Fall 2021

spi rit.h eights.
orange&black.
black hole.
pep rally.th em e
day.olym pics.
pri de.
team-

work.
AVIATORS

School spirit returns
to the halls of Heights

after a two year
absence

[pilot’s log]
Hasbrouck Heights High School

Pilot’s Log Michelle Barsoum 4
is committed to fair, accurate and Thomas Brancato 8
ethical reporting while embracing and 12
promoting the voice of the students. Katelyn Tutelo 14
It serves as a champion of First Andrew Gaffney 22
Amendment rights fostering public Editors in Chief 24
discourse essential to democracy. The
Pilot’s Log will not print any material Wyatt Bugge 28
that is obscene or libelous; or that Jared Stavash 32
which substantially disrupts the school News Editors
day, or invades the rights to privacy. Sophie D’Innocenzi
The Pilot’s Log reserves the right to Michael Diakakis
refuse advertisements. Feature Editors
Pilot’s Log Damian Lalama
Hasbrouck Heights High School Chiara Alvarez
365 Boulevard, Sports Editors
Hasbrouck Heights, N.J. 07604 Harnoor Kaur
Front Cover: Design by Sahara Serrano. Spirit returns to Hasbrouck Heights. Ahmad Odeh
Back Cover: Photo by Katelyn Tutelo. The Heights Band performs during halftime of Student Life Editors
a home football game at Depken Field. Brianna Mullins
George Totanje
[n]ews Sahara Serrano
[c]enter
[f]eature Staff
Designers
[s]ports Damian Lalama
Lead Photographers
William Thorne

Adviser
Lora Geftic
Special Consultant

2 Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School Fall 2014

The Wrath of Ida [n] fall 2021

Heights Deals with Closed Roads, Intense Rain, and Damaging Floods

What’s on the Menu [n]

Students Retun to school with a new lunch menu and procedures

9/11-20 Years Later [n]

A look back and a look forward at the tragedy in our backyard

Cleared for Takeoff [c]

School Spirit returns to heights

Sani [f]

Hassan oates produces his own music - and students love it

Misinformed [f]

Tik Tok’s impact on misinformation 3Fall 2014

The Most Important Meal [f]

a look at the breakfast habits of our students.

The Transfer [s]

transer esquire boyce makes a big impact on the football field

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School

4 4newsPilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School Fall 2014

Winter 2020 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

The
Wrath
of Ida

Remnants of the Category 4 storm cause damage to the local community

Michael Diakakis, Sherff Becovic, Natalie Kloeping, Ahmad Odeh, staff

Afew days prior to the impact in the northeastern region of the United States,
Category 4 Hurricane Ida had ravaged the Gulf Coast, destroying coastal
communities, and plunging New Orleans into a blackout. While New Jersey and
surrounding states were projected to get soaked by just a few inches of rain, it
would end up being a storm of epic proportions that would push daily life to a halt for days
to come.
“Route 17 was flooded so I left my Porsche in the parking lot [of the Bendix Diner].
I walked to the Holiday Inn. Luckily, I only had shorts, tee shirt, and sneakers on. The water
was above my knees near Tony’s liquor store.” Richard Barnitt of Bergen County, said.
Barnitt was just one of the millions impacted by the remnants of Ida. After the storm
made landfall in Louisiana with peak sustained winds of 150mph, it had rapidly weakened
while traveling inland, eventually losing tropical characteristics. This proved to be a false
sense of relief as the storm moved it’s way throughout the Ohio valley, eventually arriving
in the Northeast. On the night of September 1st, 6 to 10 inches of rain deluged the state,
totaling around 8 inches of rain in Hasbrouck Heights according to the National Weather
Service Station based in Upton, NY - most of the precipitation fell in only three hours. The
normally busy Boulevard turned into a raging river that night, causing major water damage
on businesses along the street.
NEWS 55Hasbrouck Heights High School
Pilot’s Log Fall 2019 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck HFeailglh2ts01H4igh School

Illustration by George Totonjie

Local officials had reported 30 deaths throughout the The flooding from Ida’s rains caused
state with destruction totaling twenty-four billion USD throughout cars to be stuck and stranded along local
the Northeast. Following the storm, many compared Ida’s impact streets, significant damage to homes,
to the likes of superstorm Sandy, which instead came in the form and flooded basements. Photos by: Silvia
of hurricane force wind gusts. A Pilot’s Log survey showed that Andrade & Nichole Haley, staff.
one-third of Heights students had experienced some form of water
damage from recent flooding events. Fall 2014
“My basement was flooded for a few days, and there was
at least eight inches of water in my basement. Many belongings in
there had to be thrown out.” said George Totonjie, senior.
The sunny and dry conditions the following day shed
light on the damage caused by Ida, with many people’s homes
having ankle deep water, and overflowing rivers swallowing flood-
prone towns like neighboring Lodi and Little Ferry. Commuting
the following day wasn’t any better, with abandoned cars and
floodwater causing detours.
“As I was driving around in Rochelle Park, I saw bags,
furniture, appliances lined up on the street, lots of debris, many
people lost a lot of stuff, I saw on route 17 around 11 or 12 cars
stuck around the tressel,” Doug Seifierling, distributor for the
newspapers in Bergen County, said.
While many didn’t expect the intensity of the storm,
Ahmad Odeh, senior with an interest in meteorology, saw days in
advance just how fast things would go south
“Weather models were hinting towards a major flooding
event for the New York tri-state area a few days prior to the storm
arriving. It’s not uncommon for flash flood watches to be issued,
so therefore people didn’t take it as seriously as they should have.”
Even after the water receded, there were still signs of the
impacts that have been felt - such as traffic cones that blocked off
the previously flooded Route 17. Foundations of homes along hills
have been tarnished beyond repair. Businesses had shuttered due
to the water damage, and trees were splintered from the tropical
storm force winds.
“Ida caused us a ton of damage and we were forced
to close due to those damages, we had to be closed for around
2 weeks because our damages were super severe which were
totaling out to around $60,000,” John Diakakis, Co-Owner of
Bendix Diner, said.
Diakakis has been just one of the many who applied for
FEMA aid to get money back for the damages caused by Ida in
Hasbrouck Heights and surrounding communities. However,
many were uncertain what the town would do to help recover and
prepare better for future flooding events. Mayor Jack Delorenzo
addressed a crowd of frustrated citizens following the storm. His
primary area of discussion was based around improvements in
infrastructure such as housing, sewages, and storm drains would
be in the works.
“I am and have been in contact with the Borough engineers
and state and county emergency management departments
requesting any and all help for our residents. I have been especially

6 6newsPilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School

Fall 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

aggressive in seeking help and support for those residents whose Illustration by Ahmad Odeh
houses sit completely or partially on top of underground natural Note the star on the percipitation map
streams which were covered by a culvert. I have been advised by - this represents Hasbrouck Heights.
our experts that the culvert partially collapsed under the force of Heights found itself in the area on the
the rain event. An emergency was declared and action was taken map with the highest percipitation in New
to allow the water to flow as intended in order to prevent further Jersey. The intense rain produced flooded
damage. I stand ready to put every Borough resource available streets and damaged homes.
for this type of situation into action and to bring to bear each
and every federal, state and county resource available to help the
Borough residents whose lives have been turned upside down by
the awesome power of this weather event,” Delorenzo, said.
Many residents of Hasbrouck Heights voiced their
frustrations at a meeting with the Mayor and Council. The residents
told their stories regarding the floods of their homes and the
damages that resulted from it. During this meeting, the residents all
had one question in common: When and how would the damages
be resolved?
Two months later, Delorenzo was still fielding questions
from residents of the town. One in particular brought up the
damages not only caused by rainwater flooding, but by the backup
of sewage caused by clogged drains and sewage lines. The resident,
who lives on Ottawa Avenue dealt with over two feet of sewage
in his basement after his basement toilet “backflowed” for hours.
Delays in obtaining equipment to investigate the problem had
caused months to pass before remedies could be in place. The
results showed no structural problems with the sewage system -
-for the sewage backup. More testing is to be done on the pipes
in the coming weeks.
Hurricane Ida was the cherry on top for an already record
wet summer in New Jersey. .A thunderstorm complex over Bergen
County on July 8th caused similar, but less severe, flooding within
town. A week before Ida, tropical storm Henri also struck the east
coast, also bringing heavy rain, with totals ranging from 5 to 7
inches of rain throughout northern NJ. However, the precipitation
fell over a longer period of time than Ida, minimizing the chance
of flash flooding.
As the climate warms, the tri-state looks to better prepare
for extreme weather events. Cities like New York have decided to
form a private weather forecasting agency in addition to the ones

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We may not be able to control the weather, but by taking
precautions to keep ourselves safe, we save lives in the process.
“My experience was challenging, I feared for many
people who were affected by Hurricane Ida in harm’s way.” said
Alan DeRosa, the Fire Chief of East Rutherford. “We had to rescue
people from flooded roadways and from flooded houses and
businesses. We feared for a lot of people because we had more
calls than we had responders on our team which couldn’t get to
everyone.”

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School 77NNFEEaWlWl 20SS14

Fall 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

WThheaMt’esnOun?

Heights students learn to
adapt to a modified lunch

nePiwlots’s Lo8gFWaliln2te0r221 0//19pi/lo/ tp’silolot’gs /lo/ gHa//sHbHraaossubbcrrkoouHuceckikgHhHetisegHihgtigshhtHsSigHchhigSohoclhSocohl ool 8Fall 2014

Katelyn Tutelo, Destiny Rios, staff section of their website. Maschio’s Top - Vegetarian options have been added
Food Services is an industry leader in after Mrs. Simmons met with the student
The COVID-19 pandemic has food service management specializing council and Maschio’s Food Services.
created some very noticable in K-12 nutrition. We provide the
changes to the educational highest level of service for all school Middle - The “cereal bag” option is available
world. Students have been district food service programs with our every day for students - it typically contains,
hybrid learners, virtual learners, experienced personnel. Our entire team cereal, a cheese steak, apple slices, a “snack”
and everything in-between. They of food service workers, school nutrition and yogurt. Students have the option of
have worn masks, socially distanced specialists, registered dietitians, and adding milk cartons to the cereal. Photos by:
themselves, and even saw disruptions corporate chefs, have contributed to Chiara Alvarez. staff.
to their extra-curricular activities. making lunch the best part of the day
School lunches, however, have also for students! Bottom - One of the newly added hot lunch
seen a tremendous change, and one In a letter from Dr. Matthew options. Photo by: Alexia Tsiolas, staff.
that isn’t as frequently talked about. Helfant to the parents of the Hasbrouck
“I think that students need High School students he explained:
to understand that even in a non- A free lunch program has been
pandemic world, the lunches that they implemented for all students, in all
eat are decided upon by a number school buildings. This program has
of governmental and administrative been met with some obstacles, as we
organizations. It’s not just one person need to serve lunch in three different
or one company making these lunch locations (Auditorium, Cafeteria, and
decisions,” Kailey MacDonald, social Media Center) at the Middle/High
studies teacher, said. School levels. Additionally, our food
The changes have been services company is struggling with
dramatic. The US Department of staffing issues, as is the case with many
Agriculture (USDA) announced a businesses at this time. Currently we
program that provided free school are serving a cold lunch to students. On
lunches for all students at the height of November 1st, we anticipate offering a
the pandemic. The policy was renewed hot lunch, two days per week. We are
for the 2021-2022 school year. The only able to serve hot lunch two days
intent of the policy is to provide school per week as we are currently serving
lunches for everyone, regardless of over 900 lunches a day, which is twice
financial situation, as USDA estimates as many as we served prior to COVID. By
show that nearly 12 million students adding hot lunch two days per week, we
are living in homes where they may not are taxing the food company’s storage
have enough to eat - often prompted capacity to its limits.
for job loss due to the pandemic. The While Helfant addressed the
program reimburses schools for every root of the lunching “problems”, many
meal that they serve. This, however, is felt that more changes needed to
not as easy as it sounds, particularly be made. Mrs. Linda Simmons, high
now that the school is running at full school principal, met with the student
capacity. council to address the lunch questions.
Students have complained of During the meeting, students from
lackluster lunches, a limited menu, grades 9-12 spoke about proposed
and smaller than usual portions. At changes, the benefits and drawbacks
the outset of the school year, only of the free lunch program, and future
cold lunches were served - all major expectations. Simmons wrote to the
changes from the typical full menu student council after a meeting with
offered within the district. Maschio’s.
Hasbrouck Heights lunches are “I met with the cafeteria
prepared by Maschio’s Food Services, management. Within the next couple
Inc. The company has been in business of weeks they will add additional no
since 1992 and is based in Chester, NJ. meat options like a veggie burger or a
Maschio’s describes their approach
to school lunches in the “Our Craft”

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School 9 9news Fall 2014

Fall 2021 //Wpiinlotet’sr 2lo0g19///H/ pasilbort’osulocgk H//eHigahstbsroHuigchk SHcehigohotls High School

fruit and cheese snack box. There will in the time provided. have to offer today or maybe even
also be a sandwich option that is not “I think we should have a taking out a lunch you made from
ham - (turkey). It is a start and we will longer lunch period because by the home. Sitting down just relaxing from
continue to fine tune.” Simmons said. time I’m done eating I’m already on my maybe a stressful day, laughing and
As of November 11th, 2021, way to class. I’d like to have some time eating with the other three people
the lunch continues to be free and to relax or even digest,” Sam Lahullier, around you. But next thing you know,
students are offered two hot meals per junior, said. lunch is over and any food you didn’t
week - the stated intent of the district Others echo the sentiment. want or like goes to the trash, then
is to increase the amount of hot meals “I think I can speak for everyone you’re stressing about your next
as the year goes on. and say that the longer lunches were period wishing you had more time to
“I eat the school lunch everyday definitely useful. It was like taking relax.
and I do think that the hot lunch has a breath after being in water for so During covid when school
made an improvement to the taste long. A very needed break that we all finally decided to go back to full days,
and because of that I do enjoy eating it wanted. Especially after being used students who went in school had the
more. However I still do hope that the to being home, having the ability to option to leave for lunch and come
old lunch options will be able to come leave and decide your own lunch was back. Many students found this to be
back sometime soon.” Ati Karahalil relaxing. To then switch back in person better for them because they preferred
In addition to changes to the and also have the option to receive to take the breather and eat at stores
menu, students are now required to longer lunches and even leave and and fast food restaurants nearby. They
eat lunch in different areas. For the come back, really helped everyone sort used it as a time to stretch and to also
months of September and October, of unwind” Elim Reyes, Junior, said. wake themselves up a bit since they
students were split between the Last year’s lunch policy were still getting used to the new
cafeteria, the media center, and the presented a dramatic change for schedule.
auditorium. In November, the locations the way that students eat lunch. “I mean, while we sit here
were modified and students who ate With a limited amount of students and waste away on free lunches that
lunch in the media center were moved in the building and a modifed school provide no nutritional benefit, even
to either the auditorium or the cafetria. schedule, students were allowed to eating outside feels like you’re trapped
Students in all locations are seated in leave the school grounds for lunch. in a brick prison, at least when we go
a way that provides the safest form They returned for the “afternoon” outside we can breathe fresh air, see
of eating - spacing is observed and classes after. A Pilot’s Log poll found our town, eat the food we choose to
cafeteria students all sit on one side that 62% of students felt that leaving instead of having to carry it in our
of the tables. the school grounds would be the best lukewarm bags all day. It’s a matter of
“Ithinkgiventhecircumstances change that the school could make to free choice, the students get the right
and the policies and regulations that improve lunches - beating out a longer to choose and that’s something we hold
are already in place, I think that’s lunch period and / or better food very valuable and has a lot of meaning.”
probably the safest way to do it. But options. Joshua Devia, Junior, said.
right now I think what we’re doing “It would be great to leave
is kind of the safest way for everyone school for lunch because I could go Students picked up lunches at tables like these,
and especially splitting it up into three to any place on the boulevard to eat located in each eating area, prior to the lunch
sections.” Jared Fowler, Vice principal, something I would enjoy. It would also changes.
said. be great because I would get to spend Photo:
The school is fine tuning its some time outside with friends and Chiarra Alvarez. staff

lunch procedures but it is the students walk around.” Tiffani Pereda, junior,
themselves who may be adding to the said.
problem. Many kids don’t take school This student is not alone in
lunch, while some have tried to take thinking that leaving for lunch would
more than one helping, often times a make their lunch experience better.
large percentage of the lunch ends up “Leaving out for school lunch
in the trash. While this problem isn’t a gives us more freedom and lets us
new one, it is particularly discerning enjoy our lunch more. I think it is not
due to the fact that the lunches are any safer because we are responsible
“free” to the students, but paid for by enough to go out and have a much
the government. more enjoyable lunch.” Fatima Abbas,
A recent Pilots log survey Junior, said.
shows that 54% of students do not take Going to school everyday and
free school lunch. School lunch is only getting through your first few periods
about 20 minutes long. About 56% of waiting till your lunch period, and
students are able to finish their lunch going up to the table to see what they

10newsPilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School 10Fall 2014

Fall 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

alot oluknincgh

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School results from a Pilot’s Log poll of
154 students grades 9-12

news 111 1Fall 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck HeighFtaslHl i2g0h1S4chool

looking back
at the attacks
that occured in
our own

9/11backyard
twenty years later

Michelle Barsoum, staff organizations gathered donations of all kinds.
“Everybody was so loving and caring. I have never seen
The effects that the September 11 attacks had on nearby anybody and everybody come together as one person [like that]
Hasbrouck Heights are not lost, even 20 years later. before. It was just incredible,” says Angela O’Brien, middle school
Longtime citizens, graduated students, and long-serving math teacher.
teachers of Heights are still able to recall the events of Following the vigils, a memorial was built on the edge of
9/11, which quickly became a defining moment for all those who the town, displaying pieces of the building itself. Today, the 9/11
were alive to witness it from the New York City skyline views of memorial in Hasbrouck Heights still stands, welcoming all to pay
Hasbrouck Heights. their respects and honor those lost, as well as those still fighting.
“I’ll never forget that morning. I was teaching in my The town has held an annual memorial service at the site every
classroom and a student ran in and told me that another teacher year since the dedication.
said to turn on the radio, and I turned on the radio and found out Outside of Hasbrouck Heights, discussion of 9/11 lives
that a plane had just hit the World Trade Center. I just remember on as the world learns more and more about the Taliban’s capture
bringing my students down to another room with a television and of Afghanistan, as the war in Afghanistan and the September
watching it all unfold,” says Suzanne Caines, highschool English 11 attacks are directly related. On October 7, 2001, Operation
teacher. Enduring Freedom launched, which began the United States’ war
16 miles away from Ground Zero, suburban Hasbrouck against the Taliban. Ever since, the country has kept the terrorist
Heights is one of many nearby towns directly impacted by 9/11. group out of power. However, that changed on August 15, 2021,
One Hasbrouck Heights citizen was killed in the attacks, and when the Taliban captured Kabul, seizing Afghanistan.
several other residents and family members were in the World The Arab-led terrorist group has long been a public
Trade Center at the time. Following 9/11, the Hasbrouck Heights enemy of the United States, but after 9/11, the hatred became
Police and Fire Departments responded to the situation, rushing more general than before. Following the attacks, a Brown
to aid the first responders in New York with rescue and cleanup, University study concluded that anti-Muslim hatecrimes
while the rest of the small town watched the news unfold, both skyrocketted by over 500% from 2000 to 2009. Following the
on screen and off. attacks discrimination towards Arab and Muslim Americans in
“It was very, very surreal, the days after that. I used to public settings became commonplace.
come in from [Route] 46, and you could see the smoke from the “After 9/11, many people began having negative thoughts
city as you drove in. It was like that for a week,” says Michael toward Muslims as a whole. I may not have experienced the
Stillman, middle school history teacher. attacks myself, but I did experience the Islamophobia that came
In the days and weeks following the attacks, Hasbrouck after the event,” says Ati Karahalil, junior.
Heights gathered as a community to aid those working in the For Muslim and Arab-American students, 9/11 had a
cleanup and to honor those lost in the attacks on the World Trade much greater effect on their community than others. For them,
Center. Local schools collected donations to the Red Cross Relief growing up in a post-9/11 world meant racism and a deep-rooted
Fund and the New York Fire and Police Departments, as well as hate for them and their culture.
water and supplies for first responders and volunteers at Ground “Even though I wasn’t alive during the attacks, they were
Zero. deeply imprinted into me as I come from Middle Eastern origins.
On September 15, 2001, around 2000 Hasbrouck Heights Being singled out or teased because of it was commonplace
citizens gathered at Depken Field for a Candle Light Vigil, and in
the following days, more and more Heights small businesses and

12newsPilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School 12Fall 2014

Fall 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

growing up,” says Joseph Shabaan, junior.
Nowadays, the halls of Hasbrouck Heights High School are
only filled with students born after 2003, and in a Pilot’s Log survey

of 150 students, over half the students
surveyed said they do not
feel an emotional connection
towards the September 11
attacks.

“While I sympathize with those affected, It’s hard to feel
any strong emotions towards the attacks since I wasn’t there to
experience it myself,” says Silvia Andrade, freshman.
There's a large cultural and emotional gap between those
who were alive and those who were not. To those who were just
old enough to remember them, the September 11 attacks defined
a generation. To those born after, the
attacks split the generations right into
two.
“I think [the students] know
about it. I think they still have feelings
about it. But I think they’re a little bit
removed from it,” says O’Brien.
However, further education on
9/11 and what led up to it could help
shorten the gap between older and
younger people.
“The thing that makes this stand
out from other events like Pearl Harbor
was that everybody saw it happen because
it was on live T.V.. So, it’s understandable
that, with these kids not being alive, they
aren’t going to have the same visceral
reaction that we would have. That’s why
it’s crucial that we keep commemorating
it and teaching about it and making
sure everyone understands why it’s so
important,” Stillman, said.

Photos:
Top -The 9/11 Memorial , also known as the Firemen’s Memorial and

9/11 Memorial Park is located at the end of the Boulevard at the
traffic circle. It hosts the 9/11 Memorial Service every year.
Photo by: Kian Roshandel, staff

September 15, 2011, around 2000 Heights residents gathered at
Depkin Field for a candle light vigil in memory of those lost in the

September 11th attacks. Photos courtesy of Fritz Rethage / The
Gazette for Hasbrouck Heights and Teterboro Area

Left: In 2001, Hasbrouck Heights students created a red, white, and
blue chain that linked their names together in the aftermath of 9/11.

The tribute, located in the high school media center, also features
reflection papers written by students and the Pilot’s Log issue written

directly after the terrorist attacks.
Photo by: Nichole Haley, staff

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School news 1313Fall 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck HeighFtaslHl i2g0h1S4chool

14 Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School Fall 2014

Cleared for
takeoff

Heights students embrace
Aviator Spirit after almost two years off.

Tommy Brancato, Damian LaLama, Aiden Warren, Alexia Tsiolas, staff

After a long hiatus of 672 days, Hasbrouck Heights High their red, white, and blue. Wednesday featured colored themes
School saw 100% capacity in the stands for the first time of different causes as each grade raised awareness by wearing
since 2019. Nearly 2 years from the heartbreaking playoff their designated color.
loss on November 22, 2019, Depken Field hosted its first “I think that with the dressing up everyone has been
High School football game with full attendance. In 2020, during the more positive and happy in the building. It’ s a drag to go through
midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the fall sports season continued, the school day sometimes but I think people are happier to be
but without many of the traditions that have been a part of the here now. It’s just an overall better mood,” Devon Sonzogni,
school for decades. This year, however, the school is beginning senior, said.
to return to some normalcy and a big part of that is the renewed Thursday is where the competition heated up. Students
spirit within the building. were assigned a different color theme based off of Heights
“Mrs. Kritzer ran spirit week for over 20 years for Heights. colors. This day was also the day that the school held the
These are big shoes to fill! She always did an amazing job! I wanted olympics which was officiated by the gym teachers. The 4 grades
to keep the traditions, but also add my own flare to the event this designated different people to compete in competitions. Events
year. I am really excited about the kids’ participation and I’m glad consisted of a 3-Point Contest, a Home Run Derby, as well as
we were able to bring it back this year,” Jackie Ferranti, Spirit Club other academic and physical challanges.
advier, said. The Olympics were something done at my high school
Last year, COVID limited the number of students in the that I really enjoyed doing as a student. I thought it would be
building as well as class activities. Students coming back in fall great to bring it here to Heights,” Ferranti, said.
2021 had nearly forgotten the exciting events that the school “Olympic Day was a great idea. It was fun to go around
regularly held. Just a few weeks into the school year, a pep rally and see people participate and also participate in the events
was held on the soccer field located behind the school. It was a yourself,” Carlos Miranda, senior, said.
warm Friday morning as the different fall sports performed skits Some students proposed a change for next year’s
to excite the students lined up in the bleachers. This event brought Olympic Day.
students back to a time before COVID. The pep rally was only the “ The Olympic Day sounded fun but I just wonder why
beginning as the return of Spirit Week was just around the corner. we weren’t able to watch it,” Brian Gaffney, senior, said.
“The energy was so high and positive during our On Friday, October 29th, Spirit Week came to a close
first outdoor pep rally! Of course I am biased and thought my with its “grand finale”. In the weeks leading up to this final
cheerleaders did a fantastic job throughout, but all of the sports’ day, the student body from each grade, was tasked with voting
teams really had such fun skits, from the girls’ soccer routine to on an overall theme for the entire grade. Each grade prepared
tennis playing a quick doubles match on the courts. The student themselves by practicing skits, dressing up, and decorated
section cheering everyone on and the band’s well-performed four different hallways all based on their themes. By the end
numbers added to the spirited atmosphere. It was so nice of the day the school had learned of the winners for the week.
seeing everyone together again— I think we, students, staff, and The Seniors took home the spirit week title with a grand total
administration, all appreciated it. I’m looking forward to our next of 1,100 points. The Juniors placed second with 1,013 points,
one!” Gabbi Music, head cheerleading coach and ELA teacher, said. followed by the Sophomores with 992 points, and lastly, the
The week of October 25 marked the school’s Spirit Week. Freshmen placed fourth with a total of 724 points. The points
Monday began with Decades Day - each grade was assigned a are added up throught the week and come from the amount of
different decade to replicate from the 70s to the 2000s. Tuesday students participating in the “dress up days”, totals from the
was a schoolwide theme of USA colors. Students showed out in Olmypic events, scores from the hallway decorating, scores

Previous page - Students enjoyed a week’s center 1155Fall 2021 // pilot’s log // HasbrouckFHaellig2h0t1s4High School
worth of activities and competition with
the intent of bringing spirit back to Heights.

PPhiolotost:’DsaLmoiangLalamaH, staasfbf rouck Heights High School

from the skits, and points earned from the “bribes” - small treats

given to the custodians for al lof the work that they do behind

the scenes. While the Freshmen placed last in the overall scoring

they had one of the most memorable skits in a long time where

they turned the Old Gym into a Hawaiian vacation spot.-

Spirit Week, however, was not the only event for students

to look forward to. The Black Hole was finally back and better than

ever! The Black Hole has been an icon of Hasbrouck Heights High

School. The Black Hole is the famous student section for sports

events. Representing the orange and black culture of Heights,

students join in The Black Hole at all sporting events.

“I think the Black Hole is definitely more exciting this

year.” Sean Mansfield, Wide Receiver and Defensive Back Coach,

said.

The student-run twitter page announces themes for

games and sports events all throughout the school year. Notable

themes for football this year included the classic Black-Out, USA

Theme, and Pink theme for Breast Cancer Awareness. Each year

the twitter account, @hhblackhole, is passed down to a new

senior. This year, senior & 3 sport athlete, Evan Wenckus controls

all functions of the black hole. This includes announcements of

the High School sports seasons from September through June.

The Black Hole has been a driving force for our school’s

football team. With this return, students have shown the

excitement for games every Friday. The players on the football

squad constantly interact with the Black Hole during games by

trying to get them loud and “hyped up”. The roots of the energy

comes from the leader, Evan Wenckus.

“[It] feels great being the leader of the Black Hole, you

know, very passionate fan group and some would even say it’s

the best in North Jersey.”

Wenckus commented on being appointed the leader of

the fan section.

“The return of fans coming to high school sports is great;,

brings the energy back to high school football and I really think

it gets the players pumped up.”

Elijah Ibitokun-Hanks, Heights football running back

coach, is a first year coach here at Hasbrouck Heights High School.

It reminds him of his very own high school days.

“So I personally experienced the Black Hole and I

absolutely love it. It actually brings me back to my good old days

at [Don] Bosco and those guys. Just to see that all over again, it

kind of brought me back into my high school days and it makes

the game that much fun. I definitely enjoy all the people that

participate in the Black Hole, and to the Black Hole keep that

going baby cause we need it!” Coach Elijah said while praising

the Heights student section.

According to a Pilot’s Log survey, 92% of students

that attend our school have been to a Heights football game at

some point in time. 42% of these students actively participate

in the Black Hole, with most of the action coming from the

upperclassmen. 84% plan on going to any kind of sporting event

this year. This is exciting due to the fact that fans are allowed for

all sports, including indoor sports, a change from last year. Most

importantly, around 90% of the students polled showed at least

ce1nt6er 16Fall 2021 // pilot’s loPgi/l/oHta’ssbrLooucgk HeigHhtassHbirgohuScckhHooelights High School some care about school spirit and participating in some sort of
spirit-related activity.

Fall 2014

NO - 14%

do you plan on
attending a
heights football
game this year?

* poll results of 154 Heights Students

no - yes - 86%
46%
Do you participate
in the black hole?

* poll results of 154 Heights Students

yes - 54%

Very Don’t Care - 10%
Enthusiastic -

23%

How you you feel
about Heights
Spirit?

* poll results of 154 Heights Students

Previous page, top - The boys soccer team Care A Lot - 30% care a little -
celebrates their pep rally performance with 37%
fans
Previous page, middle - Math teacher Heather center 1177Fall 2021 // pilot’s log // HasbrouckFHaellig2h0t1s4High School
Downey competes with the Aviator during the
pep rally.
Previous page, bottom - Senior goalkeeper
Odi Gomez screams to the crowd during the
pep rally.
Photos by Damian Lalama

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School

Top - The “Black Hole” dresses in all pink to
support Breast Cancer Awareness during a
football game. The student section is open
to anyone in town but is typically filled with
upperclass students. Photo by: Chiara Alvarez
Bottom left - Students dress in “American”
attire during Spirit Week as part of the build
up to the Spirit Week Olympics and final
performance. Photo by: Jillian Homan
Bottom middle - Students provide “bribes” to
the custodians this year as a thank you for all
that they have done to keep the schools open
and safe. Photo by: Casey Mutua
Bottom right - Students prepare posters for the
spirit week activites. Overall, the school saw an
increase in participation with many students
experiencing Spirit Week for the first time
after it was canceled due to COVID restrictions.
Photo by: Tommy Brancato, staff

“I feel like with COVID and everyone being virtual school and school activities in general. Mike Scuilla, Athletic Director, is

kind of got repetitive and depressing. Since we’ve been in school eager for the return of the football season and fall sports season

and everyone has been working together to make it more fun it in general.

has been more enjoyable. Spirit Week has been more fun than “I have seen a lot of extra excitement. The students came

past years becuase we planned everything out and we’re actually out to the first game, even before school started in full force. The

trying this year instead of just throwing it together. We’re just band is extra exciting this year. The cheerleaders have a huge

much more excited about the dressing up and the skit this year number, great crowd participation. Definitely I am seeing an extra

because we didn’t get to enjoy it last year,” Nina Caramanna, senior, excitement all around the school; not even just at football games.”

said. MaxPreps is a social network that focuses on High School

The return of the Black Hole and fans is not the only sports. Their program allows for schools across the nation to

notable event to look forward to. The NJSIAA, or New Jersey promote their squads and players on the platform. Even though

State Interscholastic Athletic Association, has eased up the COVID is being handled in many ways across the 50 states, Steve

COVID guidelines for this year's season and the season schedule Montoya, MaxPreps’ Social Media Director of Programming,

has been reverted to its normal setup. This means the state shared some insight on what it is like for the return of normal

sectional tournament will have its long awaited return, as well schedules and if COVID will impact teams throughout the fall

as the removed limitation on games played. In 2020, the state season.

implemented a ruling for all teams to be limited to just 8 games “High school football, for the most part, feels like 2019

before a conference championship to be played. There was no again. Are we still seeing some areas impacted by COVID, of

state tournament for the Heights Aviators last year. The NJIC (New course, but 2021 is much different compared to 2020. Covid has

Jersey Interscholastic Conference) champions were the Wildcats the chance to impact some playoff games around the country. If

of Henry P. Becton Regional High School located nearby, in East a school has COVID cases, we could see teams eliminated from

Rutherford, New Jersey. the playoffs. I don’t think we will see any stoppage of play, but a

Last year, the state of New Jersey was fortunate enough team could be bounced from the playoffs without actually losing.”

to hold all three sports seasons. However, football was not the Montoya, said.

only sport that was altered in some way. To begin, fall sports were With football being the school’s biggest and most popular

hit the hardest. Obviously, football was shortened, but the same sport, a lot of the spirit felt in the building is driven from the team’s

went for others such as soccer and cross country. Sadly, we saw success.

18a short end to football after a COVID breakout. “Last year with COVID going on, I think there was a lot
of apprehension, a lot of question marks going into the season.
A year later, the COVID restrictions are gone for sports
Fall 2014
Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School

So I think the kids were excited last year, I think there
was also a side of worry in them about whether the
season was going to take off or not. So this year I feel
that the kids coming in have a sense of excitement
thinking that their season is going to go on and that
we’re going to have a normal season. So I think last
year’s team was excited to play, but I feel that this
year is just a different feel amongst all the kids on the
team.,” Head Coach Brian Ille, said
Since the beginning of COVID-19 in March
2020, an overall goal was to bring people back
together once the school community deemed it
to be safe. The school’s events and the Black Hole
have definitely moved Heights drastically closer to
achieving this feat.
“I think these activites, the dressing up, the
events, give us better hopes and spirits after a whole
year and a half of COVID. It makes a lot of people
happy and we feel more together,” Damiano De Candia,
senior, said.


Hallways were decorated
by the different classes to
match their theme / skit.
Here, we see a Monsters Inc.
/ Monsters University theme.
Photo: Damian Lalama, staff-

Mr. John Van Dam, English teacher, dresses up for Spirit Week. Photo by: Casey Mutua
Cheerleaders perform during the outdoor Pep Rally. Photo by: Damian Lalama, staff.

Left - Students dressed in blue as part of Spirit Week’s days of
awareness. Each grade had a different cause. The freshmen wore
red for heart disease, the sophomores wore purple for epilepsy, the
juniors wore blue for autism and the seniors wore pink for breast
cancer. Envelopes were left in the main office for the collection of
donations toward the causes. Photo: Kailey Rodnite.
Below - Senior students Paige McGuire, Carleen Acosta, Valeria
Yanez dress in Wild West attire for their skit. Photo: Damian
Lalama, staff.

19 Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School 19centeFrall 2014

Fall 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

Coming back from a pandemic that Fall 2014
halted all school spirit related activity,
the full return of Heights spirit is
something to be enjoyed. For over a
year, only parents were allowed at
football games and the excitement
that normally surrounded Heights
football was nowhere to be found.
Now, we’re finally able to enjoy our
time in school with friends and peers,
and aside from being naturally fun,
these events bring back the sense of
community that we, as a whole, lost
during the pandemic. At pep rallies
and sporting events, there's less
focus on individual people and more
focus on an entire group of students
having fun. They take away from the
stress of school and give students the
opportunity to make new friends and
socialize with their peers. Overall,
the concept of school spirit is a way
to bring students together, and the
current spirit festivities are reminding
us of what it was like to be a part of a
community larger than just ourselves.
I could go to a football game at Depken
Field right now, all alone, and still
have a good time. That’s what school
spirit is all about.
Michelle Barsoum, freshman, editor

Artwork by Harnoor Kaur, staff

20 20opinioPilont’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School

Fall 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

[Opinion]

The following opinion pieces represent the thoughts of our writers. As
high school writers, we reserve the right to keep the names of the writer
anonymous. The writings and sntiment may not represent the sentiment of

the entire Pilot’s Log staff, school, or any affiliated body.

eCttvhohbeTavenrhniohdiewmuiathsvgiphtpaehhoasitrhrdtiptmtehauelaedansvnsnhcesedeyertdrdmbpooiefefmonfeositgacnoipv.un.clTaelyIittahtitpeleomoiezvnCgiuoeneoanspgtttvtlhesiaHbde,nteerH1odi9rageetcnhiphcgadtaeorhsinihgtnridssinglgieissmhzfmttoeluriitdogridcshnyethaotghnneaueatdddstrr
tahhhnesaefdtivbegrmeleowhlofnobtoowsgserrtaeekasndn.tntdiIuhdfptdfesuiicsechssaunoghtmltuwretsededyiaane,ebtnngwaadttrchoessfkorhhatwichsaeiglevonamhyedssleiusspcgrt.chuhiAthlotltolkottihgnhheloeteophowtyuathtvgpcemheahroeurtsrtecsheiht.phmaieDvinreaeluiifteimrfnasvionneioetrddgstrf

made the best comeback.
Destiny Rios, junior, staff writer

Spirit runs through the veins of Hasbrouck
Heights students. Well I love the spirit we

have for our school. It creates this positive and
lighthearted atmosphere within the school. Spirit
week is by far my favorite time of the school year.
From the competitiveness between the different

grade levels to the giant prep rally at the end
of the week. You can tell we love our school. I
love spirit week because it is the most fun week.
Pretty much everyone gets involved with it. I
think that something I love about spirit week
is that we all join together and participate in it.

Everyone has some spirit for our school.
Harnoor Kaur, senior, staff writer

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School 212171ofpeaFiantllu2i0ro1e4 n

Fall 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

Wyatt Bugge, Andrew Gaffney, Lucas Cressotti, staff

Hassan Oats is a singer/songwriter from Hasbrouck Heights, NJ.
Hassan is a junior in high school, and has been in the Heights school

district his whole life. He previously lived in Englewood before moving

to Heights in his young years of kindergarten. Growing up Hassan loved

to dance and sing. One of his first singing performances was at the

Hasbrouck Heights street fair, he sang Frank Sinatra's “I Did it My Way”

in front of the whole town at just 13 years old. Many kids have seen

Hassan in the lunchroom making new beats and creating new songs. On

January 18th 2021 Hassan released his first music video “Hot Flashes”

it is still talked about around the school today by teachers and students.

In a Pilots Log survey of 151 students, 42% of students have listened to
22Piloat’ssLoongg byHaHsbraouscksHaenig.hts High School
Winter 2020 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School Fall 2014

In His Own Words

How did you get into music?

“I got into music early on by just listening to my father and
mother's music, music that they played over the radio.
I love to dance so that kinda also instigated me going
into music as well.”

Are you working on any new songs?

“Yeah, I have one that’s already completed, I just need
to publish it, and I’m working on three other ones.”

Do you draw inspiration from any famous artists?

“Yeah, I have one that’s already completed, I just need
to publish it, and I’m working on three other ones.”

How long does it take to produce a song?

“I’d say approximately eight hours of completely working
on it. Well, six, eight hours, yeah.”

How long does it take to produce a song?

“I use Acoustica Mixcraft 9 to make my music.”

Have you made it in the music industry?

“Not many that are notable, but mostly local things.
There’s some radio stations I’ve been on such as KR XM
Radio. Other than that, it’s been a few random interviews;
sporadic, in and out but yeah that’s about it.”

What was your favorite song to make, produce or release?

“My favorite song to make? It’s unreleased but it’s called
On My Lonesome.”

What do you like most about making music?

“What I like the most about music is the freedom it
gives you to express yourself. When I feel I can’t talk to
someone about something, I’ll most likely put it in music.
It’s cathartic in a sense”

What was your favorite song to make, produce or release? Photos from Hassan’s Youtube & Spotify

“What I like the most about music is the freedom it Accounts.

gives you to express yourself. When I feel I can’t talk to
23someone about something, I’ll most likely put it in music.
Feature 23
It’s cathaPrtiilcoitn’saLosegnseH” asbrouck Heights High School
WFainllte2r02201 /2/0p/il/opt’islolto’sglo//gH/a/ sHbarsoburcokuHckeiHgehitgshFHtasiglHlhi2gS0hc1hS4ocohlool

m isi n form ed
UconntrtuineuaentdodpalnaggeureotuhsecsoonctieanltmoendTiaikpTloatkform
99
Jared Stavash, Wyatt Bugge, Alexia Tsiolas, staff

lies

In the hyperpolarized world

of Tiktok and Social Media,
misinformation is on the rise.
From COVID-19 to plane
crashes, TikTok sees a plethora
of misinformation posted on the
platform everyday, and as more
and more opportunities to earn
money through TikTok arise,
sensationalizing and
misinforming posts on the
platform skyrocket.
“It is very easy to find
yourself in a vortex of COVID-19
misinformation on TikTok
without even realizing it, once

24 24FeaturPeilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School Fall 2014

Fall 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

(continued from page 24) available through TikTok means videos will continue to be more
you begin interacting with the platform’s health-related content. sensationalized, overblown, and overall misinforming to increase
TikTok does not consistently provide warnings on this the chance of a viewer liking or sharing a video.
misinformation, a fact which makes TikTok’s large underage user Misinformation continues to be a large issue on social
base vulnerable to potentially dangerous content,” said Melissa media, and it will likely never go away. As social media grows
Goldin, a writing and editing professional with over 6 years of exponentially into the future and becomes a larger part of more
communications and journalism experience. TikTok has over and more people’s lives, it’s likely the percentage of misinformation
800 million active monthly users, and with thousands of hours of uploaded on platforms like TikTok will also grow exponentially.
content posted every day, lots of that unfiltered content can be Moreover, users who upload misinformation also cause a great
blatant misinformation. Tiktok presents a majority of the content deal of confusion. In a survey by Amy Watson, 67% of US adults
posted on its platform through its For You Page, where users are caused a great deal of confusion through false information
can scroll vertically to discover new videos. The For You Page posted online.
changes dynamically depending on what types of content you In an interview with Brian Southwell, Ph.D., Senior Director, RTI
interact with. Because of this, users interacting with controversial, Center for Communication Science, he explains, “news headlines
or breaking news content can fall into a hole of misinformation have been filled with references to misinformation and we know
where it becomes hard to discern what information is real or fake. that it is relatively easy for people to encounter misinformation,
According to a November 2019 statistic by Amy Watson, only about especially online. It probably is not the case that most people
26% of adults in the US believe they can accurately distinguish are engaging with and sharing misinformation on most days but
real news from fake news. misinformation is a prevalent threat to people’s health and
Misinformation can appear in many forms, and with well-being.”
improved technology, it can be hard to determine what information TikTok is filled with news sources, from Yahoo News to
sources have been editing to fit a false narrative. In addition to private freelance journalists, most content uploaded by these
this, misinformation can also spread like wildfire through social accounts are strictly the news, however, more commonly with
media, gathering millions of views in just a few hours. Even though freelance journalists, it is important to be aware they may be
TikTok’s content filtering algorithms attempt to do their best to sensationalizing stories to gain more views, and overall gain more
block disingenuous content from appearing on the For You Page, money from each video.
it’s common for videos to rack up millions of viewers before the According to a study conducted by the South Harmon
video is manually removed by TikTok. Also, because a very large Institute of Technology, misinformation on social media is slowly
percentage of TikTok’s user base is younger children and teens becoming less prevalent. Only 37.8% of students in the
[28%], misinforming videos about just about any topic, from the study claim to have downloaded and used TikTok, a popular video-
moon landing to COVID-19, can have a lasting impact on young sharing app claiming upwards of 52.5 million active monthly
viewers. Unfortunately, many misinforming videos posted go users, and 23.7% of said students have even seen misinformation
unnoticed by TikTok’s algorithms and moderators and can rack on the app. In addition, 87.3% of the students who use TikTok
up tens of millions of views in just a few days. claim to always make sure to verify information that they see
A prime example of this is a video posted in mid-June by online before sharing it with others.
TikTok user @sugenshin_. In this video, the creator talks about What’s even more alarming is that every one of the aforementioned
how to survive a plane crash and goes on to talk about topics that statistics is completely false, even the South Harmon Institute of
are littered with misinformation. This video realistically should’ve Technology is made up. Misinformation such as what you just
been removed, however, it slipped through Tiktok’s content read is on the rise, and many are worried about how that might
filtering and was able to gather more than 20 million views. As continue to affect us soon.
TikTok continues to grow, advertisers continue to pour money Social media is a breeding ground for this type of
into TikTok’s creators. misinformation, especially amongst younger audiences such as the
The lucrative business model allows lots of money to growing user base of 1 billion active monthly TikTok users. App
be made through posting because videos on the platform are Ape, a demographic data analysis platform, published that 25%
only about 15-30 seconds long. Because of this, it becomes very of users are between the age of 10 and 19. Younger demographics
easy to mass-produce videos. Unfortunately, the more money

25 Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School feature 25

Fall 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights HFiaglhl 2S0ch1o4ol

Interview: Mike Warren
NMeiwkesWanadrrMenetdeiaacLhietseraacy Course

Do you think that misinformation is like a very prevalent issue? Do you think the social media companies are to blame? Or do you think
Yes. 100%. It is absolutely probably in my opinion our number one problem it's our society lacks the skills to know better?
facing our democracy, facing our society and our ability to keep our society Well, let's tackle the first question about social media companies.
functioning. I also think it's our number one issue when it comes to things like Let's look at something different than Facebook for a minute, or, you
parenting, teaching, and our health. know, Tik talk or anything. Let's say you have a car, right? You own a
car company and you sell cars and your car has no airbag, but your
Do you think it will continue to get worse? competitors have airbags. And the death rate in your car is 50 times
Well, that depends on what you think worse is. So worst is probably a very the amount that's in the cars with an airbag. What do you think who's
subjective statement or term. Because if you ask some people worse was during responsible for those deaths? Is there a way to prevent them? What's
our recent past two elections and things became quite a dumpster fire when it your opinion on that because that'll help you start to go down the path
comes to claims about fraudulent voting, claims about stolen elections, so much of the sort of saying, well, people chose to buy that car and they knew
so that, misinformation and disinformation led to an attack on the United States the risks getting into it. But then on the other hand, do these people
Capitol on January 6th, 2021. I don't know what you want to call it, but most really know the risks or do they just buy the car? They like it because
people refer to it as an insurrection. The people that were at that event, where the way it looks, the way it drives all these things like that and they don't
we led there by a number of reasons - one is their lack of ability to understand think about the safety features because no one really ever thinks about
fact from fiction, whether it's on Tik ToK, social media, or even a website that being the person that's going to be hurt or damaged in anything. Right
looks like a credible newspaper website...I think that, you know, there's a giant - so that's one way to look at it. So in my opinion, I think social media
pool of things that led to that event, but definitely fueled by misinformation and companies, their number one goal is to create profit for themselves
disinformation on purpose. and their shareholders and disinformation and misinformation makes
them a lot of money. So now it comes down to what kind of a company
Do you think it's important for students to learn about misinformation as early is it? What's their moral center? What's, what's their responsibility
as possible? to our society? The second question was people lacking the skill. Um,
It's hard to do that because a lot of misinformation today centers around politics, yes, I agree that many people, not necessarily younger people, I think
the economy and science. So depending on how old you are, I don't know if an younger people are much more in tune with how they scroll the internet
eight year old is going to care about gas, like why the gas prices are so high or and use social media and are able to better identify, not perfect, but
climate change - they know the word, but I don't know if they can grasp it. But better identify when the something is suspicious. I think adults, my
what I do think we could do with students is just say to them and show them age and older are the worst offenders of sharing misinformation and
and demonstrate that there are skills that you already use in your own life in disinformation. It has a lot to do with bias. I think when you're younger,
school and really just day to day that you must apply to these digital platforms. you have less personal bias or implicit bias. We all have it, but I think
You know, when, if you were to hear a rumor verbally in school, what would you as young people, we're less likely to lean on our own bias. I think as
do? You'd go around trying to confirm it, right? What happened to this? Let's say adults are very hard to change when it comes to what they personally
what really happens is people will spread that rumor like wildfire, right? And believe about people, about events, about the way are in our society,
that's what happens on social media, something fake and untrue spreads five that when they find something they like on social media, they gravitate
to 10 times faster than the truth. So let's look at school, vicious rumors being toward it and share it. That's called confirmation bias. When you see
spread like wildfire, right? No basis, in fact, but hey, this, this confirms what I things online that agree with your own personal bias about things you
believe or this, you know, this is exciting and this is whatever this is against tend to gravitate towards, like. You're in like an echo. Chamber. So if
something. I already hate. Once the truth comes out, once people actually do you picture yourself on Tik Tok and you follow are these conspiracy
the confirmation, which takes very little time, what happens, nothing. We've theory videos, that is all you're going to look for.
all probably seen them happen in our own lives, with that. So take those same
skills, take the five minutes, go online, do the lateral search to try to verify who
wrote it, go to a couple of websites.There's a lot of bad websites out there that
look professional. They're so professional looking that if you went on there for
10 minutes and glanced at it, you'd say, yeah, this is reliable, this is credible. But
to ask a teenager to understand that that's, that's hard, there's, there's no easy
answer to it, but, you know, I told him Mrs. Simmons, when we had talked about
this class last year, when we first started it, if we could just expose students to
the idea that they need to take a few more minutes of time and verify things and
know where their information is coming from, that to me is worth, you know,
the time that we spend in class and the time that, you know, kids are exposed
to the idea that, “hey, wait a second”. Not everything out there is coming from a
place of good. There are a lot of people out there making money, fooling people
and unfortunately it's, it's becoming easier and easier to do, especially with all
these platforms that people go on. I will say this, I don't know if I've ever fallen
for misinformation or disinformation to the point where it harmed someone or
myself, but I definitely, since I have been teaching this course have recognized
my own confirmation bias when it comes to certain things that I just want to
read online and things I don't want to see or read online and I have noticed my
feeds have become an, almost an echo chamber.

26 Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School Fall 2014

(continued from page 25) amount of misinformation to fall, but it appears that these online tools
and the prevalence of social media platforms in everyday life have had
are especially susceptible to misinformation, as they are more likely to the opposite effect.
take information at face value rather than investigating or fact-checking. Throughout history, misinformation has been used as a tool in
“Cognitive psychology actually tells us that we all are a similar fashion to how it is used today.
vulnerable to misinformation insome ways.” Says Brian Southwell, Ph.D., “We have been living with misinformation for a long time,”
Senior Director at RTI Center for Communication Science. Southwell explains. “You can read about the history of advertising of
“That isn’t to say that people can’t sometimes evaluate snake oil liniment to discover real historical events roughly a century
misinformation and reject it as being false but the way humans tend to ago that led to the common expression ‘a snake oil salesman’ which
process information suggests that people accept misinformation at face we use to refer to someone perpetrating fraud.”
value at least for a moment and then if they are motivated and able they What makes misinformation such a prevalent tool is that it can
can critically judge it.” find its roots in human nature itself. People are not the most willing to
Misinformation on social media has been made even more accept that they have been deceived by misinformation, and would rather
prevalent due to the improved algorithms the platforms used to present believe something untrue if it means they will not be ostracized
more relevant content to their users. On TikTok, the main way users by their deception. In other cases, people believe something because of
digest content is via the For You Page, a seemingly endless stream others’ beliefs or because they do not want to hurt their pride.
of content that is shaped around the preferences of the user over time. This is no new concept, and the act of utilizing misinformation
If a video reaches enough users on the For You Page, it becomes easier to make money or spread harmful ideas can be traced from modern times
and easier for that video to be spread to other users. Couple insanely to the 19th century and beyond. One such person who noticed this was
accurate algorithms, a seemingly endless stream of content, and Mark Twain, an American novelist from the late 19th century, who
misinformation on social media platforms being on the rise, and you vocalized his thoughts in his autobiography.
have the perfect recipe for disaster. “The glory which is built upon a lie soon becomes a most
This was no better highlighted than during the middle of the unpleasant incumbrance... How easy it is to make people believe a lie,
COVID-19 pandemic. With an overflow of information regarding CDC and how hard it is to undo that work again!”
guidelines, mandates, and more, misinformation was being spread left,
right, and center. (Warren continued from page 26)
“It is very easy to find yourself in a vortex of COVID-19
misinformation on TikTok without even realizing it, once you begin Even if someone presents to you, something that's contradictory to
interacting with the platform's health-related content.” Explains that, you're going to ignore it and look for something to capture that
Melissa Goldin, a writing and editing professional with over 6 years of information that fits the way you think. How do you speak to someone
communications and journalism experience. who's facts about the fundamentals of our universe? Like the earth
The spread of misinformation is worsened by the fact that it being round? How do you communicate with someone who says, no,
seemed as if there was no one to point out what information was true it's not, you know? We had a convo and we learned in this class that
and what information was false. many people, most people, 99% of people want to be right all the
“TikTok does not consistently provide warnings on this time. No, no one likes to be wrong. No one ever walks around saying
misinformation, a fact which makes TikTok's large underage user base “I was so wrong” and “oh, I learned so much from being wrong”. Most
vulnerable to potentially dangerous content.” Goldin continues. people walk around saying, I know the facts, I know the truth. You're
This is not to say that nobody verifies information they see the one who's wrong. I'm not going to admit to it. Even if everything
online. Some social media influencers have amassed large followings by says contrary to what I believe, I know I'm correct. And it's because
exposing false information published online, such as Brandon Connor, a you're this type of a person that's why you're wrong. That type of a
content creator on TikTok with 5.4 million followers who does research person could be a certain skin color or political background, or your
on videos found on the For You Page and exposes them in his videos. nationality. It could be any, any of those things that make people see
“I think a lot of people on TikTok jump to conclusions too you and go, well, you don't agree with me because of all these other
quickly. They believe everything they see on TikTok and don’t care to factors, not because my facts are incorrect and that's also making
research or fact check videos that are spreading false information.” things difficult for us. I think that's why you see, especially during
This is not just him imagining things. During a Pilot’s Log Survey COVID people become very angry. I think a lot of it is fueled by what
conducted in September of 2021, 100% of respondents have admitted they see online. When it comes to things like masks, social, distancing,
to seeing misinformation online in one way or another, however, only and vaccines now are the big controversial issue. I think we're entering
17.6% admitted that they actually fact check the information that they a phase where it's fueling anger and distrust and people are taking
see online. An overwhelming majority of people can attest to the wealth action. And the action is harmful, whether it's burning someone
of misinformation online, but few can claim to check whether or not the verbally or attacking them physically, because of what they see or
information they see online is true. hear online.
“[...] Social media
tools make it easy to quickly share misinformation with your social
networks and so that has changed the situation to some extent.”
Southwell states. With the amount of information online and the
accessibility of search engines such as Google, one would expect the

27 Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School feature 27

Fall 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights HFiaglhl 2S0ch1o4ol

The Most 44%
Important
Meal of of Heights stud
the Day do not eat break

A look at the impact of before sch
breakfast on students
Student-submitted
breakfast photos show
the wide range of
breakfasts that Heights
students eat.

28 Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School Fall 2014

Sophie D’Innocenzi, Katelyn Tutelo, staff “I​​ eat breakfast because with all the running I do I
need the fuel in order to compete at the highest level.It 100%
Throughout childhood, the phrase “breakfast is the affects how I perform sports as I feel weak on the days I don't
most important meal of the day” is ingrained in eat breakfast. I eat a well rounded breakfast, my typical
our minds. After a while this reminder is no longer breakfast is a big bowl of honey nut cheerios, a banana, a
given, and it is up to the person whether it is vital to yogurt, and a glass of orange juice. If I don't eat breakfast I
their day to indulge in a meal early in the morning. feel very weak and tired but when I do eat breakfast I feel
“Not eating breakfast in the morning is putting very awake and energized,” Evan Morrow, senior, says.
yourself and your body at a disadvantage. It will affect your Others prioritize other uses of their time in the
academic performance and physical performance, even your morning as opposed to eating breakfast.
social performance because you will end up in a bad mood to “I like to sleep in longer on school days and I
start your day. Everything that is being done now, is building don’t have enough time to make and eat breakfast,” Kevin
lifelong habits. So not eating breakfast now is setting you up Andrades, senior, says.
for failure.” Justin Schmarak, MED, LAT, ATC, says. While some students believe they gain energy from
Studies have shown that eating breakfast has many prioritizing sleep, a majority use breakfast as fuel for their
benefits for students of all ages. These benefits include academic performance throughout the day.
achieving higher grades on tests, better performance during “I feel breakfast helps keep me energized throughout
sports, and more energy throughout the day. For instance, a the day. I feel this has a huge impact on the way I perform in
study conducted at Cleveland Clinic revealed that teens who school and sports. I feel way more confident and ready to do
eat breakfast between the ages of 16 and 18 receive higher things rather than when I don't eat in the morning. On some
grades in school than students who skipped breakfast. days I forget to eat breakfast and it affects me greatly. I'm
“Students who eat breakfast are more likely to stay often tired and doze off a lot during school. I can never fully
focused and perform better in their classes and after-school pay attention when I don't eat in the morning. I usually eat
activities. A well-rounded breakfast will increase student cereal, a banana and a granola bar. You can tell it affects my
activity in school and sports,” Karina C., Medical Assistant energy levels because when I eat I'm super hyper and ready
for the day. and when I don’t eat I’m usually tried and slack
at Advanced Pediatrician Group, says. off during school and sports” Natalie Kronke, junior, says.
A study published by the National Library of Medicine, In a Pilots Log survey of 151 students, 56% of
students eat breakfast before their school day. Out of the
% concludes that while sleeping your metabolism slows students who do eat breakfast, about 84% eat a quick or
down, to heal the body from the previous actions of the hand held meal rather than a nutritious and filling breakfast.
previous day. By eating breakfast it initiates the kick From the remaining percentage of students who don't eat
start to your metabolism and begins fueling both the breakfast, 57.7% claim there is not enough time before
body and the brain. Since the preferred energy source school starts to eat breakfast. 41.2% of those students do
not have the appetite or interest to eat breakfast, meanwhile
dents for the brain is glucose, ensuring that you increase your less than 1% have dietary restriction that prohibits them
blood sugar before a taxing school day will increase from eating a meal prior to school. It is clear there is a divide
concentration in class. between the students who eat breakfast and those who do
kfast “When you eat breakfast the full purpose is breaking not, however they find common ground in agreeing that
eating a meal in the morning does impact their overall day. It
hool the fast, your blood sugar is low in the morning and we is found that 73.5% of the student body at Hasbrouck Heights
need glucose in our brains to help us focus and to help
us learn. So a student who does not have good nutrients 7High School insist that breakfast helps them during school,
will have trouble focusing. You can see that reflected
in their grades,” Mary Nuemann, school nurse, says. sports, and other activities that require focus and energy.
While scientifically it is proven that the benefits of “I used to not eat breakfast before school and I
eating breakfast are substantial, it is common for students thought that it was fine and did not affect me. As I began
to have a difference of opinion about eating breakfast. It is eating breakfast before school I realized that I became much
more common for athletes to state that they eat breakfast in more focused and felt less sluggish as the day went on. I saw
the morning to increase their performance throughout the
day. fSepaorttus r2e72299WFailnl t2e0r2210//19pi/l/opt’islolot’gs l/o/gH/a/sHbarosburcokFuHacelkligH2he0ti1sg4hHtisghHiSgchhSocohl ool

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School

differences between the day

“ Ideally a breakfastwhere I didn’t eat breakfast
and the day I did.” Isabella

should consist of aFranchina, junior, says.
Students may

complex carbohydrateexperience a lack of time
in their morning to add in
with a
c o m b i n e dthe step of eating nutritious
breakfasts. It becomes a habit

h e a lt h y s o u r c e o fthat takes even more time to
break.

”protein and/or fat “It’s very rare for me
to eat breakfast during the

week. I usually don’t wake

up hungry, and even when I do, there’s

never any time.I’ve tried changing my

sleeping habits to accommodate for the

difficulty of waking up in the morning.

However, the more time I give myself to

get ready, the more time I give for other

things. I think it’s just a habit I would

really need to focus on getting into.”

Anna Lisse Vasquez, sophomore, says.

From the results of the polls

and doctor based research, it is clear

that breakfast can be vital to a students

everyday life. As it is subjective to one’s

personal needs, breakfast will always

be a controversial topic. Although it is

known that breakfast is an important

meal to start off the day, students are

likely to continue practicing their

same morning routine regardless of if

it includes consuming a meal before

school.

“Not eating breakfast in the

morning is putting yourself and your

body at a disadvantage. It will affect

your academic performance and

physical performance, even your social

performance because you will end up in

a bad mood to start your day. Everything

that is being done now, is building

lifelong habits. So not eating breakfast

now is setting you up for failure.” Justin Many students turn to quick
Schmarak, MED, LAT, ATC, says. on the go breakfasts like the
one above. While it may be a
fast option, it certainly isn’t a
healthy one. Photo: Staff

FFee3aatut0ruer2e 830Pilot’s Log FFaallll 22001291 ////ppiilloott’s’slloogg////HHaassbbrroouucckkHHeeiiggHhhttasssHbHiriggohhuScSckchhHooooellights High School Fall 2014

Interview: Rita Singer, RD, CLT

How does breakfast affect students’ activity in school and sports?

Eating breakfast gets the metabolism started for the day. Having a
faster metabolism means your body does a better job of converting
the food and drink you consume into energy so boosting the
metabolism in the morning helps performance in activities
throughout the day.

Some student-athletes do not eat breakfast but eat before practices
or games, would breakfast improve their performance?

Since breakfast boosts the metabolism, eating it will help an athlete’s
performance more so than waiting to eat just before a practice or
game.

How does not eating breakfast affect students’ health? Rita Singer is a registered
dietician who practices who
Food is fuel for the body so not eating breakfast will slow down operates Nutrition RS out of
a student’s physical and mental performance. There are many Clifton, NJ.
research studies that show that kids who eat breakfast perform
better in school than kids who do not eat breakfast, as they can
think clearer and are more focused after having breakfast.

What would count as breakfast?

Ideally a breakfast should consist of a complex carbohydrate
combined with a healthy source of protein and/or fat. Examples
would be oatmeal with peanut butter and berries or whole grain
bread topped with a scrambled egg and sliced avocado.
If a student has a choice of not eating breakfast or eating junk food
such as cake for breakfast which would be healthier?

While cake is obviously not the greatest breakfast choice, eating a
small portion for breakfast is likely a better choice than skipping
breakfast altogether which can lead to low energy, headaches, lack
of focus and a slower metabolism. A good compromise may be to
grab a high protein granola bar which is quick and easy but likely
has more protein and less sugar than cake.

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School fsepaoturrtse 323191WFinatlel r2020212/0/ /p/ilpoitlo’st’lsoglog// /H/ aHsabsrboruoFcukaclkHl eH2ie0gih1gt4hstHs iHgihghScShcohoolol

The tr

32 30SportsPilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School Fall 2014

Winter 2020 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

ransfer Esquire “ The Hulk” Boyce makes an immediate impact
on the field after his transfer to Heights

Andrew Gaffneym Aiden Warren, Damian Lalama, Michelle Barsoum, staff

When talking about Hasbrouck Heights sports you and practice how you play. He’s also been able to motivate and to
can’t help but bring up the school’s prestigious show kids that it doesn’t matter what your past story is. When it
football program - over 100 years of consistent comes to football, once you put the helmets and shoulder pads
excellence. Heights, however, is a Group 1 school, on everything else goes away, and it’s just about you and your

a designation that is given to them based on school enrollment, teammates against the world,” Aviators Coach Elijah Ibitokun-

and not an indication of their talent level. Still, for all of the Hanks said.

school’s success, it can sometimes be overshadowed by the Apart from his experience, coaches were also impressed

“bigger schools” in New Jersey. Group 1 schools and the Group 4 with the mentality and drive that Boyce brings to the team.

and parochial powerhouses don’t often cross paths, but this year, “The motivation and determination he plays with, it’s a

in Heights, the two worlds collided. big part of what he brings to the table. You
could see the desire every single second he
“ T h e m e n t a l i t y f r o mEsquire Boyce, a transfer from steps on the football field,” Assistant Coach
B e r g e n t o H e i g h t s i sBergen Catholic, now ranked 6th in
the nation by Max Preps, has been able Tommy Brennan says.
It is not hard to spot Boyce both on the
pretty similar, the onlyto experience both sides of the story field and in the halls of Hasbrouck Heights
real difference is thatof high school football in New Jersey.
“The mentality from Bergen High School. Standing at 6 ‘2 Boyce earns
his nickname “The Hulk”. His commanding
Bergen gets some moreto Heights is pretty similar, the only appearance might lead him to come off
press coverage on thereal difference is that Bergen gets
some more press coverage on the as intimidating, but teammates have
described him as a positive presence on
games. But the love forgames. But the love for the sport and off the field.
the sport and the passionand the passion that everyone has is
exactly the same,” Boyce commented. “At first Esquire was a little shy coming
in from a completely different program but
t h a t e ve r yo n e h a s i s Boyce, the senior running quickly after he started to get comfortable
exactly the same”back and outside linebacker, came
to Heights and started working with with everyone on the team he became such

the football team over the summer. a funny guy that will always put a smile on

Naturally a change of this magnitude can take a toll on a player’s everyone’s faces even if they are feeling down,” Aviator Senior

performance, but Boyce was able to showcase his skills early in quarterback Jake Diaz said.

Heights’ scrimmage win over Garfield. Before Boyce even stepped foot in the school, rumors

“It was honestly hard to keep track of how many tackles of his arrival bounced around the town - as it’s not everyday

he had because it felt like he was in every one,” said Robert Hasbrouck Heights gains an experienced player of this caliber. To

Boscarino, senior Aviator Wide Receiver. the avid Heights fans, Boyce did not need much of an introduction.

At Bergen Catholic, Boyce was able to rack up 100 total However it took some time before he was able to put the rest of

tackles in 15 games during his sophomore and junior years. He the league on notice, as he was prevented from playing in the first

came as a welcomed addition to an already hopeful Heights team. four regular season games due to a NJSIAA --transfer rule. His long

“Esquire has been a great addition to the team coming awaited debut came in Heights’ game against North Arlington,

from the program that he’s coming from. He’s been able to take where he was met with chants of his name raining down from the

our team to the next level, even in the sense of practice, showing Hasbrouck Heights student section and a dominant Heights win.

the different mentality of how you have to play like you practice In a first for anything it is normal to be a little tense, yet Boyce

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School spsoportrsts333331Winter 2020 // pilot’s log // HasbroFuaclkl H2e0i1g4hts High School

Fall 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

looked the complete opposite in his debut. As soon as I came in, I
Coming out of the locker room full of energy
and even going over to Heights’ famous “Black knew this was going to be a
Hole” student section to hype up the fans, it championship team, and going
appeared that Boyce fit right into the orange into championship week, this
and black. team has very much proved me
With a lot of eyes watching, Boyce was right. There’s nothing I would
able to remain a positive force for his team change about these guys. They
being involved in 43 total tackles and scoring really have heart and showed
2 touchdowns (as of 10/23/21) in just three me more talent than I would
games for the Aviators. Heading into a highly have ever expected
competitive state playoffs no one can tell for
sure what the future holds,but Boyce knows
that he can have faith in his team and the work
they have put in so far this season.
“Heading into the playoffs you don’t
really know what to expect. I just know that
I have a lot of confidence in my team, a lot of
confidence in my coaches. We just have to keep
doing what we have been doing all season, we
have to know that we have prepared all season
for this and that we are going to leave it all out
on the field,”


Esquire Boyce runs for a touchdown against
Henry P. Becton High School. The win gave
the Aviators the NJIC crown.

34 Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School Fall 2014

under the helmet

How did you get into football? Was it something you’ve been doing since your childhood?
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How do you feel about your injury shortening your already short season?
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What are your thoughts going into this week’s state championship game?
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Do you feel like you’ve had a good season? Is there anything you would want to change?
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Iesxtpheerrieenacney?thing else you would like to say about your teammates, coach, and overall
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Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School 35spoFrallt20s14

Fall 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School 36Fall 2014