Hills Review

The Great Leap Forward in mid-twentieth-century China was not as great as it might sound. In this documentary podcast, Kristina Zhu speaks with members of her family about their experiences living in Communist China and hears what life was like during the reign of Chairman Mao Zedong.

Fear is a natural, powerful, and primitive emotion that can provide protection or hold you back from doing the things you want to do. Everyone is afraid of something in their life, so we decided to ask students at High School East: what makes you afraid?

October 11 was National Coming Out Day and this year, members of High School East's Gay Straight Alliance shared an inspiring display with the entire school community. Rachel Neuman interviewed several of the organizers of an event that was meant not only to celebrate individuals choosing to come out as an LGBTQ+ person, but also to inspire all people to come out in support of schools that are saf...

It's Monday, November 7th, 2022 and welcome to the November edition of Hills Review -- the High School East Student Podcast. October 11 was National Coming Out Day and this year, members of High School East's Gay Straight Alliance shared an inspiring display with the entire school community. On Tuesday, Rachel Neuman shares several interviews she conducted with organizers of an event that not only...

Eden Spielman interviews retired New York Jets center Nick Mangold about his life in football: from his years at Ohio State to his eleven seasons with the Jets to his post NFL life in the business and broadcasting world. Mangold offers advice for players, insight into the psychology of football and a few tips to help the Jets this season.

Lindsay Weinfeld takes a hard look at standardized testing and discusses how these tests put immense stress and anxiety on students who already have too much to worry about.

In our very first book talk, Ipek Basturk and Jinhee Hong discuss The Love Hypothesis By Ali Hazelwood – an engaging modern-day romance filled with many twists and turns.

High School East English teacher, Mr. Zarzicki, shares an interview he conducted with American humorist and author, David Sedaris. Mr. Zarzicki, who has taught Sedaris' writing in his classroom for many years, met up with Mr. Sedaris this summer in London, England.

It's Monday, October 3rd, 2022 and welcome to the October edition of Hills Review -- the High School East Student Podcast. On Tuesday, High School East English teacher, Mr. Zarzicki, shares an interview he conducted with American humorist and author, David Sedaris. Mr. Zarzicki, who has taught Sedaris' writing in his classroom for many years, met up with Mr. Sedaris this summer in London, England....

Being a sports agent is an exciting career filled with many challenges and responsibilities. In this interview, Cole Manus interviews sports agent Rich Kleimann about his job, how he became an agent, and what it's like representing NBA superstar Kevin Durant.

Animated TV shows and movies intended for children can have a positive effect on people coping with stress. In this podcast, Jasmine Foster discusses how something as simple as Saturday morning cartoons, can drastically change and improve your mood.

Jack Zaremsky argues that while the benefits of exercise and going outside are well known, students don't have very many opportunities to engage in these things while at school. The obvious answer, according to Jack, is simple: give high school kids recess.

Twenty-one years after 9/11, many first responders still face long-term mental and physical effects. In this interview, Grace Katz interviews her father, Jeffery Katz, and his friend Jimmy Smith – two retired NYPD officers who responded to the attacks on 9/11. In this interview, these two heroes share their experiences and how they have dealt with the heartbreaking aftermath.

It's Monday, September 12th, 2022 and welcome to the September edition of Hills Review -- the High School East Student Podcast. At the start of each month during the school year, we release an assortment of student opinion pieces, stories, documentaries, and interviews. Here's what's coming up this week: Twenty-one years after 9/11, many first responders still face long-term mental and physical ef...

During the year, Hills Review will highlight student club activity at High School East. This month, we feature SADD – Students Against Destructive Decisions.

Many high school students endure a dramatic change in their life when they go to college. Living away from their family and dealing with a heavy course load can be overwhelming. Courtney Brecher talks to her sister Kailey about the changes she experienced when she went to school and shares tips on how to prepare for–and succeed–in college.

Among the many summer camps that are out there, one stands out from the rest. Sam Zaret reveals the many things that make Camp Baco and Che-Na-Wah in the Adirondacks the best place on Earth.

Ever since the pandemic, there has been an increase in social media use. Contrary to the ideas of many, Jack Sklar believes this is a good thing. In his podcast, he argues that social media leads to an increase in confidence, social skills, and helps begin new relationships.

Rachel Neuman's podcast shares the sounds and spirit of the High School East student film festival – which returned this year after an eight year hiatus.

In this podcast, Kayla Taufman interviews her grandmother and father to find out about the experiences her family had during World War II. While her grandma was a little girl from the city who knew little of how drastic the situation was, her grandfather was a German scientist standing up for what he thought was right despite the consequences.

It's Monday, June 6th, 2022 and welcome to the June edition of Hills Review -- the High School East Student Podcast. On Tuesday, Kayla Taufman interviews her grandmother and father to find out about the experiences her family had during World War II. While her grandma was a little girl from the city who knew little of how drastic the situation was, her grandfather was a German scientist standing u...

As time passes, we find ourselves hurting our planet in an attempt to make our lives easier. Some support space exploration to search and find solutions to humanity’s current problems. Others believe humans should look inwards for these solutions. In this edition of Students in the Hall, Matthew Giraldo and Rudy Von Bartesch ask members of High School east for their thoughts on this important matt...

In these difficult times, it can be hard to find inspiration to persevere through immense hardship. Nick Sarris shares his documentary on the life of his grandmother Kantio Sarris, a Greek immigrant who faced war, famine and many other trials throughout her life.

Oftentimes, we can feel alone and that nobody can relate. But when someone understands what we are going through, it can be very comforting. That someone for Sufia Khwaja is Deeba Zargarpur, a first generation Afghan-Uzbek American and author. In this interview, Deeba shares her story and how she overcame her struggles to discover a passion for writing.

Kids all around the world are constantly overwhelmed and stressed – and standardized tests like the upcoming SAT don't help. As far as Hannah Klein is concerned, a students' academic worth should not be determined by such a test. Listen as she makes a case for the elimination of standardized testing