakers such as the Amazon Alexa and precautionary measures. But in the end, we that in both of these instances, Alexa was conditions for Echo Dot and Google Home Google Home, with their voice assistant will be rewarded with security and peace of “awoken” because the Echo Dot speaker that information collected by the smart and interactive features, expedite routine mind. So take a word of advice and be smart thought it heard the wake command or speakers has the potential to be shared with activities at the expense of making prying about your smart speakers. NOVEMBER 2019 OPINION PAGE 5 Protecting Plastic supports the opinion that efforts should be Data suggest that plastic, in comparison the University of Arizona pointed out, 97% By SHRUTHI RAJARAMAN, senior geared towards altering plastic bags to make to paper, takes up less space and weighs at of those consumers who use a reusable PLASTIC BAGS have long been a common them more environmentally friendly instead most about two grams per cubic centimeter. bag are completely indifferent to the fact commodity in numerous commercial of immediately defaulting to the utilization Consequently, fewer trucks are needed to that the bags actually have to be washed industries but enemies of the general of bags made of other materials. transport the plastic required to produce on a regular basis. Generally, reusable bags population. Years of debate over the use of A common misconception is that plastic plastic bags, which results in the combustion are used to carry meat, vegetables, fruits plastic bags have pointed to the detrimental bags do not degrade very effectively in of less gasoline, a major source of carbon and other grocery products; as a result, the effects of plastic, with leading experts landfills due to their chemical composition emissions. Ultimately, though many might likelihood of bacterial growth is especially concluding that plastic bags are a threat to the and could therefore prove to be detrimental point to the increased levels of greenhouse high. Therefore, failure to wash reusable natural environment and should therefore to the natural environment; after all, a gas emissions as a reason to make the change bags on a daily basis could lead to the growth be replaced with more “earth-friendly” decreased effectiveness in degradability from plastic to paper and cloth bags, a ban of disease-ridden or even fatal bacteria, alternatives, such as paper and cloth bags. could result in an increased magnitude of on plastic bags will hardly decrease, and may proving the lack of sanitation that comes The controversy has initiated a movement in landfill waste. However, according to Crystal even increase, carbon emissions. with utilizing a reusable bag as opposed favor of banning plastic bags, a movement Schwanke of the Lovetoknow Corporation, Along with producing less greenhouse to a plastic one. Ultimately, even though that has gained a stronghold in states such studies state that “paper bags take up nine gases, the manufacturing processes of the sound of “reusable bags” might grab as New York and California, where plastic times more room than plastic and break plastic bags is also more efficient in terms of the attention of many, the cons that come bags have already been banned in grocery down at about the same rate.” This comes energy and waste when compared to other with their utilization do not outweigh the and retail stores. Banning plastic bags has as a surprise to many, especially those who types of bags, such as paper bags. According negatives that many associate with plastic become a phenomenon in recent years. In have long believed that switching from to The Film and Bag Federation, “Compared bags. 2002, the Bangladeshi government imposed plastic bags to paper bags would in fact to paper grocery bags, plastic grocery bags A decreased use of plastic bags would a total ban on plastic bags. This sparked a increase degradability of grocery store bags. consume 40 percent less energy, generate 80 also have a dramatic negative impact on the worldwide trend, and seventy countries now Therefore, efforts can be geared toward percent less solid waste, produce 70 percent economy; the plastic bag production industry ban plastic bags, while a further thirty-three implementing the use of biodegradable fewer atmospheric emissions, and release is important to the American economy, tax them. In the United States, Hawaii plastic bags as opposed to entirely replacing up to 94 percent fewer waterborne wastes.” and the cheap cost of plastic bags brings and California have already banned plastic plastic bags with reusable ones, an action that By consuming less energy, the plastic bag prices down for the majority of Americans. bags altogether, states like New York have would more effectively reduce the amount manufacturing process reduces the use of Packaging companies such as Novolex hire bans that will come into effect in the next of garbage being transported to landfills. power plants, which reduces the amount of thousands of American employees; the few months, and many municipalities The ineffectiveness of banning plastic toxic fumes. This protects the planet and industry is the eighth largest nationwide, and counties have already instituted their bags stretches to an even greater extent: its natural resources from destruction, as with almost 31,000 employees involved in own bans and taxes. In addition, many scientific data reveals that the process of smaller quantities of harmful gases are being the direct manufacturing of the product. environmental groups have joined forces manufacturing plastic bags emits smaller released into the air. The manufacturing Moreover, stores see a drop in sales when with the movement, attracting the attention quantities of greenhouse gases than that process of plastic bags also generates less they are unable to use plastic bags. of many who cry “Save The Turtles.” of other “friendly” materials. For instance, waste, which minimizes the risk of ocean Common misconceptions about plastic The movement continues to gain traction the website bagtheban.com asserts that and land pollution. bags have governed public perception for so throughout the world, and many feel that “California’s plastic bag ban led to an Several opponents of plastic bags argue long that many define the bags as detrimental it is their moral obligation to switch from increase in carbon emissions due to [...] an that bags of other materials, namely cloth, to society. However, a careful analysis and plastic to paper or reusable bags. increase in paper bag usage.” As opposed to are more likely to be reused by consumers; comparison of plastic bags to bags made of However, as attempts to replace plastic the cloth manufacturing process, the plastic while plastic grocery store bags end up in other materials proves these misconceptions bags become more widespread, it is important manufacturing process requires less water landfills, many believe that reusable bags false. Therefore, instead of simply banning to evaluate whether or not plastic bags are and fewer chemicals, leading to lower carbon will not experience the same fate. However, plastic bags, active legislation should be truly worth prohibiting entirely, or whether emissions. In fact, the carbon footprint of a new set of environmental consequences instituted to increase the effectiveness and the common belief regarding the negative plastic, which stands at about six kilograms arise with the use of reusable bags. For environmental friendliness of plastic bags impact of plastic bags is a miscalculation. of carbon dioxide per kilogram of plastic, instance, washing reusable bags itself takes a without reverting to materials such as paper The results? Surprisingly enough, some is less than that of paper. Additionally, toll on the environment by increasing water and cloth, which may have environmental scientists point to data that indicate that the transportation process needed for the consumption per household, not to mention effects that are even more harmful than plastic bags might not be as dangerous as delivery of manufactured plastic emits less that the production of such bags itself also those of plastic. It will take more than just a they seem at first glance; in fact, evidence greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. requires water. Additionally, as a report from ban to make a difference. Lord of the Lies houses. For every homeless person in actually do have a purpose outside of above their heads. According to credit.com, By NISHANTH BHARGAVA, freshman America, there are six vacant homes. So why just owning property, as they are also “rent sucks up about 45% of [younger adults’] THE HISTORY OF landlords goes back as are they not responsible for income during this first, critical decade in the far as the written word. In medieval times, a able to get maintenance, workforce.” These numbers are out there for landlord was quite literally a lord: a lord of the housing which is all to see; the only way that a landlord could the manor who rented portions of his estate they need? a valuable have avoided seeing them is through willful to serfs under the process of manorialism. Because the service for the ignorance. This begs the question: when it’s But the days of monarchy are long gone, same system tenant. While clear that landlords know the financial strain and yet landlords remain a seemingly that allows for it is true that they put on the average tenant, can they, in permanent fixture of our society. Society landlords also landlords have good conscience, still remain in the industry? rejected feudalism long ago because of classifies shelter to take care of The answer is a resounding “no.” When its rigid, authoritarian structure and lack as a luxury repairs, they most people realize their actions are hurting of social mobility, so why does it remain that not rarely supervise others, the moral decision they make is to one of the most repressive aspects of the everyone the labor, let immediately apologize and change their ways system? Landlords are obsolete remnants deserves to alone perform the to avoid further harm. But landlords seem to of a long-gone system of governance. They have. People repairs. This job is be taking the exact opposite approach: they act as burdens on workers and drain money who defend passed down to the refuse to take responsibility for their actions, from the average citizen. them say that the property manager, instead blaming a few deceptive landlords The argument from landlord advocates homeless could buy who is paid for for making all landlords look bad. They then is usually that while there are bad landlords their way into home their work by the continue to hurt others, making the situation who charge too much money and refuse to ownership if landlord. Once worse for all involved. fix utilities, there are also good landlords they just again, we see No matter how they try to frame it, the who treat their tenants with respect. held down a that landlords truth remains: landlords are nothing but Unfortunately, with a system as broken as steady job. But, take credit middlemen, taking money out of the pockets the modern housing market, there can never when applying for for jobs of hard-working people around the world. be a good landlord, only varying degrees a position, nearly they do The tendency of our culture to commodify of bad ones. The problem arises with the every employer asks not even everything it touches has led many to be expectations set by society for landlords. if the applicant already has a perform. locked out of the shelter they need to Landlords are simply middlemen between steady place to live. Answering Even if improve their lives. Landlords are defying na building’s residents and a construction “no” usually results in automatic landlords did America’s central principle of equality by company or bank. Rather than contributing disqualification. And thus, the the repairs themselves, keeping capital in the hands of the ultra- value to society through the production of homeless are trapped in an it wouldn’t outweigh rich instead of allowing it to transfer to the goods or services, landlords take advantage endless cycle: they need a job financial strains that needy poor. While the abolition of landlords of the income of their tenants while also to be able to afford a house, they place on tenants would not solve all our problems concerning contributing to other social problems. but any job that pays a livable and their families. The homelessness and land equality, it would be The clearest way to see the problems wage requires a permanent residence. burden of rent falls on all generations, but an important first step to establish a country inherent in the landlord system is by looking Another point often brought up by millennials in particular use a significant where everyone, regardless of economic at the ratio of homeless people to vacant proponents of landlords is that landlords portion of their income just to keep a roof status, has a roof above their head. Into The Crystal Ball By ADITI MANI, junior IF A JP STUDENT is overloaded with a surplus of something (other than boxes of Gertrude Hawk), it would be questions. Incoming freshmen and those who are just generally confused waste a lot of time searching for the elusive answers to their never-ending list of questions. Think about it, wouldn’t it save so much effort if the average JP student’s questions could be answered in one place? Instead of scheduling appointments with counselors, we should find a more efficient and practical method—and what says practical better than having a new fortune teller? Of course, finding a fortune teller is far from easy. After all, fortune tellers are in high demand right now, and it probably isn’t their fate to end up in some overpopulated high school, unless they predict it in their crystal balls. However, this does not mean that we are willing to lower JP’s sky-high standards for them. To be a fortune teller at JP, an applicant must first and foremost be able to meet some basic requirements; for example, they must be able to tolerate regional climate change at JP. Whether it is below freezing and the perpetually confused air conditioning decides to switch on or it is 90 degrees and air circulation is very limited, this person must be prepared to report to his or her position at all times. Ge or she must bring a jacket, a coat, a sweatshirt, a hoodie, a fleece, and a vest for all the weather-based wardrobe changes. The applicant must also be punctual (a rarity for JP students) and able to maneuver through the traffic in the congested lanes outside JP as well as in the hallways. Once they are able to make it through the crowds, the applicant still has much to learn. The crowds at JP, like our mindsets, are growing exponentially. We cannot afford to have our trusty fortune teller stampeded by hordes of freshmen who desperately need guidance. He or she must only be accessible to the worthy who will boldly go where no man has gone before… the pool on the third floor. There, after passing through a jungle of fierce pool noodles, they will find the fortune teller sitting on a mountain of SAT prep books. Another large part of this job is integrity—the fortune teller must follow the pillar of trustworthiness. Simply put, he or she cannot accept bribes in the form of cheesecake or citrus fruit, no matter how tempting the pleas of desperate music students may be. Now you may ask: what can this fabled fortune teller predict? Well, they specialize in matters near and dear to JP students’ hearts. If you want to predict your grade for the next English test, don’t worry; with the help of the fortune teller’s number cards, they can easily predict your magic number and calculate your score—if your fate leads you to a “25,” then you may as well watch Tasty videos for the rest of the period. The fortune teller can also help make decisions a lot faster; if you have to dress up for a presentation but are not sure what the weather is, why trust snowdaycalculator.com when you have the weather equivalent of SparkNotes at your service? He or she can quickly predict the climate with the choosing of tarot cards. What makes this even more special is that he or she can accurately predict the weather inside JP as well—the heating system will malfunction, the cooling system will be nonexistent (as always), hallway traffic will increase the temperature of the school. With the recent rise in Instagram astrology trends, the fortune teller must be ready to battle the flood of requests for compatibility tests with people’s crushes. For example, if you forget your calculator on the day of your math test, don’t fear, a caring Taurus will be here—now all you have to do is look for one… out of the 200 in the student body. This new fortune teller will help make life a little easier, and will be a great asset to our school. If you know someone who is desperate for a job and possesses the skills and charms of a fortune teller, let them know that we are having interviews soon—the location will be released the day after the interviews.

Take a Seat and Beat the Heat By DEV DOSHI, sophomore RECENT STUDIES show that the students at JP enjoy the steamy heat inside the school... said no one ever. Our school has made the Guinness Book of World Records for the hottest pressure cooker on the planet, an impressive feat. One of the many perks of this extreme heat is the random occurrence of heat strokes, which JP has also beaten the record for. If this is a problem for you, then you are in the right place to find the best ways to beat the heat while taking a seat. Additional studies have shown that making the room hotter can increase the temperature of the room. Our body temperatures are pretty high, and this temperature adds on to the heat in the air. If we all just lowered our overall temperatures, we would be contributing to the coolness of JP. If everyone just pitched in and lowered their body temperatures about 20-30 degrees each, then JP would be the coolest high school in North Edison. Breathing also adds to the overall temperature. One of the greatest drawbacks of human beings is that they have to breathe in order to continue doing that thing called life. However, if everyone just didn’t breathe for 15-20 minutes a day, then they would be contributing less and less to global JP warming, ultimately making the world a cooler place. Even though literally staying cool is a good way to beat the heat, it sometimes is not ideal. One of the safer ways to stay cool is to use ice. The most efficient way is to throw ice blocks at them to make them completely forget about the heat. Side effects of this method include major facial injuries and possibly frostbite, but it’s no big deal. In addition, ice is very versatile, and you can shape cubes into many things such as pillows, chairs, and the very popular ninja stars. Taking these various sculptures and throwing them at your friends will prove to be very cool and will completely take your mind off of the heat, letting you focus on more important matters, such as the icicle that just impaled you! Some may forget to put their ice creations to bed in their freezer at night. Soon you will notice that they’ve suddenly disappeared the next morning due to chemistry or whatever (not like you pay close attention in that class anyway). If you are one of these people, do not fret! Your precious valuables can be replaced with a hose (shipping and handling may apply). We encourage you to buy the best hose on the market, the JP Stose (JP Stevens Hose)! Your new hose comes with a short extension cord, letting you bring it wherever you want inside the doors of JP, and you have a zero-year warranty on it. If it breaks, we won’t replace it! But wait, if you break your first hose right now, we will send another hose, free of charge! Just pay for the hose! And yes, it is completely legal and even encouraged to bring your very own hose to school, spraying everyone and everything with cold water to keep the heat away. Earlier this morning, my biology teacher made an astounding discovery: sweating can help cool off the body. So theoretically, the more you sweat, the cooler you will be. Unlike that equation on your last math quiz, this equation is clear: Hot = Cold (even Katy Perry agrees). Following this logic, you should wear multiple layers on the hottest days of the year, carry around a heater everywhere you go, periodically pour hot water on yourself, and experience the joys of heat stroke. I suggest wearing your entire closet and your thickest socks for the best results, as well as investing in a good pair of running shoes to work up a good sweat. If these effective ways are not effective enough, then there is always the option of going swimming. JP is known to be the one and only school to have a pool on its roof. Go swim in your gym clothes or use the diving board to dive headfirst into the pool. So go ahead, dive away, feel the coolest you’ve ever been, and beat the heat! Centerfold Art by Cynthia Chen Gazing into the Future “BACK TO SCHOOL”—words that strike fear into any sane student’s heart. For the students of JP, the new school year is often a whirlwind of learning and Red Bulls at 3 a.m. From racing around to purchase all your new school supplies to memorizing your schedule over and over, coming back to school is never at the top of anyone’s to-do list. However, we at Features have can assure you that the future is not so bleak. By carrying a trusty garden hose around the sweltering hallways, relying on your local fortune teller, and embracing hoodie (and spooky) szn, you have the power to shape the future with your own hands. (Keep in mind that all referenced activities in the following articles are strictly for satirical and entertainment purposes only.)

The Fondness of Fall By SHARON PAN, sophomore OUT OF ALL the four seasons nature has to offer, fall is inarguably the best… and worst. The pros? Fall offers breathtaking changes in scenery, the rise of sweater weather, and best of all, pumpkin spice everywhere! The cons? School, of course. Say goodbye to your all-nighters binging Netflix, and welcome to pulling all-nighters for that one English project. However, the start of the new school year doesn’t have to be all that bad. After a long summer of being antisocial in your PJs, the best part of school starting is seeing all your friends again! When you walk into JP, the hardest part is getting past the hordes of girls squealing and boys dapping each other up. No matter how many times you say “HAGS” or “We’re totally hanging out this summer!” the next time you see your friends is the start of the new school year. From SAT boot camps to impromptu vacations to month-long hibernations, summer hangouts seem as likely as waking up in the morning without feeling tired. The start of school means turning over a new leaf when it comes to making friends, enemies, and even the occasional frenemy, which means that you can drop the beef you had with that one kid who stole your waffle fries once. New year, new beef! Even though not everyone sees the appeal in a new school year, there are a lot of great things that can come with it. Believe it or not, going to Menlo or the Automat or Dunkin’ every day with your friends becomes lackluster after the 50th time. And there’s only so many times you can go to NYC and take the iconic VSCO girl Vessel picture. Let’s be honest: who wants to go to the beach every weekend when all you do is take pictures for the (perceived) clout? In the joyous celebration of another completed school year, people tend to underestimate how taxing and monotonous the academic part of summer can be. After each SAT practice test, you forget yourself as a person a little more and become another one of the College Board’s pawns (just kidding… not). Worst of all, the dearth of fundraising during the summer leaves a Gertrude Hawk-shaped hole in your Gertrude Hawk-shaped heart. Instead of writing SAT-style rhetorical analysis, essays, you get the privilege of writing AP Lang-style rhetorical analysis! What a cause for celebration! After lounging around the pool all summer, some physical activity in the form of Just Dance and straights and curves is really welcome. The increasing load of schoolwork is no reason not to dress to impress. Fall fashion has evolved to consist of cuffed jeans, a laughably oversized long-sleeve shirt or sweater, and the high increase in the probability of seeing that Harvard sweater that you saw on TikTok the other day. However, fall fashion isn’t always dressing for chilly weather. If I remember correctly, the first day of fall was literally 90 degrees (a.k.a. Miami all the time). How are we expected to get into sweater weather vibes when we’re basically in Daytona Beach? To cope with the situation, us students end up using both summer and winter wardrobes at the same time! Mother Nature’s mood swings allow you to relive some of your July fits and preview some of your winter looks, making every day a fashion show. The indecisiveness of the weather is one of the many (unfortunate) indicators that symbolize the start of fall. But when you really stop to think about it, the seasons are essentially the life of a human. If spring is the birth, summer is the toddler phase, and winter is old age, then fall would definitely represent the rebel teenager phase. Let’s be real. Teenagers are very spontaneous with their emotions, especially at JP, where emotions rise and fall in tandem with GPAs. They’re happy and calm one minute, but angry and annoyed the next, telling you to go away and to “leaf ” them alone. The weather follows a similar pattern during fall. Mornings are the worst—they start off at 40 degrees, which leaves us fellow students no choice but to pull up in jackets and hoodies and warm sweats. The minute you enter the school, the temperature has officially gone up by at least 50 degrees. Whether it’s due to the extreme body heat shared by hordes of students or simply the New Jersey sun, we’ll never know. The wavering weather changes cause a few students to get sick, and that marks the beginning of an era called the “JP Plague,” otherwise known as a miserable period of time when almost half the school is sick. It’s quite certainly the least wanted transition from “spooky szn” to “sick szn.” Despite all of the indecision that fall puts on us, we can’t deny that it’s one of the seasons that we all look forward to for one reason or another. And if no rational reason as to why we should enjoy fall comes to mind, we can always point to Halloween. PAGE 8 FEATURES NOVEMBER 2019 You Know You Go to JP When… …you discuss PSAT memes with your …people use their calculators in the …the only Big 10 we know makes up the … because of the cranberry ice soap. teachers… hallways instead of their phones. top 2% of the senior class. …the hallways are a graveyard for pencils. …and even the freshmen and seniors. …they make you register for APs in …people make TikToks for their WHAP …your English teacher dresses up as …your 800m time is as high as your SAT October. projects. Colonel Sanders for Halloween. score. …you have to study for R.I.S.E. …the plan to extend the school happens …the most crippling viruses are the …bored JP students in study hall make up …the only spooky things near the end of when you’re about to leave. computer ones. the majority of Tasty subscribers. October are your impending quarterlies. …JP runs on Dunkin’… …seniors like their nachos with extra “dip.” …you can hear Mr. Smith singing in the …your hype song is “Indian Moonlight.” …and Dunkin’ runs on JP. …nobody has to dress up as a clown for cafeteria from the football field. …the only Scarlet Letter you see around is …the real spooky szn starts at the end of Halloween. …the parking lot on a rainy day the closest the Rutgers R. each marking period. …we account for 57.4% of the College we’ll get to having a swimming pool. …you can hear Mr. Smith’s greetings before …the Cricket Club meeting is held in the Board’s annual revenue. …“Procrastination” is your middle name. he even says them. auditorium due to popular demand. …you can calculate the velocity of your …people have an affinity for wearing …you have an online quiz and the …during quarterlies, the superdocs, plummeting grades. pajamas every day of the year except for MacBook restarts in 10 minutes. hyperdocs, and even the elusive uberdocs …there are more snacks in the vending Pajama Day. …half of the school’s funds come from the proliferate… machine than in the school. …the most attended event is the College lost dollars in the vending machines. …and students share them with the …you see someone in the bathroom Fair. …global warming exists both inside and teachers. holding a globe. …your MacBook says “Restarting in 10 outside the school… …there’s a petition to give the Esports …mumble rappers take inspiration from minutes,” but it only takes 10 seconds to …but our principal doesn’t deny it. Club varsity jackets. the way students give presentations. throw it out the window. …the desks have more art on them than …the Gertrude Hawk market crashes …pass/fail essays are a primary cause of …you always click “Remind Me Later” school hallways. during Halloween. rainforest deforestation. when your Mac gets an update. …Mr. Smith participates in the roast battles. …the sport with the most trophies is …you could run a successful Build-A-Bear …people get into heated arguments over …the vibrations of falling hydroflasksksks Odyssey of the Mind. factory with the amount of fluff in your who has the best calculator color. registers as a 9.0 on the Richter scale. …there are clubs just for test-taking. essays. …everyone is more festive for Chemistry …the only significant figure in your life is …you skip a test to study for SATs… …the real Día de los Muertos is quarterly Week and Mole Day than actual holidays. your GPA. …so your teachers make the makeup extra day. …everyone’s a snake for National Reptile …the word “stinky” holds more meaning. hard. …the class sizes are a fire hazard… Day. …people are more hyped for garba than …the Cup Noodle costume for Halloween …much like our school’s residential …you could write an I Survived book about HOCO. is something to ramen-ber. SoundCloud rappers. the week before spring break. …your lunch consists of waffle fries. …there’s only air conditioning in the …the Features section has an obsession …you hear kids yelling in various Indian …your APUSH teacher teaches you the B-wing rooms… with Mr. Smith. languages in the hallway. gold-digger formula… …but they are always broken. …the Heisenberg uncertainty principle …there are tips on how to walk in the JPS …and it’s not about the Gold Rush of …everybody’s excited to use the bathrooms really refers to the amount of seniors in Weekly. 1849. now… school on a given day. Lollygagging At Lunch when they don’t have to be stressed out. On as a market research study. While studying the arguments get so loud and heated that By BALAN S.V., freshman the other hand, there’s the guy who brings which vegetables are eaten most often by the other tables around you yell at you to IN MOST SCHOOLS, kids spend their his MacBook and uses it to do Quizizzes the average high schooler, they would come shut up so that they can focus on asking lunch period eating. This time is supposed (Quizizzs? Quizeeze? Quiznos?) during to two conclusions: firstly, that there is a their lunch table for answers. to be for kids to recharge in the middle of lunch. Sometimes I wonder whether there’s disturbing lack of green vegetables being Lunch provides opportunities to do so the day so they can jump back into the fray eaten, and secondly, that high school lunch much more than asking and arguing for for their afternoon classes. At JP, not so has changed a lot since their day. test answers. Shooting trash into the trash much. Back in the day, lunch was a place to take can (and missing) is a prominent activity, At JP Stevens, you’re in untrodden a break from learning. But at JP, even lunch for example. To make it even better, you territory if you see more than half of your turns into a quest for wisdom. “Knowledge can set up projectile motion problems and lunch table actually eating lunch. At this is best shared with everyone” is a statement calculate the initial velocity required to make point, the kids who actually eat lunch are which has philosophers all over the world your piece of trash into the trash, avoiding practically looked down upon for not doing nodding their heads in agreement. A typical the humiliation of missing the trash can and what’s apparently an optimal way to spend conversation at lunch could make you rethink walking over to pick up your trash. Who your 23 minutes: studying. See, at JP, eating that statement. Rather, the lunch period is all knows, maybe this is a better way to study lunch is really just a suggestion. Think of it about the reluctant, but ultimately desperate, for your reassessment on your reassessment? like starting to study more than a day before sharing of knowledge, which can be seen in But why stop at physics when you can the test or taking out your headphones in the various forms. This is clearly different from include chemistry in your repertoire of hallways; it’s recommended, and you should back in the day, when the only knowledge other things to do at lunch? You can use the probably do it, but are you going to do it? being shared were trade secrets—trading otherwise useless peas and carrots to create Probably not. At other schools, kids ask food, that is—not intel. an atomic model to study for your chemistry each other what they have for lunch that day. “Hey, how was Patel’s test? test, or just because you don’t want At JP, students ask each other, “What test do Was it hard? How long to actually eat them. Why you have next period?” as that’s the natural did it take? How many eat the food in front of reaction upon seeing an open MacBook or questions were there? you when you can put notes rather than food. Come on, tell me. Tell it to better use and Speaking of nature, I read somewhere that me!” are constantly represent the p-orbitals in every society or group, there will always be heard ringing through in your model? two people who are polar opposites. There the cafeteria. Most You’ve probably is proof of this during lunch: one person really a point in trying so hard to study students reveal nothing come to the conclusion (usually me, which is where I’m getting this during lunch. It’s probably safe to say that if other than whether that the amount of from) looks forward to lunch during the first you don’t already know the material, you’re the test was difficult or knowledge you can few periods of the day and uses it as one of probably not going to figure it out that simple and how long it acquire during lunch the few times during quickly, especially for a test that might be took to finish—a crucial is so vast that even the the day looming the next period. For some reason, detail (so others know mere notion of eating whenever I say that, people just stare at whether to panic during sounds unnecessary. me like I have three heads. the exam or not). This And, if knowledge is too I’ve also noticed that bringing spread of information, inferior of a pursuit for computers or binders with notes once again, takes the you, then you can always isn’t a great idea during lunch place of actually eating creatively utilize your food. simply because one’s friends during lunch. Of course, In the end, it’s up to can be, to put it nicely, slobs. why would that matter? you to decide whether you Upon arrival at your lunch table, You now know that James want to spend the lunch binders are subject to various finished the vocab quiz in under period eating, or attempting food stains, paper theft, binder 40 minutes. Great. to acquire usually useless information, or theft—you name it. MacBooks However, the scene at lunch after a test creatively utilizing your food to aid in your can suffer an even worse fate, is arguably more chaotic. The time is spent studies. (When was the last time you actually ranging from dents to colors arguing over answers rather than eating to did better on a test based on whether your being added to places they your stomach’s content. These arguments, friend told you it was “hard” or not?) My shouldn’t be. while well-intentioned, result in nothing advice: eat lunch. Stand out from the crowd. I wonder what it would be like more than torn friendships and sore throats Maybe you can even start a new trend. After if someone used lunch at JP Stevens (because of all the screaming). Sometimes, all, if not you, then who?

PAGE 10 NEWS NOVEMBER 2019 Welcoming New Staff Members Shallop, contd. MRS. DEMICO is a new one-on-one baking, and spending time with her family. When teaching science at the secondary paraprofessional educator here at JP Stevens. Mrs. Demico tells us, “I’ve never level, Dr. Shallop became impassioned by She graduated from JP in 1976 and attended regretted my career path because it gives me working with students. He became a class the Fashion Institute of Technology in New an opportunity to be a part of my students’ advisor as well as a club advisor, and enjoyed York City, where she received an associate’s lives. My students are the main people who working with a wider range of students. degree in applied sciences. Mrs. Demico keep me young!” “In the end, one thing led to another accompanies her students for the entirety of Overall, Mrs. Demico wants her students and I became a department chair in the the day, provides administrative support for to be successful in their academic careers and district where I was, where I had more of teachers and staff, and supervises students endeavors. One of her many suggestions to an influence and more opportunities for in and out of the classroom. her students is that they go home and review kids, which is what working with students Mrs. Demico’s hobbies include swimming, whatever they learned that day in school. is all about. Becoming principal now, I have walking around her neighborhood, reading, the opportunity to work, even if it’s just PREETHI DEVARAPALLI By VARENYA MUTNURI, sophomore peripherally, with more students than I ever MR. DIGIOVACCHINO is a new social and taught the AP version of the course could,” he said. studies supervisor for JP Stevens. After as well. When asked why students should When asked to describe being principal at graduating from Kingsway Regional High continue studying history despite the JP in one word, he said that the experience School, he attended Rutgers University, growing popularity of STEM majors, Mr. was nothing short of “exciting.” earning a Bachelor of Arts in History DiGiovacchino cites the old adage: “those “I’m excited to work with students in and a Master of Education degree. Mr. who do not learn history are doomed to a different way. I’ve always worked with DiGiovacchino, inspired by his teachers repeat it.” students in clubs and taken on advisorships and coaches in high school, decided to start Mr. DiGiovacchino believes that knowing and enjoyed working with them in that teaching history because it was one of his history helps people make better choices capacity, but as principal I have the favorite subjects to study. and looks forward to supervising history at opportunity to work with an even wider He has taught United States History at JP Stevens for many years to come. variety of students in a much greater Edison High School for the past five years By SHREYA SHIVAKUMAR, junior capacity,” said Dr. Shallop. DHRUV IYENGAR When asked about what it was like to MR. DONNER a new learning disability skills and training to reach out to more make the transition from assistant principal teacher consultant for JP Stevens. He students and play an impactful role in their to principal at JP, Dr. Shallop praised the graduated with a Bachelor of Science from lives. While teaching at JP Stevens, he hopes diverse nature of the JP administrative King’s College. He then chose to further to instill in his students a desire to continue team and the wide variety of roles and his studies at Rutgers University, receiving learning, improving, and working hard. responsibilities that he took on as assistant a master’s degree in education. Along When asked what he hopes to accomplish principal that made the transition easier for with teaching at JP Stevens, Mr. Donner is as a teacher consultant, he said he aims to him. enrolled in the NJ Excel program, hoping “help students and families navigate the “The great thing about the administrative to earn his credentials to become a school educational process and provide resources team here at JP is that we don’t just do one administrator as soon as possible. for a successful transition beyond high thing. Of course, discipline was a major Mr. Donner was inspired to pursue this school.” responsibility of mine, but all assistant profession because he wanted to use his By ADITYA BHANGALE, junior principals do far more than just discipline,” LIN LI said Dr. Shallop. “Additionally, here at JP, we MRS. FISCHER is the new supervisor of exciting, and she “can’t wait to see what the have the opportunity to try many new things 21st-century skills at JP Stevens. Inspired by future of the department holds.” and take responsibilities for initiatives. A her high school English teacher to become When Mrs. Fischer first came to JP long time ago, I started a small club with a a teacher, Mrs. Fischer attended Rutgers Stevens as a teacher, her experience was few students that were interested in filming. University, where she majored in English and surreal because she recalled her high school The club was called JP Studios, which is now later earned a master’s degree in curriculum, memories, and she loved the sense of more formalized. We even have classes for instruction, and supervision. community at JP Stevens. TV Production now, which I’m really happy After teaching English at Woodrow Mrs. Fischer looks to instill “a love of about. That’s the great thing about working Wilson Middle School for 16 years, she learning” in students and give them “the here at JP: we have the opportunity to get became a supervisor to have the opportunity skills they need to thoughtfully contribute to involved with students at different levels and to positively impact even more students’ our global society.” get them excited about something.” lives. She finds her new role as a supervisor When asked about the changes he wishes JENNIFER FISCHER By SUGANDHA BOLLU, junior to make to JP, Dr. Shallop stated, “I think MR. LAD is the new District Supervisor a major in education. JP has always been on a good trajectory, and for World Languages (K-5) & ESL/ Although it is his first year in this district, we had a solid administrative team under Bilingual. After graduating from Bloomfield Mr. Lad has taught ESL in Parsippany for Ms. Pawlikowski, who did a phenomenal High School, he attended Montclair State 10 years. He says that the JP community has job as principal. We already have a strong University, earning a bachelor’s degree in been great and he enjoys seeing the diversity community, but I do feel we need to do a family and child studies. Mr. Lad furthered in the student body. Mr. Lad’s advice to little bit more with the relationship building his education by attending The College students is simple: “follow your dreams.” between students themselves and between of New Jersey and earning a Masters of Overall, Mr. Lad hopes that students students and staff so that we can see Education degree in teaching English as a will continue to show interest in World ourselves through any problems that we Second Language. Mr. Lad had originally Languages and develop skills that will help may have. My focus would be bringing the planned to major in business, but his love them communicate with different people. community feeling to a higher level.” for teaching motivated him to graduate with By NAVLEEN KAUR, junior Dr. Shallop would like to preserve the MANSI BHATT perseverance of students at JP to challenge MS. LEE is a new English teacher at JP community has been very friendly and themselves and work hard to achieve their Stevens. After graduating from Edison High accomodating. Her advice to her students is goals, which is already inherent in many School, she attended Rutgers University, simple: “write to express yourself.” students. earning a bachelor’s degree in English In her spare time, Ms. Lee loves to read When asked about his favorite memory at literature and a master’s degree in English and write. She is also involved with the JP, he recalled the first year that he started education. Ms. Lee had originally planned Seeing Eye nonprofit organization, which working here. “It’s kind of silly, but it’s to major in pre-veterinary studies; however, raises puppies to become seeing eye dogs for when I first became an administrator,” said her passion for teaching and admiration for the blind. Currently, Ms. Lee is training a dog Dr. Shallop. “It was Mr. Faculty JPS and I her father encouraged her to graduate with a to become a seeing eye dog in the future. wore a turkey costume and sang a song I major in education. Ms. Lee hopes that her students will made up. The hockey team cheered me on Ms. Lee currently teaches freshman continue to become better communicators. in the back of the auditorium, and it was a PREETHI DEVARAPALLI English at JP Stevens. She says the JP By NAVLEEN KAUR, junior nice introduction into the school and I felt welcomed.” MR. ROBINSON is the new assistant part in the JP Community Connections Outside of school, Dr. Shallop is involved principal of the current freshman class here Committee, and hopes to lead the Student in Scouting and used to officiate ice hockey. at JP. Mr. Robinson attended The College Safety Committee, which ensures the safety He enjoys hiking; camping; and being of New Jersey, where he majored in English of students in the hallways. In his free involved in sports such as wrestling, softball, education. He taught English at Woodrow time, Mr. Robinson finds himself outdoors soccer, basketball with his five kids. Wilson Middle School for ten years before frequently as he enjoys mountain biking. When asked about what advice he would teaching at JP Stevens for two years. In “These four years go by faster than you give to students, he reminds students to addition to being an assistant principal, Mr. think. Make sure to celebrate the small “find your balance. Get the rest you need. Robinson said he would continue to be the victories because they may end up being Develop the relationships you have, and advisor of Key Club, a position he has held significant one day,” said Mr. Robinson. schedule yourself out appropriately so you for two years. can keep stress to a minimum. If students By SHREYA LANKADA, junior NICHOLAS KIMBLE Along with Key Club, he has a large focus on the learning, the grades will come.” NOVEMBER 2019 NEWS PAGE 11 New Staff Interviews, contd. BOE Meeting, MS. SABUNAS is the newest math teacher Edison Township for over 23 years, teaching at JP Stevens. After graduating high school, Algebra Honors at John Adams Middle contd. Ms. Sabunas went on to attend Villanova School. “Edison often does well, always does well, University on a full-ride scholarship due In her college years, Ms. Sabunas made and exceeds the state,” said Ms. Pawlikowski to her athletic and academic achievements. history as one of Villanova’s top student- when referring to the percentage of students Although she had originally planned to athletes in softball and was inducted into meeting and exceeding expectations. major in engineering, Ms. Sabunas’s love for the Villanova Varsity Club Hall of Fame in “Obviously we are always looking to improve; coaching sports as well as her admiration for 2015. we want to see that be a hundred percent, her former math teachers motivated her to Ms. Sabunas hopes that her students will get it to as close to a hundred percent, and graduate with a major in secondary math find real-life applications for mathematical keep working towards a hundred percent education. concepts. She advises her students to “give each year.” Ms. Sabunas currently teaches Geometry their one hundred percent” and “push their Ms. Contaldi also addressed resolutions and Algebra 2 to underclassmen here at limits” to succeed both inside the classroom and reports made by the Board, such as JP. Although it is her first year at JP, Ms. new and revised policies, a week of respect, By SHREYA SHIVAKUMAR, junior MANSI BHATT Sabunas has been working as a teacher in school violence awareness week, American Education Week Proclamation, field trip MRS. SHANKAR is a new French teacher Literature from Delhi University, a Master approval, and out of district placements. at JP Stevens. She has taught for 20 years at of Arts in French Literature, a Master of Following Ms. Contaldi, Mr. Michaud, who Alliance Francaise in New Delhi, NYC, and Philosophy in Francophone Literature from is the Business Administrator, the Board of Philadelphia, as well as in several other cities. Jawaharlal Nehru University, and a Master Education Secretary, the District Purchasing During her childhood, Ms. Shankar grew up of Arts in French Language Teaching from Agent, and the Asbestos Hazard Emergency in France as her father was a diplomat at the Universite de Rouen. In her free time, Mrs. Response Act Designated Person, spoke Indian Embassy. Shankar loves to read, cook, and take walks. about finance and the finance resolutions “I learned French at a young age and so Finally, Mrs. Shankar hopes that her that were made, including a bid for food did my sisters. So, French became part of students will learn about the cultural aspects service equipment repairs, a change in our family. Later on, I really enjoyed teaching of the Francophone world, use French in health service concerning the Dental Service at Alliance Francaise New Delhi and realized their day to day lives, and admire France for Organization, security aid purchases, and that I really loved it!” said Ms. Shankar. its uniqueness and beauty. new requirements for employment as a Mrs. Shankar majored in literature and custodian. By APURV JAYAKUMAR, junior NISITH CANAKAPALLI has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English After the minutes for the caucus meeting held on September 18 and the public action MS. SMITHERMAN is a new chemistry wanted a career in which she would have the meeting on September 23 were approved, teacher here at JP. She graduated from opportunity to have a meaningful impact on Mr. Shi asked from those in attendance for Princeton University with a bachelor’s others. In addition to ensuring her students any public comments regarding only the degree in chemistry. Ms. Smitherman grew have a strong understanding of chemistry, resolutions. With no questions from the up in Connecticut. She has lived in New Ms. Smitherman also promotes strong public, the meeting proceeded with a board Jersey for six years and moved to Edison morals in her classroom and hopes that her vote on resolutions. All resolutions were this past June. Prior to teaching at JP, she students not only learn a lot, but also learn to voted “yes” by all board members present. student taught at Princeton High School value the importance of kindness, integrity, Board member Ms. Moroney then spoke and at various summer programs. As for her and good character. on behalf of the Community Relations experience with teaching at JP Stevens so far When Ms. Smitherman isn’t teaching, she Committee and explained the building plans she says, “teaching can be hard at times, but enjoys hobbies such as painting and playing for new additions to the school buildings. no regrets so far!” music on a variety of instruments. “JP will grow to a three-story building Ms. Smitherman got into teaching because so it does not take away too much parking she always loved being around people and By VISWANATH NAIR, sophomore space. There will be a secondary entrance for MARYAM MUGHAL sports and co-curricular activities. Passing MR. TIMKO is a new chemistry teacher significant figures. Mr. Timko realized a time is going to be challenging and air at JP Stevens. Mr. Timko attended Rowan passion for teaching in his sophomore year condition will only be in the new building,” University and earned a Bachelor of Science of high school, motivated by the idea that said Ms. Moroney. She also mentioned degree in biology and a Bachelor of Arts education can change anyone’s life. He changes to the auditorium to make it “more degree in chemistry. He went on to earn hopes to create a very positive environment functional, comfortable, safer, and handicap a master’s degree in science education at in his classroom for his students. accessible” and different configurations to Rutgers University. Already, Mr. Timko Mr. Timko hopes to encourage his new classrooms for flexibility. enjoys the positive environment brought by students to pursue their passions and work Board member Ms. Falguni Patel students and staff here at JP. hard to achieve their goals despite any summarized the information discussed by In his free time, Mr. Timko likes to play setbacks they may face. the Policy Committee at their most recent sports such as basketball and loves to ride “I want my students to be like protons, meetings. Ms. Patel stated, “The committee roller coasters. He has a huge passion for always keepin’ it positive,” said Mr. Timko. discussed briefly some issues relating to chemistry and especially loves to teach vaping and the types of devices that may be By AVINASH PUSHPARAJ, sophomore MARYAM MUGHAL and learn about chemical reactions and available to us to detect vaping and bullying in schools.” MRS. TROY is the new theatre arts and shows and films, including a memorable first Board members then had the time to public speaking teacher here at JP. This is role in the movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. speak about other topics to the public. her 22nd year teaching in New Jersey, as Mrs. Troy enjoys writing in her free Some of the topics that were brought she taught in Princeton and East Brunswick time, having written many plays. She hopes up include the success of the wingman prior to coming to Edison. She started her to eventually have them published and program, the JP band festival, and the career in Edison at John Adams Middle produced on the stage. currently undefeated JP girl’s volleyball School, moving to Edison High School and When asked about what she wants team. The wingman program is a district- Thomas Jefferson Middle School before students to take away from her class, she wide project that promotes safety from gun coming to JP. She earned a Bachelor of said, “Don’t be afraid to try and fail, just violence in Edison schools by teaching kids Arts degree in theatre arts from Lycoming work hard to evolve and don’t stay stagnant. to be inclusive and practice empathy toward College in Pennsylvania before attending Life is improv, so with that in mind, everyone others. Another board member, Ms. Conway, Northeastern University to earn her is already on the stage of life—just say yes!” spoke about the phenomenal presentation credentials in secondary teaching. that the JP Marching Band put on at their By ADITYA BHANGALE, junior ROHITH NADIMPALLY Mrs. Troy has been in a few large TV band festival. Mr. Brescher spoke about the JP girl’s volleyball team, who at the time had MS. WILLET-BROWN is a 10th grade English themselves to evaluate who they are and a 20-0 streak at the time of the meeting and teacher who recently started teaching at JP how they have grown over time. encouraged meeting attendees to support Stevens. After earning her bachelor’s degree In her free time, Ms. Brown likes to shop the team at their games. in English, she pursued teaching, earning a and go to the movies. She is trying her best With the conclusion of the open degree from Rutgers Graduate School of to find a balance between maintaining a discussion by board members, the public was Education. She later found herself student- professional relationship with her students then given the opportunity to comment on teaching at John Adams Elementary School but also being able to relate to them on a education related matters. One concerned in New Brunswick. teenage level. The first year of teaching is resident spoke about the lack of bus Ms. Brown considers English to be the always hard for young teachers like Ms. transportation routes to her area, causing only core subject where you can pick a Brown, but “the staff is very supportive and students to take an Uber to and from school stance and support it; unlike other subjects, [Ms. Brown is] used to the environment due or walk a long distance to school on roads aspects of English are complex and can be to [her] time as a student.” without sidewalks. interpreted in different ways. She also likes After all public comments were addressed, By YASH MAHESHWARI, sophomore to make her students write reflections about the meeting was adjourned by Mr. Shi. PAGE 12 NEWS NOVEMBER 2019 Battle of the Bands Music for Our Veterans performance with a perennial favorite— By CHRISTOPHER CHENG, junior ”Canon in D” by Pachelbel. Often used in THE JP STEVENS Orchestra program wedding ceremonies, the tune is one of the performed at the Menlo Park Veterans most emotional and well-known pieces of Memorial Home on October 17, under the classical music. direction of Dr. Verdi and Mr. Ridge. Last but not least, the Chamber Orchestra The Concert Orchestra began the took the spotlight. The Chamber Orchestra performance with the “Overture to Old is the most advanced ensemble in the Bachelor Suite” by Purcell, a challenging orchestra program. Students audition for and exciting piece with a lively spirit. the selective ensemble each spring. They The Concert Orchestra is comprised of performed many songs from Rodgers and sophomores, juniors, and seniors. This Hammerstein musicals, including crowd ensemble then played Pierre LaPlante’s “A favorites such as “Highlights from South Little Quiet Music,” a simple yet remarkably Pacific,” “Highlights from Sounds of Music,” moving piece. This piece served as a direct “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” and “I contrast from the previous one, keeping the Enjoy Being a Girl.” New for this year, Dr. RACHEL HO audience captivated and engaged. Verdi and Mr. Ridge printed out large-text The JPS Marching Hawks perform at the BOA Regional Championship. Finally, the Concert Orchestra performed versions of the lyrics to these show tunes The BOA Regional Championship the theme song to the popular TV show and distributed them to the audience so that By APURV JAYAKUMAR, junior consisted of a preliminary round in which Game of Thrones, composed by Ramin the audience could sing along. ON OCTOBER 6TH, the JP Stevens the various marching bands played their Djawadi. The theme song evokes images After the concert, members of the Marching Band competed in the Bands of shows for a chance to qualify for the finals, of bravery and a bold sense of adventure, orchestra talked with the audience and America (BOA) Regional Championship. thus giving them the opportunity to perform serving as a perfect conclusion to their thanked them for their contributions to our The competition showcased 27 bands from again and be re-adjudicated. performance. country. the mid-Atlantic region. The JP Stevens In the preliminary round, the JP Stevens The Camerata Orchestra then took “Even though it takes a lot of work and Marching Band traveled to the University Marching Band placed tenth. Soon after, the the stage to perform their repertoire. time, I’m glad that we get to play great music of Maryland to perform their show titled band gave it they’re all once again and put on The Camerata Orchestra is composed together in a great environment,” said junior “Carols of the Dark Side.” a stronger performance for the next round. of rising musicians who are well on their Aadi Narayanan. “This is truly one of the “Carols of the Dark Side” is a unique Finally, the award ceremony began and the way to Chamber Orchestra, which is the most rewarding and thankful audiences that experience in which a potential dark side of students took place in a retreat, an event in most selective ensemble in the JP Stevens we get to play for.” Christmas is demonstrated. The show is split which all the bands lined up on the field in Orchestra Program. They first played Organizing this concert was not a small up into three movements. The first movement an orderly fashion. The band came in ninth “Oblivion” by Astor Piazzolla, a modern feat by any means. The orchestra program is the opener of the show and features an place at finals, moving up a spot from their take on an Argentinian tango. had been rehearsing and practicing diligently intense tempo change along with an alto preliminary run. Next, they performed Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s for weeks prior, and it truly showed in their saxophone cadenza. The second movement “Although we placed lower than we did “Scherzo Pizzicato,” a short and playful performances. is the ballad, showcasing the beautiful music last year, I am proud of the progress our movement. What’s quite interesting “The veterans very much enjoyed our of the show performed by the senior solo band has made. However, our show still has and unique about this piece is that it is concert,” said Dr. Verdi. “So many have trombonists. The third movement, or the much more potential, and room to grow,” performed without the use of bows; instead, praised the performance. I was very delighted closer, includes a drumline feature, along said junior snare drummer Mayank Paliwal. the musicians pluck the strings of their to hear the audience members singing along with suspenseful music involving the brass. The Regional Championship was a big instruments to produce sound. The next with the students as they played selections “This year’s show is a whole different step for the band, and they still have more to piece in the lineup was Soon Hee Newbold’s from ‘Rodgers and Hammerstein.’ I’m so experience compared to what we’ve done come, including their final performance of “Fantasia Española,” a novel interpretation glad we can give back to the community in the past,” said junior center quint David the season at the MetLife stadium. BOA was of a Spanish dance. through our instruments. We will definitely Cho. a successful mid-season checkpoint. Finally, the Camerata closed their return next year.” Hitchcock On Air An “Arabian Night” to Remember (rehearsing without their scripts). Although By SHREYA LANKADA, junior memorization of the entire script has been MEMBERS OF THE JP Stevens Theatre difficult, the cast members have mastered Company, under the direction of Mrs. their parts and know their lines in and out. Troy, have been preparing for this year’s Additionally, the rest of the cast has also fall production, Vintage Hitchcock: A Live been learning new accents, as several of Radio Play, which will be performed on the characters are British. Furthermore, the November 14-16 and 21-23. crew members have been hard at work as Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play they have been racing to finish constructing depicts a radio broadcast in the 1940s. It and painting the set, finalizing the props features the works of Alfred Hitchcock, who for actors, and figuring out how to produce is regarded as one of the most influential unique sound effects. directors in filmmaking history. Although the actors have been working His movies are distinguished for their hard to make this production a success, the representation of complex psychological backstage crew has been doing their share as characters as well as violent themes. The well. The crew spent many hours perfecting NICHOLAS KIMBLE JP Stevens Theatre Co. will be performing meticulous details for the construction of Students enter the Homecoming dance through a tunnel of lights. adaptations of three of his films. These the sets, props, sound effects, and lights. “[The Homecoming Dance] was really fun By AMOL BHINGARDE, freshman works are a combination of suspense, a bit This usually takes place on Saturdays, when because I got to hang out with my friends of horror, and a hint of romance. members of the crew meet for several hours. ROLLING DUNES OF SAND and the and have a good time!” said freshman Arya The first of the trilogy, The Lodger, is The art crew, led by the JP Stevens Theatre occasional camel greeted students as they Shahane. considered to be the first film in which Co. Secretary senior Tanvi Kumar and the entered the gym for the Homecoming At the limited intermissions between Hitchcock received notable acclaim, and publicity head senior Tanvi Chaurishi, have Dance, held on October 25. songs, attendees flocked to the bank of revolves around a dark and mysterious been painting the sets to transform the The theme of the dance, “Arabian unlimited chips and water located toward the stranger referenced as “the Avenger.” stage into the streets of London and other Nights,” was based on pop culture depictions back of the gym. Following it is Sabotage, in which the 1940s-themed backdrops to make the play of Arabian culture, ranging from the classic This year’s Homecoming Dance was the characters cannot figure out who to trust, as more realistic and enjoyable for members of film Lawrence of Arabia to the animated result of weeks of planning and effort by there are spies everywhere. The characters the audience. The prop team has also been film Aladdin. The dance sought to craft an our Student Council. Notably, the Student find it hard to believe others, so they are brainstorming various ways to accurately immersive environment for attendees. Council tried to make a meaningful change continuously watching over their shoulders. recreate the city of the 1940’s on stage. The dance started at 6:30 p.m., and soon from previous dances by removing the The third is 39 Steps, a suspenseful but “I am feeling a great sense of excitement the DJ’s strobe lights kicked into high gear, awarding of Homecoming royalty titles. comical story exploring trustworthiness in for our upcoming show, which also marks alongside the blaring music. Eventually, a “This year was definitely a magical relationships. my first production here at JP,” said Mrs. large mass was successfully formed at the experience. As seniors, it was nice to come “I find this play unique and it will be very Troy. “The students who comprise our center, with hundreds of people dancing to together with the friends and peers that interesting for the audience to watch. It has company and board are amazing in their the songs played. we’ve spent over three years with and just elements from a lot of different genres,” varied talents and ability to run a tight ship. The songs that were played ranged from have fun. This was a glimpse into what prom said junior Aakash Madisetty, who plays Mr. I sincerely hope that everyone will come out modern pop songs such as “Old Town holds in the near future, and was a chance Sleuth in The Lodger. to see our radio play. It will be one for the Road” or “Sicko Mode,” to dance favorites for the class of 2020 to bond over good As the first performance is rapidly books!” such as “Cupid Shuffle” and “Cotton-Eyed times,” said senior Ansh Gupta. approaching, all members of the cast have With preparations well underway, the JP Joe.” Occasionally, Bollywood songs were Finally, a few slow songs were played, been putting their best efforts to finish Stevens Theater Co. and Mrs. Troy hope to played too, drawing raucous responses from marking the end of another successful memorizing lines as they start to go offbook put on a successful production in November. the feverish crowd. Homecoming Dance for JP Stevens. NOVEMBER 2019 SPORTS PAGE 13 The Home Run Surge The manufacturer shrinks the core of the the league claimed this wasn’t due to any However, all of this isn’t to say that the By DYLAN BRETT, sophomore baseball, causing the flight of the ball to be changes in the way Rawlings, the official altering of baseballs is the sole reason for 6,776. That’s how many home runs were different. A 2016 investigation conducted by MLB baseball manufacturer, was making the spike in home runs. A huge portion of hit in just 4,860 MLB regular-season games FiveThirtyEight found that baseballs the ball. The commissioner suggested that it the increase in offense falls on the fact that this year, shattering the previous record of have been bouncier and less was likely due to different materials used by the game is played differently now. The Pete 6,105 in 2017. There is no question that air resistant since Rawlings, along with the way the balls were Roses and Tony Gwynns of the game are there has been a home run surge. Home 2015. Using x-rays, being stored—an indirect admittance to gone, and there are no more players with runs per plate appearance is currently sitting FiveThirtyEight’s altering the baseballs. “small ball” or “gap to gap” mindsets. Every at 3.5%, an all-time high. While there are study found a Many prominent names across single player steps into the box with the many reasons for this sudden upswing in massive 40% the baseball landscape have intention of putting the ball over the fence, power throughout the league, the most decrease in expressed their opinions on and to truly be a star in this league, their talked-about theory being thrown around core density this controversy. Pitchers home run tally must be off the charts. Take by baseball fans is that the baseballs have in baseballs Sean Doolittle and the biggest stars at the moment as prime been tampered with, or “juiced,” by the produced Patrick Corbin of examples of this theory: Mike Trout, Cody MLB to make them go further and stay in after 2015, the Washington Bellinger, and Christian Yelich combined for the air longer. The “juiced ball” speculation and roughly Nationals team a total of 136 home runs this year. National began around July when Houston Astros 7% more asked for total League Rookie of the Year winner Pete ace Justin Verlander brought up the topic rubber and transparency Alonso hit 53 home runs, setting a record during an interview at the All-Star game in 10% less on the handling of for first-year ball players. The increased Cleveland, Ohio. “I believe 100 percent that silicon in baseballs. Former Mets marketability of fan favorites such as Alonso the baseballs have been messed with,” the the later pills. manager Terry Collins and New York Yankees power-hitting disgruntled star said when asked about the These changes voiced that “The seams on superstar Aaron Judge, gives teams a reason uptick in home runs throughout the league. correspond with the ball are definitely lower, to emphasize the importance of home runs. He went on to say, “It’s made the game a lower pill mass and and they’ve done something Moreover, the rise in pitching velocity also joke.” The 36-year old righthander isn’t increased bounce. to make ‘em go further.” attributes to the home run surge as the major alone, as many baseball fans are extremely Following the Pete Rose, one of the most league fastball travels at an average speed of unhappy about the sudden home run investigation by respected hitters of all-time, 92.0 mph, an immense increase from the increase. The juiced ball theory gains more expressed his suspicions median of 90.9 mph from five years ago. support every day. regarding juiced balls at a signing With pitchers tossing at these speeds, the But what exactly is “juicing” baseballs? in Los Angeles when he said, average home run leaves the bat at over 90 What is MLB altering about them? How “I’m going to argue with mph. All of these stats and analytics are the does it make them go further? Well, it is baseball until the day I perfect ingredients to cook up more home an extremely simple process that MLB die,” Rose claimed, runs than ever before. commissioner Rob Manfred calls “the “That baseball is While there are analytical points backing centering of the pill,” which means the juiced. I don’t care this rise of home runs, baseball is a changing ball is constructed in a way that makes FiveThirtyEight and many other what anybody says … I saw a ball bounce game with changing players and a changing it travel quicker and further due to its parties, MLB released an 84-page report behind the dugout and it bounced into the fanbase. With new technologies, baseball will improved aerodynamic state. In simpler acknowledging changes made in the second deck. Now, there’s something going continue to evolve, and strategy will advance terms, it means the ball has less “drag.” baseball. The balls were smoother, but on there.” along with it. PAGE 14 SPORTS NOVEMBER 2019 Causing a Racquet Scoring Sensations had new talented freshmen in their line By ASHNA VARMA, sophomore By KAREENA PANDYA, junior up this year that they were not expecting. THE LADY HAWKS varsity girls tennis Nevertheless, the team performed well THE JP BOYS SOCCER team began putting team continues to prevail with an impressive when put under the pressure of each in work long before their regular season finish to the 2019 season. The team, made match. First singles Lauren Sun (10), second started. Coming to the field on early summer up largely of returning players from last year, singles Emily Hsieh (9), third singles Shriya mornings, the boys endured grueling has once again proven its dominance on Upadhyay (10), first doubles Vatsala Bahal practice sessions, speed and agility training, their court by ending with an overall record (12) and Shubhi Upadhyay (10), and second and scrimmages. This hard work and of 19-4 and placing an impressive second in doubles Aneesha Santhanam (12) and Harini determination carried throughout the season the GMC tournament. Kannan (11) all managed to place fourth or and helped the Hawks secure their highest With 31 years of coaching experience, higher in their specific positions. win total in the past three years. Coach Coach Ellen Pisano was “excited for another The girls in green and gold remained McMullen says that they are improving by competitive year with the core of the team resilient and were prepared to compete in “making strides each and every week to have back for the season.” Led by senior captains GMCs in mid-October. The team made each player become better as an individual Vatsala Bahal, Anesha Santhanam, and Avani a tremendous effort to defeat their rivals and to help the team as a whole.” Sharma, the team developed a strong sense and were able to make it to the semifinals. To kick off their season, the Hawks tied of unity at the start of the season, which has In the state semifinals, sophomore Shriya in their match against a strong Colonia SOMESHWAR RAMESH BABU allowed them to work well together when Upadhyay won it for the team in a thrilling team and later earned their first win with Captain Aniket Narkhede (12) faced with intense competition. The tight- three-set win. Shriya reveals that despite a 2-1 victory over Ridge. Adding another lines up to deliver a free kick. knit group of girls stuck with each other more difficult matches this season, the solid performance in the books was a 7-1 able to win an important game for the when faced with adversity, and it showed team is constantly improving, and it was the victory against Woodbridge Academy in Hawks. His valuable contributions to the on the court. The season’s results would not “overall team energy” that allowed them to the first round of the GMCs. Contributing team also include netting a hat trick in the have been possible without the team’s three persevere. The season’s results would not to these exceptional performances was game against Bayonne. captains’ leadership and hard work, which have been possible without the leadership goalkeeper Vishal Sriram (11), with over 70 Additionally, captains Aniket Narkhede helped them dominate the challenges of this and hard work exemplified through the saves, and striker Sukhbir Ghotra (12), who (12) and Anish Mallavarapu (12) describe season. team’s three captains, who helped them leads the team’s statistics with nine goals the team as “a cohesive unit that continues The Lady Hawks repeatedly demonstrated overcome the challenges and adversities of and six assists this season. Midfielder Jakob to improve as the season goes on.” Aniket their teamwork throughout the season, this season. Virizlay (12) added to the team’s totals with expands on the bond of the team by working together to clinch each victory. The past season has been one of learning; two significant assists in a victory against calling “the creation of strong, long-lasting During GMCs, the team faced familiar together, the team has been able to refine Bayonne. relationships with one another” one of their rivals, including Monroe and Old Bridge, but their playing skills and train towards higher Sukhbir Ghotra attributes the team’s greater accomplishments. The boys soccer were able to persist until the end, claiming goals. Showing their potential since the achievements to their “strong family- team enjoys their time together off the field second place. This tremendous feat was the beginning of the season, the girls were able to like bond” and ascribes the team’s through activities such as “eats” and boosts hard-earned product of the team’s flexibility prove themselves through their exceptional competitiveness and effort to their “winning their fundraisers by canning at Walmart or and cohesive strategy of learning from record and high rankings. With more than mentality.” He has earned the Hawk Award, holding car washes at the school. Ending past matches. While the Lady Hawks had half the team comprised of underclassmen, given to the best offensive player of the with a successful season, the Hawks look consistently claimed the GMC title in the the girls know that they will only continue to week, twice this season. Scoring two goals forward to coming back on the field next last three years, rival team East Brunswick achieve more in future seasons. against their rival Old Bridge, Ghotra was season with the same grit and tenacity. From The Grind Up Despite their new acquisitions and lofty weaker Eastern Conference. After barely Spencer Dinwiddie blossomed into one of By JOSEPH GEORGE, junior expectations, the team never was able to escaping the Toronto Raptors in the first the best sixth-men, and center Jarrett Allen FOR THE FIRST time in 20 years, New reach its full potential, as they only reached round, the Nets were soundly defeated backboned a tough defense. With their new York is excited about basketball. But this the conference semifinals once in three in five games by the Miami Heat, led by identity, the Nets made the playoffs for the time, it isn’t about the Knicks. Instead, it years. While the fast-track to contention LeBron James, in the conference semifinals. first time since 2015, overcoming a tough is the Brooklyn Nets who have entered is attractive, the cost of impatience can be In an attempt to retool the roster, Kidd was second-half schedule to earn the sixth seed. the spotlight as championship contenders. devastating. fired and the Nets moved on from Pierce Facing off against the Philadelphia 76ers Anchored by their deep roster, the Nets Everybody would like to say that the Nets and Garnett. However, following another in the first round, it couldn’t be clearer made a splash this offseason by signing two learned from their mistakes. But following a disappointing season in 2014-15, the Nets how differently these two teams rebuilt of the most prized free agents: Kevin Durant tough seven-game loss to Joakim Noah and decided to initiate a complete culture themselves. The 76ers spent years trying to and Kyrie Irving. The news was met with the Chicago Bulls in 2013, the Nets were change. General manager Billy King was lose games or “tank,” while the Nets rebuilt widespread approval, impressing basketball desperate to rise to the top fired, head coach Lionel Hollins without any draft picks at all. The Sixers pundits with how quickly the Nets had of the Eastern Conference. was released, and most of had found a loophole, but the Nets were rebuilt from almost nothing. Considered the They found unlikely trade the front office was let go. forced to confront their situation head-on. laughingstock of the league for many years, partners with the Boston Replacing them were San In game one, the Nets made their statement. the Nets turned themselves into contenders Celtics, making a move for Antonio Spurs disciple On the road in Philadelphia, they rode a the old-fashioned way: by prioritizing team aging fan favorites Paul Sean Marks and former strong third quarter to a shocking upset chemistry and a winning culture. Pierce and Kevin Atlanta Hawks assistant victory. The Nets were no longer a laughing After the Nets’ run to the NBA Garnett. At coach Kenny stock; instead, they were here to compete. Finals in 2002, the team struggled, the time, Atkinson. Even though the Nets ended up missing the playoffs multiple losing the series, they had sent times until Mikhail Prokhorov a message to the rest of purchased the team in 2009. the league. Players like Prokhorov was determined Kevin Durant and to rebrand them from Kyrie Irving had the local underdog taken notice of New Jersey Nets to an their culture international brand and winning on par with teams like mentality. the New York Knicks the Nets were In a complete On the final day of the July and Los Angeles Lakers. widely praised reversal from the moratorium, fans awaited Kevin Upon his purchase, he all but assured for the move, previous regime, Durant’s decision. Kyrie Irving, Nets fans that they would receive the only giving up a Marks informed former Boston Celtics point guard, services of at least one star free agent few “worthless” Nets fans that had already announced his intentions in 2010. Unfortunately, they struck out first-round picks rebuilding could to sign with the Nets. Durant, on every single one: LeBron James, and unproven not be skipped however, was still a complete Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Amar’e young players. or sped up. He mystery. Throughout the season, Stoudemire, and even Carlos Boozer. Additionally, the team hired retired point told Prokhorov in the meeting, “If you are speculation followed that Durant would sign Prokhorov, still determined to build such guard Jason Kidd as their head coach, looking for a quick fix or similar to what you with the Knicks and embrace the chance to a brand, initiated the first step in such a leading many analysts to consider the Nets did before, I’m the wrong guy.” be their savior. At 2:00 p.m., to the relief process by relocating the team to Brooklyn. a championship favorite. Prokhorov, excited Through their continuous dedication of fans, Adrian Wojnarowski reported that However, in trades for former stars like by the prospect of possibly making the NBA to the rebuilding process, the Nets pulled Durant had signed with the Nets. Perhaps, Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, and Gerald Finals in the next season, proclaimed “the off the unthinkable. They established their to Durant, the most appealing destination Wallace, the Nets mortgaged their future for basketball gods have shined on the Nets.” own identity as the chippy underdogs who was a team that had already proven itself and years of mediocrity. They sent off a myriad In retrospect, the basketball gods may have would not give any team an easy win. This passed through the test of fire. And maybe of younger players as well as four first- been laughing. past season, the Nets made the big jump: six years later, after seasons of ridicule, round picks, one of which became Portland The Nets sputtered through the 2013-14 trade acquisition D’Angelo Russell was Prokhorov was right—the “basketball gods” Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard. season, squeaking into the playoffs in the named an All-Star, Detroit Piston castoff really have smiled upon the Brooklyn Nets. NOVEMBER 2019 SPORTS PAGE 15 Spiking Success A Giant Debut about the team’s drive, he says, “The girls’ draft night, Commissioner Roger Goodell By VICTORIA HE, sophomore By JAMES GIFFORD, junior dedication to the sport is remarkable, and approached the podium to announce the THE JP STEVENS girls volleyball team made though I see them groaning when they have The New York Giants trailed the Tampa sixth overall pick, and to the shock of many, history with their impressive and undefeated conditioning, they truly put in their all when Bay Buccaneers by 18 at halftime during the Giants selected Jones. Fans were clearly record of 21-0 leading into the GMC finals. In it comes down to it.” Because of their hard week 3 of the NFL season. Usurping Giants taken aback, with boos raining down from an intense, nail-biting game against Colonia, work at practice, the girls are able to enter legend Eli Manning just two games into his the stands. Questions surrounding the the two teams fought for every point until the game attacking the ball with confidence rookie season, Daniel Jones made his first Giants’ questionable pick surged through the Hawks prevailed and won yet another and an undaunted attitude. start as quarterback that night. Despite the the NFL landscape and the Giants’ front game through a series of tough serves and To begin practice, the girls run eight laps team’s 0-2 start to the season, fans were office was put under the spotlight. Analyst even tougher hits, solidifying their top five around the gym before starting dynamics skeptical of the decision. Max Kellerman of First Take was critical of ranking in the state. As the defending GMC and stretching as a team. Afterwards, they go When the third quarter began, however, the Giants’ draft pick, pointing to Jones’ titleholders, the Hawks started their season through drills and scrimmages that resemble things began to change. After pioneering a high bust potential as a red flag. The Giants off strong by defeating conference rivals game-like situations to improve their team comeback in the second half, Jones rushed organization simply looked lost within the South Brunswick, Woodbridge, and Monroe, performance as well as individual skills. for the Giants’ final touchdown late in the media criticism and fan disapproval. as well as cross-town rival Edison High in Outside of practice, the team also bonds fourth quarter and sealed the win 32-31. Debates centered around the team swirled a quick 2-0 victory. With their exceptional through “eats,” during which they go to a Fans were left cheering his name, and critics throughout the preseason and onto the pitch record, the Hawks continue to work harder teammate’s house to have a team meal or tie- were left speechless. when Jones stepped out in a Giants uniform than ever to achieve their goals. dye shirts. Given his unorthodox path to the NFL, for the first time. Eli Manning was locked The outstanding talent among the roster It is through this combination of diligence however, Jones’s breakout should not have in as the starting quarterback, but preseason this year have not gone unnoticed. Co- and team spirit that the JP Stevens girls varsity come as a surprise. Standing only 6’0” as a time allowed Jones to showcase his ability captains and outside hitters Irene Quan volleyball team has been so successful this sophomore at Charlotte Latin High School, on the field. Completing 25 of 30 throws (12) and Simrin Carlsen (11) have been year. When asked about the team’s winning Jones’ chances at playing college sports were for 371 yards and two touchdowns, he was key to the Hawks’ season by accumulating streak, Coach Anthony White commented slim. After a minimal recruiting process, Jones stellar during the Giants’ 4-0 preseason over 200 kills each this season. Adding to on the focus and dedication of the players, was set to commit to Princeton University’s run. Despite his excellent play, uncertainty the team’s statistics are libero Lauren Hyun saying, “It’s very businesslike. When they get football team. However, Duke’s head-coach continued to linger. His mesmerizing display (12), with 133 digs, and setter Laurel Sarkaria on the court they know what they want to do David Cutliffe had taken notice of Jones and against the Buccaneers put those doubts to (10), who has paved the way for the team and how to do it.” offered him a spot. Jones eventually signed rest. Kellerman apologized for his previous with over 450 assists. Additionally, captains With this attitude and drive, they will with Duke, where he drastically improved skepticism, Giants fans quickly moved on Irene and Simrin credits their stellar season be sure to take their success into the state his draft stock. Consistently improving from Manning, and the media proclaimed to the spirited energy and perseverance of tournament as well. After a devastating each season, he capped off his impressive the stardom that Jones seemed destined to the team. Irene attributes the team’s success defeat against Westfield in last year’s state collegiate campaign with MVP honors in the achieve. to the camaraderie, explaining that “through quarterfinals, the No. 2-seeded Lady Hawks Senior Bowl. If Jones’ production and quick rise to the tough practices, each teammate was will continue to make a name for themselves Despite Jones’s impressive résumé and stardom is a sign of what’s to come, Giants willing to lift one another which allowed us this year. As the first team in JP Stevens NFL readiness, analysts were not convinced fans can bank on a bright future for their to find success as a team.” history to go undefeated for so long and of his potential. In a draft pool with team. The spotlight will be on the Duke During the pre-season, the girls, led by to clinch the Red Division title since 2004, quarterbacks like Kyler Murray, Drew Lock, alum throughout the season, but the Giants this year’s new freshmen coach, Tim Weber, the Hawks’ sensational season will not be and Dwyane Haskins, the Duke prospect are hoping that Jones will continue to defy conditioned nearly every day. When asked forgotten. was projected to be a mid-teen pick. On all odds and prove his doubters wrong. The Crackdown on Antonio Brown heated dispute with starting quarterback Ben unbreakable, special bond with the Schutt thus contracted frostbite, leading him to By SUJAY ATHREY, junior Rothlisberger led Brown to skip practices AiR Advantage helmet he had used for the miss much of mandatory training camp. THE LONG-AWAITED 2019-2020 NFL and an important Week 17 game against the past nine years. The new and approved NFL Additionally, after receiving two fines season has finally arrived. With its pompous Cincinnati Bengals for the AFC North title. helmet he was given didn’t suit him, as he from the Raiders for missing practices, celebrations and one-handed catches, On February 12, after weeks of turmoil stated that it “interfere[d] with [his] vision.” Brown and general manager Mike Mayock football attracts many fans who root for with the front office, Brown officially asked Brown went as far as sneaking his old helmet got into an altercation during a practice. their team, rack up fantasy points, and rep for a trade from the Steelers. Despite the onto the field and painting it identically Reportedly, Brown threatened to punch their colors. many teams looking to trade for Brown, the to the mandated helmets. Remaining true Mayock in the face before punting a football Aside from the hype, however, comes Oakland Raiders ultimately secured the star to their standards, the NFL declined his in the air and yelling, “Fine me for that!” the drama—especially when talking about receiver for a 2019 repeated grievances, insisting that the Having been already fined over $250,000 for the Antonio Brown fiasco. Did he retire third and helmet was too old and a his rowdy behavior, Brown took to Twitter from the NFL? Why is he getting repeatedly safety risk. and Instagram, asking for the Raiders to fined? These questions remain on the In addition to his release him. Subsequently, the Raiders did forefront of people’s minds. Before the so. controversy that derailed his career, Just two days after being released by the Brown was undoubtedly one of the Raiders, Brown announced that he was top wide receivers in the game. In signing with the New England Patriots. his nine-year career, he amassed However, shortly after his signing, the 11,263 receiving yards, seven Antonio Brown saga took another turn for Pro Bowl selections, and a the worse when rape allegations broke out plethora of other awards and from his former physical trainer Britney recognitions. Despite these Taylor. She filed a lawsuit claiming immense accomplishments that she had been sexually assaulted and accolades, Brown’s multiple times during their career has nose-dived into time at Central Michigan what many critics have University. Despite the called “a circus.” ongoing NFL and Patriot The wide receiver’s investigation of these rollercoaster of off-the- allegations, Brown field antics began on January debuted in week two 15, 2017. After a close win against the Miami against the Kansas City Chiefs Dolphins, recording a in the playoffs, Brown decided touchdown alongside to broadcast the teams’ locker four receptions for room celebration on Facebook Live. 56 yards. However, a The live stream got out of hand when promising start quickly Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin was came to a crashing end when caught cursing out the New England the Patriots decided to release Brown Patriots, the team they were set to face in only 11 days after signing him. the AFC championship next week. Currently, Brown is teamless and has Although Tomlin issued a formal apology fifth-round pick. Viewing Brown as helmet issue, the Raiders medical staff and returned to Central Michigan to focus on his via press conference, Brown took the brunt the answer for their struggling offense, the doctors figured out he was suffering from education. Despite the off-the-field issues of the backlash. Having violated NFL league Raiders agreed to trade for the receiver to serious frostbite on his feet. In his recovery that Brown presents, his abilities as one of policy pertaining to inappropriate posts pair with Derek Carr. process from the grueling NFL season, the best receivers have been captivating to on social media, he was reportedly fined While this seemed like a fresh start, the Brown decided against traditional methods many teams in need of a spark. Coupled $10,000. While Brown was disciplined for his situation quickly turned downhill. Brown like ice baths and massages in favor of with Brown’s propensity for creating drama, “foolish” decision, his relationship with the had an issue with his new helmet; it wasn’t cryotherapy. He reportedly entered the cold the Antonio Brown saga will continue to be Steelers truly fractured in December 2018. A too bulky or big; rather, Brown had an chamber without any proper footwear, and on NFL fans’ minds for years to come.