Spotlight - April 2022 Print Issue

THE SPOTLIGHT

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April 2022

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Southern Lehigh High School 5800 Main Street Center Valley, PA 18034

MINITHON

NEW ADMINISTRATORS

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Volume 65 Issue 3

SPRING TRACK

‘You Belong, You Matter’ signs spark interest

by Evelyn Blower

The spread of the campaign is spotted along the perimeter of Southern Lehigh district grounds and the community, showcasing the impact of the movement. Photo credit: Evelyn Blower

Dotting Southern Lehigh School District, from public grounds to residents’ property, white signs with colorful text pop up. Upon closer glance, they read, “You belong - You matter - We are all Southern Lehigh”. The campaign, started by Southern Lehigh parent Kristen Bruck sparked controversy when debate spread about what teachers can post regarding messages like these signs.

Articles from the Saucon Source, the Morning Call, and multiple in WFMZ all discuss the topic that came to light at a recent school board meeting, where some residents asked for restrictions on the kind of signs teachers can post.

Teachers currently have vague, broad rules on what they can post. Multiple classrooms have signs that inspire acceptance, inclusivity, and motivation; however, some community members feel these signs to be unnecessary and uncomfortable in a place of unbiased education.

“The reality is that the district has the authority to tell teachers what they can and cannot post; that’s the legal reality of it as employees,” said social studies teacher Mr. Thomas Beaupre. “I don’t understand what a sign that simply talks about inclusion, caring and tolerance that wouldn’t have a place in our school or why they wouldn’t represent that.”

Students in Southern Lehigh can attest that the majority of pupils appear white, straight,

or cisgender. According to censusreporter.org, the racial makeup of Southern Lehigh district is 89% white, with the average percentage of all other minorities accounting for 2.5% of the population. These numbers do not invalidate Southern Lehigh citizens of color; rather, the “you belong” campaign intends to recognize marginalized groups such as people of color and LGBTQ+ students.

“We’ve all been through a couple of really hard years and I heard a lot of things being said at school board meetings and parent meetings, and I was just concerned some of the things could be hurtful to kids,” said Bruck. “I wanted to create something that was just meant to be kind to tell kids that there are adults in the community that care about them and appreciate them for who they are.”

Teachers and administrators in the district take extreme care as to how they teach sensitive subjects.

“I think it’s important to keep it on an educational level, however as a teacher it is very important that my students know that they will always be accepted,” English teacher Mrs. Leigh Kern said. “I will be sensitive to topics that they may find personal, or have an impact on them [and I] believe that teachers have [that] obligation that goes beyond education.”

The topic of diversity, equality, and inclu-

sion became the focus of discussions sparked by calls for change in 2020, exacerbated by police brutality and racial divide. These conversations are difficult ones to have, especially in a district where the majority cannot speak on behalf of those subject to discrimination.

“Figuring out it was a mom who wanted to preach togetherness and equality in our school made me want to support whatever movement was happening,” said senior Andrea Prince. “It made me feel heard.”

Many Southern Lehigh residents and students advocate for a full education that speaks on all topics and correctly educates about our country’s history from an unbiased standpoint.

Southern Lehigh’s popular Facebook and other social media groups (SL Advocates for Full Education, SL Moms, and You Belong campaign) all have many participants who, unaffiliated with the school itself, advocate for changes to education, experiences, or general comments about life in Southern Lehigh The “You Belong, You Matter” campaign hopes to spread their word through signs and other merchandise, as well as spreading to other schools in the Lehigh Valley area. The contentious issue of what teachers may post in their rooms has been debated at a school board meeting but an official policy has not yet been passed.

Page 2 News

Southern Lehigh High School 5800 Main Street Center Valley, PA 18034 (610) 282-1421 x7122 slsdspotlight@gmail.com Twitter: @SLSDspotlight Instagram: @slsdspotlight Facebook: Southern Lehigh Spotlight

The Spotlight

SLHS provides mental health support for students

by Alex Kane

Faculty Adviser Mrs. Marlo Spritzer Editor-in-Chief and News Editor Alex Kane Features and Opinion Editor and Assistant to EIC Evelyn Blower Our World and Entertainment Editor Kishore Annambhotla Sports, Web, and Social Media Editor Arden Glad Staff Reporters Alexis Behrens Gianna Cusumano Morgan Downing Isabelle Johnson Christiana Lycette Sophia Lycette Elizabeth Monroe Mack Morgan Alaina Patel Zain Shamasseen Elizabeth Vezenov Emma Vorhis Kelcie Wagner Abigail Wilson Pennsylvania School Press Association 2020 Silver Rating 2019 Silver Rating 2018 Gold Rating 2017 Gold Rating 2016 Gold Rating 2015 Gold Rating 2014 Gold Rating 2013 Silver Rating National School Press Association 2019 First Class Rating 2018 All-American Rating Four Marks of Distinction 2017 First Class Rating 2016 First Class Rating 2015 First Class Rating

The Caron Foundation is running student groups about common mental health challenges.

Photo Credit: Caron Foundation

Starting in the 2019-2020 school year, Southern Lehigh High School introduced several student support groups via the Caron Foundation, a mental health organization, covering topics that commonly affect teens. When the groups were first introduced, former assistant principal Thomas Ruhf, was in charge of coordinating with the Caron Foundation. Now school counselor Mrs. Samantha Trachtman holds this position.

Though the Caron Foundation is well known for its mental health services, this was not the reason the district first enlisted the foundation’s help.

“We all [the administration] saw a huge uptick in drug use and vaping. The Caron Foundation is well known for their drug and alcohol treatment,” high school principal Mrs. Beth Guarriello said. “They also have [a] nationally approved and research-based curriculum for a lot of different topics that teens struggle with.”

Currently, there are groups on eleven topics, a number that will likely remain where it is, according to Mrs. Guarriello. A specialist from the Caron Foundation runs the groups, which typically have ten to twelve members and consist of eight sessions, once per week.

As the current groups are on their first round, their impact is not yet known.

“It’s a little tough; I don’t

directly communicate with groups, [and] can’t yet tell if students have benefited,” said Counselor Mrs. Samantha Trachtman, “I am proud of the number of groups because they were slow to start. There are four or five groups.”

The past two years have seen the successful rollout of the Caron Foundation groups, albeit with a slight delay for in-person services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, just because something isn’t broken doesn’t mean it can’t be improved upon, and this is something that students have ideas about.

“This group of students came to me and said ‘what would you think about us doing a student-lead group’ and I went ‘no, no, no’, so I said ‘you can create your own student group, but there must be a trained and certified counselor with you,’” Mrs. Guarriello said.

Mrs. Guarriello also said that she felt the groups were going well but that the level of success is massively impacted by the quality of the counselor and their ability to connect with students.

Despite all the pros of these groups, they have an achilles heel: the need for parental consent. This creates a possible barrier if a struggling student’s parents do not consent to their child’s desire to seek mental health help; then the child is unable to receive the help they need.

“Parent permission is required [to join the groups] if students are

under 18 to ensure parents know what’s going on and are okay with their child getting support,” said Cordes Symmes from the Caron Foundation. “You can’t reach everyone. It’s unfortunate, but we do what we can with what we’ve got.”

For these students, there may be another way to seek help through the school. Under Act 147 of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, any minor over the age of fourteen can seek outpatient services for their mental health. Outpatient means that the treatment occurs without admission to a hospital.

This means students can seek help outside of the Caron Foundation groups. In order to facilitate this, the counseling department at the high school has in place infrastructure to allow them to seek help.

“They can reach out to the guidance office to get support; when you are fourteen, you can consent even if parents don’t agree,” said school psychologist Mr. Cotie Strong. “Fortunately, most families are supportive.”

After a student contacts the counseling department, counselors can make referrals to the in-school therapist, Mrs. Jenna Bowers. This is a new service at Southern Lehigh that some students are already taking advantage of.

“Several kids sought counseling [whose] parents don’t agree or know,” said Mrs. Bower.

The fact that Mrs. Bower is at the high school means she is more accessible to students with families who are not supportive of their decision to seek counseling. That students are legally required to be in school by law removes some obstacles which might otherwise prevent students from receiving the help they need. “[There’s] easy access to [mental health] treatment in schools if students have issues with transport or parents not supportive of mental health treatment,” Mrs. Bower said.

Mrs. Guarriello said that she hopes students will make an effort to seek help if they need it despite any obstacles they might face.

“Anyone can benefit from help at one time or another,” Mrs. Guarriello said.

Interested in being a part of the Spotlight staff?

Consider joining the Newspaper Journalism class next year!

For more information contact the Spotlight advisor, Mrs.Spritzer via email at spritzerm@slsd.org or email your guidance counselor to enroll.

April 2022

News Page 3

SLHS MiniTHON returns to normal for 2022 celebration

by Christiana Lycette

The 2021 SLHS MiniTHON committee raised over $20,000 despite pandemic limitations. This year’s committee hopes to surpass that number. Photo credit: Mrs. Marlo Spritzer.

Southern Lehigh students are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to get involved in various clubs at the high school; MiniTHON is one of the biggest clubs with 133 student members. As many students are actively engaged, this club brings together the student body raising money “For the Kids” (FTK). This motto represents MiniTHON’s motive in their yearly fundraiser.

This year’s MiniTHON fundraiser, on May 14, is expected to have an impressive attendance, bouncing back from the setback of Covid-19. Southern Lehigh students, staff, and community members have expressed excitement for this year’s fundraiser and are ready to raise money FTK by dancing, eating, playing games, etc., for 12 hours from 10AM.- 10PM.

Over 200 students are expected to attend.

“Yes. I’m planning to raise awareness and show my support for the cause,” said sophomore Sydney King. “I also believe it will be a fun time and a good experience.”

MiniTHON is already off to a fantastic start. After the Mini and TinyTHON events, they are already halfway to their fundraising goal. All of the money raised will directly go towards the cause, supporting thousands of children with cancer.

“Our goal this year is $30-45,000. Although this goal has not been reached yet, our members have been doing a fantastic job raising money (and awareness of pediatric cancer) via fundraisers and other fun events,” said senior Sophia Hoyer, the head of the en-

tertainment committee.

TinyTHON is a subcategory of MiniTHON in the Southern Lehigh School District. It is an amazing opportunity to get the middle school students involved before going to High School.

At this two-hour after-school event held on April 13th at Southern Lehigh Middle School, middle schoolers had the opportunity to participate in the activities held at the high school during the MiniTHON fundraisers.

Not only does hosting a TinyTHON help raise money, but it also gives middle schoolers a chance to give back to their community, and it shows them what life is like as a member of MiniThon raising money for the kids.

“I definitely feel like I would have fun and donate at TinyTHON,” eighth-grader Jayson Stock said. “I’m excited to see if this is a club I would want to do when I am in high school next year.”

No matter the number of people who decide to attend these fundraisers, the students that make the MiniTHON club possible demonstrate how they all genuinely care and believe in raising money FTK. Their passion ultimately helps Southern Lehigh’s MiniTHON have a great impact on society.

“I THON in hope for a cure one day and of course, for the kids… The joy of seeing what all of our hard work and fundraising goes to is just unmatched. Ms.Tocci does a wonderful job with the club and the event is always super fun and memorable,” said senior Emily Schlegel, who is the head of the social media committee.

Southern Lehigh’s enthusiasm and support from the student body and this community impact the world for the better.

CareerLink provides students occupational opportunities

by Gianna Cusumano

end of your high school career and you’re trying to figure out what direction you want to go in and what career you want to pursue,” PA CareerLink Counselor Angie Vazquez said, “which is why I think there are so many resources that are available, including what we do at CareerLink. We want to be able to help students begin to start looking at what that might look like, start doing some research, and begin to navigate those channels.”

In order to help students align their interests with careers, they can take interest assessPa CareerLink aims to help students find future careers.

Photo Credit: PA Careerlink ments that will give you an idea of the wages available in different parts of the country, the required training for your career of choice, and Southern Lehigh High School is bringing the job environment attributes you may need. its students career opportunities through the Additionally, career counselors not only offer organization PA CareerLink, a program run job field exploration, but they can also find stuby the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and dents paid work experience through the organiIndustry, providing citizens in Pennsylvania zation. access to career-oriented resources to helping “The paid work experience is a really great them prepare for the work field and obtain job way, especially for our youth programs, for positions. students to gain experience in their interesting Southern Lehigh has arranged for councareer or the industry that they’re looking to selors to meet with students at the high school get into,” Vazquez said. “This gives them that every Tuesday in the library from 7:30 a.m. additional work experience where they’re going to 2:30 p.m. PA CareerLink also brings its to essentially be completing an internship and In-School Youth program to the high school getting paid at the same time.” where students can attend workshops to learn These job experience programs run for about career-readiness skills and enroll in paid about eight weeks and are tailored to fit the work experience programs. This program runs participants’ interests. PA CareerLink uses through June 10th. its partners to connect the individual with an PA CareerLink aims to assist students in employer geared towards the industry of their numerous ways such as helping them figure choice. Counselors walk participants through out the occupational path they want to pursue. the process of these experience opportunities Counselors at the high school can have conver- by going over their resumes and helping them sations with students about their ambitions and prepare for the interview. provide resources such as career researching “That’s one of the great things about Careerwebsites and interest assessments.

Link,” Vazquez said. “We are able to help our “Sometimes it can be pretty overwhelming participants with additional supportive serand intimidating when you’re approaching the vices.”

The PA CareerLink youth program does not stop at giving participants opportunities for training, but can also assist them with transportation and childcare to ensure they can finish their programs. Since the youth program at CareerLink can offer these services until participants are 24 years old, they can help students out even after they graduate from high school and college.

Some students at Southern Lehigh have already taken advantage of this resource, seeking out counselors to improve their resumes and enrolling in the paid work experience program.

“We would talk about mock interviews, cover letters, resumes, and what-to-say in an interview and what-not-to say,” junior Caidyn Koppenhaver said.

Caidyn was a participant in the PA CareerLink program. Not only did Caidyn learn about interviewing skills, but after taking psychology at the high school, she got to explore her interest in social work.

“It is essential to have exposure to careers while still in high school, so that you have a smooth transition to the best post-high school placement based on your interests! In order to decide if you want to go to college, advanced training in the military, or directly work upon graduation, you have to research in advance,” Nancy Dischnat, Executive Director of the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley said.

If you are interested in meeting with a Career Counselor, you can sign up through a google form on their online flier. Students can find the online form on an email sent out by assistant principal Mr. Benjamin McConnell or contact their guidance counselor to set up an appointment. Many resources can additionally be found on their website, https://www.pacareerlink.pa.gov/jponline/.

The Spotlight

Page 4 Features

Junior A.J. Moncman proves there are no excuses

by Arden Glad

“I would say my parents and my sister from the time I was born, they just pushed me and never let me avoid challenges,” Moncman said.

The truth is, you don’t need to treat A.J. any differently because he has shown everyone repeatedly that he can take care of himself.

One thing about A.J. Moncman, is that he loves to be involved any way he can. He competes in wrestling and powerlifting, and plays drums in the concert and marching bands.

A.J. has hopes of continuing his education at Northwestern or Syracuse University with a goal of becoming a professional sports broadcaster. He has been to every single basketball game this past season, where he sits and listens to where the ball is and what is happening during the game. He then interviews the top players on the team as the D11SPORTS student AJ is a talented percussionist in the marching band and enjoys performing the field show as part of the team of snare drummers, as well as cheering on the football team from the stands. Photo Credit: Marissa Werkheiser reporter and uploads it onto his twitter page (@aj_m711). “[A.J.] goes out of his way to make peoStrong both mentally and physically, junior Wlodek said, “but the day he came into my ple comfortable,” Mrs. Guarriello said. “As a A.J. Moncman was born blind with a congenital class and sat down, I knew I had nothing to student, he’s brilliant, hard working and funny. condition known as Leber’s Congenital Amauworry about”.

He’s involved in so many things around the rosis, but that doesn’t stop him from being one A.J. has a Braille reader that he uses in of the most high-spirited students at Southern and out of school to be able to feel words and school; he just tries everything.”

Mrs. Guarriello has watched A.J. grow up, Lehigh. Moncman always gives his all and nevnumbers. er backs down from a challenge.

“When A.J. showed me his braille reader I and she couldn’t be prouder of the person he is becoming.

Everyday is a new learning experience was in awe,” high school principal Mrs. Beth “As a mom I get protective of all the stufor A.J. as he maneuvers through the halls of Guarriello said. “It was just so neat to watch Southern Lehigh High School with his head him feel out the words and understand them.” dents, but I get a little more protective over A.J.,” she said, “and showed me he can totally held high. When coming into the high school as Everyone faces challenges in their lives take care of himself.” a ninth grader, A.J. wasn’t nervous at all, but and they all deal with them differently. A.J. A.J. has single-handedly proven that there some of his teachers were. is so thankful to have his family and friends really are no excuses when you want to accom“I was nervous I wouldn’t be able to help supporting and inspiring him from the very plish something. him,” social studies teacher Mrs. Jennifer beginning.

Amanda Haussmann becomes two-time all-state musician

by Alaina Patel

Haussman played the Clarinet 1 part at the All-State concert on April 9, 2022.. Photo Credit: Alaina Patel

‘It’s never too late to start’ is a statement embodied by Southern Lehigh musician Amanda Haussmann. After picking up the clarinet in seventh grade, only five short years ago, she has since qualified for the PMEA All-State Band not once, but twice – a feat made more impressive because of how humble she is about her accomplishments.

“At first I didn’t really think much of it because of the people I’ve heard play at districts,” said Houssmann, a senior. “The more I think about it, it’s really interesting because so few people at Southern Lehigh have made it twice or even once at all, so it’s kind of surreal.”

This year’s All-State festival for concert band kicked off on April 7th with rehearsals at East Stroudsburg High School South, and culminated with a concert on April 9 at the Kalahari Convention Center. Buses carried students from the convention center to the school each day for rehearsals.

“All of the ensembles meet up after having already gotten the music a month before, so we all should know our music,” Haussman said prior to the festival. “We sit down for around five hours at a time in around four total rehearsal sessions for each group and make the music as good as it can be. It’s a lot of fun.”

Making All-State Band is a multi-step process. Students must first audition for and make it to district band, after which they audition for the regional band. At regionals, they must audition yet again to make the All-State Band.

After all of these auditions, Haussmann is one of twenty-four students in the clarinet section, but one of only eight playing the Clarinet 1 part in the All-State Band. The first clarinet part is one of three parts within the entire clarinet section and is typically given to the most proficient clarinetists. This is a testament to Amanda’s skill as a musician.

“I think I have a pretty good idea of how music works and music theory, and that definitely helps a lot,” she said. “Even if I don’t right off the bat know how to play something like an excerpt, I can still look at it and figure out what it’s trying to get across and then I can adapt it for the way that I need to play it.”

Playing at such a high level, Haussmann spent plenty of time practicing the music given to her in preparation for the all-state rehearsals. Over her years playing the clarinet, she has found a practice routine that she finds works for her.

“I sit down and look at the things I specifically need to practice, whether that’s for each ensemble or solo pieces,” Haussman said. “I tend to look at the parts that need it the most and really really focus on them. Sometimes I can spend an hour on a few measures.”

In addition to her personal drive to improve, she attributes some of her success to the environments in which she’s been throughout her music career.

“I think it is my lessons with Ms. Marston,” Haussman said. “I also really do think it’s the high school’s music program. Without the program and the opportunities I’ve had, I don’t think I would be as good at interpreting music.”

Despite her late introduction to the clarinet, Haussmann established herself through passion and determination as one of few top Southern Lehigh musicians to make all-states twice.

April 2022

Features

Page 4

Dr. Michael Mahon becomes new superintendent

by Kishore Annambhotla

path of an educator without a chance reunion during his college years.

“When I graduated high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I was a business and HR major [at Scranton University],” Dr. Mahon said. “I remember going back to my high school, and my football coach asked if I wanted to coach the team. I agreed, and found out I really enjoyed coaching students. I decided, ‘maybe I’ll become a teacher.’”

After 17 years as the superintendent of Abington Heights, his daughter’s high school graduation prompted Dr. Mahon to seek a new district to serve. Southern Lehigh’s committed teaching staff drew him to the district.

Dr. Mahon has worked in the education sector for over 30 “Our teaching staff is an incredible asset. years. Photo Credit: Marlo Spritzer.

They are dedicated, talented, and devoted,” Dr. Michael Mahon is no stranger to schools. Mahon said. “I say that having seen staff in many different places.”

He has worked as a teacher, superintendent, Having worked in five different districts and everything in between since 1990. After spending the last 17 years as the superintendent over 32 years, Dr. Mahon has plenty of ideas of Abington Heights School District, Dr. Mahon on how to improve Southern Lehigh. He plans brings his experience to Southern Lehigh as the to maximize students’ college preparation and improve early literacy education. district’s new superintendent, replacing Mrs. “One thing that I think is so very important Kathleen Evison who resigned last summer.

Dr. Mahon began his career as a high school is partnerships with colleges. I would love to see high school students walking out of here science teacher at his alma mater, Scranton with 30, 45 college credits,” Dr. Mahon said.

Preparatory School. He later served in various “We [also] want to have the best K-3 literary districts as an assistant principal and principal arts program in Pennsylvania. We want to have before taking on his first role as a superintenthe best possible readers and the best possible dent at Wyalusing Area School District.

However, Dr. Mahon may not have traveled the partnerships.”

However, Dr. Mahon knows that his voice is not the only one in Southern Lehigh. For that reason, he is also actively seeking student input and involvement regarding district-wide improvements.

“To the extent that you can, engage in the life of your school and make your school better, because it will be because of that positive engagement,” Dr. Mahon said. “I am most effective when we are listening to what our students are telling us.”

As a superintendent, one spends much of their time separated from schools and cut off from the classroom setting. Despite the prestige of his role, Dr. Mahon still misses teaching and connecting with students.

“When you’re teaching, you are doing the most inspiring and most important work by far,” Dr. Mahon said. “Right now, even though my work is in education, I am far separated from being a teacher and far less important than a teacher.”

Outside of his work, Dr. Mahon enjoys running and spending time with his family. He also has a nine-month-old bernedoodle named Finn.

Although it’s no longer a main interest of his, Dr. Mahon also used to closely follow sports.

“I coached baseball in college, but then I got married, and my wife has no interest in sports,” Dr. Mahon said. “I like the Phillies, Eagles and Steelers, and root for Notre Dame, but don’t really do sports as much as I used to.”

Dr. Karen Trinkle is new assistant superintendent

by Evelyn Blower

Dr. Trinkle’s extended history in mental health and counseling displays her reliability as a promising assistant superintendent. Photo credit: slsd.org

Communicating with and overseeing the community is what defines the role of assistant superintendent, on a level from the youngest child to the parents, and rest of the school district. Dr. Karen Trinkle, who has a broad career in counseling and educational areas, is the most recently hired assistant superintendent of Southern Lehigh School District.

Dr. Trinkle comes with experience from Easton Area School District where she was the Director of Student and Community Services for five years, and was Assistant Principal for four years prior at Easton Area High School. She started as a school counselor in

Easton and worked with children day in and day out. She wants to take this experience working so closely with kids and apply it to her current job, which she started in the first few weeks of 2022.

“My ultimate focus here is curriculum, instruction, and student support,” said Dr. Karen Trinkle, who started her career in mental health after earning a bachelors degree in sociology with a minor in psychology from Kutztown University.

“Even though I loved working in the community, it wasn’t something I wanted to do,” she said. “I used my experience working in homes so that I could connect with kids.”

Dr. Trinkle returned to Kutztown University to earn her masters of education and went on to earn her doctorate of education from Capella University. She wants to focus on coordinating student mental health, SAP coordination, and guidance, and hopes to bring this to her role as assistant superintendent at Southern Lehigh “As you learn, you set professional goals, and sometimes a change is needed to meet some of these goals,” said Trinkle. “[I wanted an] opportunity, and thought this is where I belong. I’m fortunate to have that turn out in my favor.”

Superintendent Dr. Michael Mahon heads the district administration team along with assistant superintendent Dr. Trinkle.

The school district instated both candidates during the current school year, and they have been working on new projects already, from

small to large. The assistant superintendent wears many hats, and Dr. Trinkle is ready for all aspects of her job.

“Operationally, [we work on] leaky roofs and other facilities,” Dr. Trinkle said, “but you sit back and think, ‘huh, I didn’t think I’d deal with that.’ I [also] learned quickly, you can’t be the all knowing thing everywhere.”

With Dr. Trinkle’s extensive mental health interest, she hopes to refine the social and emotional aspect of learning. She takes her roles from the various positions she has had and creates a more interdisciplinary environment to foster student growth in the environment they enjoy.

Being an assistant superintendent is a stressful role. A lot of this stress, both Dr. Mahon and Dr. Trinkle agreed, is unquantifiable. Dealing with a large range of people, from kindergarteners, to teachers, to parents, there are a lot of people to make happy. Dr. Trinkle hopes to create and advance positive relationships with students and teachers in every school, and encourages students to reach out with feedback.

At home, Dr. Trinkle has twin boys and is a very big family person. She is an avid supporter of Philadelphia teams and Penn State sports, and like most people from the Northeast, she is a Dunkin Donuts supporter. Dr. Trinkle looks forward to spending more time with students and those in the community, and is in attendance at board meetings regularly.

Page 6 Sports

The Spotlight

Teamwork: baseball’s recipe for success

by Sophia Lycette

Senior head pitcher Matt Tankred takes to the mound.

Photo credit: Solehian Yearbook

As defending district champions, expectations are high for the Southern Lehigh Spartans baseball team. So far, they have put in time, patience, and perseverance into every game, with an eye on winning leagues, championships, and even going as far as the state title. The team is working hard to rise to the challenge after losing several of last year’s seniors.

“Losing a lot of our key players last year, being seniors, of course, places the team in a position of really relying on each other and finding their rhythm,” assistant coach Mr. Matt Greenawald said.

To fill the shoes of last year’s graduates, this year’s seniors, such as Patrick Laughlin, must take on the leadership roles of their predecessors and inspire the rest of the team to win. However, it’s not just the seniors who pull a team together; baseball takes a collective effort from the team and coaches.

“It requires a strong foundation,” senior Matt Tankred said, “based on the pillars of strong coaching, experience, and leadership.”

Together, the hard-working coaches and players lock in dominant strategies for success.

Trust is essential both on and off the playing field. To win, every player must rely upon the others to do their jobs, be prepared, and have their heads in the game.

“Not one player is more important than the other,” senior Michael Andrews said.

“We need a group effort and count on one another to win a championship game.”

Baseball is a team sport, and it is crucial to show up and place maximum effort into each and every practice. As the season is getting into swing the first string lineup includes six seniors, two juniors, and one sophomore: Janssen Brown, at third base.

“We need to practice hard just as if we are playing a game,” sophomore Hayden Hess said. “The little things will take us far, and you saw that in our last season.”

As the players begin to bond with one another, they work together on the communication of their goals and claim that taking it game by game will lead to victory.

“Take each practice as an opportunity to grow,” junior Luke Lea said. “We put our hearts into the game, and we will come out on top, and that’s all we can do.”

Girls lacrosse hustles for the gold this season

by Elizabeth Vezenov

The team huddles together to create strategies on their next move Photo credit: Natalie Fauzio

After winning the 2021 PIAA District XI championship, the Southern Lehigh girls lacrosse team hopes to continue dominating the field and repeat as champions. Their hopes are set sky-high, but the ultimate goal is not out of reach for these hard-working and dedicated athletes.

“Our team’s goals are to win as many games as last year, so sixteen, win a fifth district title here at Southern Lehigh, and hopefully win one game or more in the state tournament,” said varsity girls lacrosse coach, Kevin Cain.

This is Coach Kevin’s fifth season as the head varsity coach at Southern Lehigh. He started coaching at the girls youth level because he was interested in volunteering and contributing his lacrosse knowledge.

The girls lacrosse team has proven itself to be a talented team filled with motivated athletes who aim for a repeat of their past success. All the hard work, dedication, and

sacrifice are well worth bringing home a district trophy at the end of spring. However, there are several obstacles the team must overcome.

“We have around fifty girls, so at times it’s not easy dealing with that, especially for the coaches,” said sophomore Sydney King.

Due to a large number of players on the team, managing and planning out games, practices, and team events can be difficult.

Coaches have to account for every player to make sure playing time is distributed effectively throughout the team. Nevertheless, an advantage of having so many team members is being able to exchange players continuously during a game as people get tired.

Even with being so considerable in size, the team closely bonds both on and off the field during pasta parties, bus rides, and games to create an energetic and inclusive atmosphere for all grades.

“We have varsity starters from every

class,” said senior Iris Gluck. “We have two freshmen, two sophomores, five juniors, and three senior starters.”

This is an incredibly beneficial aspect of the program because underclassmen can experience the intensity of playing on the varsity level and develop their skills early to continue a competitive and successful team in the future.

“Our biggest goal is to win Districts,” said Gluck. “We won last year, and it would be amazing to win back-to-back district champs.”

Due to spring being such an exciting time of the school year with graduation and the end of school coming up, staying focused through the grind will be a challenge, especially when playing against competitive teams like Central, Easton, and Emmaus.

These girls enjoy the process of striving for their goals together.

April 2022

Sports

Page 7

Southern Lehigh races into spring track season

by Izzy Johnson

The team comes together after a successful meet at the PA Track Classic. Photo credit: Cotie Strong.

As Southern Lehigh’s 2021-2022 spring track season began, the athletes had goals in mind both as individuals and as a team. Coming out of a successful winter season, the members of the track team anticipate a strong spring season.

Head coach Mr. Cotie Strong and assistant coaches Mrs. Michelle Schumaker, Mr. Brenton Ditchcreek, and Mr. Stephen Schrader work with the athletes all season to keep them goal-oriented and physically conditioned for their races. With the workouts provided by their coaches, these athletes are eager to better their skills and improve both on and off the track.

“Coach Strong has put out some really good workouts for us to focus on and to build up our strength,” said senior Aiden Tobin. “By doing his workouts and some extra training outside of practices, I have really grown in strength, which I think will help me to be successful this sea-

son.”

Although each athlete has their own goals for their races, they must all work together to accomplish team goals. For the past six years, Southern Lehigh’s track team has won the Colonial League Championships, making it a very prominent perennial goal.

“Not only do we really want to win the Colonial League Championships, but we also want to focus on winning meets during the season and just doing the best we can to be successful,” said sophomore Brianna DeNave.

Though they compete as individuals, the efforts of individual athletes contribute to the overall success of the team.. From going to bed early to drinking plenty of water, athletes complete simple everyday tasks thoroughly and thoughtfully to ensure they are as prepared as possible for their meets.

“My preparation for meets is just as much

mental as it is physical,” said senior Madison Trout. “So of course, I do a warm-up routine and stretch before a race, but I also envision my events in my head so that when I am on the line, I am prepared to execute how I want to.”

Runners are not only hoping for a successful season because of the hard work they put into practices, but also because the last few seasons were impacted by COVID. Now meets are almost completely back to normal and on the same schedule as before.

“There were a lot of restrictions, we weren’t able to have winter meets last year,” said sophomore Alexandra Lea. “However, this year we were able to have winter meets and for spring we have tons of Colonial [League] meets and a few invitationals, which we are looking forward to competing in.”

SLHS boys volleyball serves up competition

by Ellie Monroe

Sophomore Joey O’rourke goes in for a bump against Dieruff High School. Photo credit: Cohen Resch

The Southern Lehigh boys volleyball team has officially put up the nets for their spring season. With a team of just 18 players, they are ready to put their best foot forward to face tough competition with a variety of new and returning players.

The team is busy working hard in preparation for the challenging games coming up. They will be facing several tough competitors such as Nazareth, Easton, Freedom, and Quakertown throughout the course of their season..

“I think we are looking forward to a full season with many more games and a tournament,” Coach Donald West Jr. said. “I expect that our players will compete hard every day.”

Many players preach the positive outlook their coach speaks of. Some credit their positive team environment as another key factor in reaching their goals for the season.

“It’s really fun. Everybody’s really chill and laid back,” sophomore Jack Welsh said. “Nobody gets too angry; we just have fun and play volleyball.”

Considering that there are many new players on the team that have never played the sport before, the teammates continue to support and assist each other in their understanding of volleyball, helping one another build experience and knowledge of the game.

“It’s super supportive,” said sophomore and first-year player Nick Pires. “It’s kinda just like the JV team learning a lot, but we’re all super

supportive of each other.”

Along with their positive team environment and outlook on the season, their training schedule allows the team to improve their skills and reach for their expectations. For practices, they have an organized schedule of different types of training.

According to Coach West, most days are spent focusing on the basics and skills and incorporating them into drills. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the athletes have lifting along with speed and agility with their St. Luke’s trainer.

The separate training days allow the players to prepare in different areas of activity to improve their performance in-game.

The organized practice schedule shifts, however, when a game day is approaching.

“When there’s an upcoming game, there is usually a practice dedicated to going through all our in-game plays and rotations and things,” said junior Avery Tatsciore, a manager for the team.

“The energy is usually high in excitement for the game.”

The boys volleyball team is ready and rapidly improving as a result of their training and positivity.

“The boys are working hard every day and are showing great improvement,” Coach West said. “We will probably lose a few games, but our schedule will hopefully make us better come district time.”

Page 8 Center Spread

The Spotlight

Poetry, artwork, music, oh my! Talented SLHS students

Art and Literary Club Co-Presidents Marley McGehee and Olivia Minutello introduce an act at the Coffee House Photo Credit: Alex Kane.

Sophomore Jack Jacobson gets ready to play the guitar.

Photo Credit: Alex Kane

Senior Filmarie Morales delivers her heart-rending poem. Photo Credit: Alex Kane

Students and staff cheer for an act on stage at the Coffeehouse.

Photo Credit: Alex Kane

Mrs. Markowitch and her daughter Natalie perform their favorite song. Photo Credit: Alex Kane

Senor Kayla Lebby regales the audience with her singing talents. Photo Credit: Alex Kane

Center Spread Page9

April 2022

and staff perform at the Art and Literary Coffeehouse

Sophomre Leah Lazurek performs on the guitar.

Photo Credit: Alex Kane

Junior Sophie Wen performs on the piano. Photo Credit: Alex Kane

Art and Literary Club advisor Mrs. Sheryl Ciotti enjoys the coffeehouse. Photo Credit: Alex Kane

MiniTHON used the coffeehouse as an opportunity to raise money FTK while also providing students with a tasty snack.

Photo Credit: Alex Kane

Art and Lit Club’s spring coffeehouse makes in-person return

by Alex Kane and Abigail Wilson

Every year to celebrate the artisic talents of Southern Lehigh’s many talented students, the Art and Literary Club holds a coffeehouse. This year it fell on Friday, April 1.

Students can perform in many different ways. This year’s participants displayed works of original art, played instruments, sang and recited poetry.

One of the audience’s favorite performances was a rendition of the main theme of a Spanish telenovela, a favorite of Spanish teacher Mrs. Megan Markwich, which she performed with her nine-year-old daughter Natalie. Mrs. Markwich played the guitar while she and her daughter sang. The duo’s notable debut was greeted with the audience’s great approval and rounds of applause.

“We were definitely nervous,” says Mrs. Markwich, “but

the crowd was really, really supportive so that made us feel a lot better.”

This year’s coffeehouse was a pivot from last year’s which was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Coffeehouse also played host to the SLHS MiniTHON club, which sold baked goods and popcorn. The proceeds collected were donated to the Four Diamonds foundation as part of MiniTHON’s annual fundraiser.

This year’s coffeehouse isn’t even a month past and there is already optomism about next year.

“I’m excited for how the leadership next year will take it,” said Art and Liteary Club Co-President senior Marley McGeehee, “and I think they’re gonna do a great job.”

Page 10 Entertainment

The Spotlight

‘Death on the Nile’ remakes a classic murder-mystery

by Zain Shamasseen

“Death on the Nile” stars “Wonder Woman” actress Gal Gadot. Photo credit: 20th Century Studios

“Death on the Nile” is the 2022 remake of the 1978 film, based on the 1937 Agatha Christie novel of the same name. Featuring a star-studded cast including Gal Gadot and controversial figure Armie Hammer, the film directed by Kenneth Branagh is one that largely follows the classic murder-mystery plot.

Previously delayed several times because of COVID-19, the film made only 130 million dollars in the box office, which was an incredibly small profit in comparison to the film’s budget of 90 million dollars.

The film takes place on a cruise ship on the Nile River in Egypt. It follows the basic plot of the average murder mystery film complete with its “Who Dunnit?” feel and surprise ending.

An overall positive of the film was that it convinced the audience of a high stakes situation.

When two characters were alone in a room, you weren’t sure how many of them would walk out; it really tried to keep you guessing unlike other mystery-themed films.

The film follows the cliches of the murder mystery genre, giving each character a grudge against the victim, and making the least suspected person the killer. Although the film is fun, its predictable thinking and dull script make it a boring watch, because the viewer can predict most of what will happen.

Since the cast is filled with established actors, the acting is strong and each actor brings something different to the table. For instance,

Academy Award nominee Kenneth Branagh who directed and starred in the film as Hercule Poirot is one of the few actors today who is willing to show their stage acting experience.

Branagh brings an old feel to a new film, and unlike his co-stars, he acts like an audience is right in front of him.

Gal Gadot, the female lead of the film, sometimes sounds bored in her delivery. With lines meant to give a dark and gritty feel to a bright film, she often sounds like she is reading the script aloud, and they just so happened to have recorded it. Overall, her acting was simply dull.

Cinematography isn’t just “lighting,” and can truly shape the whole atmosphere of a film.

If “Death on the Nile,” had used colors and angles to show the darkness of a character when the focus was a suspect, the film would have an entirely new (and better) atmosphere. Overall the cinematography could have been better.

While the film doesn’t deliver much in its dull writing, dull cinematography, and dull plot, its strength lies in the versatility of its actors. Though boring and predictable at times, “Death on the Nile” is a good film to watch on a day when you have nothing to watch. I wouldn’t recommend it for someone who is an avid film watcher and critic, but would for someone sitting on the couch looking through HBO Max or Hulu.

‘The Batman’ takes a classic hero in a darker direction

by Kelcie Wagner

“Twilight” and “Harry Potter” star Robert Pattinson makes his debut as the dark knight.

Photo Credit: DC Comics

DC Comics made a name for themselves in 1939 when they were founded by Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson. The initials for the DC Comic books were taken from the Detective Comic series. With that series came the rise of Batman.

Batman is the story of a young boy who swears vengeance against all criminals after witnessing the brutal murder of his parents. He spends years training himself both physically and intellectually, crafts a bat-inspired persona, and monitors the Gotham City streets at night to keep the people safe.

“The Batman” is a DC movie that is a subsidiary of Warner Bros, which makes the original DC comics about those characters.

“The Batman” directed by Matt Reeves was released on March 4, 2022. They started filming this movie in January 2020. It stars Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, John Turturro, Peter Sarsgaard, Andy Serkis, and Colin Farrell.

As Gotham City has a sadistic killer on the loose, Batman comes forth to save the people of the city. Batman uses evidence the killer leaves behind to come closer to solving the mystery.

He must forge new relationships, unmask the culprit, and bring justice to the City of Gotham.

“The Batman” film did very well overall with fans. It has an 85% Rotten Tomatoes score.

Director Matt Reeves is a film director, producer, and screenwriter. He was first known for directing “Cloverfield’’ in 2008. Now he has directed a lot more films, “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” “Let Me In,” and many more.

Actor Robert Pattinson stars as the film’s titular character, and Zoë Kravitz stars as Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman.

Robert Pattinson received amazing reviews

from fans about the movie, but many people were surprised by his performance. This includes his bigger roles like Cedric Diggory in “Harry Potter,” and Edwar Cullen in “Twilight.”

Zoë Kravitz also got astonishing reviews from fans. The website We Got This Covered said, “Not only did one fan hail the film overall as a masterpiece, but she called Kravtiz’s version of Catwoman ‘easily the best’ in the live-action space.”

These reviewers’ opinions are shared by some students at Southern Lehigh.

“I think both actors brought a certain part of themselves to the character they portrayed differently, but still amazingly as the actors prior to them,” said freshman Alayna Limani.

Overall in my opinion I think it was a very well thought out movie and was played very well by the actors. For the first scene I could tell the amount of time and effort it took to make this film.

From someone who is a huge fan of the DC comics and movies; I think that this movie is on my list of top favorites even though I am not a huge fan of Batman.

Something that I really enjoy about the DC movies is in either the middle, close to end or end scene there is a huge fight. But in “The Batman” close to the middle there was a huge car chase. This really set the movie, in my eyes, apart from “Wonder Woman” or “Superman.”

I also liked that even if you have never watched any Batman movies before or never read the comics, you will still understand what is happening in the movie because it is not as heavily influenced by comic storylines and characterizations. Whether you are a Marvel fan, a Justice League fan or not even a superhero fan, “The Batman” is a film worth watching.

Entertainment Page 11

April 2022

What’s the word on ‘Wordle,’ the latest online game trend

by Emma Vorhis

‘Wordle’s’ popularity exploded after being purchased by The New York Times. Photo Credit: Emma Vorhis

Brains on! Your task is to piece together a specific five letter word within six tries. Search online for the New York Times “Wordle” and give it a shot. The lettered tiles will change to yellow or green to help you. Good luck, and no cheating!

Josh Wardle’s “Wordle” has taken the world by storm since the end of January. This increasingly popular and intellectually stimulating word game has reached millions of players since its release in October 2021. The virtual game went viral during February after the New York Times adopted it.

In “Wordle” players must guess a specific five-letter word within six tries. Each time you guess, Wordle provides hints towards the correct answer by changing the color of the tiles after each guess is submitted. Green means the letter belongs in the word and is also in the correct position, while yellow tells you the letter is correct but in the wrong position. Gray letters tell you that the letter you have selected does not belong in the day’s word.

While the game is addictive, you only have those six attempts to find a targeted word per day. If you find yourself itching for more, Wordle Unlimited lets you solve words all day long, as many times as you please. If you’re more interested in solving previous “Wordles,” the Wordle Archive is the one for you.

Already solved the “Wordle” today? There are many other alternatives to the original Wordle as well. Some of the popular ones include “Nerdle,” “Dordle,” “Quordle,” “Lewdle,” “Worldle,” “CFBordle,” “Taylordle,” and more.

Millions of people around the world have come to value Wordle and find themselves spending time on solving it every day. Whether it’s the original game through The New York Times, or another version of something more interesting to them, people clearly love it and are happy to be involved.

Personally, I think this game is entertaining because it’s not the same thing every day. Oftentimes games, such as those with levels, tend to get repetitive after a while. However, with well over 155,000 five-letter words within the English language, Wordle never gets old. How could something get repetitive when there are so many different words to guess from?

“It never gets boring because it’s a different word every day, the challenge never gets easier,” junior Haylee Graham, a daily Wordle and Quordle player, said. “I really love how I get to learn new words through the game and expand my vocabulary.”

Based on millions of players and myself, Wordle provides a sense of entertaining challenge no matter the type of player. Although, I’m not sure I can hurdle another Wordle.

Stray Kids’ ‘ODDINARY’ packs a thematic punch

by Rory Reigle

Stray Kids is a well-known K-pop boy band that originated in South Korea and works under JYP Entertainment. They’ve made a variety of albums including “Noeasy,” “Mixtape,” and “ALL IN.” Their newest, an album by the name of “ODDINARY,” is their sixth Korean-language extended play, released on March 18, 2022.

In general, K-Pop has become extremely popular, especially after the 2010s when artists like BTS and Psy began to grow. According to a 2019 American survey conducted by the Statista Research Department, around 29.4% of those who responded said the genre was very popular within their home country. Groups like SKZ are not exempt from this phenomenon.

Stray Kids have had many different musical concepts over the years, but this one is their most impactful to date. The message they went for was “what’s odd will soon be normal”.

Although the album is a bit more relaxed than some of their others, it shines most because of its unified theme. All the songs fit perfectly together, and they get across the point that even when things are confusing, a day will come when they can become normal to you.

To me, it even seems like they took inspiration from the pandemic. Perhaps this central point has something to do with how people

‘ODDINARY’ is the sixth extended play by the K-pop boy band Stray Kids. Photo Credit: JYP Entertainment

have gotten used to living like this. It now feels normal to wear masks, to stay home more often.

In general, the seven songs within this extended play did not disappoint whatsoever.

Similarly to previous tracks, there’s lots of upbeat rapping and unforgettable vocals. Everyone had a chance to work on this album and have moments to shine. No one was left out: every member can be heard.

Although Stray Kids may not be as popular as BTS, who have millions and millions of fans around the world, its fanbase is still extremely supportive. Many took to Twitter to express their appreciation, showering them all with love. As a fan myself, I’m glad to see them succeed.

My personal favorite from this whole album is a song by the name of “Venom.” It is extremely captivating, and its use of trap beats and sound effects really get me hooked. The lyrics are also quite thought-provoking, especially when it comes to these lines: “I’m drunk off your touch that captivated me/I want it more, I need it more/This spreading venom, this addictive poison/Any sensе of feeling threatened has disappеared now.”

All in all, I really enjoyed this album. Although it isn’t necessarily my favorite of the band, it is definitely up there. I thought the message was very compelling, and I really just love all the members. I’m excited to see what they’ll be creating in the future.

Interested in reading more from the Spotlight staff?

Check out our website!

The Spotlight

Page 12 Opinion

Struggle with school start time continues

by Morgan Downing

Students need more sleep- and they’re not getting it with early mornings. Photo Credit: Morgan Downing

Conscientious teenagers in high school try their best to achieve A’s in their classes.

However, not as many students can ensure the essential amount of “Z’s.” Many high schoolers across the nation begin their mornings long before the sun comes up.

Closer to home, at Southern Lehigh High School, students are expected to report to their homerooms by 7:35 in the morning, or they are marked tardy. Some students say that to catch their buses, they must wake up at 5:45, or earlier. This wouldn’t be a problem if students could get to bed at a reasonable time; however, due to their countless hours spent on homework, extracurriculars, and part-time jobs, they find themselves falling asleep as late as midnight, sometimes later. That’s less than six hours of sleep, five nights per week.

“I wake up early in the morning to workout,

have wrestling practice after school, and then have to work till closing shift,” senior Aidan Gill said. “If I had more time in the morning, I would be able to stay more on top of things.”

This is a common predicament typical of many SLHS students who seek to challenge themselves with rigorous classes, sports, clubs or even part-time jobs, but it can become difficult to perform at a high level when the mind and body are running on low energy.

“Sleep is a chance for your body to recharge, and when we’re tired it decreases our cognitive function,” health and physical education teacher Mrs. Jennifer Edwards said.

Many members of the school community struggle with sleep deprivation and stress.

Without a clear and refreshed headspace to work with each morning, everyday tasks can become more difficult to accomplish. This is why I believe the district should adopt a later start time.

“Sleep deprivation among teenagers is an epidemic. Only about one in ten gets eight to ten hours of sleep per night, recommended by sleep scientists and pediatricians” sleep researcher Dr. Wendy M. Troxel said in a 2016 TED Talk. “Eight hours is the minimum recommendation. You’re barely passing. Eight hours is kind of like getting a C on your report card.”

The right amount of sleep is essential for any human to function, especially for teenagers. Without the proper brain power to function throughout the day, it becomes difficult to adequately perform in academic, physical, social, and emotional situations.

Some of the most significant benefits of an

energized mind and body include an improved focus in the classroom, strenghtened memory, and an empowered overall performance. It can also improve health by strengthening the immune system, which is especially useful amidst a global pandemic.

“With more energy, I think [students] would be able to do better in school and be more available all around,” said Edwards, “I definitely don’t think students are getting enough sleep.”

“I think more sleep often makes people happier and relaxed,” freshman Nathan Hageter said, “However, I do not believe that the average SLHS student gets a collective of eight hours of sleep every single night.”

Some students agree that when they feel happier at school, they find themselves participating more in class activities and completing schoolwork at a higher level .

According to Orfeu Buxton, associate professor of biobehavioral health at Penn State University, “High school start times after 8:30 a.m. increased the likelihood that teens obtained the minimum recommended amount of sleep, benefiting their overall health and well-being.”

If Southern Lehigh High School followed the recommendations from health professionals and members of our community, students would be given a better opportunity to succeed, and have a better quality of life.

It’s time to make a change for the sake of all of us. While students are a priority in this issue, teachers, administrators, bus drivers, and anyone else who is connected to the school district could benefit as well.

Students battle the stigma of ADHD in high school

by Mackenzie Morgan

Teenagers’ struggle with mental disorders is bad enoughadding extra stress from school won’t help. Photo Credit: Mackenzie Morgan

Across the nation, people suffer from learning disabilities. From entrepreneurs who own bustling companies, to first graders just learning to read, we see it around us all the time. Do schools accommodate, communicate, and educate on these matters?

More specifically, can students of Southern Lehigh create an inclusive space for peers with learning differences such as ADHD? ADHD is an acronym for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD in a person can cause trouble focusing, inability to sit still, excessive talking, excessive physical movement, and other symptoms of that nature. These attributes, though, can make it difficult for students to learn in a traditional school setting.

At Southern Lehigh High School, block periods are 77 minutes long. A typical student, more often than not, can sit through and pay attention during the majority of the class period. Students with ADHD have an attention span that is much, much smaller than that. The average student who has ADHD has an attention span that is three seconds shorter than the national average of 12 seconds. This makes it burdensome for many to retain the information being given to them.

In 1973 the federal government passed the

Americans with Disabilities Act. In Section 504 specifically of the Rehabilitation Act, it states, “Kids who are diagnosed with specific learning disabilities’ can acquire accomodations for education…

Regardless of how well he or she performs in school, a student who has trouble concentrating, reading, thinking, organizing or prioritizing projects, among other important tasks, because of ADHD may have a disability and be protected under Section 504”. This resulted in a joint action with schools across America and the government to enact 504 and IEP plans.

As previously mentioned, 504 and IEPs provide students with learning disabilities with accommodations in the classroom. Personally, I am granted extra time on tests, a different testing room, along with the ability to use fidget toys, cubes, or stress balls. “[SLHS does well in] identifying students and providing [504] plans and help,” said school psychologist Mr. Cotie Strong. “We err on the side of support rather than denial.”

Though, there is a big problem with 504 plans – the stigma behind them. More often than not, students are too afraid to be able to ask for their accommodations. Embarrassment over needing to leave the class to go somewhere else, or being kept behind after class for a test is nerve-wracking for students.

According to a 2020 study by Trunk, Russo and Trammell, titled Disability Stigma on Campuses, “researchers have found that students with disabilities are less likely to seek accommodations through offices of disabilities or other student support offices when they perceive greater levels of environmental stigmatization… Perceived stigma on campus related to mental health disorders may cause students with learning disabilities to choose to refrain from disclosing their disabilities… to [the] accommodations they may be legally entitled to receive.”

In SLHS, these learning disabilities aren’t widely taught, leaving room for miscommunication or lack of knowledge on the subject. How are you supposed

to be a student who sympathizes with someone who’s asking for accommodations, when you, yourself don’t understand why they are asking for them?

“Some students don’t want to stand out, [or] not be viewed as ‘different’,” Mr. Strong said, “[but] odds are other students in the class have the same thing, and that they aren’t alone.”

Students with ADHD are completely deserving of their accommodations, and being a member of that group, I can confirm that the stigma of asking for said accommodations is definitely present at SLHS. “If the true beliefs…are that students with impairments get unfair advantages or that they lack the same academic capabilities as their peers who do not have the same disabilities, then the organizational culture remains negative,” said Trunk, Russo, Trammell in their study.

How can the teachers, students, and administration create a more safe environment for these students then? If the staff and students of SLHS take the time to try to understand the people instead of seeing them only for the label of their diagnosis, then things will change.

For decades, people stigmatized things they didn’t understand. If students and staff simply took even 20 minutes to figure out why ADHD-diagnosed students needed accommodations, then students struggling with ADHD will be even more comfortable using the support provided to them. These 20 minutes could be used in a spartan period, or a study hall. Educating yourself is important, so using the time in these moments can benefit the people who have learning disabilities, or ADHD more specifically.

In short, SLHS does a good job providing the support and (when asked) accommodating students with ADHD well. But, Southern Lehigh should begin providing more education to all students regarding the subject of ADHD or learning disabilities in general. School shouldn’t be a place for discrimination, but a place for an equal learning experience.

April 2022

Opinion

Page 13

Taking more field trips benefits students

by Sophia Lycette

Students who attend more field trips tend to get more hands-on, practical experience. Photo Credit: GOE Tours

Whether you’re out of school or still in it now, what influence has shaped you into the person you are now? A group project, a special speaker, or a field trip are likely to have influenced your life in small and big ways. It may even have been something you did outside of school, learning about different topics.

Something in your life piqued your interest or sparked curiosity. It encourages you to take control of your education in more ways than one.

Every individual brings a unique set of life experiences to the classroom. Students’ key to success is applying their take-aways from opportunities in and out of school to their new ventures. Field trips are vital for children, and not just young ones; they are important for high school students too. There are some significant advantages.

“There have been several field trips to DeSales for the business programs, a few science classes have been going to various conservatories as well.” Vice Principal Mr. Chad Kinslow said. “I believe the Civics and Government

classes are going to go back to Washington D.C. again this year, so that’s also very exciting.”

Mr. Kinslow also expressed an interest in increasing the number of field trips students have access to. Though this would come with limits due to cost and potential liabilities amongst the list of limiting factors.

“Field trips give students the opportunity to see things first hand versus hearing and reading about it,” said Mr. Kinslow, “Along with the different level of engagement from students when they’re outside of the classroom.”

Teachers play a significant role in students’ opportunities to participate in field trips. They often serve as chaperones in conjunction with parent volunteers, and may even learn new things with students through these experiences.

“Students are in classrooms learning the same way for roughly 180 days, with few breaks,” Mr. Greenwald said. “It is definitely impactful for students to get outside of the classroom and be exposed to a different way of learning.”

Field trips are a fantastic way to broaden students’ resources throughout the community, allowing students to connect with different people in the outside world and access places not replicated in the classroom. This integrated learning experience may bring many life lessons and instill excitement for a difficult topic through unconventional teaching techniques.

Students have also expressed an interest in increasing the number of field trips and their belief educational advantages of these opportunities.

“As a sophomore, I have not been on one field trip in high school due to COVID-19, but it would be super cool and refreshing to go on one soon,” sophomore Emily Stock said.

Southern Lehigh students are eager to have

the opportunities to see new things and learn about subjects in a more unconventional way.

It would energize the students and give them more motivation to be able to get outside the classroom, learning the material first hand.

“Field trips are just awesome. You get to get out of school, meet new people, and get to experience the topic you’re learning about in a new way,” junior Maggie Pavis said, “Honestly, every field trip I have been on has been super fun, and I end up learning a lot.”

Through their positive outlooks on field trips, Emily and Maggie shared that these experiences can offer greater insight into essential academic concepts learned in the classroom, accessing tools and environments unavailable at school.

According to the University of Arkansas’ research, students who had attended a field trip to an art gallery demonstrated enhanced empathy, tolerance, and critical thinking abilities afterward. Students might think about a topic or issue from a different viewpoint than how they’d view material learned in class, and this general idea can apply to all fields of education since many Southern Lehigh field trips target certain clubs such as Theater. As for students who are not involved in the clubs which ordinarily host these field trips, offering more could open a chance for all students to grow socially and emotionally from these types of experiences.

Although a great deal of work is required to pull off a successful and educational field trip, the difficulties are worth the opportunity for all students. Some may remember these experiences as a highlight of the school year, having learned more from real-life engagement than from anything taught in class.

For perspective, let’s say a student has worked vigorously to receive A grades on their report cards for all four quarters of a course. If the student has already shown an understanding of the material, they should have the opportunity to be exempted from the final exam for that particular course.

Wilson High School in Reading, Pennsylvania, has already implemented a plan to excuse the final exams for twelfth-grade students who display at least a 90% average throughout an academic course.

“High school seniors are not exempt from mid-term exams but can be exempt from a final exam if they have achieved a 90% average in a course only if it is not a class requiring a Keystone exam,” says the Wilson High School website. “A grade average for a student exempt from taking a final exam will be calculated by averaging the four quarter grades plus the midterm grade. Raw scores will be used for this calculation.”

Implementing this rule at Southern Lehigh could have various positive effects for students, such as a motivation to strive to receive an A on all four quarters, for the reward of not having to take the final exam in that class.

“When I was a high school Economics teacher, and I taught 12th grade [in Allentown School District], I did exempt any student from the final exam who had straight A’s for the year,” assistant principal Mr. Benjamin McConnell said. “It was a really positive incentive and motivator for those students….It was a reward for a really strong year.”

If Southern Lehigh were to follow the Wilson High School policy, then students may have to take a midterm. Additionally, students who take AP classes would still take the AP exams at the end of the year. Therefore, there is still some concern about students needing to learn how to take bigger cumulative exams.

There are valid reasons for implementing final exams in high schools. For instance, it is a way for teachers to encourage students to continue to learn, retain, and demonstrate the information taught throughout the year, especially for students who have been struggling in the class. Final exams are also a way to prepare students for the future.

“I agree that exams can be stressful for students, but some things in life are going to be stressful,” English teacher Mrs. Kelly Howsare said. “A teacher’s job is to prepare students for the future, especially for college. Students will likely have to take final exams in college.”

While the compelling argument to continue final exams makes sense, a student that has maintained “A” grades throughout the year has already proven to understand the material, and should have the option to be exempt from taking a stressful cumulative final.

“The negative stress of a final exam is not worth the cost my mental health,” senior Jordan King said. “A student who has clearly shown to understand the material should not have to deal with the high pressure and stressful environment that surrounds a final exam.”

Applaud student success by exempting finals

by Christiana Lycette

Rewarding students with no final exams for a course they do well in would incentivize good work throughout the year. Photo credit: Ellen Cowhey

Each year, high school students dread taking final exams to complete their courses. Many believe that students who clearly display an understanding of the class material throughout the year should be excused from these cumulative tests.

“I personally do not benefit from final exams. It just causes stress, in my opinion,” sophomore Morghan Davies said. “I do not learn from big exams, especially when I have already proven to understand the material through my good grades in the class.”

Page 14 Our World

The Spotlight

Ukraine conflict proves devastating for teenagers

by Alexis Behrens

Russia’s attacks on Ukraine are estimated to have killed 2,500 Ukrainian citizens and displaced ten million more. Photo Credit: Czarek Sokotowski, Photo-Alliance

As you read this article, combat in Ukraine uproots the lives of children and teenagers no older than those in Southern Lehigh High School. Since February 24th, when President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation announced intent to undergo a “special operation” in the region, the United Nations estimates that the conflict has killed at least 2,435 Ukrainian civilians and displaced ten million more.

Of this number, the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine writes that, “208 children had been killed and 386 injured.” These numbers are the most recent available at the time of publication.

Many of these fatalities result from explosive devices in populous areas, according to World Vision, yet similar danger confronts the ten million displaced Ukrainians. The United Nations Children’s Fund said that a Ukrainian child becomes a refugee every second. Of the ten million, recent totals reveal that only about 3 million have found refuge in other countries, meaning that many are still in Ukraine.

In travel, they are exposed to continued violence from the warring parties, general obstacles such as lack of shelter or basic necessities, risk of abduction and trafficking, and physiological trauma (World Vision). While the physical dangers are considerable, the mental stressors are also quite threatening for children, as their developing minds are especially vulnerable to the constant situational tension.

“Their lives have changed in an instant, and for children, who need routine and familiarity, this has been deeply distressing,” Mihaela Nabăr, national director of World Vision’s Romania office said. “Conflict has severe and long-term impacts on children. It is vitally important for children who have been forced to flee Ukraine to quickly retrieve some kind of routine.”

Safe-spaces have been established for displaced children in the region, by World Vision and other organizations. These offer professional counseling services, as well as a playful environment for these refugees to “just be a child with other children who are facing the same situation.”

Open Democracy has reached out to Ukrainian teenagers for their thoughts and feelings amid the war. The organization also contacted Russian teenagers and others from neighboring countries, who “have written of sadness, anger and anxiety, while those most directly touched by the war have told of their anguish. But they have also written about their hopes for the future.”

“I’m incredibly angry. At Putin; at people who don’t even believe that there is a war,” 18-year-old Eva, who shares Ukrainian and Russian ancestry, said on the website. “When people in Ukraine were woken by the sound of sirens in the midst of a national emergency, one New Zealand magazine decided it would be a great choice of words to title their newsletter, ‘Hashtag World War 3 is trending.’ There are countless people around the world on whom this conflict has had no direct impact, yet they have the nerve to claim how ‘tired of living through historical events’ they are.”

Eva also communicated hope for her country, and inspiration at hearing reports of Ukrainian forces fighting for their country while other nations have stepped in with aid. “ I want to believe that there will be a consistent effort that will bring about the end of this dark part of history,” she said, “so we’ll be able to tell our children and grandchildren that the whole world came together and that kindness won over evil.”

Another respondent, whose age and name were not disclosed for safety, originally lived in Russia before moving to Ukraine seven years ago. At the time of their reply, they were volunteering with the fighting forces in defense of Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital. Their first-person insight to the war conveyed a somber outlook.

“For these years that I lived in Ukraine, I felt like I had finally found my place in this world. I was happy. On 24 February, my life turned into a total nightmare,” they said. “I saw 18-year-old Russian soldiers who did not even want to be there. They were told that they were going to free people from the ‘Nazis’ or guard the border, when in reality they were on their way to occupy my country. They are crying and

surrendering because nobody wants this war.

Wherever you are, I want you to know: this war is real and it is happening here, right now.”

Southern Lehigh junior Kylie Baker’s believes that America should perform a more active role in confronting the conflict.

“The actions Russia has taken in Ukraine are, by definition, war crimes and genocidal,” she said. “America’s actions thus far are encouraging Ukraine’s success, but most sanctions are not directly impacting the Kremlin and instead the general Russian population that’s been manipulated by their government.

We as a nation should be doing more direct actions against Russia’s media networks and providing support and aid to the Ukrainian community as well as opening our refugee program.”

Senior Quinn Doyle also feels that more support should be offered, though she believes that the role should not fall on any single country.

“I think [the situation in Ukraine is] obviously extremely devastating, and I don’t think it’s getting nearly enough attention as it should be,” she said. “I feel that few people understand how significant it truly is, considering that Russia is dropping bombs on Ukrainian schools and hospitals. … I don’t necessarily think that the United States should be doing something, but I think that NATO should. Clearly, Ukraine deserves assistance in this crisis.”

Junior Boris Litvak communicated similar thoughts.

“The situation in Ukraine is very sad and concerning,” he said. “You always wish to resolve issues through diplomacy, not military conflict.”

Sophomore Andrew Lapko, a student with Ukrainian ancestry of his own, agreed that the ongoing conflict is tragically uncalled for.

“Ukraine has constantly fought for its independence from Russia and the Soviet Union until 1991 when they finally became an independent country,” he said. “The fact that they have to fight to keep their independence is unfair for a country that just wants peace.”

April 2022

Our World Page 15

Where are they now? McKenzie Browne

by Mackenzie Morgan

In order to succeed in a sport, you have to practice your hardest. Southern Lehigh Class of 2014 alumna McKenzie Browne takes that to heart, not only in skating to success on the track, but on the ice too.

Browne began her inline skating journey at the age of six when she joined the SOS Speed Team at Bethlehem Skateaway in 2003. Her dream was to become the best of the best in her sport.

“Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be at the highest level of my sport. I made it all the way to the [peak] of Inlines, going to the World Championships eight times,” Browne said. “As I got older and Inline was still not in the Olympics, I knew that to be an Olympian I would have to switch over to the ice. After watching some of my very close friends make the 2018 Olympic team, I knew I wanted to give long track speed skating a chance.”

After graduating from Kutztown University in 2019 with a Bachelor in Arts in Communication, and seeing the success of her close friends, she packed up and moved to Salt Lake City in pursuit of her dreams.

McKenzie’s biggest accomplishment was at the Olympic trials this past January.

“The achievement I am most proud of so far in my speed skating career is placing sixth in the 500m at the Olympic trials in Milwaukee,” Brown said. “I have only been on the ice for two and a half years, so being able to place high up in the field was motivating.”

Outgoing, dedicated, competitive, motivated, and passionate are some of the words McKenzie uses to describe herself. These qualities

After years of inline skating with Team USA, Browne switched to the ice just three years ago. Photo Credit: McKenzie Browne

helped her balance both school and athletics throughout her Southern Lehigh days.

“I always thrived when I had more on my plate, so finding the balance between school and sports helped me be a better student and athlete,” she said. “I also have to thank Southern Lehigh for always being so supportive during my time in the district. Having great

teachers who worked with me to make sure I had everything I needed while I missed classes for competitions made it an enjoyable experience.”

There were definitely times where being a student athlete was beyond stressful, however.

Browne learned how to deal with all the pregame jitters. With support from her biggest fans, her parents, and her rockin’ pump-up playlist, she hits the ice with confidence and passion.

“My parents have definitely been my number one supporters through my entire career. I absolutely would not be able to do this without them!” she said.

After all these years, McKenzie said she still gets nervous before almost every race “It’s part of what makes me do my best. I always like to look at it as if I’m nervous, then I care about how I’m going to do,” she said. “I’ve learned how to channel it into positive energy instead of negative, and I’ve learned better ways of coping with nerves before competitions.”

High school is an important time where athletes make decisions on what they want to do with their talents. Having been in those shoes, Browne shared some advice.

“Always continue to follow your dreams, no matter how big they are. Whether it’s to play D1 in college or just to find a club team for the pure enjoyment of the sport, play your heart out and enjoy every moment of it,” she said. “For those still in high school, don’t take any moment for granted. Your four years will go by faster than you think!”

Browne’s proudest accomplishment was placing sixth in the 500 meter race at the 2022 U. S. Olympic team trials. Photo Credit: David Browne

Check out McKenzie’s past work for the Spotlight:

Page 16

The Spotlight

Important end-of-year dates and info