Math teacher Dreaming of a Follow us on runs a marathon good night’s rest Mr. Carucci beats Eighty-seven percent of Social Media his personal record students say they aren’t in the New York City getting enough sleep. | 6-7 @LHSLighthouse Marathon. | 2 The Lighthouse Vol. XXXIII, No. 2 Lyndhurst High School: 400 Weart Avenue, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 December 2019 Football team wins state sectional championship By Alexa Borino Editor

The 27 seniors on the football team had been dreaming of bringing home a state championship win for the past three years. On Nov. 22, this dream became a reality when the Golden Bears defeated Parsippa- ny High School 26-7 at a home game. The win crowned the football team as North I Group II state champions for the first time since 1983. The team also fin- ished the season with an 11-1 record as North Jersey Interscholastic Conference champions and North Jersey Interscholas- tic Conference Liberty champions. As a result of the win, the team was giv- en the opportunity to face off against Ve- rona High School at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 29. Although the team fell short with a score of 41-0, senior captain Anthony Lembo said it was a great feeling to play at a professional sports venue. “Running out of the tunnel with my photo from MVPSHOTS brothers and seeing the town cheer for us was a memorable moment,” Lembo said. Senior Anthony Lembo runs for a first down at a home game against Parsippany High School during the final round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association tournament on Nov. 22. He said playing football taught him many life lessons that he plans to apply in “I plan to study sports marketing at a col- He said it was his responsibility to make Oct. 11 when the Golden Bears beat Harri- college and beyond. lege that has a good football program so I sure players stayed focused. In order to son High School 54-7. “When you get hit, you have to decide can succeed in both,” Lembo said. win, he said the team had to help each oth- “We had determination, and nobody was whether to get back up or stay on the Senior Ismail Ay credits the team’s win- er through adversity and keep each other going to beat that,” Rodriguez said. ground,” Lembo said. ning season to practicing hard every day motivated. He said this season has been filled with He said he is sad his high school foot- and having a close bond with other players. “We have to hold each other account- many exciting moments, but his favorite ball career has come to an end but plans on He said each week, the players proved peo- able and do what we have to do to win,” memory was winning the state sectional continuing to play the sport in college. Still ple’s assumptions wrong and demonstrated Ay said. title with his team. undecided, Lembo said he is looking for that they were a force to be reckoned with. Sophomore Ethan Rodriguez said he is “It felt amazing, not only for us but for the a school where he will be able to balance “When we would play hard and as one especially proud of the team’s most lopsid- entire community. It made me feel proud to both academics and athletics. unit, we got better every game,” Ay said. ed win of the season, which occurred on be a Golden Bear,” said Rodriguez. Love and laughter fill the stage in ‘Our Miss Brooks’ By Alex Shapiro the main female role to the more talent- Fonseca said. Webmaster ed student actress Jane (Jennifer Kelly). He said he enjoyed the overall storyline Rhonda is angry at Jane for stealing the of the play and the fact that it was set in a As the lights dimmed in the auditorium spotlight and keeping her away from lead- different era. on Nov. 14 and 16, audience members ing man Ted. “Although it was a bit hard to catch onto found themselves transported back nearly Fonseca said he enjoyed playing the role at first, it’s really funny,” Fonseca said. seven decades. of a theater-loving and laid-back student. The set, which accurately depicts a class- In the LHS production of “Our Miss “It felt pretty easy to get in character room in the 1940s and ‘50s, was created Brooks,” which is based on the 1950s tele- by Saturday Night Live’s Michael Shorti- vision sitcom, English teacher Miss Brooks no, who has been building sets since 1975. (Jenna Freitas) finds herself dreaming of a When Coach Hugo’s best Costumes were purchased by play director vacation far away from her professional Ms. Coppola and assistant director Mrs. woes and the secret crush she is develop- player Ted (David Fonseca) Loeser using funds from advertising reve- ing for Coach Hugo Longacre (Matthew wants to quit the team to nue and boosters. Derrig), who mentors the boys basketball Kelly said she liked her costumes be- team. become the male lead in the cause they suited her character perfectly. Her troubles intensify when she takes on play, conflict erupts. “I loved how people dressed in the ‘50s, the responsibility of directing the school and I thought all of our outfits were super play. When Coach Hugo’s best player Ted cute,” Kelly said. “My favorite was the first (David Fonseca) wants to quit the team because Ted is a typical teenager and has one I wore, which was this navy blue skirt to become the male lead in the play, con- similar traits to me,” Fonseca said. with lemons on it, a yellow sweater and flict erupts. Coach Hugo gets mad at Miss He said the most challenging scenes to saddle shoes.” Brooks for taking up Ted’s time, especially perform were the ones that included many Kelly said her sister inspired her to par- when Ted begins to feel passionately about characters. ticipate in LHS’ theater program. photo by alyssa ferrara acting. “Where there were more people, there “I used to love watching her, and she Juniors David Fonseca and Jennifer Kel- were more lines to be said, and you had ly, who play the roles of Ted and Jane, Furthermore, Rhonda (Anna Ryn- told me she made some of her best friends exchange a kiss in “Our Miss Brooks,” kiewicz), daughter of the school board to rely on other people to correctly deliver during the plays. Now, I’ve made some of which was performed on Nov. 14 and 16. president, is mad that Miss Brooks gives their lines so you could also deliver yours,” CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 The Lighthouse 2 SCHOOL NEWS December 2019 Coach Jelcic earns major honor By Jake McCann on Nov. 5, the team performed well, winning 2-1 in the Staff Writer previous state games against Lodi and Hackettstown High Schools. The team finished its season with a 17-5 record. The score was 1-0 on Sept. 12 after the first half of the Junior captain Thomas Zurkowski, who joined the team game and the boys soccer team was on track to beat Harri- his freshman year, said Jelcic’s leadership helped the team son High School for the first time in 20 years. excel this season after losing former captain John Kul- During halftime, Coach Jelcic gave an inspirational panowski, who graduated last year. speech where he reminded his players of the team’s larger “I feel like we had a great season but we didn’t finish the purpose. Shortly after, sophomore and leading goal scorer way we wanted, but with our great coaches and returning Enrique Mutsoli scored the second goal to seal a win for talent, I think we could go farther than ever [next year],” the boys and push their record to 4-0. Zurkowski said. The major win over Harrison and wins in the first nine He said Jelcic and the other coaches have been essential games of the season, combined with the Golden Bears’ to the team’s achievements. progression to the state semifinals, cemented coach Denis “The coaching staff got us prepared with notes on the Jelcic as Coach of the Year. This title is voted on by New other teams we played and motivated us to play our best,” Jersey Interscholastic Conference league coaches and Zurkowski said. comes a year after Jelcic won Coach of the Year for ice Senior Fernando Esteves, who has been on the varsity hockey. In total, this is his fifth time earning the Coach of team since last year, said Jelcic’s award also reflects the the Year designation. contributions of Assistant Coach Kevin Cueva and vol- “It’s an enormous honor to receive Coach of the Year rec- unteer Coach Adrian Baranowski, who graduated LHS in ognition. However, I like to call it a team award because I 2018 and was a member of the soccer team while he was a feel like I simply coach the best student athletes around,” high school student. said Jelcic, who has been coaching the boys soccer team “Having three great minds of the sport really helped us for six years. “I am truly humbled by this great achieve- throughout the season,” Esteves said. ment and thank my team for always believing in our over- Esteves said Jelcic is a great coach and an even better all goal: success as a team.” person. He said Jelcic’s best quality is how much he cares Jelcic said the Coach of the Year award represents not for his players, doing whatever he can to help them. only his achievements but the effort of the team and town. “Coach Jelcic winning Coach of the Year is an exciting “It feels like home here. I grew up in a sports town of moment for the soccer team, Coach Jelcic himself and for Cliffside Park, [N.J.], and I want it to feel like being there, the town,” Esteves said. “Jelcic shaped the soccer team and I think we’ve done that here,” Jelcic said. by getting us closer together as a family, by getting us all He said the players trained throughout the offseason together to eat, going down the shore together, making us Photo by Lors Photography and brought a strong work ethic to practices. He said even run at practice every day and teaching us to always have Coach Jelcic earned his fifth Coach of the Year though the team lost 3-0 to Harrison in the state semifinals each others’ backs.” award for his work with the boys soccer team.

Math teacher crosses finish line in New York City Marathon By Victoria Niedbal outs, which were vital to his improvement. been able to participate in the marathon, Managing Editor “The people there were so incredibly which required him to raise at least $3,000 welcoming. I could not have found a better for the charity. It was Nov. 3, the morning of the New group for support and for teaching me what “I knew it was going to be an arduous York City Marathon. The sun had just ris- to do,” Carucci said. “Everyone helped out process to raise that money, but my friends en, the streets were silent and the city was and showed me the way. It was one of the were awesome with contributing,” Carucci still asleep. Meanwhile, math teacher Mr. best decisions I have ever made.” said. “As soon as people heard about it, it Carucci was packing up and preparing for Carucci said without the runners at Race- was incredible how giving they were.” the long day ahead of him in the Big Apple. faster, he would have struggled to accom- Carucci said he not only received fi- With three marathons under his belt, he plish his marathon goals. nancial support for his race but emotional told himself this one was just another long “If it wasn’t for them and their support, support from colleagues including history race, which he’d be completing alongside I don’t know where I would be or what I teacher Mr. Tessalone, who coaches LHS’ 50,000 other runners. would’ve done, but there is no way I would cross country as well as indoor and outdoor Carucci said the start line was crowded, be breaking four hours in New York,” track and field teams. with runners standing shoulder to shoulder Carucci said. Tessalone said he had faith in Carucci’s on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge which Carucci said one of the most influential ability to cross the finish line. connects the boroughs of Staten Island and people from this team was Coach Aidan “I was excited for him. New York is one Brooklyn. When the clock struck 10:10 Walsh, who is the owner of Racefaster. of the premier marathons, and I knew he a.m., Carucci embarked on his run. Walsh said Carucci exhibited determina- was going to have a really good experi- After a quiet first two miles, Carucci said tion throughout his training. ence,” Tessalone said. “I would always he entered Brooklyn. There, he said he was “He put in a lot of work for this mara- encourage him to embrace proper training greeted with cheers from onlookers. He thon. Running is the type of sport where methods.” said the loud and encouraging spectators you need to have self-motivation. There Even though Tessalone was unable to were present throughout the whole course. are a lot of times when you have to do your watch Carucci run, he tracked Carucci’s “I refused to put in my headphones be- run, and there is nobody there to make sure progress on the TCSNYMarathon app. cause I was not going to drown out that you do it. He did that. He did everything he “I was driving through Paterson, [N.J.], emotion and that driving force. The crowd was supposed to do,” Walsh said. and my wife was checking and giving me was way more powerful than the music,” He said he is proud of Carucci for beat- updates,” Tessalone said. Carucci said. ing his personal record. Carucci said leading up to race day, his Throughout his run, Carucci said he was “That’s a phenomenal achievement. It’s students offered him encouragement by receiving messages on his smartwatch not like a basketball game where you win sending virtual cheer cards via app. from coworkers, students and his mom, all or lose,” Walsh said. “You perform well, Senior Laura Abreu, Carucci’s student of whom awaited news of his completion. and you run faster than you’ve ever run be- who ran in the Racefaster Half Marathon Hitting “the wall” at mile 23, Carucci fore. That’s a big, big win.” with him over the summer, said Carucci said he pushed past his mental barriers and The New York City Marathon accepts exhibits a love for the sport. finished the race in 3:48 hours, beating his runners based on time qualifications, a lot- “You wouldn’t think that someone would personal record by 23 minutes. tery system or charity, with runners raising be thrilled to run 26.2 miles, but every time Carucci said he ran with confidence, money for a cause. Since Carucci loves an- he would talk about it, you could see the knowing that he had been properly pre- imals, he chose the latter option and decid- excitement gleaming out of him,” Abreu pared for this challenge by Racefaster, a ed to donate the money he collected to the said. Ridgewood, N.J.-based running club that North Shore Animal League, the country’s Carucci said he would like to run in the is also a store. largest no-kill rescue and adoption organi- New York City Marathon again, but he is Carucci joined Racefaster in July, and zation. also looking to take on new challenges. while it was sometimes a struggle to wake “North Shore was the one I felt like I “I want to focus on improving. I want Photo from Mr. carucci up early and run with his club, he said it identified with the most just because of to run faster courses like Chicago at some Math teacher Mr. Carucci ran in the changed the way he approaches his train- their no-kill mission and everything that point. I have a significant amount to- im New York City Marathon on Nov. 3. This ing. they stand for,” Carucci said. prove before Boston, but I definitely want marked his fourth marathon. He set a He said as a result of Racefaster, he was Without the generosity of family and to do all of those down the line,” said personal record of 3:48 hours. able to incorporate more fast-paced work- friends, Carucci said he would not have Carucci. The Lighthouse December 2019 SCHOOL NEWS 3 Dual enrollment gives students head start on college By Alex Shapiro but because there is so Webmaster much information you are expected to know. If you Students can now earn study hard, you’ll be fine, college credit without tak- but it definitely requires ing an Advanced Placement a lot of time and effort,” test. Abreu said. With the Middle College Dunn, who has been program offered by Fair- teaching college classes at leigh Dickinson University BCC for 12 years, said he in Teaneck, N.J. and Ber- treats his high school anat- gen Community College in omy and physiology stu- Paramus, N.J., students are dents the same way he does able to earn dual enrollment his college students. credit for six LHS classes: “I give my anatomy kids accounting, anatomy and a college class experience. physiology, Introduction to They get the same tests, the Photo By dean woolis same time constraints and Education, Italian IV-Hon- Senior Jenna Freitas, sophomore Alexis O’Rourke and senior Matthew Madonna (left to right) participated in this ors, journalism and Spanish the same type of work,” year’s All-State Mixed Chorus. Last month, they performed at Adrian Phillips Theater in Atlantic City, N.J. and the IV-Honors. Dunn said. “Students who New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, N.J. College credit is granted don’t take the class seri- as long as the student ends ously will struggle because the year with an average they lack the skill needed to Three LHS students perform in Atlantic City excel.” Dunn said he runs his “Dual enrollment Middle College courses and at NJPAC with All-State Mixed Chorus can ultimately help differently than the rest of By Dean Woolis which he submitted on the video audition rather than school chorale had been a his classes at LHS. Staff Writer All-State Mixed Chorus something face-to-face. I part of this experience and out any student to “I give them a lot more website, required him to was less nervous because of expressed lots of enjoy- graduate college a freedoms and latitudes to November was an im- prepare scales and a solo this,” Freitas said. “[Cho- ment for the choir. It moti- semester early.” make them feel like they portant month for seniors in addition to singing with rale director] Ms. Wise is vated me to follow in their are more like adults. Dual Jenna Freitas and Matthew a recording of voices to test also very encouraging to- footsteps,” O’Rourke said. enrollment has great advan- Madonna as well as soph- his ability to maintain har- wards the entire chorale, O’Rourke, who has been of an 80 or above. Three tages over an AP course be- omore Alexis O’Rourke, mony. and she made me build up singing since she was a dual enrollment credits cost cause students don’t have all of whom got the chance Madonna said he waited the courage to try out.” child, is no stranger to the $235 through Bergen Com- to worry about getting a 4 to showcase their talent as until his senior year to au- Freitas said in April, when stage. Both in upper ele- munity and $267 through or above on a test that de- members of the All-State dition and is proud to have she found out she was ad- mentary school and high Fairleigh Dickinson. The termines their eligibility for Mixed Chorus. been accepted into the cho- mitted to the chorus, she school, she was involved in same three-credit class, credits,” Dunn said. The chorus, which includ- rus. felt proud. musicals and talent shows. if taken in college, would Senior Frankie Ferran- ed approximately 250 high “I was immediately ex- “I definitely wasn’t - ex “When realizing I had cost $583 or $3,855 respec- dino, who takes accounting school students from across cited and nervous because pecting it. I had auditioned made it in, it was a huge tively. with Mrs. Jankowski, said the state, made its debut I didn’t know what to ex- a while ago, and when I accomplishment for me. Senior Laura Abreu, who the class is preparing him performance at Adrian pect,” Madonna said. heard the news from Ms. It showed me how hard takes anatomy and physi- for life after LHS. Phillips Theater in Atlantic He said rehearsals leading Wise, I was very surprised work truly pays off in the ology with Dr. Dunn, said “This class helped me City, N.J. on Nov. 8. The up to the performance in and ecstatic,” Freitas said. end, this being one of my registering for dual enroll- consider taking accounting group delivered its second Atlantic City were intense, Freitas, who only joined greatest accomplishments,” ment is worth the expense. as a possible career route. and final performance on with practices in various chorale last year, said sing- O’Rourke said. “Dual enrollment can ul- I feel that the high school Nov. 17 at the New Jersey high school auditoriums ing has become a passion of She said she hopes to timately help out any stu- should have more dual en- Performing Arts Center in every other week that last- hers because it allows her remain in All-State Mixed dent to graduate college rollment classes available Newark, N.J. ed four hours. In Atlantic to express herself. Chorus for the remainder of a semester early. It could to help students figure out Madonna, who sings bass City, students practiced “I like singing songs that her high school career. also save a lot of money in what interests them,” Fer- and has been in chorale nine hours a day for two require you to show emo- “Most of the people in the long run,” Abreu said. randino said. “The work- for all four years of high days and five hours on the tions through your voice. the choir were seniors, so “I love learning about the load isn’t overbearing but school, said his love for day of the performance. It’s a lot more exciting than knowing that I was one of body, and the class helped is definitely time-consum- music and the arts inspired Freitas, who sings alto singing proper and per- the few sophomores who me decide a possible career ing.” him to audition for All- II and is a member of The fect,” Freitas said. had made it in, it made me path.” Ferrandino said he would State Mixed Chorus. Lighthouse staff, said she O’Rourke, who sings feel even more like I had a Abreu said college-level recommend taking advan- “The three of us went was hesitant to audition soprano II, said she audi- purpose for music,” O’Ro- classes are more fast-paced tage of dual enrollment. through a rigorous video but decided to go out of her tioned for All-State Mixed urke said. “Many people at than her other courses. “It’s a great way to kick audition in which a vast comfort zone and give it a Chorus because of the pos- this age do not know [what] “Everything about anat- off college, and it looks amount of students sent in try. itive feedback of former their hidden talents are, and omy is difficult, not only great on resumes,” said auditions,” Madonna said. “One of the reasons [I au- members. I’m glad to say I have fig- because it’s a college class Ferrandino. He said the audition, ditioned] was that it was a “A few alumni of our high ured it out at a young age.” ‘Our Miss Brooks’ transports audiences to the ‘50s CONTINUED FROM “I definitely want to pur- be hard for her to be with- PAGE 1 sue acting as my career,” out LHS’ theatrical produc- my best friends in the Cilento said. “[Acting] tions and her castmates. plays,” Kelly said. made everything fall into “I will definitely miss the Senior Sabrina Cilento, place.” inside jokes and the laughs who played the role of Syl- Cilento said theater fills that I’ve shared with all my via, the hardworking stage her with a sense of tran- classmates,” Cilento said. manager for Miss Brooks’ quility and pride. She said “Every production has a production, has been act- LHS’ plays have prepared special place in my heart.” ing since sixth grade and her for a career in theater. has been in every LHS play “Acting taught me re- photo by alexa maddi since her freshman year. jection, it taught me con- Senior Jenna Freitas Cilento said even though fidence and I made a lot takes on the role of En- photo by ALYSSA FERRARA she will be graduating in more friends through act- glish teacher Miss Brooks Senior Brandon Stuart and junior Christa Ruiz work on June, her acting days are far ing,” Cilento said. in LHS’ production of mastery problems in accounting class on Dec. 5. from over. She said next year, it will “Our Miss Brooks.” The Lighthouse 4 TECHNOLOGY December 2019 Disney+ hits the market By Joseph Brubaker purchased. While Disney+ only “I love that I have so many op- like Netflix because Netflix has Staff Writer includes “family-friendly” con- tions of what to watch [ranging] more content and variety in its Do you subscribe tent, the titles on Hulu may ap- from ‘Aladdin’ to ‘Rogue One’ to offerings. Last month marked a major peal to older audiences. ‘Ratatouille,’” Aguilar said. “Netflix has many new movies to Disney+? step forward for Disney, which Customers can now purchase She said Disney+ is likely to and shows being added almost released the streaming service a package that includes three impact competing streaming ser- every day, unlike Disney+ which Disney+ on Nov. 12. streaming services—Disney+, vices. doesn’t seem to add content as of- Disney had been working to- ESPN+ and Hulu—for $12.99 “There are a lot of Marvel and ten as Netflix,” DeLeon said. wards the release of a streaming per month. ‘Star Wars’ fans too, so a stream- Senior Jesse Diaz, who grew service for some time, and it fi- While Disney+ is just a month ing network with all these differ- up watching Disney films, said 36% nally hit markets at the cost of old, it has already captured inter- ent movies will appeal to a lot of he has not yet decided whether he $6.99 per month or $69.99 per est among the LHS community. people,” Aguilar said. will sign up for Disney+. He said Yes year. Out of 74 people surveyed on The Sophomore Marvel fan Karel he will only consider subscrib- The service includes Disney, Lighthouse’s Twitter account in DeLeon said he is happy Marvel’s ing to the streaming service if Marvel, National Geographic, mid-November, 36 percent said he hears good things about it. He Pixar and “Star Wars” shows and they currently subscribe to Dis- said for now, Netflix is fulfilling movies. Disney+ offers old clas- ney+, 34 percent said they do not In preparation for the his streaming needs. sics like “Mary Poppins” and re- subscribe but plan to and 30 per- new streaming service, “Netflix has much more than cent blockbusters like “Avengers: cent do not intend to subscribe. Disney had been Disney+. Netflix doesn’t just have Endgame.” Despite its popularity, Disney+ Disney movies. It has more diver- 34% pulling its content off In preparation for the stream- initially had some technical flaws sity and constantly release[s] sat- No, but I ing service, Disney had been pull- to work out. According to Forbes, of other streaming isfactory content. I like to use one ing its content off other streaming on the day the streaming service service at a time, and Netflix is plan to services such as Netflix. was released, some users expe- services such as Netflix. a better choice for me than Dis- According to an article appear- rienced an “unable to connect” ney+,” Diaz said. ing on Engadget, a technology message. shows and movies are exclusively Unlike DeLeon, Diaz said Net- news and review website, over a The error occured due to high available on Disney+. flix should feel threatened by one-year period, Disney plans to traffic. Disney+ reportedly gained “They cost a lot of money to Disney+. He said Disney+ can overpower Netflix if it is further release over 25 episodic series 10 million users on the first day make, and if the service is paid 30% and at least 10 original movies according to Variety, which over- for, the spent money goes to use developed. and specials. whelmed the streaming service. in some way,” DeLeon said. “The outcome of the service de- No, and I The company also plans to Sophomore Carolina Aguilar, He said it is good that Marvel pends on the steps Disney takes don’t plan make available around 7,500 past a lifelong Disney fan who sub- content is available on a stream- to progress Disney+, and my to episodes that are on and off the scribes to Disney+, said she likes ing service because knowledge feelings towards Disney+ all de- air in addition to more than 100 the new streaming service. She of previous shows and movies pend on how Disney decides to INFOGRAPHIC BY recent movies and over 400 li- said within the first few days of is required to understand future approach the market,” Diaz said. JOSEPH BRUBAKER brary titles. having Disney+, she watched films in the Marvel Cinematic “If they become unavoidable… in This infographic reflects the re- CNN reports that Disney could “Bambi,” “Lady and the Tramp,” Universe. terms of recognizable and quality sponses of a 74-person survey also share content with Hulu, an- “The Little Mermaid” and “Phin- DeLeon said he does not think content, then it has my name all conducted on The Lighthouse other streaming service it recently eas and Ferb.” Disney+ will challenge a service over it.” Twitter account. Twitter implements ban on political ads By Sumaia Safi tion and does not censor us- cal ads began when former Zuckerberg refused to take Sophomore Fernando used to promote candidates Staff Writer ers’ political messages. Vice President Joe Biden down the ad even after un- Gonzalez also views Dors- since the election of 1800. The decision, which CEO complained about an ad dergoing a congressional ey’s decision as a threat to Clifford said political ads Last month, Twitter Jack Dorsey announced via promoted on Facebook hearing. He said private democracy. found on social media con- ceased to publish political Twitter on Oct. 30, stems by the Trump campaign, companies should not cen- “By banning [political tain inaccurate information advertisements on its social from the controversy sur- which proposed an alleged sor politicians in a democ- ads], you're not allowing because platforms cannot media platform. rounding Facebook CEO connection between Biden racy, according to CBS those people to see the properly vet advertisers to Although political ads Mark Zuckerberg’s an- and Ukraine. News. campaigns, and a lot of vot- ensure their integrity. about specific politicians nouncement that he would Biden asserted that the Sophomore Stephanie “Personal data can be are no longer allowed, continue allowing false po- information presented in Cerrito said politicians utilized to persuade indi- Twitter is still accepting ads litical ads on Facebook. the ad is false and a form should have the right to “The use of viduals to support—via encouraging voter registra- The debate over politi- of defamation. However, speak out even if the infor- personal data by monetary contribution or mation they are spreading vote—a particular issue, is false. advertisers to candidate or party. The use Should TwitterShould Twitter ban ban political political ads? ads? “Someone else can point influence of personal data by adver- that [false information] out. individuals, to tisers to influence individ- I feel like the only thing uals, to many people, is that should be censored are many people, is immoral and unethical,” Not Sure hate crimes and hate orga- immoral and Clifford said. No nizations,” Cerrito said. unethical.” He said he agrees with 27% Cerrito said politicians Twitter’s decision because 39% should be held accountable it is dangerous for differ- by their audience if they ers are possibly being lost,” ent users to receive varied are spreading false infor- Gonzalez said. targeted political ads for a mation, but it should not He said people rely on candidate, policy or party. Yes be the responsibility of a social media platforms to Clifford said this becomes social media platform to get their information. problematic because not all 34% restrict most speech. She “Ads spread the ideas of users can see the advertise- said the First Amendment politicians and provide in- ments. right to a free press should formation on why people “The 2016 Presidential be honored by Twitter and should vote for them and Election proved that for- believes political advertise- help people decide who eign governments and ments can serve to educate they want to vote for,” multinational corporations citizens. Gonzalez said. will attempt to influence “A lot of people use Twit- Advanced Placement American voters,” Clifford Yes No Not sure INFOGRAPHIC BY sumaia safi ter, and they can use that to government and politics said. “Twitter is working to This infographic conducted on The Lighthouse Twitter account reflects the re- see who they may drift to- teacher Mr. Clifford said ensure that their platform is sponses of 38 people. wards,” Cerrito said. advertisements have been not used for that.” The Lighthouse December 2019 LOCAL/NATIONAL NEWS 5 ACT to allow students to retake sections of exam By Melanie Fallas Senior Fernando Esteves, Staff Writer who took the ACT on Oct. 26, said he felt anxious Test-takers can breathe during the exam. a sigh of relief. Beginning “I don’t really like taking in Sept. 2020, ACT will be tests and wasn’t sure what allowing students to retake to expect from it. Part of individual sections of its my stress was due to know- five-part exam. ing I would have to retake This change, which was the [whole] test if I did announced on Oct. 8, comes poorly,” Esteves said. as good news to students He said the change in who had to sit through the the ACT will encourage three-hour exam in an ef- students to register for the fort to improve scores on exam in place of or in addi- an individual section. It tion to the SAT. also means students will no “I did not see that many longer have to worry about people taking the exam,” getting a lower score on Esteves said. “I agree with sections they tested strong- the decision to allow stu- ly in. dents to retake individual English teacher Ms. sections because that way DiMaggio, who tutors stu- they know which section to dents for the ACT and SAT, study and will know what said she views ACT’s new to expect, so it will be eas- policy as a positive change. ier.” “Most students whom I The policy change comes work with privately for test as educators, students and PHOTOs BY ISABELLA RIVERA prep are extremely motivat- parents debate the role Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor theme park, and The Rink, an ice skating rink, opened on Oct. 25 at the Ameri- ed,” DiMaggio said. “Stu- of standardized testing in can Dream in East Rutherford, N.J. dents who get private tu- college admissions and toring often prepare for one whether it is an appropriate section at a time but have measure of student ability had to retake all sections or worsens persistent social The long-awaited American Dream and have seen other section inequities, according to the scores go down. This will New York Times. mall opens its doors to the public alleviate that.” Esteves said colleges and DiMaggio said the new universities should focus By Kevin Garcia there was a parking charge, She said despite the chal- visually appealing, she said policy will motivate stu- on an individual’s strengths Staff Writer and I can ice skate for free. lenges, she is grateful for she was disappointed that dents to study for the exam rather than just test scores. I also got to go on the rides the opportunity to be part most of the rides are aimed and allow them to better “A lot of people get ner- Lennie and George from with my coworkers on staff of something brand new at younger children. focus on their strengths and vous when testing,” Es- John Steinbeck’s clas- nights, and it's a really fun and unique that has been so “For older kids, there are weaknesses. sic “Of Mice and Men” experience,” Fidan said. long-awaited. only a couple of rides for “Students will prepare may not have been able Fidan said so far his job “So far, I’ve been having them, and after a while, in a similar way, but their “Retaking only to achieve their Ameri- has been incredible with a lot of fun testing the rides it will be boring,” Rivera scores on repeat tests will certain parts will can dream, but Triple Five a flexible schedule. Since and seeing the large crowds said. improve because students Group, the company be- the water park has not yet at the Nickelodeon theme She said she would prefer can focus on one section at allow students to hind the Mall of America, opened, he is temporarily park and ice rink, and I to spend her money at an a time,” DiMaggio said. show their true has finally succeeded. getting paid to test rides. outdoor amusement park The four sections on the potential.” After 15 years of nego- “I make $19 an hour, riding larger and more ex- ACT are English, reading, tiations and planning, the which is crazy considering The final phase, hilarating roller coasters. math and science. There American Dream mall cel- I haven’t officially start- which will debut “I personally like the out- is also an optional writing teves said. “They don’t do ebrated its grand opening ed my job, and I work on door rides more but would test. [well], and if you’re not a on Oct. 25 with the release Wednesdays, Thursdays about 350 shopping definitely come back when Senior Jenna Coviello, high scorer, then it can ruin of Nickelodeon Universe and Saturdays,” Fidan said. venues and 100 all the stores are open to who plans to take the exam your future college plans.” indoor theme park and The “It has been a good routine dining options, is shop and get a nice picture on Feb. 8, said she is hap- In contrast, DiMag- Rink ice skating rink in so far.” expected to occur of the completed mall,” Ri- py about ACT’s decision gio said standardized test East Rutherford, N.J. Senior Fabiana Soto-Gal- vera said. because it will help weaker scores should continue to The new mall has been lego, who also works as a in March 2020, While Nickelodeon Uni- test-takers. be a consideration among catching the attention of lo- lifeguard, said working at according to News verse, The Rink and Big “A lot of students are ner- admission officers. cal residents including LHS American Dream has been 12 New Jersey. Show, and Big Show in- vous, especially the first “Test scores give an in- students. good even though it can be door ski and snow resort time around,” Coviello dication of student ability Senior Sinan Fidan, who stressful. are currently the only sites said. “Students have a sort level compared with stu- currently works at Ameri- “My job requires me to hope when the water park open to the public, Ameri- of pressure on their shoul- dents nationwide. Grades can Dream as a lifeguard, make sure people follow opens, it will be the same can Dream intends to open ders to get a good score on demonstrate work ethic. said he heard about the job park rules and stay safe way,” Soto-Gallego said. in three additional phases. the exam. Retaking only These things combined opening from an email blast during the water rides, Junior Isabella Rivera, The final phase, which will certain parts will allow help colleges get a fuller sent by LHS’ Student Ser- which is a huge responsi- who visited Nickelodeon debut about 350 shopping students to show their true picture of a potential stu- vices Department in June. bility and a lot of pressure Universe, said she thought venues and 100 dining op- potential.” dent,” DiMaggio said. He said upon receiving the that I have had to cope the mall was visually-ap- tions, is expected to occur According to ACT’s web- She said more changes email, he immediately de- with,” Soto-Gallego said. pealing and enormous, in March 2020, according site, in 2017 there were will likely be in store for cided to apply. She said it is nerve-racking and she was happy to hear to News 12 New Jersey. over 2 million test-takers. standardized entrance ex- “I had to do an interview, to represent an entire com- that last month, the mall Rivera said when the mall However, with the changes ams. then attend an orientation pany because she does not dropped its parking fee. is finally complete, it will in place, Coviello expects “The makers of the ACT and receive lifeguard train- want to let anyone down. “When the parking was draw the attention of more the number of examinees and SAT are always find- ing to prepare me for any “What I’m most fearful originally [up to] $30, I customers, but she said it is to rise. ing new ways to appeal to situations that might hap- about is not being able to didn’t think I would go, but still worth visiting now. “It will encourage more students so that more stu- pen in the pool or water hold up a good reputation now that it's gone, I was ex- “I had a really good time students to take the test dents will take their test as park,” Fidan said. for the mall since the wa- cited to visit, and I thought there, and even though the because it will take some opposed to their competi- He said he enjoys the ter park isn’t open yet, and the artwork and scenery rides aren’t intense, I think stress off their score. [Stu- tor’s test,” DiMaggio said. perks of being an employ- there are a lot of expecta- was astonishing,” Rivera people should still check it dents] know they don’t “I predict that the College ee at the mall and loves the tions and anticipation sur- said. out just to experience the have to do perfect the first Board will follow with environment. rounding it,” Soto-Gallego Although Rivera said whole idea of the American time around,” Coviello something similar to com- “I had free parking when said. Nickelodeon Universe was Dream,” said Rivera. said. pete with the ACT.” The Lighthouse 6 HEALTH & WELLNESS 7 Whether for taste or health, students and faculty say soda is not their go-to beverage By Anthony Paolazzi “I never really liked the taste. I really only drink water overweight or obese according to the Centers for Disease Staff Writer as an alternative,” Acta said. Control and Prevention. Soda contributes to this epidemic Boulder, Colo., New York and Philadelphia all enforce a because sugary drinks like soda, while high in calories, do The soda industry is a $45 billion industry, according to soda tax as a way of deterring people from drinking soda. not make a person feel full. This leads to overeating and market research company IBISWorld. weight gain. The sweet and fizzy drinks may be popular, but having While diet sodas are calorie-free, they are sweetened by too much can cause negative effects on a person’s body. “I used to love the taste of soda, an ingredient called aspartame, which is a methyl alcohol. These range from an increased chance of tooth decay to a but now that I know it’s so bad for me, At temperatures of 86 degrees or higher, the methyl alco- higher chance of heart disease and metabolic disorders like hol turns into formaldehyde and then to formic acid, which Type 2 diabetes. I don’t enjoy it as much. Now when causes metabolic acidosis. English teacher Miss Rendzia said the negative health I have it, it’s a treat, but at the same According to the Journal of Pharmacology & Pharmaco- effects associated with soda have caused her to reduce her time, [I’m] cringing.” therapeutics, methanol toxicity mimics multiple sclerosis consumption. She said she used to drink about five glasses and can lead to misdiagnoses among patients. of Diet Coke each day. However, Rendzia said now she Fructose is another ingredient found in soda. When peo- drinks the carbonated beverage very rarely. Since July 2017, New York has taxed soda at one cent per ple consume too much fructose, their liver turns the excess “I used to love the taste of soda, but now that I know ounce. into fat. Over time, this can contribute to nonalcoholic fat- it’s so bad for me, I don’t enjoy it as much. Now when I Acta said she is in favor of a soda tax. ty liver disease, according to Healthline, an online provid- have it, it’s a treat, but at the same time, [I’m] cringing,” “It can possibly get people to cut down on their intake of er of health information. Rendzia said. “An alternative for soda that I drink now is soda. Along with New York, New Jersey would be a great Despite these negative effects, soda remains popular. lemonade.” place to use the tax as well,” Acta said. According to Gallup, a company that conducts public Senior Kiara Acta said she also stays away from soda. In the United States, a whopping 72 percent of adults are opinion polls, the average daily soda consumption among

tired,” Radzion said. She said she struggles to get adequate sleep be- 9th cause of responsibilities at Oh-so tired! home such as taking care of her little sister and doing 10th chores like helping to pre- Sleep-deprived pare dinner, doing laundry 11th

and cleaning. Her job at the Grade Level Original Empanada Factory students as well as the high school’s early start time contribute 12th Jesus said lack of sleep is to her lack of sleep. She struggle 0 2 4 6 8 definitely a cause of stress said her sleep quality is also Hours of Sleep causing them to be more among students. poor. tired,” DiPisa said. “When they’re up at night “I don’t have a very to catch In a survey conducted by doing homework, they’re steady sleep schedule. I The Lighthouse, 19 of the wondering when they will often toss and turn through- 141 students surveyed said get sleep and how they’re out the night and wake up some they get adequate sleep. Of gonna wake up. I believe at least once during the those who said they do not students are unable to fo- night,” Radzion said. get enough sleep, 48 per- cus during the day due to Sophomore Albina Saiti ZZZs cent said homework is the this issue,” De Jesus said. said her sleep schedule is main reason. De Jesus, who generally completely irregular. This Eighteen percent said gets between six and eight causes her to stay up late they lose sleep because of hours of sleep, said she completing homework for technology, followed by 16 her three honors classes. percent who have trouble “I fall asleep at five [p.m.] sleeping. Sports accounts “My lack of and end up waking up at for 9 percent of students’ sleep causes me 11 [p.m.], which limits my sleeplessness, followed by to get headaches time to do homework, so 3 percent for each of the I have to stay up late to following: social life, fam- during the day, do it. I usually don’t end ily responsibilities and em- up falling asleep until 2 ILLUSTRATION BY JENNA FREITAS which makes me ployment. a.m.,” Saiti said. “My lack By Angelina DeLuca DiPisa said the limited According to the survey, lose focus.” of sleep causes me to get Staff Writer rest she gets is simply not freshmen and seniors get headaches during the day, enough. the least sleep with an aver- usually feels better when which makes me lose fo- The days are long for “It’s just an endless cycle age of six hours per night. she gets a good night’s rest. cus.” sophomore Isabella DiPi- of tiredness,” said DiPisa, Sophomores fared better “I feel like trash when Saiti said sleeplessness sa. In preparation for a pep who also struggles to fall with eight hours, and ju- I don’t get enough sleep. I can negatively affect stu- band performance at Madi- asleep. “I toss and turn and niors averaged seven hours. tend to get worried about dents’ grades. son Square Garden on Nov. make up scenarios in my Lack of sleep can lead my health,” De Jesus said. “Students may perform 21 and 22, she was arriving head. I try to make up a to serious health risks in- She said she suffers from poorly during an exam due to school once a week at dream and hope that I can cluding heart disease, heart sleep paralysis, which oc- to them having lack of sleep 7:10 a.m. for practice. go to sleep.” attack, heart failure, irreg- curs while waking up or because they aren’t able to INFOGRAPHIC BY ANGELINA DELUCA Early morning practices DiPisa said some days she ular heartbeat, high blood falling asleep. In this state, focus well,” Saiti said. This infographic reflects the responses of 141 LHS students. were followed by challeng- feels refreshed, while other pressure and diabetes, ac- a person is aware but un- Not everyone is affected ing courses like English days are more challenging. cording to Healthline.com, able to move or speak, equally by a lack of sleep. tired while doing so. Even II-Honors and Advanced Trying to make up for lost a website offering health which results in a feeling of Junior Andy Bermudez after walking everywhere Placement Human Geog- sleep on weekdays, DiPisa information. fearfulness. said his job at Pepe Appli- I go, I feel perfectly fine,” raphy. said she aims to get nine The most common sleep Junior Gianna Radzion, ances, his family’s store in Bermudez said. When she has bowling hours of sleep per night on disorder is insomnia, which who gets an average of six Clifton, N.J., in addition School nurse Mrs. practice, her busy sched- weekends. is linked to depression. to seven hours of sleep, to schoolwork and chores Nowinski said she recom- ule continues long past She said sleeplessness In a 2007 study of 10,000 said students who do not causes him to get between mends high school students 2:45 p.m. On these days, definitely affects a -stu people, those who suffered get enough sleep feel the five and six hours of sleep get eight to 10 hours of she gets home around 5 dent’s performance in from insomnia were five effects on their ability to fo- per night. He said even sleep per night. p.m., just in time for din- school and believes it is times as likely to develop cus, work quality in school though it is less sleep than “Being sleep-deprived can ner, chores, showering and hard to break from a pattern depression. Sleep loss can and performance in sports. he needs, he still feels ener- lead to a number of differ- homework. of poor sleeping habits. also “dumb you down,” as “I think in a major way, getic during the day. ent negative side effects in She aims to hit the bricks “The more tired [students] it impairs attention, alert- lack of sleep affects stu- “I feel perfectly fine even teens. It is a fact that over before midnight so she can are, the less they want to do ness, concentration, rea- dents. I know from friends if I don’t get enough hours 75 percent of high school squeeze in seven hours of work, but [they] have to do soning and problem solv- and personal experiences, of sleep,” Bermudez said. students don’t get the right sleep before waking up the more work, which causes ing, according to WebMD. it’s really hard to focus in “I usually walk from place amount of sleep that is next morning. them to have lack of sleep, Sophomore Kirsten De class when you’re super to place and really don’t get recommended,” Nowinski The Lighthouse 6 HEALTH & WELLNESS 7 How often do you drink soda? Whether for taste or health, students and faculty say soda is not their go-to beverage 20 those who drink the beverage is 2.6 glasses. Twenty-eight Ending 2019 percent of Americans say they drink one glass of soda a day, and 20 percent drink two or more. Junior Rashadul Quazi said he likes to drink soda but is in good health careful not to overindulge. “I drink soda whenever I eat out and occasionally at LHS community explains how home, but I make sure to never drink more than a can when 10 I do because of its very high sugar content,” Quazi said. to keep minds and bodies strong He said the caffeine in the soda he drinks makes him By Angelena Barcia

feel more energetic. of Responses Number Editor “Considering I’m pretty moderate with how I drink, it wakes me up in a way,” Quazi said. From working out to simply spending time with loved Like Rendzia, Quazi said he enjoys lemonade as an al- ones, faculty and students share the ways they are staying ternative to soda. 0 Never Less than 1-3 times healthy as the year draws to a close: “My favorite beverage is homemade lemonade because 4 or more once a per lemons have a lot of vitamin C, which has many benefits, times per “I keep track of how much month month and I use sugarcane sugar which is better than the substi- month junk food I eat every week Frequency tutes found in soft drinks like soda,” Quazi said. and try not to eat too much With or without a soda tax, Quazi said alternatives like INFOGRAPHIC BY Anthony Paolazzi of it. I also try to go for at lemonade are far better options for those craving a sweet This infographic reflects the views of 60 people who least two runs a week.” and refreshing treat. responded to a Twitter survey done by The Lighthouse. David Fonseca, junior

“I try to eat healthy foods Standing up for that can still be delicious: lentils, fish and vegetables are always popular for me better health for a healthy meal. I also try method for losing weight, to put myself and my loved Standing desks a person who stands after a ones’ mental health first. If I get people up meal restabilizes his or her need a break from the stress blood sugar levels faster of school, I’ll take one.... I on their feet than a person who is sitting. want my friends and family Freshman Keilani Gomez, to do the same.” 0 2 4 6 8 By Angela Ellis who is on the girls varsity Faiza Chowdhury, junior Staff Writer soccer team, said she often experiences pain when sit- “I stay healthy by watch- After a long day at ting for a long time. ing what I eat and staying work, most people want “I would say walking and active. I try to eat healthy to sit down on the couch standing all day is better for foods as much as I can. In- and relax. However, me personally just because stead of a bag of chips, I’d for history teacher Mr. I can always stay active, eat a bowl of cherries or Spence, his ideal day but maybe once in awhile, strawberries.... I like to do ends with some time [I’d] sit because my knee yoga and exercise regularly standing at the elevating problems would tend to act in my free time.” desk in his home office. up,” Gomez said. Lara Yousef, freshman “I was actually given Gomez sees the benefits the standing desk by a of having a standing desk “I usually play sports and friend who was not using but said she would not go to the gym when I can. it at work,” Spence said. purchase one because she I normally have a pretty “I don’t tend to spend would rather save the mon- good diet, but we all have an extended amount of ey for necessities. our days.” time in my office, but I “Maybe for some others, Samantha Piromalli, do like the desk when I it would benefit them more senior utilize the space…. It is a than me, but I don’t think it nice alternative desk and would be worth it,” Gomez takes up a lot less room.” said. Spence said his ele- With electrical elevating “I’m skinny, but I don’t do vating desk energizes standing desks running be- anything to stay healthy. I him and makes him feel tween $480 and $2,000— have a fast metabolism and healthier. depending on the model that keeps me thin, but I do “After I’ve been sitting, and functions—these desks plan on doing track to get I think I just feel lethar- can be a major expense, but more fit overall.” gic, tired. I feel sleepy,” senior Laura Abreu said the Aidan Fairchild, Spence said. “I don’t benefits may be worth the freshman want to do anything, so high price. the more I move around, “If I had money to spend INFOGRAPHIC BY ANGELINA DELUCA the less I feel tired, the on a desk, I would buy it,” “I am mindful of what This infographic reflects the responses of 141 LHS students. more I want to be ac- Abreu said. and when I eat and drink. tive.” She has suffered from Practicing yoga, sleeping said. “Some problems that ting regular daily exercise According to the Har- shoulder and back pain as at least eight hours a night will result are increased will also improve sleep,” vard Health Blog, which a result of her work as a and eating healthy at every migraines, depression, poor Nowinski said. is published on the Har- lifeguard at the Lyndhurst meal is my secret.” grades, anxiety and even, in She said there are behav- vard Medical School’s Community Pool. Mrs. Huntington, busi- some cases, increased num- ioral and emotional conse- website, sitting down for “I have to sit for hours, ness and technology ber of attempted suicides.” quences that come as a re- long periods of time puts and it has caused joint teacher She said teenagers some- sult of sleeplessness. people at risk of devel- pain,” Abreu said. “My times suffer from sleepless- “Teens tend to get into oping cancer, cardiovas- body ends up feeling weak “I try to eat healthy, but of ness because of a change more trouble and make cular disease, diabetes when I’m not active.” course there are those times in hormones and use of de- poor decisions,” Nowinski and obesity. With stand- She said it is important where I don’t. That’s why vices like smartphones and said. “Not getting enough ing desks, people can for people to keep moving cheer is good for me be- iPads around bedtime. sleep as a teenager can af- burn up to 88 calories throughout the day. cause it keeps me active.” “Put all electronics away fect their brain and body. per hour, compared to “Our bodies were made Sarah Sammarone, two hours before sleep. Especially as teens, more sitting, which only burns for us to work and learn sophomore This will allow [your] sleep is needed for proper 80 calories per hour. how to survive, not so that brain to turn off the stimuli brain and mind develop- While standing desks we could sit at a desk all that phones produce. Get- ment.” are not an effective day,” said Abreu. Photos by ANGELENA BARCIA The Lighthouse 8 ENTERTAINMENT December 2019 Album Review Netflix Review Kanye West’s ‘Jesus is King’ falls short By Rafaella Paes Staff Writer

Kanye West is known as one of the most controversial and interesting artists of the decade. After his “Life of Pablo” release in Cover from Def Jam Recordings 2016 and “Ye” in 2018, he exploded back onto the hip-hop scene. “Jesus is King” is Kanye West’s ninth studio album. It was released on Oct. 25. His collaborations with artists including COver from Netflix Kid Cudi, Nas and Teyana Taylor blew West’s best moments on the album because “Insatiable” is a teen comedy-drama about a bullied teenager-turned-pageant queen who is struggling with body issues and obsessed with getting revenge. The up and gave the public high hopes for his he is being true to himself. second season of the Netflix original was released in October. latest rap album, which was to be called However, his verses feel disconnected, “Yandhi,” that was rumored to be coming as multiple topics all mix with each other. By Alexa Torres The second season picks up right where out in late September. As a result, the lyrics don’t make a lot of Editor the first left off with Bob and Patty at odds However, September came and went, sense. He includes a line about Jesus doing with one another over covering up a seem- and no album was released. Suddenly, laundry in a song about addiction, and it is “Insatiable” is an adjective that describes ingly justifiable murder. West publicly proclaimed himself a Chris- hard to understand why. If he had just con- the impossible need to satisfy. It is also a In this season—aside from the sporadic tian and started hosting his own Sunday tinued addressing the topic of struggle, the very appropriate title for the captivating attacks and killings—the audience dives services, which can be found on YouTube. song could have been much better. Netflix original, which released its second deep into the roots of Patty’s struggle with He scrapped “Yandhi” for a gospel album The two worst songs on the album are season in October. food. Viewers get a look into how and why called “Jesus is King,” which unlike his “Water” and “Closed on Sunday.” “Water” With comedic and dramatic elements, Patty insists on being the ultimate pageant previous albums, does not contain any pro- describes the cleanliness of a Christian’s this show can come off as raunchy and queen, regardless of the consequences. fanity. heart. The song starts off with, “Clean us strange or hilarious and corny depending Being that all 22 episodes focus on the “Jesus is King” was released on Oct. 25 like the rain in spring/ Take the chlorine on the viewer’s perspective, though the lat- many viewpoints of various characters, and, unfortunately, it does not match the out our conversation/ Let Your light reflect ter pair of words seems to fit the show best. this series brings a lot of life and person- quality for which West is known. Lacking on me.” These lines fall short because they Season 1 of “Insatiable” begins with the ality to the screen. Nonetheless, it can get originality, “Jesus is King” is the worst of do not differentiate themselves from other story of Patty Bladel (Debby Ryan), a frustrating for viewers to try keeping up West’s nine studio albums. Christian songs and do not reflect West’s bullied teenager who undergoes a drastic with each of the characters—two of whom West had a controversial and life-chang- unique style. transformation after a violent encounter are named Bob—and the struggles they ing year, which included going public with “Closed on Sunday” was written to ap- with a homeless man over a chocolate bar. face alongside Patty. his bipolar disorder and mental health is- plaud Chick-Fil-A for being a Christian This incident leads to her predictable rise This Netflix original is beyond all things sues. As a result, people were disappointed company that is closed on Sundays. With in popularity as she takes on a new, asser- normal and appropriate. It tackles import- he didn’t use this opportunity to go back the lines, “Closed on Sunday, you’re tive image. ant issues such as body shaming, bullying to his roots and produce an amazing album my Chick-fil-A/ Hold the selfies, put However, the storyline moves in a com- and mental health but in the most uncon- filled with raw emotion. the ‘Gram away,” the song is an extreme pletely different direction once she is ap- ventional ways possible. Viewers are sure Instead, West explores Christianity in disappointment because it is both childish pointed Bob Armstrong (Dallas Roberts) to feel confused, annoyed and shocked by his new album. He tries to exemplify Jesus and strange. The song was almost doomed as attorney in her court case against the the kinds of crazy situations the protago- and God, but the album is more about him- to fail because the subject of a fast food homeless man. nists get themselves into. self than about them. With his ego taking chicken restaurant is just weird. Bob proves to be a far-from-ordinary Viewers may very well hate Patty and over, West fails to deliver on his promise of “Jesus is King” is a complete flop and lawyer, as he is also a pageant coach with a her never-ending drama, but this show is producing an enormous gospel album that one of the worst albums of 2019. Howev- tainted image because of a previous client. still worth watching. conveys the goodness of Jesus. er, West is undeterred. Plans are already in With a desire to prove to his town, friends For those looking for a laugh or a The first song is called “Selah,” and it the works for his next album, which will be and family that he is better than his repu- jaw-dropping plot, this series is a must- is one of the better songs on the album. In called “Jesus is King Part II” with Dr. Dre. tation, he takes the opportunity to try and see. Each episode leaves viewers want- “Selah,” West confronts his past struggles, Fans are hoping the album proves West turn Patty into a beauty queen. ing more, and in this comedy-drama, that including his addiction to the drug lean. is still a great artist who can create good Obstacles such as Patty’s obsession with “Insatiable” feeling referenced in the title In the first verse, he says, “ I ain’t mean, songs, but after hearing “Jesus is King,” Bob and her need to get revenge against might just be what causes audiences to I’m just focused/ Pour the lean out slower/ it’s hard not to assume “Part II” will be a those who bullied her make this challenge keep returning to this dark and entertaining Got us clean out of soda.” This is one of letdown. far more difficult than Bob had anticipated. series. Emma’s Book Nook: Literature Review Complex and clever, ‘The Body: A Guide for Occupants’ is not to be missed By Emma Ferschweiler cal miracles by referencing anec- that the body is a resilient fighter. and creativity, as it includes suc- of the stomach but the uniqueness Editor dotes about astounding scientific Bryson explains that five out of cinct sentences and clever puns. of the human heart. The combi- discoveries and introduces mys- six smokers will not get lung can- This text is much more than nation of science and spirit make What are microbes? Where is teries medical professionals still cer. He also explains that every simple science; it lays out the this book a truly special read. your appendix? Did you know haven’t cracked. day between one and five of the history of modern medicine and that humans eat about 60 tons of A part of the book that is espe- body’s cells will turn cancerous includes the persuasive language food, which is equal to eating 60 cially interesting is when Bryson before the immune system neu- of a literary classic. small cars, during their lifetimes? reflects on the discovery of the tralizes it. Mortality is a major topic that Readers learn all of this and more wonder drug penicillin. Scientist Later chapters of “The Body: A Bryson addresses in the last chap- from Bill Bryson’s “The Body: A Alexander Fleming was about to Guide for Occupants” go into de- ter. He includes both gruesome Guide for Occupants.” leave for a vacation when spores tail about human life experiences. facts and uplifting advice to con- In the first few chapters, Bryson of mold landed on his petri dish. These include childbirth, emo- vey that death is inevitable for ev- describes some important struc- Upon returning from his trip, tional pain, eating, diseases and ery living creature. tures that physically make up hu- Fleming noticed the growth and sleep deprivation. Instead of just Bryson reveals that although man beings. He explains how gut realized its antibacterial prop- focusing on how the body works, people are living longer, the last systems work and analyzes the erties, so he conducted multiple Bryson relates every aspect of few weeks of life are typically structure of the face. experiments to test the effective- the body to a lesson or elucidates spent connected to life support. While science may not appeal ness. Shortly thereafter, Fleming how each is connected to the hu- This enhances another one of his to everyone, Bryson makes anat- realized he was running out of man life cycle. central themes that people should omy as fun as an amusement park penicillin but found more in a Most medical books are in- enjoy their existence whenever ride with plenty of interconnected moldy cantaloupe. accessible to the public because possible. parts. All of Bryson’s stories lead to they rely on challenging terms After reading the first page, Cover by Doubleday This book does so much more the central theme: The human and confusing explanations. readers will be hooked. From this “The Body: A Guide for Occu- than label parts and functions of body is an amazing organism. Bryson’s book sets itself apart unique non-fiction text, readers pants” by Bill Bryson was pub- organs. Bryson highlights medi- Readers learn in the first chapter from the rest because of its clarity will learn not only the functions lished on Oct. 1 by Doubleday. The Lighthouse December 2019 OPINION 9 Editorial Head-to-Head

Not as much as measles. With class rank, students know

Will it hurt? how they measure up to peers By Melanie Fallas chances are of being accepted. Staff Writer Class rank is also important when apply- ing for scholarships. Like college applica- To some, class rank is just a number. To tions, certain scholarships require students others it is a source of confidence. An im- to identify what percentage of their gradu- portant element in one’s educational jour- ating class they fall into. Many organiza- ney. A valuable tradition. tions specify a percentage requirement to Class rank gives students a sense of pride qualify for their scholarships. in their schoolwork and encourages them For instance, only the top 10 percent of to put forth their best efforts in the hopes seniors at LHS are eligible for the Biasuc- of being rewarded with a top placement ci Award, which is given at Academic among their classmates. When they see Awards in May. Seniors in the top 20 per- their high ranking, they feel accomplished cent of their graduating class qualify for and motivated to keep improving academ- the Lyndhurst Award, which is presented at ically. the MacLean Awards in June. Both of these This sense of pride can also foster healthy awards come with prestige and scholarship competition within a friend group and be- money. Class rank helps those who are of- ILLUSTRATION BY JENNA FREITAS tween peers. When this occurs, students fering scholarships to objectively decide study harder and work more diligently. who is the most qualified recipient. The school reaps the rewards of having Finally, class rank encourages students All students should be vaccinated high-achieving students, who also tend to register for honors and AP classes, which From car seats to bed rails, parents go In the decade before 1963, the year when to perform well on standardized tests and come with a weighted GPA. Students en- to great lengths to keep their children safe. vaccines became accessible, nearly all enroll in honors and Advanced Placement rolled in these classes have a heavier work- Vaccinations also need to be part of that children got measles by the time they were courses. This, in turn, affects a school dis- load than their peers taking college prep plan. 15 years old, according to the CDC. The trict’s state and national rankings. courses, but they are also rewarded with a Over the years, child vaccination rates disease is extremely contagious since it can Furthermore, class rank is important to higher GPA and thus a higher class rank. have declined significantly. A Centers for spread when an infected person coughs or students who are applying to prestigious Class rank exists not only at LHS but Disease Control analysis of a national sneezes. colleges and universities. Columbia, Princ- in neighboring districts including Clifton, 2017 immunization survey found that, of Studies led by the University of Pitts- eton, Stanford and Yale Universities—all North Arlington and Rutherford. Through children born in 2015, 1.3 percent had not burgh Medical Center show that measles of which are among the top 10 best nation- the decades, it has benefited students, received any of the recommended vaccina- was almost eliminated 20 years ago in the al universities according to U.S. News & scholarship providers, secondary schools tions. United States. However, with the decreas- World Report—require students to provide and institutions of higher education. Class This number is up from 0.9 percent ing vaccination rates, measles outbreaks their class rank when applying for admis- rank is one of education’s most fundamen- in 2011 and 0.3 percent among 19- to have occurred. sion. The closer an individual is to the top tal features, and it is a necessary part of ac- 35-month-olds in 2001 who were not vac- The New Jersey Department of Health of his or her class, the better his or her ademic life that should continue. cinated. revealed that as of Nov. 8, there had been Vaccinations prepare the body to fight 19 reported cases of measles in the state in diseases without exposing it to disease 2019. One of these outbreaks occurred in Head-to-Head symptoms. The first time the body- en October at an elementary school in Lynd- counters a germ, it can take several days hurst’s neighboring town of Nutley, N.J. for the body to make and use the antibod- Another reason some parents are against Class rank is source of stress ies needed to get over the virus or infec- vaccinating their children is because they By Joe Arino-Sandomenico Education Statistics, about 3.3 million tion, according to the CDC. Unfortunately, choose to take the “natural route” to avoid Editor students graduate high school each year harsh viruses like measles or infections the unsafe toxins vaccines may contain. in the United States. With that in mind, a like whooping cough can spread and kill Although vaccines include chemicals such Four short years. That’s how long stu- ranking among 200 students is not a suf- an unvaccinated person before the immune as aluminum, formaldehyde and mercu- dents have to learn everything they need ficient sample size. It may give a student system can fight back. ry—which can be toxic in certain quanti- to be successful. Sadly, this does not mean an idea of where he or she stands among So, if being unvaccinated can lead to ties—there is no scientific evidence that lessons on time management or how to classmates, but it fails to reflect a student’s death, why are some parents refusing to low levels of these chemicals are harmful, correctly fill out forms. ability compared to others in the county, vaccinate their children? according to the U.S. Food & Drug Admin- Schools that focus on academics—and state or nation. One reason is the misconception that istration. the class rank that comes along with it—re- Class rank reveals a student’s academic vaccines can lead to chronic developmen- Parents also argue that it should be their ward students for comparing themselves to aptitude, but it does not represent a stu- tal disorders such as autism. According to choice whether or not to vaccinate their their classmates rather than preparing for dent’s potential or overall talent. There- PublicHealth.org, the myth that vaccines children, but this should not be the case. life after high school. fore, it is possible for a student to have a increase the risk of autism originated from In order to register as a student in the Class rank is also problematic because it 4.0 GPA or high class rank but have no a 1997 study by British surgeon Andrew Lyndhurst Public School System, it is fosters the wrong type of motivation. Stu- leadership ability or service hours. Wakefield. mandatory to be vaccinated against mea- dents become highly motivated, but only Similarly, another student can have a 2.5 In an article printed in The Lancet, a sles, mumps, polio, rubella varicella and in hopes of seeing a high number on their GPA or a low rank but may spend most of medical journal, Wakefield linked the mea- more unless there is a medical reason that report card. Once a test is graded or the his or her time outside of school giving sles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine to an prevents the child from receiving the vac- report card is released, the information is back to the community. If anything, the increase in autism among British children. cination. These vaccines are available free discarded because students strive for good pressure of achieving a high class rank This assertion has been debunked by sever- of charge to uninsured patients at the Lynd- grades rather than greater knowledge. prevents students from getting involved in al other major studies, none of which found hurst Health Department. Furthermore, class rank causes students activities outside the classroom. a relationship between any vaccine and the All school districts and health depart- to become obsessed with doing better than Class rank should be eliminated at LHS development of autism. Wakefield’s article ments should follow Lyndhurst’s lead and their peers, even if these people are their because it is counterproductive. It devalues even resulted in the revocation of his med- adopt a similar policy to prevent future friends. This type of competition is un- learning for learning’s sake, causes stress ical license. outbreaks from occurring. Not only does healthy in a high school environment be- and is a poor indicator of future success. Since vaccines have done their job in this policy protect vaccinated individuals, cause it discourages students from helping However, if class rank has to stay, then preventing the spread of polio, smallpox, it keeps all students and staff safe. their classmates out of fear that it might Lyndhurst Public Schools should adopt measles and other diseases, some parents In cases where some children cannot be hurt their own rank. the policy of Nutley High School. At this are unaware of their dangers. vaccinated due to a weakened immune Next, there is the matter of how class neighboring institution, class rank is cal- Polio is a virus that causes muscle wast- system or because they are undergoing rank makes students feel. Today’s teens culated, but administrators do not give stu- ing and paralysis. Research conducted by medical treatments such as radiation, im- are known as the Marshmallow Genera- dents access to that information. Therefore, immunize.org states that before immuniza- munotherapy or chemotherapy, they can tion, meaning their emotions are generally it can be used when applying to colleges tion for polio was available in 1955, there still be protected by herd immunity. In oth- soft and they are unable to handle criticism or for determining who will give the vale- were an estimated 13,000 to 20,000 report- er words, if everyone around them is vac- well. When students try their absolute best dictory speech at graduation, but it is a far ed cases in the United States per year. cinated, they will be unlikely to come in but do not achieve the high class rank they removed concern among students. According to the CDC-supported Immu- contact with the diseases. expect, their confidence diminishes, and Without class rank, students would be nization Action Coalition, in 1967, small- All healthy people should get vaccinated they feel like they are not “good enough.” happier, healthier and more helpful to their pox was responsible for 10 to 15 million to do their part in preventing the spread of Additionally, class rank is highly flawed. peers and community. These are all admi- deaths around the world, but it was elimi- devastating viruses and infections. Other- It only measures where a student stands in rable objectives, and with a change in poli- nated in 1980 due to an intensive vaccina- wise, Americans will be facing many more a crowd of about 200 peers. cy, LHS could take a positive step towards tion campaign. outbreaks in the years to come. According to the National Center for these goals. The Lighthouse 10 COLUMNS December 2019 What would Newman do? The Lighthouse the holidays is wretched. Now, I don’t hate all holiday “Imagine” makes it even worse. Lyndhurst High School One of the things I like to do songs. I love “Christmas in Hol- His wife Yoko Ono also “co- 400 Weart Avenue Mr. Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 in class is look up subjects on lis” by Run-D.M.C. “Jingle Bell wrote” it. Thanks, Yoko. At least 201-896-2100 Newman Wikipedia and just see the sheer Rock” by Bobby Helms? I’ll I can blame her for the co-write. Faculty volume of pages about certain take that one too. While those are “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” is Check us out online: Columnist topics. For example, the list of lighthouse.lyndhurstschools.net great, you then have horrid songs bad, but “Wonderful Christmas- ______Queen Elizabeth II of England’s like “Santa Baby” or “Baby, time” is by far the worst Christ- titles and honours (British for It’s Cold Outside,” which could mas song ever, and in my opin- Adviser: If you could eliminate “honors”) is 26 pages long. NEVER be recorded in our very ion, it’s not even close. Ms. Pastor one holiday song, what However, when I looked up politically correct day and age. This song was created by a Editors-in-Chief: would it be and why? “List of popular Christmas sin- “The Little Drummer Boy,” man who wrote/co-wrote 32 Alexa Barreiros gles in the United States,” this en- originally recorded by the Trapp songs that have reached No. 1 on Katrina Hauser This is a really good question. A try went on for 52 pages. I never Family Singers, is another terrible the Billboard Hot 100. He is one Managing Editors: couple weeks back, choir teacher one. I wish that little guy learned of the wealthiest musicians with Gianna Glover Mr. Lang posted a story on Face- Mariah Carey’s piano. Even one of the kings of a fortune of around $800 million. Victoria Niedbal book about how Mariah Carey’s holiday music, Bing Crosby, had While “Yesterday” has been “All I Want for Christmas Is You” “AIWFCIY” has some bombs. “Do You Hear What covered by more than 2,200 art- Senior Editor: Alexa Maddi (“AIWFCIY”) is the most annoy- NOTHING on this I Hear?” Yeah, Bing, I do, and I ists—which makes it one of the ing Christmas song ever. hate it. most covered songs in popular Webmasters: While I sometimes try to stop dog of a holiday tune. While so much of the holiday music history—no one is rush- Alex Shapiro myself from posting things on music we have is definitely trash, ing to cover this horrible track. Lea Torppey Mr. Lang’s Facebook wall with thought this list would be so long. I have two supreme Hall of Fame Mariah Carey’s “AIWFCIY” has Editors: the intention of making myself or I don’t know most of these songs, members on the top of the pyra- NOTHING on this dog of a hol- Joe Arino-Sandomenico him laugh, I had to comment on but the ones I am familiar with mid of Christmas terribleness. iday tune. Angelena Barcia this one. “AIWFCIY” might be are among the worst songs ever Unfortunately, they are performed So yeah, this is the one I want Alexa Borino Alyssa Ferrara the most overplayed song, but it’s created by some legendary artists. by two of arguably the most influ- out. Get rid of “Wonderful Christ- Emma Fershweiler not the most annoying. Ever hear Elvis’ “Blue Christ- ential artists in rock music: John mastime” by Sir Paul McCartney. Maya Malizia We’re talking about Christmas mas”? It’s a stinker, but that song Lennon and Sir Paul McCartney. I hope Queen Elizabeth takes his Alexa Torres music here! Most of it is annoy- sung by the King and other artists Again, I am sorry, Mr. Lang, knighthood away because of this Staff: ing and horrible. Sorry Mr. Lang, is still the No. 1 Christmas single but Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War song. Gianna Alberti but while the decorations are fes- on Billboard’s country singles Is Over)” is bad, and the fact it’s Anyway, happy holidays, and Caila Barreiros tive and beautiful, the music of chart. from the same guy who wrote go Bears! Robert Bloom Kevin Brasil Joseph Brubaker Angelina DeLuca Anthony DeMarco Side-by-Side Sports Angela Ellis Melanie Fallas Jenna Freitas Emily Gabriel Big changes in store for MLB Kevin Garcia are looking to trade two of the Teams race toward Julia Glowacki Ghita Kdiry best young players in baseball, Litzy Ordonez Robert Mookie Betts and Francisco Lin- Anthony Paolazzi Bloom dor. Betts, the 2018 American last place in NFL Christopher Paskas League MVP, is in the last year of discourage fans as much as they Jake McCann Staff Writer Carolyne Mooney his contract with the Boston Red would if experienced players Kara Murgittroyd Sox, and the two can’t seem to Adam were underperforming. Val Novak negotiate a contract extension. Venezia Some fans have even created the Rafaella Paes At the conclusion of the 2019 The New York Mets have been catchy slogan, “Tank for Tua.” Andrew Palma Staff Writer Brandon Ross MLB season, the Washington rumored to be a potential landing Tanking occurs when a team in- Sumaia Safi Nationals shocked the world by spot for Betts. To get him, the tentionally loses in order to get Madison Sofield taking home the World Series Mets would have to trade Michael the first draft pick. In this case, Adam Venezia trophy. Now, all 30 teams look to Conforto, Edwin Diaz and Noah To almost all fans, the only ac- the University of Alabama’s start- Dean Woolis Bassem Yamout improve their rosters to compete Syndergaard to the Red Sox. Bet- ceptable ranking is first, but some ing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for the crown next year. ts would slot right into the leadoff fans know last place can be just is projected by many fans to be Contributing This year’s free agent class is hole and slide over to centerfield, as valuable. drafted first, but with a hip injury Artist & Photographers: led by Gerrit Cole, Anthony Ren- which the Mets desperately need. In the NFL draft, the team he sustained on Nov. 16 in Ala- Mr. Carucci Lors Photography don and Stephen Strasburg. Cole Lindor is the best shortstop in that places last is rewarded with bama’s game against Mississippi MVPShots enjoyed a 20-5 record, led the baseball. The 26-year-old is the the No. 1 overall draft pick go- State University, his draft stock Isabella Rivera league in strikeouts and placed golden boy of the Cleveland In- ing into the next season. This is may now be lower. second in the American League dians franchise and has been fan- to keep the teams balanced and Louisiana State University quar- Faculty Columnist: Mr. Newman Cy Young voting. Rendon had tastic since he entered the league make the NFL more competitive. terback Joe Burrows and Ohio the season of his life, leading the in 2015. The Cincinnati Bengals (1- State defensive end Chase Young Garden State Scholastic Press league in RBIs, finishing third in The Tampa Bay Rays are ru- 12), Miami Dolphins (3-10) and have also been talked about as po- Association 1st Place National League MVP voting re- mored to be in the Lindor sweep- Washington Redskins (3-10)— tential No. 1 draft picks. Distinguished Journalism, 2nd sults and winning the World Se- stakes. In acquiring Lindor, the For some, the idea of tanking Place Online Overall Excellence ries. Strasburg led the NL in wins is far-fetched because they think & 3rd Place Print Overall team would gain a superstar that Excellence, 2019 and innings pitched in addition to could lead them to the top of the Some fans have even one pick cannot change an entire being named World Series MVP very competitive AL East. created the catchy team, and they are sometimes 1st Place American Scholastic for his wins in games 2 and 6. The Red Sox might decide to right. However, if a good pick Press Association, 2019 All of these players will receive part ways with Betts and send slogan, “Tank for Tua.” is made and the right free agent max contracts, but the question is: him to the Mets. This trade would Tanking occurs when moves take place during the off- Where will they wind up to start benefit both teams because it ad- a team intentionally season, a team’s makeup can the season? Cole will likely re- dresses Boston’s need of pitching drastically change. Have sign with the Houston Astros and and would provide a centerfielder loses in order to get A perfect example is the San continue to be one of their three for the Mets. the first draft pick. Francisco 49ers. Last year, the aces in the starting rotation. Lindor will definitely be added, 49ers were 4-12. After picking something Rendon will probably resign but his destination is uncertain. up defensive end Nick Bosa from from the Nationals and finally be- Regardless of where he lands, whose records as of Dec. 9 are Ohio State University, the 49ers TO SAY? come the franchise’s cornerstone. whichever team gets him will au- closest to last place—all have a were 10-2 as of Dec. 2 and lead The Lighthouse is a free forum There is a high probability Stras- tomatically improve because Lin- chance at getting next year’s first the National Football Confer- that accepts letters to the burg will return to his South Cal- dor is a do-it-all player. draft pick. ence. Also, the team’s defense is editors. Letters can be submitted ifornian roots, sign with the San Look out for some awesome These teams are in rebuilding one of the best. This goes to show to Ms. Pastor in Room 234. However, they must be signed Diego Padres and bolster their trades this winter because this off- seasons, which means they are how valuable last place can be. with your first and last name in young starting rotation for years season could bring many changes looking to improve their team So, if you are a fan of a team order to be considered to come. to the teams, but all of them will with new and young talent who that is not doing so well, do not for publication. Along with teams trying to be for the best and enhance the are likely to excel in the future, worry because there is always sign these free agents, personnel season ahead. so these horrible records do not next year. The Lighthouse December 2019 SPORTS 11 Indoor track and field team strives to take back state sectional title By Gianna Alberti jor influences in his life. Staff Writer “When I knew I wanted to be a teacher, coaching just naturally With hard work and dedication, accompanied that choice,” Tessa- the indoor track and field team lone said. looks to start the season off on the Junior Deirdre Kearns is new right foot. to indoor track, coming from girls Junior Maggie Fodera, who has basketball. been on the team for three years, “I’m doing indoor track to get said her goal is to improve upon better for outdoor [track] because her personal record of 9.03 sec- I may like to run in college,” Ke- onds for the 55-meter hurdles. arns said. With her team, she hopes LHS She said indoor track condition- will once again be state sectional ing differs from what she experi- champions, a title the team earned enced in her previous sport. during indoor track and field’s in- “Yes, there is conditioning in Photo BY Lors Photography augural season two years ago. basketball, but I think it’ll be a Sophomore Aidan Stitzer wrestles against a student from Cliffside Park High School at a home match “The best thing about indoor lot quicker and tougher for indoor on Dec. 17, 2018. track is that when you run, you ar- track,” Kearns said. en’t just running for yourself but Junior Andrew Fernandez, who for a whole team, which really has been throwing for LHS since motivates me,” Fodera said. “[I] his freshman year, said he hopes Wrestlers set sights on states show up every day and give it my to excel this season by improving By Brandon Ross guys that are great at the sport I Diller said the team prepares for all in every run, race or jump.” his technique and personal re- Staff Writer love,” Weaver said. “To me, they matches with intense condition- Fodera said having always been cord, which is currently 40.8 feet are icons.” ing by running or wrestling every athletic, she enjoys the sport but in shot put. Led by second-year Head Dylan Weaver said this season, day and lifting every week. also finds it stressful. Like Kearns, Fernandez said he Coach Weaver, the wrestling he hopes to improve upon his “Everyone is all in and commit- “It’s hard to manage my time wants to use the indoor season as team is looking to improve on its achievements from last year. ted, so there’s no major thing that because the meets go very late preparation for outdoor track and 11-6 record from last season. “Third place in the New Jersey needs improvement,” Diller said. at night and we sometimes don’t field in the spring. Weaver said his team’s main State tournament is a huge ac- “Just being focused on getting get home till around 10 at night,” Fernandez said he is especially goal will be to focus on winning complishment… but it isn’t the better every practice is really it.” Fodera said. looking forward to competing at by being aggressive and main- best,” Dylan Weaver said. “As an Freshman Tommy Montillo Head Coach Tessalone, who is the Armory in New York. taining a competitive mindset in individual goal, I would like to said he is excited for his first year in his third season coaching the “It’s a good vibe when you are which the wrestlers do not back win the states and go through the wrestling in high school with the team, said he encourages his ath- in there, knowing that Olympians down from a fight. season with zero losses.” support of his loved ones. letes to have fun while striving to run, jump and throw there,” Fer- He said one of the team’s top Senior Justin Diller said he has “My greatest inspirations are do their best. nandez said. wrestlers is his son junior Dylan high expectations for the season my coaches because they have “The boys will be looking to im- He said when he was new to the Weaver, who was recruited by since junior Grayson Jurado and been through this before and are prove in our league and maintain team, the upperclassmen helped Division I schools including In- Dylan Weaver as well as LHS teaching this sport,” Montillo our success in the state section. him feel welcome. This season, diana, Iowa State and Oklahoma graduates Victor Jorge and Derin said. “My biggest fan is my dad The girls should be competitive he said he wants to give back to State Universities. This month, he Stitzer all made it to the region- because he’s at all of my matches in both the league and state sec- younger athletes. accepted an offer from Rutgers- al championship tournament last cheering me on as a coach or in tion,” Tessalone said. “It’s my responsibility to be a New Brunswick. year, and Dylan Weaver made it the stands.” He has a long history with the good influence to the underclass- Dylan Weaver said it is a bless- onto the podium. Montillo said he hopes to con- sport, having run indoor track men, take them in, make them ing to be getting attention from “We should go all the way and tribute hard work and dedication when he was a student at Saint feel part of something. I want to Division I schools. make a deep run in the state play- to the team. Joseph High School in Metuchen, be a good role model to them. We “It’s great talking to these offs,” Diller said. “My goals are “My personal goal is to make N.J. He said his coaches were ma- are a family,” said Fernandez. coaches from these schools be- to have an equally fun and domi- it to states my freshman year of cause I remember watching them nant season, going far in the play- high school,” Montillo said. “My as a kid… and here I am talking offs and bringing a good amount predictions are that our varsity to them every day and learning of people down to Atlantic City, team is going to make it far in this New faces on dance team that they are just normal, regular [N.J.] for individual states.” year’s season.” By Kara Murgittroyd “My background is not in dance.” Staff Writer She said despite being new to the sport, she enjoys coaching the As winter sports start up, the team because she finds the danc- Bowlers aim to remain No. 1 in league dance team welcomes seven new ers to be inspiring. members to its 15-person group. “Their love for dance makes By Anthony DeMarco He said he is setting the bar high the games and not overthink Senior Fabiana Soto-Gallego, coaching exciting,” Montillo said. Staff Writer for himself this year. anything, though, and get the who is captain along with se- Sophomore Courtney Benarick “My individual goals for this wins we need to become league nior Alyssa Ferrara, said the new said she joined the dance team As returning New Jersey Inter- season is to shoot a 600 series champs again and get to states,” dancers are already contributing last year because she loves danc- scholastic Conference Meadow- and overall just improve,” Cutola Horniacek said. positively to the team. ing and wanted to perform with lands Division league champions, said. Similar to Cutola, Horniacek, “We have brand new faces that another group in addition to danc- the bowling team knows it has to Dec. 12 marked a particular- who was second team all-league bring a lot of talent,” Soto-Galle- ing at her studio Art of Dance in build off last year’s momentum. ly important date for the team, last season, said she wants to im- go said. North Arlington, N.J. With the loss of three graduat- as it was the day the team went prove her scores from last year. She said she loves performing “When I am entertaining, I feel ing seniors, the team is looking to up against North Arlington High Senior Troy Villani, who has because it is a liberating expe- so free and confident,” Benarick the experienced veterans to lead School. been a varsity starter since his rience and an effective form of said. “As I go along, I get a rush, the way. “[I was] most looking forward freshman year, is also coming off communication. which pushes me to want to keep Returning to the team are se- to our matches with North Arling- a breakout season. Earning a first “I am able to put my whole soul the crowd going and engaged in niors Joe Cutola, Tara Horniacek ton because they are our rival,” team all-league designation last into delivering a message to the my performance.” and Troy Villani. Junior Ronald Cutola said. year, Villani said he strives to fol- audience,” Soto-Gallego said. She said performing is the best Treier is also a returning bowler. While LHS beat North Ar- low in the footsteps of his sister Coach Bernadette Montillo, part of being on the dance team, Cutola said he is aware of his lington at the league champion- Nikki, an all-league bowler who who has been coaching the team though she said the camaraderie role as a team leader and is ready ship last season, Cutola said this graduated LHS in 2011. for five years, said her expecta- between the dancers also contrib- to take it on. neighboring team is one of LHS’ Villani said the 11-person team tions are for the dancers to come utes to her positive experiences “Our returning players played a toughest opponents. is small yet determined. together and work hard to hit a on the team. big part in our success last year,” Senior Tara Horniacek, a four- “Coming back from being solid routine both at home basket- “The bond I have with these girls Cutola said. year varsity bowler, said the league champs, we are just going ball games as well as at competi- is a great friendship. We all relate Cutola, who joined the team team’s success this season will to do what we do best and be a tions beginning in January. [to] each other, and it is great to when he was a sophomore, was come from staying relaxed. family, have fun and win,” said “My greatest challenge is that I meet new people who join every second team all-league last year. “[We have to] just go with Villani. am a cheer coach,” Montillo said. year,” said Benarick. The Lighthouse 12 SPORTS December 2019 Senior boys basketball players shoot for success By Andrew Palma operate with his teammates. Staff Writer “I would say as a team our strengths are defense and grab- After ending last season with a bing rebounds. I would say we 14-13 record, the boys basketball still need to improve on our com- team is focused on rebuilding its munication on and off the court,” roster and preserving its winning Stuart said. record. Senior Isaiah Brito, who plays The team lost seven key players as a shooting guard and small for- to graduation and some members ward, said he believes this year’s Photo BY Caila Barreiros of last year’s team have decided team benefits from having so Senior Conor McKeon (left) skates the puck down the ice at the hockey team’s first game against not to return. Despite these losses, many senior players. Clifton High School at Floyd Hall arena on Nov. 30. the team is determined to make “We all have good chemistry some noise during the 2019-2020 with each other,” Brito said. “We season. all have been playing this sport Hockey season starts with a 7-0 shutout This year’s varsity roster con- for the entirety of high school. By Caila Barreiros school because I truly love the ment than last year.” sists of juniors and seniors led by We’ve been playing with each Staff Writer game and wanted to keep play- The team is led by Coach Jelcic, senior captains Joseph Nichols, other for years now,” Brito said. ing.” who last year was honored as Big Justin Sanchez and Brandon Stu- Like Stuart, Brito said his goal Floyd Hall Arena in Little Falls, The team has had to make ad- North Overall and Big North Di- art. is to excel during his final season N.J. was filled with excitement justments this season after losing vision hockey Coach of the Year, Stuart, a shooting guard who on the team. at the season opener on Nov. 30 LHS standouts Kyle Bouteloupt, both of which are designated by has been on the team since his “I’m just trying to ball out one as the Spartans—the co-op hock- John Kulpanowski and Sean fellow coaches in the New Jersey freshman year, said he is excit- last time. We all just want to have ey team shared by Hackensack Leonard, all of whom graduated Interscholastic Conference. ed about the upcoming season, and Paramus High Schools and in June. In addition to bringing “It’s an honor, but it’s more like which will commence on Dec. 20 LHS—went up against the Mus- their skills to the ice, Bouteloupt a team honor for me because my in an away game against Ridge- “We all have good tangs from Clifton High School. and Leonard provided leadership team is doing well and listening field High School. chemistry with Aiding in a 7-0 shutout, Senior as team captains. to what we plan and putting in ef- “My goals this season are to Anthony Oddo raced down the In the season opener, Berko had fort,” Jelcic said. succeed with my team and leave each other.” rink and scored a goal in the fifth a total of 10 saves. Like his players, Jelcic said his high school basketball on a good minute of the first period. Berko started playing hockey interest in the sport grew out of note,” Stuart said. a better season than last year, and This year’s team is led by se- at the age of eight and joined the his childhood pastime of watch- Even though this is Stuart’s fi- we’re determined to make it fur- nior goalie Jonathan Berko and Spartans last year after transfer- ing hockey games on TV. He nal season as a Golden Bear, he ther in states and hopefully win senior right wing Anthony Oddo, ring to LHS from Don Bosco Pre- said upon viewing the sport, he said his basketball days are far it,” Brito said. both of whom are captains. Oddo paratory High School in Ramsey, instantly knew he loved it and from over. Brito said whether playing or has been playing for the Spartans N.J. wanted to make it part of his life. “My plan is to continue my watching basketball, the sport has since his sophomore year, but his “I got into hockey because me Jelcic started coaching when he basketball career in college and deep meaning to him. history with the sport extends and my dad used to watch the was a teenager. He said one thing continue to follow my dream. “I’ve been playing my entire back to his childhood. Devils games on TV together, led to another, and he is now in Basketball has always been my life. I’m a spectator of the NBA. “I started playing hockey when I and I just loved hockey from the his eighth year coaching the Spar- dream, and it is my escape,” Stu- I’m a big fan of the sport,” Brito was ten years old because my dad start,” Berko said. “My expecta- tans. art said. said. “It has been such a big part loved hockey, and I was always tions are to bring our great season “It’s a growing year, but we can He said his responsibilities are of my life. I don’t know how my surrounded by it,” Oddo said. “I from last year and bring this year compete with a lot of teams, and to find open opportunities and co- life would be without basketball.” wanted to play hockey in high and get further in the state tourna- that’s what we want,” said Jelcic. Girls basketball team rebuilds Swim wins first meet By Bassem Yamout ming event,” Dunn said. Staff Writer “I remember barely being after loss of 4 graduating seniors able to swim 200 meters By Christopher Paskas seniors [Jamie Connors, “My mom and dad were The swim team began its when I started, and I think Staff Writer Angelina DeCoro, An- really good basketball season with a win on Dec. most people in his position gela Downey and Gabby players when they were 3 at a home meet against would’ve gotten out of the The girls basketball play- Schnur] who all played a growing up, so they both New Milford High School. pool at 300. He took it like ers hit the court on Nov. 25 lot of minutes, so I would had a very big impact on The girls destroyed their a champ.” for their first practice. say our experience will be a my athletic career,” Schae- competitors with a score Senior Brianna Capsouras Last year, the team made factor,” Mosca said. “With fer said. of 122-46 and the boys fin- said Dunn and senior Ali- it to the state quarterfi- that being said, we do have She said the players have ished 77-54. cia Henrichsen both swam nals for the first time in quite a few girls returning a lot to work on. The team is mentored by exceptionally well in their six years, and the players with varsity experience, so “We need to focus on Photo BY Lors Coach Frew and Assistant races. hope to start the season hopefully we will be able to rebounding and finishing Photography Coach Hoyt. Capsouras said the people strong at the season opener handle it.” layups,” Schaefer said. Junior Gianna Alber- Hoyt said her son who on the swim team make the on Dec. 20 when they face Mosca said the team has “We do not have many bigs ti takes possession of swam for North Arlington experience a lot of fun. the ball at a home game High School—which is co- “We are very chill and re- off against Ridgefield High adopted a new strategy. [tall people who get re- against Secaucus High School at home. “Last year, we were more bounds], but we have a lot School on Jan. 8, 2019. oped with LHS—inspired laxed and super supportive The team is led by Head of a jump shooting team, of skills, so hopefully that her to get involved with the of each other. We always Coach Mosca, who be- but this year, I expect to run will come in handy.” coached in for 20 years. sport. try our best and never get gan coaching basketball at more and play more man- Schaefer said this season That’s why I decided to at- Hoyt said her coaching mad when we lose,” Cap- LHS in 2008. After four to-man defense,” Mosca is filled with potential, even tend LHS.” philosophy is: “Try your souras said. years, he took a hiatus and said. though it is different than A member of the Ama- hardest. Do your best.” Junior Michael Alvarez coached at Hackensack He said the most difficult last year. teur Athletic Union who She said her favorite as- said after their first meet, High School for four years aspect of coaching is moti- Junior Carley Martin, trains with personal train- pect of the swim season is the swimmers turned their before returning to LHS vating the players to work who joined the varsity team ers weekly, Martin plays hearing the crowd cheering attention towards the next last year. out and play in the offsea- her freshman year, has been basketball year-round. during the meets. big challenge: facing off “I always loved basketball son. playing basketball since the She said to be success- “Everyone cheers for ev- against Leonia High School as a player. When I started “We have the shortest age of four. ful this season, her team at eryone regardless of team. on Dec. 12. teaching, an opportunity time to get ready, only “My dad was the long- LHS needs to focus on two Everyone is supportive of “The team could improve came along that allowed about three weeks, for the time boys varsity basket- key areas. each other,” Hoyt said. on the pacing and speed on me to coach basketball, and season,” Mosca said. ball coach at LHS, so I was “We need to improve on Senior Richard Dunn said their events and swimming I’ve enjoyed it ever since,” Senior Madison Schae- brought into the sport at a our camaraderie and com- he was most impressed by all around,” Alvarez said. Mosca said. fer, who has been on the very young age,” Martin munication,” Martin said. freshman Baney Montoya’s “I’m looking forward to He said he expects his varsity team since her said. “Playing high school “I expect our team this sea- performance at the meet. getting better during the team to compete for a freshman year, said her his- basketball for me wasn’t son to compete strongly in “It was his first meet season and being able to league title. tory with basketball goes even a question. I wanted our league and qualify for ever, and he swam 500 swim faster and more effi- “Last year, we had four back to first grade. to play in the gym my dad counties.” meters, the longest swim- ciently.”