Hills Review

On March 12, 2020, Regina Calcaterra, the New York Times best-selling author of Etched in Sand, spent time with several High School East 11th graders to discuss her memoir. We were able to ask questions that we were curious about which shed light on both the book and her life.

This year's fall drama, The Good Doctor, was performed on December 13th and 14th. The play is a comedy based on the short stories of Anton Chekhov and was written for the stage by Neil Simon. In this podcast, we hear from members of the stage crew, actors, and the show's director about what it took to bring the play to life at Hills East.

It’s the final episode of this season of the Film Club Podcast and the crew are also joined by the Film and Podcasting Club advisor Mr. Beatty. They begin by talking about what made them admire film (:24) and what got them to look deeper into film (32:52). They also mention whether or not movies are fading out (49:25) and what needs to be in a good movie (24:38). And for the last time, the crew gives their movie recommendations (58:48). Movie Recommendations: Matt: “True Romance” RJ: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” Mr. Beatty: “Rock Star” Aubrey: “BlacKkKlansman” Emma: “Swiss Army Man” Anthony: “American Animals”

Teenagers and their parents have been at odds since there were teenagers and parents. But is that gap in understanding widening? In this segment of Students in the Hall, we asked High School East students to comment on whether or not they think there a disconnect between their generation and their parent’s generation.

In this narrative podcast, Evie Yeh shares her thoughts on drawing. She discusses the relaxing and therapeutic role it plays in her life as well as how her love of the practice interacts with her personal philosophy.

The cultural podcast exchange between members of High School East and our friends at the Thomas Tallis School in London, England continued this spring. Members of the Film Club and our British friends shared ideas on film and how what is seen on screen can influence how people are perceived. To help with the discussion, both groups viewed the same film -- a British film entitled Attack the Block -- and compared thoughts. Here are a few excerpts from our discussion.

In this edition of the Film Club Podcast, the guys talk about Rotten Tomatoes and how the reviews affect a movie; and the movies they feel deserve a higher rating (11:15). Then they briefly talk about why branded movies are expected to do well (7:40), new Batman casting (15:00) and movie trailer deceptions (3:27). They also give a wild review on John Wick 3 (22:04) and Godzilla: King of the Monsters (45:52). And as always, they end with movie recommendations (56:23). Movie Recommendations: Aubrey: Mission Impossible: Fallout Brandon: The Waterboy Matt: Point Break Rj: Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah

PART 5: El Salvador In this segment, Sugeily Alvarez speaks with her mother about what it was like living in a war torn country, coping with horrible loss, and rising above all of her struggles to come to America and create a better life for her children. In the candid discussion that follows, students describe both their reaction to these stories, the tragedy of normalized violence, as well as detail their own experiences living in an environment where violence could erupt at any moment. Our series concludes with heartfelt words that stress the importance of being proud of who you are--and how, if we all share our stories, tomorrow will be better than today.

PART 4: Korea Elizabeth Park speaks with her mother about the trials of moving to America as a teenager. After hearing about how she worked hard to achieve both her academic and professional goals, the group expresses their admiration for her and shares their own stories of struggle. They also provide their thoughts on how children of immigrants are obliged to work hard in order to make their parents proud and to honor the sacrifices that were made.

PART 3: Egypt Political and social situations can sometimes force a family to make the difficult decision to leave their home country for a new life. Here, Clarien Nashed speaks to her father, who trusted his instincts and came to the US to find better opportunities for his family. In the discussion that follows, Clarien and her classmates consider the bravery it takes to uproot and move to a new country and how these moves are a true leap of faith.

PART 2: Thailand In this segment, Gianna Vessey talks to her cousin who, at age eleven, came to the US to a new family, language, and world. She explains the difficulties of fitting into a new culture and how, with the help of friends, she was able to both assimilate and have pride in her heritage. Following the interview, the students discuss family who experienced similar situations, personal experiences with discrimination, and the difficulties of being a part of two cultures and countries.

For a recent narrative project, five High School East seniors were instructed to interview a person with a story worth telling. The five unknowingly chose the same topic: immigration. Students interviewed family members about their experiences moving to the United States and what it was like adjusting to life here. They talked with relatives from Trinidad and Tobago, Thailand, Egypt, Korea, and El Salvador. After listening to each other’s projects they got together to discuss them. Although they are all very different people who never got together before, they all have this one thing in common. PART 1: Trinidad and Tobago There are many different circumstances in which immigrants come to the US. In this segment, Devin Kassebaum speaks with his grandmother who came to this country in 1974 as a mother of two from Trinidad and Tobago. In the discussion that follows, students share experiences of their own parents coming to this country and struggling with the immigration process. They also consider the law

In this MCU centered podcast, the crew begin with an “Avengers: Endgame” movie review. In the review they give a non spoiler review (:27) and discuss certain plot points (Spoiler Alert -- 4:37). They also talk about the Marvel Disney+ shows (31:53) and their favorite MCU moment (42:21). Then, they end off with recommending their favorite MCU movies (51:18). Movie Recommendations: Anthony: “Doctor Strange” RJ: “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 2” Matt: “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” Brandon: “Iron Man” Aubrey: “Thor”

In this episode of the Film Club Podcast, the guys talk about Disney adapting animated films into live action films (:14). Then they begin to talk about the casting choices (4:24) and the affects these live action adaptations have on the original films (7:25). They also talk about Detective Pikachu (14:14) the Sonic trailer (14:43), and Kevin Hart/Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. And as always, the crew ends with movie recommendations (20:46). Movie Recommendations: Brandon: King Kong (2005) Aubrey: A Quiet Place Anthony: Journey’s End Rj: Little Shop of Horrors

In this episode of the Film Club Podcast, the crew talks about their most anticipated movies for the year (00:31). We also predict the turnouts for those films (15:25) as well as recommend movies (23:00). Movie Recommendations: Brandon: Den of Thieves RJ: Submarine Matt: Casino Royal (2006) Anthony: Iron Sky David: Basic Aubrey: Triple Frontier

In this edition of the Film Club Podcast, the group takes a deep dive into the 2019 Oscar Award Ceremony. They discuss various awards such as Best Original Score (3:25), Best Production Design (11:31), Best Picture (24:27) and more! They also take a look at the award ceremony overall (28:36), and end with recommended movies (30:45). Movie Recommendations: Brandon: “Watchmen” Matt: “The Raid: Redemption” Matt: “If Beale Street Could Talk” Anthony: “Cold Pursuit” Aubrey: “What Happened to Monday”

In this edition, we feature highlights from the High School East lecture series. Produced by the Pegasus Literary Magazine, the series continued this month when Regina Calcaterra -- the New York Times bestselling author of Etched in Sand -- visited East to speak to 11th graders about her gripping and powerful memoir.

In this edition of the Film Club Podcast, the crew discuss the Fyre Festival Documentary on Netflix (:44) and Hulu (16:24). They also talk about the rivalry between Netflix and Hulu (20:30), Original Content (25:21), the future of movie streaming platforms (26:58), Movie recommendations (32:05) and more! Movie Recommendations: Anthony: “They Shall Not Grow Old”; “Green Book” David: “A Silent Voice” Brandon: “Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened” Aubrey: “John Wick 3” (Trailer)

In this edition, we include excerpts from New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul’s comments during her visit to High School East on January 10th, where she came to propose legislation designed to keep schools safe. We stop by the construction of the 2019 art history installation, entitled “The Divided States of America”, which is a commentary on the divisions in our country, as well as on school-related violence. To conclude, we ask members of the High School East community whether or not they feel safe in school

In this edition, we get special access to this year’s Fall Drama -- 12 Angry Jurors -- which is being performed in mid-December. Next, several High School East students and Dr. Strong share their opinions on the schoolwide ID tag rule. Finally, we stop by the recent blood drive that took place in the East Gym to talk with the organizer of the event and a few students who were donating to help those in need.