YULA Girls | Panther Post | Issue I | November 2020
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YULA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL | PANTHER POST | ISSUE 1 | NOVEMBER 2020
Is Our
Approach
to the
Virus too
Lenient?
BY NELLIE JAVAHERIAN ‘24
It has been approximately
eight months since Los Angeles
has been on lockdown. Safety
regulations have been placed as
people are ordered to stay at
home to contain the spread of
the virus. Now, however, some
of these restrictions have been
lifted. As of very recently, nail
salons, indoor malls, and outdoor
playgrounds have begun to
slowly reopen throughout LA.
However, even with all these
measures that are being taken
to ensure the safety of everyone,
there is little progress being
made for the efforts. This is due
to two things: the government’s
failure to properly administer
and draft effective lockdown
regulations, and the community’s
failure to properly follow the
ones that are in place.
The lockdown started with all
non-essential businesses – anything
that didn’t deal with health
care, food, emergencies, or
government–and schools being
shut down. In May, some of the
restrictions were relaxed as dinein
restaurants, malls, bars, and
other places started to open up
again. After a short time, however,
these businesses shut down
once more. As many regulations
are being lifted again, it’s concerning
that the remaining ones
won’t be properly enforced, such
as social distancing guidelines
being neglected with no chastisement.
Many countries have utilized
their own methods for slowing
the spread of the coronavirus,
and many of them have proven
more effective than ours. For
See VIRUS APPROACH on Page 14
California proposition results were released in early November.
California Proposition Elections
Of the twelve propositions on the ballot, five were passed.
BY ZOE MANKOWITZ ‘22
Heading into the upcoming general election
the majority of the public’s attention
has been focused on the contentious
Presidential race, but it is important to examine
the propositions that California residents will
also be voting on come November 3rd. There
will be twelve Propositions, 14 through 25, on
the ballot to be passed or rejected by voters. I
found a few of these interesting and surprisingly
relevant for teenagers.
Proposition 16 will allow diversity to be a
factor in public employment, education, and
BY AVA KOHANTEB ‘23
2020 -- the anniversary of
all the most iconic movies and
tv shows that hold a special
place in our hearts. Growing
up, we looked forward to each
episode, counting down the
days for a new season of our
favorite Disney or Nickelodeon
shows to appear. These shows
consisted of some of our best
childhood memories -- relaxing,
snacking on treats, and
watching our favorite characters
surprise us in brand new
episodes. Looking back now,
almost fifteen to twenty years
later, these tv shows are no
contracting decisions. The state legislature has
already voted on Prop. 16 but it will be included
as a referendum in this election because it
is a proposed constitutional amendment. Prop.
16 would repeal the section of Proposition 209
which banned discriminating or giving preferential
treatment based on race, gender, ethnicity, or
national origin in public programs. Those in favor
of Prop. 16 want policies to combat the inequalities
people face because of their race, gender, etc.
Since their representation already sets them at a
disadvantage, they think the government needs to
create programs to give them equal opportunities.
Prop. 16 is also argued against as a step backward
See PROPOSITIONS on Page 13
Disney & Nickelodeon Nostalgia for Babies of the 2000s
Disney and Nickelodian movies bring back happy
memories from our childhood.
less special to us now than
they were back when we were
kids. The majority of us can
See DISNEY on Page 13
INSIDE YULA
More than
Just Corona Pg. 13
The COVID-19 pandemic
has seemed to not only
affect people’s physical
health but possibly even
more so their mental health.
YULA Bachutz Pg. 5
Students receive the
opportunity to choose
from a variety of enjoyable
and educational after
school activities.
Sports
Gone Virtual Pg. 10
Are sports fans
enjoying their new
form of virtual sports?
PAGE 2 | NOVEMBER, 2020
Torah
THE PANTHER POST | YULA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
Mar Cheshvan...Is it really?
BY ELIANA WAGHALTER ‘24
Cheshvan is known for being
the sad and bitter month that follows
Tishri. It is considered “bitter”
because it follows a month
full of holidays when Cheshvan
is void of any. Should we really
be saying this, though? Are there
really zero holidays in Cheshvan?
In fact, no, there is a holiday in
Cheshvan: Sigd.
50 days after Yom Kippur,
Ethiopian Jews celebrate Sigd;
this holiday has many purposes.
For example, a purpose is
so that the Ethiopians can renew
their acceptance of the Torah.
Sigd was influenced by a verse
in Nechemia, Perek 8, “ Ezra the
Kohen brought the Torah before
the congregation...” During this
time, Ezra gave a Torah to the
people and read it to them.
Thousands of Ethiopian Jews gather to celebrate Sigd in the month of Cheshvan.
When Sigd was observed in
Ethiopia, people would gather
in large groups and travel to
mountain tops where they would
pray to be returned to Israel.
Nowadays, it is a national holiday
in Israel and is observed
differently. The Ethiopian Jews
gather in Yerushalayim where
Kessim (religious leaders), conduct
davening. It resembles Yom
Kippur and Shavuot. It is similar
to Yom Kippur, because they
fast and daven while focusing on
themselves as a religious community.
Sigd also resembles Shavuot
because it is 50 days after Yom
Kippur (29 of Cheshvan), just like
Shavout is 50 days after Peasach.
They also say tehillim, and then
they break the fast with elaborate
celebrations.
In 2008, Uri Ariel (a former
member of Knesset) succeeded
in establishing Sigd as a national
holiday in Israel. However, many
people feel that this holiday is
underrated. We can see by the fact
that we do not acknowledge this
holiday on the Jewish calendar.
We always say that Cheshvan is
a dry month spiritually- it has no
holidays. This holiday dates back
many centuries and because of it,
we now know that Cheshvan is
truly not so “bitter.”
Sharing a
Lulav on the Most
Joyful Holiday
BY ZAHAVAH KAPLAN ‘22
In this period of the pandemic,
some may argue that the holiday
of Sukkot could be unsafe:
family and friends crowded in
a sukkah to eat and celebrate
the holiday together. However,
there is a halacha that keeps one
special Mitzvah separate from
the rest of the people around us:
the halacha to own your personal
Lulav.
Vayikra 23:40 states “And
you shall take for yourselves
on the first day, the fruit of the
hadar tree, date palm fronds, a
branch of a braided tree, and willows
of the brook, and you shall
rejoice before the Lord your God
for a seven day period". In short,
this halacha requires that the set
be under the ownership of one
person performing the Mitzvah
during the first days of Yom Tov.
However, there are many families
who share a Lulav among
themselves and some Shluchim
in Chabad go out of their way
to shake their own lulav with
strangers. Additionally, with
prices ranging from $40 to over
$200, sharing a set is sometimes
the best option. So how can we
share a lulav while also adhering
to halacha?
Within Jewish law, one is
allowed to “give” the set as a
“gift” to the person in need of
the Lulav on the condition that
the person in need will return
it to the owner. Nonetheless, in
order for this to take place, both
parties must be familiar with this
halacha. If the halacha needs
to be explained, it can be done
politely.
Allowing someone to “borrow”
the Arba Minim in a safe
manner is vital during these trying
times; therefore our community
leaders urge us to maintain
our own set of Arba Minim this
year in order to ensure everyone’s
safety .
Have a Shana Tova!
Shuls via
Chagim and
Backyard
Minyanim
BY SHOSHANA ZISBLATT ‘24
The question of the possibility
of minyanim was another
challenge brought on by the
COVID-19 pandemic. When
we are most in need of davening
for everyone’s health and
safety, what is the best way to
conduct minyanim that comply
with the current health guidelines?
Daily minyanim, simchas,
Shabbat, and Yom Tov davening
have been mostly relocated
from shuls to individuals’ homes
when the Corona crisis began.
As the number of cases steadied
and declined, gathering for
minyan became more feasible.
However, the minyanim bear little
resemblance to pre-COVID
times. Most minyanim are held
in residential backyards or in
shul outdoor tents. Even with the
relocation of many minyanim to
the outdoors, several additional
restrictions have been added:
Shuls around the U.S. have adapted to the pandemic
sitution in various ways to ensure people’s safety.
attendance is limited to small
numbers, chairs are kept distanced,
and masks are worn, etc.
As the Yamim Noraim
approached, most shuls in Los
Angeles grappled with how best
to address the holiest of days.
For the most part, shuls offered
satellite minyanim in peoples’
homes and/or offered tent minyanim
in shul outdoor spaces.
Davening was also kept somewhat
shorter, in accordance with
social distancing guidelines.
Although many people worried
about how all this would play
out, for many, the new system
worked. Some explained that
davening in the outdoors helped
them focus and become even
more inspired with their tefillah.
Others suggested that the smaller
minyanim allowed for more concentration
as well, and perhaps
less socializing.
In all, the creative response
of our community leaders to the
question of davening in these
times was a success. Some of
the new customs we have adopted
now could be ones that we
embrace in the future too!
THE PANTHER POST | YULA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
Advice
PAGE 3 | NOVEMBER, 2020
Big Sister/Little Sister Program
BY LAUREN GABBAY ’22
Due to the pandemic, it is
extra challenging for the current
freshman class to feel that
they are part of the YULA community
this year. With the help
of Mrs. Piliavin, an exciting
and meaningful program was
created for the freshman class.
The Big/Little Sister Program
enables new connections to
be formed between the freshman
and junior classes. Each
freshman is assigned to a “Big
Sister,” a junior who will bond
with and guide her throughout
the year. Having an older
student as a mentor and friend
can really create a huge difference
for the newly arrived 9th
graders.
What does a Big Sister do?
A Big Sister can check in with
her Little Sister, send a Good
Shabbos text, schmooze about
school, send a random “thinking
of you” or “Good luck on
your math quiz!” text, meet
up (via social distancing), and
answer any questions that her
Little Sister might have about
YULA.
Mrs. Piliavin explained that
“Big Sisters” hung out with their “Little Sisters” and bonded over common interests.
her main objective for starting
this program was for the Junior
class “to show warmth and love
to the new class.” She also
hopes that this program will be
an “awesome and helpful” way
for students to transition into
high school.
Although the pandemic
circumstances prohibit us to
attend physical school and see
one another face to face, with
this program, freshmen have
the opportunity to engage with
upperclassmen and gain guidance.
They are able to receive
some insight into what YULA
Girls is about and have conversations
with people who
are already comfortable and
familiar with the school. The
11th graders have the power to
encourage their “Little Sisters”
and make them feel loved and
welcomed in their new YULA
community. With this exciting
and interactive program,
we hope that the 9th graders
will feel more comfortable at
YULA and know that they are
part of the amazing and special
YULA girls family.
THE PANTHER POST
EDITORIAL TEAM
Editors-in-Chief:
Adiel Nourmand ‘22 and Daniella Zisblatt ‘22
Faculty Advisor:
Mrs. Candice Kelsey
Production:
Mr. Noam Nizzani
Current Events Editors:
Anat Rimmon ‘21 and Maya Wertheimer ‘23
Opinion and Trending Editors:
Kayla Nourmand ‘24 and Leora Teichman ‘22
Community Editors:
Nili Torbai ‘24 and Sivan Schwartz ‘23
Torah Editor:
Shoshana Zisblatt ‘24
Advice Editor:
Yael Kohanteb ‘22
Israel Editor:
Aliza Nissanoff ‘22
PAGE 4 | NOVEMBER, 2020
COMMUNITY
THE PANTHER POST | YULA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
New Staff Become Part of the YULA Family
BY SHALVA KAPLAN ‘23
This year YULA Girls is lucky
to have so many dynamic new
members of staff and faculty join
us!
Ms. Anna Lee Stone is the
newest addition to our science
department. She makes learning
science a fun and engaging environment
and we are excited to
learn and grow with her as the
year continues. Ms. Stone has
over twenty years of experience
in Neutral Engineering for the
Department of Defense, NIH, and
DARPA. She also has her MS
in Science, Online Teaching, and
Professional Communications
from Southern Utah University.
Mrs. Ariella Hakakian has
joined our Ivrit Department and
is described by student Rivka
Shamulian ‘23 as “an amazing
teacher whose class I truly enjoy
attending! She has helped me
enhance my Hebrew vocabulary
tremendously!” Mrs. Hakakian
has previously taught in Yavneh
Hebrew Academy and was the
Director for the amazing Bat Ami
program. She is extremely experienced
in the field and speaks four
languages.
We are extremely excited to
have Mrs. Kayla Stern and Mrs.
Rachel Rose as part of our Judiac
studies faculty! They have both
already added so much inspiration
and Torah to our days at YULA
Girls. Their constant attention,
care, and desire to teach students
has been something students at
the school truly enjoy.
Mr. Noam Nizzani is joining us
as our new director of media and
communications. He is the faculty
advisor to YULA Girls weekly
newsletter “Paw Print” and has
“continued to lead us every week
in the production of the Paw Print.
We would never be able to do this
without his guidance!” says Meira
Ives ‘22. He has also helped guide
the Panther Post and has years of
experience in both photography
and videography.
Jennifer Sieger, a YULA
alumn, has further become part
of the YULA Girls family as a
bookkeeper. We love having her
on campus and are looking forward
to getting to know her better
throughout the year.
It is so incredible having these
new role models and teachers
on campus, and we can't wait
to build relationships with them
as the year progresses. Students
excitedly anticipate going to class
and seeing their teachers and
YULA Girls faculty everyday!
Yachad Safari Kickoff Event
BY LEORA TEICHMAN ‘22
Yachad began this year with
an exciting Safari Kickoff
Event. Both the director, Monica
Rukhman, and executive program
coordinator and advisor
of engagement, Esther Beron,
ensured that safety precautions
were taken, many people came,
and that everyone had a great
time. Yachad board members
welcomed the participants as
they entered the Beth Jacob
garden. Along with great music
being blasted, there were booths
for entertainment such as decorating
your own mask and trying
the ring toss, as well as ice cream
that was befitting the warm
weather. Additionally, there was
a photo booth where all the participants
constantly returned to
in order to include all of their
friends in the pictures.
There were many new faces at
the kickoff celebration as well.
The purpose of Yachad’s annual
kickoff event is to recruit those
interested in joining and becoming
a part of the Yachad family.
By being privy to witnessing
the warm environment created,
many new members sign up
with the intent of gaining close
relationships with the participants,
similar to the relationships
they’ve seen.
Due to Covid19, a major toll
was taken on in-person events,
causing the board members and
participants to turn to virtual
meetings instead. However,
rather than being an inconvenience,
this new format ultimately
allowed for the LA
chapter to meet Yachad members
from across the chapters
such as Baltimore, New Jersey,
and Canada, allowing for an
even larger Yachad family to
emerge! Yachad board member
Aliza Nissanoff ‘22 expressed
that while the virtual events have
been amazing, “it was so nice to
finally be able to see everyone in
person again.”As more programs
are beginning to run in person
again, Yachad LA is super excited
to have been able to host the
Safari Kickoff Event, as well as
restart Thursdays with Yachad
where participants and members
are able to come to Yachad headquarters
and be involved in activities
together. If the kickoff event
is any indication for how this
year will be, Yachad LA seems
to be off to a great start!
THE PANTHER POST | YULA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
PAGE 5 | NOVEMBER, 2020
Spreading Joy at YULA Bachutz
BY SHALVA KAPLAN ‘23
Twice a week YULA Girls are
welcomed to campus for a multitude
of fun and creative activities
and a chance to bond with
their grade. Everyone is able to
pick any activity that speaks to
them from the plethora of choices
weekly. These range from creative
projects like woodworking
with the Hechts and ceramics
with Ms. Holmes to Chessed oriented
sessions with Jordy. Girls
can get active with a workout
bootcamp and a Hip-Hop class
or take extra time to catch up
with friends and do homework in
Homework Club. Everyone can
get their STEAM on by joining
Mr. Piliavins fabrication group
or enjoy some holiday cheer as
Mrs. Morgolis teaches us how
to cook special Rosh Hashanah
treats and the meaning behind
the Simanim (symbolic foods).
After ending these Chugim
feeling energized and invigorated,
students head over to their
respective grade time to say
Mincha, hear an inspiring Dvar
Torah, and participate in bonding
activities. We even had the
chance to do our first ever virtual
Clubs Fair during our grade time
at YULA Bachutz!
YULA Bachutz has really
found a way to incorporate creativity,
fun, Torah, and friendship
into an amazing weekly program
for all the YULA Girls students.
YULA Bachutz is really the highlight
of the week for so many
girls, and provides a sense of
normalcy in the midst of a Covid
A multitude of after-school activites are offered to all students, including “Woodworking with the Hechts.”
world. Ariella Gershov ‘23 says
“YULA Bachutz is a great way
to spend time with my friends
in a safe and socially distanced
way.” YULA Bachutz is a fun
and effective way to be social
and get a taste of YULA Girls
that we miss so much during
these uncertain times!
Now that school is
opening up, students are excited
to finally attend in-person
school after starting this year
on zoom. The school has set up
tents and desks to ensure that the
new corona-safe schooling will
be effective, enjoyable, and comfortable
for all families. Ninth
and tenth graders will go one
week, while the upperclassmen
are going to remain on zoom.
PHOTO BY NOAM NIZZANI
The next week the juniors and
seniors will attend in-person
school while the freshman and
sophomores will be on zoom.
This is a very progessive time
for all students, teachers, and
families.
Club Fair done Zoom Style
BY ALIZA NISSANOFF ‘22
Last month, over 30 clubs were virtually presented in front of YULA Girls, in hopes that students can choose which clubs they are most
interested to be a part of. Although it was hosted online, we were still able to showcase a myriad of afterschool programs. Jordana
Wertheimer compiled videos made from each team’s captains where they explained the purpose of their club and why students should
join. It was a huge success! Leora Teichman, ‘22, said, “It was really amazing to see how many clubs have been created at YULA, and
regardless of it being over zoom, I was able to witness everyone’s excitement at seeing one another.” YULA Girls has a multitude of diverse
co-curriculars to ensure that there is something for everyone. More importantly, if there’s a club they don’t have, they encourage students
to utilize their leadership skills and create it. Many of these clubs have even had the opportunity to meet in person, through the YULA
Girl’s Bachutz program after school. The Virtual Club Fair allowed each club’s leaders to showcase their goals and requirements for the
year, and encouraged prospective students to join their clubs. The club fair was an immense success and we hope everybody joins these
amazing after school activities!
PAGE 6 | NOVEMBER, 2020
current events
THE PANTHER POST | YULA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
CoronaVirus-When will there be a vaccine?
BY ADIEL NOURMAND ‘22
Since the very beginning of March, COVID-19 has
transformed the life of any individual living in 2020.
From a shortage of masks, to toilet paper, to hygiene
products, there has never been a moment of “reality”
since the virus has worked its way into the United States.
With the consistent rise in positive tests and the almost
ten-month period immersed in a world so different from
the one we were used to, there is a race for a vaccine.
Scientists are hoping for a vaccine to be available by
mid-2021-- this is their goal. But even if a vaccine will
be developed by then, will it work?
The little hope every individual clings on to is for
a vaccine to be developed and end the period of the
COVID-19 chaos; however, researchers believe that
“60-70% of people need to be immune” and vaccinated
for the ultimate dissemination of the virus, but that
would be “billions of people in the world even if the
vaccine worked properly.” There has been talk, therefore,
that healthcare workers will be the first people to
be vaccinated as they are a small group of people that
have dangerous jobs in terms of dealing with the virus.
There are currently forty distinguished COVID-19
vaccines in clinical trials; however, there is one vaccine
in development at Oxford University that is in the later
stages of trials. Oxford University has signed a deal with
AstraZeneca that will supply 100 million doses of the
vaccine in the United Kingdom-- the vaccine has shown
that it can trigger an immune response to the virus. In
China, there has been a vaccine that has been supposedly
proven to be safe and provide antibodies that are protective
and effective as well. The Chinese military has been
given the opportunity to be vaccinated with this vaccine.
It usually takes tens of years to develop effective vaccines,
in these unusual times, researchers are hoping to
achieve the work that would be done in decades in just
a few months.
There is still much to do even after the development of
such. Firstly, the vaccine would have to be continuously
tested to ensure that it is safe and does not cause more
harm than the actual virus itself. Scientists would also
have to figure out a unique way for the vaccine to be
developed on a huge scale with billions of doses available.
In addition, medicine regulators have to approve
Scientists and researchers have been working hours on end to produce an effective and safe
vaccine to distribute around the globe by 2021.
for the ultimate distribution, and this is not a very quick
process. Lastly, there would be a major problem with
figuring out the logistics of actually immunizing billions
of people around the world. It is clear to see that this is
not an easy, immediate process and there have now been
ethical problems with the trials as well.
However, Pfizer and BioNTech have announced their
vaccine candidate against COVID-19. This vaccine
has been successful in the first interim analysis from
the phase 3 of the study. The hopes of every individual
are now clinging onto the success of this vaccine and
the promise it holds. There have been reports that have
claimed this vaccine to bring side-effects as well as other
negative effects onto the body of an individual who has
been vaccinated; nevertheless, concert ticket sellers such
as “Ticketmaster,” as well as other event managers have
announced that only one who will be vaccinated can
enter these exclusive events.
COVID-19 is a highly contagious, easily spreading
virus that has continuously been infecting large numbers
of people every day. The demand for a vaccine that
would allow people to be immune to the virus is higher
than ever before. The CoronaVirus has affected businesses,
schoolchildren, the elderly, healthcare workers,
and nearly any other aspect of life in the United States.
Now, one can only hope that the vaccines announced
will be effective and bring a final end to this ongoing
pandemic.
200 Escapees From Jail in Uganda
BY YAEL KOHANTEB ‘22
On September 16, 2020,
219 prisoners escaped a jail in
Uganda with over 15 guns. The
group of escapees fled a prison
after overtaking the warden in
Karamoja, Uganda, two of which
were captured due to security
forces. Directly before the premeditated
escape, the prisoners
broke into the prison armory
and stole 15 AK-47 rifles, 20
magazines, and other ammunition.
The security search for this
escape was difficult to an even
greater extent because the group
had fled under the cover of dark.
In addition, the escapees tore off
their bright yellow prison outfits
while escaping as a means
to draw attention away from
themselves. For the purpose of
context, this was Uganda’s third
prison escape since the COVID-
19 pandemic from March! This
group of criminals display
both physical power to escape
imprisonment while brilliance to
outsmart the ammunition vault.
Hundreds of prionsers escape jail in Uganda.
THE PANTHER POST | YULA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
PAGE 7 | NOVEMBER, 2020
Effect of CoronaVirus on Airlines
BY ARIELLA GERSHOV ‘23
The COVID-19 pandemic has
affected nearly every industry
in the world, but the aviation
industry was hit one of the hardest.
Every aspect of a passenger’s
experience has changed
from comfort, to security, and
even to price. The most accurate
way of accruing the significance
is through comparison
of this year’s and last year’s
statistics: according to the TSA,
on September 23, 2019, there
were over 2.1 million travelers
whereas on September 23, 2020,
just one year later, there were
around 600,000 travelers—over
a 70% decline!
According to Bloomberg, the
2020 Hurricanes:
Proof of Global
Warming?
BY TAMAR SCHEINFELD ‘24
For only the second time,
the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) has been forced to dip
into greek letters to name tropical
storms. The last time this
occurred was 2005 when the 21
roman alphabet letters were used
up and 6 greek letters had to be
used, the last one being Tropical
Storm Zeta. For some, this seems
to indicate that predictions about
the effect of global warming on
the frequency and intensity of
hurricanes are correct. Others are
not so sure. The increased number
of hurricanes this season may
simply be the result of improved
technology. In other words, we
can name more storms because
we can see them better.
The science of global warming
has put forth two possibilities.
One scenario predicts an increase
in the frequency and intensity of
Atlantic hurricanes because of
ocean warming. A contrary view
suggests the opposite. Because
both the Atlantic Ocean and the
tropics are warming together,
the frequency and intensity of
Atlantic hurricanes may not show
a strong correlation to global
warming.
The Miami Herald reported
that the increased number of hurricanes
this season may simply
be the result of improved satellites
that are used to monitor
storms in the Atlantic. Gerry Bell,
lead hurricane season forecaster
with NOAA’s Climate Prediction
Center said, “Since the year 2000,
we’ve been seeing, on average,
about two to three more storms
named early in the year. Many
of them are weak or short-lived
storms.” Many of the Storms in
2020 are indeed weak, short-lived
storms.
As for the intensity of storms,
2020 has only had one major hurricane
(Laura) out of 20 named
tropical storms. For the same time
period in 2005, there had already
been four major hurricanes out of
nine named tropical storms. Two
of those hurricanes, Katrina and
Rita, wreaked havoc on the US
gulf coast, destroying large parts
of New Orleans.
The hurricane season in 2020
will not decide the debate about
global warming and tell us nothing
of what is to come in 2021.
Will 2021 look like 2006 (nine
named storms and only two
major hurricanes)? Or 2013 (with
13 named storms and no major
hurricanes)? Will we have to dip
into the greek alphabet again
because we are better able to
recognize tropical storm formation
and identify several weaker
storms as happened in 2020? A
lot will depend on the path these
storms take. If they arrive in the
Gulf of Mexico where their intensity
can increase because of the
increased warmth of the Gulf of
Mexico waters (global warming),
they can do a lot of damage. Or,
we can have a lot of small storms
that peter out in the Atlantic and
never reach the Caribbean.
airline industry, as a whole, has
lost over 314 billion dollars as
of April. In addition, according
to airlinegeeks, accompanied
by their loss of travelers, over
500,000 employees in the airline
industry had lost their jobs.
The rationale for such a
decline of passengers can be
ascribed, not only to their fear of
sickening, but also to the inconvenience
of flight. For example,
over 35 states mandate a
14-day quarantine upon arrival.
Moreover, masks are obligatory
on nearly every airline, regardless
if the flight is domestic or
international. In terms of enjoyment,
or lack thereof, on Alaskan
Airlines, for instance, flights of
less than 350 miles fall short on
customer services, refusing to
offer flight attendance services.
Additionally, those in charge of
the aircraft raise the air conditioning
to increase circulation
while in confinement, inconveniently
causing the airplanes
to be unpleasantly cooler than
usual.
According to Travelperk,
business travelers only make up
12% of all travelers. However,
they may stop traveling permanently.
The pandemic has forced
many meetings to be held online
and, in turn, could render another
decline in the airline industry’s
travelers, considering the
prevalence of business travelers
who used to comprise their most
loyal and high-paying passengers.
There are a few benefits to the
“The airline industry, as a
whole, has lost over 314
billion dollars as of April”
consumers, however: the prices
of tickets have dropped dramatically.
According to Vox, a
roundtrip ticket from New York
to Los Angeles, which would
usually be around $600, is now
under $150. Security in airports
has also been mitigated in severity,
incrementing the 3.4 fl ounce
limit to 12 fl ounce of hand sanitizer,
and they even allow a full
pack of Lysol wipes.
Generally, the traveling experience,
due to COVID-19, has
changed drastically in terms of
the amount of travelers, pricing
of tickets, and practicality,
though not without legitimacy:
all precautions have been executed
in the spirit of retaining
the safety and security of the
public.
PAGE 8 | NOVEMBER, 2020
THE PANTHER POST | YULA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
A New Space Race: The United States vs. China
BY TAMAR SCHEINFELD ‘24
For years, China has lagged
behind the United States in space
exploration. In January of 2019,
however, the Chinese made a
giant leap forward by landing
a probe on the ‘dark side’ of
the moon. The complexity of
this unprecedented, successful
landing drew China even with
the U.S. and unleashed a new
space race. The two countries
are now set to send unmanned
spacecraft to Mars this month.
Because Mars and Earth are in
a relatively favorable position
for space crafts to be launched
into space, China and the U.S.
are engaged in a heated competition.
The competition will not be
limited to Mars. Both countries
intend to establish moon bases
from which to launch further
missions to Mars. In each of
these endeavors, the U.S. intends
to maintain its lead over China in
space exploration.
Every 26 months, Earth and
Mars are relatively in alignment
on the same side of the
sun. The window opened on
October 6, 2020, and as the Wall
Street Journal noted, “the rivalry
between the U.S. and China
[will] assume[s] cosmic proportions...as
both countries prepare
to send spacecraft to Mars
within days of each other”. The
Chinese aim to challenge U.S.
space supremacy. To match the
American achievements so far,
the first Chinese mission will
launch an orbiter to the red
planet and land a rover from
this orbiter at a later time on
the planet’s surface. The U.S. in
turn will land their fourth rover
on Mars and deploy a Mars
helicopter, a first in Mars exploration.
By including a vehicle
capable of flying in the Martian
atmosphere, the U.S. will keep
itself ahead of Chinese efforts to
draw even.
Both China and the U.S. are
Is The Stock Market During
Coronavirus Defying Logic?
BY LEORA TEICHMAN ‘22
The performance of stock
markets during the coronavirus
pandemic, especially in the
United States, seems to defy
logic. With a sudden decline
in investment and employment,
what is the rationale behind
share prices remaining afloat?
As the World Health
Organization announced the
new coronavirus “a public health
emergency of international concern”
on January 30th, the S&P
500 rose by 3%, hitting an alltime
record high. Investors gave
shares their highest valuation
ever right after the announcement
of a “possible global tragedy,”
as opposed to predicting the
impending economic decline.
Due to the absence of past outbreaks
since the influenza pandemic
of 1918-20, there was no
analysis of the impact of such
biological shocks, blurring the
judgement of investors.
Later on, the S&P 500 plummeted
34% from February 19th
also striving to establish moon
bases to launch probes directly
to Mars thereby saving on fuel.
China intends to have a manned
lunar base and the capability to
to March 23rd—a drop very
similar to the 1929 stock market
crash. At this time, news
regarding the spread of the disease
became more international;
the WHO classified this disease
as a pandemic on March 11th.
Internet searches regarding the
“pandemic” and “coronavirus”
skyrocketed as people were
scrambling to gain more information
on this unknown. People
were attempting to understand
the situation, including individuals
who could influence market
prices, inducing a major drop in
the market due to the uncertainty
which was prompted by the
Coronavirus.
Lastly, the S&P 500 rose 40%
due to news regarding both fiscal
and monetary policy. Both the
Federal Reserve and President
Trump announced new acts and
programs that would be set in
place in order to help establish
innovative credit facilities as
well as fiscal stimulus. Both of
these measures resembled the
actions taken during the 2007-
09 Great Recession which led
send men to Mars by 2045. The
US aims to put astronauts back
on the moon by 2024 and to
launch a manned Mars mission
in the 2030s from the moon. This
would ensure a continued U.S.
lead in the space race over China
by moving forward the date of
a successful manned landing on
Mars.
If the 1960s represented a
space race between the U.S. and
the Soviet Union to land humans
on the moon, the U.S. overcame
a Soviet lead and beat the Soviets
to the moon by the end of the
decade (1969). The new challenger
to the U.S. is China. Its
ambitious plans for the moon and
Mars are a direct challenge to the
U.S.. Through its space program,
the United States hopes to replicate
its success against the Soviet
Union by sending a manned
space mission to Mars a decade
before the Chinese intend to.
Whether this comes true remains
to be seen because of the many
technological hurdles that need
to be overcome to safely land
astronauts on Mars.
to a gradual increase in stock
prices.
Throughout it all, the underlying
theme is apparent—certainty,
or lack thereof, makes all the
difference. Rather than the stock
market defying logic, it entirely
embodies the logic of humanity
in this day and age. When tragedy
and unpredictability arise,
the masses respond by retreating,
taking shelter, and ensuring
their own protection. At the
beginning of COVID-19 when
people were hoarding a supply
of food and toilet paper, uncertainty
and fear of the unknown
were the causal factors in driving
people to irrationality. So
too with the stock market, rather
than focusing on the long term
benefits of investing in specific
stocks, many individuals invested
or declined their stocks based
solely on the current pandemic
situation. While fear and uncertainty
are legitimate concerns,
forethought and intellect are
the basis for a solid foundation
within the stock market as well
as general success.
THE PANTHER POST | YULA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
PAGE 9 | NOVEMBER, 2020
Did the U.S. 2020 Presidential Debate Sway Voters?
BY MAYA WERTHEIM ‘23
Notwithstanding the political polarization that has
manifested itself in the animosity of the first presidential
debate, both, or perhaps I should say, all three of the
debaters, had interjected objections to such an extent
that every voice seemed to coalesce into one. Despite
the chaos of the discussions, both President Trump and
Vice President Joe Biden took riveted positions and
expressed their stances quite forcibly and combatively.
Bilaterally, this debate did not seem to have swayed
any viewers—perhaps the chaos simply obscured
everyone’s judgment.
Generally, however, a few strong points were made
by each side: Trump explained both the ramifications
of a prolonged national lockdown as well as how his
presidency justifies his nomination of a new Supreme
Court Justice. Seeing as the Senate, with vanishingly
few democrats, confirm the selection, and President
Trump’s incumbency extends across the span of exactly
four years, we must not nullify the established governmental
system and Mr. Trump’s entitlement to “fill the
seat.” Regarding Joe Biden’s moments of intelligence,
his sympathy and affinity for his son (with regards to
his resolved troubles with substance abuse and the like)
mitigated his perceived senility, though he did manage
to contradict himself: he claimed not to endorse the
Green New Deal, a proposed legislation with the object
of mitigating climate change and its effects, during the
debate, yet on his website, he attests otherwise. On
the other hand, the condemnation of white supremacy,
to which President Trump delivered a poor response,
seemed to dictate the trajectory of the debate and the
public’s consequential reactions. This, perhaps, most
greatly rendered Trump’s performance inferior.
In conclusion, Chris Wallace, the moderator, Joe
Biden, and President Trump each, strategically speaking,
comported themselves negatively; and expectedly,
the media, whose reporters feign neutrality, have distorted
the discussions, falsifying many statements, all
of which will remain in circulation.
YULA High Schools hosted a presidential debate to educate the student body. Sam Yebri (representing the Democratic Party) and Barak Lurie
(representing the Republican Party) debate about the elections, moderated by Leora Teichman ‘22 and Ethan Frankel ‘22.
PHOTOS BY NOAM NIZZANI
PAGE 10 | NOVEMBER, 2020
ATHLETICS
THE PANTHER POST | YULA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
YULA Sports Practices Via Social Distancing
BY AVA KOHANTEB ‘23
As the school year began, many
doubted our return to campus and
the assembly of sports competitions.
With the collaborative effort
of the CDC, citywide health organizations,
and YULA to mitigate
the spread of COVID-19 among
athletes, the Samson Center has
reopened for the availability of all
sports teams.
Many teams have already begun
their weekly practices including
Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer and
Cross Country, along with Track
& Field beginning in two weeks.
We have established a staggered
athletics schedule whereby each
subdivision of the four sports
meets with their respective coach
at separate times -- each group
has a maximum capacity of ten
people as a means to adhere to
social distancing. Athletes are
required to both wear masks and
be mindful of not using equipment
which had been previously
used by another athlete. As to
prevent the athletes from coming
in contact with unsanitary objects,
each person uses their own ball
to practice individually, followed
by a thorough sanitization after
they’ve practiced.
Volleyball practices began
almost a month ago with three separate
groups practicing at different
times. Varsity volleyball practices
with Coach Zamir, perfecting their
techniques and getting back into
the game, while the JV team practices
their new learned skills with
JV Coach Tiareh Cruz. Junior
Leila Fishman attended the varsity
volleyball practices and found
that “having in-person practices
is very bittersweet. Being able to
speak to the team in person and
have natural flowing conversations
is amazing. At the same
time, I hope to be able to practice
with teammates without needing
to remain six feet apart and sanitize
the equipment.”
Varsity Soccer practices started
up again on Tuesday evenings
with Coach Noga Wind entering
her third year as coach of the
YULA Panthers. To be socially
distanced, the team modified their
practices to work more on ball
control and skill. The drills they
work on are to improve their dribbling
and increase stamina. The
athletes work out during these
practices to tone their muscles
and get back into shape for a great
upcoming season. Varsity soccer
athlete Gili Adry thought that
practices via social distancing are
“exciting but pose a challenge to
be wearing a mask while training
and doing drills. The social distance
is a little difficult at times,
but I believe it allows me to focus
more on skill and ball control.”
Similarly, the Samson center
PHOTOS BY NOAM NIZZANI
is being used for JV and varsity
basketball practices. On
Wednesdays, the varsity team
practices with Coach Tyus Edney,
gaining technique and working on
their individual abilities to dribble
and shoot from different standing
points. Coach Elisha Taylor
works with the previous year’s
JV team and freshman together,
guiding them to develop skills
and perfect dribbling which will
aid in their success in the expected
season. “It’s great to be on
the court with my teammates and
Coach Tyus. Of course, we would
love to be able to work together
but we are using the time to
get better independently while we
wait for the green light to begin
regular practices,” adds varsity
basketball player Alexa Huemann.
All Coaches are working hard to
improve the skills of their athletes
to ensure a season with many wins
and accomplishments.
Though the additional rules set
into place may be irritating to the
athletes and act as challenges to
practicing to the best of their abilities,
it assures parents and athletes
that practices are as safe as possible.
It is an adjustment that athletes
are able to adapt to and will
make the most of these socially
distanced practices. The delight of
being back in the gym with their
teammates is what makes these
practices most special to athletes
who are all glad to be back!
Fans’ Thoughts About the New Virtual Sports
BY NAVA GELB ‘24
Basketball has opened and
ecstasy pervaded the country.
The 300 guests who appeared on
screens surrounding the court,
the fans watching from home,
and the players themselves have
shared their opinions and perspectives
on how it all worked.
Many people’s dream in life
is to acquire the opportunity to
emerge onto the silver screen.
Now, with sports’ lacking people
in the stands, there are more possibilities
to achieve this because
NBA games started hosting virtual
fan meets. These lucky individuals
received an invitation to
appear on the screens during the
basketball games in the relaxed
setting of their homes. They
used Microsoft’s “Together”
mode, which works by allowing
many different people with
varying backdrops to look as if
they shared a background. This
software turned the unfamiliar
experience into an event that felt
normal and enjoyable during
these trying times.
The virtual games also
brought great joy and excitement.
People loved chatting
with other fans. Even if they
cheered for the opposing team,
the light debates and interesting
conversations introduced a
new type of entertainment. The
online sociability of a basketball
game is a new aspect that people
might want to continue in the
future.
However, other fans noted
that this unique situation isn’t
that terrible. It is similar to what
people are used to. Except for
the hard-core admirers who
traveled to be present at every
game of the team they supported,
most people were only there
for games once or twice a year,
so they aren’t missing the experience
the same way.
Even with all the excitement,
run-of-the-mill fans were disappointed
in the new version.
Some fans stated that watching
now can be depressing. They
had enjoyed seeing real people
in the stands because it made
the games seem vivid and lively.
The viewers didn’t feel the same
zest, excitement, or spark they
used to because they are now
surrounded by the stillness of
the muted fans on their computers.
All the alterations to allow
games to occur safely may
feel frightening and irritating.
However, John Wooden, who
coached UCLA’s men’s basketball
team, said, “Things turn out
best for the people who make
the best of the way things turn
out.” We can constantly utilize
this message these days. Even
though basketball will not be
played normally for some time,
we can make the best out of the
scenario. If we do this, we will
come out stronger than ever
before.
THE PANTHER POST | YULA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
DISNEY From Page 1
still sing our favorite theme
songs by heart, not to mention
spending hours practicing and
perfecting the Disney logo that
appeared before each episode
as the characters drew it with
their magic wand. To bring
back those cherished memories
one last time, here are
the most popular 2000s Disney
and Nickelodeon movies and
shows.
Undoubtedly, Lizzie
McGuire was one of the most
unforgettable shows of its era.
This famous Disney channel
show is coming up for its 19
year anniversary! We experienced
the adventures of a
13-year-old with her friends
Miranda and Gordo, and of
course her animated alter ego.
The Lizzie Mcguire Movie
served as the finale for this
memorable show that will be
looked back on throughout the
years.
Next up, the stepbrothers
who could not be more different
yet have the greatest times
together is almost at their 16
year anniversary. Drake & Josh
was the show that made us
PROPOSITIONS From Page 1
from equality; it perpetuates a
discriminatory society that just
changes which race is at a disadvantage.
Affirmative action
does not need to be based on
race or ethnicity. The state of
California can help low-income
individuals who start a small
business, can favor them for
employment opportunities, and
state universities can even aid
students who would be the first
in their family to attend college.
We do not need to assume
that an African American needs
assistance because of their race
when they could be extremely
successful.
Proposition 18 is another
Constitutional Amendment
to be considered. This would
revise the constitution so
17-year-olds who would be 18
and eligible to vote by the
general election can also vote
during any primary or special
elections. The primary election
is held in the spring to
nominate candidates for the
presidency as well as vote on
other statewide measures while
laugh hysterically as they took
us along on their comical experiences.
These brothers made
each episode filled with excitement
and delight.
Zack and Cody was one of
the most amazing shows of our
childhood as well. Cole and
Dylan Sprouse, identical twins,
played the two main characters
in this show. Zack and Cody
Martin run around the Tipton
Hotel, where their mom works,
creating havoc as they turn the
hotel into their own personal
playground. We watch as
they pull many pranks on their
friends and family, especially
on their “handler” and the
owner of the hotel.
The conclusion of Hannah
Montana and its movie release
are now 14 years old. This
teenage pop star keeps her
celebrity identity a secret from
her friends and family for the
longest time, but she finally
reveals the truth in the heartwarming
Hannah Montana
Movie. The iconic “Best of
Both Worlds” and “Nobody’s
Perfect” songs are so engraved
in our minds that even 14 years
later, we can still sing them as
if we learned them yesterday.
Furthermore, this year is the
14th anniversary of the first
High School Musical movie.
Within the next two years,
High School Musical 2 and 3
came out as we watched Troy
Bolton and Gabriella Montez
journey throughout high school
as well as their remarkable
performances in their school
musicals.
In addition, this year marks
the 13th anniversary of Wizards
of Waverly Place. The Russo
children, along with their
spell books and wands, got
into lots of trouble throughout
the series. Many things went
wrong while the 3 children
were competing to be the next
family wizard, but in the end,
the general election takes place
in November. This revision
would allow for a 17-year-old
to vote in the spring if they
will be 18 before the general
election in November. The
support for this reform stems
from a desire for greater youth
participation on election day as
well as allowing any first-time
voters to be a part of the complete
election process. Studies
show that the youth population
had the lowest turnout for any
age demographic, but they also
show that voting can be habit-forming.
This proposition
will encourage young voters,
and if California can get teenagers
to vote at 18, they will
have a higher chance of them
continuing to vote. Others
believe that legal responsibility
is set at the age of 18 for
a reason; why should these
kids now get to vote earlier?
17-year-olds are still considered
minors because the scientific
evidence suggests their
undeveloped brains impair
their ability to reason, analyze,
and comprehend cause-and-effect.
A 17-year-old is also still
attending high school where
their political views can be
influenced by teachers and parents
causing them to only hear
one opinion. They are incentivized
to agree with these teachers
who hold the key to their
futures. The primary ballot
can include proposals on taxes
and such which do not directly
affect a 17-year-old voter, but
their vote could have a great
change in another’s life.
Another Proposition, number
22, will exempt app-based
transportation and delivery
companies from hiring their
drivers as employees; therefore,
they will not have to grant
their drivers the standard job
benefits and protections of an
employee. The state recently
passed a law restricting companies
from hiring independent
contractors as workers.
Rideshare and delivery companies
do not believe that this
new law makes their driver’s
employees and continues to
hire independent contractors,
but the Attorney General is
Alex Russo claimed the family
wizard title as we said farewell
to the Russo family in this
series finale.
Camp Rock, the camp we
all wished to attend, is now 12
years old. The Jonas Brothers
and Demi Lovato created a
sense of family and home within
this camp setting. The songs,
cabins, and music in these
movies produced a warm and
positive environment which
was very enjoyable to witness.
Good Luck Charlie is coming
in for its 10 year anniversary.
At the end of each episode,
Teddy Duncan would impart
some knowledge to her younger
sister Charlie, with the well
known catchphrase: “Good
Luck Charlie”. We watched as
now suing Uber and Lyft for
misclassifying their employees.
This proposal would make
it necessary for the rideshare
and delivery companies to provide
certain benefits, including
an earnings minimum, a health
insurance stipend, to pay for
costs when a driver gets hurt on
the job, and a rest policy. The
argument for Prop. 22 is that
the majority of app-based drivers
prefer to be independent
contractors because of the flexibility
this allows them. Most
drivers have other jobs and
are driving for a supplemental
income to support themselves.
Prop. 22 will provide new benefits
for independent contractors
while continuing to offer
what drivers like about working
for these companies. Other
drivers want all the benefits as
befits an essential employee.
Drivers do not make minimum
wage or overtime; they don’t
have any healthcare, unemployment
benefits, or paid sick
leave. There is also some concern
surrounding the fact that
Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash have
PAGE 11 | NOVEMBER, 2020
Disney and Nickelodeon Nostalgia for Babies of the 2000s
the entire Duncan family
attempted to take
care of Charlie, and we
laughed at their failed
attempts to do so.
Lastly, this year is the
10th anniversary of one
of our all-time favorite
Nickelodeon shows,
Victorious. Tori Vega
thrived at Hollywood
Arts as she explored
her musical talents that
she had never unearthed. We
followed her journey as her
natural singing ability allowed
her to shine. Witnessing Tori
succeed and pursue her dreams
sent a powerful message to
those who had the privilege of
watching this wonderful show.
These movies and tv shows
helped form our memories and
opinions as children. The messages
and joy that we gained
from these shows will stay with
us forever. Time flies by as we
are all growing up, attending
high school and beyond, yet
regardless of the hectic futures
that lay before us, we must
remember the remnants of our
childhood that helped shape us
into who we are today.
California Proposition Elections Process and Results
paid for Prop. 22 to be on the
ballot this November. Are these
companies attempting to avoid
granting their workers’ basic
rights and protections at work
by pushing forward a proposition
that will profit the specific
service their companies offer?
Some believe that these companies
created this proposition
only to help themselves and it
will be ultimately harmful to
the drivers.
With a record amount of
voters in California this year
we had decisive victories for
these three propositions I’ve
highlighted. Proposition 16 and
18 were both rejected while
Proposition 22 was passed. I
recommend that anyone interested
should research more
into the proposition. The props
are one of a few times that
Americans can vote directly on
the law. Next time or when we
become eligible to vote, don’t
skip through your ballot to cast
your vote for president. Take
this opportunity to exercise
your rights in our democracy
and make your voice heard.
PAGE 12 | NOVEMBER, 2020
THE PANTHER POST | YULA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
OPINION & Trending
The Age of TikTok
BY EMMA GREENFIELD ‘23
The most addictive, fun, and
humorous app, known as TikTok
has taken the world by storm.
With over 700 million active users
worldwide, TikTok has entranced
every age group while targeting
diverse interest groups.
TikTok is an app where people
make short 15-60 second videos
ranging from dancing, to comedy
skits, to cooking tutorials. This
app offers a new and entertaining
way to interact with one’s peers.
Additionally, there is a feature
called “duets” which allows users
to fuse their videos together with
another’s. Another fun feature
is the ability to personalize the
background music whether that
be through a song, a scene from
TV, or your own recording. The
app is extremely addictive as it is
extremely difficult to keep track
of time while scrolling through
Is Zoom Effective for
Students’ Learning?
BY EMMA GREENFIELD ‘23
Zoom, an app many of us did not know existed until
7 months ago, is now one of the most used applications
in our lives. Zoom has become our new school
campus, excluding the warmth and energy that
is felt walking through our school halls each day.
Although Zoom has aided schools and businesses
during this pandemic with an online application for
everyone to communicate with each other, in terms
of social interaction and quality learning, Zoom is
failing us.
When COVID-19 hit, our world was turned
upside down, introducing us to a virtually unknown
platform known as Zoom. For our teachers, this was
a shock, as they quickly learned to adapt to this new
style of teaching. In March, the threat of COVID-19
felt to be prioritized over our education, leading to
little or no effort being put into our Zoom classes.
Teachers attempted to navigate this new way of
teaching, but between frozen screens, crashing wifi,
and trying to find a quiet space in a hectic house, it
felt like we were all losing. Additionally, most people
didn’t believe that this pandemic would last long
-- the hopes to be back to school in person were very
much present, so there wasn't much point in trying
the countless accessible videos.
The creativity of users is endless
and your feed never ends.
While TikTok is exceptionally
popular, it is also a point of major
controversy around the world,
especially in the United States.
Like most apps, TikTok has the
ability to collect data on its users,
and with TikTok being a Chinese
company, it has raised many privacy
concerns. With China and
the United States feuding about
tariffs and fighting for political
power, there are concerns that the
Chinese government is accessing
TikTok’s user data. Early this
summer, President Trump began
to place pressure on TikTok to be
sold to an American company or
it would face a potential ban in the
United States. Oracle and Walmart
joined forces to acquire a large
stake of ByteDance, the owners
of TikTok, and plan to move the
headquarters to the United States.
This deal, once finalized, will lift
the potential ban and allow us to
continue to watch and create these
amusing and creative videos.
to make Zoom successful. The effectiveness of
zoom during these first few months were subpar, but
these months were unquestionably a learning curve.
Although Zoom was not initially as successful as
desired, Zoom has the ability to be effective or ineffective
depending on whether teachers and students
alike put in the effort. The willingness of the teacher
to pivot and embrace this new virtual teaching style
is essential. It is difficult to stare at a computer
screen for the majority of each day, but when teachers
remain at a constant level of enthusiasm and
constantly engage their students, it makes it much
easier for the students to be interested and actively
involved. Moreover, Zoom has some amazing features
to help capture the attention of students, such
as Breakout Rooms and sharing screens. Students
are told to keep their cameras on at all times and to
be out of bed during their zoom classes as well to
ensure students are fully attentive. While the idea of
listening to a class under your covers is tempting,
staying in bed is neither productive nor motivating.
If one treats Zoom as if they are on campus in person,
Zoom can be transformed into a highly effective
learning tool. While the teachers must put in
the effort to make each class as exciting as possible,
it is up to each and every student to decide how to
embrace this new virtual learning experience.
Is Our Approach to
the Virus too Lenient?
VIRUS APPROACH From Page 1
example, China was able to curb
case numbers by enforcing a very
strict lockdown and aggressive
social distancing rules upon its
citizens. Millions were screened
and apartment buildings were
locked, preventing residents from
leaving. No one could leave their
homes under any circumstance.
The government tracked citizens
from their mobile phones
and prevented people with confirmed
cases from travelling.
China, once the epicenter of the
virus, is now reporting few to
no new cases daily, with under
350 known cases now. While
some may argue that the government
tracking citizens and their
movements is an invasion of
privacy, it regardlessly enabled
China to get to where it is now.
Other countries, such as New
Zealand, Thailand, and Taiwan
among others are also containing
the spread of the virus well.
Although Circle Park was told
to shut down recently, it was
packed with teenagers, talking
and laughing in tight groups.
While they all wore masks, they
did not maintain appropriate
social distancing. This was upsetting,
to say the least. Shouldn’t
someone be reprimanding and
disjoining the crowd? Sadly,
this is not the only instance in
which some of America’s citizens
disregarded COVID-19
safety protocols. There are many
people who ignore the safety
regulations, socializing and
going about their lives without
another thought to social distancing
or COVID-19 safety. Once
bars, restaurants, and beaches
started opening again in May,
people who were accustomed to
constant parties began to attend
these newly reopened venues,
disregarding health protocols
as though they weren’t in the
midst of a pandemic. This, public
health experts say, is what
prompted the surge of COVID-
19 cases in the summer, not the
Black Lives Matter mobs and
protests, contrary to popular
belief.
Teenagers and young adults
especially have been lulled into
a false sense of security that
they’re safe from catching the
virus and dying. While there
is a vague truth to that, it is
not fully correct. Granted, most
young people do only get mild
symptoms, but there are the few
that, whether due to underlying
health conditions or some other
unknown cause, become fatally
ill. Nevertheless, many young
people are not that concerned
with corona, and it is not only
unsafe but also selfish. Many
of them interact with older individuals
such as their parents or
grandparents, who are at highrisk
of becoming fatally ill. By
not following social distancing
rules, they are endangering their
older housemates and other
elderly people they interact with.
While I disapprove of the way
many American citizens neglect
the COVID-19 protocols, they
are not completely at fault. It’s
true: humans are social creatures
and cannot be kept locked away
from society for too long, or they
can become depressed. Many
people’s mental health is taking
a toll due to being isolated from
society: they miss their friends
and family, prompting them to
ignore the rules and socialize
freely. If the American government
had properly originated the
lockdown in the spring, then the
need to violate regulations would
not be as high now, and if the
government had done a better
job of enforcing the safety protocols,
people would take them
more seriously and case numbers
would surely subside.
While it’s possible, I don’t see
the USA flattening the curve of
cases in the foreseeable future if
we keep going on like this. The
government needs to take further
action, enforcing a second, more
firm, lockdown if needed. The
authorities should be implementing
protocol to ensure that people
social distance and stay at home.
Three to four weeks of everyone
on strict lockdown at home
would be much more effective
than what is currently in place.
Perhaps this would actually curb
case numbers and get us closer to
the new norm awaiting us after
this chaotic virus.
THE PANTHER POST | YULA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
PAGE 13 | NOVEMBER, 2020
Mental Health During Pressing Times
BY LEAH POMERANCE ‘22
The World Health
Organization (WHO) officially
declared the Coronavirus disease
(COVID-19) as a pandemic.
Immediately thereafter, many
countries began to implement
strict measures to limit the transmission
of this deadly disease,
including instituting lock-downs,
requiring online schooling, and
closing businesses and restaurants.
These measures were both
unprecedented and shocking to
our society and different from
people's everyday living habits.
Initially, many people, unsure of
what to do, panicked, stocking
up on food, Purell hand sanitizer,
masks, and other necessities.
Although it has been several
months since the outbreak of
COVID-19, society continues to
struggle with the whole notion
of quarantines and social distancing
as a means of promoting
health. While news has been
focused primarily on the number
of COVID-19-related cases and
deaths resulting therefrom, perhaps
we should be giving greater
thought to the recognition that
the implementation of quarantines
has led to a diminution of
public health for many people.
This "quarantine" requirement,
namely staying indoors
and out of public stores and
restaurants for a long period of
time, appears to be causing higher
levels of stress. People today
are anxious about their income
and ability to pay their bills;
businesses are closing at record
rates, and people are now left
alone for significantly greater
periods of time than what was
otherwise experienced prior to
the COVID-19 pandemic. Will
the sustained shutdown cause
an economic disaster? Will my
job be safe? —these are just a
few of the questions for which
people seek answers. The loneliness
and uncertainty feed each
other, and too often people are
left worrying about today and
their future. As a result, people
feel greater stress in their lives.
Studies show that increases in
stress can lead to a greater chance
of heart attacks, strokes and other
illnesses. Compounding matters,
the longer the quarantines are
imposed, the more likely that a
person's continued higher levels
of stress and anxiety will
weaken a person's immune system.
Although the quarantine
may limit the transmission of
COVID-19, the benefits may
be offset by more strokes, heart
attacks, ulcers, colitis, and other
ailments, all of which are very
serious.
In a similar vein, the implementation
of quarantines, and
the emphasis placed on avoiding
personal contact during the quarantine
process with any person
outside your "bubble," has led to
people forgoing needed medical
assistance. Too often, people
have avoided both elective and
other procedures for fear of coming
in contact with COVID-19
positive individuals at hospitals
and other health facilities. In
particular, cancer patients, who
are some of the most vulnerable
people to significant healthcare
problems resulting from contracting
COVID-19, are avoiding
chemotherapy and other
potentially life-saving treatments
primarily because of the need
to avoid public contact with others.
Limiting both elective and
non-elective, potentially vital
medical assistance now to avoid
public contact (and contracting
COVID-19) may very likely lead
to greater health problems in the
future.
The imposition of quarantines
and decreased personal interaction
will almost certainly have
a significant negative impact on
mental health. Too often, people
today are bored and lack motivation,
as each day seems to feel the
same. Today, people feel constrained
and trapped within the
walls of their homes. Evidence
suggests that services such as
Netflix and other online venues,
are very busy as people seek to
fill the time and escape from
their limited reality. Personal
meetings are now replaced with
a Zoom meeting, and personal
interaction is down. Everything
from restaurants, movies, gyms
and other social settings are now
closed. There is no place to go,
nowhere to exercise, and with
the economy down, too much
downtime. Evidence suggests
that when a person is bored, he or
she is in a malaise. From a physiological
perspective, this malaise
results in our brain seeking to
stimulate our dopamine neurons
(the search for thrill) and causing
us to look to food as a stimulant.
This new stimulant results in
increased appetite, and increased
food consumption becomes a
means of finding happiness and
satisfaction, the result of which
is overeating. Weight gain can
also lead to heart attacks, diabetes
and other health-related problems.
Making matters worse,
the imposition of quarantines
and shutting down gyms has led
to less physical activity (and the
loss of another potentially more
positive stimulant—exercise).
This, in turn, can lead to poor
health and the weakening of our
immune system from lack of
physical activity.
All is not lost, however.
Recognizing the potential negative
effects that quarantines and
shutdowns have on our health,
people today can attempt to offset
these challenges by making
better use of the additional time
we have resulting from more
time at home and harnessing the
energy resulting from increased
anxiety to increase our focus on
task-specific goals and new ways
of exercise that we may have
overlooked before. Channeling
the energy resulting from
increased worrying to watching
what we eat is just one way that
we can adapt to our present circumstances
and attempt to maintain
our health as we try to ride
out the COVID-19 pandemic.
PAGE 14 | NOVEMBER, 2020
THE PANTHER POST | YULA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
2020 Presidential Election
BY CHANA KORNREICH ‘22
As President Trump’s term
comes to a close, we look
back on some of his accomplishments
over the past four
years. President Trump struck
an astonishing peace treaty
between the United Arab
Emirates and Israel. With much
conflict and hostility in the
Middle East the president has
managed to create more peace
in a chaotic region. This newfound
official peace will lead to
greater business relations, tourism,
scientific cooperation, and
eventually full diplomatic ties at
the ambassadorial level.
President Trump moved the
U.S. embassy to Jerusalem
during his presidency. This
established that the U.S., a powerful
nation, recognizes that the
capital of the state of Israel
resides in Jerusalem. The U.S.
has finally done what it has
done for all other nations except
Israel and has granted this beacon
of democracy the right to
representation of their capital.
President Trump managed
a growing economy. He came
into office with an economy
on the rise and has managed to
create jobs and has allowed the
economy to flourish, although
the devastating pandemic has
taken quite a toll. Prior to the
pandemic, unemployment was
at a record low during his term,
unemployment for minority
groups such as African
American and Latinos.
The President also passed the
First Step Act. This bipartisan
legislation is the first set of
prison reforms passed in years,
making it monumental. The
bill expands early release programs
and reduces mandatory
minimum sentences for crimes
involving drugs. It also works
to ensure that convicted individuals
will not return to crime. It
offers job training and rehabilitation
along with provisions that
will result in prisoners being
treated more humanely. This
includes the banning the shackling
of pregnant women, ensuring
prisoners are not moved
over 500 miles away from their
families, and banning solitary
confinement for most juvenile
inmates. Lastly, this legislation
takes into effect a 2010 federal
law reducing sentencing disparity
between crack and powder
cocaine offenses.
The U.S. owes gratitude for
the positive changes President
Trump has initiated to better
our country and ensure the
wellbeing of the American people.
The election of Joe Biden
as our 46th President seems
to shine a new light on the
United States. Citizens seemed
to embrace the outcome of this
past election. The results were
announced by all the largest
press organizations on Saturday,
November 7th. When the news
was released, many felt that
Saturday was “a day to be
GRAPHIC BY RINA MELAMED
alive,” and cars honked in celebration.
Much of the country
was in excitement, a unique
counter to the stress caused by
the pandemic.
Many are looking forward
to Biden’s outlook on climate
change. He believes this country
must take action before
irreparable damage is done to
this planet. He has plans to
reduce carbon emissions to zero
by 2050 and is in support of
nuclear energy. Many are worried
about the changing climate
of the world and the future of its
species, so many are excited to
see Biden’s work on the matter.
President-elect Joe Biden ran
on a platform promising to offer
a public healthcare option to all.
He has promised to expand the
Affordable Care Act, providing
quality affordable health care
to more citizens. Especially in
the light of a global pandemic
and following an economic
crisis, the greater availability of
healthcare and the availability
of a socialized option seems to
cater to the needs of current US
citizens.
The President-elect seems to
have a strong plan to address
the seemingly everlasting
Coronavirus pandemic. He has
been vocal about mandates on
the use of face masks and wishes
to push out a vaccine in the
coming months. Biden desires
to scale up testing and hopes to
ensure the safe opening of businesses
and schools. After over
200,000 deaths in the United
States, the virus has been at the
forefront of everyone’s minds.
Scientific America has endorsed
Biden making him the first person
they have done this for.