THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF EAST BRUNSWICK HIGH SCHOOLOctober 2021 Vol. 56, No. 2

THE CLARIONBringing You the Bear Facts

A Return to Spooky Season?by Matthew Chuah

\ For trick-or-treaters, such restrictions can be as simple as wearing a mask or being extra mindful of cleanliness. Senior YeJun Kwon said, “Just for the courtesy of the people, if you are going to trick-or-treat just wear a mask so you respect the choices of others.” For homeowners looking to welcome trick-or-treaters, senior Maxwell Guo suggested “periodically sanitizing their bowls and bags of candy if they are left outside for all.” While the future is still uncertain, these approaches will keep all children, ghosts, and goblins safe. With proper restrictions, Halloween has the potential to return to its spookiest and most festive.

Halloween is just around the corner, and with 2020 behind us, it’s time to catch up on everybody’s fill of fall festivities. But is it really time to start celebrating? Are we finally ready for a “normal” Halloween? As the Delta Variant continues to spread, some believe it is still too early to celebrate. A CDC internal report released in July found that the variant can be as contagious as chicken pox. On average, those who were infected with the original Covid strain could potentially infect three individuals. Carrying the Delta Variant, one can infect up to seven others, according to biostatistician Tom Wenseleers at the University of Leuven.

However, with almost 65% of New Jersey’s population being vaccinated, going to haunted houses and gathering candy seems feasible. Though the hope is that this new vaccination period allows for more social interaction, a greater degree of restraint is necessary to prevent a massive outbreak.

MD Anderson Cancer CenterArtistic rendering of the original COVID-19 strain (left) and the Delta Variant (right)

Getty ImagesWith some restrictions, Halloween 2021 can be a success

Restrictions can be as simple as wearing a mask or being extra mindful of cleanliness.

With each new school year, everyone goes through changes: new hair colors, new friends, or simply maturing. However, EBHS students begin the 2021-2022 school year facing especially unfamiliar changes as they switch to completely in-person school after learning through a hybrid model for nearly a year and a half. While not an entirely new concept for us, one of the biggest adjustments with in-person learning is the new format of classes: block scheduling.

Out of a survey we conducted of 30 students at EBHS, 97% don’t mind the new scheduling. Many even found there to be several benefits to this type of schedule. Evelyn Chao, a sophomore at EBHS, said, “You can learn more in classes because you have a longer time, things don’t feel rushed in the class, and the main part is you get an extra day to complete homework.” This can reduce some of the stress that students experience under traditional scheduling.

EBHS Takes on Block Scheduling

Additionally, the surveyed students expressed that their favorite parts of the scheduling are longer lunch periods and rotating AB classes.

Yet, students commonly expressed dislike over the length of class periods and found difficulty staying focused when sitting in one class for 82 minutes. In terms of effectiveness, of the students surveyed, 15% said blockscheduling was not effective, 45% said it was, and the remaining 40% were undecided. Besides students, teachers are also adjusting to the scheduling changes. EBHS English teacher Mr. Soder said, “Lessons are less rushed, and [he likes] planning for 2-3 classes a day.” Steering away from a traditional eight-period day can be tough at times, but EBHS’s students and staff have been handling it exceptionally.

by Katie Kong and Adriana Roth

FreepikThe new schedule will take some getting used to but is overall effective

EBHS BearhubEBHS students transitioning to full-time, in-person learning

Autumn is rolling around, and school is once again back in session- only this time, in person. In the last year, the East Brunswick faculty has taken into consideration the impacts of the pandemic and its effects on student life. Luckily, the return back to classrooms also means the resumption of EBHS’s many fall traditions, which have become some of the highlights of student life over the years. Some of the major events happening this fall are the powderpuff game and, the most highly anticipated, homecoming.

tournament has been held by Asian Club for years, and whether students choose to compete for a $25 Amazon gift card or watch with their friends battle it out, it is a fun time. Han adds that “snacks and beverages are sold so [students] won't be playing on an empty stomach.” For both students who are into the arts and those interested in some healthy competition, the clubs at EBHS offer many events open to the entire student body. Besides Improv Night and the ping pong tournament, students could not be more excited about one of the biggest events of the year: homecoming. The dance will take place on Friday, October

year, making it another opportunity to make more memories to compensate for quarantine. Presented by the National Honor Society, Powderpuff is expected to take place along with a bonfire the week before Thanksgiving. Powderpuff is a tradition at EBHS where the boys cheer and the girls play football. Powderpuff is one of the most entertaining games of the year, to say the very least. NHS advisor Mrs. Anderson said that she “can’t wait to host the event and its associated events,” expressing how she is looking forward to the students being able to enjoy themselves after the limitations the pandemic imposed last year. NHS has always done its best to make the event a fun and memorable experience for the EBHS students. Along with the Powderpuff game, a food drive will take place in the spirit of giving back to the community. As the most exciting events of the year come speeding ahead, students can look forward to making great memories with their friends at EBHS.

22, on the lower turf, accompanied by Spirit Week challenges in school. The dance’s theme this year is cities, with seniors representing New Orleans, juniors representing Tokyo, and sophomores representing Paris. Sophomore Vaanika Singla said it will be nice to attend homecoming since “[sophomores] didn’t have the semi-formal last year.”

After the eventful night, the football game is expected to take place the next day. Senior Leona Jain said “[she] doesn’t usually go to football games but, with this being [her] senior year, [she] will go to the game.” Although many students do not attend football games, the homecoming game is one of the biggest events of the

But that’s not all- there are events for everyone! Improv Night, a day for students to showcase their on-the-spot acting skills, will be hosted by the Drama Club. The event allows students who, after auditioning, compete in teams consisting of both students and teachers. Additionally, the Asian Club is hosting a ping pong tournament. The president of Asian Club, senior Shelby Han, said, “It is a chill and fun event for everyone to get together and play ping pong.” The

Homecoming, Powderpuff, and more!by Charitha Nannapaneni

@EBHSprincipal on TwitterThe 2019 Powderpuff champions

For both students who are into the arts and those interested in some healthy competition, the clubs at EBHS offer many events open to the entire student body.

Asian Club InstagramPing pong tournament finalists

Page 2

The temperature is starting to dip, leaves of green are turning brilliant shades of auburn and gold, and carved pumpkins are being displayed on doorsteps. Spooky season is finally here, EBHS!

Whether you’re going to haunted houses or perusing pumpkin patches and orchards, we hope you’re taking the time out of your busy schedules to enjoy the season.

However, Halloween isn’t the only spooky event this autumn- college application season is also upon us! To all seniors, we wish you the best of luck. Take a deep breath from time to time and, as you work on those pesky supplemental essays, try to make the most of the exciting school spirit opportunities!

From senior nights to Powderpuff to the highly anticipated homecoming dance, the fall season is an eventful time for all EBHS students. After nearly two years of attending school via computer screen, we strongly encourage you all to get involved! School might be exhausting and time-consuming, but events like these make in-person learning worth it.

With that, we hope you enjoy this special Halloween edition of The Clarion!

Carson & DevinEditors-in-Chief, 2021-2022

From the Editors-in-Chief:

EIC Note

THE CLARIONSTAFF 2021-2022

Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief

Executive Assistant Editor

Executive Assistant Editor

Visual Editor

Visual Editor

Entertainment Editor

Entertainment Editor

Opinions Editor

Opinions Editor

News Editor

News Editor

Features Editor

Features Editor

Sports Editor

Sports Editor

Advisor

Advisor

Carson He

Devin Hecht

Sabrina Portnoy

Aaron Tsui

Kristen Lee

Fiona Sheard

Julie Kim

Shohini Mitra

Karis Mao

Olivia Woodard

Dhihita Nishanth

Amanda Sun

Julianna Moises

Kelly Tang

Raul Martinez

Jarod Struminger

Mrs. Alyson Eliades

Mr. Ryan Hynes

Interested in submitting original drawings, cartoons, comics, and other artwork to be featured in our publications? Contact clarion.visual2022@gmail.com for more information!

Kristen Lee Kristen Lee

Page 3 Homeroom Huddle

Homeroom HuddleFind out what EBHS students and staff think about different issues through our

Homeroom Huddle Q & A’s. This month: hear from our teachers!

Q: What is your favorite candy? Defend your position!

My favorite candy is Reese’s peanut butter cups. They’re delicious. Is there anything more to say?”

- Mr. Pazinko

“ I like sour jelly beans and Sour Patch Kids, anything sour.”

- Mrs. Korff“

My favorite candy is Ferrero Rocher because I love almonds and hazelnut. It has such a different taste. It’s not like regular chocolate, it’s better.”

- Señora Verano

“My favorite candy is Reese’s White Creme Peanut Butter Eggs. They are the best, there is no debate.”

- Mr. Segall

“

My favorite candy is of course gummy bears. Is there really anything to explain? Their texture, sweetness, it’s just the best candy.”

- Ms. Mangino

“KitKat because you can share it or have it all for yourself. Also, it tastes great.”

- Mr. Troshane“

Hmm I’m not really so much into candy…I do enjoy a Reese’s peanut butter cup from time to time.”

- Mr. McCarthy

“

My favorite candy is Butterfingers because of its crispy peanut butter taste!”

- Mrs. Eastep“

My favorite candy is Snickers because it has a good flavor combination.”

- Mrs. McQuade

Peanut Butter Cups because they are rich, comforting, and unobtrusive. It's hard to explain how wonderful they are. All I can say is that all other candies should bow down and submit to peanut butter cups. There's no competition. PB cups are worlds better than the rest.”

- Mrs. Soder

My favorite candy in all life, not just Halloween, are Haribo Gold Bears gummy bears. I especially love the green and clear ones (strawberry and pineapple). They are the perfect texture and level of sweetness. In terms of chocolate, I love 100 Grand bars for the crunchy and chewy combo.”

- Mrs. Kenny-Stein

“

“

“

My favorite candy currently is Sour Patch Kids!! I love the little pick me up mid day!”

- Mrs. Buckley“

Sour Patch Kids because they are sweet and sour. I also like the sour sugar at the bottom of every bag.”

- Mrs. Rocha

“

I like sour gummy worms because you can’t eat just one of them.”

- Dr. Gopal“ Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter

Cups. Let me explain my position. I was always a Reese's devotee, but then I picked these babies up on a whim at my favorite grocery store and oh man has my life been forever changed. Dark chocolate and peanut butter is a dangerous combination in the best way possible.”

- Mrs. Roman

“

I like all chocolates, but if I had to choose I would say Almond Joy. Not only does it have coconut, which I love, but the almonds also provide an amazing crunch factor!”

- Dr. Kumar

“

Page 4 EB Words of Wisdom

EB Words of WisdomNeed some advice? Check out EB Words of Wisdom to discover tips and tricks from fellow students and teachers. This month: teachers’ advice to college-bound seniors!

Q: What advice would you give to seniors currently applying to college?

Mr. Pazinko: Make sure to do or find something that you’re passionate about, but also be able to make a living off of. Also make sure to take good use of your four years in college--whatever ways that may be.

Mrs. Korff: Try to graduate from college without debt. Even if it means not going to your top school, it’s better to start adulthood without student loan debt that will affect you throughout your life.

Señora Verano: My advice for seniors that are applying to college now is to make time to sleep well and get plenty of rest. Secondly, make time to eat well because nobody is going to hold your hand in college and tell you when to eat or sleep. You need to balance your time between work and self-care. They need to learn how to organize their time to get everything done by their due dates. If they start getting behind, stress will build up. I highly recommend that students prioritize mental and physical health. Be responsible and make good choices. In college, students will find a lot of newfound freedom. Freedom brings responsibility to know what is right and what is wrong.

Mr. Segall: The most important thing I would tell seniors is don’t schedule classes at 8 AM. Who cares if you did it for the last 12 years, sleep is important. Don’t try to be a superhero. Also, Coffee will become your best friend, learn to embrace it.

Ms. Mangino: For freshman year, try to enjoy the entire experience- not just one aspect of it. Try to engage yourself in all types of activities and take advantage of all the opportunities provided.

Mr. Troshane: Go to office hours when you get to college. The difference between an A and a B is the teacher knowing you care and they will always point you in the right direction.

Mr. McCarthy: My advice to seniors is to think about what you are interested in learning next year. Many people change their path so until you figure it out it’s best to pursue your passions. All knowledge will serves you in one way or another and expanding your horizons is the best way to find your niche.

Mrs. Eastep: My advice to applying to college is that you're only eighteen years old, your life is not set at this point. In your life, you have a whole road ahead of you to make very difficult decisions. Don't think that everything has to be set, basically don't think your life has to be planned out at 18 years of age.

Mrs. McQuade: My biggest piece of advice would be to enjoy your senior year by attending all the events that you can. Looking back, I regret not doing so and making the most of my high school years. Still, you should work hard with your applications and find a balance between the social and academic parts of your life.

Mrs. Soder: Dear Seniors, remember, you are like a snowflake. You are unique, beautiful, and special and no one is just like you. You are precious and worthy of all the good things the world can offer. ...But from a short distance away you look just like everyone else.... so make sure you communicate your unique value to your schools.

Mrs. Kenny-Stein: My advice to seniors applying to college is to try not to fall in love with one school. You don't know that you love it, because you haven't actually attended yet! It's an idealized love, not a true love. Don't get caught up in status/prestige; remember that great educations come from lots of places.

Mrs. Buckley: My advice to seniors applying to colleges is to focus on what makes you unique! Lots of people can have perfect scores but what makes YOU different from them? Besides your academics. What would YOU contribute to their community?

Mrs. Roman: In regards to applying to colleges, I have three pieces of advice: 1.) When deciding on what schools to apply to, one of the first things I considered was the distance I would be from home. Do you plan to live at home to save money on room and board? If so, what will your daily commute be like? Do you have plans to easily go home on the weekends? What's an acceptable driving distance for you? Do you only plan on only seeing your family on holidays? All of these questions will help you narrow down your search. 2.) Consider applying to schools with programs that interest you - believe it or not, higher education is all about enjoying what you're learning! 3.) Set staggered deadlines for yourself in regards to completing different components of the application process. This way, the application process won't be so overwhelming.

Mrs. Rocha: Don't apply to so many colleges because what if you get into all of them?

Dr. Gopal: Always remember to tie your shoes when you are walking out the door.

Dr. Kumar: Practice time management! With all the work you will get, it will be extremely easy to procrastinate. Be sure to practice time management now so you don't end up cramming the night before an exam or deadline in college!

Fright Night, Pick Your Movie

Page 5

From “HalloweenTown” to “Scream,” watching Halloween movies has become a tradition amongst many EBHS students, and now that the spooky season is right around the corner, it is finally time for them to whip out those Halloween film favorites.

Junior David Lobo said that his favorite Halloween movie is “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” because “It’s a classic movie and a cinematic masterpiece.” The 1974 movie is about a woman, her paraplegic brother, and friends, who investigate her grandfather’s vandalized grave. On their exploration, they get attacked by Leatherface, who wears a mask of human skin and uses a chainsaw to assault his victims. The movie follows survivors’ adventures as they try to escape the monster’s clutches. For students who share Lobo’s love for thrillers, there are countless Halloween options. For junior Abigail Lam, the best Halloween movie is “Nightmare Before Christmas” because of its “unique and creative art style.” This animated film features Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of a place called Halloweentown. One day, he gets lost in Christmastown, a place differing from Halloweentown with its bright colors and joyful

singing. Entranced, he plots to take over Christmas by kidnapping Santa Claus. But, Skellington’s master plan quickly goes awry. This classic Disney film is a favorite amongst many students, reminding them of their childhoods. According to Junior Evan Luu, a must-watch Halloween movie is “Friday the 13th” because of “its aesthetic.” The famous film takes place in Crystal Lake, a summer camp with a history of murder. Superstitious locals warn newcomers, but they these warnings are disregarded--until they get stalked by a killer. Repeatedly getting attacked, characters fight to stay alive against their relentless opponent. Whether edge-of-your-seat thrillers are your thing or animated movies are your jam, you can never go wrong with a Halloween movie, a fun costume, and lots and lots of candy.

by Julianna Moises and Kelly Tang

Disney MoviesA scene from Halloweentown

Features & Entertainment

Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was released on September 3, 2021, providing content to eager fans and breaking box office records. Shang-Chi is the 29th movie to be added to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the second movie to be released in the fourth phase of this ever-expanding universe. Following the groundbreaking successes of the animated TV show What If…? and the movie Black Widow, Shang Chi shines the spotlight on new heroes and cultures. Many fans were pleasantly surprised by the new storyline, as the majority of the previous Marvel films focused on recurring characters. The film follows Shang-Chi as he explores the world of the infamous Ten Rings and contends with his dark past. Starring Simu Liu and Awkwafina, the film has received widespread praise for its storyline, music, costume design, and cameos. Marvel fans were especially pleased to witness the long awaited return of the controversial fan favorite Trevor Slattery. To many, the most appealing aspect of the movie was the visuals. “I honestly think that this may be one of my new favorite Marvel films,” said EBHS junior Sara Montes. “The visuals were astonishing and the movie was unlike any other Marvel movies I’ve

Shang-Chi: What happens when Chinese

Martial Arts meet the Marvel Cinematic

Universe?

seen. The CGI and overall story impressed me as well. I’m excited to see how Marvel continues with [Shang Chi’s] story.“ Others were more enticed by the cultural representation. “The choreography is very accurate to the actual form of martial arts and I can tell they definitely did their research on the culture,” said EBHS sophomore Lucas Deluca. “The responses heard from Marvel fans alike have been overwhelmingly positive.”

With the success and acclaim surrounding Shang-Chi, Marvel fans worldwide eagerly await what’s to come in phase four of the MCU.

by Adrian Sorice

Disney AustraliaShang Chi’s official movie poster

Join The Clarion!Who are we? What do we do?

The Clarion is EBHS’s official school newspaper! Our articles are written by EBHS students and cover a wide range of local and global news topics. Throughout the year, we publish both monthly online issues (posted on Canvas) and print issues (like this one). If you have a passion for journalism, research, current events, or just writing in general, The Clarion is a great way to showcase your talents!

How do you sign up to write articles?

Join our Microsoft Teams and come to our general meetings to sign up for articles! We post new topics in the channels every month. ANYONE can join!

You can sign up to write as many articles as you want, and you can write individually or with a partner. Our next general meeting is on Thursday, 10/28, at 2:15pm in the upper media center.

FeaturesNews

EntertainmentOpinions

Sports

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Sections

Page 6 Entertainment

The Show Must Go On: The Return of BroadwayBroadway is back, baby! The iconic symbol of New York has returned after an 18 month shutdown due to coronavirus, a landmark in the Big Apple’s post-pandemic recovery. The industry’s most popular shows such as Hamilton, Wicked, and The Lion King have all returned to the stage, exciting many theater fans. In addition to these iconic musicals, new shows such as Diana have made their Broadway debut, and the much-anticipated musical Mrs. Doubtfire has made a comeback after being in previews for only a few days before its shutdown in 2020. “I’m so glad to see Broadway getting back into

age need to show proof of a negative PCR test within seventy-two hours prior, or a negative rapid Antigen test within six hours before the show’s start time. On top of vaccinations and COVID tests, all audience members must be fully masked, with exceptions for eating and drinking in designated parts of the theatres. To kick things off, CBS broadcasted The Tony Awards: Broadway’s Back on Sunday, September 26th. Hosted by Tony award winning actor Leslie Odom Jr., the event celebrated the return and beauty of live theater. The performances throughout the night

and pleasure of turning the lights back on in New York’s finest theatres. “I am so excited for Broadway to be up and running again. Knowing that all the performers were out of a job and not being able to do what they love during 2020 was so heartbreaking,” says senior Samantha Wetstein. “Luckily we will be able to get back to watching the incredible performances that all the casts put on. I know I can’t wait to see as many shows as possible now.” Broadway’s return has symbolically and emotionally become a new milestone for New York. The reopening of the curtains was another step toward a return to normalcy.

featured prominent actors and musicians such as John Legend and Ben Platt, who received multiple standing ovations throughout the special. In addition to spectacular musical performances, the night touched upon many current events such as the Black Lives Matter movement and showed appreciation to educators as students return to school mid-pandemic. The broadcast also commemorated members of the Broadway community who have passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the night showcased the excitement

action! While it was cool to see all that the actors could put together virtually during the pandemic, nothing compares to the real thing,” said senior Becca Smoller. “I hope that it helps people who lost their jobs find work in the industry again.” Despite Broadway’s return, the ongoing pandemic is still a concern. As a result, Broadway has put into place a number of COVID-19 procedures to keep everyone safe during its grand reopening. Guests over the age of twelve need to show proof that they are fully vaccinated to gain admittance, while guests who are not eligible for vaccination due to their

by Sarah Wilk

Entertainment TonightThe Lion King, one of Broadway’s most popular shows, has made its return

The New YorkerPeople in the audience must wear masks and, depending on their age, show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test

The New York TimesDiana, a musical cut short by COVID, is now available on Netflix

In the past decade, Taylor Swift has topped the charts and broken records with her many hit songs. After the immense success of “You Belong With Me,” Swift was crowned the “queen of pop” and recently received a Grammy Award for Album of the Year for her most recent album, Folklore. From Country to Pop to Indie, Swift has dipped her toes in various musical genres, spreading her influence worldwide. Recently, Swift has embarked on a journey to release re-recordings of some of her earliest albums, with each new release labeled as “Taylor’s version.” Her first re-recorded album, Fearless (Taylor’s Version), featured all of her second studio album’s original songs, including hits like “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me,” along with new tracks such as “Bye Bye Baby” and “You All Over Me (ft. Maren Morris).” But, why exactly is Taylor Swift re-recording these albums in the first place? When Swift was first planting her roots in the music industry at the age of fifteen, she signed a contract

six albums. Swift claims to have been bullied by Scooter Braun for years. Recently, in order to assert ownership of her own music, Swift began the process of re-recording her studio albums which were released by her former record label. Swift’s bold decision has made a palpable impact on her fanbase. EBHS junior Eamon Ghosh-Dastidar, a long-time musician and talented singer, expressed her support for Swift’s choice. “Music is an industry that is mainly dominated by men, contrary to popular opinion,” Ghosh-Dastidar said. “It’s really inspiring to young girls all around the world because now they

As of now, Red (Taylor’s Version), is next up on the list of re-releases with a scheduled release date of November 19, 2021. So, what’s next for the “queen of pop”? Swifties will just have to wait and see.

know that they can make it in the music industry.” Other Swifties, like EBHS sophomore Sarah Su, are simply elated about their favorite artist’s latest endeavors. “I have been a fan of Taylor Swift since first grade. My favorite song from her then was ‘I Knew You Were Trouble,’ which is from Red,” she said. “Her re-recordings are exciting and nostalgic because it’s like she’s helping us relive our childhoods again.” A few weeks ago, Swift surprised fans with “Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version)”, a song from her album 1989.

with a company called Big Machine Records, which owned the rights to her work. Even though the songs she released were sung and/or written by her, control of the records belonged to the company, with Swift receiving a mere percentage of the revenue generated from them. When her contract with Big Machine Records ended in 2018, she signed a new contract with Universal Music Group, giving her ownership of her master records. However, in 2019, a company owned by music manager Scooter Braun bought Big Machine Records and again acquired ownership rights to her first

Taylor Swift Paints the World Red with Album Re-Recordings

by Naomi Karki

VarietyTaylor Swift and her former music manager Scooter Braun

The Daily Utah ChronicleTaylor Swift is on a journey to release re-recordings of her old albums

“It’s really inspiring to young girls all around the world because now they know that they can make it in the music industry.”

- Junior Eamon Ghosh-Dastidar

Page 7 News & Entertainment

October 7, 2021, marked the day pharmaceutical company Pfizer asked the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to approve its COVID-19 vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds. Prior to this, the Pfizer vaccine had only been authorized for children ages 12 to 15, which happened in May of 2021. This authorization had been a big milestone because it was the first time younger children had been authorized to receive the vaccine. This was especially good news for schools, but the parents of younger children were still anxious about the safety of their children. After being authorized, the push for vaccinating younger and younger children was met with both relief and trepidation by parents. While some are concerned about the potential side effects children may face from the shot, others are

One Step Closer to Normal

heartened by the prospect of their children being able to live some semblance of a normal life. For EBHS junior Twinkal Barai, who has an 11 year old sister, the authorization “is key to battling COVID transmissions. It will not only reduce parents’ anxiety but it will help to keep schools open and safe for kids to learn in person.” EBHS senior Barenya Das recalled how “[her] family friend who’s 7 actually got COVID and was symptomatic over the summer, but his older brother was fine because he took the vaccine. I feel like as long as the research proves it’s safe enough for younger children, it’s fine.” Das also noted that for parents who feel “uncomfortable” getting their younger children vaccinated, the decision is ultimately up to them. This is the final major age range to be covered for vaccine authorization, and it potentially marks a big step in life returning back to normal.

by Dhihita Nishanth and Amanda Sun

ReutersDoses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine

BBCMany more children have been registering to receive Pfizer’s vaccine since the FDA approved its use for 12-15 year olds US,” Theodore said.

Similar to Shahadi, many of the attendees that followed the theme referenced not only American culture but American history as well. “I enjoyed Quannah Chasinghorse’s gala look,” said EBHS junior Jenna Vasquez. “Her clothes referenced her Native American roots, making it the most American look of the night.” With the conclusion of the Met Gala, the Metropolitan Museum’s exhibit is now on display for fans to enjoy.

The 2021 Met Gala, which took place on September 13, is a staple of the world of American fashion. Considered to be “fashion’s biggest night out,” the Met’s red carpet looks never fail to capture the world’s attention. This year’s theme centered around the museum’s newest exhibit, “In America: A Lexicon in Fashion.” The theme was meant to pay homage to and support American designers in the aftermath of the pandemic, allowing all attendees to display their interpretation of America and its national identity. In the days leading up to the Met Gala, however, many fans were concerned that the theme would be too broad and were nervous that the attendee’s costumes would fall flat. “I enjoyed the possibilities and references you could make,” said EBHS junior Jessica Theodore of this year’s theme. “However, I don’t think many did the theme right.” Her reaction to the Met Gala was similar to that of many others: disappointed, but not surprised. Though the Met Gala is known for its over-the-top fashion moments, many fans consider those instances to be few and far between. For Theodore, one of these rare moments came from Yara Shahadi. “Yara referenced Josephine Baker, a performer and civil rights activist who fought against racism in the

America’s Lexicon in Fashion: The 2021 Met Gala

by Nivriti Suresh

GraziaYara Shahidi’s Josephine Baker inspired red carpet outfit

VogueQuannah Chasinghorse’s first Met Gala look, inspired by her ethnic background

On September 11, 2021, a young woman named Gabby Petito was reported missing by her family. Petito and her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, planned on embarking on a cross-country trip to explore the Western United States. They began their trip in July, setting off in a white convertible van to visit the national parks. The couple’s trip seemed to be going smoothly from July to mid-August, as they stopped at eight different locations in Utah and posted pictures of their journey on Instagram and TikTok, as well as a YouTube video of their travels.

stated, “no service in Yosemite.” Petito had previously mentioned they were heading to Grand Teton National Park. It is believed that Petito was murdered in late August. Miranda Baker, a TikTok user, posted a video claiming that she and her boyfriend had picked Laundrie up while he had been hitchhiking in Colter Bay, Wyoming. Laundrie had told them he had been camping alone while Petito was in their van working on social media posts. He got off at Jackson Dam, where he then took a lift from a Wyoming resident to the Spread Creek camping area. Norma Jean Jalovec, the woman who picked Laundrie up, found it strange that he did not appear dirty and had very little equipment for a man that had been supposedly hiking along the river for a few days. On September 1, Laundrie returned to the couple’s home where his parents also resided. Records indicate that he went missing right after his visit; it is presumed that he had been planning to run away. Currently, authorities are still conducting a search

biased. In fact, news anchor Frank Somerville was removed from air after he questioned the disproportionate media coverage between women of color and white women; he called this phenomenon the “Missing White Woman Syndrome.” Sophomore Isabella Rey said that “the amount of coverage for this case is questionable. It seems as though news channels are exploiting Gabby’s death for profit.” Presently, Gabby’s family is still on the hunt for answers, and the search for Brian Laundrie continues.

for him. Petito’s body was officially found in Teton National Park, Wyoming. According to coroners, the evidence suggests Petito’s death was a homicide committed by Laundrie, but the theory has not been confirmed. Helena Youssef, an EBHS sophomore, said that “what happened to Gabby Petito was not right...and really sad; because Gabby did not expect her fiance to betray her.” The case hit national headlines, but many believe that the amount of publicity Petito’s case received was

On August 12, however, they were pulled over by police after being found to have gotten into a physical fight. A witness called the Grand County Sheriff’s Office to report a domestic dispute after seeing Laundrie slap Petito. Officers arrived at the scene and separated them for the night, thinking it was a typical disagreement. Petito’s last known whereabouts were mentioned in messages between Petito and her mother on August 25, where it was believed she was in Grand Teton, Wyoming. However, August 30 proved to be Petito’s last day of communication with her mother. The message

The Mystery Behind Gabby Petito’s Deathby Chetna Loomba and Jessica Yu

Spectrum NewsGabby Petito and Brian Laundrie in a video on their YouTube channel

InstagramGabby Petito in one of the last pictures she posted on Instagram

Page 8 Sports & Features

2021 has been EBHS’s year for football. At 4-1, the Bears are one of the leading teams in the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC), and it doesn’t seem that they’re going to be stopped anytime soon. Led by Coach Steinfeld, the Bears have won by double digits every game, and in the one game they lost, it was only a 3 point defeat. As great as their offense has been, the Bears are playing exceptional defense this year as well. One player to thank for this is Noriano Smith, a senior running back and cornerback. Smith has been a key member of the Bear’s secondary, holding opponents to an average 11.2 points per game this season. When asked about what makes their defense so great, Smith said, “Our defense excels because we communicate and execute each and

The Bears Rule Central Jersey

every play. I’ve got my teammates’ backs and they got mine.” Another big reason for the Bears’ success this season has been their constant support. The student section, A.K.A the “Bear Den,” is consistently loud and full of energy. No matter at home or away, fans always find a way to attend the games and cheer on their peers. When asked about the atmosphere from the “Bear Den,” senior Brett Motusesky said, “The Bear Den is as loud as it is crowded. I didn’t know so many kids watched football. Even so, it’s a fun environment that I look forward to each week.” With the teamwork, confidence, and support that has propelled the Bears to success thus far, they are primed and ready for a great rest of the season.

by Jarod Struminger

TAPintoThe EBHS football team

exhausted and in pain, you must drive to the finish line with a mile to go." Mental toughness is extremely important for these athletes, even when they run independently. Day in and day out, Chase must bring a strong mentality to practice and to competition. As an integral part of the cross-country team, Chase serves as a leader, pushing his teammates forward. Senior Zain Soherwardy, one of Chase’s running partners, said, "Steven brings that mentality that inspires us all on the track. Whether we're in the mood to run or not, he always pushes us through." The next step in Chase’s cross-country journey is deciding if he will continue to run in college. When asked about his future, he said, "I don't know if I'll run in college, but if I don't it was a great four-year run."

One of the most underrated sports at EBHS is cross-country. Senior Steven Chase, a varsity cross-country and track star has been running ever since his freshman year. When he runs, sharp curves, steep hills, lengthy cambered portions, logs to jump over, creeks to cross, and bridges to navigate await. From dirt and grass to mud and asphalt to gravel to everything in between, Chase is no stranger to the highs and rocky lows of cross-country. While others may see cross-country as a boring sport, Chase looks on the brighter side. When asked about why he likes cross-country, Chase said, "The sport is very enjoyable. It brings exciting courses, friendships, and beautiful fall weather." At the same time, though, the sport comes with its own set of challenges. Chase shared some of the struggles he has experienced while running. "The mental aspect of the sport is rough. To finish a race, you must have mental strength. Even if you're

Steven Chase: A Four Year Runby Raul Martinez

On Tuesday, September 28, East Brunswick High School hosted its annual activity fair, where the school’s many clubs set up tables and posters in order to attract students and prospective members. Students of all grades were able to explore and learn more about the different clubs that the school has to offer. A survey done by EBHS senior Vivian Niu reported that “Over 75% of students at EBHS are involved in clubs.” These students can join a variety of school organizations, ranging from the International Culture Club to the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society. According to Tarika Yellaula, the International Culture Club president, “This club provides opportunities to learn more about the different cultures in EBHS.” Similarly, senior Jarod Struminger, vice-president of Rho Kappa, said that Rho Kappa “encourages students to understand, appreciate, and love social studies.” There are also student body clubs like the Senior Class Council, “which plans and promotes class activities and

have more captivating activities. “Later in the year, we plan to make a monumental trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty because many of us have heard of people going there and by providing this event, the members would develop a deeper understanding of these historical places.” International Culture Club's president vows to “bring the hype back and make it the best club there

Fakhrzadeh, Lauren Levine, Julia Bognar, and Isabella M. DeCesare, pledges that “the decorations for homecoming will look as regal as Mardi Gras” and that “Prom will be out of this world!” Because of online schooling, morale was low and not many students wanted to participate in clubs. But now, students are excited to get involved in clubs once again, and EBHS extracurriculars will truly be able to flourish.

Original version appeared in TAPinto East Brunswick 10/7/21

ever was. We have BIG events for the future: Clash of Cultures and Collision. In previous years, so many people showed up and had a lot of fun. Clash of Cultures is where people get to showcase...different cultures by making poster boards, foods, clothes, and items that are related to the culture. Collision is one of the school's biggest talent shows where people can show their talents. We hope to spice these events up, so even more kids can have fun!” The Senior Class Council executive board, which includes seniors Shaheer Saud, Heba Amer, Madison

Prom for the seniors,” said Lauren Levine, Senior Class Council secretary. Rho Kappa, International Culture Club, and Senior Class Council are among the most popular clubs at EBHS, according to another survey done by Vivian Niu. All of these clubs plan to come back better than ever in order to make up for the strange virtual schooling during the 2020-2021 school year. Rho Kappa’s vice-president promises to

Clubs! EBHS Students Explore Their Interestsby Shaheer Saud

Shaheer SaudThe Senior Class Council executive board

Marco DeBellisSteven Chase pushes through the 400-meter race, hoping to set a new personal record

“The mental aspect of the sport is rough. To finish a race, you must have mental strength.”

- Senior Steven Chase

Shaheer SaudThe Rho Kappa executive board