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The School Newspaper of Cherry Hill High School East

Eastside

The School Newspaper of Cherry Hill High School East

Eastside

The School Newspaper of Cherry Hill High School East

Eastside

Max Gaffin

Max Gaffin, Editor-in-Chief

Max Gaffin is one of Eastside’s Editors In Chief for the 2021-2022 school and publication year. Gaffin participates in a number of activities, on top of his work for Eastside, at East – including Student Government, FOP Holiday Party, DECA, Mock Trial, and Jewish Student Union. When he is not running around the East halls, you can find Gaffin organizing BBYO in South Jersey – where he serves as the Regional President – and fundraising and promoting local nonprofit, Tools for School. In his limited free time, Gaffin enjoys exploring, researching, creative writing, drawing, eating, and binging TV shows. You can try to keep a lookout for Gaffin’s writing around Eastside with his obsessive love and use of dashes.

All content by Max Gaffin

Daniel Arougheti

Max Gaffin, Eastside Editor-in-Chief
April 28, 2022

Whether he’s riling up the crowd at East’s basketball games or participating in discussions in Senior SGA, Daniel Arougheti (‘22) is easily recognizable amongst the school community. Thus, running for Mr. East, an East staple where senior boys compete...

Introducing the contestants for Mr. East 2022

After two years, Cherry Hill High School East's tradition of the Mr. East pageant returns in person. The pageant will occur in East's auditorium on Friday, April 29, at 7 p.m. Eight contestants will battle it out in the categories of talent, formal wear,...

Sami Steigmann works with the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center.

Remembering the Holocaust

Max Gaffin, Eastside Editor-in-Chief
April 3, 2022

As a Jewish teen growing up in a world of 21st-century technology and twisted media plots, I have been able to first-hand witness and see that antisemitism is real and still boiling within world hate. Though years after the genocide that we must never...

Shaping tomorrow: The importance of climate change education

Max Gaffin, Eastside Editor-in-Chief
December 15, 2021

As the Earth continues to warm, and the world moves into 2022, it is now that action and concrete steps must be taken before we are at the point of no return. Greenhouse gases and carbon emissions fill the atmosphere, leaving Earth warmer than it was...

All of the photos taken in this were taken by Max Gaffin in the actual game room with Neil Levine's family members welcoming our community into this new special place.

The Neil Levine Gameroom is officially open

Max Gaffin, Eastside Editor-in-Chief
August 27, 2021

After three years in the making, the newest addition to the Boys & Girls Club of Camden County, the Neil Levine Game Room, has officially opened. Shining bright in the center is a bold neon signing casting the new room – full of countless opportunities...

Reflecting on AAPI Heritage Month

Reflecting on AAPI Heritage Month

Emily Boyle and Max Gaffin
June 20, 2021

In a time of recent uncertainty and a rise in hate – through rallies, protests, and social media campaigns – Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders came together in the Cherry Hill Community to celebrate their successes and right to be Americans....

Krein (far left) walks with newly-inaugurated President, Joe
Biden; First Lady Jill Biden; his wife, Ashley Biden; and the
rest of the family near the White House.

Cherry Hill East alum to the First Family: Howard Krein

Max Gaffin, Eastside Features Editor
June 5, 2021

From walking the halls of Cherry Hill East to walking side-by-side with President Biden during his inaugural parade from the Capitol to the White House, Howard Krein (‘85), now a member of the United States First Family, spends his days as an Otolaryngology...

Mr. East Recap

Max Gaffin, Eastside Features Editor
April 28, 2021

The 34th Annual Competition of Mr. East, the show that all East students and community members love to watch that decides the “Man of the Class of 2021,” premiered Friday, April 23. Due to the Pandemic, Cherry Hill East, led by the Mr. East chairwomen,...

What is a carbon footprint?

Max Gaffin, Eastside Features Editor
April 22, 2021

With the transportation industry booming, overpopulation struggles, and fossil fuels coming from all directions for all different activities, carbon admissions are at an all-time high and the environment – as well as the health of our atmosphere...

Pete Cuddihy ('21) is ready to compete in the 2021 Mr. East competition.

Pete Cuddihy

Max Gaffin, Eastside Features Editor
April 20, 2021

Pete Cuddihy (‘21) will be taking the main stage at the 34th annual pageant of Mr. East, bringing his love for stage performance and acting with him. Cuddihy has made a name for himself at East through his works as one of Cherry Hill East’s School-Wide...

Democrats v.s. Republicans

Democrats v.s. Republicans

Max Gaffin, Eastside Features Editor
April 10, 2021

Through the spread of mass media and the news, two words, thatwords that used to be limited to two terms on an election ballot for public officers in high office, now are two of the most widely used and criticized words of all time. Consistently dominating...

Politics in the classroom

Politics in the classroom

Max Gaffin and Ziv Amsili
April 10, 2021

Every day, students and teachers walk into their schools, oblivious to the change and impact that their government plays in shaping the education they are given or give. From school board elections to the education branch of our executive government,...

Fall Sports Athletic Awards

Max Gaffin and Nick Gangewere
January 25, 2021

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Despite COVID-19, the boys track team had an unforgettable season.

Boys Cross Country

Max Gaffin, Eastside Features Editor
January 25, 2021

Boy’s Cross Country had a successful and exciting Fall season and overcame the difficulties of running during a pandemic. Finishing the season in second place in the Camden County Championship and the South Jersey Sectional Championship, Boy’s Cross...

The girls cross country worked very hard and made the best of their season.

Girls Cross Country

Max Gaffin, Eastside Features Editor
January 25, 2021

Through a pandemic that has forced thousands to disconnect from their jobs and true-blue passions− Cherry Hill East Girls Cross Country has found a way to continue running, grow stronger, and spark a sisterhood-ignited flame that revolves around...

Influencers on TikTok

Max Gaffin, Eastside Features Editor
January 4, 2021

An individual’s FYP on TikTok may be characterized by their liking, however, due to the application’s ability to spread fast information and appeal to groups, influencers have taken over the application and the ability to make money from posting short...

The Negatives of TikTok

Max Gaffin, Eastside Features Editor
January 4, 2021

Social media applications like TikTok provide users with entertainment, a creative outlet, and useful information, but the cons of these new forms of social media continue to grow. TikTok, which was created in September of 2016, recently sprung into the...

Max Gaffin and his family made the traditional dish, latkes, for Hanukkah.

Appreciating Hanukkah During the Pandemic

Max Gaffin, Eastside Features Editor
December 23, 2020

As the winter season settles in, I prepare myself for what I call the “eight crazy nights” of my yearly family bonding—Hanukkah. The Festival of Lights centers around a group of Jews in Syria who fought back against their religious persecution,...

PODCAST: Everything Holiday Movies

PODCAST: Everything Holiday Movies

Jacy Dickstein and Max Gaffin
December 6, 2020

For the sixth day in the Advent Calendar, Max Gaffin (‘22) and Jacy Dickstein (‘22) review “Everything Holiday Movies” in preparation for the big and jolly winter season. Listen in for their reviews, opinions, and top favorites.

Mr. Coen My Way (Sean Coen)

Mr. Coen My Way (Sean Coen)

Max Gaffin, Eastside News Editor
May 25, 2020

From scoring touchdowns on the football field, playing lacrosse, cheering on East’s sports with the Cherry Hill East Countrymen or representing his class in Student Government, Sean Coen (‘20) never fails to make sure his voice is heard at school...

Athletes from the girls lacrosse team look back at "what could've been" if COVID-19 hadn't put a halt to their season.

What could’ve been: Girls Lacrosse

Max Gaffin, Eastside News Editor
May 22, 2020

The sisterhood that lacrosse offers is the definition of bonding as a team. As weeks go by without being used, sticks start to unlace and weeds begin to cover the fields that were previously adorned with the cries of victory and the motivation of rough...

What could've been: Softball

What could’ve been: Softball

Max Gaffin, Eastside News Editor
May 10, 2020

The gloves are stiffening as weeks go by without being used. The neon green balls endure the wait of being tossed again. The dirt on the diamond remains clean of cleat scrapes, muddy slides and laughter as the sisterhood softball offers disappears from...

What?

What?

Max Gaffin, Eastside News Editor
April 6, 2020

The coronavirus is a pandemic that causes symptoms like the flu and has been the reason for thousands of deaths around the world and communities issuing “stay-at-home” orders. The virus spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when...

Where?

Where?

Max Gaffin, Eastside News Editor
April 6, 2020

The coronavirus began in China and has quickly made its way around the world, having affected almost 170 countries and territories, all 50 states in the nation and the global economy everywhere. The United States currently has the most confirmed cases...

Why?

Why?

Ziv Amsili and Max Gaffin
April 6, 2020

here are many reasons as to why this pandemic is so monumental to the public eye. For one, there is no treatment available for infected persons, as the coding for COVID-19 has proved to be not only complex but can spread extremely rapidly. Also, there...

Who?

Who?

Max Gaffin, Eastside News Editor
April 1, 2020

The novelty pandemic, which has now sent America spiraling, has also affected many influential people around the world, as well as some in our own Cherry Hill community. New Jersey, second in the United States, has almost 9,000 positive cases of COVID-19...

Puzzles are a great activity that can help stimulate the brain.

COLUMN: Puzzles are the missing piece during your quarantine

Max Gaffin, Eastside News Editor
March 22, 2020

When I was younger, my fascination with jigsaw puzzles was one that defied the common logic. The way that thousands of small pieces, with little to none inscrutable design, would come together to form a picture was miraculous, and to me - larger than...

East community members gather in the courtyard to watch Jaws.

East students watch horror movie on Friday the 13th

Max Gaffin, Eastside News Editor
September 15, 2019

The Fall Movie Night at Cherry Hill East, on September 13th, was a success. Although there were no bodies of water around, the fear of sharks seen in the movie permeated through the courtyard on the gloomy Friday evening. East students and staff gathered...

Roberto Sul defends his Wing Bowl title in his second appearance.

The 2019 Wing Bowl in review

Max Gaffin and Jacy Dickstein
February 16, 2019

Cherry Hill East’s second annual Wing Bowl competition took place on Friday, February 8, in the Dibart Gym. Roberto Sul (‘19) earned the title, “two-time Wing Bowl eating champion” by eating a total of 58 wings. Mr. Christopher Caskey came...

This egg broke Kylie Jenner's record for the most liked picture on Instagram.

Picture of an egg cracks the old Instagram record

Max Gaffin, Eastside Staff
January 23, 2019

A picture of an egg is now the most liked on Instagram. How you might ask? The egg’s reason for being shared was to overthrow the then-current record-holder, Kylie Jenner, and become the top. The egg now has over 50 million likes, beating Jenner’s...

The East team discusses their game strategy.

East boys basketball beats Timber Creek late in thriller

Max Gaffin, Eastside Staff
January 10, 2019

The Cherry Hill East Boys Basketball Team defeated Timber Creek 48-45. Decked out in red and white, the Cougars pulled through and won, making the team’s record 6-4. Carl Gibson (‘19) gathered 25 points, the most on the team today.   “It...

The Santa Room was a hit for the kids attending the FOP party.

FOP holiday party was a success

Julia Wolfson and Max Gaffin
December 20, 2018

The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) held its annual holiday party on Monday, December 17, at the Crowne Plaza from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with volunteers from Cherry Hill High Schools East and West. With children ranging from two-years-old up to seventeen-years-old,...

Participants were able to decorate gingerbread houses at the Gingerbread House Event.

Holiday cheer abounds at Habitat Gingerbread Build

Max Gaffin, Eastside Staff
December 19, 2018

It was all jolly and cheer at East on December 15 as families with a sweet tooth came to the third-annual Gingerbread Build in Cafeteria. At the event, tables were adorned with candy, gumdrops, peppermints, chocolate and sprinkles. All donations and...

Girls soccer team seniors smile for a picture on Senior Day.

Girls soccer pulls out a win on Senior Day

Max Gaffin, Eastside Staff
October 18, 2018

The Cherry Hill East Girls Soccer team celebrated Senior Day as they defeated Camden Catholic at home on October 17. The seniors on the team are Natalie Hay (‘19), Paloma McMurphy (‘19), Jenna Ringold (‘19), Emily Saidel (‘19), Lexi Schaffer (‘19),...