By Kymizza Maldonado
SAD also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a depression that comes and goes at around the same time every year. It can affect people during the summer or winter, though it’s mostly common during the winter. The most common reason people get diagnosed with SAD is because of the lack of sunlight. Some symptoms for SAD can be, over or under eating, over sleeping, mood changes, anxiety, lack of energy and depression. Some things to manage or prevent SAD are exercising, light therapy, eating well, talking with people, and staying hydrated. According to the Cleveland Clinic, females are at a higher risk to be diagnosed with SAD. This is because of the amount of estrogen being produced. Ways to help people you know with seasonal depression is by letting them know you’re there for them, talking with them, offering them help, being positive toward them or around them and just hearing them out. Anyone can get depression and being aware about it and knowing what to do can help greatly.
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By Noah Silpe
On December 13th, 2023, the East High School Winter concert took place in the auditorium. It was cool to see all the hard work all the students and teachers have been putting in. For the lower school students, this was their first concert for some of them. Lots of family and friends were in attendance and it was very nice to see them celebrate their student’s hard work and success. During the concert there were 9 groups of students that performed songs and what the music department calls the “Mega Band,” which is composed of all the Upper school ensembles performing a song together. This year we played “This Christmas” as a Mega Band piece to close out the night. Lots of Christmas songs were played along with some classical pieces by the bands. It is important to celebrate the arts because in society the arts are pushed off to the side a lot of times. Amazing things are happening in the arts community and a lot of times they are an afterthought. A perfect example is, in Journalism class a few weeks ago Ms. Conroy was asking people what topic they were going to write about for the December newspaper (the one you are reading right now!). I told her that I was going to write about the winter concert and a few kids were surprised that we even had a concert. Obviously, the arts are important to me because every article I write relates to music or the arts in some way. Music is a big part of my life and I love talking about it so I talk about it to anyone who will listen. The school concerts are a lot of fun and a lot of work goes on behind the scenes. Personally, I would like to thank Ms. Wilson and Mr. Weber for teaching me and being great leaders. Thank you to the Upper School band and modern band for being amazing bandmates. If you’re in the hall and see a music teacher, make sure you say thank you for all the hard work they do behind the scenes like setting up the stage, making sure all the students are prepared and being some of the nicest human beings ever. By James O’Neil
It is the season of giving and joy and it's good to see everybody get excited for the holidays but seeing people give back to people in need is even greater. Normally at this time of year, people buy gifts for their kids and ensure they have checked everyone off their lists. But also, people like to take the holidays as a chance to donate to winter clothing drives. They donate things like gloves, hats, coats, etc. This year, East is having a winter clothes drive where people can donate clothes that can help people who need them stay warm during the winter season. At our clothing drive, we are taking some of the following: Belts, Boots, Hoodies, Winter jackets, and all winter gear. And the great thing about it is that we also are doing a food drive so we also will be taking items like canned food, cereal, instant mashed potatoes, boxed pasta, and boxed cornbread mix. I think that things such as the clothing drive is important for people in need to know that whatever that individual is going through or whatever struggle they are dealing with is not forever and that people are there to help them. Even if it's just giving extra clothes and food, it shows that there are still good people out there. And one good example of that type of person is Mr. Zarate. He oversees the clothes drive at East and works with the East High community through the Center for Youth. If you would like to donate, you can bring the new or gently used clothes to our main school security desk and they can then take the clothes to where the other donations go. If you or someone you know needs to access clothes or food this season, you can see Mr. Zarate in the Urban Clothing Closet located just outside the cafeteria. Please make sure you go and help someone this season even if it is giving clothes or food, it's time to give other people hope this holiday season. By Genesis Ortiz Otero Bowling improves muscle strength, flexibility and is a great metal stress reliever. The East bowling team is led by coaches Mr. Mundorff and Mr. Ekert. The East High Bowling team season started on November 13th and runs through February 24th. Bowling is good for the East High School community because it gives students who are not as active as other student athletes the opportunity to communicate, help understand others and help with strategies. At East, we consider Bowling as a sport because it can get competitive and fun. Bowling is considered a physical exercise. Did you know that bowling can help you burn calories too? The number of calories burned depends on factors such as weight and efforts put into the game. An individual weighing 200 pounds can burn up to 275 calories per hour while bowling, according to MayoClinic.com. If you want to know more about how bowling could help you and improve fitness, you can learn more at Bowlcanada.ca. By Jah’Mier Pray
Taking trips to colleges or universities offer so much for high school students who want to pursue further education. These college trips give insight on the admissions process, programs that an Institution offers, or background of how or why the school was created. On a cold afternoon in early December 6th, five students from East High traveled to Niagara University along with 6 other city Schools. Students arrived at the campus in the evening to have a tour and watch their D1 Basketball team battle it out with St Bonaventure. Thanks are owed to Primetime 585 who’s raised over hundreds of thousands of dollars for not only events, but also for the youth of the Section V of New York. Guided by counselors, teachers, families and friends, East High students attend the college tour to learn more about the college application process. The 5 selected students Zara Ramos, Kerel Cooper, Camille Varela, Camieka Amons and JahMier Pray engaged in the college trip to see what makes this college stand out from others. Greg Paulus, a head coach for the Niagara basketball teams tells students about Niagara. On the trip he says, “Niagara is in open arms for City kids, although we’re considered a ‘PWI’ and over the last 3 years there’s been a 22% increase in multicultural races that attend here. Also, we give tons of money! When you guys get a chance to talk to your tour guides ask them how much money Niagara has given them to battle tuition fees.” As these students get ready to leave the familiar hallways and classrooms of East High School, they carry more than just knowledge. They also carry the spirit of curiosity, determination and grit that will absolutely shape their college experiences. East High’s promise to give lifelong learning experiences as students will walk into the big world as adults. By Ne-Yo Marrero
It's the time of year for presents and fun, but what about education? This December the 2024-2025 FAFSA form opens, and you better get to it! FAFSA is a Free Application for Financial Student Aid. This helps students out with college tuition and can really help benefit them and their future. Here at East, we have a lot of people who can really help students out with information on FAFSA. Ms. Gilbert, who is a counselor here at East High School, has a wealth of information about it. She recommends, “Get FAFSA done as early as possible. It's the first step in getting any financial aid for college.” She advises not to be afraid of the cost of college. She went on to say, “College can definitely be affordable, just look at other options, there are scholarships out there, a lot of scholarships out there.” There will be a FAFSA event during 5th period on January 11th, all the way to parent- teacher conference. So, for those of us who are interested in attending this event, I would highly recommend it, especially if you plan on pursuing more education. By Samareia Moton
The season of giving is often associated with the holidays towards the end of the year. It's a time marked by generosity, goodwill, and a good spirit. It holds lots of importance as it allows us all to step beyond our individual lives and connect with others on a deeper level. The holidays are the season of giving, giving love and giving thanks. The holidays are also about faith, showing appreciation, and helping those in need. On a Christian religious level, giving reminds us that God, through Christ, has given each of us gifts to use for his glory. The holidays can be a great time to use your gifts for that purpose to shine the light on Jesus while bringing joy to other people. But on a non-religious level religious holidays like Christmas are not just for believers. They involve rituals and customs that can help reinforce social bonds and bring people together, no matter what their beliefs. Giving to others gives a sense of care, empathy, and love which can uplift the spirits of all the receivers. The season of giving also benefits the one who gives because givers receive feelings like satisfaction, fulfillment, and purpose. It's during this season that many people give. My pastor says, “giving for me isn't just beneficial on my end. It makes me appreciate all that God has given me and I am able to connect with so many people and make someone else’s spirit be uplifted.” Giving to others gives a feeling of satisfaction by allowing people to make a positive impact on others’ lives. This act of kindness can create a warm glow effect, giving feelings of happiness. Second it gives a sense of fulfillment as it aligns with human instinct if that makes sense. Lastly, it provides a sense of purpose by connecting us to a feeling, because it is larger than our inner selves. Long story short, the season of giving is extremely important because the act has been shown to boost the mental and emotional well-being of the person that's giving. It provides a sense of purpose, satisfaction, and joy, contributing to someone else's happiness and life satisfaction. Though the season of giving is not just important for the “social” benefits, but for personal benefits as well. So, I’d say if you can give, make others happy, help others out, be nice to others. It's a great feeling. By Mrs. Conroy & Dr. Mohseni
A legacy is something we leave behind for others after we’ve gone. In this special senior issue, the writers of this paper were charged with reflecting on their high school legacy. They considered how they have grown throughout high school as a result of their peers, teachers, and friends. No doubt they created many memories during their time at East, and this special issue is a tribute to that. We have been fortunate to work with an incredibly motivated, thoughtful, and inquisitive group of scholars this year as we explored the field of Journalism and issues facing our world today. It has been an honor watching them grow and blossom into mature and thoughtful young adults. It is through their hard work and productive curiosity that we have been able to produce this newspaper for you to enjoy. Here’s to the class of 2023 and the ups and down on the miraculous journey that brought you to this place and all the adventures that lie ahead. May you continue to build your legacy for the good of those around you. By Mo’Asia Ferrell
Dear East High School, As I prepare to graduate and bid farewell to this cherished chapter of my life, I am filled with a mixture of emotions. Reflecting on my time here at East High, I am immensely grateful for the experiences, friendships, and personal growth I have gained over the years. It is my hope that the legacy I leave behind will inspire others and serve as a reminder of the power of determination, kindness, and resilience. When I first stepped foot onto this campus, I was a timid junior, unsure of my place in this bustling sea of students. However, East High embraced me with open arms, providing a nurturing environment where I felt encouraged to explore and grow. From the passionate teachers who imparted knowledge and ignited my curiosity to the friends who became my second family, each person I encountered played a significant role in shaping the person I am today. To my dear friends, thank you for the countless laughs, shared moments, and unwavering support. You have been my pillars of strength and have shown me the beauty of sisterhood and loyalty. May our memories continue to shine brightly in our hearts as we embark on our individual journeys. To the exceptional teachers who believed in me even when I doubted myself, your dedication and commitment to our education have not gone unnoticed. Your enthusiasm and guidance have empowered me to overcome challenges and strive for excellence. I am forever grateful for the knowledge and life lessons you imparted upon me. East High School, you have been my home away from home, a sanctuary of growth, and a springboard for my dreams. I have been fortunate to be a part of a community that fosters brilliance, encourages creativity, and celebrates diversity. I hope that my legacy here will inspire future students to embrace their unique passions, to pursue their goals fearlessly, and to always treat one another with kindness and respect. As I look towards the future, I carry with me the invaluable lessons and memories I have gathered at East High. I am excited to embark on new adventures, armed with the confidence and skills nurtured within these walls. I will forever cherish my time here and the profound impact it has had on my life. Thank you, East High School, for providing me with a platform to grow, learn, and thrive. I leave with a grateful heart and a commitment to make a positive difference in the world, just as you have done for me. I want to give a very personal special thanks to these individuals: Ms. Clancy, Dr. Mohseni, Ms. Conroy, Ms. Yetter, Ms. Andler, Mr. Platt, Mr. Vann, Ms. Price, Ms. Beaty-Gladney, Mr. Robinson, Missy and Perez, Ms. Blocker, Ms. Slakes, Ms. Spano, Ms. Haefner, My coaching staff from track and Mrs. Gotham. With heartfelt gratitude, Mo’Asia Ferrell By Ayden Hodge
Dear Kani, First and foremost, you are my brother; if I could tell anyone what I'm going to tell you, I hope that you would listen and heed it most. Not because you need it, but because I wish someone reminded me. We’re taught as kids that we have to be strong because we are men. If that weren't enough Black men in America. I was once told that my skin would bear its blessings but also its fair share of burdens. I can attest to having seen both. I pray you never do but I know you’ll see it too. If there’s one thing you walk away hearing, I want it to be Keep your head up. I can’t ask you to do nothing about what you see but before you do lean on me and those around you. Between me and you, there will be those who think “How does it feel to be a problem?”; make no mistake they are referring to your skin and not you as a person. If they even tried anyone could see how hard you work for everything and anything. They are the truly ignorant ones. W.E.B. DuBois said it best: “in this American world, -a world which yields him no true self-consciousness” (from The Souls of Black Folk). My interpretation being, there will be people who deny you. They will deny you any awareness of yourself, but keep your head up. When you can, take the high road. Many will use you to prove their ignorant points. They’ll agitate you, antagonize and alienate all for a response. They’ll hide their hands then throw stones, I was blessed with that knowledge from my father but now I leave it to you. To these people James Baldwin once said “...neither I nor time nor history will ever forgive them, that they have destroyed and are destroying hundreds of thousands of lives and do not know it and do not want to know.” I hope this gives you some perspective to take the high road. Remember this I’ll always have your back. Finally work and don’t stop working. Grind, build and keep building; let nothing stand in your way as you achieve more than the people who would bet against you. Booker T. Washington said, “Cast down your bucket where you are.” I'm giving this phrase new meaning, tap into what you love. Use that to find the best path forward. Much love, Ayden |
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