Eastside Criterion

All the News That Fits
EASTSIDE CRITERIONVol. LXXVIII No. 1 EASTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, PATERSON, NJ Fall 2008
MAKING HISTORY
Nation elects first African-American President
By Ciera Bethune
Criterion Staff Writer
With over 300 electoral votes, Barack Obama
became the first African-American to be elected Presi-
dent of the United States. Obama defeated Arizona
Senator John McCain in one of the most anticipated
elections in U.S. history.
Obama won several key states that voted re-
publican in the last presidential election, including
AP Photo/ Morry Gash
Virginia, Ohio, Iowa, Florida, North Carolina, Colo-
rado, and New Mexico. Obama’s victories in those
states remapped the political landscape of the nation.
Obama and Vice-President Elect Joe Biden
will be the first Democrats in the White House since
Bill Clinton left office in 2000 and George W. Bush
took over. They will be sworn into office on January
20, 2009. SEE OBAMA PG. 8
News: Sagging pants ban pg. 2. Polanco’s internship pg. 3. Kennedy beats
heart attack. pg. 3. SRA changes proposed. pg. 3 Central air conditioning
pg. 4. EHS’ boxing champ pg. 4. Hats in school pg. 5 Scholarships pg. 5
Rebound pg. 5. New teachers pgs. 6 & 7. Exchange students pg. 8
Opinion: Motherhood pg. 9. Voting pg. 10.
Sports: Boys’ soccer pg. 10 Cricket pg. 11. Soccer in DR/PR pg. 11. Girls’
soccer pg. 12. Cross country pg. 12. Football Pg. 12

Eastside Criterion News Fall 2008
Eastside Criterion
Eastside High School
150 Park Ave
Paterson, New Jersey 07501
Member Garden State Press Association
Criterion Staff
Seniors
Brian Arias, Stacy Aybar, Shantwan Brown, Suewaine
Campbell, Steve Gray, Monae McRae, Kelvin
Paulino, Malacci Robertson, Frank Zane
Juniors
My’keyra Alexander, Shantae Bedassie,
Mariam Kamara, Sherona Scotland
Sophomores
Tahir Alston, Kaliya Bailey, Freshia Bazil, Sealiah
Berry, Ciera Bethune, Nateisha Catnot, Lorena Ces-
pedes, Samantha Davis, Takira Davis, Luinmys Espi-
nal, Brittany Givens, Jordan Glenn, Damier Hansford,
Nicole Kuilan, Cristian Reyes, Stephanie Vergara,
Joshua Zea
Freshman
Na-Asia Castro, Michael Chung, Joi Ealey, Miguel
Estrella, Latoya Francis, Alberta Gibbons, Kayla
Lugo, Fanny Marte, Bryanna McDowell, Saul Mer-
cedes, Luis Pichardo, Steven Robles, Mariangelly
Ruiz
Staff Adviser
Mr. C. Bartlett
The Criterion Staff welcomes any and all comments or letters to the
editor in regards to any published articles. We also welcome the
submission of any articles for publication from students and staff.
You may direct your comments, letters, and articles to Mr. Bartlett
in the Criterion Office (311).
The staff of the Criterion pledges to be honest, fair,
truthful and ethical in all reporting. This publication
is intended to be the voice of the student body and
will strive to reflect the concerns of the community.
“The press is the best instrument for enlightening
the mind of man.”
— Thomas Jefferson
Sagging pants ban proposed
Style causing controversy statewide
By My’keyra Alexander
What is with these saggy pants? Not only parents,
but teachers and senior citizens are tired of seeing your but-
tocks. Councilman Anthony Davis is, too. Davis will soon
be introducing a proposal that will make walking around
Paterson with undergarments showing subject to a fine un-
der the city’s indecency law.
Cities in New Jersey have had a difficult time
pushing through the baggy pants ban law. Some say free-
dom to wear what they want keeps their uniqueness. Others
fear that a dress code in an urban area could lead to profil-
ing. A lot of people have a problem with the trend. Some
believe it’s not a trend, it’s just plain vulgar.
“It’s funny how the young men who do wear sag-
ging pants say, ‘it is a kind of disrespect to show your un-
derwear,”’ said Khalil Anderson, an Eastside junior.
“It’s a form of disgrace to our African American
culture,” said Isaiah Adams, also a junior.
Mr. Rieder, boys’ soccer coach, said, “Saggy pants
are seen among people with low self esteem who are look-
ing to be accepted by their peers and to make a statement.”
Mrs. Antonoff of the Eastside Guidance Depart-
ment said, “The reason underwear is called underwear is
because it is supposed to be covered by an additional layer
of clothing. I believe there is a time and place for every-
thing. Walking down the street or in a school hallway or
office is neither the time nor the place to display underwear
or parts of the anatomy that are meant to be covered accord-
ing to common decency.”
Sagging pants are believed to be fashioned after
jailhouse attire, where inmates aren’t given belts with their
baggy uniform pants to prevent hangings, beatings and sui-
cides. Others believe it to be just an urban style.
By the late 1980s, this trend had made it to rap
videos, then went on to skateboarders in the suburbs and in
high school hallways. Mrs. Antonoff said, “It is my under-
standing that it’s a style adopted by the hip-hop culture that
originated in prisons.”
Phone calls to Councilman Davis’ office went un-
returned.
“The reason underwear is called
underwear is because it is sup-
posed to be covered by an addi-
tional layer of clothing.”
- Mrs. Antonoff, EHS Guidance
Department
SENIOR REMINDERS:
• Cap and gown measurements in
December/January during gym
• $40 dollars for dues by December
• Prom scheduled for Thursday, May
28 at The Tides in North Haledon

Fall 2008 News Eastside Criterion Page 3
Polanco goes green to boost her resume
By Shantae Bedassie
Allison Polanco, an Eastside senior, spent part of her
summer getting connected with the environment. She volun-
teered for an organization called the City Green Community
Garden Project. City Green is dedicated to establishing com-
munity gardens in Northern New Jersey cities. Polanco traded
her usual video game, sports playing, reading lifestyle for a
chance to perform a selfless act and to give back to her com-
munity.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Saturday,
she was a counselor to five and six year olds and assisted
them with gardening. The City Green program allowed
Polanco to realize something new about herself.
“I discovered that I found great joy from working
with young children,” Polanco said.
Polanco enjoyed teaching the young children about
the environment and nutrition. She and her fellow counselors
put on a play for the young children.
“The message of the play was that it takes more than
a place, time, and water to grow something. You have to care
for what you grow,” Polanco said.
Polanco realized the importance of her internship
when it comes to her future plans. “Participation in the City
Green community garden project looks good on college appli-
cations.” She also said, “Becoming involved in your commu-
nity and making a difference in your environment will leave a
person with a morally good feeling.”
Gardening correctly, learning about her commu-
nity, and appreciating wildlife are what the City Green pro-
ject taught Polanco. She recommends this program to her
peers.
“People need people to survive,” Polanco said. For
more information or to get involved, visit
www.citygreenonline.org.
Mr. Kennedy survives heart attack
By Shantwan Brown
Welcome back Mr. Kennedy! After suffering a
heart attack on October 5, Mr. Kennedy (of the English De-
partment) was welcomed back by the Eastside family on
October 20. Kennedy said he feels very healthy.
“The staff was extremely supporting. I was touched
to see how much support they gave the day I came back,”
Kennedy said.
According to the American Heart Association, a
heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the
heart muscle is severely reduced or stopped because one or
more of the heart’s arteries are blocked. If the blood supply
is cut off for more than a few minutes, heart muscle cells
suffer permanent damage or die. This can kill or disable the
victim.
The moment the heart attack started, Kennedy said,
“My heart was beating very fast. It felt like it was getting
ready to come out.” He also said he felt a burning sensation
in his chest and his arm.
As for the cause of the heart attack, Kennedy pin-
points his lifestyle choices. “I was smoking, eating fast food
every day, and drinking lots of coffee,” he said.
SEE KENNEDY PG. 8
SRA changes becoming reality
By Stacy Aybar
Many people think that the Special Review Assess-
ment (SRA) is being cancelled. Before students even won-
der whether SRA is being cancelled, they must know the
purpose of these classes. The purpose of SRA is to assist
students who have difficulty with the High School Profi-
ciency Assessment (HSPA). SRA teachers administer state-
provided alternative tests used to help students pass and
graduate. There are 16 language arts classes with 210 stu-
dents enrolled and 15 mathematics classes with 230 students
enrolled.
“SRA is only a back up for the HSPA,” said Mrs.
Amorelli a senior English and SRA teacher. “HSPA is first
in line and then if you do not pass it, SRA is provided.”
To clarify every student’s suspicion, SRA is not
being cancelled. The name and a few concepts are being
changed to help students. The new name will be Alternate
High School Assessment (AHSA). Some changes will be
the scoring format and the scoring location. As of now the
changes are only a proposal, but if these changes are made
they will be in affect possibly by next school year.
SEE SRA PG. 8
Allison Polanco standing in one of the City Green
Community Gardens she helped plant this past summer.
Photo Courtesy of City Green

Central air conditioning not likely
in the near future
Project would be costly in money, time
By Albetra Gibbons
Most students and teachers at Eastside think central
air is necessary, but opinions differ. Principal Johnson be-
lieves central air would help, but money for this project is
not in the school’s budget.
“The school district will be funding the inclusion
of central air when the long range facility plan comes to
fruition. This is a capital improvement that is not from the
school’s budget,” Johnson said.
Mr. Insler of the English department also believes
that central air would help in the summertime, but doesn’t
think the school needs central air. “If we had better win-
dows that opened and closed safely, we would be good.”
Shacambria Lawson, sophomore, said, “Being hot
causes me to lose concentration and fall asleep in class.
Central air would improve my ability to focus in class and
my performance.”
Ms. Wall, an English teacher, thinks central air is
not a necessity, and instead thinks any money earmarked
for central air would be better spent on technology and sup-
plies for students.
Mr. Taherisefat, Mathematics Department Chair-
person, said, “Eastside is 81 years old, and in order to bring
in central air they would have to go through a lot of con-
struction.” Taherisefat said, “With the amount of time and
money it would take, equipping the school with central air
may not be possible.”
Principal Johnson also said, “In order to put a win-
dow unit in each class, the entire building must be re-wired.
With all the new technology (computers, printers, fax ma-
chines, LCD projectors, etc.) the current electricity is not
sufficient. We would never be able to sustain any additional
pulling of electricity and would create brown/black outs
throughout the building.”
Johnson indicated that central air is part of East-
side’s long range plan for the future. “The long range facil-
ity plan calls for the entire building to be gutted. The infra-
structure will be replaced and central air will be installed
throughout the building.”
Johnson also thinks central air would improve the
ability of students to focus in class, but doesn’t think central
air would improve student achievement and test scores.
The champ is here
Eastside Substance Awareness Coordinator
no stranger to fights
By Mariam Kamara
Jamie Lee Smith is 5’6”, 130lbs., and she will
knock you out. Smith, an EHS Substance Awareness Coor-
dinator, is an aspiring amateur boxer. She was born and
raised in Clifton, NJ and attended Ramapo College.
Even though she loves boxing, Smith has no inten-
tion to go pro. She boxes for fun as it is a hobby for her.
Smith enjoys it simply because it’s challenging.
Smith wishes to stay at the amateur level and con-
tinue her career as an SAC, as she majored in psychology
and counseling.
“Boxing had a major impact on my life, and I met
some of the most amazing people,” Smith said. She met
people like amateur boxer Larraine Infante, who Smith cites
as an influence in her life. According to Smith, she learned
good sportsmanship and how to fight like a girl from In-
fante.
Smith feels that female boxing is not taken seri-
ously. She understands some individuals do not understand
boxing and the fact that there is much more to it than just
knocking someone out. Smith said many women do not take
the opportunity to become boxers simply because boxing is
viewed as a traditionally male sport.
Ms. Smith raising a belt in triumph after a recent fight.
Photo Courtesy of J.L. Smith
SCHOOL CALENDAR:
November 26—Half day for staff/students
November 27 & 28—Thanksgiving Holiday
December 5—Half day for students
December 9—No School
December 23—Half day for staff/students
December 24 to January 4—Winter Recess
LEND A HAND—HELP OUT!
The EHS Physical Education Department is
sponsoring a clothing drive, a toy drive, and a
blood drive. Donations for the toy and clothing
drive can be made in the gym.
See Mr. Super about donating blood.
YOUR HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Scholarship F.Y.I.
By Brittany Givens
A large percent of inner-city students do not attend
college. Could it be because they lack knowledge about
scholarships?
Most high school students do not know this infor-
mation is easy to obtain. Students may not know what
scholarships are, or they just don’t know where to get infor-
mation about them.
Shanequah Byrd, sophomore, said, “If possible, I
would love to be offered a scholarship because it saves par-
ents lots of money.” Byrd also said there should be an as-
sembly so students can get more information about scholar-
ships. “They could even create a website dedicated to the
source of scholarships,” said Byrd.
Keishyua Morris, sophomore, has a completely
different opinion. Morris said, “I think scholarships are un-
fair because not everyone is offered one. Spending money is
a sacrifice you make when you make the choice to attend to
college, and one shouldn’t have special advantages over
another, whether money is an issue or not.”
Scholarship information is available to all students
in room 131, located in the café. Ask for Mrs. Marlin and
you can receive a sheet with names, addresses and many
scholarship opportunities. For more information see your
guidance counselor in the guidance office.
“It is important to be informed of all academic op-
portunities you might qualify for, ” said Mrs. Kayal, an EHS
guidance counselor.
Hats off…
By Tahir Alston
Students in Eastside High School get their hats and
headbands taken away everyday. Students say sometimes
they do not receive their belongings back after they are
taken from them. But what exactly is the reason for this
rule?
Ms. Johnson, the school principal, said public law
states that no headwear shall be worn in any public building.
Johnson says public schools are public buildings and you
are not allowed to wear headwear in school with the excep-
tion of religious reasons. Johnson thinks no one should have
the right to violate any school rule, including this one. “My
job is to enforce all policies, regulations, rules and public
laws,” she said.
Eastside High School student Chyna Prince, sopho-
more, said, “It’s not fair because most of the time, authori-
ties at Eastside let girls wear things on their heads, so why
not just let everyone wear what they want?”
Student Tyshmeika Lewis, senior, said she thinks
teachers favor female students more than male students be-
cause teachers think that headbands and hats are part of
girls’ outfits. “They also need to think about the fact that
hats and headbands can also be a part of boys’ outfits.”
James Anderson, junior, said, “Teachers don’t
want to take students’ belongings because of the rules, they
just want to annoy the students.”
Most of the students are against the rule. On the
other hand, almost all employees of EHS support the rule of
not letting students wear hats and headbands in school.
REBOUND: Don’t get bounced!
By Takira Davis
Rebound, a program designed to help students recover credits, will be starting soon. Students get placed in Rebound
because they lost credits for the year.
“The Rebound program was started because freshmen had the highest dropout rate. The school created another op-
portunity for them to remain in school and learn from their mistakes,” said Assistant Principal Cotto. The program serves
freshmen and sophomores only. Juniors and seniors have a computer-based recovery program, NovaNet, available during
café periods and after school.
Cotto said, “In Rebound, students learn to improve their attendance, study habits, and work habits. Rebound takes
place at night from 3:30-6:30 p.m. and attendance is mandatory once the student is placed in the program.”
Nygeriah Johnson, junior, said she thinks freshmen and sophomores only get placed in Rebound because “juniors
and seniors should be mature enough to know what’s wrong and what’s right.”
Francis Fernandez, sophomore, said if he was placed in Rebound, he would feel badly because he was put there for
cutting class too much.
Brian Morris, sophomore, said he would not be ashamed to tell people he is Rebound because he does not care what
people think about him.
Johnathan George, sophomore, said, “If I was placed in Rebound, I would feel dumb because I’m too smart for Re-
bound.”
Most students interviewed realize Rebound is an option that carries with it a negative stigma. Several teachers inter-
viewed all suggested the following to ensure you do not end up in the Rebound program: go to class every day, be on time,
come prepared, and pay attention.

Say hello to Eastside’sWords by Steve Gray
Mr. Megaro is the new art teacher. He
decided to come to Eastside High School
because it is close to home. He spent
some time teaching ceramics at West
Orange High School. Megaro attended
Rutgers and was certified to teach by
New Jersey City University. In his spare
time, he loves outdoor activities. His fa-
vorite food is rare steak. Megaro’s favor-
ite movie is Into the Wild. He likes
reggae, rock, folk, and jam music.
Ms. Amaro is a new teacher in the World
Languages Department. “I wanted to
work in an urban school,” said Amaro,
who graduated from Union Hill High
School in Union City. She received her
degree from Rutgers University. “Eastside
reminds me a lot of my high school,” said
Amaro. “They have the same school col-
ors.” In her spare time, Amaro likes to go
to the gym and read. Her favorite movies
are The Matrix and The Goonies.
Ms. Olivero is also new to the World Lan-
guages Department. She is a native of
Paterson and student taught at Eastside last
year. “I love all of my classes. I’m having
a great time,” Olivero said. Olivero at-
tended Passaic High School and William
Paterson University. Olivero helps Ms.
Bushart with Salsa lessons on Thursdays
after school. “I’m teaching students how to
dance bachata and meringue,” she said.
Ms. Guerrero, a new Physical Education
teacher, is an alumni of Eastside High
School. She attended William Paterson
University and was a member of the
Paterson Future Teachers program coordi-
nated by Mrs. Speer of the English De-
partment. She decided to come back and
teach at her alma mater. Guerrero has
three younger sisters. Her favorite food is
pizza, and her favorite movie is Great
Expectations.
Mr. Ferdinand is a new Microsoft
word teacher. Ferdinand previously
taught at Bloomfield High School.
“As each week goes by, I find I like
Eastside more,” Ferdinand said. He
graduated from Cardinal Hayes High
School and attended Montclair State
University. Ferdinand did not always
want to be a teacher as he preferred
to be in the business world.
Ms. Hamlett, a new Social Studies
teacher, said, “I wanted to work
somewhere I could make a differ-
ence.” Hamlett graduated from Jona-
than Dayton High School and the
College of St. Elizabeth in Morris-
town. She likes to read and spend
time with her family. Her favorite
food is chicken. She loves all the
Harry Potter movies, and her favorite
author is Phillippa Gregory.

newest staff membersPhotographs by Malacci Robertson
Ms. Ventura is also a new English
teacher. Ventura graduated from St.
Mary’s High School in Jersey City.
She attended Rutgers and New Jer-
sey City University. Ventura taught
at Ferris High School in Jersey City
for three years. She then moved to
Virginia and taught for two years.
Ventura likes to spend time with
family or “hang out” in New York
City. Her favorite food is Spanish.
She loves hip hop and R&B, as well
as rock.
Mrs. Hickmon, a new English teacher,
graduated from Dumont High School.
She later graduated from Seton Hall Uni-
versity with a degree in Marketing and
Business Administration. She then re-
ceived her teaching certificate from St.
Peter’s College. Hickmon’s husband,
Larry, is an Eastside Alumnus from the
Class of 1972. In her spare time she loves
to read, play Nintendo Wii, and sing in
her church choir.
Ms. Young is another new English
teacher. Young taught in the United
States and also in Asia. She at-
tended high school and college in
upstate New York. In her spare
time, she likes to travel. Her favor-
ite food is Boston cream pie. Her
favorite movies are all the Indiana
Jones movies
Ms. Racaniello, a new algebra teacher said,
“I wanted to teach diverse students who
live in a challenging world.” She taught at
Boonton High School a year ago. Ra-
caniello graduated from Cedar Grove High
School and attended Bloomsburg Univer-
sity in Pennsylvania. In her spare time she
likes to sing and dance. She also likes to go
to the movies, concerts and hang out with
her friends. Her favorite food is Italian.
Her favorite movies are Dirty Dancing,
Transformers and Ten Things I Hate About
You.
Mr. Orsini is another new English
teacher. “I heard about the chance to
work with high school students (instead
of middle schoolers) and to teach drama,
so I jumped at it”. When asked how he
likes Eastside so far, Orsini said, “I love
my classes and my students. I’m having
so much fun.” Mr. Orsini graduated from
Lakeland Regional High School. He went
to Rutgers University (undergraduate)
and then William Paterson University
(masters degree work).
Mr. Oliver is also new to the English De-
partment. “I wanted to come back to New
Jersey to teach, and Eastside was the best
opportunity,” he said. He was a teacher at
Lakewood High in Salemburg, North Caro-
lina. Oliver graduated from Verona High
School. He attended Syracuse University
and Essex Community College before
graduating from Montclair State. In his
spare time he likes to play Nintendo Wii.

Kennedy: continued from page 3
Since the incident, Kennedy said he no longer
smokes, no longer drinks coffee, and sticks to foods with a
low sodium, low fat content. He now exercises every day
and limits his fast food intake. Kennedy eats healthy meals
that are normal sized portions.
“I’m just grateful to be back to reach out to the
students,” he said.
The American Heart Association recommends the
following in order to prevent heart attacks: don’t use to-
bacco, be physically active, eat healthy foods, watch your
weight, and avoid excessive alcohol.
SRA: continued from page 3
“There are four native Spanish SRA classes and the
tests are given in Spanish. One class is ESL, but the students
must respond in English. The selections are given to them in
English and they must respond in English,” said Mr. Walter,
who oversees Eastside’s SRA process.
“They were usually scored in the school where the
tests were given,” said Mrs. Amorelli “They plan to make it
so that the tests are scored at other locations, now making
the process of knowing if a student is going to graduate or
not longer.” Amorelli said regional SRA scoring centers
could be established.
SRA will still be used for a while; otherwise, those
students who failed the HSPA would be left back.
Obama: continued from page 1
Students and teachers at Eastside voiced their opin-
ions about this landmark moment in American history.
Mr. Balsamo, of the Social Studies Department,
said, “I think it is great. I’ve been following Obama since
2003. I think we might have a leader for the ages, but I also
think it is going to be difficult for him.”
Mr. Osorio, also of the Social Studies Department,
said, “This is a milestone in American history.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Thompson of the Science Depart-
ment said, “I hope he comes through with his campaign
promises.”
Obama delieverd his acceptance speech shortly
after midnight on November 6. His campaign theme of
change was a highlight of his speech.
“It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, because
of what we did on this date, in this election, at this defining
moment, change has come to America,” Obama said in his
speech to over 100,000 in Chicago’s Grant Park.
Ms. Scimeca, Social Studies Department, con-
ducted a mock election at Eastside. The results, provided
below are based on ballots cast by history students and sen-
ior homerooms. The results were compiled by the Student
Government Association.
MOCK ELECTION TALLY AT EHS:
Barack Obama—773
John McCain—98
Chuck Baldwin—2
Bob Barr—1
Jeffrey Boss—1
Roger Calero—2
Cynthia McKinney—1
Ralph Nader—1
Other—3
Exchange students tour Eastside
Four exchange students from Shetland, an archipel-
ago off the coast of Scotland, visited Eastside on October
24. Shona Duerdan, Lewis King, Margaret Johnston, and
Michael Heubeck, all 17, along with Ridgewood High
School Principal John Lorenz, were received in the princi-
pal's conference room by Principal Karen Johnson for a
light breakfast. Afterwards, the students were given a tour
of the school and visited some classes. The purpose of the
trip, sponsored by the Global Learning Classroom, was to
observe the differences between education in America and
their homeland, both in suburban and urban schools. The
students said America is very different because everyone is
in a hurry, there is more emphasis on sports in school, and
in Shetland “there are more sheep than people."
Check www.state.nj.us/education/
assessment/hs/sra2 for more information
on proposed changes to SRA.
Mr. Kennedy back in school after his heart attack.
Photo: Mallaci Robertson
Photo: Mrs. Valenzano

Fall 2008 Opinion Eastside Criterion Page 9
When it comes to motherhood, timing is everything
MY OPINION
By Sherona Scotland
While many high school girls are deciding what they’re going to wear for school the next day, I’m deciding what
brand of pull-ups to buy. My priorities have changed from hanging out to spending quality time and bonding with my son.
My future no longer consists of one person, but now two. Every decision I make has an effect on my child. I am a proud
mother of a 3-year-old boy, Shemar, and also a very dedicated student of Eastside High School.
Teenage pregnancy is one of
the major concerns in the world today.
Several teenage girls are both full-time
students and mothers. Unfortunately,
others drop out of school whether it’s
because they can’t deal with both roles
in life, or for other personal issues.
According to statistics in the
year of 2005, there were 133,138 teen
births and this number increased the
following year by almost 6,000. The
highest birth rates in the country come
from mothers who are in the age cate-
gory of 18-19. The second highest are
teens aged 15-17 years old. Eighty per-
cent of unwed teen mothers eventually
end up on welfare. Not only is this sad,
but babies who are a result of teenage
pregnancy have lower birth weights, are
more likely to do poorly in school, and
have a much greater chance of being
abused or neglected.
“I truly believe education about
pregnancy needs to start at home and
then continue in elementary school because some girls come to high school already as mothers,” said Mrs. L. Johnson, a life
science teacher at Eastside. “A childcare program has been offered at this school for at least 15 years now. We have a teen
parenting class in the curriculum called GRADS, but unfortunately it is very difficult for teen moms to fit it into their class
schedules. Also, in order for this class to actually be active, there need to be teens who are willing to come to the class and
who have already passed their basic classes.”
About 30 to 45 girls every school year are either mothering or pregnant. This makes the childcare program very es-
sential for girls who need it. For further information please contact Mrs. Johnson (GRADS coordinator) at (973) 321-1000 ex.
51105.
Teens need to know that having a baby is the most beautiful thing in the world. I can say this from my own experi-
ence. I also believe that this experience may be even more beautiful…when the time is right! Lots of girls see babies and say
they want to have one because they are so cute and adorable, or they see pregnant women who look nice with their big bellies
and they figure that they would look good, also. They get all excited about having a baby without knowing the responsibili-
ties.
The changes that take place during pregnancy, like gaining weight and experiencing mood swings, could be very
depressing and sometimes reach the point where they may be harmful. Whatever the mother does affects the baby, including
the way she eats and even the way she feels about herself. Mistakes do happen to everyone, so if you’re a teenage mom like I
am, the most important thing is to just do the best for your baby and yourself. Get an education so you can find a job that pays
well. Then you can have a beautiful future providing for your child.
Sherona Scotland, an Eastside High School junior, and her 3-year-
old son, Shemar. Photo courtesy of S. Scotland.

Eastside Criterion Opinion/Sports Fall 2008
Voting: Exercise your right
MY OPINION
By Cristian Reyes
Like all hard-won rights, voting is something we
should not treat lightly. It is a right we should respect, and it
is a right we should exercise. I recently went out and asked
students and teachers about voting. Here’s what they had to
say:
When asked if whether or not they thought it was
important to vote, Carlos Rosario, freshman, said, “I think
it’s important to vote because the country needs somebody
to lead them.”
Wilmin Mota, sophomore, said, “Yes, because if
we don’t vote, we can’t change presidents.”
Adding her opinion, Isis Perez, sophomore, re-
sponded, “Yes, because it’s important to pick a new presi-
dent.”
When asked if they knew how to register to vote,
none of the students I talked to had a clue where to go or
what to do. I also asked them if their parents were registered
to vote, and the majority said yes.
Mr. Neglio, a student teacher in the Social Studies
Department, said he votes, “Because it’s my civic duty. It is
important to vote because you have to make your voice
heard in our government.” Voting is one of the most pre-
cious rights we have, and my advice to the students of East-
side is to learn as much about the process so when the day
finally comes, your vote counts.
Rieder wins #300
Soccer team gives coach milestone victory
By Frank Zane
Despite a tough season, the boys’ soccer team
managed to get Coach Rieder his 300th
carrer victory by
finishing with a record of 3-14. As the team faced their op-
ponents in the field they, achieved more than just a few vic-
tories. Rieder said the team’s greatest victory was their un-
derstanding of discipline, commitment and hard work.
From day one, the team learned that everyone was
a valuable member of the team and there was no “star
status.”
In Eastside’s victory over Barringer, 4-0, Coach
Rieder notched the 300th
victory of his high school coaching
career.
“Actually, it was an accomplishment by all of the
great players that I have coached,” said Rieder. His high
expectations for his players rewarded him with a tremen-
dous amount of success in his coaching career.
The Mighty Ghosts managed to beat Passaic, 4-2,
and city rival Kennedy, 2-0, as well. The Ghosts continued
to haunt the Knights in their classic rivalry game.
Within the NNJIL, Eastside faced 7 of the top 25
teams in the area, including 3 of the top 20 teams in the
state, and 3 of the top 10 teams in Essex, Bergen, and
Passaic Counties. Even so, the team Coach Rieder led man-
aged to hold its own and at times play equally or better than
its opponents. The team was captained by seniors, Juan
Puerta and Omari Reid. They served as the backbone of the
team to keep the players focused in practices and games.
Coach Rieder is already looking at next year’s soc-
cer season and already has his expectations. “I expect to
build on the foundation that my assistant coach and I have
begun, and I expect even greater commitment and ef-
fort than was displayed this year. I was pleased with the
change in the attitude and demeanor of the team.”
For more information about the
registering process, visit
www.state.nj.us/state/elections.
WANT TO PLAY A WINTER SPORT?
See these coaches for information:
Bowling—Coach Palko, Media Center
Cheerleading—Coach Pinkett, JFK High School
Boys’ Basketball—Coach Davis, Room 203
Girls’ Basketball—Coach Black, HARP Academy
Winter Track—Coach Jordan, Eastside Café
Wrestling—Coach Bartlett, Room 311

Cricket—Not just an insect
By Michael Chung
“Cricket? Is it a bug?” is a common response people
give when asked about the little-known sport of cricket.
According to google.com, cricket is very similar to
baseball. It is played on an oval field. In the middle of the
field there are wickets, three stumps placed behind a batsman
at both ends of a cut out dirt field in the middle, with two
bails placed on top. There are eleven players on a team. Two
batsmen are placed in front of the wickets. The players are
placed on the field the same way they are placed in baseball,
except for an extra batsman at the bottom of the cut out field.
The batsman uses a flat bat to hit the ball. If the bats-
man hits the ball over the boundary line around the field, that
is considered six runs. If the ball hits the ground and then
crosses, it’s four runs. Runs can also be scored if the two bats-
men run up and down the field when the ball is hit. If the
bowler, similar to a baseball pitcher, bowls the ball and the
batsman misses it and the ball hits the wickets, the batsman is
out.
If a player in the field retrieves the ball and knocks
down a wicket before he reaches it, the runner is out. The
batsman is also out if the ball is caught in the air. An umpire
stays at the bottom of the field behind the bowler and gives
signs when any of these things happen. A game usually con-
sists of two innings. In one inning, all the players on each
team bat once in a fixed order. A game may take several days.
At the end of these innings, the team with the most points
wins. Many Americans do not know much about this sport,
possibly because cricket is similar to baseball, a popular sport
in the United States. Cricket is popular in Jamaica, Australia,
England and South Africa. Some famous cricket players are
Ricky Ponting, an Australian player, and Courtney Walsh, a
Jamaican player.
Suewaine Campbell, an Eastside senior originally
from Jamaica said, “It’s just like baseball, but more danger-
ous. I like it because it’s more interesting than baseball.”
She says she watches cricket because it is part of her cul-
ture.
Colesha Kerr, an Eastside junior who is also origi-
nally from Jamaica said, “I know that it has wickets, and I
will play for fun, but I won’t watch on TV because it’s bor-
ing to watch”. She said she only likes cricket because it is
part of her culture.
On the other hand, Lorena Cespedes, an Eastside
sophomore not from Jamaica, said she does not know any-
thing about cricket and would not play it because of her lack
of knowledge. “I’ll watch it if it seems interesting and I
might play to learn more about it,” said Cespedes.
Another American student, Brittney Givens, an
Eastside sophomore, said she does not know anything about
cricket and she would not play because it is not a sport she
finds interesting. Givens said she would not watch because,
“I wouldn’t understand what’s happening.”
The world’s most popular sport?
Soccer not a priority in the Dominican Republic
and Puerto Rico
By Nicole Kuilan
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, but
along with the USA, there are two countries where this sport
isn’t too popular: The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
Some countries where soccer is popular are England,
France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland,
Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico.
But when it comes to the Dominican Republic and
Puerto Rico, this sport is just not popular.
Carlos Rosario, an Eastside freshman, said,
“Soccer is not popular because baseball is the sport of
choice in The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.”
Rosario also said that in his family, only his stepfather likes
soccer because he is Peruvian.
Junior Duran, an Eastside Sophomore, said “Soccer
is not popular in The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico
because the sport is not practiced as much as baseball.”
Duran also said that he doesn’t watch soccer on television
because it is annoying when they scream, “Goal!”
Wilmin Mota, an Eastside sophomore, said,
“Soccer is not popular because Dominicans and Puerto Ri-
cans mostly play baseball.” Mota also said that Puerto Rico-
has more soccer teams than the Dominican Republic be-
cause Dominicans play baseball more than Puerto Rico
does.
World Language Dept. Chairman Mr. Guzman, of
Dominican descent said, “Soccer is not popular in these
countries because, the dominant sport is baseball. It’s the
same with Cuba.” Guzman also said, “The prettier the cli-
mate, the more baseball teams you’ll find.” Despite its un-
popularity in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico,
Guzman said, “Soccer is a great sport for children, and great
for team building.”
Fall 2008 Sports Eastside Criterion Page 11
A cricket match between South Africa and England in 2005.
Photo: Wikipedia.org

Wait until next year…
Girls’ soccer looks to the future
By Freshia Bazil
Despite a tough season, the Eastside girls’ soccer
team is very young and expects to develop their skills and
compete in the next two years. Top players of this year’s
teams were Fiona Wedderburn( sophomore), Shakerra Wed-
derburn (senior), Daisy Fabian (junior), and Aurora Garcia
(senior).
Coach Lombardi said, “This year’s team was more
together than those of past years. We had more team unity
and youth.”
Lombardi said a priority of his program is to make
sure, “Students are students first and athletes second. If their
grades slip, players will not see the field.”
One obstacle the team must overcome in order to
succeed next year is lack of experience. Most high school
athletes have been playing since elementary school, while
Eastside girls start playing in high school. Lombardi said
the freshmen are the players who need to gain experience
for the future. Some of the leaders who led by action first
were Vera Opong (junior) and S.Wedderburn. Lombardi
encouraged the team to become closer and stressed the im-
portance of the team as family.
Practicing in the off season and getting into better
shape is a priority for the next year. “You’re only as good as
your weakest link. Everyone needs to work on their weak-
nesses to make the team stronger,” said Lombardi. To in-
quire about the girls’ soccer team, a fall sport, see Coach
Lombardi in the Phys. Ed Department or Coach Reed in the
English Department.
Football hits hard times
Ghosts still searching for win, identity
By Joi Ealey
This year’s Eastside Mighty Ghosts football team
had a tough season. After making the postseason three con-
secutive years in a row, this year the team won’t be seeing
the playoffs.
Early in the season, Coach Davis said, “I have high
expectations. I expect the team to commit to the program
and their teammates.” Davis added, “Tradition never
graduates,” hoping to capitalize on the teams recent years of
success. Davis hoped to defend the Ghosts’ NNJIL Division
B league championship, but the lack of a superstar player
such as Kumar Davis (University of Massachusetts) or
Tyree McQueen (University of Cincinatti) handicapped the
Ghosts’ chances of consecutive league titles.
Davis stays on top of his athletes to ensure their
grades don’t slip. He said he monitors their grades with
grade sheets, pulls up report cards and talks to teachers.
“The hard part is talking to the athletes and for them to be
honest about where they are academically,” Davis said.
League play has been especially tough for the
Ghosts this year. “In our league, every opponent is tough.
There is not one week where we can take off. Last year,
four teams made the playoffs and one made it to the cham-
pionships (Montclair) from our league.”
Davis said he tries to work hard every week in
preparation for upcoming games, and to scout the teams.
Early season injuries hurt the Ghosts. Jahad Major, TE/DE,
broke his foot and was out four weeks. Johnathan
Bonilla ,OL/DL, and Agusto Reynoso ,OL/DL, both lost
playing time due to knee injuries.
“Self discipline, total commitment to each other
and willingness to become leaders are the x-factors between
success and struggle for the team,” said Davis.
Despite a season of trials on the field, the Ghosts
still find time to help the community. “We do community
service projects, like cleaning up Roberto Clemente Park.
We attend events together, and do activities to promote
team unity”.
Davis said his coaching philosophy is to be firm
and fair and treat individuals like young men. “My premise
is not based on athletics. You have to be a good person,
student, and athlete as well.” Davis added.
“We have to get better in fundamentals, blocking,
tackling, and just overall execution. We have to get better in
every facet of the game,” Davis said. Improving in these
areas could lead to an upset win down the stretch run of the
season.
“We need to win a game. At this moment we are in
a crisis. We’ve had bad seasons where we lost more than we
win, but never at a 0-6 start,” Davis said.
The Ghosts close out the season with the annual
Thanksgiving Day game against cross-town rival Kennedy
at Bauerle Field on Thanksgiving morning, with kickoff
scheduled for 11 a.m.
Corbin runs wild
Cross country standout honored by The Record
By Kelvin Paulino
Eastside junior Salim Corbin ran one of the best
cross country seasons in school history. Corbin placed 20th
in the State Group 4 meet and competed in the State Meet of
Champions the weekend of November 22. He is the first
distance runner in Eastside history to qualify for the State
Meet of Champions.
Corbin is also the first Eastside cross country run-
ner to win the Passaic County Cross Country Championship
in 14 years. Because of this accomplishment, Corbin was
selected as the Male Athlete of the Week by The Bergen
Record on October 28. He is also a first team all-conference
and first team all-county runner.
According to Head Coach Mizzone, “Salim is clos-
ing in on the Eastside High School course record at Garret
Mountain.”
Corbin also runs spring and winter track at Eastside
and maintains a GPA of 3.3.
Page 12 Eastside Criterion Sports Fall 2008

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