2011 October

Volume 45 Issue 2

October 2011 45 Years

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

Freedom Starts its Own Chain Reaction

By Greg Adams, Staff Rachel‟s Challenge came to Freedom High School to share a message the organization has spread like wildfire across the nation over the last decade.

Since 1999, the non-profit organization Rachel‟s Challenge has been sharing a message of compassion, kindness, and respect for peers all over America.

Rachel‟s Challenge was started shortly after the Columbine High School shootings on April 20, 1999 by the father of Rachel Joy Scott, the girl first to lose her life in the tragedy.

Justin Watley, one of the 30 speakers working with Rachel‟s Challenge, said the organization was “born out of the worst school massacre ever in the United States.”

Over the course of the day,

Justin Watley spoke twice, addressing freshman and sophomores first and juniors and seniors last. The presentation focused initially on Rachel Scott‟s belief system and her morals, then began to heavily emphasize the terrors of the Columbine shootings and Rachel‟s alleged predictions of her own death.

The direction the presentation took left a tangible sense of unease and grief among the students, and many people questioned if the organization‟s strategy for getting their message across was necessary.

“I just felt emotionally drained afterward,” said junior Cole Donatelli.

Many other students remarked that it was hard to concentrate in class after the presentation due to (Continued on page 3—RACHEL)

Janice Lavranos / Staff

New Bus Terminal to be Constructed in Bethlehem

By Hayleen Blandon, Staff Bethlehem officials are now taking part of a new project in South Bethlehem; it will be one another entertainment assessment located within South Third Street.

This facility will not only be featuring a new bus terminal, but will also house one thousand parking spots and many storefronts around the Old Bethlehem Steel site.

The bus terminal will replace the current terminal located on Mechanic Street.

The terminal will continue to help other bus services such as, Trans-Bridge, Bieber Tourways and the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority Buses as well as other transportation partners.

(Continued on page 3—BUS)

Freedom Forum Photo Archive

The American Jobs Act to Effect High School Graduates

By Anna Thomas, Asst. News Editor

Liberty Hurricanes to be Demoted to a Tropical Storm Freedom v. Liberty Football Game November 5 Kickoff @ 1:00p.m.

Freedom football is on the path to defeat Liberty High School this year. The Patriots are having one of the best seasons in years with only one loss against Nazareth as of Friday, Oct. 14.

Tyler Alicea / Editor-in-Chief

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Mr. LaPorta‟s Breakfast (p. 3) Inside Liberty High (p. 5) Sonic Rushes into Freedom (p. 6) Caffeine Addiction Awareness (p. 8-9) The Best Student Section in Town (p. 13) Homecoming (p. 16)

Flickr.com / Justin Geiger

President Obama presented the American Jobs Act to Congress on Sept. 8 and has long since been a firm advocate of its passage.

The bill is part of an effort to help America recover from the economic crisis and to rebuild an (Continued on page 2—JOBS)

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

Editor-in-Chief Tyler Alicea News Editor Luisa Marin Editorial Editor Julie Boylan Features Editor Ashley Eichlin Entertainment Editor Courtney Barrow Sports Editor Mike McGinty Pates’ Post Editor Amanda Molinaro Centerspread Editor Mackenzie Liberatori Photo Editor Andrew Mattei Layout Editor Haroon Ahmad Web Editor Krystal Domin Assistant Editors Anna Thomas Faarah Ameerally Ryan Shaikh Adam Duser Zach Ward

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 fhsforum@gmail.com

Sponsors Ron and Patty Williams Gold Level

Laila Sanai Steel Level

Rosie Kaur Steel Level

Baljit Kaur Steel Level Interested in sponsoring The Freedom Forum? Stop by room 210 for a form or email our adviser at kerdman@bethsd.org.

Corrections A photo of Mr. Stephen Flad from the Sept. 2011 issue was credited to Andrew Mattei when it was taken by Abby Deely.

It was incorrectly reported in the Sept. 2011 issue that Mrs. Whirl has a son who attended Freedom. Mrs. Whirl has no children.

It was incorrectly reported in the Sept,. 2011 issue that Logan Close is a junior; however, Close is a sophomore.

The Forum (Continued from page 1—JOBS)

economy based on balance and fairness.

Its purpose is simple; put more people back to work and put more money in the pockets of working Americans.

The act creates jobs without adding to the national deficit, embraces bipartisan ideas to keep police officers, firefighters and teachers working, and ensures jobs are available for American veterans and construction workers.

The act will also help to renovate schools throughout our country and to cut taxes for small businesses when they hire new employees.

While the act carries many benefits for America as a nation, it would also provide several advantages for students attending public schools, namely, high school graduates.

Higher education would directly benefit with the act, by creating a primary focus of funding going towards community colleges; the intent of this focus

October 2011 being that community colleges are where more American students pursue higher education as a result of the financial crisis.

The majority of this funding will be directed toward nationwide renovation of community colleges with the purpose of equipping them to be properly prepared to train a 21st century workforce.

According to the official White House fact sheet, the President‟s plan proposes a total of “$5 billion of investments for

facilities modernization needs at community colleges.”

The President continues to persist the passage of the bill, asking Congress to “pass the bill right away” at almost every press conference he has given since the bill was proposed.

With the benefits that the bill had for soon-to-be Freedom graduates, perhaps Freedom students should begin to advocate the bill to their lawmakers as well.

Pirates Gaining in Politics

By Andrew Mattei, Photo Editor Around the world the freedom of the Internet is becoming more important and a movement is growing.

Internet freedom has even been attributed to helping the recent Arab Spring uprisings, with government restriction on Internet causing a stifling of the voice of the people.

With hacker groups like Anonymous showing up in the physical form to protest and spread their message, it is only a matter of time before the movement starts to show some serious solidarity.

That time seems to have arrived with the rise of the Pirate Party in Germany.

The Pirates are an international political power who have been around since 2009, but the party

has carried no real political power until recently. It appears to be one of the fastest growing political movements around.

The party has come up strong in German municipal and city elections, including an incredible 15 seats in the city-state of Berlin‟s parliament The group‟s popularity is exploding in Germany. It rivals the power of some of the small main -stream parties.

There is some speculation that the Pirate Party could even capture seats in Germany‟s Parliament in the 2013 elections.

With the movement still growing, only time will tell if the Pirate Party will have a lasting effect on the world‟s current political climate.

Peace Talks in Afghanistan Stop

By Andrew Mattei, Photo Editor With Operation Enduring Freedom, which began the war in Afghanistan, nearing its tenth anniversary, the U.S. is finally seeing progress in talks with our chief adversary, the Taliban.

These talks may have come into some stagnation with the assassination of former Afghanistan President Burhanuddin Rabbani during an attack on his home in Kabul on Sept. 20.

In recent months there have been reports that progress was being made between the Taliban and Rabbani, who was acting as a representative of the Afghan government.

Rabbani became president of Afghanistan in 1992, but was forced out by the Taliban in 1996, though the U.N. continued to recognize him as president.

Rabbani was killed when two disguised insurgents came to his home. The men were wearing

suicide vests which they detonated as one came close to hug Rabbani.

President Obama has called the event tragic and current Afghan President Hamid Karzai, offered praise for the fallen leader and even ended his trip to the U.S. in order to return home.

Rabbani‟s death may have lasting effects on the struggle for peace in Afghanistan since Rabbani was President of the Afghan Peace Council as well.

Karzai has decided to suspend talks with the Taliban and try to focus on talks with Pakistan, in light of some new evidence.

The discovery that Al-Qaeda leader, Osama Bin-Laden, was living very near the top military base in the country, within an affluent suburb reinforces these suspicions.

These events have even further called into question the validity of Pakistan‟s claims that they have not been supporting any terrorist insurgents.

Evidence that surfaced, which showed a branch of Pakistan‟s secret service agency, the ISI, has been helping to commit terrorist acts with the Haqqani network.

The Haqqani network has been condoned by the Taliban.

flickr.com / SAF Public Affairs 2

At this time it is not clear how much of an impact Rabbani‟s death will have on the negotiations for peace.

Some evidence shows that the insurgents and planners of the attack were from Pakistan, who has often been accused of supporting terrorist groups.

News 3

The Forum

October 2011

Engaging Students with Free Food Ever thought that it was too intimidating to talk with the principal? Starting this year, students have the opportunity to sit down and talk with Mr. Michael LaPorta over breakfast.

During the class meetings, Mr. LaPorta announced to all grade levels about a new program called Breakfast with Mr. LaPorta.

“I want to improve the level of engagement and interaction between building leadership and students,” said Mr. LaPorta when explaining the program.

Essentially, these meetings with Mr. LaPorta will give all students who attend a voice.

(Continued from page 1—RACHEL)

the emotions brought out by some of the themes in the speech.

The presentation had a positive effect on the students as well, leaving students with challenges to look for the best in others, dream big, choose positive influences, use kind words, and start a “chain reaction.”

After the presentation, 100 students selected from all four grades spent time discussing Rachel Joy Scott‟s ideas and how they could implement them at Freedom.

“The focus group had a positive affect on me,” said freshman

“I want to hear what students are thinking and saying,” Mr. LaPorta said.

Since only a certain amount of students are engaged with the faculty and building administrators according to the student survey, Mr. LaPorta wants to be in touch with everyone who attends Freedom High School.

“The whole idea came about in the aftermath of the school improvement surveys in which a certain number of questions students responded to [gave] me the perception that students were disengaged,” Mr. LaPorta said. “Only a certain portion were engaged.

His goal as principal is to have students excel, not only in school, but also in extracurricular activities and in the outside world.

“We weren‟t connected with „all‟ student groups. We have the sports teams, the arts, [and] some student groups fall beneath the radar; they don‟t say [much]. I want to hear what they have to say as well,” Mr. LaPorta said.

In order to culturally unite Freedom High School, Mr. LaPorta wants to meet with a cross section of the student population.

“Ultimately, when students feel engaged in our school, students perform better,” said Mr. LaPorta.

Mr. LaPorta said the goal is to listen to students in order to make Freedom High School

better, so he plans to have these meetings once a month.

It is not too late to be a part of the meetings. Students who

want to take part in the remaining breakfasts with Mr. LaPorta can sign up in room 123 with Mr. Harakal or listen to the announcements and sign up in the Main Office.

This is a year for greatness. This is a great opportunity to meet and talk with the building principal and make Freedom High School a better environment for all.

Adam Duser / Asst. Photo Editor

By Krystal Domin, Web Editor

Ben Adams.

The focus group was designed to further educate students with the hope that they would spread what they learned around the school.

Friends of Rachel is a new club that has been jump-started by the focus group and hopes to keep Rachel Scott‟s values at Freedom.

Ms. Jennifer Maholick, advisor to the Friends of Rachel club, said that the club‟s mission was “to keep up the momentum of the presentation and

to keep the chain reaction of kindness going.”

Rachel Joy Scott predicted that her hands would “touch millions of people‟s hearts.”

After a decade, Rachel‟s Challenge has touched millions of hearts as well as inspired millions of hands to do the same.

The Friends of Rachel Club meets after school on Thursdays in Ms. Maholick‟s room.

Members of the Friends of Rachel club practice different ways of forming unity including the “booty hug,” shown to the left.

Tyler Alicea / Editor-in-Chief

discussed possible ideas in mind The terminal will be completed for the design. first. Then other facilities will be Although there is still little This work in progress is ex- added to the complex. information on this new bus ter- pected to take about a year or two Some fellow residents around minal, officials have met and to complete. the community have already ex(Continued from page 1—BUS)

pressed opinions about the new On the other hand residents and terminal. public officials think allowing The concerns range from envi- more access to public transportaronmental health to children‟s tion is good for the community. safety.

Ending Don’t Ask Don’t Tell

By Luisa Marin, News Editor After many months of disagreement, it has finally been decided that “Don‟t Ask, Don‟t Tell” (DADT) will be repealed.

The decision came even after some Congress members opposed the repeal.

In 1993 the government enacted a law in which gays, lesbian, bisexuals and transgender could serve in the military as long as they kept their sexual preference private. On Sept. 20 the law was repealed.

The Pentagon has certified that repealing DADT will not weaken the military‟s ability to recruit or fight wars.

Even before the decision was official, the Pentagon had 97 percent of military trained under the new law. Therefore, the military is prepared for the changes that this new law brings.

The military also accepted applications from openly gay

flickr.com / Enrico Fuemte

recruits in anticipation of the official repeal.

There are a few changes that are occurring in the military.

First regulations that banned homosexuals will be revised.

Next all pending investigations,

discharges, and other administrative procedures that started under the DADT law will be dropped. Members of the military who were discharged under the law will be able to reenlist ,but their application will

not be given any preference over existing applications.

As of right now, there are no changes to benefit eligibilities.

Therefore, all homosexual service members are still entitled to the same benefits, which include

designating one‟s partner as a life insurance beneficiary and designated caregiver with the Wounded Warrior program.

Also all of the standards of personal conduct, such as public display of affection remain the same.

With the repeal of DADT there is a new controversy that is arising.

Now that the law has been repealed will military chaplains be able to perform civil unions in states that allow it?

So far the Navy‟s attempt to train their chaplains about civil unions was halted after a dozen lawmakers objected. Currently the Pentagon is reviewing the issue.

After 18 years of being in effect, the law has faced harsh criticism and approval from different politicians.

Some, like minority leader Nancy Pelosi, say that the repeal was overdue. In Congress, this is an issue claimed to be solved.

4 Editorials

By Anna Thomas, Asst. News Editor The Occupy Wall Street protests have united Americans from both parties and from all walks of life under one common desire to send a message to Wall Street and American banks.

By essentially camping out on Wall Street in sleeping bags and tarps, protesters intend to raise concerns about general anxieties in America‟s economic system.

In these times of economic uncertainty, when a certain group of powerful people have manipulated the common man for their benefit and imposed policies for their personal self-preservation, the people victimized have finally begun to voice their frustrations.

In only a few short weeks, the Occupywallst.org Occupy Wall Street protest has become a voice for the millions of Americans concerned about our country‟s current economic state.

The protests, which began in New York City‟s Zucatti Park in mid September and have since spread across the nation, have been subject to regular police brutality including, but not limited to, facing batons and pepper spray.

Although the movement is still in a fledgling state, if its whole idea is to make known the dissatisfaction that many Americans feel about the current economic inequity, then the protesters have met their goal.

Still, it remains to be seen whether or not the protests will solely remain an emotional outcry or become a movement that will evoke change in Washington.

To become a successful movement, the protesters will eventually require a set agenda and a cohesive message other than the fantastically vague message of solidarity. To become truly effective, the movement must also create long-term plans to sustain itself into the future.

Although lacking in these fundamental components at these early stages of the protests, to the protesters on Wall Street now, I offer a salute.

Freedom Bonfire Nov. 4, 7:00 p.m.

JV Softball Field

October 2011

A Disconnect Between Students and Teachers?

By Tyler Alicea, Editor-in-Chief Within the high school environment, there are two kinds of relationships between students and teachers. There are students and teachers that become resources for each other, while there are those who will clash and battle it out for an entire semester.

Although many of us get along with our teachers, the results from the School Improvement Survey (SIS) show that there may be a major disconnect between students and teachers.

The SIS was given last spring to students, teachers and parents in the Bethlehem Area School District.

The survey asked everyone the same basic questions to see how different groups

within the schools feel.

While the survey is just a bunch of numbers (the results I will be pointing out are between both Freedom and Liberty High Schools), the numbers do paint a picture that can help explain many issues.

For the most, I will be ignoring the parent portion of the SIS because there was not a broad enough sample size of parents who answered considering the size of Freedom and Liberty. Although, many of us would disagree with our parents when 73 percent (209) of polled parents said that we enjoy school.

One of the most shocking statistics is that only 56 percent (160) of teachers at Freedom and Liberty believe that their students definitely plan on attending college, while 83 percent (2690) of students

Agree

believe they are. Are high school students just over confident in their future, or do teachers just not have as much faith in us as we think?

Another statistic from the survey might explain why we have restorative practices this year.

Seventy-nine percent (2546) of students believe that they respect their teachers. If you were to ask a teacher, however, they would tell a different story. Only 36 percent (103) of high school teachers believe that they are shown proper respect.

What is the cause of teachers‟ feeling this way? It is most likely the little annoyances of their job, such as dealing with students who talk during class or students who put their hat back on after a teacher tells them to take their

Disagree

hat off.

In addition, only 47 percent (1515) of high school students said that they feel safe at school.

Are these statistics the reason why we have restorative practices and circle time this year? Most likely.

Dr. Joseph Roy, superintendent of schools, says, “[Restorative practices are] a way to purposely build more positive relationships.”

Of course, no survey is prefect; however, these numbers do bring up some legitimate questions.

Are we, the students, really clicking with teachers like we thought we were, or will the eternal battle between master and pupil continue for the years to come?

Not Sure

Overall, I/my students feel safe at school.

Students: 1515 (47%) Teachers: 167 (59%) Parents: 165 (57%)

Students: 775 (24%) Teachers: 66 (23%) Parents: 72 (25%)

Students: 947 (29%) Teachers: 52 (18%) Parents: 50 (17%)

I/my students definitely plan to go to college after I/they graduate.

Students: 2690 (83%) Teachers: 160 (56%) Parents: 253 (88%)

Students: 199 (6%) Teachers: 69 (24%) Parents: 16 (6%)

Students: 348 (11%) Teachers: 56 (20%) Parents: 18 (16%)

Students: 303 (9%) Teachers: 150 (53%) Parents: 13 (5%)

Students: 388 (12%) Teachers: 32 (11%) Parents: 16 (6%)

Overall, I/my students Students: 2546 (79%) respect my teachers/me. Teachers: 103 (36%)

Parents: 258 (90%)

For the results of the entire Student Improvement Survey, go to www.fhsforum.com.

New “Rules” for the Millionaires

By Flannery Johnston, Staff There is an old French phrase, “noblesse oblige,” which reflects how one might look at life, and more specifically, taxation.

Noblesse oblige translates into, nobility obliges, which means that persons of wealth, power, or privilege should conduct themselves in an exemplary fashion. Those traits come with responsibility, and the Buffet Rule implies this ideal.

The rich should not be paying the same amount, let alone less, of a percentage of taxes as the middle or lower class.

If they are making thousands, in some cases millions, more, why are they allowed to have all that extra money to spend on multiple houses, cars and vacations while other Americans struggle to get their basic needs?

This goes against the concept of nobility obliging. When people earn a million dollars annually or more, they should own up to having all that money, and they should pay more in taxes.

To some upper class Americans, this may seem unfair.

But they need to realize that the Buffet Rule was not thought of by a bunch of middle and lower class citizens; it

was created by the upper class.

Warren Buffet, one of the richest men on the face of the Earth, lent his name to the ten -year debt-reduction proposal. Buffet understands that the rich should be paying a greater percentage.

Obama, who proposed the “rule,” is also a part of the upper class, despite what people may think they know.

There are ways that the rich avoid paying the true percentage of taxes that they should. Write-ups are used occasionally, which can be truthful, but that is not necessarily the case.

Millionaires also make

money through investments which are taxed at a lower rate than wages.

Another factor in the rich not paying their fair share is Social Security. Social Security taxes only apply to the first $106,800 in wages.

Someone making that much or less is paying a larger percentage than a person making millions.

Businesses are a different story than this, but they should also be paying more taxes if they are making much more than other businesses.

Sure, businesses need to pay for the space they take up, for utilities and for their employees, but if one business is

making hundreds of thousands of dollars while another is hanging on for dear life, something is just slightly wrong.

Like humans, businesses should be taxed accordingly to how much they make, with the businesses making the most being taxed the most, and the businesses making the least being taxed the least.

To some, taxing the rich more seems obvious, but the rich may have a different perspective along with different morals, and that is why this is going to be a hot topic for time to come.

Flickr.com / Yuri Keegstra

Occupying Wall Street

The Forum

Editorials 5

The Forum

October 2011

Rivals Until the Bitter End - Freedom v. Liberty

By Nikki DeLeon, Staff The first Super Bowl was played in 1967. The Green Bay Packers beat the Kansas City Chiefs.

Freedom High School opened its doors in Pennsylvania in 1967.

Bethlehem's population of about 75,000 made it the sixth largest city in Pennsylvania and the necessity for two high schools was evident. And so the

rivalry began.

Liberty High School was established in 1922, and there was only one choice for high school students in Bethlehem.

But in 1967, that all changed.

Divisional boundaries were put in place and streets were landmarks for separating students into the two different high schools.

Friends and neighbors were being pulled apart. Your best friend could now be going to a different high school.

Competition began athletically and academically.

Today, both schools strive to be the best in everything from football to test scores, cheerleading to the marching band.

Which school is truly the best depends on who you ask. One school may excel in one area, but lack in the other and vice versa.

Although every school has a rival, the Freedom/Liberty feud seems to be larger than most.

Perhaps this is due to the size

of our student bodies.

"Liberty High School may be bigger, but bigger doesn't always mean better," said Brianna McCormack, junior.

One thing that size does bring is more animosity among both schools‟ students.

We all would like to think our school is the best.

There is no point to feuding with a high school that is on the other side of town. We should just worry about our own school and make the best of the years

that we have here.

Sure, competition is fun. But, it can and has gotten ugly.

However, in our hearts, Freedom High School is the best and that is good enough for us.

By the way, ask yourself: What high school did the most famous graduate from?

Ask Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson or Daniel Dae Kim.

A Day in the Life of a Liberty High School Student We’re sending Freedom students all over the Lehigh Valley to shadow students at different schools and see what life is like outside of Freedom. Our first stop? What would be more appropriate than our arch-nemesis Liberty High School.

We hope you enjoy! - The Editorial Board

Ashley Eichlin / Features Editor

Ashley Eichlin / Features Editor

Mike McGinty says...

Ashley Eichlin says...

While many believe Liberty is the worst school on Earth and that they have more privileges than Freedom, one would be surprised how similar the schools are.

Liberty starts school at 7:45 a.m., and ends at 2:22 p.m., just like Freedom. They have the same food and the same Hood milk. Believe it or not, they even have restorative practices where the class circles up and talks about their feelings. There are not many differences between the Bethlehem Area School District rivals.

Some of the main differences, however, are the lunch schedules, the class selection, the hallways, and the security.

In years past, Freedom had four different lunches and now only has three lunches which angers some students who think the new lunches are too crowded.

Liberty still has four lunches, and their lunches are just as equally, if not more, crowded than Freedom's lunches. If you ever think about moving across town so that the cafeteria food is better, stop thinking about it because Liberty eats the same exact food and drinks the same milk.

Class selection is another major difference between Freedom and Liberty. Liberty offers more courses than Freedom, mainly because of the size difference.

Freedom's student population is roughly twothirds of Liberty's student population.

One thing some Freedom students may not know is that there are Freedom students who take the classes at Liberty.

John Buchner, Freedom senior, has been involved with the German program throughout his high school career and planned on taking AP German this year. However, when Freedom cut their German program, Buchner deTrevor Wallington / Staff cided to stick with German, and he travels to Liberty every second block to his AP German class.

"There are not many differences between Freedom and Liberty," Buchner said.

Hallways and security are also two differences that relate to Liberty's student population. Since they have nearly 1,000 more students than Freedom, the hallways can become rather crowded considering that both schools are roughly the same size. Students are actually even encouraged to walk outside to get to their classes to avoid congestion in the hallways, which on average are twice as narrow as Freedom's hallways. Surprisingly though, throughout my entire day of shadowing a Liberty student, I only saw one security guard.

Overall, I learned that Liberty is a lot like Freedom. They even made me participate in their restorative practices. I had to join the circle and tell the class what animal I wanted to be if I were reincarnated. Everyone in the class had different ideas and personalities much like the people of Freedom.

Even though Liberty is our arch-nemisis, Liberty really is not much different than Freedom.

To say I was nervous when walking through the doors of Liberty High School for the first time is a bit of an understatement.

Up until now, I have heard many negative rumors about Liberty. Then again, attending Liberty‟s rival school does not help my perception too much.

Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised, and I was able to put those harsh rumors to rest.

First off, the building is absolutely beautiful with its magnificent architecture as soon as you enter the school. It gives a more dated look, which makes the school so unique.

Walking into Liberty‟s main office, I was warmly greeted by Stephanie Martin, the entertainment editor of Liberty Life, Liberty‟s school newspaper and the girl I would be shadowing for the duration of the day.

With a wary expression on my face, she could place me immediately.

“Are you Ashley?” she asked. Immediately, we hit it off.

Throughout the day, Steph jokingly told me along with some of her closest friends that she expected me to come to Liberty “decked out” in Freedom attire Ashley Eichlin / Features Editor Steph led me through a day packed with classes which consisted of AP Statistics, AP Government and Politics, AP Biology and AP Physics. Luckily for me, her day was not much different from mine, making the day fly.

Liberty students spend their class time similar to Freedom students. They have their class discussions, view PowerPoints and videos, and even spend time playing with Smartboards.

Liberty follows similar guidelines that Freedom follows. For example, the dress code is casual, and it is easy to get away with wearing flip-flops on a daily basis.

During the day, I only met a few of the 60 members of Liberty Life newspaper staff. The staff normally works in both their computer lab and their yearbook room. Liberty Life and the yearbook staff work closely with each other throughout the school year.

After spending a day at Liberty, I also learned a little bit about Steph. Not only is she the entertainment editor for Liberty Life, she also plays piano and plays on the Liberty tennis team.

6 Features

The Forum

October 2011

High on the [Hedge]hog If junior Andrew Serrano was not so quick, you would probably see him donning his Sonic the Hedgehog t-shirt all the time.

Serrano is Freedom‟s very own Sonic the Hedgehog in human form. He sports a “Sonic” t-shirt, his spraypainted red sneakers and his special, pointy, blue hat. He is known throughout the school as “Sonic.”

One only has to keep their eyes peeled long enough to watch him speeding through the halls “faster than the speed of sound” with a grin on his face.

For Serrano, the character has not only been a video game creation, but rather a part of him for as long as he can remember.

He can recite the long list of released “Sonic” games, from the original “Sonic the Hedge-

hog” of 1991 to the most recent “Sonic Colors.” Despite this, Serrano is unable to pick a favorite. “[Sonic] is just very cool and very inspiring,” he says. “[I‟ve loved him] since I was very little.”

The connection will live on throughout Serrano‟s life. After high school, he plans to study video game design and get a job with Sega in California to design “Sonic” video games. If necessary, he will even move to Japan and do whatever it takes to follow his dreams.

A part of these dreams includes a name change.

“I‟m hoping to legally change my name to Sonic,” Serrano says.

He goes on to say he knows of others who have taken the hedgehog hero‟s name.

“My parents don‟t agree, but I‟ll do it when I‟m old enough in a year or two,” said Serrano.

Serrano‟s interests are not limited to just Sonic, though.

He also enjoys playing other video games, reading anime (he is a part of the Anime Club ), and spending time with his girlfriend, Jess.

But the biggest and best part of being a hero is, of course, helping others.

“I‟m trying to get people to join my Day Without Shoes [at Freedom],” the young gooddoer says. “I tried last year and couldn‟t get enough support.

Hopefully this year, more people will join.”

The Day Without Shoes involves students and teachers coming to school without shoes to raise awareness for those less fortunate who go every day without protection on their feet.

“Sonic says if someone is in need, he will drop whatever he‟s doing and help them,” Serrano said. “I try to emulate that.”

Janice Lavranos / Staff

By Courtney Barrow, Entertainment Editor

Pep Rallies: Love Them or Hate Them?

By Grace Mao, Staff Freedom High School kicked off its fall sports season with the first pep rally of the year.

But amongst all the pep, students have started to wonder what the real opinions of Freedom‟s students are on these hour-long extravaganzas.

It seems as though most of them enjoy the pep rallies‟ enormous energy and the opportunity for a refreshing change of pace from the mundane routine of school.

Senior Abhinav Rangarajan says that "pep rallies are essential for developing school spirit and pride, which are what make

Freedom great. Students have the opportunity to come as a whole and feel united."

Of course, the highlights could also include free entertainment by fellow classmates.

“Paul Skersis [our mascot] is the only reason I go to the pep rallies. Shout-out to my boy P-money,” said Mervyn Lopez, senior.

According to junior Eileen Seitz, maybe they are just an opportunity to miss class and chant freshmen suck.

“We get to play the music we love, pump up the crowd, dance

students who are a bit exasperated by some aspects of these pep rallies.

There have been some disgruntled mur murs about how the only two pep rallies we get every year are dedicated to Janice Lavranos / Staff advancing the to the drumline, and be the best support of the football team, cheering section in the school,” while ignoring winter and spring said Stephen Yale, senior and sports, as well as academic acdrum major. complishments.

However, there are a few "I dislike pep rallies because

they are rewarding athletics and not giving any recognition to scholastic achievements,” said Kyle Propsner, senior.

Some students may even feel as though they are a waste of time, are not welcome and are disruptions from class.

“In my humble opinion, pep rallies are at times distracting because many AP classes are already very limited on time and mandatory pep rallies can be a real pain,” said senior Thomas Nguyen.

Whether pep rallies are a great way to come together as a school or a ridiculous waste of time remains to be decided.

Boys Obsessed with Ponies

By Stephanie Perez, Staff “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic” is watched by thousands of girls from the younger age group all over the world.

However, no one would ever think that a guy would watch such a feminine show.

These teenage boys are called “Bronies.”

The urban definition of a “bronie” is the male fan or older fan of “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic.”

Yes, they do exist and these “Bronies” roam Freedom‟s hallways.

Two teenagers, Dimitri Mitchell and Brian Knarr, are fans of this incredibly popular show.

“Well, it was Brian who got me into My Little Pony because of the game 'Pony Versus Pony: Power is Magic',” said Mitchell

about how he became addicted to the idea of cool ponies.

This game is based off the concept of “My Little Pony” where you can create and name your pony and battle with other players online.

“I would not consider this a strange obsession because it‟s just another television show and video game,” said Knarr.

Mitchell says that he does not really watch the show, but loves to play the game with his buddy, Knarr.

When asked about the title people place on teenage boys that watch this pony-tastic show, he said, “It makes the idea less feminine taking away the overall femininity of the concept.”

There are also teenage girls, even college girls, like Freedom graduates Mariah Davis and Tesha Davis who watch the show.

Is it that hard to see males of any age watching My Little Pony‟s newest season?

“There are male ponies, so why can‟t there be male pony enthusiasts?” said Knarr.

“My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” may have been targeting the young female age groups, but it has earned the attention of multiple teenagers, both male and female, with ponies like Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna.

Even though not many males watch this show, it does not mean that they are not allowed to.

Hey, when in Rome, do what the Bronies do.

Adam Duser / Asst. Photo Editor

Features 7

The Forum

October 2011

Freedom’s First Responders

By Greg Adams, Staff When a fire or medical emergency occurs, one might expect the first responders to be adults.

It would come as a surprise, however, to know that people first on the scene as firefighters or E.M.T.s could be students here at Freedom High School.

Senior Shana Peterson and sophomore Eric Norder do not have average jobs for high school students. They are an E.M.T. and a junior firefighter, respectively.

According to Fire Career Assistance, “The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Junior firefighter programs give young people the chance to learn about local fire, rescue, and emergency medical services response organizations in a safe, controlled, educational, and fun way while providing departments with an excellent recruit-

ment mechanism.”

Eric Norder is one of those young people with hopes of becoming a firefighter through the junior firefighter program at the Bethlehem Township Fire Company.

Andrew Mattei / Photo Editor

Eric was practically born into being a first responder. His father has been a volunteer fire-

fighter for 26 years and is currently at Station 17, which is across the street from the Norder family‟s house.

“It‟s in my blood” said Eric.

Medical emergencies require a different type of first responder.

Shana Peterson, an E.M.T. with the Cetronia Ambulance Corps in Allentown, volunteers as much as she can.

When asked what she planned on doing after high school, Shana said she plans on going to college to be a physician‟s assistant. One of Shana‟s big reasons for being an E.M.T. is to gain experience in the medical field before beginning her college studies.

These students‟ volunteer work does not come without risk though. When they were asked if their jobs were dangerous, they both looked at each other and agreed that there is always an element of danger involved.

Eric said this danger becomes present “as soon as you step off the truck” or in an E.M.T.‟s case, the ambulance.

Shana and Eric are not the only students at Freedom who are first responders outside of school. The student in gym class, in the hallway, or in lunch might also be the same person seen saving lives, putting out fires, or responding to other emergencies in his or her spare time.

Janice Lavranos / Staff

“Get Crazy” with James Triano

By Krystal Domin, Web Editor A bit of “Jersey Shore” walks the halls at Freedom High School.

James Triano, is an FHS freshman and half-brother to Ronnie Oritz-Margo, the star of the popular reality television show “Jersey Shore.”

A few years ago, the Triano family relocated from the Bronx, New York to Bethlehem.

Ever since the show aired, James Triano has become the unknown star of “Jersey Shore.”

Ultimately, during the first season of “Jersey Shore” when James and his family appeared on the show, they were no longer unknown celebrities.

In the aftermath of the show premiering and of his appearance, Triano‟s life changed dramatically. “[People] recognize and walk up to [me] just to say „hi‟,” said

By Zach Ward, Asst. Pates’ Post Editor The onset of the school year commonly brings its fair share of change into the life of a student.

Nights are suddenly consumed by homework; the mind of the student is consistently overwhelmed, and every day you are expected to devote six and a half hours to your school.

All of these changes may be expected, but one was surely not: the introduction of a new lunch milk.

The hearty beverage which centers the lunches of nearly all students was suddenly changed.

Rosenberger‟s, the milk that has been on our lunch trays since

Triano.

Similarly, he said it has “opened up a lot of opportunities.” While appearing during the first season, he got to meet the co-stars of the reality series.

They are “all cool, good, [and] crazy kids,” Triano said.

On the contrary, he has to choose his friends wisely.

“Trusting is an issue...friends from sixth, seventh and eighth grade are the friends that I trust.

People [asking] for autographs are big,” said Triano.

From this fame alone, people who do not know who he is refer to him as “Ronnie‟s Brother.”

Triano is a unique person who possesses some impressionable qualities.

“I play football, but primarily any kind of sport,” Traino said when asked what separates him from his brother.

In addition, he said that he likes putting “work into doing

something which gives me a sense of accomplishment.”

The most obvious trait, as of right now, that separates him from his brother is “obviously age, [and I‟m] not as bulky,” said Triano.

In addition, Triano comes from a Puerto Rican-Italian American Family.

“Ever since my mom told Ronnie that she was pregnant with me, he loved me,” said Triano on a more emotional level.

This demonstrates his remarkable character and humility towards his brother and foreshadows the love James will show for his brother in return.

Throughout the course of James‟s life the two have become extremely close.

“Close till we die; me and him together…[I] always love him [and] nothing will get in the way; I will still love him for who he is,” said Triano.

The most obvious, James says, “Yes, I watch [„Jersey Shore‟].”

In addition, Sammi and Ron‟s relationship “has no influ-

ence on me,” Triano said.

In response to the growing popularly, Triano is very humble about his popularity and is a normal, regular kid.

He is a level-headed kid that does not let the fact that he is the brother of a top reality show star get to his head. These are all great qualities.

Through all these unique qualities, he is not just “Ronnie‟s Brother” but rather James Triano.

Watch out! James Triano may be the next the big star or the next big star on “Jersey Shore.”

Krystal Domin / Web Editor

Welcome to the Hood the day we set foot in elementary school, was mysteriously yanked from the coolers.

In lieu of this, Hood has worked its way into the school and has surely caused an uproar.

Within minutes on day one of the 2011-2012 school year, posts making a mockery of the new milk filled newsfeeds of social networking sites. With the quality of school lunches consistently deteriorating, the name of the milk only seemed fitting to much of the student body.

With a name like Hood, one would assume that the milk is lacking in flavor nearly as much as it is in marketability, and as the days went on, complaints

have mounted.

“I think it‟s disgusting; I give it away to people every day,” said Jeff Gable, junior.

The talk in the hallways only seems to confirm these thoughts.

Hood milk continues to be gawked at from time to time; however, the initial buzz has certainly passed, and the talk has quieted.

As the days continue to pass, the milk is not only a detriment to our lunches, but it is also contributing to the degradation of the Freedom High School name.

The question remains to be asked, will we continue on with the lower quality milk, or will Sodexo, the lunch providers,

step up to the plate and satisfy the desire of the student body?

Freedom Forum Photo Archive

Where’s the Halloween Candy?

By Mackenzie Liberatori, do not fall into that category, chances are you have When one generally consumed energy drinks, thinks of the month of Oc- sodas or junk food lately, tober, he or she thinks of which all contain caffeine.

Halloween. Little to no peoMost consumers of cofple observe National Apple, fee and energy drinks get a Clock, Dessert, or Stamp caffeine kick, but do not Collecting Month. More really realize what it is. A importantly on the list of psychoactive drug (a drug uncanny holidays in Octothat stimulates the nervous ber is Caffeine Addiction system), caffeine is the Awareness and Recovery most popular and wideMonth. spread drug in the world. It Nearly 80 percent of citi- takes only three days to fall zens in the United States victim to addiction, which are coffee drinkers. If you is not good for anyone, es-

Caffeine is a drug.

pecially stressed out students only looking for a pick me up in the morning or between classes.

On average, adults consume up to 280 milligrams of caffeine a day, the safe limit being at 300 milligrams.

70% of the world

The full chemical name for

30% prefer a stronger coffee type called Robusta which has 50% more caffeine.

Coffee beans are bright red and grow on trees.

The chemical A l - breakdown of cafthough caffeine is mostly

In 1675, the King of

Originally coffee was eaten as a bean.

Caffeine is the most popular drug in the world. 90% of Americans consume it in some form every day.

Coffee is the second greatest

A Belgian man named George

Coffee can only grow in the Bean Belt

Washington (not the first President of the United States) invented instant coffee while living in Guatemala at

between the Tropics of Cancer and Caffeine was first separated from coffee in 1820.

Caffeine Levels in Popular Drinks Hershey’s Milk Chocolate – 10 milligrams in one bar Coke – 23 milligrams per 8 ounces Diet Coke – 31 milligrams per 8 ounces Mountain Dew – 36 milligrams per 8 ounces Surge – 53 milligrams per 8 ounces Amp Energy Drink – 71 milligrams per 8 ounces Tea – 75 milligrams in 50 milligrams

flickr.com / theimpulsivebuy

flickr.com / anshu_si

flickr.com / anshu_si

The Effects of Caffeine

By Courtney Barrow,

However, it does not crease in dosage over feel tired. By blocking the affect everybody in the time is needed to feel the receptors, caffeine allows Caffeine is the most same way. same effects. popular drug in the world.

According to life- Previous studies sugMillions of people hacker.com, there are gest that no matter what every morning refuse to multiple factors that play the dosage, a tolerance put forth any effort before a role in a person‟s toler- will be built up within a morning cup of coffee, ance and physical re- seven to twelve days. tea, soda or energy drink. sponse to caffeine, inA common misconcepcluding genetics and the But the truth is, caffeine tion about the drug is that intake of other drugs such is a drug. It causes addicone becomes “wired” folas tobacco. tions and withdrawals and lowing intake, but in realhas a profound affect on But across the board, it ity, the caffeine blocks the brain. only takes a few short adenosine receptors in the days to become addicted brain. Adenosine is a flickr.com / schnuth to caffeine, and an in- chemical that makes one one to Photo by Mike Rowe / Flickr.com

10 Entertainment

The Forum

October 2011

Class Dues Pay your class dues! They are a one-time 40 dollar payment.

Pay them to your class advisers or treasurers.

Seniors: Ms. Werley, Ms. Zehner, Tyler Alicea Juniors: Ms. Marmaros, Ms. Chabot, Claire Sulivan Sophomores: Ms. Stenson, Mrs. Erdman Freshmen: Ms. Loupos, Mrs. Evans

“Modern Family” Captures Hearts of Families Everywhere

By Amanda Molinaro, Pates’ Post Editor “And the award go es to…‟Modern Family!‟” Viewers of the 2011 Emmy Awards heard this statement many times throughout the night, five to be exact.

The sitcom-styled show, now in its third season, seamlessly blends both comedy and drama and appeals to all family types and illustrates family dynamics.

The show features three different families that are all related. There are the traditional male and female couple Claire and Phil Dunphy and their kids Hayley, Alex, and Luke; the older man and bombshell younger wife Jay and Gloria Pritchett with Gloria‟s son Manny Delgado; the gay partners Mitchell Pritchett and Cameron Tucker and their adopted Vietnamese baby, Lily. Jay Pritchett is father to Claire Dunphy and Mitchell Pritchett, making each of the three families related in some way.

Due to the small cast size—six adult and five child actors— each character plays a significant role.

The characters they play complement each other well; for example, the character of Claire Dunphy, the Type-A, over protective Mom, is balanced out by

the carefree, jokester character of Phil Dunphy.

The show‟s unique style is mainly arranged like a sitcom, but has a documentary-like spin on it.

In between scenes, the actors come out of their characters and directly address the audience, like in reality shows, and are interviewed by an anonymous interviewer.

Flickr.com / Vince Viloria

The show focuses on real life situations and has a very realistic feel to it. Each episode has a theme, and there is no music in the background or laugh track; they know they are funny, so they don‟t need to tell their audience when to laugh.

An all-star cast, top-notch writers and a hard working behind the scenes crew have rightfully earned “Modern Family” the Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy for 2011.

This, along with the awards for Outstanding Directing, Writing, Supporting Actress, and Supporting Actor, has secured the show‟s spot place in the limelight and brought attention to the multi-talented people working on the show.

So why did “Modern Family” rack up so many Emmy Awards this year?

Maybe it is because their tolerance of same sex marriages.

Maybe it is because they are proving that families come in all shapes and sizes. Maybe it is because they turn mundane everyday situations into a sitcom or maybe it is because they are just plain hilarious.

Entertainment 11

“Lion King” Returns to the Big Screen

By Logan Handwerk, Staff “The Lion King” ruled the box office during its first release in 1994, and in its two week 3D release, the movie got its second chance to entertain audiences on the big screen.

“The Lion King 3D” was the epitome of 3D done right. The animations were flawlessly created and audiences were amazed. The 3D effect gave a new and modern twist on the movie “90‟s kids” grew up loving.

The moods and emotions were put on full blast by the 3D delivery, making audiences feel like they were characters in the movie. The most realistic effect was the storming. Every time the rain started, the audience felt like they needed to grab their umbrellas.

“The Lion King 3D” claimed the box office crown during both weekends of its release, beating the anticipated competitor Contagion.

Overall, the film was remarkable!

It was an impeccable reminder of why Disney movies were always a favorite.

There were concerns about how an almost twenty-year-

old movie would compare with today‟s new style of entertainment, but it turned out to be prodigious.

The audience was laughing at all the jokes and mouthed all of the words to all of the songs.

The theater was packed with people of all ages: senior citizens, toddlers, middle-aged couples and, of course, teenagers.

Anyone that missed it should see the movie when it is released on DVD. It will not disappoint.

themoviedb.org

“Minecraft:” A World at Your Mercy

By Haroon Ahmad, Layout Editor If you are one of those people who likes computer games, but finds the endless mayhem and slaughter a bit unseemly, there is another option: putting imaginary things on top of other imaginary things.

There are no scores, no obvious goals to aim for, and no point at which you can punch the air and say that you have triumphed; you simply move around a randomly and dynamically generated world, collecting objects and building things all at your leisure.

“Minecraft” allows you to do just that.

It may have been billed as the "coolest game you've never heard of," says senior Emily Marchese, but it has about as much in common with “Call Of Duty” or “Angry Birds” as hopscotch or basket weaving.

It is created by Markus "Notch" Persson and developed by a very small team, but more than 12 million people purchase the game.

But what exactly do you accomplish playing “Minecraft?”

Youtube hosts homeproduced videos of “Minecraft” creations that litter the top 10 most popular

videos each month.

One will find such delights as a 1:1 scale model of the USS Enterprise, roller coasters, reconstructions of the “Titanic” and much else.

FHS Alumni Soham Roy gives us a few examples of what he thinks are his greatest accomplishments in “Minecraft” “I have created a pyramid out of water…and tamed a gigantic pack of wolves to rip into the flesh of my enemy...I mean, to cuddle and play fetch [with],” said Roy. The user makes these structures much in the same fashion as they would be made in real life.

One uses the wood from trees to make tools and then one mines underground and starts looking through caves for resources. As one goes

"toy?”

But when the sun sets over the “Minecraft” world every hour or so and darkness creeps in, monsters (or "mobs") emerge.

If you are not tucked up safely within your construction, your game may well be swiftly curtailed.

The different types of mobs include spiders, zomflickr.com / Reece Bennet bies, and skeletons that are equipped with bows. deeper, more rare resources The two most infamous are available which may be mobs in the game are the enused to upgrade tools or make dermen and the creepers. The structures. When one has all endermen are passive, nonthe needed resources, the user hostile and sometimes cute starts putting them together in creatures that only attack any desired fashion. when looked directly in the One can also set up servers eye. The creepers are the most and create a massive world feared of all “Minecraft” with other users. Junior Mike mobs because if the character Salzarulo is one of the many gets too close, the creepers students to own a “Minecraft” make a hissing sound and server here at Freedom. explode. The explosion deci“You can do anything you mates everything around want. If you want to be a no- you. mad and travel the world, you “Minecraft” is still being can do that. You can be like made and the full version will me and just set up camp and be out in November. The estimake a town with all your mated cost is about $30. Curfriends. I made a huge castle rently, the game is available with them,” said Salzarulo. for $20; anyone can get their The comparisons with Lego hands on the game that has have provoked a debate over people either sitting on their whether “Minecraft” is even a computer all day or designing game at all; maybe it should buildings on graph paper. be considered more as a lowly

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc. and Pixar Animation Studios died of pancreatic cancer on Oct. 5 at the age of 56. Jobs was involved with the creation of iPhone, iPod, and iPad. After fighting cancer since 2004, Jobs stepped down from his position as CEO last August being replaced by Tim Cook.

Kutcher Takes Over “Two and a Half Men”

By Faarah Ameerally, Asst. Entertainment Editor Ashton Kutcher made his debut as Charlie Sheen‟s replacement on the television sitcom “Two and a Half Men,” playing the role of Internet billionaire Walden Schmidt.

The role made many jokes about Sheen and showed no sympathy for the character‟s death.

The evening of Monday, Sept. 26, ended the suspenseful wait as fans of the hit sitcom watched with high expectations for Kutcher‟s new role.

Charlie Harper died a terrible death, off camera, when he slipped on a Metro platform in Paris and fell in front of an oncoming train, and his body exploded “like a balloon full of meat.”

Change is always hard, but in this case, change was both unavoidable and for the best.

Even if there had been a way to refresh Sheen's Charlie Harper character, which was veering dangerously close to "one old joke" status, Sheen did not appear to be up to the task.

He looked too drawn to be the energetic, magnetic "Goodtime" Charlie the role required. He seemed too tired and, perhaps, unprepared to give the show his best—which pushed much of the comedy feel to an abrupt end.

As for the new season, Schmidt is introduced to the show‟s millions of fans as the man who suddenly appears, soaking wet and looking like a scared kitten, on the balcony of Harper's Malibu house.

Kutcher is now proving every Monday night on the show‟s ninthseason that almost any responsive being could have easily joined the cast. And with Kutcher as its new co -star, “Two and a Half Men” demonstrated just how uncomplicated his role as a replacement was. Nearly 28 million people were caught tuning in for the premiere. To say the least, Kutcher did not disappoint.

Flickr.com / indigo_girl Flickr.com / Digitas Photos

The Forum

October 2011

12 Sports

The Forum

October 2011

The Beginning of a Year of Greatness

By Nainjot Singh, Staff The bell now seems closer than ever as Freedom aims for newer heights of greatness.

Freedom‟s sports are being executed at a new level as they just can‟t seem to lose.

“Freedom High School is looking forward to a year of greatness through its strong athletics, exceptional academic program and the school‟s generous community involvement,” says Andrew Sinai, freshman.

The year of greatness in sports really started with the football team‟s astounding defeat of Central Catholic for its second game of the season. Ever since, the team has been on a victory roll, only losing its first game in the seventh week of the season to Nazareth. The team hopes to continue to excel in their year of greatness.

Cross-country, meanwhile, will keep running until they win.

That is why the team finished the regular season with a record of 8-3. Shana Peterson, senior, was named a member of the AllStar team in the Lehigh Valley Conference, and Shaina Palmer, freshman, placed seventh in the conference championship. Nathaniel Palmer, senior, won the conference championship and was named MVP of the LVC. Both the boys‟ and girls‟ teams look forward to exciting district meets on Oct. 27.

“I love running with these guys. They make running fun, and that‟s pretty hard to do. We [have had] a great year,” says Shane Smith, freshman runner.

Along with all the other teams, girls‟ volleyball is making a statement again. They have continued to play just as well as they played last year when they were named the East

Division champions. Standouts include captain Brianne Giangiobbe, Rylie Haas, and Logan Close. The girls hope to do just as well as they did last year.

Lastly, the tennis team finished the regular season with an astounding record of 12-2.

Marielle McIntyre, senior, won the district-wide singles championship. Also, Julie Boylan, senior, and Flannery Johnston, freshman, placed fourth in the doubles championship.

A “year of greatness” is not just a motto at Freedom High School anymore.

Many say that it is motivation, it is strength and it is a way of living.

If Freedom continues to do this well in sports, we certainly will have a great year, not to mention getting the bell that currently sits over in Liberty High School.

This year of greatness has

made everyone believe that this year, we just might pull it off. We just might get the bell.

Mr. LaPorta started the year by saying, “This will be a year of greatness, Freedom.”

Many Freedom High School students say that he has motivated students to try harder, and succeed. After all, we have started this year of greatness on a high note.

Danny Owen / Staff

Caitlin McCadden / Staff

A Passing Star Down the Field

By Samantha Lutz, Staff Instead of throwing tantrums Brian Uliana throws for touchdowns.

The Freedom Patriots are off to a fantastic season with Brian Uliana, junior, as their starting quarterback. In recent years, the starting quarterback has been a senior, but Uliana has ended this ongoing tradition.

Uliana had 530 yards passing and 156 yards rushing prior to the Emmaus game. He also completed 22 of 30 passes.

“Brian Uliana is a young, talented quarterback who has the potential to be the best quarterback in the Lehigh Valley

Conference,” said Tajmire Flood, senior.

Uliana said that many things go through his head before a game and he cannot help but get nervous. He tries to push that away in order to get focused and locked in. He also goes over plays and assignments in his head.

“I‟m out to have everyone do their job and win as a team,” Uliana said.

In addition to football he plays basketball and baseball for Freedom. All around, he is a well rounded athlete and a huge contribution to each sport.

WANTED

Danny Owen / Staff

Freedom Varsity Ice Hockey Schedule Date

Time

Rink

Home

Away

11/2

7:15

LV

Freedom

Northampton

11/9

9:00

LV

Quakertown Freedom

11/14

7:45

LV

Freedom

Parkland

11/21

6:00

LV

Parkland

Freedom

Photo illustration by Tyler Alicea / Editor-in-Chief

Whoever keeps pulling the fire alarm on cold and rainy days.

The Bell Count

Reward: The satisfaction of not standing out in the terrible weather.

6-4, LHS Let’s make a comeback Pates!

Sports 13

The Forum

October 2011

The Most Passionate Students in Freedom

By Ryan Shaikh, Asst. Sports Editor Students love to be obnoxious and loud when they are together.

The student section at Freedom football games is the greatest example of student interaction.

Freedom has almost a borderline insanity for athletics. The student section is always more than 10 rows deep at every football game.

When it comes to away games, Freedom‟s students have been known to travel well. The Allen game had a lot of students for a 78-0 blowout win against the Canaries of Allen. Also the Emmaus game, which had horrible weather, had a good amount of students braving the torrential downpour in ponchos and cheering Freedom on to another 14-6 win.

Along with the rowdy students of Freedom cheering on their school and creating chants to irritate opponents is the Freedom High School Band.

The band does not just create another loud noise to distract the opponent; it is a musical ensem-

ble that alters the mood of not just the fans, but the players.

The band always plays the fight song when Freedom scores a touchdown to promote happi-

This season so far has been an exception to that because Freedom has not really faced any troubles so far.

The homecoming game was a

ness amongst the fans. The band will not just play during positive moments of Freedom‟s football play, but they will also play when Freedom is playing bad to boost confidence.

whole event of its own. The feel in the student section and at the stadium was completely different.

The homecoming game is usually the first home game in

October, but this year it happened to be the second home game in October.

This year‟s game was against Northampton, and Freedom had

mal because everyone was dressed as one, and all had one thing in common besides rooting on the Patriots, “Homecoming.”

The student section‟s theme was “togas,” so the majority of the section was dressed in Greek attire. The halftime of this game included the announcement of the homecoming court along with the half-time shows of each team‟s band.

The student section at football games shows unity among Freedom‟s students.

In the student section there is no hierarchy of freshmen to seniors.

The student section is a group of students in different grades united as one to cheer on their Tyler Alicea / Editor-in-Chief school team which is another dominating performance the Freedom Patriots. with a 38-0 win.

The feel of the student section during this game filled with pageantry during halftime was a lot more togetherness than nor-

Freedom’s Resident “Libero”

By Julie Boylan, Editorial Editor Sometimes the infamous volleyball spike is all one thinks about in volleyball; however, as junior Riley Haas knows, spiking is not all there is to volleyball.

Haas is a key player on Freedom‟s girls‟ volleyball team, playing as the “libero.”

In volleyball, the libero is considered a defensive specialist who only plays the back row and is responsible for much of the defensive passing shots off serve return or hits, passing the ball to other teammates.

This means that Haas wears a different color jersey and does not have to sub-in or follow the

regular rules of rotation (she is able to stay in play the whole game).

“When I was younger, I would also play the front row, which usually you have to be somewhat tall to play,” said Haas.

“As I got older, everyone grew and I didn‟t, resorting me to only playing the back row.”

Even if Haas was only “resorted” to playing the back row, she has certainly made the position her own.

“As a freshman and sophomore, I received best defensive player for the team. Last year, I also got [The Express Times] player of the week and earned my 1000th dig, which was a very big accomplishment for me,” said Haas.

In addition, Haas also made the 2010 Express Times All-Star team which is composed of the best girls‟ volleyball players in the district.

Hass has been playing volleyball since the fifth grade and plays consistently in the off season, and her hard work is paying off.

So far, the girls‟ volleyball team is having a great season and is a top contributor to Freedom‟s “year of greatness.”

Caitlin McCadden / Staff

By Mike McGinty, Sports Editor Often freshmen are booed, heckled and pushed away to the side. Freshman Shaina Palmer is the exception to that rule.

Palmer runs cross-country, and her times are second only to senior Shana Peterson.

Palmer has also followed in her older brother's footsteps.

Nate Palmer, senior, has been the top runner for the Freedom boys‟ cross-country team for the past three years. Shaina seems to be on pace to be one of the best runners in the LVC as well.

Palmer also has high expectations for her high school career, but she does not plan on slack-

ing off.

"I hope to definitely be better, but you have to put in the time and work because success is never guaranteed," Palmer said.

As far as being a freshman, Palmer said it is not that different and that she is "just part of the team, and being a freshman is not even a factor."

Palmer goes about all of her races the same way, focused.

"I motivate myself, and I have to have it within myself if I want to do well. It is all mental," Palmer said.

She said she has the attitude of a champion and believes if you do not feel dead at the end of the race, you did not try hard enough.

A well-rounded athlete, Palmer used to play soccer and plans on running winter/spring track.

"Girl's and boy's times are not really comparable," said Palmer when asked whether she competes with her older brother who also runs track.

It will sure be interesting to watch Palmer continue to improve throughout her high school career.

Adam Duser / Asst. Photo Editor

Running with a Head Start into High School

14 Pates’ Post Advice Column

How to Deal with Stress in High School Being a teenager is hard enough, so when school, work, activities and parents add to that pressure, it is very easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed out.

Many students are dealing with daily pressure, constantly thinking they are not good enough and cannot achieve success.

What people do not realize is that their attitude is everything. If your attitude on life is negative, you are always going to feel like situations are negative. You need to think positively about yourself and know that there is always a solution for problems.

The key here is to stay focused.

You need to prioritize and focus on completing assignments; whether finishing a project, doing community service, or getting an A in a class, just stay focused. Realize what is more important and what is going to help you and what is not. It will only benefit you in the long run.

You need to prioritize and focus on completing assignments; whether finishing a project, doing community service, or getting an A in a class, just stay focused.

You need to be able to set goals for yourself, even if it is something small or out of your reach. When you accomplish any of your goals, you will feel successful and like all your hard work is finally paying off.

Life can get extremely hard when the people close to you do not approve of your decisions and add to the pressure of being perfect.

Number one rule of life: No one is perfect; accept it and move on. Instead of getting angry at your family and friends, sit down and talk to them, and explain to them that you are trying your hardest and you appreciate all of their concerns, but they need to give you space and realize that you are doing your best.

Just remember this, when you are feeling overwhelmed and confused, take a deep breath and realize that everything will be okay. After all life is what you make it.

October 2011

P-Money Bernies onto the Field

By Mike McGinty, Sports Editor For those who are not aware of who P-Money is, his name is Paul Skersis, and he is Freedom High School's friendly neighborhood mascot.

"I greatly enjoy making a fool of myself in public," Skersis said.

This is partly the reason why Skersis tried out to be the school mascot.

"Also, I wanted to help my boy Mike Romanelli who asked me to represent Freedom as a personal favor," Skersis said.

Unlike past years, the mascot challenge was held in front of the entire school during the pep rally.

Skersis himself even said that he "was nervous [before the pep rally], but once he got up there and started stretching, all he could think about was making my friends in the stands enjoy the pep rally."

In addition, Skersis pulled off what might be considered the best touchdown dance by a mascot Freedom has ever seen.

If you are not familiar with the Bernie, Paul can teach you in three simple steps--tilt your

head back, let your arms flail, and move it like Bernie.

"I was told in advance that I was going to have to do a victory dance, and I had spent the day contemplating what I was going to do. I honestly had no idea what I was going to do until I asked my boy Matt Romig. That was when he brought up the Bernie, and the rest is history," Skersis said.

So far, Skersis really likes going to the games and pumping up the student section and the players.

As far as a legacy goes, Paul could make the best mascot ever, but he said his main goal is to "get enough service hours

so I can graduate without doing any actual community service."

Those fifteen hours certainly entertain and will continue to entertain the students of Freedom High School.

Tyler Alicea / Editor-in-Chief

Freedom’s Freshman Genius

By Justin Alicea, Staff Hector Li is not your average freshman student to arrive at Freedom High School this fall.

Li unlike most freshmen is only 12 years old, the age of your average seventh grader.

Born in the Dominican Republic, he came to the United States at the age of ten.

Considering his age, Li is a very intelligent and driven student as shown by his academic performance. “[My classes] are very challenging,” says Li, “but as an honors student, I know that classes won‟t be easy.”

Despite the fact that his classes are challenging, Li still finds some of his classes enjoyable. This, however, was not always the case.

According to Li, when he first came to the Bethlehem Area School District in the eighth grade, he felt as though he did not fit in due to the age difference; however, as time as progressed, Li feels at home with his fellow students at Freedom.

Li lived in the Dominican Republic for his entire life before moving to Bethlehem.

He attended preschool and then immediately skipped kindergarten to go to first grade when he was only four years old.

Even though Li has only been in the United States for a few years, he believes that the American education system is superior to the one in the Dominican Republic.

“Things are just more organized,” says Li. “Also, students have a wider range of activi-

ties [in] which they can get involved in here.”

In the Dominican Republic, Li was involved in his school‟s Math Olympics where he was able to meet the

first lady of the Dominican Republic.

Overall, Li is not an average student at Freedom. In fact, he might just be Freedom‟s next genius.

Leah Williams / Staff

Man of the Month: Nicholas Youwakim

By Thomas Nguyen, Staff “We are going to put the „fresh‟ in freshman,” says Nicholas Youwakim, this month‟s Man of the Month selection and newly-elected freshman class president.

Youwakim has high hopes for this year as he accepts his presidency.

“I am happy. I‟m excited and ready to take on the challenges,” Youwakim says.

What exactly is he referring to? Well for starters, Youwakim wants to make a bold statement by winning hallway decorating. He wants to show that freshmen are just as big and bad as the seniors.

Youwakim also wishes to get the freshman class more involved in pep rallies, mainly out cheering the rest of the student body, in particular the seniors. His slogan tells it all.

“We are the class of 2015; we will be heard and seen,” Youwakim says.

Youwakim has quite the

fanbase. His classmates were quick to help him come up with catchy slogans and quotes for his interview. They were all ready to help him out at the push of a button.

Youwakim is not entirely sure what to expect as president, but nevertheless, he is very enthusiastic and wants to do as much as he can to promote the freshman class and to keep everything running smoothly.

Along with being the freshman class president, he also participates in a variety of sports. He is currently playing soccer, and he wishes to join wrestling and baseball in the winter and spring.

Aside from his activities, Youwakim is also a top notch student, taking as many honors courses as he can and hopefully AP courses in the near future.

He is eager to see what high school will bring for him and to make a big name for himself in both sports and academics.

He is hoping to quickly accelerate through the ranks and help lead Freedom High School into greatness.

Andrew Mattei / Photo Editor

Ask Fabio!

The Forum

Pates’ Post 15

The Forum

October 2011

Sweet and Scary Plans said Steph Mccooe, sophomore.

With networks promoting the countdown to Halloween, it is easy to watch the best classic Halloween movies ever.

As teenagers grow up, people think the trick or treating stops, but they are wrong.

Many people still collect candy in outrageous costumes at the age of 16.

“I‟ll probably go trick or treating with my friends,” says Mackenzie Harding, sophomore.

But the ones who do not trick or treat are the ones handing out candy to their neighborhood trick or treaters.

Either way it is a sweet way to spend the night.

Also who can forget spending time with the family?

Some people prefer to stay home and kick back with the family. Playing family fun night games, roasting marshmallows or even sit back with some candy and popcorn and watch a scary movie together.

By Christine Myers, Staff Halloween is one of the most horrifying, tasty and exciting times of the year.

With costumes to candies, what can go wrong? Some people like the super scary nights and others enjoy the neighborhood trick or treating.

Halloween in Bethlehem is most known for spooky nights at Dorney‟s Halloween Haunt.

“Halloween would not be the same without Dorney‟s Halloweekends,” says sophomore Steven Singer.

Haunted houses, scary monsters and terrifying corn fields are a great spooky way to spend Halloween.

While some people are at Dorney, others choose to stay home, eat candy and watch scary movies.

“The best thing about Halloween is the „Halloweentown‟ series on Disney Channel. They are my favorite movies ever!”

“My family is awesome; I‟ll probably spend the night with them and some friends,” says Evan Anthony, sophomore.

Many people are also planning to go to the pumpkin patch and decorating the pumpkin prior to Halloween.

“The pumpkin patch is awesome. My friends and I are going to decorating pumpkins,” says Jason Catelo, sophomore.

Pumpkins are can be so multi purpose; you can decorate them, use the fillings for pumpkin pie, and bake the seeds.

“Everybody loves pumpkins,” says Jason Catelo, sophomore.

Finally people are also planning to have or attend Halloween parties. Movies and candy is a great way to spend the holiday.

“I can‟t wait for the „Pretty Little Liars‟ Halloween special. I‟m probably going to have some friends over when we watch it, and I can‟t wait!” says Gabby Manganiello, junior.

“PLL”, the “Scream” sequels, “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “Paranormal Activity” are the most watched or anticipated films of Halloween. These movies are great to watch with a group of friends.

Halloween is a great time for scares and candy. From pumpkin patches, haunt and “Halloweentown” there are a lot of things to do to have fun on this wonderful holiday.

Freedom Forum Photo Archive

Spirit Week Dates Friday, October 28 Halloween Day Dress in your Halloween costume!

Monday, October 31

Tuesday, November 1

Wednesday, November 2

Thursday, November 3

Friday, November 4

Pajama Day

Twin Day

Superhero Day

Nerd Day

Spirit Day

.

Patriot Pride: 45 Years of The Forum Upcoming Events Oct. 31 End of Second Marking Period Nov. 4 Bonfire 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 5 FHS v. LHS Football Game 1:00 p.m.

Nov. 8 Schools Closed - Teacher Inservice Nov. 10 Report Card Distribution Nov. 11 Fall Musical Opens Nov. 23 - Nov. 28 Schools Closed - Thanksgiving Break

Freedom Fun Fact Mrs. Jennifer Chilmonik was in the first graduating class of Freedom High School in 1968.

The Freedom Forum was actually renamed to Patriot Pride during the 1990s.

It’s original name was returned to its present state years later.

16 Pates’ Post

The Forum

October 2011

Photo spread by Tyler Alicea / Editor-in-Chief