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By: Craig McPherson A 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha, in a basic black paint job. (Credit: 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha for sale - Cars & Bids) The 2020 decade would see the return of a certain type of vehicle popular in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. In 2020, General Motors would begin making new Hummer EVs. These larger automobiles would be available as electric SUVs and pickup trucks. This would be a contrast to the mainly gas-powered Hummers, which were a larger variant of Jeeps. However, some people might be wondering, how was the Hummer originally created, and how did it return? The original Hummer would be conceived in 1983, when the Pentagon requested that the AM General Corporation develop 55,000 High Mobility Wheeled Vehicles. The result of this request was the Humvee, used to transport troops and cargo. The Humvee would famously be used during the invasion of Panama and the Persian Gulf War in the early 90’s.  AM General would create a variation of the Humvee, the Hummer, in 1992, which could be owned and driven by average American civilians. The Hummer became popular with celebrities at the time, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger. In late 1999, AM General would give the rights to manufacture and sell the Hummer to General Motors. In 2002, General Motors created a smaller version of the original Hummer, the Hummer H2. General Motors would create an even smaller version of the Hummer in 2005 with the Hummer H3.  However, the Hummer would be discontinued in early 2010. The eventual failure of the Hummer would be caused by several different factors. These include concerns about how much gas the average Hummer used, as it only manages to travel approximately 10 miles per gallon. The need for more gas not only means that driving a Hummer would be more expensive, but also results in contributing more to air pollution.  Eventually, in 2020, General Motors would announce the Hummer EV. One writer described the EV, saying, “It bears a strong resemblance to the H2, carrying over iconic design elements such as the front grill with vertical slats. Compared to the H2, this electric model is longer, wider, and heavier. Estimates suggest that it will weigh over 9,000 Ibs, which according to EPA estimates, it’s more than double the weight of the average car. This is primarily attributed to the truck’s vast quantity of battery packs.” (Marcus Lu, 2022). The reason General Motors made the new Hummers seemingly has not been confirmed yet. In speculation, the company likely did so to capitalize on the original popularity the Hummer had, as well as the growing popularity of electric vehicles. Overall, the Hummer has had a turbulent history. What was originally meant as a means for military transportation would appeal to many American civilians. This popularity would lead to its eventual return after the downfall caused by its notable design flaws. In the end, it undergoes a significant transformation, from a machine that infamously used large amounts of gas, to a more eco-friendly, electric vehicle.

La Maria from Mancini’s Brooklyn Pizza. (Photo Credit: Anjana Janaththanan) Last year, our Editor in Chief, Harrison Wolk, graduated, and our beloved pizza review series was put on pause.However, I [Anjana] am very excited to revive this series with a pizza review of Mancini’s Brooklyn Pizza, East Brunswick.  At first, I was astonished by the shape of the pizza, I was staring at a big “block” of flavors that resembled a prism. The Sicilian pizza was topped with pepperoni, fresh mozzarella, and tomato sauce. I was a bit hesitant at first, seeing the pizza shine, revealing the sauce, and grease smothered on top. However, the aroma made me cave in and take a bite.  I was surprised by the taste, it was both sweet and spicy. The sweet sauce was not only drizzled on top, but it was also soaked into the crunchy crust. The mozzarella cheese had a nice pull, and at the final moment, a hint of spice hit. As someone with a high spice tolerance, I found the heat level pretty mild. Still, the combination of sweetness and spice made for a unique slice that stands out from your typical pepperoni pizza. While the sweet sauce adds a unique twist, it occasionally overshadows the spice and cheese, which might not be for everyone. Overall, the La Maria pizza from Mancini’s Brooklyn Pizza brought a unique blend of sweet and spicy, paired with the thick cheese and crunchy crust. I’m a fan of the flavors presented by the pizza. However, if a pinch more spice is added and sweet sauce is withheld a bit, I would prefer this balance of the great combination. I would personally give this pizza an 8.5 out of 10. I recommend that you try the pizza out yourself, as this may be the pizza for you!

By: Craig McPherson A Chart Depicting the rising costs of college tuition in the United States over the years. (Credit : College Costs Explained: Why “High Tuition” Headlines Don’t Tell the Full Story - Bipartisan Policy Center) A Chart Depicting the rising costs of college tuition in the United States over the years. (Credit : College Costs Explained: Why “High Tuition” Headlines Don’t Tell the Full Story - Bipartisan Policy Center) A common reason that some people choose not to go to college is because they believe it is too expensive. They worry they will struggle to pay back student loans or other bills. Unfortunately, this seems to be the case, as in an interview with 1,500 U.S. college students, 59% of them considered dropping out due to financial stress. If not educated or prepared properly, high school students may experience the same fears or struggles in the future. But how do most current high school students feel about college? What are high schools doing to help prepare students for college? Before investigating feelings of high school students, or college preparations in high school, the reasons for college being so expensive must be explored first. The inflation of tuition prices is increased by factors such as excessive numbers of staff members and amenities in universities as well as a business model dependent on high-wage labor. This means the average pay for staff members would be at least 50% higher than the overall average. This would mean that universities would have to make more money to fund these many resources and higher wages. To make more money, they charge more for tuition. A student feeling overwhelmed by things in their life that regularly stresses them out, including tuition fees and student loans. (Credit : STRESSED-OUT COLLEGE STUDENTS: HELP IS POSSIBLE - Stethoscope Magazine) But how do local high school students feel about the expenses of college? When asked about her feelings on any student loans or debt she or her family may have to pay off in the future, Monroe Township High School student Ashley Sawh stated, “I want to avoid taking out student loans, though if need be, I will do it. Having student loans is just something that I generally do not want to deal with, mainly because I want to have my full attention on my career in the future.” As Sawh points out, owing student loans not only is a financial stressor, but can also be a distraction to studies and pursuing one’s future career. A photograph of Monroe Township High School, a local high school in Monroe Township, New Jersey. (Credit : Monroe Township High School, Monroe Township NJ Rankings & Reviews) Some people also may wonder how local high schools are preparing students for college. Brielle Goldstein, a guidance counselor in Monroe Township High School, provided her opinion on this topic and responded, “ Yes, I do feel like our school does a lot to prepare students for college. I cannot really speak to what other schools in the area do. At MTHS, we offer courses where teachers prepare students for the academic expectations of college. The counseling department holds various events and evening programs to provide information to students and families to help prepare them for the process of applying for colleges. We hold parent nights, the college fair, college rep visits, groups, etc. There are plenty of readily available resources for students including the use of Scoir to learn about and prepare for college and the application process.” According to Goldstein, there are several different resources available in Monroe Township High School meant to help students prepare for college. However, she did say she could not speak about the college preparation programs for other schools in the area, meaning some other schools may not have as many resources compared to Monroe Township. In conclusion, high school students may feel apprehensive about the increasing costs of college tuition, student loans, and debt. However, they may be able to find guidance or resources to help them prepare for college, such as in programs set up by their own schools. In turn, this begs the question: Even with support from these resources, will financial stress decrease, no longer interfering with students’ decisions on whether or not to attend college? In short, the solution to this issue is to understand you are not alone. In addition to one’s counselors and the abundant resources they provide, one should remember their peers are undergoing the same struggles, and are open to working through this problem together.

By: Craig McPherson A 2007 Honda Accord Coupe, in a bright, San Marino Red. (Credit :  Used 2007 Honda Accord Coupe for Sale - Edmunds) The feeling a young person gets when they are finally getting their first car is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. There are many different makes and models. This massive variety of different options often causes one to question if a model is safe, if the brand that produces it is reliable, and if the car is too expensive. However, in spite of all this uncertainty, there is one particular car that can satisfy all these factors and has become notably popular. This car is the Honda Accord.  The Honda Accord was first created in 1976, and  was a signifying milestone for Honda as a motor company. The company was previously known for its smaller sedan, the Honda Civic. The introduction of the Accord is considered Honda’s first step in becoming a prominent brand in the automobile industry. The Accord’s interior was seen as innovative. It included a maintenance reminder system, which advised the driver when to change oil or tires. The Accord would gain a more refined design during the late 70’s. Just in the year 1980, Honda would sell 185,972 Accords.  Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, several different variants of the Accord were made. Including different station wagons, sedans, and coupes. This would likely be another reason the Accord became so popular, where having a variety of different body styles meant it could appeal to many different types of people. During 1994 and 1995, the Accord gained a larger interior with a longer front, and a new grille. During the early 2000’s, it also gained a new body, chassis, and engine. Significant changes to the Honda Accord would continue in 2005, when a hybrid variant was introduced. This would be around the time that hybrid cars would become popular, and sales exponentially grow. In 2006, an estimated 80% of buyers said they would at least consider getting a hybrid. However, the popularity of hybrids would not extend to the Honda Accord, as sales were reportedly slow. This was likely due to competition from more popular models, such as the Toyota Camry andPrius. However, the Accord would become the top retail-selling car in America from 2013-2015. It would also be the retail-best-selling passenger car brand in America in 2018, selling over 667,762 units. In conclusion, the Honda Accord would not only lead to Honda becoming a major automobile brand, it would also appeal to thousands of people with many different variations of it introduced over the years. The Honda Accord is summarized accurately by this excerpt, “The Honda Accord is a legendary car for a reason. It's a well-rounded sedan that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for a spacious and comfortable car, a commuter looking for a fuel-efficient option, or an enthusiast looking for a powerful and sporty ride, the Accord is worth considering” (CarSoup). The Accord’s popularity, the new records it set in recent years, and revolutionary design aspects has allowed it to leave its mark on automobile history.

By: Ashley Sawh The debate over AP classes in high school is something that is discussed by almost all students. Most students ask the same question: Do I take an AP class? For some students, the answer is simple, but it’s not so simple to others. On one hand, these classes give students college credit and are a great way to challenge themselves. On the other hand, AP classes always come with a cost. As these classes continue to progress in the future, people become more unsure about taking them. Here are the pros and cons of AP classes. AP classes give students the chance to be prepared for college. These classes go at the same pace as college classes do. Granted, the intense pressure and burnout that students face in these classes eat them alive. The combination of intense material and pacing of lectures can be overwhelming for students, especially those taking other rigorous classes and after school extracurriculars.  On the other hand, these classes help students save money, as these classes are free. Excluding the optional AP test in May, students no longer have to pay to learn about a subject of their choosing by instead taking it in college. . However, although AP classes give students the opportunity to stand out from their peers, they do not come without the stress that comes with the class.  Thirdly, AP classes also provide college credit to the students that decide to take it. Yet,  some colleges don’t accept them, hence why it’s important to remember to do your research first. Along with this, some critics argue that AP classes don’t actually help students prepare for college, even though the class is considered a college level course. Each AP class prepares students for the AP test in May, but then what? Most classes in college go more in depth than high school AP classes. Lastly, AP classes come with a ton of homework and studying. Most AP teachers expect students to complete a large amount of homework and studying, and depending on the other classes that students take, it can be the most challenging thing about an AP class. As someone who’s enrolled in AP classes today, I can support the notion that they all come with benefits and challenges.

By: Anya Prasanna ( Daniel.tietz@bridgesinternational.com . “Holi: Festival of Colors.” Bridges International , 2 Aug. 2021, www.bridgesinternational.com/holi-festival-of-colors/ ) Holi is an Hindu holiday celebrated in India and around the world. It is one of the most vibrant celebrations in the world and involves people having fun by throwing colored water and powder on each other. It marks a time to spend time with friends, and the community, representing the triumph of good over evil.  There are many stories involving the roots of this holiday that change throughout India’s demographic. One story is the legend of Hiranyakashipu. He was a demon king, who tried to kill his son, Prahlada, a devotee of the god Vishnu. He enlisted his sister, Holika to help him do so. Holika tricked Prahlada into sitting with her on a pyre. She wore a cloak to protect herself from the fire, however, a wind blew, transferring the cloak to Prahlada, causing the demon to be burnt in the flames. This myth symbolizes the triumph of good over the oppression of evil. In many regions of India that believe this story, a large pyre is lit, to commemorate this event.  In other parts of India, the holiday comes from the story of the Hindu deity, Krishna. He was an avatar of Vishnu. He had fallen in love with Radha who was a milkmaid, however he was embarrassed by his dark blue skin. To solve this issue, he colored her face during a game with her and the other milkmaids. This may be the reason why people throw colored water and powder during the holiday.  Some parts of this festival are gatherings, music, and food. Some sweets that are eaten are gujiya, which is a dumpling filled with coconut and dried fruit that is deep-fried in sugar syrup, malpua, a type of pancake made with jaggery, cardamom, and milk. Jalebi is commonly eaten, and is a spiral shaped sweet that is made with sugar syrup. Some street food is eaten such as chaat and kachori. People drink lassi, and thandai which is a milk drink with almonds, saffron, poppy seeds, cardamom, and rose petals.  Holi is celebrated in many different ways around India. In some places the holiday lasts 40 days, while it lasts 2 days in others. The most common custom of this holiday is to light a pyre which represents the demon Holika. This ritual occurs in North India.  In a region of the state of Uttar Pradesh in India, Holi is celebrated with a playful battle between women and men. In this battle, the women represent Radha and are armed with staves while the men represent Krishna and have shields to defend themselves. This practice is called Lathmar Holi. In other regions of India, Holi is celebrated with staves, shields, colors, and flowers in a period of 40 days. and begins on the Basant Panchami, a holiday that celebrates the first day of Spring. In conclusion, Holi is a colorful holiday. It involves many diverse traditions, customs, and myths. It is a time to celebrate with the family and the community and have fun.

By: Anya Prasanna (Yoon, John, and Hari Kumar. “What to Know about the Maha Kumbh Mela, the World’s Largest Human Gathering.” The New York Times , The New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025, www.nytimes.com/2025/01/14/world/asia/india-hindu-festival-maha-kumbh-mela.html .) The Maha Kumbh Mela is a Hindu festival that is also the biggest human gathering that occurred this year from January 13th to February 26th. This year it occurred in Prayagraj, in Uttar Pradesh, India.  The Kumbh Mela is a large Hindu pilgrimage that occurs on the banks of rivers that are deemed sacred in India. The locations in which the Mela can occur are the following: The town of Nashik on the banks of the Godavari River, Ujjain which is on the banks of the Shipra River, Haridwar which is near the Ganga, and Prayagraj which is located where the Ganga and Yamuna rivers intersect with the mythical Saraswati River. In this pilgrimage, people dip in these rivers as it is said that it washes away your life’s sins along with the sins of the lives you reincarnated from. Thus, you will be able to achieve moksha, which is supposed to free you from the cycle of reincarnation.   The Kumbh Mela is practiced every three years. The location of each festival rotates between Nashik, Ujjain, Hardiwar, and Prayagraj, decided based on the planet's alignment.  However the most sacred of the Kumbh Melas is the Maha Kumbh Mela which occurs every 12 years in the Prayagraj. The date of the Maha Kumbh Mela is decided mainly by the planet Jupiter, which takes 12 years to revolve around the Sun. Jupiter needs to perform certain alignments, especially with the Sun and moon, and go through particular zodiac signs in order to occur. According to Hinduism, placement of these planets makes an energy field, which makes it a good time for spiritual purification. However, this year's Maha Kumbh Mela is much more special as planets are going through a rare celestial alignment that occurs once every 144 years.  Some parts of the Kumbh Mela are the Shahi Snan, where people cleanse their sins in the river to obtain spiritual freedom. Another part is the meditation sessions guided by famous practitioners. Cultural performances occur, these range from folk dances to theater that displays the stories from the great Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. In addition, people can witness the ritual called the Ganga Aarti. This is where people offer prayers and light lamps to honor the Gods. In conclusion, the Maha Kumbh Mela, this year is the biggest human gathering that occurred in India, in which people try to obtain spiritual experiences. They can wash away their sins, see the cultural performances, folk art, or immerse themselves in Indian culture. Some go to do yoga, and others to see holy men who are usually meditating in remote places in India.

By: Adith Bondugula At Monroe Township High School, walking laps around the gym and playing volleyball with your friends is not the only thing you can do. Physical education at MTHS is an opportunity to take classes tailored toward your interests, learn creative movement, and even get stronger if you have a passion for building muscle or are an athlete aspiring to get better at your sport. Whether you want to go the extra mile in the weight room, have fun with friends learning dance, or have the opportunity to inform classmates about various health-related topics, MTHS has many electives that allow students to achieve their goals and interests more than just a normal gym class. Strength and Conditioning: For the Future Athlete (or Fitness Enthusiast!) For people who have an interest in hypertrophy and muscle building, Strength and Conditioning I and II  might be great physical education electives to take. These classes are perfect for kids who are looking to get more fit physically while also learning about the different techniques to lift heavy weights, understanding the process of setting achievable goals, and how to make a proper fitness program that correlates to your goals. Strength and Conditioning I  goes more in-depth on the basics, such as what to know to safely lift weights, the structure and function of the cardiovascular system, and the nutritional aspects of exercise and training. Strength and Conditioning II  takes it to the next step by teaching kids to make workouts and plans that are customized for themselves and other students in the class.  This class isn’t all just about working out every single day. It’s about learning and understanding information about one’s health that can be used even after highschool. Also, one important benefit is if you play sports just for fun or competitively, this class can give you extra time to work on your body and muscles outside the sports field. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t like the feeling of being a stronger person and knowing more about the different aspects of working out? Rhythmic Movement: Where Fitness Meets Fun For students who are looking for movement with an added twist of various styles, Rhythmic Movement  focuses on dance, yoga, Zumba, and even ballet barre. Whether you are into the structured elegance of pilates or just want to let loose with dance, this class is one that helps workouts be more fun and amusing for students. This class is not only just fun and games as many may think. This class provides a great workout for those taking it by improving flexibility, coordination, and endurance. Also, it introduces students to interests, activities, and hobbies they can continue outside of the classroom, making it a great choice for anyone who is trying to start a new fitness hobby they can do for the rest of their life.  Teen PEP: The Leaders of Tomorrow Ever wanted to teach your fellow peers how to help make a difference? Teen PEP  is more than just a class, it’s a responsibility! This class is only for seniors and trains students to be peer educators, leading workshops on topics like healthy relationships, substance abuse prevention, and mental health awareness. Students have to apply by March 20th of their Junior year in order to be eligible to get into the program. Some benefits of taking this class are it builds leadership, confidence, and can help students be better public speakers.  Teen Pep students get the unique opportunity to learn about various health related topics while teaching students at the same time. They initiate discussions, plan interactive activities, and become role models that are a positive influence on underclassmen. This program is quite hard to get into, requiring students to submit a resume, get recommendations from their teachers, and do well in an interview. For those who do make it into the program, it’s an amazing experience that fosters lifelong leadership skills and information about health-related topics that you could use for a lifetime. Why These Electives Matter Many students only take gym class to fulfill their graduation requirements, but many forget they could do something they enjoy more than just a normal gym class that better fits their interests. It’s about exploring a passion, having more fun doing what you're interested in, and becoming the healthiest version that you can be. Whether you are looking to improve your athletic performance, have fun with friends learning dance, or become a voice for positive change, MTHS has a PE elective that fits your goals. So, when it comes time to pick your schedule, think about trying something new. Step into the weight room, onto the dance floor, or in front of your peers as a leader. No matter what you choose, one thing is for sure, at MTHS, gym class is anything but ordinary.

By: Sidak Setia “ 80% of college students reported feeling overwhelmed, and 40% reported it was difficult to function” (Kosmin). This statistic by Kosmin illustrates that the majority of college students feel overwhelmed, and half of the majority are unable to function. This defines the difference between lazy and burnt out, wherelazy is caused by being overwhelmed and having a lack of motivation, while being burnt out is the exhaustion that causes one’s body to not function. Some people do not know the difference between being burnt out, or if they feel lazy. Below this identifies the differences of the percent of teenagers who feel overwhelmed (Rutherig). When might one be lazy? Being in a state of laziness is when one is procrastinating one's work. This is when one is not currently doing the work, but is overwhelmed by the work; leading to one not doing anything, and leaving the work at the last minute, or not doing it. Additionally, another key difference between laziness and burnt out, is when one is avoiding work. If one is avoiding work, then they are being lazy. If one can not function to do the work, and their body is shutting down, then that is a sign of being burnt out. Subsequently, doing the bare minimum is laziness, as you are not trying to understand the topic, and instead are just trying to finish the assignments.  When might one be burnt out? When someone is burnt out, their body can not function anymore, making it incapable of doing anything. This occurs when one has too much stress.Therefore, I would recommend dropping some extracurricular activities or classes.  Overall, these are the key differences between laziness and being burnt out. If one is burnt out, please work on oneself, and fix whatever is causing the stress. If one is lazy, try motivating oneself by different study methods, and taking breaks. Make the breaks a goal for one to achieve.

By: Olivia Delvalle https://news.virginia.edu/content/microplastics-are-our-food-water-and-air-should-we-be-worried “Little drops of water make the mighty ocean”- Julia Carney One of the world's biggest current issues is the lack of wildlife preservation and an increase in harmful pollutants in the environment. Throughout the years our planet has turned from a diverse ecology biome to what is now a landfill of waste in some of our most valued resources. We watch as plastic consumes our oceans, garbage towers over lands, and smoke fills our skies.  One of the biggest dumps for pollutants are our oceans. 71 percent of the earth is the ocean, making it even more harmful and susceptible for pollutants. Many people think that the biggest environmental villain is the large plastics such as  water bottles and plastic bags. However, there’s an even bigger problem that affects humans, wildlife, and the environment. A plastic that is so small that it is unseen by most untrained eyes, yet extremely dangerous at the same time. Microplastics are unseen pollutants that may be inside of you right now. What is microplastic? There are two types of them, primary and secondary microplastics. Primary are microscopic pieces of plastics called pellets or nurdles. They are found in personal care products, plastic fibers in clothes, and plastic pellets in industrial manufacturing. On the other hand, secondary plastics are large pieces of plastic that have been broken down by natural processes such as the sun, wind, or ocean. Over time those pieces get smaller and smaller until they are microplastics. Both forms of microplastics are almost indistinguishable to the eye. This can be extremely dangerous because most people and animals consume it without even knowing. Scientists have discovered many animals whose stomachs are filled with plastics due to mistaking them for food. These animals later can be eaten by humans transmitting their plastics into the human body. As the food chain evolves, more plastic is consumed.  Although this may seem scary to think about, there are many ways to prevent the spread and consumption of these tiny monsters. If you want to read some simple ways to lessen the creation of microplastics, check out the link below! https://www.perchenergy.com/blog/lifestyle/reduce-microplastic-pollution-consumption

By: Olivia Delvalle https://gracebythecup.com/seeing-color-in-a-black-white-world/ Childhood is a short period in time where an individual goes through one of the most important developmental processes in their lives. In those first few years, a child will be faced with challenges and experiences that will shape them into the person they become. Some people even go as far as to say they learned more from their childhood than they do from adulthood. This is because in the first few years of childhood you are building the fundamental blocks and foundation of both your present and future.     Some of our biggest events are found in our childhood. From the very first steps you take to the ones walking across the stage at graduation. No event is too little or small in the concept of developing. It's a time to make mistakes, to take risks, to experience the new and explore the old. As we grow up and our childhood fades behind with the rest of our milestones, we often reminisce about those years. People often wish to return to those times where life was “easier or simple”. Times where we were not consumed by the ugliness of the world and only saw it for its true beauty. A child is defined as someone from the ages of 0-18 in a legal aspect. However if we carry our childhood with us as we grow, do we truly stop being a child? Or do we blossom from a mindset and gain knowledge while still remaining that same childlike persona?  The way children see is something so beyond imagination or dreams, it is reality, possibility, and opportunity. Those who choose to grow up too fast or not use childhood to their full advantage are often the ones who regret it the most. They are the ones who live in the past, the ones who see the world in gray, and the ones who follow behind the rest. For the people who see the world through the lenses of a child are the ones who truly make the best of their lives. They are the grownups who still watch movies, the ones who live inside books, the ones who fill their lives with color, the ones who enjoy the outdoors, and the ones who know to take chances. People often think if you act like a child it means you are unable to be mature or you're ignorant of society. However, that isn’t always the case. Those who choose to not hide behind society's standards of how a person should act after the age of 18 are the most mature and intelligent of them all. The ones who choose to hide lack a sense of creativity, ambition, and sometimes even kindness. The absence of childlike traits can often be the same ones that help solve the most strenuous problems. Sometimes the people who see through a childlike mindset are often those who we least expect. They are the creators of movies, books, paintings, and plays. They can also be the entrepreneurs, leaders, lawyers, and doctors who aid our society every day. They don't have to be the pessimistic concept and connotation we associate with people who carry their child like selves with them. Rather they are everyday people who choose to not hide or fall into order. They instead express themselves by helping others and living in a growth mindset. In the end, the question is: Would you rather be the person who only sees the world for its ugliness, never breaking society norms, and just following in line? Or will you be the person who creates their own way of living life, with a mindset that shows who they are and what they are capable of?

By: Olivia Delvalle The next class of 2025 senior spotlight goes to our very own Monroe Township girls soccer team captain, Jayme Beninda. Not only has Jayme etched her mark into school history on the soccer field, but created a name for herself as a student as well. Since freshman year, Jayme Beninda has been an active member of the community and high school. She has contributed to both the Patriot Warrior Club as well as been a part of the National Honor Society chapter.  In her free time she believes in staying active and has been a three sport athlete since freshman year. She has received her varsity letter in winter and spring track, girls lacrosse, and most importantly, soccer. She is also the captain for both the winter track and the girls soccer team, demonstrating her versatility to lead across multiple sports. Photo Credits: Jayme Beninda After interviewing Jayme, it is clear that her greatest passion and hobby is her commitment and talent in soccer. When asked what started her love for the sport, Jayme said, “My dad and brother are the reason I fell in love and from then on I couldn’t stop”. Since she was a sophomore, Jayme has played both on the club team and the Monroe Township varsity soccer team at the highschool. Eventually, she even became Captain her senior year alongside three other girls.  However, leading her team through a normal season wasn’t enough for Jayme. Instead, she helped lead them in creating a mark so deep that it’s become one of the Monroe sports program’s best success stories. In 2024, Jayme and the soccer team made it to the GMC finals and won for the first time in school history. However, they didn’t stop there. They continued to win again the following year, going as far as winning sectionals for the first time ever. When asked about her favorite highschool memory, Jayme says, “Winning the GMC finals two years in a row and then going on to win sectionals for the first time in school history”, showcasing how much this team and program has meant to her and her success here at the highschool. Photo credits: Jayme Beninda Jayme’s greatest achievement was turning a bonding activity into school history. In addition to winning these titles as a team, Jayme became an all conference and red division player, and was selected for the nj.coms 2nd team,receiving sectional recognition. Jayme will be furthering both her academic and soccer careers at Lebanon Valley college in Pennsylvania. There, she plans to major in criminology and eventually find a career in the criminal justice field, wherever it leads her.Jayme’s greatest achievement was turning a bonding activity into school history. In addition to  winning these titles as a team, Jayme became an all conference and red division player, and was selected for the nj.coms 2nd team,receiving sectional recognition. Jayme will be furthering both her academic and soccer careers at Lebanon Valley college in Pennsylvania. There, she plans to major in criminology and eventually find a career in the criminal justice field, wherever it leads her. Photo Credits: Jayme Beninda In her spare time, Jayme loves to hang out with her friends, be around her family, and loves animals, especially her dog Bruno. She says that one of the hardest parts about leaving high school is saying goodbye to the people you have spent every day walking past and creating memories with. If she had to tell an incoming freshman one piece of advice, it would be, “Go to all the sports games and events they have. Take advantage of the time you have here at the high school with your friends, and make memories because it goes by fast”.  Photo Credits: Jayme Beninda Jayme Beninda has gone above and beyond any expectations both in school and on the field. She will forever go down in school history for all her accomplishments and hard work through soccer and school. Just seeing what a superstar she has become in her four short years at the highschool, it’s only fair to assume whatever she will do next will be record breaking as well.