Today a youth led protest was held here in Kearny. They could be heard throughout the streets of Kearny demanding justice for George Floyd. Holding signs they proceeded to walk throughout the town continuing chants for the Black Lives Matter movement. Together they travelled to the Police Department and Town Hall. As they kneeled in front of the Kearny Police Department they chanted “no justice no peace”, “say his name”, “ I can't breathe” ,etc. Collectively everything remained peaceful on all sides and they were able to actively contribute to making their voices heard. Planning for future protests are in the works. Teens in Kearny have actively been contributing to making a change. A student organized “Kearny Black Out” is going to be held June 15th and more details will be uploaded to our instagram page @thekearnian.

What we are all currently living through is monumental. In a time like this we have to do all we can to not be a bystander. Use your voice and take action to advocate for what you believe in. Attached are resources on what you can do to take a stance against racism and oppression happening in our country. Please share this with as many people as possible. Your voice matters.

https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/#

If you choose to protest you need to be aware and go prepared. Depending on where you protest you can be at high risk so it’s best to do all you can to stay safe. Make sure to make people aware of where you are and have a way to get home fast. Remember that we’re still dealing with COVID-19 so it’s extremely important to distance yourself from those around you and wear a mask. Officers may tear gas the area or attempt to mace you. If this does happen to someone around you DO NOT USE MILK to flush their eyes. The best method to help them regain vision is to spray water starting from the inner corner of their eye outward. You can do this as many times needed until the person is beginning to feel better. If you have goggles, wear them. People are losing their eyes to rubber bullets. People have also gotten severe injuries from being shot with rubber bullets even when they didn’t provoke an officer.

Be wary of things like bricks that are being left out in hopes of a protester using them so they can make the excuse to get martial law involved. Make sure to cover up any features that could leave you identifiable. No logos, cover tattoos, birthmarks etc. It’s important that you’re mobile so wearing clothing that will allow yourself to move easily such as fitted pants and a hoodie that is tied to conceal your face.

While at a protest don’t record people who have anything that can identify them visible. Be aware of your surroundings, police may try to start barricading areas off. This may not even be done with physical barricades rather they’ll use their bodies to surround the group. This can lead to mass arrests and police brutality if you don’t leave the area immediately. Officers have been merciless and relentless even going as far as to mace children so move with precaution. Again this doesn’t happen at all protests and New Jersey has been quite peaceful but these are legitimate concerns especially if you travel out of state. Stay alert, keep on top of the news, be aware of updates and stay safe. Black lives matter.

In honor of George Floyd protests has sparked across the nation. On May 30th Newark held a protest to seek justice for Floyd. Beside them marched their mayor who is also a person of colour. They all stood unified advocating for Black Lives Matter and justice for victims of police brutality. Throughout its duration it remained peaceful on both the police’s end and the people’s. Unfortunately this hasn’t been the reality for many others. Protesters across the states have been assaulted, shot with rubber bullets, tear gassed, and maced by officers. ICE and the National guard have been deployed during many of the protests. Many of these cops have acted without being provoked. Two cop cars in New York City drove through a group of protesters. A woman was thrown to the ground by an officer in New York City. An officer in Seattle named Jared Campbell maced a young child. There have been other cases of officers ripping off people's face masks and macing them as well as them ripping off women's hijabs. Just like in the case of Jared Campbell there are officers who are concealing their badges as well as other identifying information as they attack innocent people.

Meanwhile just a month earlier armed protesters were attempting to “fight the coronavirus pandemic” stating it was a “hoax” and valuing their hair cuts over people’s lives. Then Donald Trump defended their actions in interviews stating they were bored from quarantining. Meanwhile he describes the protesters looking to seek justice for George Floyd as “THUGS” and sends orders to mobilize the National Guard as a form of protection. Prior he was reluctant to mobilize the National Guard to assist those affected by COVID-19. However now he promptly sends them because people are fighting against systemic oppression. The media is solely trying to shift the narrative and focus on the riots. However the public needs to remember why this is happening. The people are trying to break a cycle that has been going on for hundreds of years. They’re doing all that they can to be heard because for the first time people are actually drawing their attention to the injustices in our society and taking a stance. This isn’t the result of just one death, George Floyd is just the name that ignited people’s harboured anger for the countless others that have been lost for no reason.

Protester’s are simply trying to exercise their First Amendment rights which has been met with relentless adversity for it. In no world is it acceptable for police to attack innocent people. Individual lives matter more than materialistic things. Buildings can be rebuilt, people’s lives can’t. Black lives matter.

On May 25th a man named George Floyd was brutally murdered in Minneapolis by people hiding behind a badge. It was alleged that George Floyd had used a counterfeit twenty dollar bill and the clerk called the cops. The officers ripped George from his car, handcuffed him, and proceeded to take him to the other side of the street. They then forced him onto his stomach and kneeled on his neck. The man wasn’t resisting arrest and yet he was murdered over an “alleged counterfeit twenty dollar bill”. His life was mercilessly taken from him after crying out and pleading “I can’t breathe”. This man lost his life to an officer who was also his former coworker, and an officer with a dozen accounts of misconduct. There was a blatant warning that this man was unfit to keep safety and it took a man’s death to spark change. As of now after countless protests and petitions one of the four officers has been arrested.

From there he is becoming a catalyst for a powerful wave of activists demanding structural change and justice for people of colour. Disturbing videos of police brutality and murders have erupted throughout all major social media platforms. A nuance has developed in people across the globe as countless others are now speaking up after being silenced for so many years. However this man isn’t just a symbol, he was a person, a person who was a lot of things to a lot of people. George was six feet and six inches tall and described by his loved ones as being a “gentle giant”. He had moved from Houston to Minneapolis searching for work as a truck driver. Previously he was working as a bouncer for a restaurant but lost his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Floyd was 46 and had a six year old daughter and a wife. He was looking to start fresh with his family beside him. He was a person living a unique life just like the rest of us. In his youth he was known for being athletic and scoring touchdowns, and his family and friends continue to reminisce over those smaller details. He was a father, a partener, a friend, among other things he was a human with feelings and character looking to better his life. Black lives matter.

On April 21, KHS’ law classes were given quite a surprise. The teacher, and the Kearnian’s own leader, Mr. Adamski gathered both groups into one zoom meeting under the guise of preparing for their mock trials. During the questioning of a witness, Joe Gatto from Impractical Jokers crashed the class! Every student was left shell-shocked and speechless. Breaking the silence and surprise with ease, Gatto started to ask questions about the class, such as what type of case they were dealing with. Immediately, the prosecution said it was a murder case and the defense team quickly retorted that it was only a supposed murder case. Gatto then spoke up saying it was murder and that he knew because he witnessed the act. This caused member of the defense team, and president of the Kearnian, Giuliana Evangelista to start questioning him. Without any hesitation, Gatto responded with quick and witty responses, making everyone laugh. Then he got into why he was there and spoke about how he was crashing classes all over the country to brighten up the students’ days in the wake of such a horrible event. It was a touching explanation that all in the call appreciated. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to stay for very long because he had to go and continue spreading laughs to other students. However, the event was unforgettable to all of those present in the call, especially since Gatto took the time to address all of them specifically at least once. Gatto’s decision to crash classes shows just how great of a person he is and just how lucky the world is to have him spreading laughter to all who he can.

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The Kearnian doesn’t usually do editorials, however, I felt the need to write my personal feelings about this event. I was present during this call and the whole experience made my day, keeping my spirits and hopes up well into the night. I couldn’t stop telling my family about it, especially when he called me out specifically to say he liked my gaming headphones. Gatto set out to make people happy and laugh. That day, I can assure he did both. I am extremely grateful to both Adamski, for setting the meeting up to help his classes, and Gatto, for appearing and lifting the spirits of all there. You are both great people that us students are lucky to have had the pleasure of meeting and having in our lives. Thank you both.

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Above is a video of the crashed class taken by Mr. Adamski on his phone. Watch it to get an idea of just how well the class went and how happy Gatto made the students!

One of the oldest records of an epidemic was from Athens during the Peloponnesian War in the year 430 BC. A historian that went by the name of Thucydides wrote down what the symptoms were of the plague that was going around back then. His texts, translated by Richard Crawley, Stated,”people in good health were all of a sudden attacked by violent heats in the head, and redness and inflammation in the eyes, the inward parts, such as the throat or tongue, becoming bloody and emitting an unnatural and fetid breath...”. This plague swept across Libya, Ethiopia and Egypt.

In the year 165 AD, the Antonine Plague was making its way around Europe. It began with the Huns who passed it onto the Germans who eventually gave it to the Romans who spread it across the Roman Empire, claiming the life of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The plague ended in 180 AD, that’s 15 years since the plague was a problem.

Much later, just 2 decades after the Revolutionary Wars, 1793, the Yellow Fever struck the US. Around this time it was not known that mosquitoes spread this sickness and it was thought that slaves around that time were immune to the sickness which led to their recruitment into nursing the sick. This epidemic didn’t end until winter, in which all the mosquitoes died off. This illness still claimed around 5,000 lives.

In the 20th Century, 1916, the polio epidemic started in New York. This epidemic caused 27,000 cases and 6,000 deaths. The vaccine for this illness was produced in 1954, 38 years laters. The “Salk” Vaccine put an end to the growth in Polio cases and the last case of polio was reported in 1979.

In 2009 the H1N1 Swine flu spread from Mexico into the rest of the world. The amount of people that were infected globally was unclear and the amount of deaths ranged anywhere from 100,000 to 500,000. The vaccine was eventually synthesized on October 5th 2009, which is now administered with a flu vaccine.

This is a very difficult time that the world is living in. With these unprecedented events occurring, schools will remain closed until May 15, but that can change at any moment. With that being said teachers, faculty, and school administration are trying their very best to stay connected with their students and continue the school year virtually. This change can be overwhelming and hard to adapt to in the beginning so here are some tips to help you adjust more to this changing situation:

1. The school has now implemented “Flexible Friday”. Fridays are now for students to catch up on any work that they might have missed during the week and to review what they learned. Take this time and use it wisely. Email your teachers if you have any questions, as they are there to help you.
2. Go to sleep at a reasonable time. Starting your day off right starts with a good night’s sleep. You know yourself, so go to sleep at a time that you feel is right for you.
3. Stay connected with friends. Reaching out to people you know is a good way to keep your mind off of things and to relieve boredom and stress.

Getting your school work done on time is very important. Not getting your work done can affect your grades immensely. Just remember, we are all in this together and you got this!

Although remote learning is vastly different from a traditional learning experience there may be potential benefits to the practice. Through quarantine every school in America, if not globally has become accustomed to the practice of online school. When we eventually return back to school there are still going to be brutally cold winters and occasional extreme weather. There is often a debate as to whether or not we should use our snow days or have a delayed opening. However never before did we consider using remote learning to compensate during bad weather. On the occasional day that the weather is brutal but we’ve already used the majority of our snow days, maybe the board of education will consider this as a viable option. It would benefit both us and the school because we’d still maintain some sort of learning while at home,it wouldn’t jeopardize break, and we wouldn’t have to go out in extreme weather. There are also other school’s who have already implemented these methods prior to quarantine which made for an easier adjustment. The lessons that we learn through quarantine are definitely valuable. Working from home helps create independence and self discipline now that we’re away from the traditional structure of school. It’s important that we don’t forget these lessons and find ways to integrate what we’ve learned from this experience into our daily lives.

Quarantine is not a situation that students ever thought that they were going to be in. Staying home all day without being able to see any of your friends may be a bummer, but not all is lost. While bored in quarantine you are able to accomplish many productive tasks.

1. Learn a language

Whether it be a language from school or a completely new one, learning a language is definitely something worth trying. However, if you have no urge to learn a new language, just try to brush up on a language you already know.

2. Go for a walk/run

Maintaining active is an important part of staying healthy. Since school is out, walking around the block can be considered the same as walking to math class or lunch. Be sure to maintain distance when other people are walking around as well!!

3. Clean your room

A clear room means a clear mind. Since everybody is spending most of their time at home in their rooms, it should be a good idea to dust off the area you're staying in.

Remember to wash your hands and stay safe!!

Valentine’s Day is usually a day in which you acknowledge the ones you love and long for deeply. Nothing can go wrong on this day, except of course, anything. Valentine’s day has had its fair shares of casualties whether it be a murderer or gang rivalry.

1929 Valentine's Day, seven members and associates of Chicago's North Side Gang are murdered. The men were gathered at a Lincoln Park garage on the morning of Valentine's Day. They were lined up against a wall and shot by four unknown assailants who were posing as police officers. This incident resulted from the struggle to control organized crime in the city during Prohibition between the Irish North Siders, headed by George "Bugs" Moran, and their Italian rivals led by Al Capone.

On the Valentines of 2001, a Dr. John Hamilton bought a large bouquet of flowers for his wife. To his horror he allegedly arrived home to see his wife dead in a pool of blood, beaten so savagely that her brains were exposed. It wasn’t until much later that the police suspected Dr. John Hamilton of the murder and matched the blood spatters on his sweater with those at the scene of the crime. Dr. John Hamilton was charged with murder after two hours with a jury.

2013, Nathan Leuthold , a father of two, shoots his wife straight in the face. Prior to the murder he had googled how to effectively kill someone and poison an individual. Nathan also used money from his children’s college fund for hush money to his mistress.

In 2010, Stacey Schoeck hires a hitman, “Mr. Results”, to shoot her husband to collect his 500,000 dollar life insurance policy. She was caught and charged with orchestrating the murder through a series of recorded phone calls with “Mr. Results”. Both with the addition of her friend who also helped were thrown in jail.

For all of the single pringles out there, facing February 14th without a loved one can feel quite lonely. Thankfully, there are a few solutions for you so that you’re not sitting alone in the dark wondering why no one has asked you out yet. First things first, hang out with your best friends. You guys can have a sleepover, go to the movies, or just chill at someone’s house. Now if you don’t have any friends, Netflix can be your BFF. Snuggle with your favorite stuffed animal, make yourself a bowl of popcorn, turn the lights out and watch your favorite rom com. You may be sitting in the dark, but at least you’re sitting there doing something instead of getting lost in your sad thoughts. And if you don't want to stay, you can try babysitting for a couple that wants to go out. Though remember if you do not have access to any of the above mentioned, just treat it as any other day. After all, Valentine’s Day is just another capitalistic, corporate holiday.

Sign language comes in a multitude of variations one of which happens to be ASL. ASL being an acronym for American Sign Language. Even if you’re a hearing individual or that doesn’t mean ASL isn’t right for you. Just learning a small amount of sign can be helpful to be more inclusive and assist those with hearing impairments. For those interested in learning, YouTube is a great starting point that can teach basic signs conversational signs. It’s most helpful to start by learning the alphabet to be able to “finger spell” (which is used for names and acronyms) and progressing from there. Investing into a book of signs is also a great option for people who have a hard time finding an organized online source for independent study.

Kearny High School’s successful Dance Off was thought of last year by the Class of 2021 and their loved class advisor, Miss Gigl. Since the idea had been initiated by the class, all proceeds are going to the Class of 2021. This year’s Dance Off was on January 22, 2020 and was once again very successful and encountered a great crowd. Miss Gigl was very excited about this Dance Off specifically because there was more of a mix-up of individual and group acts, including a variation of different classes. This year, first place was won by the captivating group, BLB, which featured students, Stella Quintino, Bianca Brigo, Livia Almeida, Rhaiminy Santos, and Omar DeSouza. Second place was won by another mind-blowing group that introduced the students, Leslie Ortega, Megan Hsieh, Myckayla Chipelo, and Pedro Correa. Last, but certainly not least, third place was taken victoriously by an individual act, Josh Antigua. Though the Dance Off is new, it will surely be something that will continue on even when the Class of 2021 takes their leave.

As the end of the year quickly approaches so do many important deadlines. Sophomores have their driver’s test to review for, juniors have the SATs, and seniors have a plethora more stuff. From prom to college applications to graduation, every day seems to be stacked sky-high with events and celebrations. But as much fun as being a senior is, it also comes with a whole lot of stress and endless bouts of anxiety.

The counselor’s office will inevitably become a second home as deadlines close in on college applications and you have to scramble to get all your paperwork in on time. Then there’s the senior play along with the musical. For those students that do decide to participate, you have to practice hard before you even get assigned a role! Skipping ahead with events like the talent show, the dance off, 12 Days of Christmas, powderpuff, among others, you finally get to graduation. The bittersweet moment where you finally depart from all your underclass friends, the Kearny High School community, and everything you’ve ever known in order to go off to college. It is a scary and stressful turning point in your young life, but it is oh so worth it in order to become a bigger and better person.

Usually when people hear about vegan food, their minds lead them to picture an image of the ‘Nasty Patty’ from Spongebob. For a matter of fact, that is not the case. Earlier this month, T.A.A.C. arranged a very last minute bake sale that turned out to be a success. With proceeds of the earnings going to wildfire relief in Australia, it encouraged students and staff to buy the cruelty-free goods. The club had options that ranged from baked oreos, to mochi and fruit cups. Surpassing the goal of $200, Teen’s Against Animal Cruelty surely changed some views of the idea of sustainable, vegan dessert. If you’re interested in participating in other events like the bake sale and/or helping out the community and the ones that make us the happiest in life, visit room 331 on Thursdays after school!

On Tuesday, January 14, 2020, the sophomores and seniors of Kearny High attended an assembly about the abuse of drugs and alcohol. The two guest speakers both shared their stories about how they started their substance abuse, how life was like under the influence, and how they managed to break away from all that. Assemblies like these help people see the dark road that may be ahead if they manage to get tangled in the life of substance abuse as well as providing appropriate help if they want or need any.

Giuliana Evangelista is no stranger to broadening her horizons and chasing the goals she dreams of. Not only has she written and published a book as a teen, but she has recently started her own business. “Twibsies” is a self-designed sticker company. With prices ranging from as little as $2.50 a pack on Etsy, you can get all festive for the winter with her seasonal themes. Giuliana started this business to inspire others to get out and design new styles alongside her. “I’m not the best drawer, but this has definitely given me the incentive to increase my drawing ability.” Her stickers come with more thought than most. Giuliana is an example for those who are too intimidated by the thought of starting something new and big for themselves. If you have an idea that can better yourself and others, go for it, age does not determine what you can do.

The holidays are around the corner which means thats its time to start thinking about your new years resolution, whatever that may be. It is also time to think about what you want to do for the new year and most importantly the new decade. The Kearnian has already taken this into consideration and compiled a list of bad habits to drop in 2020.

1. Not getting enough sleep

Not getting enough sleep is probably the worst habit that students have and one that should definitely be dropped in the new year for a healthier you.

2. Not reading

Reading is truly something that anyone can enjoy if they try it, yet most do not take the opportunity to do so. It is also a skill that can be very useful in terms of test taking and overall makes for a better outlook on life.

3. Not setting goals

This one may seem a bit of a stretch but setting goals whether that be big or small gives you something to work towards and when you have accomplished it you can be proud of it.

When you wish upon a star, you get the latest streaming service Disney has to offer. Disney’s answer to Netflix was released on November 12, 2019. The very anticipated streaming service started off at $6.99 a month, less than Netflix’s monthly plan. Verizon Wireless subscribers with the Unlimited Data plan can get Disney+ for free for 1 year (Link below for more information). Aside from the pricing, Disney+ offers a variety of selections from Disney owned assets such as Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, alongside a few selections from 20th Century Fox.

The Pixar selections include Pixar original shorts, Disney+ original series based on Pixar, and beloved movies such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, UP, Wall-E, and Coco, which was recently acquired after negotiations with Netflix. The original Walt Disney Studios selection includes most of Disney’s signature animation as well as live-action films produced by Walt Disney Studios and Disney Channel. The Disney vault is open, with classics such as Pinnochio, Dumbo, Beauty and the Beast, The Jungle Book, Aladdin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Little Mermaid, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Cinderella, and, of course, The Lion King.

For all Marvel fans, Disney+ does not have all 23 films of the MCU. However, all major favorites are viewable, such as all Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor movies, Doctor Strange, The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, both Guardians of the Galaxy movies, Captain Marvel, Ant-Man, and Avengers: Endgame. Old Marvel cartoon series from the early 60’s all the way to shows on air today, can also be streamed such as the Amazing Spider-Man Series, the X-Men animated series, and much more. Star Wars fans may be anxious to see what The Rise of Skywalker will offer on December 19, 2019, but Disney+ allows viewers the chance to recap on the whole Skywalker saga from Episodes 1-7, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Solo and Episode 8: The Last Jedi won’t be available for some time until negotiations with Netflix allow Disney to acquire both films. However, fans can also dive into the cartoon series such as The Clone Wars and Rebels, and the popular original series, The Mandalorian. The Force is Strong with this streaming service.

Disney+ originals also made a breakthrough, with such originals such as the High School Musical Series, The Mandalorian, and Lady and the Tramp (2019). Many more are on the rise, especially many anticipated Marvel titles such as Falcon and the Winter Soldier, WandaVision, She-Hulk, Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight, and Loki. Be on the lookout for these amazing selections, and enjoy the variety of content Disney+ has to offer.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. On the first day of Ramadan, Allah (Arabic word of God) revealed the opening verses of the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam. During Ramadan, people pray, fast (no food or water), and reflect for one month. Muslims start to fast from sunrise till sunset.

Fasting reminds Muslims of the suffering of the poor and hungry. It also reminds us that we are humans, and we need to help less fortunate people. Fasting is not just a way to get closer to God. Still, it is also a way to purify our bodies from disease, study shows Ramadan fasting would be an ideal recommendation for the treatment of mild to moderate diseases such as non-insulin dependent diabetes. At the end of Ramadan there is a big holiday called Eid. Eid lasts for three days and usually muslims attend morning Eid prayers the day after Ramadan. Families usually spend a day picnicking and eating during the day.

Ramadan 2020 in United States will begin in the evening of Thursday, April 23 and ends in the evening of Saturday, May 23. Dates may vary.

Poetry has been a popular component of literature for thousands of years, dating all the way back to epic poems from the 20th century B.C. Poetry encapsulates a theme through a variety of elements; the flexibility in poetry allows poets to be able to structure their works in ways other genres cannot. Recitation is an integral component of poetry, and competitions like Poetry Out Loud allow students to compete with presentations of poems. Each recitation is unique as students recite poems in an attempt to portray their perception of its message. After an interview with an English teacher, Ms. Viso, she made the following comments:

Q: How long has the school been participating in POL?

A: I started working at Kearny High School about six years ago, and they were running the competition then, so I'd say they've been participating for some time before then too.

Q: Do you think students should be exposed to more poetry? Why or why not?

A: Students should be more exposed to poetry. Poetry enlightens people to explore feelings on a deeper level and creatively express themselves through figurative language.

Q: How do you think students benefit from the competition?

A: This competition teaches students to read literature on an analytical level, and evoke feelings from the audience through their delivery. It allows students to deliver famous poetry from their perspective and express individuality in a time when everyone feels the need to conform to one another via social media.

Q: Has a student ever made it to the statewide or national competition?

A: As far as I'm aware, we have only had students reach the statewide level of the competition.

The schoolwide Poetry Out Loud competition begins December 10th. Hundreds of students will compete in an attempt to make it further in the competition. With determination, hard work, and hope, Kearny High has a good chance at achieving greatness in this competition.

Although Kearny High School offers many engaging clubs and activities after school, Language Arts teacher, Michael Sylvia, had noticed no clubs concerning animals. Mr. Sylvia has always loved animals for as long as he could remember. He has been a vegetarian for 15 years and still is to this day. As quoted in The Lorax, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not,” and is one of Mr. Sylvia’s reasons for starting a new club against animal cruelty.

Teens Against Animal Cruelty President, Gloria Natividade, has a goal for the club to get active as soon as possible in the community. To extend the club’s existence not only in Kearny High School, but to help out all within the town of Kearny. She stated, “I hope to fundraise as much as possible for the animals. . . It will never fail to put a smile on everyone’s face in the club once we help local vets and shelters.” Volunteering is something very essential to the club’s mission. Another goal of Ms. Natividade is for their new club to flourish with other animal lovers like herself and Mr. Sylvia, to make a difference. Teens Against Animal Cruelty Club is after school on Thursdays in room 331. The club is open to all, whether you are pescetarian, vegetarian, vegan, or none of the above.

The annual Kearny High School dodgeball tournament took place on November 26. In this tournament, students formed teams of six (and a seventh alternate) which had to have at least two people each gender. The game was held in the gym with two playing courts. The rules were to not get hit or else you're out, to not have the other team catch a ball that you threw, don't step outside the red line unless you're getting a ball, and if you catch a ball thrown by the opposing team, a player who was out on your team could reenter the game. The winning team was a team called “The Bigfellas” and the runners up were the “Dodgeball Disciples“ (bottom right picture). The winning team was also undefeated unlike every other team that night. Some honorable mentions were the “Slouse Squad” and the “Cross Crusties” (bottom left picture) who were third and fourth respectively. Each member of “The Bigfellas” was awarded a $20 Chipotle gift card. All teams had uniforms and some had their team name printed as well as their own names. Other teams drew on their shirts and others just wore similar colors. The event is a new addition to Kearny High’s yearly agenda and was a fun event for everybody who attended or competed.

Project Pride recently held an assembly last Tuesday in the auditorium for the Freshman and Juniors. The objective of the assembly was to help spread awareness for substance abuse in a very real way. Although the assemblies about substance abuse may seem a bit redundant, Project Pride had a different approach compared to the usual assemblies. They brought prisoners on the road to recovery to speak with us. People who’ve experienced the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse shared their stories, some of which our peers might have unfortunately resonated with. Each of them came from different backgrounds, some positive and supporting others lonely and rough. However, they all found themselves on the same path. They shared their painful and brutal experiences to help you feel less alone and realize what your normality should be. Your normality should involve being studious and setting goals; it’s not right for you to jeopardize your future in the same way the speakers at the assembly did when none deserves such a fate. Falling into a spiraling hole of substance abuse and violence results in a dreadful loneliness that the speaker’s from Project Pride had all experienced first accounts of. This is why they compel all of you to either continue to make good decisions and evaluate your lives or to change the choices you’ve been making to better yourself.

Taken By: Jeff Guimaraes (November 26, 2019)

‘How much food am I going to eat, what am I going to make, how do I stop myself from eating too much?’

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, it's safe to say that everyone has these kind of questions in mind. In short, the answer to whether or not eating too much can kill you is yes. Eating too much can eventually kill you, just like too much of anything isn’t good for you. However, in terms of Thanksgiving alone, eating a massive feast won’t do too much other than to leave you groggy and uncomfortable for a while. When you eat a lot in one sitting, your stomach has to expand in order to take in the extra amount of food. In addition to that, your body will see a spike in things like blood sugar and pressure, fluid, and cholesterol. If you eat so much that you’re stomach tears and that food starts to spill out into the rest of your body, yes you could potentially die. The possibility of that occurring though is very slim. As long as you watch how much you eat and make sure to burn off those extra calories, there should be nothing to worry about. With that being said, have a great Thanksgiving everyone!

Sam Patel’s mother, Rafaela Chaves, runs a non profit organization in Mozambique for children who are less fortunate. Missions Ministry provides neighboring children of villages and cities whose homes aren’t safe with education, food, clean water, and day time shelter. The children are each individually sponsored by Americans desiring to help. After signing up, sponsors are required to pay a mandatory minimum of $50 a month which provides these children with opportunities they wouldn’t find otherwise. Currently, Missions Ministry is staffed with over thirty teachers, has one thousand students, a playground, gym, cafeteria, nursing room, and a farm for fresh food. It takes on a similar structure to our schooling. Children stay for the day, have class, eat, recess, etc and then go home at night. Currently, art, music, instruments, and computer programs are pending but will hopefully be added soon.

With the holidays coming around the corner there are many people rushing to get presents for

loved ones. This can be a stressful time which is why the Kearnian has made a list of the top

things to get for Black Friday.

1. TVs: The deals that come with TVs on Black Friday every year are almost unmatched

with savings on the hottest 4K and flat screens of up to several hundred dollars.

2. Video Games: During this time video game companies like Nintendo or Sony come up

with new games or consoles which many stores offer gift cards for.

3. Toys: Black Friday is usually the time to shop for Christmas presents and toys are

among the highest on peoples’ lists. Stores have already released their toy lists and can

be found in their flyers.

4. Clothing: Whether you’re looking for a new jacket or a cool new pair of shoes there are

tons of stores that offer great savings for all the things you want in your closet.

5. Electronics: There were many great things that have been released in the world of

electronics which includes the new Airpods Pro.

As Thanksgiving break approaches, teachers, students, and staff get ready to enjoy the four day weekend filled with food, family, and relaxation. It's a short break, but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy it and make the most of it. Here are a few things you can do to enjoy your Thanksgiving break:

1. Help cook!

Who doesn’t love food? You shouldn’t let one person do all the cooking. Not only will you help relieve some stress by helping, but it's fun! It's a great way to contribute to the celebration and bond with other family members.

2. Spend time with your family!

Many of us have relatives in distant countries who we only see over the holidays. Take advantage of the time they spend here and spend time with them. Also, take advantage of the family time to spend with the family you see everyday.

3. Friendsgiving!

Who says Thanksgiving is just for family? Get your best friends together and have a night of cooking, movies, and being thankful for each other.

4. Volunteer!

Many of us don’t realize that the holidays are hard for many people in need. Help others by volunteering at local food pantries or other organizations that help collect for those in need. If you can’t volunteer, donating canned food, clothes, toiletries, and other necessities can make somebody's holiday so much better.

5. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Take a trip to New York City this Thanksgiving with your family for the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade takes place at 9am on Thanksgiving Day and is a great way to spend the morning. Because we live so close to New York City, the parade is something everybody should go to at least once.

6. Black Friday Shopping!

As high school students, we understand the value of a good sale. Take advantage of black friday deals and buy those new shoes you’ve been wanting. Think ahead and save some money on your holiday shopping. If you don’t want to deal with the crowds, you can save on Cyber Monday deals right from your home.

7. Catch up on work...

We hate to ruin the fun, but we all have assignments due. If you have some free time, catch up on some assignments so you can spend the week after break stress free.

8. Be Thankful!

Last but not least, spend the Holiday being thankful for all that you have. Take the time to thank those around you for all the things they do for you.

Taken By: Natalie Vega (November 14, 2019)

Anyone who grew up before the late 2010’s would know and remember the joy of going to the mall, an activity that sadly has lost its popularity over the years. Watching the hustle of people trying to find everything they need in an efficient timespan without the trouble of insane traffic has become something of a joke, as the growing presence of online shopping lures more people than ever into its clutches. But the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford plans on changing that with its revolutionary design and intention, one that its website calls “Beyond Your Wildest Dreams.” The mall’s complete opening is scheduled to occur in four stages, the first of which includes Nickelodeon Universe and The Rink, one of the largest indoor theme parks and ice skating rink respectively which opened on October 25th. The next three stages include a waterpark opening on November 27th, the only indoor snow park in North America on December 5th, and over 350 shopping stores and outlets in March 2020. Although this opening has been almost 20 years in the making it’s sure to make a lasting impact and hopefully revive the magic of malls that has become lost.

Not everyone is superstitious, but even those who are do admit that their beliefs are a little out of the ordinary. Superstitions are irrational beliefs that stem from scientific data and/or a misinterpretation from urban legends. According to the Washington Post, here is what folks from around the world had to say about superstitions:

Kidnapped by a Mermaid

According to Marko Phiri, in Zimbabwe, mermaids are believed to exist. If one happens to be kidnapped by a mermaid, the family must not shed a single tear for that missing person or the family will never see said person ever again.

India is Very Superstitious

According to Akanksha Prasad from New Delhi, superstitions are far from new. Some of her favorites include: cutting one’s nails, shaving on a Tuesday or Thursday, or washing one’s hair on a Saturday will invite bad luck while broken glass, broken artifacts or broken mirrors allow devils into the home.

Devil Mirrors

Washington Post’s Mexico bureau chief, Joshua Partlow, shared that if two mirrors are put in front of each other, an opening threshold for the devil occurs.

Those are a few of the many superstitions around the world that the Washington Post shared. Check out the original article at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/10/26/whats-a-scary-superstition-in-your-part-of-the-world-share-it-with-us/?arc404=true

Source: Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/10/26/whats-a-scary-superstition-in-your-part-of-the-world-share-it-with-us/?arc404=true

In NJ, there is a volunteer program for our court system that even some KHS students can be a part of. This program is run to help strengthen the partnership between the community and the courts while also increasing the public’s confidence in its court system. The volunteers are appointed by a judge for a term that is one to three years long and screened systematically to keep the integrity of the court safe. They will be trained through a court orientation and program specific instruction. The volunteers will also be supported by a designated program coordinator in the local court. These volunteers gain many educational opportunities to help support their volunteering experience and self-growth.

To volunteer, one must meet the following criteria:

• Commitment:
  • Be able to complete the orientation and program-specific training
  • Serve for at least one year
  • Comply with all applicable Judiciary policies
• Background check
  • (having a criminal record doesn’t necessarily disqualify someone)
• Must be 18
  • (with exception authorized by a Juvenile Conference Committee)
• Must reside/work in county the applicant plans to volunteer in
• U.S. Citizenship is not required
  • Applicants must be authorized to work according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations
• Skills
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Must be able to speak, read, and write in English
  • Bilingual skills may be helpful

The link to the application for Hudson County Community:

https://www.njcourts.gov/forms/10293_vol_appl.pdf?c=lxQ

Halloween is approaching fast this year. It’s only eight days away! On October 31, KHS will be full of dressed up students who are ready to show off their awesome costumes. However, to keep all of them from getting shown the door, here are the rules and regulations for the Halloween of 2019:

• Regular school rules regarding the dress code must still be followed.
• No masks, canes, sticks, or weapon-like items of any kind are allowed.
• No half face or full face make-up. (The staff need to be able to identify students immediately.)
• You MUST wear your ID.
• No fake blood or other substances that can spill or cause a mess will be allowed.
• Students cannot wear anything seductive or provocative in nature.
• Nothing that promotes the use of illegal substances or activities, derogatory
• or disrespectful or portrays violence.
• Students must show each other respect by not touching, defacing, or insulting other students’ costumes.
• Students must show respect for others by not choosing costumes that are insensitive and/or offensive to the diverse backgrounds represented by others at our school.

Follow these rules unless you want to possibly be given a dress code, have the school call your home for a change of clothes, or be suspended.

Did you ever hear about the Syrian civil war? Or did you know just a little bit about what is happening in Syria?

Here is a story of my life. It resembles the story of any Syrian refugee. First, let me introduce myself, my name is Hamzeh Kanaan, and I am 17 years old. I was born in Syria in a city called Homs. There are seven members in my family. My father was an engineer in a power plant in the city of Hama. Our life in Syria before the civil war was normal; we were a middle-class family. The civil war began in March 2011, and over time got worse.

When the civil war began, my life was healthy, and it did not affect me. At the end of 2011, my life was so hard because the Syrian army had entered our village and killed everyone who lived in it. But by some miracle that happened to us, we were still alive. My family decided to leave town. We wanted to reach other countryside that had not been contacted by the Syrian forces. We moved from village to another to escape the Syrian regime’s tanks. We slept in a tent among trees; getting water and food was very dangerous and sometimes scarce. In that time, life was unable to live, so we decided to go to Jordan to be in a safe place. To be in a place where we could sleep without being scared. After we went through the checkpoints, all of my family members were scared and worried about the Syrian soldiers. Finally, we arrived in the Syrian desert. This area is between Jordanian and Syrian borders. This trip took three consecutive days. We were traveling with a group of people to leave my country. We moved in the middle of the night, which was confusing and scary. Some of the others went the wrong way, and I never saw them again, I didn’t know if the same would happen to my cousins who were with us. We started walking four kilometers between the borders of the two countries, and everyone in my family has their bags on their backs. When I was walking, I was thinking, what am I doing, and where am I going? Then I said, “My God will never leave me alone,” there were many families who walked with us. We did not feel safe until we crossed the Syrian lands.

We arrived in Jordan, and the Jordanian army received us, and I was happy, and at the same time, I was sad because I left my home, my friends, and my school. The Jordanian army put us in a big tent, some people slept inside it, and some slept outside. We lived in this condition until the second day. Then the Jordanian army moved us to another point, all the while we received no food. We were starving, tired, and scared. On the third day, the army transferred to the last point by bus. We arrived there, and my dad gave the IDs to the Jordanian inspector, they were the last things from my country.

Finally, we arrived at Al- Zaatari, a camp for the Syrian refugees that has more than 70,000 refugees living there. We lived there in a tent for about six months. During that time, my father began to work as a volunteer in the United Nations Relief Organization. My brothers and I also worked in the camp. The work that we did was build new tents for Syrian refugees.

Al-Zaatari was not suitable for human habitation. The temperature was very high, the water was not drinkable, and there was no electricity. Where are the schools? How can anyone receive an education? There was nobody who knew how to read and write. The only type of food that was available is canned beans and crushed rice. The contaminated water tanks caused many of us to get ill.

Some of the dangers in Al Zaatari were that the tents exposed to fire or subject to drowning by floods. The life there was complicated, but it was better than my country because it is a safe place.

Then we decided to go to Amman, the capital of Jordan. We lived in a small house because house rentals were costly. While living there, we started to think about how we can stand again, because the life that was there was hard and everything was expensive. Some Jordinas hated Syrians because they believe we rented their houses, and we took all their job opportunities. Some of these people cursed at me and called me Syrian they didn’t call by my name. They had become profoundly xenophobic and racist, but I didn’t answer them because I did not want to get into fights with them. Sometimes I got mad at them, but I can’t do anything about it, and so I lived some days in humiliation.

My family and I started to work. We spent one year working to collect money, and that is why we did not go to school. We registered at the United Nations Refugee organization and started to take some assistance, such as food stamps, and our condition started to improve. After one year in 2015, my brothers and I enrolled in school, and I was thrilled. I entered 6th grade, and I worked so hard because I was out of school for two years. My brothers and I got honor roll! I was very interested in meeting new friends. The ones that I made were wonderful and kind, they respected and loved me, and I loved them and respected them back so much. We continued to live in Jordan for three and a half more years until the International Organization of Migration [IOM] called my father to tell him we are accepted to travel to America. When I heard that, I was delighted and excited because we may find in this a bright future to achieve our dreams.

We went to the organization to conduct some interviews, which lasted for three months.

Finally, we accepted by the organization, and the travel date sat on 7/26/2016 to the United States. For us, we immigrated to the U.S. because we are looking for a quiet place where nobody hurts us, nobody humiliates us, and where nobody kills us. The U.S government welcomed us with great pleasure. This generosity and humanity are remarkable. My parents then enrolled in an English Language Program. We joined in the school district of Paterson, N.J. We have many students from different nationalities and countries that create a diverse community that shares a wealth of knowledge. They loved and taught me essential things.

Last but not least, we want to say something for the United States and American people. Thank you because you are generous and love others. We hope to go back to Syria because the destruction needs to rebuild. Because it requires people to rebuild it again, like; teachers, engineers, doctors, lawyers, and politicians, and each one will rebuild it by his or her knowledge.

The Keegan Landfill is a garbage dump located in Kearny, New Jersey. Around January 2019, complaints had been made by town residents that the landfill’s odor smells like “rotten eggs” or “sewage.” These odors are caused by the emission of hydrogen sulfide gas. The gas is generated when bacteria feeds on certain types of sulfate-containing construction waste under anaerobic (lack of oxygen) conditions. These levels of gas are worsened by rainfall, which why Kearny is experiencing these odor issues today. Wanting to resolve the issues of the hydrogen sulfide emissions, on March 22, 2019, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the NJSEA entered into an Administrative Consent Order.

The NJSEA on April 1, 2019, submitted a Monitoring Action Plan to the DEP. It is an installation and operation of a continuous hydrogen sulfide ambient air monitoring system to run at the Keegan Landfill 24 hours per day and 7 days a week. Many immediate measures have been taken by the NJSEA such as, minimize the surface area of the working face of the landfill. The landfill had closed, but reopened shortly. “We don’t want to live with constant emissions of hydrogen sulfide, even at a lower level,” Kearny Mayor Al Santos said. Even these low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide are terrible for the air. Many people have complained of bad headaches, nausea, and irritated skin and eyes. There are currently petitions to shut down the landfill for good. These petitions can be found at:

https://www.kearnynj.org/news/town-asks-residents-to-sign-petition-demanding-closure-of-the-nj-sports-authoritys-keegan-landfill-in-kearny/

Science classes often use simple experiments to emphasize a concept they are learning. In AP Biology, the teachers take it a step further in a more challenging and exciting manner. The Ms. Muffet Competition is becoming a tradition at Kearny High where staff and students come together to see concepts being taken from the classroom and applied to real life. It is a competition to see which student can prepare the best cheese from scratch.

This year marks the 4th year of the event, in which teachers, culinary supervisors, and administrators will gather to judge the different cheeses. The competition will be held during school during periods 1-3. Although a date is not set for this year, Mrs. Tejedor and Mr. Polk like to hold it between the holidays after they finished lessons that relate to the cheese-making process. The project will allow AP Biology teachers to examine how well their students understood the concepts of fermentation and cell respiration they learned in class. The Ms. Muffet Competition is an innovative way to apply material from AP Biology to an enjoyable activity which brings people together and allows them to explore the dynamic from a setting different than a classroom.

This starting school year, students and teachers going to the upstairs library had an unpleasant surprise - the rows of Dell Optiplex workstations were nowhere to be seen. Not only that, but the printers were rendered unusable, as Chromebooks can't connect to the network associated with them. Naturally, people are left with the lingering question - what happened?

Having set out to find the answer, the Kearnian interviewed the person who'd know the ins and outs of the library - the librarian, Mr. Bird. According to Mr. Bird, the computers were removed in an incentive to familiarize the Chromebooks as tools for everything educational, and not just an occasional homework device or note taker. Plus, following the Kearny Board of Education's movement this year to go green, it's a no-brainer to make paper as much of an inconvenience as possible.

While environmentally conscious, the motion has been received to mixed reactions. "Some people just prefer paper," said Mr. Bird. "If I were grading an essay, I'd be able to annotate it, suggest corrections, all that with just a highlighter. Sure you can do that with a computer, but to some people it doesn't really come as second nature, turning it into this awkward, slow ordeal."

Here's hoping for at least a way to integrate the Chromebooks into the library - perhaps chargers for use while work is done?

This past Saturday, September 28, 2019, Kearny High School had an open house for incoming freshmen and those who were interested. The girl's tennis team was chosen to help guide the visitors through the school. Some of the points of interest included the atrium, the cafeteria, the new gym, the medical assistant rooms, the dance rooms, the school counseling hallway and more. The current eighth-graders were very eager to see the school but were most excited about the free refreshments and Kardinal merchandise that was being sold. Overall, the girls’ tennis team was commended for their good work in guiding the families and they seemed pleased with Kearny High School’s new look. The next year's incoming freshmen are looking forward to their four-year journey!

If you students haven’t already heard next week is Kearny High's annual spirit week. Already many of you KHS students have made plans to show your spirit by dressing up with the according theme of each day of the week. It starts with "Meme Monday" where you guys get to dress as your favorite meme. It is followed up by "Tropical Tuesday" where you guys get to take out your tropical shirts from the back of your closet and wear it around school. The next day is the day where you guys get to show off your nationality by wearing your country on your back for “Where You’re From Wednesday.” The next day, you high schoolers get to take a time machine back in time for “Throwback Thursday.” Freshman get to go all the way back to the 60's, sophomores to the 70's, juniors 80's, and seniors to the 90's. The week will be finished off with "Class Color Day" when you students get to wear the colors that correspond with what grade you're in. Class colors are as follows, freshmen: green, sophomores: blue, juniors: red, seniors: black. The Kearnian hopes you all participate and have a great spirit week.

New teachers have arrived at Kearny High School and many departments have been filled with educators for this new school year. Get to know a few of the new teachers down here:

Ms. Glickstein is a science teacher her at KHS. She was a substitute teacher for two years and then she became a leave replacement teacher. Ms. Glickstein is now a full time teacher this year. She spent most of her career in Fort Lee where she taught at all the schools in that district including their high school. She also worked in Paramus. Ms. Glickstein’s first position was working in Colorado at the Juvenile Detention Center. She has a degree in geology and with that something clicked. Ms. Glickstein knew that she wanted to become a teacher: “I like seeing students’ minds open up to science. I especially love seeing a student get excited and seeing possibility.”

Another new teacher at Kearny High School is Ms. Crincoli. She first started teaching in 2017. Her first position was at Keyport High School in Keyport, NJ. The reason she wanted to become a teacher was the idea of making connections with students: “I enjoy helping students understand things that they didn’t think they were able to do.”

Ms. Jindal is a physics teacher here at KHS. She started her studies in India. Her mom and sisters were also teachers which is where she got her inspiration. Ms. Jindal started tutoring when she was in 11th and 12th grade which sparked her interest even more. Her previous schools that she worked at before coming to Kearny High included: being a physics professor at two colleges, working at two different schools in India, and her first job working in America was at Paramus High School. When asked about what her favorite part about teaching is she stated, “It’s ongoing learning. I like interacting with students at different ages and seeing students become something. It’s challenging, but it feels good.”

Ms. Amaro is a French and Spanish teacher at Kearny High. She has been a substitute teacher since 2012. One of the schools that she worked at was Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child in Summit, NJ in the spring from 2017-2019. Ms. Amaro also taught Kindergarten through 6th grade as well as different subjects such as science and social studies. Her inspiration to become a teacher came from her high school French teacher Madam O’Meara and Pre-Calc teacher Mrs. Metrione, also from Kearny High. Ms. Amaro has a passion for teaching: “I want to show the students about the cultural aspect of France and Spain. I want them to learn about the culture of these countries and help make a difference in students’ lives.”