NJ Thespian Festival 2021 - JANUARY 2021 EDITION
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JANUARY 2021 EDITION
NJ Thespian Festival 2021
By Anusha Qaisar
Every year, more than 1,000 high school students from all From Juilliard graduates to Broadway veterans, teachers
over the Garden State gather at Robbinsville High School to from all over the country taught classes in various elements
participate in the New Jersey Thespian Festival. The festival of theatre and film, sharing their knowledge with the next
takes place over two days and students have the opportunity generation of performers. Students could take a tap dance
to take masterclasses with professional actors, singers, workshop in the morning and learn how to do drag makeup
dancers and technical theatre personnel. They also have the an hour later. Ava Malkin, a senior and a Student Thespian
chance to compete in categories such as acting, singing, Officer for the NJ Thespians Board, took us behind the
dancing, costume design and stage management. During this scenes of the planning.
weekend, RHS is usually bustling with excited high “In an effort to transition to virtual, the Adult and NJ
schoolers, ready to share their passion for theatre with one Thespians State Board members met every few weeks over
another. However, this year, the NJ Thespians Board was Zoom to discuss the changes necessary to produce an event
faced with the challenge of hosting this festival completely Thespians across the state would attend,” Malkin said.
virtual. “Planning this Virtual Festival was a challenge given that
these circumstances were different than ever before.
Despite these hurdles, the festival took place the weekend of However, we powered through it.”
January 16th. It still held an array of workshops and
showcased the work that NJ thespians had been doing Juniors Kate Myers and Bella Riether competed at the
year-round. Salena Qureshi, a New Jersey resident and Thespian Festival with a scene from the play Patio/Porch.
former Thespian herself, known for her work in The Society, Usually, students would perform their selections in a room
even served as this year’s keynote speaker. The festival also full of people and judges, but this year students had to learn
captured the magic of live theatre by streaming the New to deliver a strong live performance on a computer screen.
Jersey All-State musical, Songs for a New World, in lieu of Bella says, “It’s definitely different to act without feeling
the usual live performance. Two RHS Students, Rafael your scene partner’s presence and without using your body
Ferreira and Ben Novik, performed in the show. language to emote, but it makes you a more well rounded
performer. It’s great that we can still continue to pursue the
arts despite all of the obstacles we’re facing!”
The NJ Thespian Festival succeeded in capturing the magic
of theatre at a time when live performance is so hard to find.
Malkin states, “Even though we’re apart this year, nothing
can stop us from coming together to celebrate the form of art
that we have all dedicated part of our lives to - theatre.”
1
Girls Basketball Gets Back on the Court
By Himasri Cheerla
Although things are a bit different due to the
pandemic, the 2021 girls basketball season began
on January 11th. The team started off with a
tremendous amount of energy and a positive
mindset. They’re picking up right where they left
off in March. While the seven juniors on the team
are leading the younger girls in practice with their
experience, Coach Washington says that the seven
freshmen on the team “have also been working
really hard and have started to fit in very well.” He
states that the team is “extremely grateful that they
have been able to get back together again.” So far,
there have been six practices and an intersquad
Vanessa Sabol, a junior point guard, agrees.
scrimmage, and the “energy level in the gym has
“Something we have all learned this past year is to
been great.”
never take anything for granted. Being with a team
is something that started to feel foreign during
Regardless of what the future holds during this
quarantine,” but she says that it is starting to feel
bizarre time, the coaches and players are making
normal again and that the team is excited to get
the most of being back on the court and giving it
back in the gym and have a successful season
their all. Freshman coach Levering shares, “I am
during these tough times.
glad that we can have a season after this crazy
year and I know each player and coach is very
The team plans to build off of last year's success
grateful each and every day that we have the
of 15 wins and push themselves even further.
chance to play together because it could be taken
Coach Washington explains that they want to “be
away at any moment. We still want to make the
more competitive and rise up the ranks in the
best of what this season offers and although it may
CVC... to see how far along they are while playing
look different, we are getting better every day and
a CVC schedule exclusively.”
look forward to playing the teams in the CVC this
year.”
Continued on next page →
2
The players also plan to focus on team bonding.
Sabol believes that in order to have a successful team,
“you have to be comfortable with your teammates
and confident in yourself.”
Although the team is deprived of off-court team
bonding opportunities such as pasta parties, junior
forward, Kailey Pacifico, says that before the season,
the team “has been regularly meeting virtually,
continuing to review plays and maintain individual
strength and conditioning workouts.”
“RHS - along with our coaches - is making sure that
we practice safely following all protocols that are in
place. We wear masks when we are on the court and
distance from each other. We are all very excited to be
back in on the court and look forward to having a JV coach Kinsella adds, “As a program, the girls are
winning season.” doing a great job in making sure they are following
guidelines so that we can have a season. We are
incredibly grateful to everyone who worked hard in
making sure we could play this year. Big shout out
to our wonderful custodial staff in cleaning and
maintaining the gym to create a safe environment
for the team! Also a big thanks to Mr. Bruno for
setting up a livestream of all our games this year so
fans can still watch!”
So far, the girls basketball team has shown
phenomenal effort and passion as they adapt to
these changes. Make sure to keep an eye out for the
livestreams of the games and show your support!
3
Virtual Guidance Meetings
By Mia Lawrence
High school can be hard even in the most normal Additionally, the Guidance Department has set up
conditions. But now, with the COVID-19 pandemic, Counseling Groups where students can speak to each
we are experiencing more isolation and negativity other and to their counselors. This is a great way to
than ever before. It’s easy and understandable to connect to classmates and overcome the stigma
feel overwhelmed. Now, more than ever, it’s surrounding mental health struggles through healthy
important to check in ourselves and reflect on our conversation.
mental health. If you’re struggling or simply need
someone to talk to, scheduling a meeting with your Also, Ms. Schmid said, “We always want our students
guidance counselor is a great idea. The RHS to have resources to turn to in the case there is an
Guidance Department offers virtual Zoom meetings, emergency or they need support over the
so even if you’re fully virtual, you can talk to your weekend/after school hours. Please see these
guidance counselor. The Raven Report crew resources below. We know these times are not easy.
reached out to Ms. Schmid, one of our counselors, Your school counselors are here to support you, listen
and asked about how these meetings work. to you, and help you. Please reach out to us via email
and we will make sure to connect with you!”
Resources
2nd Floor-Youth Helpline is available 24/7 for
young people in NJ (ages 10-24) who can
reach out by text or phone. Services are free,
confidential & anonymous (888) 222-2228
The New Jersey Suicide Prevention Hopeline
“During this time, we know it could be especially
hard, and your counselors are here to support you. 1-855-654-6735
We encourage students to seek help if they need it,
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline-a
and they can do so by emailing their School
Counselor directly at any time, and we will set up a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide
Zoom meeting with you. In our meeting together we prevention hotline available to anyone in
will listen to you, provide support, and discuss suicidal crisis or emotional distress (800)
resources and potential next steps to take. We also 273-TALK (8255)
have office hours weekly that are posted in the
morning announcements where you can pop in with Crisis Text Line Text HOME or NJ to 741741
a question or concern.”
for free, 24/7 crisis support
4
Thanking Mr. Williams
By Abby Moir
When schools shut down in March of 2020, the During their time out of class, the members of the
way teachers had previously taught and connected Chamber Choir took the time to plan a surprise
with their students was completely altered. In the for Mr. Williams “to recognize him for dedicating
December edition of The Raven Report, an article his time and effort to our choir to ensure we still
written by Anusha Quaisar discussed how the had an enjoyable virtual experience,” according to
Robbinsville High School Concert Choir was senior Ava Malkin. Members made posters with
having a virtual concert that consisted of four words of gratitude and love. On the last day
songs performed by both the Concert and before Winter Break, the students started the class
Chamber Choirs. with their cameras off, and then when the time
came they all turned their cameras on to reveal
To put this concert together, Choirs/Musical the surprise.
Director Brian Williams spent hours editing
together 299 individual audio recordings, 302 When asked what it meant to him, Mr. Williams
final video recordings, and 18 hours and 45 said,“ I was very humbled. We live in such a
minutes of total footage. Mr. Williams also put weird time right now, so I feel like a lot of the
time in over the summer to write some of the time, everyone just comes into class and tries to
songs that were performed during the concert, and get through, and I am totally fine with that
all this hard work did not go unnoticed. identity... to try and push and do everything like
that. But, the fact that they took time outside of
the day to kind of organize and everything like
that, that was just incredibly special.” Many of his
students mention how he is a teacher that goes
above and beyond in making class enjoyable.
Gabby Natale put it best. “It motivates him that he
has students he cares about, and it motivates
students that they have a teacher who cares about
them.”
In the end, it is the teachers who are looking out
for you and helping you strive to be your greatest
self, so remember to thank your teachers for all
they do for you.
5
RHS Teacher of the Year: Mr. Patterson
Congratulations Mr. Patterson!
1) What do you think it means to be a good teacher?
“No matter what subject you think you teach, you have
to remember that you teach KIDS first, then the subject.
We don't work on an assembly line in a factory making
one specific product; we deal with real people's hopes
and fears, strengths and weaknesses every day.”
2) What is one of your favorite memories as a
teacher?
“This may sound like a very cliche answer, but I do not
have one, single favorite memory. There are just so
many good ones. I can say, though, that I love getting
correspondence and engaging in conversations with
alumni who are now professionals in their early 30s. I
remember once I was traveling in the southern US 4) What is your favorite winter food?
visiting some friends and happened to cross paths and
have dinner with one of the alumni from our first “I weigh almost 270 pounds. If you think I have one
graduating class in 2008 who is now married and living favorite food, you are mistaken. However, one of my
on the Gulf Coast. He was remembering things we did favorite winter foods is usually a hot dog from a
in class and in practice that I had long forgotten, and I Love's Travel Stop off any interstate highway. I
could easily recall conversations we had 13 years ago haven't had a chance to get one this winter yet, due to
like they were yesterday. Realizing that neither person's all of the quarantines and travel restrictions, but
influence in the conversation has gone unnoticed is hopefully I'll get one soon. The hot dog itself is
pretty cool.” nothing to celebrate, but if I'm at a Love's Travel
Stop, it probably means I'm on a road trip with
3) If you weren't teaching, what do you think you friends or family, or I am going to visit friends or
would be doing? family far away. It's the symbolism of the hot dog
that matters, not the taste.”
“If I could picture myself in another career, I'd probably
be an airline pilot. I trained for many years as a hobby, 5) What is your favorite movie?
got my private license and actually learned how to fly
several different types of small planes. Flying planes “It's a toss up between “A Streetcar Named Desire,”
and teaching or coaching are actually very similar types “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “We Are Marshall.”
of careers. There are vast expanses of time that can be Each movie is great in its own special way.”
very monotonous and routine with lots of paperwork,
but those moments are punctuated by moments of Interview by Abhinav Kotapati
extreme excitement and the very unexpected.”
Photo by Luke Szkudlapski
6
RHS Educational Professional of the Year:
Ms. Richard
Congratulations Ms. Richard!
1) What do you think it means to be a good 2) What is one of your favorite memories at RHS?
guidance counselor?
“This is my 14th school year at Robbinsville High
“A good school counselor is one who is honest, School! During my tenure, I've had so many great
open, and listens to their students. I value honesty memories with students and families, and built
and transparency when communicating with my life-long friendships with some of my colleagues, that
students, their families and administrators. I believe it feels impossible to pick a favorite.
if a student feels you care about them they will
always feel supported and thrive.” One of the more recent great memories was last June
when the counselors all decorated our cars to drop off
“I love having open dialogues and conversations on scholarship awards to some of our seniors. I took my
any topics they feel passionate about and I love son with me, and we had so much fun! We chatted
learning about them and their lives. I hope, above with families, got to see them in their homes, enjoyed
all things, my students always feel I am being "real" some graduation cardboard cutouts(!), and took a
with them and know I will always support them.” bunch of pictures. Although the year did not end the
way any of us had envisioned, it was a nice day to
honor the students and let them know how much we
care and will miss them!”
3) If you weren't a guidance counselor, what do
you think you would be doing?
If I was not a school counselor, I would be an
entertainment reporter.”
4) What is your favorite winter food?
“My favorite winter food is homemade chicken
soup!”
5) What is your favorite movie?
“My favorite movie is “National Lampoon's
Christmas Vacation.”
Interview by Mia Lawrence
Photo by Luke Szkudlapski
7
Class of 2024 Fundraisers
Show your RHS SPIRIT and help the Class of 2024 by coming out to Chipotle on 3371 US Highway
1 Unit 250, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, Wednesday, January 27th. The fundraiser will run from 5
PM-9 PM and will apply to takeout, pick-up, and online orders. USE THE ATTACHED FLYER to show
the cashier at Chipotle, or type the code “RXTNA2F” at checkout when placing an online order!
https://socialportal.chipotle.com/fundraiser/social/portal/flyer/hJJ6sZGsMDNJ0dcFGtb6RBUZvHDodhMBEp4V7MkXHTBvR
b5DeTSAOUsBOq3XFZHO23lT89C6ZWPq18PfazdJtvc9gTcMwQUZagGXv4Ky10ua48ArNHSaP0Vak8CPYc1U/326709-fly
er.pdf
Show your RHS SPIRIT and help the Class of 2024 by coming out to the Panera Bread on Route 33,
Friday, January 29th. The fundraiser will run from 4 PM-8 PM and will apply to eat-in, takeout,
drive-thru, and delivery orders. USE THE ATTACHED FLYER to show the cashier at Panera, or type
the code “PRFUND” at checkout when ordering for delivery!
https://events.panerabread.com/attachment/216de2ef-018e-4f83-a4ef-9d3121f2f994/event_flyer.pdf
Teacher of the Month: Mr. Brian Williams Congratulations
Congratulations to Mr. Williams, the December Teacher of the Month! to Mr. Williams, our
He has been a music teacher at RHS for six years and even attended RHS December Teacher of
himself! Here is something a student had to say: “He's such a great the Month!
teacher, his class is always my favorite and helps me have something to
look forward to in my stressful days!”
Here are some things you should know about Mr. Williams:
1) What is your favorite movie?
“Inception? Maybe?”
2) What is your favorite food?
“Honestly the answer is most food, but at this time of year it's
definitely chili!”
3) What is your favorite subject to teach?
“Choir!”
4) What is your favorite part about being a teacher?
“I like being able to nerd out with my students and watch them
fall in love with the music.” Interview by Anusha Qaisar
8
Meet our December Student of the Month,
Jack Riccobono
1) How long have you lived in Robbinsville?
“I’ve lived in Robbinsville since I was three years
old, so since 2006.”
2) What’s your favorite class?
“My favorite class is probably Chemistry because I
enjoyed learning the content and I can hopefully
learn more about it in college.”
3) What’s your favorite club?
My favorite club is the Play Unified club because I
love the idea of inclusivity and and treating others
with respect and I’ve been a part of the club since I
was a sophomore.
4) What have you accomplished as a high 6) What’s your favorite thing about being an
schooler that you are proud of? RHS Raven?
“Well student of the month is a great honor that I
have accomplished, but also just the general growth “My favorite thing about being a Raven is the
I have experienced as a student I am very proud of variety of opportunities, both academically and
as well.” in terms of extracurricular activities. Also, I love
the fact that there are so many ways to get
5) Describe yourself in five words or less. involved in the community socially, which
makes living in Robbinsville and being an RHS
“Determined, perseverant, diligent, kind, Raven very enjoyable.”
respectful.”
Interview by Mia Lawrence
9
Teacher’s Top Three
The inside scoop on what the RHS staff is watching
By Shreeya Iyer
Shreeya Iyer, a Raven Report reporter, compiled a list of
movie and TV recommendations from a few members of
Señorita Brooks:
the RHS staff! These amazing recommendations are bound 1. David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet - “It's
to make you laugh, cry, and learn. From comedies, to such an important and timely look at how human
documentaries, to period pieces, there’s something for life is affecting the planet and what we can do to
every personality here—we’re certain you’ll discover a reverse and/or slow the negative effects. Warning -
new favorite. Happy watching! you might cry! For fans of David Attenborough's
other work (e.g., Our Planet, Blue Planet, or One
Planet), this is a must see.”
Mrs. Benegal: 2. The Office - “You'll laugh. You'll be uncomfortable.
1. Gravity - “Super suspenseful and one of the most The characters will become your friends and you
scientifically accurate movies I have seen. I show may find yourself wanting a mundane office job.”
this to my Physics students every year and get
drawn into re-watching it over and over again!” 3. Parks and Recreation - “The main character Leslie
Knope is the most optimistic and perseverance
2. Napoleon Dynamite - “I just LOVE this movie character on television and an inspiration. She runs
because it is so random and yet so meaningful! on sugar and sleeps 3 hours a night. You will love
You'll laugh, you'll cry, and just generally feel so her!”
good afterwards.”
3. Big Bang Theory - “This show gives the term
Prof. Sikorski:
"nerd" the positive connotation it deserves! I 1. The Neverending Story - “This movie is about a boy
literally LOL while watching this show.” who escapes to a magical and fantastical world
through an old book he finds in an attic. It was a
story of hope with an amazing theme song, and it
made me love exploring attics!”
2. Some Kind of Wonderful -- “This John Hughes
movie is about two friends navigating the trials of
first love. The theme is to be true to yourself which
has always been important to me, and also, it has the
BEST movie soundtrack ever!”
3. Grimm - “I don't really re-watch TV shows but this,
I could watch over and over! Grimm has amazing
characters, fun and creative storytelling, and
fantastical creatures! It also occasionally ties into
mythology and modern folklore, which I love!”
Continued on next page →
10Mr. Brian Williams:
1. The Good Place - “It’s a lighthearted comedy
following some lovable characters navigating
through the afterlife. The show doesn't take itself
too seriously so is refreshing to watch but is well
written and fast paced enough to keep you
wanting more.”
2. Barry - “A successful hitman takes an acting
class and decides he wants to give up his
previous life to pursue acting. The only problem
is that he's a horribly untalented actor. This
comedy's ridiculous plot line will ensure you
Mr. Armstrong:
binge it while providing enough adrenaline to
1. JoJo Rabbit - “I’m a real sucker for period pieces but keep you up late into the night.”
that’s not the only reason why I love Taika Waititi's
(who you might know from the Marvel Universe) 3. The Expanse - “It’s a hard sci-fi (sci-fi that
WWII dramedy. Set in Berlin at the height of the war, emulates real science) drama detailing the
this film presents WWII in a way I have never seen political fallout between three human factions as
before. Told through the eyes of a young boy and his they spread through our galaxy. The show is
imaginary best friend (a whimsical Adolf Hitler), we based around a singular ship crew stuck in the
see the dangers of blind nationalism and the power of conflict, and as the series unfolds the storytelling
propaganda. If this movie doesn’t make you laugh is reminiscent of Martin's "A Song of Ice and
and cry, I don’t know what will.” Fire" in its focus on individual characters and
their journeys.”
2. The Queen’s Gambit - “The Queen’s Gambit, a 7
episode mini-series, is also a period piece but set
in1960s. In this classic coming-of-age story we
follow Beth, a once orphaned child chess prodigy
attempting to navigate growing up, the world of
competitive chess and the Cold War. I really liked
how this show was able to make topics that seem tired
and old seem so fresh and original.”
3. The Trial of the Chicago 7 - “It shouldn't be
surprising that all of my picks are set in a historical
period but this is the only one that is based on a true
story. After peaceful protests at the Democratic
National Convention turned violent, we see
counterculture leaders defend themselves during an
infamous trial that captured the nation's attention.
While this film is set in the late 1960’s, its story
portrays a divided America feels more relative than
ever.”
11Drama Club
By Christina Brannigan and Hailey Harrison
We asked Sarah Myers (junior) and Gabriella Natale
(senior), the co-president and president of the Drama
club, respectively, to answer a few questions.
How has COVID affected your club? What are some
changes that you had to make?
Gabriella: “As for crew members, they now found
themselves with significantly less resources. Changes What have been some of your favorite
we made to accommodate this was hosting online memories/projects in the drama club over the years?
improv workshops, creating "tic tac toe" boards where Gabriella: “Personally, I love Senior One Acts every
students could participate in several at-home theater year. All the shows are directed by our Seniors, and
activities for thespian points, and found ways to edit students of all grade levels are allowed to audition or
videos together to make it seem like our actors were join the crew! It's incredible to see how much students
together for scenes in the comfort of their homes.” have grown from their freshman to senior year, and it
really lets seniors express their creativity. Also, what
could be more fun than putting on a show with all your
friends?”
What would you like to say to anyone looking to join
the drama club?
Sarah: “If you're looking to join Drama club, believe
me, I understand how terrifying it seems. Putting
yourself in a position as vulnerable as the performing
arts is something that not many people can push
themselves to do, but it's a leap of faith that sometimes
you just have to take. Do not be discouraged or
What have you been doing to welcome the freshman intimidated. Instead, immerse yourself and allow
to the new ways of the virtual drama club? yourself to be inspired because the amount you can
Sarah: “Our club uses a house system, similar to the learn from appreciating others' talent is unparalleled. It
one in Harry Potter, with six houses, one per officer and truly is a once in a lifetime experience, no matter what
a shared house for the improv captains. Each one has a position you hold, so don't let yourself be scared away
name, color and logo, and each year members are sorted from something so life changing.”
into them at random. This way, we can make closer
connections with the freshmen and get to know them on Clubs have been put into a hard spot this year trying to
an individual level. We've been trying to hold adapt to COVID changes. The Drama Club has certainly
house-wide activities to form deeper bonds and break risen to the occasion. If you’re interested in theatre, join
the ice so that anyone can feel comfortable and safe to the drama club and make new friends that will be
ask or say anything they need to.” supportive every step of the way!
12What RHS is Watching
By Aubrey Strand
In the January poll (see next page), we found that over a
If you want a documentary, watch :
third of Robbinsville High School students spent most
1. I am Greta
of their winter break binge watching television shows,
2. Death to 2020
movies, and documentaries. But what exactly were they
3. On Pointe
watching? The poll results show that RHS students were
watching everything from crime TV shows to classic
If you are looking for a movie to try:
movies to WandaVison, which deserves a genre of its
own.
1. Harry Potter
2. Rocket Man
However, Netflix’s Bridgerton was the clear favorite.
3. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
With its stunning costumes and compelling storyline, it
4. The King of Staten Island
is easy to see why Bridgerton was so popular in these
5. Wonder Woman
past few weeks. However, if you have already binged
the show, do not have Netflix, or aren't interested in
Or if you are in need of a new show to binge, students
eight episodes of regency-era drama, here are some
recommend:
other recommendations made by Robbinsville High
1. Criminal Minds
School students:
2. Blindspot
3. Queen’s Gambit
4. Cobra Kai
5. House Hunters
6. WandaVision
7. Schitt’s Creek
8. Avatar the Last Airbender
9. Brooklyn 99
10. The 100
13Poll Results
Poll by Aubrey Strand
14Meet the Crew!
Credits Reporters and Photographers
Exec Board Ava Blando Hailey Harrison Shreya Savur
Christina Brannigan Shreeya Iyer Ryan Smith
Mia Lawrence
Himasri Cheerla Maryam Khan Luke Szkudlapski
Ava Goodman Ravinderpal Chopra Abhinav Kotapati Hima Thummala
Aubrey Strand Reshika Elavarasan Johnny Pancari Natalie Villegas
Anusha Qaisar
Abby Moir
Advisor:
Mr. Lerner
Follow the Raven Report on Social Media!
Instagram: @rvilleravenreport
Twitter: @RvilleRavenReport
YouTube: The Raven Report
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