The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.
Discover the best professional documents and content resources in AnyFlip Document Base.
Search
Published by Dr. Heather Pope, 2022-04-07 10:24:17

Pilot's Log Winter 22

Hasbrouck Heights HS

[pilot’s log]
Hasbrouck Heights High School

Pilot’s Log Chiara Alvarez 4
is committed to fair, accurate and Damian Lalama 6
ethical reporting while embracing and Michelle Barsoum 8
promoting the voice of the students. Thomas Brancato
It serves as a champion of First Katelyn Tutelo 10
Amendment rights fostering public Andrew Gaffney 18
discourse essential to democracy. The Editors in Chief 20
Pilot’s Log will not print any material 22
that is obscene or libelous; or that Wyatt Bugge
which substantially disrupts the school Jared Stavash
day, or invades the rights to privacy. News Editors
The Pilot’s Log reserves the right to Sophie D’Innocenzi
refuse advertisements. Michael Diakakis
Pilot’s Log Feature Editors
Hasbrouck Heights High School Damian Lalama
365 Boulevard, Chiara Alvarez
Hasbrouck Heights, N.J. 07604 Sports Editors
Front Cover: Design by Claudia DeGennaro. Teenage heartbreak can Harnoor Kaur
negatively affect high schoolers in all aspects of their lives. Ahmad Odeh
Back Cover: Photo by Heather Pope. Pilot’s Log says farewell to the Student Life Editors
beloved Mr. Thorne. George Totanje
Sahara Serrano
[n]ews
[c]enter Staff
[f]eature Designers
[s]ports Damian Lalama
Lead Photographers
2 Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School William Thorne
Heather Pope

Adviser
Lora Geftic
Special Consultant

26

Fall 2014

Winter 2022

The Future of Snow Days [n]

ARE SNOW DAYS melting away?

A Brand New Boulevard [n]

what’s new on the block?

Seeking Guidance? [n]

Introduction to the new guidance department

High School Heartbreak [c]

the effects of Teenage heartbreak

The Winter Blues [f]

seasonal Affective Disorder (s.a.d.) and students

Behind the Masks [f]

diversity and the marvel cinematic univeRSE (m.c.u.)

On the Mat with Mr. Freund [s]

introducing mr. freund as the new head wrestling coach 3Fall 2014

Making a Splash [s]

a day in the life of a swimmer

APlsiloo:tO’sp L//oEgd (16)H, aSspbroorutcskOHueitgshitdseHoigfhHSechigoholts (30)

The Future of

Snow Days

news 4Pilot’s LogWinter 2022 // pilot’s log //HHaassbbrroouucckkHHeiegihgthstHs iHghigShchSocohlool Wyatt Bugge, Ahmad Odeh, staff

Snow days have been a staple throughout New
Jersey and across the United States for many decades,
however, several states have begun implementing changes
to the traditional snow day. School districts across
America have begun opting to use virtual learning in place
of traditional snow days to make sure students’ learning
is not affected by snow storms during the winter season.
While this is already in place for major disasters lasting
more than three days, the New Jersey bill known as S464 is
currently being considered. The passing of this bill would
allow districts the ability to count a virtual learning day
as a regular school day, rather than call a snow day.
“This past spring, the Legislature amended the
applicable statute to respond to the need to switch to
remote and distance learning. The law was revised to
allow virtual or remote instruction to count toward this
180-day requirement,” Kaitlyn Dunphy, Esq., New Jersey
Education Association, said.
Following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic
in 2021, some school districts across the country have
realized the benefits of virtual learning and have begun
to consider having students attend school virtually
when they would normally stay home during bouts of
inclement weather. Education Week, an independent
news organization focused on covering issues about
K-12 education, published results of a snow day poll in
Mark Lieberman’s article, “No More Snow Days, Thanks
to Remote Learning? Not Everyone Agrees”. The article
reveals that approximately 39% of school districts have
decided to get rid of snow days altogether, while 32% of
school districts are unsure. An additional 9% don’t have
a response as they do not get enough snow to warrant a
snow day, leaving 20% of school districts opting to keep
snow days. Now that some aspects of life are returning

4Photos: DamianFaLlal 2la0m14a, staff

to normalcy, school districts have begun to reinstate snow If technology continues to improve and become
days, but others have decided to continue using virtual more easily accessible to everyone, and the climate
learning in order to avoid the impediment of student learning. continues to slowly shift, it is possible that snow days
Every school in the country has a requirement as to could be entirely erased. Is it finally time to embrace
how many instructional days they must have in accordance change and phase out snow days once and for all, or will
with federal and state law. Although some states vary, the school districts continue to keep the tradition alive and
majority have a required 180 days of school per school year. allow students to enjoy the snow while they still can?
Normally, a snow day taken in the middle of the year does not
count as an instructional day, and the day off must be made up Climate Change in New York and New Jersey
some time later in the year, or else a predetermined number
of snow days is figured into the school year from the start.
While some school districts in areas that receive
considerable snowfall annually promise to keep snow days
around, others seem to want to get rid of snow days once and
for all. Even though snow days give students and teachers
alike a chance to sit back, relax, and take a break from school
to enjoy the snow, a wealth of snow days ends up drawing out
the school year by days to even weeks, and reduces the number
of days students have off during winter and spring breaks.
As the winter season slowly reaches its end with
little snow in sight, only time will tell which school districts
commit to their decision to get rid of snow days. In some
cases, school districts plan on fully phasing out snow days in
place of virtual learning, while others plan on reincorporating
snow days now that the height of the COVID-19 pandemic has
passed. Aside from the action taken by school districts across
the country, many are still unsure if snow days will continue
to be as relevant in the coming years, as annual snowfall in
many places across the country has been slowly declining.
As the climate has slowly been shifting in the past few
decades, and technology continues to improve, this is the first
time something such as this has begun to arise in the history
of the United States. In Atlantic City, Newark, and New York
City, it has become increasingly clear that climate changes may
negate the need for snow days. As of now though, snow days
are still a consideration. Never before have students simply
had the option of having teachers broadcast themselves to a
student’s home while still retaining control over the classroom
via third-party software.

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School Photos: Damian Lalama, staff

news 55WWininteterr22002129////ppiilloott’s’slloogg////HHaassbbrroouucckkHHFeeiaigglhlht2tss0HH1iig4ghhSScchhooooll

A Brand New

Boulevard



Jared Stavash, staff
Heights is flourishing with new businesses of all sorts. Just over 22 months after the CO-
VID-19 pandemic caused businesses across the country to close their doors, the small north-
ern New Jersey town has seen a business resurgence over the past few months, as it seems to
once again be a sprawling hub for small business. New locations in Hasbrouck Heights range
from a few convenience stores to restaurants, miscellaneous shops, and even a huge fast-food
chain that is set to open its doors soon.
“It’s important for new businesses to open in Hasbrouck Heights. It can help build town
spirit when there are more new businesses because it makes people inclined to go and explore
the town,” Michael McGurran, junior at Hasbrouck Heights High School and lifelong resident,
said.
Heights’ main business districts have seen a handful of changes over the past few years.
Almost all business conducted in the borough of Hasbrouck Heights is done along the famous
Boulevard, with everything from law firms to bars. Additionally, Route 17 is nearby and fea-
tures commercial businesses like fast-food restaurants and hotels.
The last few months have seen the addition of a hot dog restaurant along the Boulevard,
as well as a crystal store, a candy store, and two convenience stores. There is also the first-ever
drive-through Shake Shack in New Jersey, a fast-food chain known for its milkshakes and burg-
ers, coming to Route 17 in 2022. Because of the COVID-19 virus, many business chains opted
for less indoor seating, as Shake Shack decided to start opening drive-through variants of their
locations, as well as focus on outdoor patios.

news 6 6Pilot’s LogWinter 2022 // pilot’s log // HHaassbbrroouucckkHHeigeihgtshtHsigHhigShchSocohl ool
Design by Andrew Gaffney / Photos by Ahmad Odeh, Damian Lalama, Katelyn Tutelo

Fall 2014

“Things are changing due to the virus, and they’re figur-
ing more people will want to be outside,” Geno Tessaro, a zoning
official for Hasbrouck Heights quoted in an article by northjer-
sey.com, said.
The new drive-through Shake Shake is set to include a
40 seat exterior patio, and the ability to accommodate up to 26
cars in queue at a time, including a 990 square foot main build-
ing. Shake Shack is likely to be a favorite with not only adult
residents of Hasbrouck Heights, but also with its youth.
“I think Shake Shack will be a big hit with the students
of Hasbrouck Heights because it’s different and we’re all pretty
tired of getting the same things,” Oliver Fermin, junior at Hasb-
rouck Heights High School, said.
Students all seem to show the same enthusiasm for the
new Shake Shack opening up in Hasbrouck Heights, though a
few older residents seem less excited, citing traffic concerns and
the danger of traffic being redirected off of the major highway.
Overall, however, it is a welcome tchange to the landscape.
“I feel that the new Shake Shack will be a place for stu-
dents to hang after school because similarly to McDonald’s it
will be a place to meet up close to the football field with good
food and shakes,” Jeffrey Ober, junior at Hasbrouck Heights, ex-
plained.
Walking around Hasbrouck Heights in recent months
feels like a breath of fresh air–new buildings are sprouting up
across the town. In the past few years, Heights has seen its ups
and downs surrounding business and activity in town; however,
as the town moves into the future with all new types of shops
and stores opening up, and with COVID-19 seemingly in the
rearview mirror, the town hopes to ride this wave of prosperity
into the foreseeable future.

NEWS 9Pilot’s LogWinter 2022 // pilot’s log // HHaasbsbroruocukckHeHigehitgshHtsigHh iSgchhoSoclhool 7Fall 2014

Seeking Guidance?

Katelyn Tutelo, Destiny Rios, Natalie Kloepping, Michael Diakkakis, Nichole Haley, staff

The chaos of the last few years has left many students at Hasbrouck Heights High School (HHHS) with a lot on their minds.
Students are increasingly uncertain about their futures, and long-term quarantines have taken their toll. HHHS offers a number

of guidance professionals who help students adapt to the challenges of their everyday lives, and prepare for the challenges and
successes of the days to come. Knowing who they can talk to is important, and the Guidance Department is a perfect option.

“As the principal of HHHS, I could not be more excited about our newly constructed Guidance Department. Mr. Barchini
and the counselors are a group of professionals who have diverse experience with much to offer our student body. They are a

group of hard workers dedicated to their students. This year they have already sponsored parent nights, senior meetings, and a
trade fair. They have set up college visits and have completed lessons within classrooms. I continue to look forward to all of their

sponsored activities and watching them assist our students in paving their paths beyond high school,” HHHS Principal, Linda
Simmons, said.

The Guidance Department experienced a complete makeover this year after two previous guidance counselors left
HHHS. This makeover included the addition of two wonderful new counselors who were eager to join the Heights team and help

students improve upon their daily lives. The new head of the Guidance Department is former Vice Principal Vincenzo Barchini.
Mr. Barchini was the High School’s Vice Principal for six years, but this year is his first year in the new position.

Due to the ratio of students to guidance counselors, caseloads are relatively evenly distributed among staff. Students are
paired with a counselor by last name to ensure that each student receives adequate attention. Student last names beginning with

the letters A through F are assigned to one of our new guidance counselors, Mrs. Johanna Feria. Mrs. Feria, well-trained in her field,
earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Towson University, and a Master of Arts degree in School Counseling

from Montclair State University. Even though this is Mrs. Feria’s first year as a counselor at Heights, it’s her fourth year counseling
overall. Aside from being a counselor, she is also the new Chapter Advisor of the Hasbrouck Heights National Honor Society.

Also a new counselor this year, Ms. Alisa Sellitto works with students whose last names start with the letters G through N.
Ms. Sellitto earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Ramapo College of New Jersey, and a Master of Education degree

in Counseling from William Paterson University. While this is Ms. Sellitto’s first year at Hasbrouck Heights, before working at
Heights, she was College and Career Coordinator for Sage Day Schools and New Alliance Academy for four years.

Mrs. Ashley Calligy, veteran counselor, works with students whose last names begin with the letters O through Z. This

Fne8eawtus re810Pilot’s LogWWininteterr2200222////ppiloilot’ts’slologg////HHaasbsbrorouHucackskHbHeroeiguighchtkstsHHHigeighighShSctchshoHooligl h School Photos: DamianFLalall2a0m14a, staff

year marks Mrs. Calligy's eighth year at Hasbrouck Heights High School. Mrs. Calligy received a Bachelor
of Arts degree in Psychology from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling
from Montclair State University. Other than her role as a school counselor, she also serves as one of the
moderators for both the Heroes and Cool Kids and Community Service Programs.
The Guidance Department is a crucial part of the school and helps many students pave their
paths to success. As Mrs. Simmons explained, counselors plan many events throughout the year. One
of their most important jobs is guiding students through the college application process, helping them
request recommendation letters, and sending student transcripts to their colleges of choice. Additionally,
guidance counselors maintain a safe space for students to feel comfortable, and give them a person to
talk to when they need it. This team of counselors works well with all of the students and is vital to the
compassionate and caring atmosphere of the school.

“I became the Director of Guidance because I wanted to work with our

“ students in a different capacity than I had been in the past.” -Mr. Barchini
Why Heights? This is a great community that I’ve been lucky enough to work with for the past 13
years. We have committed administrators, teachers, coaches, support staff, students, parents, which
makes this a great place to work.
What is your? My job has a lot of variety, but the main focus revolves around course programming
and meeting individual needs of our students relative to their
Vincenz o Barc hini post-secondary plans
Direct or of Guid ance What is the best part of your job? I really enjoy what I do, but
[...] connecting with the students on things that interest them and
helping guide them to reach their goals is the best part of my job..

”I became a school counselor because I wanted to be an advocate for
students. I enjoy helping students and being someone they can
come to for help.” -Mrs. Feria

What is your job? We help students with academic, career, and social/emotional/personal subjects.
We discuss students’ future plans, whether it’s college, trade school, workforce, or military, and how to
get where they want to be. We help students build their course schedules. We meet individually with
students as well as in groups. Our days can be hectic sometimes, but I like it because I get to help.
What is the best part about your job? The best part is being someone students can come to for
anything. We also have a great team that works well together, that makes it even better.

“I became a school counselor because I wanted

to help students with all of their needs, whether

they be personal, social, emotional, or academicS Johanna Feria
Guidance Counselor A-F
based. Ever since I was younger, I always wanted to
be in a profession where I was helping people, and

after developing a great relationship with my high

school counselor, it opened my eyes to the possibility

of becoming a school counselor myself.” -Mrs. Calligy

Why Heights? Finding your first job is always hard. I started my
career in a different district that was about an hour away from
where I was living at the time. I was then offered the opportunity
to work here in Heights the following year. Logistically, the Ashley Calligy
commute to work was a lot shorter, and knowing many people Guidance Counselor O-Z
who grew up in town made me feel confident in my decision to
change districts. While the convenience of the location was one
of the reasons that prompted my initial move here, the community,
faculty, and most importantly students and families in town have
been the reason why I have stayed in this district for close to ten
years. Heights truly feels like a family to me, and has been a
wonderful place to make my home!
Alisa Sellitto
Guidance Counselor G-N “I like to say we are students' ‘soundboards’.
Helping you guys think your thoughts through

thoroughly (tongue twister!) Is something I

very much enjoy doing” -Ms. Sellitto

Why did you become a guidance counselor? I always loved helping people but I also loved writing Fall 2014
and originally wanted to go to college for Journalism. When I was in high school I lost someone very

Fe9ature 26close to me and that experience made me lean towards an education and career in mental health.
What is your job? Depends on the day. We do college and career planning, teach lessons, scheduling,
Pilot’s Logwork with students struggling in class, and meet with students who need/want to talk. What helps?
WinPteLrA2N0N2E2R//! pI iwloot’uslldogbe// LHOaSsbTrwouiHtchkaoHsubetrigmohuytcswkHeHiegkehilygShcphtlsaonoHlniegrhaSncdhsotioclkers and colored pens!

High School

Heartbreak

center 10Pilot’s LogWinter 2022 // pilot’s lHogas//bHroausbcrkoHucekigHhetigshHtsigHhigShcShcohoolol 10Fall 2014

The aftermath
of high school
relationships
and the major
effects they
can have on
teens' lives

I. A Heartbroken Mentality
II. Self-Destructive Isolation

III. Social Media’s Impact
IV. Getting over it

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School cente1r 111Winter 2022 // pilot’s log // HasbroucFkaHlle2ig0h1t4s High School

High School Heartbreak

Michelle Barsoum, Alexia Tsiolas, Sophie D’Innocenzi, Sara Odeh, Harnoor Kaur, staff
Illustrations by Elisha Santos

For many, romance is a major part of the high school I. A Heartbroken Mentality
experience, and, oftentimes, with that experience, comes
heartbreak. Heartbreak is an intense, emotional journey: Heartbreak can be far more complicated and
one that can have a plethora of negative effects on students’ debilitating than one would assume; there are multiple
emotional, social, and physical well-being. chemical reactions and hormonal releases that take place in
“For a teenager, a breakup is probably a very the body as a result. Relationships can trigger physiological
traumatizing experience, as it’s usually the first time in that changes in teenagers that they may not be expecting and are
teenager’s life when they’ve been seriously rejected in that way,” unable to control.
Michael Warren, Sociology and News and Media Literacy/Ethnic “[Heartbreak] is actually more of a chemical reaction
and Gender Studies teacher, explained. that happens in the body,” high school psychology teacher, Lisa
Of the 132 high school students surveyed by the Pilot’s Bernstein, described. “When you’re attracted to somebody,
Log, 54 percent have been in a relationship, 16 percent are we jump into our bloodstream’s oxytocin, the bonding
currently in a relationship, and almost half have experienced hormone, which makes us feel very, very attached. It also sets
heartbreak at some point during their teenage years. Seventy- off dopamine, which stimulates our dopamine receptors, our
six percent of these students claim that their breakups have pleasure centers. So, when you see that person that you like in
had a negative impact on their mental and emotional health. the hallway, your heart starts beating fast and that’s all you can
think about. You start feeling really happy, similar to that of a
“I didn’t expect to feel so awful drug euphoria. But, breaking up with somebody, that’s chemical
afterwards,” an anonymous as well. All of a sudden, you’re not getting those chemicals.
student said. “But the second I There’s less dopamine and serotonin, which is another chemical
walked into school the following that makes you feel good. What happens is your body has a
day, I just wanted to go home.” sort of withdrawal from that person, and some people, like
teenagers, feel that very intensely. There’s a chemical letdown
One of the biggest reasons why high school heartbreaks and you’re not getting the same dopamine fix. Usually, that’s
can feel significantly worse than adult breakups is due to high when the feelings of sadness and anxiety kick in, along with
school students’ inability to avoid their exes entirely. In a more cortisol, the stress hormone.”
small building, such as Hasbrouck Heights High School, it’s not These bodily responses account for much of the pain
uncommon to see the same student several times a day, every felt following a breakup. And with still-developing brains,
day. adolescents are far more likely to feel heartbreak in an extreme
“Seeing [my ex] in the hallway after the breakup way.
was definitely a very awkward experience, especially “It depends on the person, but yes; teenagers’ brains
because other people in school knew what the situation are still developing and their ability to judge, process and
was. For a while, there was a lot of whispering and problem-solve are not as fully developed as that of an adult
gossiping about what had happened, and that definitely who has a fully developed brain (around age 25). Likewise, the
made me feel a lot worse at the time,” an anonymous ‘alarm system’ in the brain (the amygdala) may be quicker to
student described. “For me, it just added insult to injury.” sound in the brain of a teenager who may take the experience
of a breakup (which often is happening for the first time)
much harder than an adult who has likely been through this
experience before, thus they know they can survive it as they
already have. For a teenager, it’s very new and foreign, and
thus feels incredibly intense and the fear, pain and anguish

c1en2ter 12Pilot’s LogWinter 2022 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck HHeaigshbtrsoHuicgkh HScehiogohlts High School Fall 2014

are very real,” Kara Kushnir, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Director and or congruent for a breakup. While some teens may feel such
Psychotherapist, explained. strong heartache that they make flippant statements like
Heartbreaks are notorious for their ability to take a ‘I’m so devastated, I just wish I were dead,’ this does not
major mental toll on students, but for students with diagnosed always mean a person is truly having suicidal ideation, but
mental illness, the experience can be far more shocking, with far expressing intense emotion in this manner,” Kushnir stated.
worse consequences.
“Teens with challenging mental health issues can become II. Self-Destructive Isolation
very dependent on their love partner and can unintentionally
bring their partner down with them. With their illnesses, they can
be incredibly demanding and possibly concerning, to the point However, the end of a relationship can cause students
where their partner may decide to ‘save themselves’ and break to isolate themselves from those around them, worsening their
up. This can be absolutely devastating to the already unstable grief exponentially. Following a breakup, they may believe that
teen, and can result in suicidal thoughts and tendencies. The it’s best for them to deal with it by themselves. Yet, cutting
situation becomes very complicated and it is not an easy scenario off relations with all of those around them can be both self-
for those teens to deal with in a healthy way. It is important destructive to the person and harmful to their relationships.
that teens with mental health issues are taught how to properly “All I remember thinking was that I wanted to just stay in my room
cope with situations like these and develop support systems and be alone in my misery. Looking back, the way I cut everyone
that they can rely on in order to prevent them from making self- off was really unhealthy and it definitely contributed to my
destructive choices,” Maureen Tillman, L.C.S.W, Adolescent and feelings of sadness at the time,” an anonymous student explained.
Adult Psychotherapist, explained. Sometimes,theinvolvedpersons’friendscanbethecause
For those dating teenagers with untreated mental of isolation due to a lack of communication and an overall sense of
illness, it can be difficult to navigate relationships without the avoidance. In certain situations, a breakup within a friend group
fear of worsening their partners’ mental states. To the average can create an awkwardness that’s difficult for some to overlook.
teenager, a relationship in this situation can feel very stressful “[The reaction] depends on the maturity of
and confusing. The danger is always looming that a misstep might their social group. Some friends will show them a lot of
cause a recurrence of a mental condition held at bay. support and attention for it while others really won’t. It
“When I was in the relationship, I was so worried that just depends on maturity and personality,” Bernstein said.
something I would do would unintentionally make them relapse Overall, it’s important for students to develop their
or get worse. It got to a point where I felt really suffocated, own coping strategies and find other sources of support, as
not because they had a mental illness, but because they didn’t certain friends can be unreliable and immature in this situation.
know how to cope with it on their own,” an anonymous student “Because I had dated someone in my friend group,
described. things felt really awkward for a while. No one really talked
For these teens, heartbreak can be damaging and to me anymore after that, and it was a very lonely time for
saddening, and can result in extreme changes in behavior and me,” an anonymous student described. “I didn’t really have
mentality. The bodily responses that these teens experience are close friends aside from them, so after the breakup, I didn’t
beyond their control. However, a breakup causing mental illness have anyone to talk to or rely on. Looking back, I really wish
is not as likely. someone would have reached out to me and asked how I was
“Most healthy teens may experience feelings of being doing, but I guess they just weren’t the right people for me,
depressed, low, or sad after a breakup–feelings of grief are and it took a breakup to realize that.”
typical to some extent. Feeling depressed is very different
from having clinical depression or ‘being depressed’. Suicidal
thoughts would be of significant concern and aren’t as typical

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School center 1133Winter 2022 // pilot’s log // HasbroFuaclkl H2e0i1g4hts High School

III. Social Media’s Impact doubts and fears.” Warren said.
“When you’re not getting a response, or you’re not
As social media gains popularity and becomes an feeling good about the responses you’re getting, you can start
ever-present aspect of students’ lives, the concept of romance to spiral and go down a darker road. You may start making
continues to change drastically; the constant display of assumptions, and usually fights and arguments will spring from
relationship ideals on social media can make it difficult for that. So, while I think there’s definitely a positive to texting and
teenagers to understand what real relationships look like. using social media constantly, there’s definitely a downside
“In the age of [social media], what students are seeing to it as well. Young people are always looking for that instant
is idealized versions of what real relationships look like. That answer, that instant gratification, and if they don’t get it from
means that people who are posting on apps like TikTok or someone they’re interested in, they start to build up a lot of
Instagram are posting an unrealistic version of what normal anxiety around it.”
relationships are like, whether or not they’re this seemingly Aside from social media, high-schoolers constantly
perfect couple, where both people always look beautiful and deal with other stressors and factors that can contribute to a
they’re both carefree with no issues. That’s unrealistic,” Warren romance’s end. Implications like busy schedules, strict parents,
explained. and difficult academics are all stressors that can weaken
While the influence of social media can be seen across relationships, both romantic and otherwise.
the world among all age groups, its biggest influence is on “We were really happy together, but we eventually
adolescents. broke up because we couldn’t spend enough time with each
“I think seeing these ‘perfect couples’ is incredibly other. They were a year older than me, so while they were
harmful for young people because relationships are very messy. deciding which college to go to, I was stuck here, trying to figure
They are not perfect in any sense. So, I hope that when teens out how the relationship would be able to continue with them
see these couples or these relationships on social media, while off at college and me still in high school,” an anonymous student
they recognize that this may be a real couple, the circumstances described.
around these photos are very doctored, whether by filters or Many relationships end once students go off to college,
through captions. Teens should take a step back and realize that but for many, the decision to leave a partner is not an easy choice
not having the same relationship that they see on those social to make–especially during such a disruptive time of life
media accounts is not a bad thing because they’re incredibly “The decision to stay together or break up before
unrealistic. There’s so many different things and emotions heading to college as a freshman is a decision I’ve seen fraught
intertwined, and everyone has different trajectories and wants with emotions. Transitioning to college always has its own
and needs in life. Those are all things that people don’t see on unique challenges for all, and it’s important to find one’s ‘sea
social media. I don’t think anyone has the ‘perfect’ relationship,” legs’ beforehand,” Maureen Tillman, L.C.S.W, Adolescent and
Warren stated. Adult Psychotherapist, explained.
Even so, social media and digital communication allow
for students to connect and communicate with each other easily. III. getting over it
Yet, this can come with it’s own assortment of negative effects.
“While it’s easier now to talk via texting or social media, it Overall, high school relationships, albeit often short-
can be harder to keep a prolonged, healthy relationship due lived, are meaningful experiences for those who try them out.
to constantly seeing each other with apps like FaceTime and With the freedom to learn from their own experiences and
Snapchat since there’s never any time away from each other. mistakes, students are able to truly grow from them. High
You’re expected to always be able to talk, and if you’re not school relationships often become touchstones for the future
available, then something must be wrong. It can bring up so upon which incredible character growth is possible.
many questions and doubts in peoples’ minds. Why aren’t “It feels really trivializing when adults try to dismiss
they answering me? Why aren’t they responding to my texts
fast enough? How come they won’t call me? It creates all these

c1en4ter 14Pilot’s LogWinter 2022 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck HHeaigsbhtrsouHcigkhHScehigohotls High School Fall 2014

relationships in high school as useless and meaningless. Every and a better mentality overall.
experience is important, and whether or not relationships in “Life is better moving,” Barbara Christianson, Student
high school last, they’re still fun and exciting,” an anonymous Assistance Counselor at Hasbrouck Heights High School, said.
student said. “I think, instead of telling teens to not be in “To me, the best thing you could do is keep moving forward and
relationships at all, [adults] should be teaching them how to keep doing what makes you happy.”
act in relationships and how to better cope with breakups.” It is important for students to remember that there is
When trying to get over a breakup, it’s important that life beyond breakups, and that there will most likely be other
students cope in a healthy, beneficial way. Adults hold much relationships in the future. Sometimes, the best thing one can
more power than they know; when parents or guardians do is learn from these experiences and move on.
provide a soft cushion for students experiencing the pain of “I believe that these types of experiences will benefit
breakups, students actually begin to learn the foundations the adult that these teenagers [will eventually] become, because
of self-soothing. it can be viewed as a learning experience and even a life lesson,”
“You have to give yourself some time to mourn”, says Daria Luongo, Psy.D. LPC at Baker Street Behavioral Health, said.
Bernstein. “Give yourself grace. Make sure that you’re taking “Even if the breakup at the time was challenging and difficult,
care of yourself: getting proper nutrition, proper sleep, it can serve their future relationships for the better.”
[proper exercise]. Try to distract yourself and do things that Most of all, connecting with and listening to those who
make you feel good and that are healthy. If it gets to the point have also struggled in the past can make a large difference in
where the breakup is a serious struggle, don’t be afraid to how one chooses to grieve. Taking others’ advice in situations
seek professional help. There’s plenty of help available. You’re like these can save people from the sadness that comes from
going to have a lot more opportunities. This is not the last bus high school heartbreak.
at the bus stop.”
To those dealing with a break-up, it may feel like the “After my relationship
end of the world. It may feel like the next relationship will ended, I didn’t understand what
never come. Yet, committing to making oneself happier during that feeling was and how to deal
this period will result in both an easier passage through it, with it, and I found it very hard
to find happiness in things that I
used to,” an anonymous student
described. “But, eventually, I
realized that I shouldn’t base
my happiness [upon] any one
person, and that, instead, I
should try to find happiness in
myself.”

Design by: Michelle Barsoum
Illustrations by: Elisha Santos

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School center 1155Winter 2022 // pilot’s log // HasbroFuackllH2e0ig1h4ts High School

“Relationships are very important, whether they occur in
high school or not. Relationships are beneficial to a person’s
emotional well-being, and they allow one to develop a stable
bond with friends and family. Being able to depend on
someone, romantically or otherwise, provides people with
outlets in times of need, and people they can depend on
when they’re feeling down. Having someone by your side
during hardship can significantly boost mental health, and
high school relationships are no different. Although average
high school relationships only seem to last from around six
months to a year, that doesn’t necessarily mean that every
high school relationship is doomed to fail. Even relationships
that end up failing help people to grow from the experience;
as a result of engaging in even failed relationships people
develop problem-solving skills, they learn to communicate
better, and they learn how to move through interpersonal
crises. So, even in cases where high school relationships
don’t work out, they give high schoolers ample opportunities
to improve themselves, and when they do work out, they help
improve mental health significantly.”

-Anonymous

o1pi6nion 16Pilot’s LogWinter 2022 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck HHeiagshbtsroHuigckh SHcehiogohlts High School Fall 2014

[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.

“High school is a time for learning and growing both academically and mentally. These four
years are crucial to an individual’s mature development, and involving oneself in a relationship
could stunt this well-needed journey. When going through breakups, students experiencing
the pain of heartbreak can go through a severe change in focus. Their thoughts may stray
from sports, academics, and social activities, and they may resort to negative thoughts,

including the pervasive pain of self-doubt. When a student has a relationship that turns
south, going to school can make their situation dreadful, especially in the case that both partners
attend the same campus. When looking at all of the negatives that might stem from broken
relationships during high school, it is clear that they are not worth the pain and struggle that
can be avoided.”

-Anonymous

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School oopfpienianitoiounrn1e217717WWininteterr22002222////ppiliolott’s’slloogg////HHaassbbrroouuFccakklHlHe2ei0igg1hh4ttssHHiigghh SScchhooooll

The Winter Blues

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Chiara Alvarez, Andrew Gaffney, staff
Illustration by Ava Smajlaj

During the wintertime it is easy to be captivated by the joy of the holiday season. The bright lights and festivities
help earn winter the title of “the most wonderful time of the year”. However, as the clocks roll back and the weather gets
colder, this joyful time often becomes a depressing period for people who struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that is affected by the change in seasons. Unlike other forms of
depression, people who struggle with SAD often see increased depressive episodes regularly returning during specific times
of the year.
“Seasonal Affective Depression (SAD) is a type of depression that is caused by a change in seasons. It starts in the
Fall, gets worse in the Winter, before ending in the Spring. Some people experience a milder version of SAD commonly known
as the ‘winter blues’. The fewer hours of sunlight and cold weather affect our mood. But for many people who experience
SAD, their mood and behavior changes notably,” Stella Jang, therapist LCSW, explained.
For students at Hasbrouck Heights High School, the winter blues come at a rough time as work begins to pick up in
the winter and midterms loom in the back of students’ minds. However, the past two years have been anything but normal
with the COVID-19 pandemic, and though it looks as if things are currently slowing down, new cases and variants are still
appearing every day. Students are still going in and out of quarantine, though this has vastly decreased. The past few years have

f1ea8ture 18Pilot’s LogWinter 2022 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck HHeaigshbtrsoHucigkhHScehigohotls High School Fall 2014

definitely taken a toll on an already challenged population. Although in person interaction has increased, ever-
“This is purely my personal opinion but it makes sense changing location-based mask mandates remain up in the
for SAD and COVID to have a positive correlation as both are air, there are other ways students can help manage seasonal
more prevalent during the winter months when people spend depression. Seemingly small actions like just getting up to
most of their time indoors. One could argue that behaviors move, eating in a healthy way, and staying hydrated can be
that are related to SAD such as social withdrawal are more a big help for one’s mental health during difficult times.
widespread now due to personal COVID fears and emergency “Seek virtual or in-person connection with friends
policies,” John Sefcik, LAC, NCC, said. or family. If you’re lucky enough to have a pet at home, cuddle
Despite decreased positivity rates, some students and play with them or spend time caring for them. Turn off
nonetheless began the year without formerly “normal” social media and take a break from it. While entertaining
activities. Some even had to miss out on the holiday spirit and distracting, social media can also be upsetting. Seeing
because of COVID quarantining. curated photos of someone’s life invariably leads to
“I wasn’t able to celebrate Christmas normally or comparisons which cause negative feelings and affect our
do any of the traditions we normally do because I had to moods. Any kind of movement is also positive and helpful in
quarantine, so I wasn’t really able to feel the joy of Christmas shifting our attitude and moods–whether it is silly dancing
like I wanted to,” AJ Parente, a junior at Hasbrouck Heights by yourself or jumping rope or gentle stretches,” Dr. Stella
High School, explained. Jang, LCSW, suggested.
Sports have also been affected by the pandemic, Dr. Yang also implored students to reach out for
and many athletes have been forced to quarantine off and on help if they feel that they are struggling with SAD, or any
due to exposure. The problem of the pandemic still affects sort of depression in general.
those students in their extracurricular activities–those that “If you feel you are experiencing SAD or any
have traditionally served as an escape from school and other type of depression, make sure your parents know you
problems. are struggling. Tell them. Together, you can go to your
“It’s been tough not being able to see and practice with pediatrician or find a mental health professional to help
my team because of quarantine; you don’t realize how much you. There are also online resources such as kidshealth.
daily interaction you get playing sports until you are locked org that is helpful for teens as well,” Yang said.
up inside. It’s also going to take a toll on my play as I am not
going to be able to get into a gym until my quarantine is up, so
it is going to be an uphill battle and I am going to have to go
150 percent when I return to make up for it,” Evan Wenckus,
a senior forward on the Hasbrouck Heights basketball team,
lamented.

19Illustrations by Leeyana Marcelo feafteuarteur1e919
Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School
WiWntienrte2r022022/2/ p//iloptil’sotlo’sglo//gH//aHsbarsoburcokucHkeiHgehitgshHtsFigHahliglSh2ch0So1coh4lool

f2ea0ture 22Pilot’s LogWinter 2022 // pilot’s log // HasbrouckHHeaisgbhrtosuHcikghHSecihgohotsl High School =

feature 17
Fefoaetpauitnruieoren222333WWWiFnaiitnnellttree22rr00222I2001ll2/22u/20/ps//t/ip/l/roipplatoi’isllttoo’islttoo’’sslgnollgoo//agg/H/n//aH//dsHHabDsaarbssoerbbusorrciuoogkcuunkcHckk:eHGiHHegeieehgiitoghgshrthsHgttFssiHegaHHihlgTiilgghSo2hhcSt0hSSoc1ochcn4ohhojlooeool ll

Lucas Cressotti, , Kian Roshandel, Sherif Becovic, staff

The greater the audience, the more money Marvel
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is can make since they are a business, so it is a
starting to bring its world up to date. It has begun to beneficial move regardless. They are also responding
transform itself by introducing increasingly diverse to a fan base that would like to see more diverse
superheroes into their movies. There have been six superheroes on screen and not just in comic books
new diverse superheroes within the last year alone. and I’m sure the content creators want to share their
“It’s nice to see Marvel including diversity stories and have more people enjoy their work so
in their movies. It reminds me of when Black Panther it is a natural response,” Lisa Bui, Marvel Fan and
first came out, its first Marvel movie to include African- teacher, said.
American culture. These new diverse superheroes Marvel fans feel generally positive about
being added is a good thing that Marvel is doing, the changes, and they’re excited to see more diverse
and it should’ve been done a long time ago,” Owen superheroes in their favorite movies.
Williamson, Junior, said. “Marvel making a change is something that
Marvel has been adding new characters that has to come sooner or later, and I’m excited to see
have been breaking the mold of its traditional white, what’s to come, through shows, movies, and new
heterosexual superheroes. One of these characters characters,” Derek Fermin, Junior, said.
is Loki, who is the openly bisexual god of mischief. The world has already been introduced
Another is Phastos, a proud gay god from the film to some of these diverse characters, and there are
Eternals. Shang Chi is a new character starring in his still more to come. The fact that Loki is bisexual is
own film reflecting elements of Chinese mythology not a suprise to fans of the comics as he has been
and culture. Hawkeye is a member of the original six openly genderfluid and bisexual in writing for years.
avengers who has become deaf. Captain America, Sam Thousands of Marvel fans anxiously awaited this
Wilson, is a black man also known as the Falcon who major character trait to evolve into film. Finally in
was given the mantle of Captain America. Echo is a 2021, Loki Episode Three confirms Loki’s sexuality.
deaf Native-American anti-hero from Hawkeye. This In late 2021, the Disney+ TV series
transformation of old characters and the creation Hawkeye introduced its main villain, Maya Lopez,
of these new characters are both attracting more also known as Echo. Echo is a hearing-impared
viewers, but there has been quite a bit of backlash. parapalegic and Native American renegade who
Eternals has been banned in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, trains her whole life to live up to her uncle’s criminal
and Qatar for including a gay main charecter; though empire.
it may not seem like it, this is a major loss of money Before 2021, nearly all Marvel heroes were
for the company. white heterosexual men. It took many movies for a
This backlash has not deterred the company’s superhero protagonist to be anything but a white
efforts toward diversity. Throughout the year, there man. Black Panther is the very first MCU film with
will be even more diverse characters. Shang Chi 2 is an African-American lead, and Captain Marvel was
in its early development, Echo is getting her own TV the first MCU film with a female protagonist.
show, and Captain America 4 with Sam WIlson and Marvel fans can expect to see more diverse
Loki is inspiring a Season Two. characters in the future. With new shows and new
“I’m excited for the new Loki Season Two; the movies coming out every day, Marvel fans have some
first season was one of the best Marvel shows to come excitement to look forward to in the future.
out. I like the addition of diverse superheroes into These new Marvel movies have certainly
their shows; I like how diverse Marvel has become,” had an impact on the fan community, making diverse
Jake Rozsa, Junior, explained. populations feel more comfortable and better
Many students are in favor of this change. represented in the largest film industry in the world.
Others feel like it’s simply a cash grab, and that Marvel “I’m glad to see Marvel adding more diverse
is trying to attract new audiences with their diversity superheroes to their movies, especially Shang Chi, it
in order to make more money. makes me feel better knowing that everyone can be
“I think that there are people working at a superhero no matter their background,” Timothy
Marvel who do want films to be more inclusive without Tran, Junior, said.
extra motives, but it also does not hurt them to do so
as they will be able to appeal to a larger audience.

feature 22 21Fall 2014

Pilot’s LogWinter 2022 // pilot’s Hloags/b/ rHoauscbkroHucekigHhetisgHhtisgHhigShcShcohoolol
Winter 2020 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

OMNMATRTH. WFERIETUHND

Tommy Brancato, Damian Lalama, staff

In December 2021, Kristopher Kurt Freund officially began his debut role as the Hasbrouck
Heights Varsity Wrestling Coach. Coach Freund looks to continue the successes of former Coach, Craig
Messery, knowing that he has some big shoes to fill.
Freund will finally see himself in the spotlight in this current season. Freund previously held
the position of Assistant Coach for Hasbrouck Heights Wrestling for over a decade. Over this past
summer, he worked with the wrestlers he is currently coaching; thankfully, this allowed Freund to
enter the 2021-2022 season with a prelude to his new position. For anyone else, this job might appear
daunting, but Freund said, “There is just something special about this sport”, and he is definitely up to
the challenge.
Many coaches at Heights have received accolades for their triumphs. For example, current
baseball coach, Pat Gabriele, and former football coach, Nick Delcalzo, are well-known in the North
Jersey-Bergen County area. Freund is the latest Heights coach with a huge opportunity in front of him.
With praise from former and current students he has coached, they believe in Freund as he begins his
journey.
Freund is taking over for the legendary Craig Messery. Messery held Freund under his wing
for the length of their time together. The two have similar spirits and the change should not be drastic

SSp2PoO2rRtTsS3202Pilot’s LogWWininteterr2200222////ppiloilot’st’slologg////HHaasbsbrorouuckckHHeHeigaighshtbstrsoHHuigicghkhSHSchcehoigohol lts High School Fall 2014

for the wrestling environment. Junior, Max Castro, has experienced both coaches at the Varsity level, and described
his experience with Freund.
“What Freund means to me as a coach is everything. He is the most understanding, encouraging, and influential
coach that I have ever learned from. His presence at matches and in the wrestling room alone makes a huge impact
on our team. Freund means the world to me and the rest of my team as a coach,” Castro said.
As a Physical Education teacher at Heights, he praises the positive need for physical activity in students.
Freund studied health and fitness in his college days, and wrestled in high school. Freund feels the same joy walking
onto the mat now, as he felt years ago.

Pilot’s Log Photos: Damian Lalama, staff sSpspopoorrtrtstss23233331WWiWnintitenertre22r002220222/0///p/p/ilipoloitlt’os’stl’sologlgo/g////HH/aHassabbsrbrooruuoFcuckakclHklHeH2eigei0gih1ght4htsstHsHiHgigihghhSScSchchohoooolol l
Hasbrouck Heights High School
Fall 2021 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck Heights High School

INSIDE TH

Q: When did you first develop your love of wrestling?
A: “[A]round the age of four. My father was a head coach in Roxbury where I went to school. I
remember going to his practices and being amazed by the size and speed of the high school
wrestlers. They were like superheroes to me and it immediately pulled me in. I started wrestling
the following year at the age of five and have been involved in the sport ever since.”
Q: Which season of high school was your best? What was your record?
A: “I was a four year varsity wrestler and had the privilege of winning a state sectional
championship my senior year. That team went 23-2 and set the school record for the most
wins in school history. I went 28-5 that year.”
Q: When did you decide to begin coaching and teaching?
A: “During my academic career at Kean University, I often worked with a young group of
physically challenged students. Watching those students achieve and accomplish things that
they had never been able to do before, and to watch the reaction of their families and feel
that I played a role in that was extremely rewarding. Those were some of my first experiences
with teaching and coaching which really cemented for me what I wanted to do. When I was
offered a teaching job here at Hasbrouck Heights I was also fortunate enough to be offered an
assistant wrestling position as well. I accepted with great excitement. I thoroughly enjoyed my
role as an Assistant Coach and it helped to fill that void of no longer being able to compete.”
Q: What fears did you have after being appointed head coach?
A: “I wouldn't say I had fears in becoming a head coach, but I wanted to make sure that I
could provide the same experiences and share the same life lessons for my athletes that I
received as a wrestler. Medals and trophies are great and we are going after them every day,
but there are so many valuable life skills that are gained through being a competitor in this
sport. I don't want my athletes to miss out on that.”

Q: What are you looking forward to the most this season?
A: “This year I am looking forward to having more normalcy in our season and watching our
student athletes compete. We are fortunate to have many individuals who have the ability
to have an extended postseason as well.”
Q: Out of your 11 years in Heights, which team was the most exciting?
A: “All of our teams have been exciting in their own regard. I have had the privilege in my 11
years with the program of coaching multiple state place winners as well as a four time placer,
two time finalist and champion. Many of these wrestlers have gone on to have exceptional
Division 1 and Ivy League careers as well. We had a season in which we entered eight wrestlers
in the district tournament and had five wrestlers qualify for Atlantic City, which is a huge
accomplishment. Even with all of these experiences, the most memorable and rewarding
to me are the moments when I get to see previous athletes a few years into their college
careers or shortly after. It really paints the big picture when you hear their successes and
accomplishments accredited to their participation in the sport of wrestling.”

sP2O4RTS 24Pilot’s LogWinter 2022 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck HeHigahstbsrHoiugchkSHcheoioglhts High School Fall 2014

HE RING

Pilot’s LogPhotoHsa:sDbaromuciaknHLeiaglhatms Hai,gshtaSfcfhool sSPPOORRTNTSESW222S 9557WWinitnetrer20220222///p/ iploilto’st’slolgog///H/ HasabsrboruocuFkcaklHlHe2ieg0ihg1th4stsHHigihghScShcohoolol

Making a Splash

FSeP2aOt6RuTrSe2268Pilot’s LogFWailnl t2e0r1920//22pil/o/ tp’silolotg’s /l/ogHa//sbHraosubcrkouHcekigHheHtisgaHhstibgsrhHoSiugcchhkoSHoclheoioglhts High School Photos: Courtesy of the Yearbook StaFfafll 2014

Katelyn Tutelo, Destiny Rios, Michelle Barsoum, staff



Step One: Wake up. Step Two: Pack a swim bag. Step Three: Get ready for school. Step Four: Work hard in school, and then
after school, rush to get to the YMCA. Step Five: Swim, swim, swim. Between tough schedules, physically tasking practices, and stressful
after-school commutes, being an accomplished high school swimmer isn’t easy. Yet, for swimmers at Hasbrouck Heights High School, the
challenge of Swim is worth its rewards. The Hasbrouck Heights Swim Team, a co-op team combined with swimmers from Garfield High
School, demands the absolute best from all of its players, who remain in a constant state of both extreme exhaustion and extreme success
for the past four years of its existence.
“Going into [the swim season] during my freshman year, it was definitely hard to adjust to such a new and difficult sports
environment; the practices are every day except Sundays and holidays at the Garfield YMCA, and there aren’t any coaches from Heights.
Physically, swimming is really taxing on your body, since the sport genuinely uses every muscle you have. The chlorine in the pool can really
damage your hair, and I’m always sore after practices. There’s so many things that make it such a hard sport to play, but I still love it all the
same,” Abby Hernandez, junior and long-time swimmer, explained.
The Hasbrouck Heights/Garfield Swim Team was first established during the 2018-2019 winter sports season due to a lack of
players for the Hasbrouck Heights individual team. Prior to transitioning into a co-op team, the Heights swimmers would practice at the
Lodi Boys and Girls Club, with practice times ranging from 6 am to 10 pm.
Yet, for those used to playing on school teams, the transition from a town team to a co-op can be difficult to adjust to, with many
feeling a separation between the Garfield and Heights swimmers.
“My freshman year, it was hard to adjust to [swimming with] the Garfield team. It was very new for me, [with] new faces and new
coaches,” Hernandez described.
However, with the passing of time, the Hasbrouck Heights/Garfield Swim Team has been able to join together to become one strong
family of players, in which each swimmer, regardless of home town, supports one another in all swim-related endeavors.
“[The players] mesh so well together that I do not see two different towns. [T]his is all my team no matter which town they reside
[in],” Laura Mielke, Coach of the Hasbrouck Heights/Garfield Swim Team, said.
Today, the team is a Swim powerhouse, with far more skilled players and broken school records than ever before. All of this team
success takes a great deal of individual effort, and these swimmers are putting in the work every single day.

Step One: Wake up. For Heights swimmers, the process of preparing for swim practice begins at the very start of the day. Step
Two: Pack a swim bag. While getting ready for school, swimmers must prepare their swim bags and equip them with everything needed.
“My bag probably weighs more than me sometimes,” joked Hernandez. “I always bring with me a couple towels and a lot of different
bathing suits, whether it be racing suits or practice suits. I bring a bunch of hair caps with me--a lot of which are broken, some of which are
brand-new--, and a few pairs of goggles. Anything that you can name, I probably have in my swim bag.”
Step Three: Get ready for school. Step Four: Work hard in school, and then after school, rush to get to the YMCA. Once their
bags are packed, swimmers go through their school days normally–until the bell rings. As soon as school is over, swimmers must rush to
their cars to get to the YMCA in time for their 3:15 pm practice.
“Rushing to get to the pool in time for practice is definitely the most stressful part of Swim for me. Once school ends, there’s a lot
of traffic on the Boulevard, and we usually find ourselves barely making it to the building on time,” described Hernandez. “It’s especially
bad on days with away meets, since we have to make it to Garfield High School before the bus to the hosting school leaves.”
For students old enough to drive themselves to practice, trying to figure out how to get to the facility is less of a struggle. For those
who are unable to drive themselves, carpools with upperclassmen is a rite of passage. Yet, getting to the facility is only the beginning of a
Hasbrouck Heights swimmer’s hectic day.
“[P]ractice being at Garfield is not [as convenient as] walking to the gym in the school. But being at Garfield is great because all
the team is friendly and gets along,” Kanzy Hassan, junior, said.
Once swimmers arrive at the facility, they change into their swimsuits and relax on the bleachers until practice officially begins.
Step Five: Swim, swim, swim. At the YMCA, the pool glows a light teal-blue, the smell of chlorine strong in the air. With only six
lanes for the entire team, practicing in itself can be a challenge for Hasbrouck Heights and Garfield Swimmers, but still, they make it work.
“Our warm-up is usually either 10 laps in the pool or a 500 meter freestyle, sometimes followed by [something called] 4-3-2-1,
where we swim for 400 yards, then 300, then 200, then 100, usually in a different way each time, and eight laps of choice. We all get in at
different times, so it’s tradition to wait for the very last person to finish before we begin with our workouts.
“Our main workouts change each week. This week we’re doing tapering, where we swim in smaller volumes with more rest time,
since we have a big meet this weekend. Usually, we also do some swimming drills to work on our form and spend a lot of time, with the
coaches’ help, working on improving our strokes,” Hernandez explained.
The Hasbrouck Heights/Garfield Swim Team spends most of its time preparing for weekly swim meets, where swimmers compete
for both individual and team wins. Swim meet events often range in both distance and style, with events such as the 200 Yard-Medley Relay,
the 100 Yard-Backstroke, and the 200 Yard-Freestyle. For overall team wins, swim meets are scored using a point system in which each
player is given a select number of points based upon where they placed in their individual competitions. At the end, the points are added
up to determine the end result of the meet, similar to the scoring system of track meets.
Each week, once all students are out of the water and competitions are complete, players then return to the locker rooms and start their
congratulatory chant for the opposing team, a tradition that’s been in place ever since Covid-19 restrictions prevented players from giving
their usual post-meet “good job” handshakes. Then, students are transported back to Garfield High School via bus and drive themselves home.
For many, the challenges of being a Heights swimmer may feel like too much to handle, but, with the record-breaking season that
the Hasbrouck Heights/Garfield Swim Team is having, players are seeing their hard work pay off.
On February 5, 2022, both the girls and boys Hasbrouck Heights/Garfield Swim Teams placed in the top three in the NJIC League
Championships, with the boys in second place and the girls in third. This follows the most historically successful season for the team than

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School SsSPpPOoORRrTtTSsS2237179WiWntienrte2r022022/02/ /p/ilpoitlo’st’lsoglo/g/ /H/aHsabsrboruoFcukaclkHleH2ieg0ih1gt4hstHs iHgihghScShcohoolol

ever before, with record wins for both the boys, with
a 7-1 record, and girls, with 6-4.
Working together with swimmers from
Garfield has only strengthened the team’s bonds.
Their greatest successes have come as the result of
diligent individual and team work.
“I love swimming with the kids from
Garfield, and we really wouldn’t be the team that
we are today without them. My last four years on
this team have been amazing, and as hard as it is
to do this sport, I wouldn’t trade it for the world,”
Meaghan Shaw, Senior Captain, said.
As the 2021-2022 swim season comes
to an end, the difficult practices and stressful
commutes die down, as well. Yet, aside from
damaged hair, Hasbrouck Heights High School
swimmers are left with nothing but good memories
and lessons learned.
“Once everything is over, I usually just put
my clothes back on and go home,” Hernandez said.
“Then, I restart, relax, and get ready to do it all again
the next day.”

SP2O8RTS 30Pilot’s LogWinter 2022 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck HeHigahstbsrHoiugchkSHcheoioglhts High School Fall 2014

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School sports 3259Winter 2022 // pilot’s log // HasbroucFkalHle2ig0h1t4s High School

Off-Campus Sports

Brendan Miller Aiden Warren, Brendan Miller, Chiara Alvarez,
Sophie D’Innocenzi, staff
“After my first season of snowboarding, I fell In love. I have been snow-
boarding for about three seasons now and it is my go to in the winter. Hasbrouck Heights High School is widely known for
When Big Snow opened, it changed my whole world. I would go at least both its sports and its successful student athletes. Offering up
once or twice a week throughout the whole year. I have met many friends to three different sports each season, many students have found
and have made some really good memories on and off the mountain. Many at least one with which they can passionately engage. With all of
of my school friends snowboard, and we have so much fun on the week- these option, there are still sports that aren’t offered by the ath-
ends out of school during the winter months.” letic department. These sports, like snowboarding and fishing,
are not as widely talked about and often go unacknowledged. A
variety of students take pride in their outside-of-school sports
and are passionate about the effort they put into them.

Tristan Govea: Wayne King
“I first got into baseball when I was six. I joined because my older brothers
played and I always just wanted to be like them. I played for two years before
I joined the same club team as my brother. I did this because I always wanted
to play all year round and knew I wanted to play baseball for my entire life.
I’ve been playing club baseball for about nine years now, and the memories
and relationships I have built make me who I am today. Some of my closest
friends, people I consider family, are from club baseball. In club, people are
more focused on themselves and on getting recruited, while in high school,
the team plays for each other and the thrill of winning a championship really
gives high school sports the edge over club sports.”

Tristan Govea

Wayne King:
“When I was younger, around four years old, my dad brought home a
pW50 that was actually my cousin’s. He lost interest in so it was handed
down to me. The first chance I got I hopped on and started riding it
every other day. Soon, I was bored of it and starled riding through
the neighbors’ backyards going faster and faster each time I rode
it. My dad has VHR videos of me setting up jumps in the backyard.”

“Ever since I was a kid I've been interested in anything with wheels and a

motor, so naturally I got into Motocross. To this day I love riding; it's what I

live for! Riding is truly my soul sport. I wouldn't want to do any other sport.

I do enjoy it more than high school sports. High school sports I feel are too
S3PO0Rts 30 structured for me. I like the ability to go, do, and or play--in this case, riding
the way I want to. I've been riding Motocross since I was four.”
Pilot’s LogWinter 2022 // pilot’s log // Hasbrouck HHeaigshbtrsoHuicgkh HScehigoohlts High School
Fall 2014

Chris Condon:
“I’ve been fishing here and there
for a long time but my grandpa
is what got me into it. It’s very
peaceful and relaxing. It’s also
satisfying when you do catch a
fish. I wouldn’t say I always enjoy
it more than high school sports,
but it definitely has its moments
when it is better. I’ve been fishing
for six years.”

Chris Condon Devon Sonzoni

Devon Sonzoni:
“I got into AAU basketball when I was really little because my oldest brother
played when he was younger, and my dad coached his rec team. I would go to the
practices. I got into AAU basketball because I excelled at it at a very young age in
the competitive environment AAU created. Because of how competitive it is, I enjoy
it a lot more. Ive been on an AAU team for eight years now.” “

Samantha Lahullier:
“Hunting has always been a family thing. My great grandparents did it,
my grandparents do it, my dad and now I do it. It was like a tradition. I
got into it because it was a good way to bond with my dad. We did lots
of outdoor activities and hunting was just another one we did together.
I enjoy it more than high-school sports because it is something I can do
whenever I want. It is something that I can just go out and do, seasons
dependent, and not have to worry. I have been going out and doing it
since I was three.”

Juliana Moretto

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School Samantha Lahullier

Juliana Moretto:
“My mom put me in dance when I was little and
once I was old enough to decide whether I liked
it or not, I chose to continue with it. Around the
fourth grade my mom told me I had to choose one
sport and stick with it because I didn’t have time
to do them all. I chose dance because it’s what I

7 thought I was best at and it’s where I felt at home.
I enjoy it more than any other sport that I’ve
done. I feel like there’s so much you can learn and
there’s so many different kinds of dance. I started
dancing when I was three and started competing
when I was seven.”
SSpPoOrRttss323171Winter 2019 /p/ iploilto’st’slolgog///H/ aHsabsrboruoFcukaclkHleH2ieg0ih1gt4hstsHiHgihghScShcohoolol

Pilot’s Log Hasbrouck Heights High School 32Fall 2014


Click to View FlipBook Version