2012 November

Volume 46 Issue 3

November 2012

Freedom High School - 3149 Chester Avenue - Bethlehem, PA 18020 - www.fhsforum.com - @fhsforum

President Obama wins second term

Photos: Democratic Party Facebook Page 2012 Presidential Election Winner: Barack Obama

By Sheena Vachhani after California as well. This “Obama 2012” from the very agree with that sentiment.

He says that he will fight to The Freedom Forum resulted in the announcement beginning. In his acceptance President Obama’s repeated bring freedom from our coun-

that Barack Obama had won the election, even with Florida still undecided.

In President Obama’s victory speech, he was certainly not afraid of being humorous and expressing gratitude to the people who supported him, whether it was his touching acknowledgement of his daughters, Malia and Sasha, and wife, Michelle Obama, his thankfulness for his friends and the people that cried

speech, he also mentioned that moving forward is a vital point in keeping the country together. Furthermore he said that we all must work together and that “here in America, the best is yet to come.” Undeniably, many Americans Photo: Wikimedia

Congratulations are due to President Barrack Obama for his re-election. Even though President Obama was predicted to win by many electoral college experts, it was a close call in key states like Florida and Nevada. Tensions rose the night of Nov. 6 among Democratic supporters. However, after the long wait from the Ohio and Florida polls, the Ohio results came in and soon

message was that he wants to make things not just equal, but better. Voting for a president is important, and President Obama wants everyone to know that they have chosen the right president.

Electoral Votes States Won Popular Vote

try to the countries that do not have some of our rights we have. Best of luck goes to the 44th President of the United States as he takes on his second term.

Barack Obama

Mitt Romney

332

206

26 and Washington D.C.

24

60,481, 241

57,678,067

Hurricane Sandy hits home On Sunday, Oct. 28 Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast. Though Pennsylvania was affected, New Jersey and New York experienced the most damage.

The hurricane has devastated people all throughout New Jersey so many people are probably wondering, who will help them? The American Red Cross never fails us. The Red Cross has been actively helping the citizens of New

Jersey regain power, providing helpful tips, shelter, and food.

The Red Cross is collaborating with government and partner organizations to help provide relief, refuge, and food.

65 shelters are now open in New Jersey, as well as multiple meal trucks circulating throughout Jersey neighborhoods. Six kitchens in Jersey are now serving hot meals, just in time for Thanksgiving.

For many in the Garden State, homes were completely

destroyed and will take time to recover. Many others that were luckier are just hoping for their power to return.

Photo: Wikimedia

By Kristen Dalton News Asst. Editor

Power has been restored to 1.1 19,000 people are still crossmillion homes and offices ing their fingers for their from everyone who was af- lights to turn on soon. fected by hurricane Sandy, but The Red Cross is encouraging everyone to get involved.

There are many ways to participate in helping the distressed citizens of New Jersey and New York. You can make financial donations, donate blood or host a blood drive. Anyone can visit the American Red Cross website to get information and hopefully lend a helping hand to those suffering from this disastrous storm.

Photo: Zachary Ward, Managing Editor of Digital Media

Inside This Issue...

Birth Announcements (p. 3)

College Center Spread

Wolf sanctuary (p. 9)

XC team goes to States (p. 10)

2 News The Freedom Forum A Publication of Freedom High School Bethlehem Area School District 3149 Chester Avenue Bethlehem PA, 18020 (610)867-5843 www.fhsforum.com

Managing Editor of Print Amanda Molinaro Managing Editor of Digital Media Zachary Ward News Editor Bill Leeson Editorial Editor Kate Dawson Pates’ Post Editor Samantha Lutz Entertainment Editor Kirat Randhawa Sports Editor Greg Adams Photo Editor Trevor Watlington Assistant Editors Kristen Dalton Sabrina Castaneda Faarah Ameerally John Bennett

Adviser Mrs. Karla Erdman Principal Mr. Michael LaPorta Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy For our editorial statement and corrections policy, please go to www.fhsforum.com/about.html Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook! http://fb.fhsforum.com @fhsforum, #fhsforum

The Forum

Election: Foresight from stocks and color-coded biases

By Bill Leeson News Editor

The results of the 2012 presidential election were decided long before Nov. 6.

The stock market represents an incredibly reliable method of predicting elections. Additionally, the colors red and blue can invoke instinctive reactions in most people that can mesh or clash with their current mood.

Firstly, it should be no revelation that the stock market, one summary of America’s financial status, can affect whether an incumbent sees a second term. However, it is vastly more reliable than other cumulative economic data, such as unemployment or inflation rates, according to researchers from the Socionomics Institute and the University of Cambridge.

By Sarah Callahan The Freedom Forum

On Sunday, Oct. 14 Felix Baumgartner stood poised in the open hatch of a capsule suspended above Earth, wondering if he would make it back alive. Twenty four miles below him, millions of people

Upcoming Events

Photo: Wikimedia

Holiday Choral and Instrumental Concert Dec. 7 7:30 p.m.

Holiday Pops Concert Dec. 13 7:30 p.m.

As the stock market had done fairly well during Barack Obama’s first term, displaying its fifth best performance in the past century or so, the President’s reelection already had a strong catalyst behind it.

However, voters may have been further predisposed to vote Democrat on Nov. 6 for reasons that cannot be summarized in a chart. The very colors red and blue are inextricably tied to human moods and decisionmaking according to a study by the University of British Columbia.

Juliet Zhu, the author of the study, said, "The benign cues make people feel safe about

being creative and exploratory.”

She also noted that blue is the favorite color of most people.

Safety and creativity fit well with much of the Democratic platform.

One needs to look no farther than the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Photo: Wikimedia Act, more commonly called Obamacare, to satisfy the search for safety brought on by the color blue.

As for exploration and creativity, even though the slogan was used more heavily relied on in the 2008 election, the mantra “Change” is still embedded in most minds.

In short, the President’s platform tapped into human nature with the color blue and presented policies that fit those moods. It is little wonder that voters were subconsciously more willing to express their wishes for safety rather than “red” emotions, such as caution and aggression.

After all, no one wants to vote for a candidate associated with the colors of stops signs and cavity prevention products, which were two items that Zhu mentioned. In a relatively close popular vote, something as trivial as our color preferences may have made the difference in who did and who did not vote on Nov. 6.

Fearless Felix jumps for joy

fhsforum@gmail.com

Thanksgiving Break Wed., Nov. 21Mon., Nov. 26

November 2012

were right there with him, watching on the Internet and marveling at the wonder of the moment.

A second later, he stepped off the capsule and barreled toward the New Mexico desert as a tiny white speck against a darkly-tinted sky. Millions watched him breathlessly as he shattered the sound barrier and then landed safely about nine minutes later, becoming the world's first supersonic skydiver.

Baumgartner, a 43-yearold Austrian, hit 833.9 mph, according to preliminary data, and became the first person to go faster than the speed of

sound without traveling in a jet or a spacecraft. The capsule he jumped from had reached an altitude of 128,100 feet above Earth, carried by a 55-story ultra-thin helium balloon.

Landing on his feet in the desert, the man known as "Fearless Felix" lifted his arms in victory to the cheers of jubilant friends and spectators who closely followed at a command center. Among them was his mother, Eva Baumgartner, who was overcome with emotion, crying.

The event happened without a network broadcast in the United States, though organizers said more than 40 television stations in 50 countries — including cable's Discovery

Channel in the U.S. — carried the live feed. Instead, millions flocked online, drawing more than 8 million simultaneous views to a YouTube live stream at its peak, YouTube officials said.

After Baumgartner landed, his sponsor, Red Bull, posted a picture to Facebook of him kneeling on the ground. It generated nearly 216,000 likes, 10,000 comments and more than 29,000 shares in less than 40 minutes. On Twitter, half the worldwide trending topics had something to do with the jump, pushing past seven NFL football games.

Lead found in children’s costumes?

By Kristen Dalton News Asst. Editor

According to the Customs and Border Protection Officers and the Consumer Product Safety Investigators, the two agencies responsible for detecting unsafe toys and children’s products sent to the United States, an entire shipment of children’s Halloween costumes were detained and destroyed due to outrageous levels of lead distinguished.

Parents are worried and now on high alert of the toy manufacturing industry with yet another recall of children’s items. It is very important for parents to understand the signs of lead poisoning and be extra aware of the items that could bypass the government agen-

cies.

The recent levels of lead found in children’s Halloween costumes is a danger to children and could cause symptoms such as headaches, excessive tiredness, lack of appetite, stomach pain and general irritability. Being aware of even the slightest symptoms or change is of the utmost importance when it relates to the dangers of lead poisoning.

The recent Halloween costumes should not only raise awareness for children’s items shipped from oversees, but also hoist awareness for the danger of lead around your own home. There are multiple tests you can purchase from your local hardware stores to check your home. These tests include a swab that can detect

lead on many surfaces. Many county extension offices can offer you a soil sample test to check for lead in the soil around your house as well.

Painting all surfaces with a lead free paint and maintaining the paint cover will also minimize the potential of lead poisoning in your home.

For parents, it is important to know your facts pertaining to lead poisoning considering how potentially prevalent it is in your children’s everyday items and even our household objects, not to mention how dangerous it could be to our health. Knowledge is always power. Being aware of your home lead potential is the greatest way to prevent your children from lead poisoning and the harmful effects that

result from it. If you ever question the health and wellbeing of your child, bring it to your doctor's attention immediately.

Photo: Wikimedia

Editorials 3

The Forum

November 2012

To Shop or Not to Shop?

By Tiana Van The Freedom Forum

Pushing, shoving, screaming crowds fight to reach the door first. Here, it’s every person for themselves. No, there isn’t a fire, no natural disasters, no zombie apocalypse.

It’s Black Friday.

As the day after Thanksgiving has been dubbed since the 1960’s, Black Friday is the hottest retail day of the year.

Characterized by dawn “doorbuster” sales and swarms of eager shoppers, it is also, and not coincidentally, the day that shopping for the upcom-

ing holiday season unofficially begins. The anticipation is palpable as thousands line up across the country in the dark, cold hours of Thanksgiving night to await the opening of the stores, but is Black Friday all it is advertised to be?

Of course, the regulars would assert that it is. After all, when else would it be possible to get a flat screen HDTV for under $150? In numbers, it all looks good, but reality is often more than just numbers.

While sales are nothing to look down upon, Black Friday

just seems to be contrary to its supposed purpose, the preparation for the holiday season.

While the holiday season typically is characterized as a time of peace, sharing, and generosity, Black Friday encourages materialism and greed.

Though stores offer crazy bargains, they don’t do it for their shoppers, they do it to increase their own profits. The name “Black Friday” actually refers to the concept that on this day, store account turn from “being in the red” which implies debt to “being in the black” which implies profit. In fact, according to the New

York Times, retailers make about a fifth of their sales during the holiday shopping season.

Careful consideration of some of the sales stores offer also suggests the same materialistic focus. For example, this year, Target promises a $10 gift card for purchases in certain departments totaling over $50. The added incentive only serves to spur shoppers to buy more in order to gain more of a discount, which, eventually, will have to be used towards shopping and the accumulation of items as well.

Also contrary to the spirit

of the holiday season is the fierce competition that arises between shoppers on Black Friday. Every year, there are stories of various injuries due to competition between shoppers. One of the most wellknown is the death of the Wal -Mart employee in 2008 who was trampled by shoppers determined to beat each other to the shelves.

While some of the sales certainly look enticing, I will be staying home and sleeping in this Black Friday, avoiding the frenzied crowds, because cheaper doesn’t always mean better.

Should Freedom mandate uniforms?

By Sabrina Castaneda Editorials Asst. Editor

Uniforms are often something one either loves or hates.

There seems to be no true middle ground. The question of whether or not uniforms should be used is brought up every few years by a concerned parent or citizen who feels that a student being able to dress as they wish hurts the school’s environment.

The concern is not completely unfounded. We judge

people before we even talk to them, and how they dress plays a large part in that first impression. They could be the cheeriest person alive, but they dress in dark clothing and suddenly they seem to be a very unhappy person.

Furthermore, students are sometimes made fun of for not having clothes that fit or clothes with the right brand on them. Uniforms would take care of that issue, and they could help insure that people

are judged more on who they are than what they wear.

Now, I personally have experience on both sides of the issues, as I went to private school for a number of years. I must say, uniforms made it easier to get dressed in the morning, and not much money had to be spent on clothes.

Furthermore, the uniform helped me feel like I was on the same playing field as everyone else.

No one was above or below me due to the fit of their shoes

or the style of their purse. It was nice having to wake up every day and knowing what I was going to wear. However, I love the freedom to dress as I choose.

My style isn’t revolutionary or something that you would find gracing the cover of Vogue, but it’s mine. I like having the freedom to dress as I please, and frankly it helps me feel comfortable. If I want to wear sweatpants one day and a pantsuit the next, I should be able to.

Uniforms have slight advantages, but the freedom to dress how you want has an even bigger one. People love to express themselves, and the way they dress is one of the best ways to do it.

I say keep uniforms for people that have already gone through school, and let kids wear the clothes they want.

After all, isn’t it better for someone to figure out that they can’t rock the skater look now than to figure it out 10 years down the line?

Colin (L) & Will (R) Deily on Oct. 9 - 5 lb. 13 oz. & 6 lb. 8 oz.

She's here! Congratulations Teresa and Bill Fox! Nov. 7 at 4:24 AM weighing 6lbs 6oz, 19 inches

Bennett Parrish Ayre 20.5 inches, 7.59lbs

Pates’ Post 4

The Forum

November 2012

Keeping it in the family Dividing brothers between schools.

By Ryan Nickol Journalism student

Imagine having your parent work in the same school district where you attend school. Adam and Andy Evans have to deal with their parents, at school; is it a blessing or an embar r ass ment ?

“They can help me with math or history if I am having trouble with that subject because they teach those subjects,” said Adam Evans, sophomore at Freedom.

Adam and Andy are both thankful for having their parents in the same district, but there are some cons in this deal.

“They know everything that is going on in school with grades and behav-

ior,” says Andy Evans, seventh grader at East Hills.

Will the boys continue the Evans teaching legacy?

“Maybe, I would like to be a gym teacher because I enjoy sports,” said Andy.

Having your mom or dad as a teacher could be overbearing since you are always around them.

“I don’t want my parents as my teacher because I see them enough at home,” said Andy.

The Evans kids are proud of their parents’ jobs. The boys do not consider attending the same school that their parents teach at to be an embarrassment.

“They are teaching our future,” said Adam.

Andy and Adam are also involved in many sports. Adam wrestles for FHS, and Andy plays baseball for City Line Little League which is run by the Evans family.

The Evans family cannot stop helping people either in school or in the community.

Family ties go beyond Freedom.

By Thomas Durham Journalism student

The Evans family has a teaching legacy with Mrs. Jodi Evans teaching here at Freedom and Mr. Eric Evans teaching at East Hills.

“I really enjoy being at East Hills, I really like teaching this course

Photo submitted by Jodi Evans

[history],” said Mr. Evans.

Mrs. Evans said she like being at Freedom, but for a different reason. She likes it at Freedom because of the “school spirit” and because she “just loves being at high school.”

“The Bethlehem Area School District has had an excellent reputation for many years,” said Mr. Evans.

Both mother and father said they would rather keep the whole family within the Bethlehem Area School District.

Furthermore, the Evans parents agreed on another thing. They agreed on whether or

not they want Andy Evans and Adam Evans to teach when they are older.

“It’s 100 percent their choice,” said Mr. Evans.

Both also agree that they would both like seeing their kids all the time wouldn’t be a bad thing. In fact, it’d be a good thing. Mrs. Evans went on to say that it would be easy to drop them off at school but she would have a hard time keeping her teacher and mom roles separate.

In conclusion, there is one more thing the Evans parents are in agreement in, how proud they are of their sons. “I have to give them a lot of credit because both of their parents are teachers.” said Mr. Evans.

Nursing and cherishing students at Freedom Nurturing for 25 years.

The first thing that comes “I just love helping people to mind when thinking of a and making them feel better,”

By Gabriela Wamba school nurse is a stingy, old said Mrs. Gorbos.

Journalism student lady. With Mrs. Gorbos, that It wasn't easy finding the is not the case. Her door is time to interview Mrs. GorWhether you are feeling ill always open and she is wait- bos. She is a very busy lady, or just trying to get out of ing to greet you with a smile attending to over 2,000 stuclass, walk through the can- on her face. dents, she is always helping non lobby and stop to say us. Everyday of hello at the nurse’s office. the week, Mrs. Taking on the “mom” role Gorbos is ready within the school is Mrs. Ritato take on headEllen Gorbos. She cares about aches, upset the students and does everystomachs, cuts thing possible to help them and bruises. back to good health. From the Mrs. Gorbos has time she walks in, until the been helping the time she walks out; Mrs. Gordistrict for 25 bos is a humorous, sweet and years, 9 of the Photo Illustration of Lucas Yerger being seen

by Mrs. Gorbos. By Gabriela Wamba caring person. years she has

been at Freedom High School.

She has also worked at Fountain Hill Elementary School and Broughal Middle School.

Mrs. Gorbos graduated from Rutgers University in New Jersey, and attained her masters at New York University.

Mrs. Gorbos always had the thought of being a nurse.

“When I was growing up, my mom was a nurse,” said Mrs. Gorbos.

She also made of her decision to be a nurse off of her interest in science and helping people. She is a big part of the Freedom Family. “I love Freedom, it is the best school I've been at,” said Mrs. Gorbos.

“The rest of the nursing staff is a pleasure to work with,” said Mrs. Gorbos.

Teachers and faculty at Freedom love to work with her.

Students also enjoy the ability to go to someone when they are not feeling well.

“I know all the tricks, plus a few up my sleeve” said Mrs. Gorbos.

Some people take it for granted that there is always somewhere to go when we are not feeling well. Be sure to say please and thank you to Mrs. Gorbos and the nursing staff. Little things go a long way.

Life before and after Freedom High School

By Chase Hoover Journalism student

From radio to teaching and now to retirement, Ms. Gail Nagy has many accomplishments. Ms. Nagy has worked multiple jobs for over 50 years.

“I have worked since I was 14 years old and now I am 65, it’s time for me to retire,” said Ms. Nagy.

She has worked as a news reporter, done radio commercials, journalism, was a long distance telephone operator, and currently teaches English, public speaking and broadcast

journalism at Freedom High School.

“I worked doing radio and news reporting for 20 years. before I decided I wanted to become a teacher,” said Ms. Nagy.

Ms. Nagy joined the Freedom family in 2005 after teaching in New Jersey for four and a half years. She then went to East Hills Middle School before she joined Freedom High School.

“I always wanted to be an English teacher. I was always the top speller in my class and

I loved to read,” said Ms. Nagy.

Ms. Nagy advised Pen & Ink and the step team, and she was an integral helping hand for Freedom’s theatre company.

Even though Ms. Nagy will be retiring she still plans to be a part of the Freedom family, helping with plays and attending Freedom sporting events.

“One of my favorite memories at Freedom was when I helped with the play and I was learning how to fly the witches in the Wizard of Oz,” said Ms. Nagy.

As Ms. Nagy prepares to leave Freedom this January, her plans for retirement in-

clude traveling the United States, England, and California to see her son and family.

She has 3 sons and 11 grandchildren, so she could end up anywhere in the world.

“I would call my retirement bittersweet, I have made so many friends and even though I am not going to be here, my heart is always going to be here,” said Ms. Nagy.

Photo: Samantha Lutz, Pates’ Post Editor

Saying farewell to Ms. Gail Nagy.

Ms. Nagy with her fourth block English class.

Pates’ Post 5

The Forum

November 2012

Robots are taking over Bethlehem Creativity is the key in Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School’s (BAVTS) original engineering program, sponsored by Lafayette College. Students say that this is a very fun and interesting class, with a lot of freedom.

“The amount of freedom is definitely there,” said Devin Milligan, student of the program.

However, the class can be difficult, but not impossible.

Students need no experience, and are taught the necessary skills. Students that enjoy math and drawing will enjoy this class. Students can always expect something new in this program. Though, some people like other aspects of the class. “[The best part is] the people in the class,” said Danielle Labelle.

This program is meant to explore all different kinds of

engineering, such as mechanical and civil engineering. The program hopes to find students who like to innovate in their work.

The large project of the year is a robot built from the ground up by the students, which must be able to pass trials such as moving, staying mobile underwater, and many other tasks. Students must buy some of the materials using money within a budget provided by the BAVTS. The design is truly up to the stu-

dents, and they can make it any way they want.

The students are responding well to the program, and most would take the class again. These students might be our future engineers, from architectural, genetic, biomedical, and mechanical.

“You’ll get a chance to use So, if engineering is some- your head in ways you never thing you are looking into, be thought you could,” said Mike sure to try to take this senior- Salzarulo. only class next year at BAVTS. Walking there isn’t that bad, and from the fun you will have, it is worth the trip.

Photo: Wikimedia

By Michael Datz Journalism student

The real reason why Freedom is #1 One family, two schools ing the joy on the students’ faces,” said Ameerally.

There is some big advantages to being in student council, including being able to decide what is happening in the school.

“The best thing [about student council] is hallway decorating,” said Kelly Winegar, senior.

Student council is a good thing for the school, but it also looks good on a college application. Many of the student council members agreed that it was a fun and good way to get some credit on a college application.

“I’m not in it just because it looks good on a college application. I enjoy helping out with the school,” said Claire Sullivan, senior class president.

By Kyle Giamportone Journalism student

A family divided by two rivals. Mr. Cecchini and his daughter Emily are separated by their own respective schools. Mr. Cecchini started working at Freedom this year, but he worked at Liberty for 14 years, prior to coming to Freedom. His daughter, however, is a junior at Liberty.

This has caused some rivalries and quite a few jokes within the family.

“At first, I was a little disappointed because he went to Liberty for so long, but now my family and I joke about him. We like to call him ‘The Traitor’ in our family. It’s all in good fun,” said Emily.

Mr. Cecchini finds working at Freedom difficult because he worked at Liberty for 14 years. However, Mr. Cecchini is enjoying his new position at Freedom, and his adoption into the Freedom Family.

“I enjoy Freedom. My only wish is that they change their

colors to red and blue,” said Mr. Cecchini.

While Mr. Cecchini is growing to enjoy Freedom, Emily loves Liberty. Emily also enjoys participating in some of her school’s extra-curricular activities. These activities include band, softball and cross country. Emily plays catcher for the Liberty softball team.

“I love Liberty; I like everything about it. In particular I like all of the opportunities, such as the extra-curricular activities that Liberty provides, and above all else, I like the people in the school,” said Emily.

While Emily has her own family at Liberty, let all of us welcome a new assistant principal into the Freedom Family.

Photo submitted

by Mr. Cecchini

school; however, they still have a lot of bright ideas.

“I just want to help out with the school,” said Evan AnProm. Homecoming. Special thony, junior class vice presiOlympics. Pep rallies. All of dent. these school events are a part Student council is not just a of an average high school. The bunch of students and teachers reason all of standing around, these beloved is a group of “My favorite event is itelected high school students the Special events are poscoming together. sible is beStudent council Olympics,” said cause of all the Faarah Ameerally. is also a good hard work of way to get inFreedom’s volved with the student council. school and meet new people.

Student council meets every “The best thing about stuTuesday morning at 7:15 in dent council is being able to the cafeteria. make new friends,” said Carl“You just need to be fun and ton McCullough, treasurer of outgoing, and you’ll be a great the senior class. student council representa- Student council is not all fun tive,” said Miriam Siddiqui, and games; a lot of planning freshman class president. goes into these events. Even Most of the students in Stu- though it is a lot of hard work, dent council have a lot of almost everyone agrees it is school pride and are creative. worth it, including Faarah Freshman class officers have Ameerally, junior class presiseparate meetings and don’t dent. have much power in the “My favorite event is the Special Olympics. I love seeBy Joe Rodgers Mo-Nay Sinclair Journalism students

Singing at a public toilet

By Madison Young Journalism Student

Through rain, wind, and power outages Freedom High School Theater Company (FHSTC) still managed to put in a high quality production of the musical “Urinetown.”

The musical is a story about a place where there had been a drought for 20 years, and people had to pay to use the bathroom in order to save water.

The company Urine Good Company (UGC) taxed the public bathrooms. The city was very poor, and people were always saving their pennies to spend on the trip to the toilet. So, when UGC company manager Caldwell B. Cladwell (Adam Conti) raised the fees so he and his employees could go to Rio, the people

of public amenity 9 started a revolution lead by Bobby Strong (Daniel Youngelman).

Strong was originally upset because the police took away his father when he peed on the street. The fee raise was the last straw for Strong; therefore, he kidnapped and used Cladwell’s daughter, Hope Cladwell (Hannah Arnold), who he fell in love with before he found out she was Cladwell’s daughter. Cladwell tried to bribe Strong, but he would not accept. All he wanted was for the people to pee for free.

Because of his refusal, Strong was thrown off a building. The people of public amenity 9 got revenge by killing Cladwell and using all the water they wanted. Eventually, they ran out of water, and the people

killed Hope before they all died themselves.

The show, directed by Ms. Jennifer Wescoe, was a parody, which was extremely funny and entertaining. Officer Lockstock (Greg Adams) played the police officer, but was also the narrator of the musical which was a great part of the show.

The costumes and music background went along great with the atmosphere of the play. The set was also well done. “[I’m most excited about] the fact that students are so talented and they have worked so hard (and they have worked incredibly hard) to put this production on,” said Ms. Wescoe.

The best part of the show was the singing by the cast.

The song “Run Freedom Run” lead by Daniel Youngelman was the best part of the show.

It got the crowd involved and everyone loved it. The play got great reviews from the people in the audience.

“I’ve seen off-Broadway plays that were not as good as this performance by high school students,” said Glenn Edinger of East Stroudsburg.

“It really strengthened my faith in today’s youth.”

Cast of “Urinetown.” Photo from Theatre Company’s Facebook

CENTERSPREAD

Location: Allentown, Pa. Tuition: $41,510 Room and board: $9,355 SAT: Reading 560-670 Math 560-670 Writing 560-670 Student/faculty ratio: 12:1 Size of University: Under 5,000

Location: Kutztown, Pa. Tuition: $8,596 Room and board: $8,890 SAT: Reading 430-530 Math 430-530 Writing 420-520 Student/faculty ratio: 20:1 Size of University: 10,000+

The student body represent 22% out-of-state (34% at Penn St 54% Men, 5,802 International Student Popul Students of color compri Average Student/F High School G University Park: 3.52-3.97 Combin University Park: 1750-1990 Combined University Park: 26-30 Combined English University Park: 25-30

Applicants: 2,158 Admitted: 1,591 Acceptance Rate: 73.7% SAT: Reading: 480-590 Math: 490-590 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. Tuition: $43,566 Room and board: $8,890 SAT: Reading 660-750 Math 690-780 Writing 670-770 Student/faculty ratio: 6:1 Size of University: 10,000+

Location: Bethlehem, Pa. Applicants: 10,328 Admitted: 3,913 Acceptance Rate: 37.9% SAT: Verbal: 580-670 Math: 640-720 Lehigh University

CENTERSPREAD

ts 50 states and 131 countries e first-year students tate University Park) 46% Women lation (graduate and undergraduate) ise 15% of total enrollment Faculty Ratio is 17:1 GPA (4.0 scale) Other campuses 2.98-3.50 ned SAT Other campuses: 1470-1720 d ACT Other campuses: 21-25 h/Writing ACT Other campuses 20-25

Applicants: 7,178 Admitted: 2,253 Acceptance Rate: 31.4% SAT: Reading: 590-670 Math: 630-710 Writing: 600-690 Applicants: 48,718 Admitted: 26,824 Acceptance Rate: 55.1% SAT: Verbal: 540-640 Math: 570-670 Writing: 520-630

Size: 5,001-9,999 60% graduate within 6 years $7, 512 average financial aid package Applicants: 6,883 Admitted: 5,504 SAT or ACT required Early action recommended

Size: 5,001-9,999 49% graduate within 6 years $8,277 average financial aid package Applicants: 2,889 Enrolled: 1,161 77% of applicants admitted $30 application fee SAT considered IF submitted

Applicants: 5,822 Admitted: 2,430 Acceptance Rate: 41.7% SAT: Verbal: 570-670 Math: 610-700 Writing: 590-680

Deadline: March 1st Campus: 10,000+ Undergrad: 27,703 67% graduate within 6 years $15,373 average financial aid package SAT required Applicants: 18, 977 Admitted: 11,926

Entertainment 8

The Forum

November 2012

Serving up soup for the holiday

By John Bennett Sports Asst. Editor

As the holiday season draws near, special attention is given to those who give back to the community, not just this season, but also every season.

Notable examples of those who give back are the women and men who serve five days a week, Monday through Friday, at Trinity Soup Kitchen Ministry. This ministry operates at Trinity Episcopal Church, 44 East Market Street.

Founded in 1981 as a response to the economic recession of that time, the soup kitchen has served inner city Bethlehem ever since, even with some of the original vol-

unteers still there serving.

The volunteers hail from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Christ Church United Church of Christ, Wesley Methodist Church, Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, Central Moravian Church, and New Covenant Christian Assembly.

The mission statement of the Trinity Soup Kitchen says, "The Trinity Soup Kitchen is pleased to serve the homeless, the temporarily unemployed, MH/MR clients and those who are economically disadvantaged." (http:// www.trinitybeth.org/ soup.htm) It is important to note that the soup kitchen stays open even through the holidays, in

Bundle up for Friday’s trails

By Hunter Hostage Journalism Student

Freedom’s Ski Club is offering a great deal this year. For $99 you can get a season pass at CamelBack Ski Resort.

“Anyone can join they just have to fill out one of the forms and pay,” said Mr. Jones, a ski club adviser.

The club takes requests for seating on the ski bus in the beginning of the year. After two weeks, each person is simply assigned to a bus. Last year their was a large influx of freshmen. The majority of the club is made up of snowboarders but there are a few skiers.

Ski Club has been around since 1995-1996 and was formed by Mr. Schlottman.

Many Freedom students have participated throughout the years and remember Ski Club as their favorite high school memory.

The pass is valid from January 1st to February 28, 2013.

It allows you to go whenever you choose after 3 P.M until closing, seven days a week.

After March 1st you can go all you want opening to closing.

The pass also lets you save 25% on rental equipment. The Night Pass is valid for the 2012-2013 season only.

The bus company that the club uses is the Bieber Bus company.

“We use Bieber because they have reasonable prices and their reliable” said Mr. Jones.

CamelBack has 34 trails with 14 total lifts. The trails range from beginner to expert.

“CamelBack has more runs but they are shorter” says Mr. Jones. If you are interested in ski club you can go see Mr. Jones or Mr. Ayre to learn more about ski club.

keeping with the spirit of this also to bring not just food, but an excuse to care for others. season – one of giving. The camaraderie and plain old Liz Miller, the Soup Kitchen men and women of Trinity good-will to all in Bethlehem. Coordinator, and the other volunteers at Trinity are the exemplars of a mindset of selfless service, a model that should be sought out and emulated. It is no matter whether it is emulated through something as simple as a smile for someone who needs it or through something as great as discovering a cure for cancer.

There is no distinction between types of service.

We recognize and applaud Trinity Soup Kitchen as a representative of all the soup Soup Kitchen are those who However, as this holiday kitchens and comparable mintruly make Bethlehem season comes and goes, and istries in the Bethlehem com“Christmas City.” This spirit we enter those January 2nd munity. of self-sacrifice should inspire blues, it is important to rethe rest of us to do our part member that we do not need

Using pen and ink to be creative A blooming opportunity for wallflowers.

By John Bennett Sports Asst. Editor

Photos. Short stories. Drawings. Poetry. What do they all have in common? They are all published in Freedom’s Pen and Ink student generated publication.

Pen and Ink is a club where students can submit writings and art. Students can submit titled work or anonymous pieces. There are boxes in some English rooms where submissions are accepted.

“Mostly everything gets accepted, except if it’s too violent or too sexy, then we can’t accept it,” said Ms. Gail Nagy, English teacher and co-adviser for the publication.

The cover of Spring 2012 issue published

by Pen and Ink.

Not just for women The 20th cycle of “America’s Next Top Model” will be restored with male models.

By Kristen Dalton News Asst. Editor

models. The CW has not yet released any information about how this new zest will The original “America’s affect the competition and its Next Top Model” (ANTM) rules. and numerous other versions of the competition is endless.

However, not many people expected the new twist they are adding to 20th cycle of Photo: Wikimedia “America’s Next Top Model” in August 2013.

And yes, Tyra Banks has Next season, ANTM will air agreed to host the 20th cycle with not only young beautiful of America’s Next Top Model women, but also young hand- with the new collaboration some men. The male models with the male models. Cycle will audition with the women, 18 of ANTM was substanparticipate in the same activi- tially low in the ratings deties, and live in the same partment, which is why the houses along with the female

Ms. Nagy and Mr. George Ziegler are the advisers for the Pen and Ink club during the first semester; however, Mr. Ziegler will be taking over Pen and Ink after Mrs. Nagy retires.

As far as getting the word out, Pen and Ink holds an open mic night twice a year.

This is an evening where students sing, dance, play instruments, and read poems. The event is usually held in the Black Box Theatre, but as it continues to grow, one can only hope to eventually hold it in the auditorium.

The publication won the PSPA silver award in 2012.

The publication comes out each spring.

“We want more members, and we also want more freshmen to join,” said Ms. Nagy.

So, join the club which meets every Tuesday in room 604. At the very least, submit a piece for publication.

producers of ANTM wanted to revamp the hit show.

Some assumed they’d do an all-male model season this time, since new judge Rob Evans is here. But that suggestion was a clear thumbs down from viewers. Still, they said casting should start fairly soon and producer Ken Mok hinted to even more social interaction time.

It will literally be raining men at the ANTM premiere, and plenty of women seeking a tense competition as well as a great six pack will tune in!

Thanksgiving to-do list

By Logan Handwerk The Freedom Forum

1. Tidy up the house 2. Spend time with family 3. Help out in the kitchen 4. Make place settings for the guests 5. Watch the Macy’s Day Parade 6. Eat tons of food 7. What are you thankful for?

8. Offer to clear the table 9. Watch the football game 10.Catch up with distant relatives

The Forum

November 2012

Entertainment 9 Winter Fashion

Adoption takes on a new meaning Wolf sanctuary relies on donations and adoptions.

By Karla Erdman The Forum Adviser

An oral birth announcement. A jovial chorus over road kill. A long lonely howl at the moon. The wolves at the Speedwell Wolf Sanctuary located in Lititz, Pa. make sure their voices are heard.

Standing on his hind legs over 6-foot tall, Lincoln, part of the big pack on the reserve, sticks his paw through the fence and taps Mandy, the tour guide, on the shoulder signaling his desire for a frozen meat treat. She and the other volunteers on the reserve feed the wolves frozen meat which is offered by local patrons and restaurants, donated road kill, and even high protein dog food.

“While they may seem very docile, the wolves here will snarl and growl at other wolves or people if they feel threatened,” said Mandy, a volunteer educational guide at the preserve.

Mandy also stressed that wolves are people shy, and a healthy wolf will not openly seek to attack a human.

Located on more than 20 acres of woodland, the sanctuary continues to grow strong after 30 years of rescuing wolves and relies on volunteers to service the wolves and educate the visitors. Additionally, the reserve runs on donations alone; it receives no government or corporate sponsor money. The preserve provides food, shelter and medical care for more than 40 wolves and wolf hybrids.

The wolves are secured in the preserve with miles of chain link fencing which also separates some of the different types of wolves. If they become intermingled, wolves will fight to the death in the opposing pack.

Wolf packs have leaders, alpha males and females, and followers called omegas.

Two and a half years after losing an alpha male, the big pack on the reserve is still trying to decide which wolf will become the alpha male.

“It looks like Lincoln may take over as the alpha male in this pack,” said Mandy.

With names such as Froto, Galahad, Hope, Levi and Billy, the wolves each have their own stories and personalities.

“Thor is a rescue wolf that’s blind,” said Mandy. She told guests that his other senses are heightened because of his blindness.

Surgery to correct his blindness was

considered; however, remov- they were raised and how ing him from his pack for 6 each has a unique personalto 8 weeks for recovery ity,” said Alicia Malley of would have been more detri- Allentown, Pa. mental than to Since the allow his blindsanctuary runs “It is illegal in ness. solely on doThe rescued Pennsylvania and nations, it ofwolves come many other states to fers memberfrom many dif- own a wolf without ship and adopferent states, Patrons wildlife permits,” tion. such as New who adopt a posted the York and Ohio. wolf receive a “It is illegal preserve’s website. photo and in Pennsylvania newsletter. and many other “Even if states to own a wolf without multiple people adopt the wildlife permits,” posted the same wolf, each person represerve’s website. ceives a unique photo. We However, many of the re- have a great photographer cent rescues come from Ohio here who takes different phobecause the laws there are tos for all of our donors,” not as stringent. said Mandy.

“There are many wolf Visit the website to get puppy mills in Ohio where more information about bewolves are housed in small coming a member or adoptcages where they can’t even ing a wolf at http:// turn around,” said Mandy. wolfsanctuarypa.org/.

That is why the sanctuary The sanctuary offers public exists—not only to save the and private tours which last wolves, but also to inform from 1 to 1 and a half hours. the public about their plight. Additionally, the reserve The tours at the reserve have boasts full moon tours from grown in size from about 10 7:30 p.m. to 10: p.m. on the to 15 people per tour to over Saturday closest to the full 100 people visiting the site moon which is a self-guided each tour date. tour available to guests 16 “I wanted to gain a better years old and older. understanding about the wolves.

Visiting the sanctuary, the wolves impressed me with their unique traits and charact eri stics,” said Mary Lang of Catasauqua, Pa. about her recent visit to the reserve.

“I really enjoyed learning about each type of wolf, how

(Left) Mandy feeds a wolf a tasty frozen meat treat through the chain link fence.

(Right) Hope is one of the wolves at the sanctuary. The volunteers said that she likes to fall on the ground to have her belly rubbed.

Photos: Karla Erdman

By Kirat Randhawa The Freedom Forum

I know it is cold outside again, which makes it harder for people to dress up nicely, but the weather outside is no excuse to look like a bum.

After attending a conference in NYC this past weekend, I have noticed the various types of street style that can flatter your body, make you look good, and keep you warm.

Incorporate stylish blazers, scarves and knit cardigans with your basics into your wardrobe, and it instantly ADDS on to the endless outfit choices that you can wear.

Throughout the wide variety of blazers and sweaters, it is hard not find something you don’t like. Whether it is a tweed blazer from H&M, or a cropped fitted one from Topshop, there is something for everyone.

Net-A-porter.com says, “Steampunk is eminently fashionable for winter, and there's no easier way to work the look than with a stylish Victorian-inflected blazer” In addition to the steampunk blazer, trendy tassels are back in style which means more tassels on your boots, earrings, jackets and even shoes.

Despite the usual coats and jackets, this winter brings a whole new selection of printed coats paired with matching trousers or chinos.

After thoroughly researching street style from all over the world from London, to New York to Milan, another big collaboration that has popped up globally, is the leather pant paired up with a trendy trench coat.

And instead of the usual riding boots with leggings, try wearing cropped colored trousers that are currently being sold in many different stores, with either sperrys or oxfords and a haute knit sweater!

Sixth and Final Season “Gossip Girl here; your one and only source to the scandalous lives of Manhattan’s elite.”

By Faarah Ameerally Entertainment Asst. Editor

“Gossip Girl” is a display of power and privilege in luxurious scene of New York’s wealthiest. On this glamour-soaked CW series, reality is better than imaginable. In a culture obsessed with youth, money and appearance, parents trouble that their own grow up too fast; children complain that grownups refuse to grow old.

On May 11, 2012, it was announced “Gossip

Girl” would return for a shortened sixth and final season, which will premiered in early October. It did not take long, the new season’s delightful injection of wit and logical storytelling, episode two of “Gossip Girl” final season snapped back to insanity faster than expected. Blair was able to utter a few witty zingers and Georgina was as gleefully unhinged as ever, but the rest of the episode was yet another endless cycle of misunderstandings, scheming and public shaming.

The new season starts off with Chuck Bass’ (Ed Westwick) continued investigation into his dad's dealings which led him to an unlikely high society event and a horse show, where he hoped to find the person who can help him uncover the truth. After a few dead ends, some surprising twists and a big assist from Blair, who played sidekick to her once-and-future love tonight, the younger Bass finally learned what the resurrected father has been hiding. Blair, Leighton Meester, and Chuck sure do make a great scheme team. Drawn out as the together-but-apart arrangement

may be, they have managed to share some quality moments these last two weeks as the other's respective sidekick.

Season Six has been filled with thrilling yet complex relationships and connections among the people in the Upper East Side. These occurrences put truth to the saying “It’s a small world.” Everyone introduced in this new season could hold the answer to all the cliffhangers the dedicated viewers were left with

Photo: Wikimedia

last season. For now, all that can be done is to anticipate what will be revealed next on next week’s episode. As always, “Xoxo, Gossip Girl.”

Sports 10

The Forum

November 2012

Going the distance Freedom’s XC team makes it to State level Competition.

By Chris Hassay The Freedom Forum

Nick Maurer had lot to say about this year’s success:

Freedom High School has assembled some great athletic teams over the years in many different sports. This year, another great team has surfaced in the form of the 2012-2013 cross country team which ran an undefeated season and headed to states to compete for the championship.

The Freedom High School cross country team this year has had a perfect season followed by consecutive wins in both leagues and districts.

While this amount of success is obviously a great thing for the school, not everyone was predicting that result just a few months ago. The self dubbed, and aptly named “speech giver and motivator” of the current outfit, Senior

Q: What makes this Cross Country team so talented?

A: The reason we are so good is because we trained that much harder than any other team.

Q: Do you have any examples of your training methods?

A: Well, we actually ran up South Mountain for one of our practices. It was brutal.

This level of training helped us tackle those killer hills on every course we ran. We are also a very close team. We treat one another like family.

Q: Do you have any favorite memories from this season?

A: Some of the best moments this season were not only kissing the trophies from this year, but also beating our biggest rivals--Parkland.

Q: What do you think this means in regards to Freedom athletics?

A: Our team was the first to go undefeated and win districts. [season] it was historical. We are one of the greatest teams in school history in any sport.

Q: Do you think the team will be able to match your current success in the coming years?

A: I have a ton of confidence in the team for the next three years. I think they will continue to be amazing.

Q: What makes cross country such an awesome sport?

A: It’s an awesome sport

because it pushes you to the very limits, both physically and mentally. It’s all about how much pain you can endure and how much more you want to win than the guy running alongside of you.

FHS boys XC team.

Photo submitted by Nick Maurer

By Greg Adams Sports Editor

In a picture published to her Tumblr page, Beyonce is wearing eye-black. The sports-associated face paint bears the words “Feb. 3rd” and “2013”, the date of Super Bowl XLVII. It is official: Beyonce will be performing at this year’s Super Bowl halftime show.

As many people know, the singer’s very name carries a sort of magic, and hits such as “Crazy In Love”, “Single Ladies”, and “Irreplaceable” have become staples of modern pop and R&B radio.

Football fans and single ladies alike can expect an exciting and high-quality performance from the popstar, who is known to be a perfectionist on top of being a passionate and talented performer.

In previous years, performers such as The Black-Eyed Peas, The Who, and Madonna have graced the stage at halftime. Last year, it was estimated that 114 million people tuned in to see Madonna and special guests such as Cee Lo Green and Nicki Minaj perform. This total was slightly larger than the 111.3 million that were

estimated to tune in for the beginning of the actual game according to the Nielsen Company.

Because the bar has been set so high by Madonna’s performance last year, it is safe to say that Beyonce has her work cut out for her. It can be expected that she will pull out all the stops with potential appearances from her husband Jay-Z and her former band mates from Destiny’s Child.

This will not be the singer’s first Super Bowl appearance however. In 2004 she sang the national anthem at the start of the game when

Photo: Pepsi™ Twitter page

Beyonce Announces Performance at Super Bowl XLVII

New England Patriots defeated the Carolina Panthers in her hometown of Houston.

This year, fans can expect a Super Bowl halftime show as exciting if not more exciting than the performances in previous years, and there is a chance that the game itself

might have some competition for the distinction of being the most exciting event of the night.

Stunts take on a new meaning Freedoms two cheer squads unveiled.

By Fyniss Frazier Brennan Reinert Journalism students

games and at the pep rallies.

There are also competition cheerleaders - these girls go and compete with many other

states,” said Renee Schneck, senior captain of Spirit.

There are many differences between these cheering squads though.

“Competition cheerleaders have to perfect a routine and perform in front of judges in the matter of two minutes and thirty seconds,” Strange said.

Jumps. Stunts. Tumbling.

These are just some of the things that Freedom High School cheerleaders are capable of doing.

“Many people don’t really believe that cheerleading is a sport, but cheerleaders take cheering very serious,” said Emilee Strange, senior captain of Varsity competition cheerleading squad.

Freedom has two different cheering squads: spirit and competition.

“There are spirit cheerlead- The FHS varsity squad cheers in front of the ers - these girls cheer at all the student section at a home football game.

Photo: Trevor Watlington, Photo Editor

Unlike competition cheerleaders the pressure of being perfect isn’t that important for the Spirit cheerleaders.

“Spirit cheerleaders only practice one day a week, but they have to know all the cheers that are usually performed at every game or pep rally,” Schneck said.

The other difference between these cheerleaders is that competition squad compete in different states.

“We go to National championships in PA, NJ and Disney World which is in Florida,” Strange said.

Spirit cheerleaders may not be able to go to different states and cheer , but they do enjoy going to all the games in the Lehigh Valley.

“I love cheering for Freedom and going to the games especially because it keeps the student section pumped up,” Schneck said.

The big argument is which cheerleading squad works the hardest.

“I believe that competition squad works the hardest because our stunts are harder and skills are more difficult,” Strange said.

“I believe spirit cheerleaders work harder because we have to cheer even if its raining or snowing,” Schneck said.

Regardless of which squad works harder, cheerleading is one of the hardest sports.

Sports 11

The Forum

November 2012

Hurricanes Stun the Patriots, 41-14

By Greg Adams Sports Editor

“No matter what the teams’ records are, it seems that anything can happen in the Freedom-Liberty football game” said senior Bruce Schmidt, a Freedom High School student at the game on November 3rd.

Everyone expected the 2012 showdown between Freedom and Liberty to be a hard-fought game, but nobody saw the 41-14 trouncing of the Patriots as even a remote possibility.

The Patriots came into the game with a record of 4 wins and 5 losses and had dominated the Bethlehem Catholic High School team the week before. Patriots quarterback Brian Uliana demonstrated superior arm strength and decision making skill in that game, returning to his level of play last year.

After such a positive performance from the Freedom offense against Beca, it was expected that the 3-6 Hurricanes would offer little challenge for the seemingly hot Freedom Patriots.

Those expectations would prove to be horribly incorrect.

The first quarter began the game on a positive note for Freedom. Chris Negron dominated the defense on the run and scored the game’s first touchdown. Liberty answered the Pates’ touchdown but failed to convert the extra point, leaving the score 7-6 Freedom at the end of the half.

As Liberty’s offense began to take control and pick apart the Patriot defense, Freedom’s offense began to crumble under the pressures brought on by the Hurricanes defense.

By the end of the game, recent memory to beat the a fluke. Fans can count on a Brian Uliana threw 3 interHurricanes in two straight hungry Patriots team to be ceptions, had 1 fumble, and seasons. back for more against their was sacked or chased out of Jake Young will become a intra-city rivals next year. the pocket numerous times Junior next year, and with the by the Liberty defense. The promise he has shown runonly ray of hope after Chris ning plays with this year’s Negron’s first quarter outvarsity squad, Freedom fans burst came for the Patriots might find out that last year’s when Sophomore Jake victory over Liberty was not Young was put under center.

Young completed passes to his brother Josh Young and Brian Uliana and ran the ball effectively and fearlessly.

For a team that was expected to achieve so much following its first defeat of Liberty in almost a decade, the team that dazzled fans with its air attack, its 1000-yard rusher, and its dominant defense a year before found itself silenced by defeat.

If Freedom defeated Liberty this year, the victory Freedom’s quarterback, Brian Uliana gets tackled by Liberty’s runwould have made Brian ning back, Anthony Esteves at Nov. 3 rivalry game.

Uliana the only Freedom High School quarterback in Photo: Trevor Watlington, Photo Editor

Eagles Struggle to Fly

By Robbie Bogardo The Freedom Forum

With a record of 3-4, you might think that the Eagles were doing reasonably well this season. However, the current status of this Philadelphia football team is much worse than it might seem.

Based solely on the team’s win loss record the recent three game loss streak stands out as a pint of interest. Consisting of losses to the Steelers, Lions, and Falcons, this losing streak has seriously contrasted the great start of 3-1 that the Eagles had.

So what happened? What changed and threw this successful team into a depressing slump? Many people point to the defense to answer that question.

After giving up leads and losing in the fourth quarter of back-to-back games, it became apparent that the team’s defense was not up to

par. According to Andy Reid, the Eagle’s head coach, the problem originated from the Eagles defensive coordinator Juan Castillo.

After coughing up a ten point lead in the final quarter of the game against the Lions, Reid decided that his defensive coordinator was simply not getting the job done. As a result, Reid fired him last week marking the first time he has ever fired a coach mid-season.

To fill his spot, Reid called upon Todd Bowles, the previous defensive backs coach.

The hopes were that Bowles would prevent the fourth quarter brick wall that the Eagles seemed to be hitting.

Unfortunately, he never got the chance because by that point during their game against the Falcons, it was already a fruitless effort for the Eagles.

“I always wanted to be a teacher, so I never had an alternate profession. But, if I could have another job right now, I would love to take over for Judge Judy. I am addicted to her show, and I love how she handles her cases by putting everyone in their place. She can catch people in lies, and she's not afraid to be brutally honest!” - Mrs. Stephanie Bond, math teacher

Sixers Prepare for Upcoming Season

By Nainjot Singh The Freedom Forum

Upon later interviews, many players felt that the team was not all there during their recent games. Some even went as far as to say that the team was lacking heart.

Andy Reid later claimed that he took full responsibility for the lack of quality performance from the defense.

He then said he felt that he, along with the rest of the team, can and will do a much better job.

For the Eagles sake Reid’s words better hold true or their shot at the Superbowl XLVII title will dissipate very soon.

In the 2011-2012 NBA season, the Philadelphia 76ers made it to the playoffs and upset the first place Chicago Bulls, who did not have their star point guard Derrick Rose. The Sixers ended up losing the Eastern Conference Semifinals in a heartbreaking 7 game series to their Atlantic Division rivals, the Boston Celtics.

After getting knocked out in the second round of the NBA playoffs last year, the Philadelphia 76ers begin preparation for the upcoming season, as they expect to do just as good as last season. The team has made many changes to it’s lineup in order to improve team chemistry.

Seasoned veteran and star defender Andre Iguodala was traded to Denver Nuggets in a multi-team trade. In return, the Sixers got the dominant seven foot Andrew Bynum from the Los Angeles Lakers, and the hot-shooter from the Orlando Magic, Jason Richardson. Other offseason additions to the team included

Nick Young from the Los Angeles Clippers and Dorell Wright from the Golden State Warriors.

The Sixers hope these additions will help the team’s three point shooting percentage. Also, having Andrew Bynum in the center position will definitely improve points in the paint for the Sixers, who have not had a dominant big man like Bynum in many years.

The team’s coach, Doug Collins expects the team to get back where they were last year, and maybe even make it to the Eastern Conference Finals.

“I am confident that this team will represent the city of Philadelphia very well”, says Col l i ns, accor di n g t o Philly.com.

Many Freedom students are excited for the upcoming NBA season to start, as everyone roots for their favored teams. We can only wait and see whether the Philadelphia 76ers will have a successful season or not.

Photos: Trevor Watlington, Photo Editor and Amanda Molinaro, Managing Editor of Print

Volume 46 Issue 3 The Forum November 2012