Southern Lehigh High School 5800 Main Street, Center Valley, PA 18034 Volume 61 Issue 1
Homecoming King and Queen Crowned Under Friday Night Lights Play ‘Guess the Homecoming Court’ on pages 8 and 9 Photo credit: Karin Naktin In this
Issue: Read all about sophomore Alia Silvaggio’s success in dressage on pages 6-7.
Meet new assistant superintendent Dr. Roth on pages 2-3.
The Confederate Flag: heritage or hate? Learn more on pages 10-11.
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The Spotlight
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
Dr. Roth Joins District Admin Team by Saskia Van’t Hof
Faculty Adviser
Mrs. Marlo Spritzer
Editor-in-Chief Sarah Trebicka
News Editor
Danielle Alpert
Features Editor Bridgette Lang
Opinion Editor Izza Choudhry
Our World Editor Sarah Jacobson
Entertainment Editor Quinn Schmidt
Sports Editor
Townsend Colley
Staff Reporters Ben Baca Jakob Bloss Billy Duffy Erin Noneman Kennah Salvo Griffin Schmoyer Amanda Simko Saskia Van’t Hof
Photographers Nicole Karol Karin Naktin
Pennsylvania School Press Association 2017 Gold Rating 2016 Gold Rating 2015 Gold Rating 2014 Gold Rating 2013 Silver Rating National School Press Association 2016 First Class Rating 2015 First Class Rating
Dr. Roth took the opportunity to snap a group selfie with The Spotlight staff during a recent in-class press conference. Photo Credit: Dr. Michael Q. Roth via Twitter.
Thirty years ago, when Dr. Michael Q. Roth was in high school, his guidance counselor told him that he should give up on his dream to become a history teacher. He told him that a degree in teaching was impractical and useless, insisting that he should consider a career as an engineer instead. Dr. Roth became a teacher anyway. This summer, Dr. Roth joined Southern Lehigh School District as the new assistant superintendent. His job entails working with other administrators to develop plans and make decisions for the district. “I am very excited to work together this year alongside Superintendent Mrs. Kathleen Evison to help lead teams and determine what happens to students in the school,” Dr. Roth said. Dr. Roth grew up locally and graduated from Pen Argyl High School. He pursued a major in history, receiving his bachelor’s from Moravian College and his master’s from William and Mary. He earned another master’s from Wilkes University in educational leadership, as well as a Letter of Eligibility for Educational Leadership from Lehigh University. Finally, he completed a Doctorate of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his bachelor’s, Dr. Roth began his career working as a history teacher at Nazareth Middle School where he later became the principal. Over the years, he also served as the director of educational programs at Quakertown Community School District and as assistant superintendent at Nazareth and Salis-
bury School Districts. In fact, a few high school faculty members were once Dr. Roth’s students. Family consumer science teacher Mrs. Danika Wall and English teacher Mrs. Lauren Tocci were his middle school history students, and math teacher Mr. Jonathan Piperato was in sixth grade when Dr. Roth was a middle school principal. “The first thing I recognized about him was his voice. There was just something about it that I remembered from middle school,” Mrs. Tocci said. “I remember him being very controlled while also energetic when he taught.” Additionally, Dr. Roth spent about a year working with Discovery Education, where he traveled across the country advising different school districts and helping them innovate their curriculum. His favorite part about the experience was being able to observe classrooms in drastically different environments. Despite the number of schools that he has seen, Dr. Roth believes that the energy and spirit that Southern Lehigh exudes has set the community apart. “This school has probably the best pep rally I’ve ever been to,” he said. “It was amazing how much was student led.” Dr. Roth also has many ideas on how the district can be improved. Having experience working with so many different schools, he hopes to bring inventive suggestions to the table. “I want to continue to support the work around diversity, equity, and inclusion. I think that’s really important, because when I think about
what it means to be a successful person in a global society, it’s being culturally competent and being able to navigate any situation that’s been put in front of you,” he said. “I think Southern Lehigh is really a great place, and I think we need to get the news out about that, but also asking about how we [as a district] can get better.” Dr. Roth plans to encourage the use of social media to promote Southern Lehigh events. He believes that social media, especially Twitter, is an effective way to communicate digitally with young adults. In his dissertation, titled “Superintendent Use of Twitter: Learning, Leading and Leveraging Through Social Media,” he discusses the ways in which schools can use social media platforms to guide their students. “Right now, Southern Lehigh sort of has pockets around social media” he said. “I want to work with Mrs. Evison to empower administrators to use it as a tool to get the stories out.” Many students agree with this suggestion. In such a digital age, social media is relevant to every aspect of many young adults’ lives. “The majority of students use some sort of social media, so I think the school needs to appeal to that,” freshman vice president Jack Ziets said. “Some of my friends only get their news from places like Twitter, so I think the school can do a lot with that.” Above all, Dr. Roth wants to make decisions that will truly benefit the needs of the student body. He hopes to make changes that will cultivate lasting results in the school district.
October 2017
News
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Meet the SLHS 2017-18 Class Officers by Danielle Alpert and Bridgette Lang
Every year, the student body decides through a vote who is going to lead the class in activities, fundraisers, and more. Not only do they raise money for their class, but they organize the venue for prom and what the school will receive as the class gift. All the class officers chosen for this year have different ideas about how to fundraise money for the night everyone looks forward to and how they are going to leave their mark on Southern Lehigh.
Senior Class Officers
Junior Class Officers
From bottom to top: Garret Clauser, Nate Morris, Thomas Matsumura, and Shannon Quinn. Photo Credit: Danielle Alpert.
President Thomas Matsumura Goal for the year: The big thing is organizing all of the administration aspects of graduation and the venue is stocked and ready to go. The class gift and getting people’s input and getting that ready to go. Fun fact: I have a pet guinea pig named Rocco. Vice President Nate Morris Goal for the year: To have a great graduation and make our last
year as memorable as possible and not one that we take for granted. Fun fact: I’m from England. Secretary Shannon Quinn Goal for the year: To have a successful year of fundraising to prepare us for graduation! Fun fact: I have played the violin since I was four years old. Treasurer Garret Clauser Goal for the year: To plan and fundraise an awesome graduation!
President Taso Rubino Goal for the year: I want to make prom great again. Fun fact: I blame social media for everything. Vice President Alex Becker Goal for the year: This year we obviously have a lot of work to do. Although we set up tons of fundraisers, we were horrible at advertising so that’s gonna be a really huge thing for us this year. Everyone should come if we set up a fundraiser; it’s the only way we can bring in money and all. So I guess those would be the big things: more advertising of our fundraisers and greater attendance as a result of that. Fun fact: I’m really big on learning new things and I think breadth in knowledge is really important to me. One of the things that drives From left to right: Taso Rubino, Alex Becker, me is my love for just figuring Chloe Scozzafava, Sawyer Sargent. Photo things out and learning from the Credit: Bridgette Lang. stuff I do. I also really like chess and we’re starting a chess club so everyone should join. Secretary Chloe Scozzafava Goal for the year: To communicate with my fellow officers and develop as many fundraisers as possible to collect enough money to have the raddest prom possible, and also to make sure everyone knows they are able to talk to us. Fun fact: I own 5 different pairs of crocs in all different colors. Treasurer Sawyer Sargent Goal for the year: To maximize the yield of every fundraiser that we schedule this year in order to lower the price of prom. Fun fact: House of Cards is my favorite show.
Sophomore Class Officers
President Aidan JohnsonGoal of the year: To raise as much money as possible for the class and try to make school more enjoyable for the students. Fun fact: Come out next to our next fundraiser at Chipotle on December 17! Vice President Alex LycetteGoal of the year: To do the best job possible to represent my class and organize fundraising for a fun prom. Fun fact: We raised about 1.5 thousand last year. Secretary Emily JordanGoal of the year: To raise money because there
From left to right: Paige Zamichielli, Emily Jordan, Jenna Groeber, and Alex Lycette. Photo Credit: Bridgette Lang.
were some difficulties last year, so this year we’ll make up for that. Fun fact: I have never eaten a hamburger. Treasurer Jenna GroeberGoal of the year: To raise as much money as we can. Fun fact: My favorite food is chicken pot pie. Fundrasing Adviser Paige ZamichieliGoal of the year: To raise more money than we need to so that we can have a lit prom. Fun fact: I was in a yodeling contest when I was 10.
Freshman Class Officers President Cameron HinesGoal of the year: I would like to develop and maintain an inclusive school environment for all of my constituents. Making sure everyone feels involved is important too. Fun fact: I am very passionate about government. My kindergarten show-and-tell was reciting the 44 presidents. Vice President Jack ZietsGoal of the year:To keep a safe environment for friends.
Fun fact: I am in the marching band, so come see us on Fridays. Secretary Ruhbani SidhuGoal of the year: To have the best prom by having the best food and the best venue. Fun fact: My brother and I share the same birthday, but we are two years apart. Treasurer Sooyeon JungGoal of the year: For people to turn in their class dues because then we will have money for parties and events, so we need a fund for
From left to right: Freshmen Cameron Hines, Jack Ziets, Ruhbani Sidhu Photo Credit: Bridgette Lang.
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Features
The Spotlight
Assistant Principal Ms. Brinson Joins the Solehi Team by Bridgette Lang The assistant principal’s office: students tend to think that if you’re sitting in there, it means you’re in trouble. Why else would you go there? Ms. Jennifer Brinson, Southern Lehigh’s new underclassmen vice principal, hopes to create an environment in which students actually choose to go to the office to discuss issues that are important to them. “I hope that students realize that I’m really approachable,” Ms. Brinson said. “I’m here on their behalf, and I’m easy to talk to.” After a lengthy selection process that involved three rounds of interviews with many different members of the staff and administration, what stood out most about Ms. Brinson was her extensive professional experience. “She came with a lot of background and experience,” Mrs. Siegfried said. “At her previous job, she was a subject area leader and a technology coach.” Ms. Brinson decided that teaching was her calling during her senior year at Duke University. She completed a double major in political science and history and later went on to complete her master’s degree at the University of North Carolina. She served as a teacher for 21 years at Salisbury High School before serving as vice principal there for a short period of time. Salisbury is significantly smaller than Southern Lehigh with a student population of 572; Southern Lehigh is nearly double that with 1,045 students. “Starting in a small school definitely helped me,” Ms. Brinson said. “[Salisbury has] the same exact schedule, so I’m familiar with block scheduling. Another similarity is one-to-one technology with Macs.” Ms. Brinson appreciates the “fail-forward” environment that Southern Lehigh facilitates. She feels that student and staff are encouraged to take risks when they can, even if it means that they do not succeed. Stepping up to her new position is no small task. Aside from getting to know the names and faces of all the students and staff, Ms. Brinson is still responsible for working with the other
Ms. Brinson has been getting to know the community at Friday night football games. Photo credit: Karin Naktin
administrators to keep things running smoothly at Southern Lehigh. “I’m just getting my feet in the water,” Ms. Brinson said. “The boat may rock, but my goal is to keep the boat moving,” Ms. Brinson said. Flexibility and listening are very important to Ms. Brinson. This year, she wants to learn everything she can, including the culture of the school, student behaviors and activities, and what our teachers do that makes them great. “I think that principals and staff should show school spirit by attending extracurricular activities because it shows that they care about the school environment and the students,” senior Tonnie Craft said. “To me, it’s really important that our principals make an effort to be nice to everyone and don’t play favorites,” junior Makayla Schmid said. Entering Southern Lehigh has been a positive experience for Ms. Brinson. She was pleasantly surprised by the energy of the students and staff,
and she aims to join in on the enthusiastic environment. “I was told that the kids and staff were incredible, and that was not an understatement,” Ms. Brinson said. “Students have been awesome and super super spirited. The staff here is amazing. They are very knowledgeable, and they want what is best for their students.” While Ms. Brinson claims she has no free time, when she does have down time, she makes a point to run her errands and meal-prep for the week. She always tries her best to spend any of the remaining time with her two dogs, Bella and Quincy. “They both keep me on my toes, but especially Quincy,” Ms. Brinson said. “He’s a mix between Einstein and Houdini. He is always figuring ways to get out of his cage.” When she is not playing with her dogs, Ms. Brinson is also a binge-watcher of “Game of Thrones” and “Outlander.”
New JSA Club Encourages Civic Engagement for Students by Sarah Jacobson
One of Southern Lehigh High School’s newest clubs, the Junior State of America (JSA), is prepped and ready to help students explore civic engagement. The club held its first meeting at the start of this school year, with its main purpose to explore the political realm. Juniors Bridgette Lang and Hannah Grim are the founders of the club. They both enjoy talking and learning about politics, and wanted to provide a space for students to do the same. The Junior State of America is bipartisan, so students from all political viewpoints are welcome to attend. “There were no current bipartisan political discussion clubs [in the school], and I’ve heard from other students that it’s something they would like to see, so Hannah Grim and I decided to take action,” Lang said. Right now, the club is trying to plan out some activities for the rest of the year, including political discussions, guest speakers, and government lessons. “We’re thinking about having a campaign next year to encourage students to sign up to vote,” club historian Christine Reichard said. “In the
Southern Lehigh’s JSA is a part of a larger, national organization. Photo credit: Junior State of America
future, we might go to an official Junior State of America event where other chapters would be and engage with other members of the community.”
JSA is a chapter of a national organization. Its purpose at the national level is to educate high school students about political leadership and civic engagement. The club’s founders have big goals for JSA, such as creating a safe environment where everyone can freely speak their opinion, and increasing political awareness and involvement within the school. “Bridgette and I want our club members to develop their leadership and public speaking skills, and for them to be more active citizens of the community,” Grim said. “Hopefully throughout the year they get involved in the debates and volunteer opportunities we’ll have soon.” The JSA holds its meetings during Spartan Period in social studies teacher Mr. Brian Dow’s room. “I think it’s important to give students an outlet to get involved and express themselves when it comes to politics and civic engagement,” Mr. Dow said. “There’s so much going on right now that I think it’s important for students to have a club where they can talk about the issues. If not here, then where?”
Features
October 2017
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New Addition Mr. Piperato Factors the Fun Into Math by Billy Duffy and Ben Baca
If you’re a student in mathematics, then you might be attending classes of one of Southern Lehigh High School’s newest teachers, Mr. Jonathan Piperato. He’s currently teaching Algebra 2, Applied Geometry, and Applied Computer Science Principles. “He’s young and does a good job of connecting with students individually,” junior Marc Ramson said. “He keeps it fun but makes sure we know what we’re doing.” Mr. Piperato grew up in the Lehigh Valley. He attended Nazareth High School and graduated from Bloomsburg University earlier this year. “When I was in high school, I’ve always knew that I wanted to be a teacher because I couldn’t stand my teachers,” Mr. Piperato said. “I remember how most people hated mathematics, but I loved it
because I thought it was so cool. So, I just want to help other people learn from it, instead of staying away from it.” Mr. Piperato’s interests are playing the guitar, watching sports, hunting, fishing, and archery. He considers getting a job at Southern Lehigh a big accomplishment, just as much as earning his degree. At college, he was a dedicated student, graduating magna cum laude, which is considered between a 3.75 and a 3.94 GPA at Bloomsburg. “I definitely do want to go back and get my masters. I’m not sure what yet,” Mr. Piperato said. “As a teacher, you need to be constantly open to learning new things from students.” So far, Mr. Piperato seems to be getting along well with the students and has learned to fit in with the Southern Lehigh community.
Mr. Piperato has decorated his room in reflection of his interest in sports. Photo credit: Billy Duffy
Taiwanese Exchange Student Adapts to American Life by Saskia Van’t Hof and Amanda Simko
The United States and Taiwan: not only are they separated by roughly 8,000 miles of land and ocean, but they also have completely different sets of customs and practices. Moving to another country is an immense adjustment, and senior Yi-Jui “Catherine” Tsai is taking on that challenge this year as a Taiwanese exchange student at Southern Lehigh High School. Tsai has traveled all the way from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, to experience American school life in the most authentic way by attending classes and participating in clubs alongside her American peers. So far, Tsai feels very comfortable in the United States. “People are friendly, and here [it’s] very safe,” she said. “People are more honest.” However, there have been many moments of culture shock for Tsai. Coming from the biggest port city in Taiwan, she quickly learned how difficult transportation is in Center Valley without a car. In Taiwan, one must be 18 years old to get a driver’s license, so she was accustomed to taking the subway and using public bikes to get around. She was also surprised by how large American houses are. A house with a vast yard is a common occurrence here, but very rare in Taiwan, especially in the city. However, Tsai’s favorite part of the United States is how different the school system is from that of her home country. “It is much more competitive in Taiwan,” she said. “School is more free [in America].” In Taiwan, most students are expected to at-
tend a cram school, where they spend long hours each night preparing for college entrance exams. However, in America, Tsai feels she has more academic freedom. “We have a test every day in Taiwan. Normally, we have two to three a day,” Tsai said. “So here, tests are not many. The homework here is a lot, but I think [it] is more meaningful.” During and after school, you will most likely find her spinning flags with the rest of the Southern Lehigh color guard. Back in Taiwan, she became active in color guard five years ago, so she was very excited to try it out in America. However, not everything has been such a smooth adjustment. Her host family, she explains, has shown her a family dynamic different from back home. “In Taiwan, I don’t need to cook my dinner. I never cook,” she said. “And here, my host mom will cook, but not everyday.” Food is a very important part of Tsai’s life. Out of everything, she misses Taiwanese noodles and rice the most. “I know I can be starved, so I have to learn to cook,” said Tsai, who does not care for American cuisine and has learned to cook many of her favorite foods from Taiwan. Tsai feels as though these past few months have shaped her in a new way. Guidance counselor Mrs. Christina Piascik agrees that being an exchange student be a life-changing experience for a young adult. “It’s so different when you travel for plea-
Tsai feels that American school is more relaxed than Taiwanese school. Photo credit: Amanda Simko
sure versus when you’re immersed in the culture and you’re actually living and breathing the day in and day out,” Mrs. Piascik said. “[Catherine is] doing the things that all other students her age are doing.” Tsai looks forward to spending the rest of the year training with the color guard, spending time with friends, and trying out new foods.
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Sports
The Spotlight
Seniors Set a Four-Year Foundation For Field Hockey Team’s 2017 Season Success by Townsend Colley
In the modern day world of sports, the term “super team” gets thrown around quite a bit. Whether you’re discussing Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors, or Alabama’s dynasty under Nick Saban, the now cliched term is everywhere. Depending on who you are, you may condemn these juggernauts or you may believe they’re the best things to happen to their respective sports since Michael Jordan hit the court at the Madhouse in Madison for the first time in 1984. Whatever your feelings, one overall sentiment prevails among fans: respect. Now, after years of establishing themselves as a powerhouse in the Colonial League, the 2017 Southern Lehigh field hockey team has joined the conversation of super teams amongst high school sports circles throughout the Lehigh Valley. With talent at every position, this year’s squad is not only one to reckon with, but one to be respected. Field hockey has traditionally been one of the most successful programs at Southern Lehigh. In the last four years they have a combined record of 60-3-1 in Colonial League play, a record that is matched only by the 2016 state champions of Moravian Academy. Over this time span the Spartans won four District XI titles. Under head coach Adrienne Searfoss, Southern Lehigh field hockey has produced many talented players and had many winning seasons; however, the 2017 team has the potential to be one of the better teams in recent history. This year’s squad is headlined by a senior class that has three Division I field hockey commits in Meghan and Madison Reese and Maddie Arnold, one Division II commit in Lauren Jani, and several returning starters. Together this senior class rounds out a group that has talent across the roster. The senior class that holds the 2017 Southern Lehigh field hockey team together did not start out as all-league players. As young freshmen in the beginning of the 2013 season, they came out in very large numbers, an attribute that Coach Searfoss believes set the class of 2018 apart from previous classes. The large player pool forced competition among the group as each player
forced another to work hard in order to earn playing time. This effort ultimately improved each individual player, as well as the team as a whole. “They were like a lot of freshmen: very afraid, very open to trying new things, very coachable, and just willing to work, and wanting to be part of Southern Lehigh field hockey,” Coach Searfoss said. While the season ended for these players, the grind did not. In an effort to become something special, several of the members of the class of 2018 played club field hockey year round, where they had an opportunity to hone their skills against top talents from across the nation. Locally, the they established 7v7 tournaments in the spring. Field hockey became a year-round lifestyle, rather than a fall sideshow. “I think our work ethic is strong. We all push our mental barriers aside,” senior Maddie Arnold said. “We might be like, ‘Oh, the grass isn’t cut,’ ‘Oh it’s really hot,’ and then there’s like a couple of us who will butt in and be like, ‘No, don’t even think that, we’re gonna be practicing anyway.’ So I think it’s all in our mindsets.” The squad has developed not only the talent to succeed on the field, but also the chemistry needed for players to trust each other with what they are assigned to do. This basic trust is something that is developed through long, grueling hours spent training together in the off-season, and the results are evident through the team’s dominance so far this season; they have outscored their opponents by a score of 53-2. “Being surrounded by people who are so talented really helps you because it lets you make mistakes, and work hard, or try some new moves...because you know they’re gonna be there for you at the end,” senior Jessica Grossman said. “If I miss the ball, I know Madison [Reese] is like right behind me getting on it, so I can recover back and help her if she messes up. It’s really good; we’re like a net and we help each other.” From underclassmen to the vaunted senior class, the 2017 Spartan field hockey team is loaded with talent that has allowed them to
cruise through many of their Colonial League
Senior Anna Donato directs her teammates on the field.
matchups. Like in past seasons Southern Lehigh’s strongest challenges in field hockey often comes from Moravian Academy. The Spartans had already beaten Bangor who defeated Moravian earlier in the season. Despite this transitive win, the Spartans were not able to overcome Moravian in the early October matchup. As a result the Spartans finished the regular season with a 15-1 record and a number one seed headed into the Colonial League tournament. In the tournament, Southern Lehigh avenged the early season loss by defeating Moravian in the Colonial League championship game by a score of 5-0. However, much like any super team, they must be able to capitalize against non-league opponents come district playoff time. This season the strong core of senior leadership that has been developed within the Southern Lehigh field hockey program should allow them to perform well into state playoffs. “It’s very rewarding coaching because you get to see the progression from ninth grade to senior year. And the different level of commitment that they then buy into as the seasons go on, and they realize how important all the things are that I’m preaching to them freshman year,” Coach Searfoss said. “They finally realize it senior year how important all of those different lessons were.”
Cross Country Continues Legacy of Success by Griffin Schmoyer
Senior Colin Cramer prepares to cross the finish line of a race.. Photo credits: Chad Remaly
It’s no secret that Southern Lehigh’s Cross Country team is good. But this isn’t a videogame where you can put all the best players on one team and expect them all to gel together. So what’s the secret? The answer can be found in the runners themselves, and their commitment to this team. “It’s very objective. There’s nothing really that can get in the way of being good, besides just running faster,” junior Marc Ramson said. “In other sports, you have to play defense or offense, or dribble or pass, but this is literally just how fast you can run this course.” The Spartans’ success this season isn’t just a one-year wonder. In 2014, the team went 12-12, and steadily improved from there. In 2015, they went 25-1, and finished sixth in the District XI championship, with two runners qualifying for states. Last season, the team went undefeated, winning the Colonial League title. They went on to finish second in districts, and every runner finished in the top 50 percent at the PIAA state championship meet. “There’s kind of a legacy going on. And it’s transferred each year to the new students. And there’s a philosophy among the runners, of push-
ing yourself as hard as you can, and that’s a good thing,” senior Colin Cramer said. “I know a lot of teams and a lot of people, they don’t want to push themselves too hard. [The cross country team] wants to push themselves as hard as they can, so that’s what makes the team stand out.” Senior Thomas Matsumura believes the bond between the runners is a major key to the success of the team. “If we’re going out on a run, nobody’s goofing around or anything like that; we have a ton conversations, but everybody holds each other accountable,” Matsumura said. “Responsibility is a big thing, especially when you’re on a team that one single place could determine whether you qualify for the state meet or get fourth at districts.” The 2017 team rode the momentum of the 2016 undefeated season into this year. They finished the Colonial League regular season with a record of 21-3 at their meets, second behind an undefeated Notre Dame Green Pond team. The Spartans finished second at the Colonial League championship meet on October 18, with Cramer winning the race for the Spartans, finishing only four points behind champions Notre Dame.
October 2017
Sports
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Luke Strauss Leads the Way for the Spartans by Griffin Schmoyer, Jakob Bloss, and Townsend Colley
Every Monday morning on the Channel 2 Spartan News after a foot-
Luke Struass jukes out a Saucon Valley defender in a 31-28 win over the rival Panthers.
ball game, one name always makes the scoresheet: Luke Strauss, one of the Spartans’ most influential and dynamic players, and a vital part of the team’s success. Strauss, a senior, has been the starting running back for the past two years. He recently eclipsed the 2,000 career rushing yards and 20 career touchdowns milestone after a 31-28 win over rival Saucon Valley. But the now-star running back wasn’t an overnight success. Like every other player to enter the football program as a freshman, he had to fight his way up the depth chart. The Southern Lehigh coaching staff got their first glimpse of just how lethal Strauss could be on Friday nights during his sophomore year when he ran back a kick return for a touchdown against Palmerton. However, that touchdown wasn’t the only thing that put him on the map. Over the course of Strauss’s high school football career, he became a fixture for the football team in the weight room. During the off-season he was rarely known to miss a lift, even during the track season when he would come in and lift after track practice. “There’s a lot of great players that have come before me, and even players I played with like Timmy Walters, Zach Mohr, they motivated me to just be the best player I can be and really just kind of jumped on that,” Strauss said. “The better I am, the better it is for the team, which is great.” But hard work can only get you so far. It takes talent, and Strauss has
that in spades. “He has a rare combination of speed and strength, and is able to accelerate really fast and effectively,” head football coach John Toman said. “He has good vision, and can see stuff that other running backs can’t.” Strauss has not only been turning the heads of his teammates and coaches, but also many throughout the Valley. His eye-popping statistics frequently place him among the top running backs in both the Colonial League and the entirety of District XI football. In his junior season he averaged ten yards per carry and nearly 140 yards per game, enroute to a 1532 rushing yard season. Strauss has become such a powerful threat, that opposing teams will often leave eight men in the tackle box in order to contain the two-year starter. “He has great field vision,” junior quarterback Logan Edmond said. “He knows how to follow his block and he trusts the players around him.” While Strauss’s explosive running abilities open up seams in the passing game through the use of play action, he has also proven himself to be a reliable receiver out of the backfield. Over the course of his career at Southern Lehigh, he has amassed 25 receptions for 237 yards: an average of nearly 10 yards per reception. “It creates a legitimate threat for the defense, so it allows the receivers to get open because the corners and safeties bite for the run,” Edmond said. Throughout Strauss’s two seasons as the primary running back, the Spartans have amassed a 15-3 record, and a sizable portion of that success can be accredited to the 5’11” workhorse back. However, his contributions to the team cannot be measured in statistics alone. His leadership along with other intangible qualities that he brings to the table are one of the reasons Strasuss was named a captain for the 2017 Spartan football season. The impact he has left on Southern Lehigh will forever be enshrined in the record books and in the minds of opponents that he has left in the dust.
Alia Silvaggio Gallops Her Way to the Top
by Townsend Colley
Photo credit: Joesph Silvaggio
In its 67-year history, Southern Lehigh has fielded many championship teams and been home to hundreds of all-league and all-state caliber athletes. However, some of the best athletes to ever grace the halls of the high school never even wore a Spartans jersey. Sophomore Alia Silvaggio is one of these athletes. Silvaggio has made a name for herself in the equestrian sport of dressage. Dressage is an Olympic sport and considered to be one of the most competitive equestrian events. According to the International
Equestrian Federation, dressage is “the highest expression of horse training.” During a competition, each rider is presented with a series of tests that they are given time to prepare for beforehand, and then judged on the execution of these tests on a scale of 1 to 10. “You get judged very precisely on the movements and how the horse looks,” Silvaggio said. Silvaggio has been riding horses for much of her life. She began riding at eight years old at summer camp. As her skills on horseback progressed, she began to work with a private trainer. Eventually she found a trainer who previously trained Olympic level dressage competitors. It was at this point that Silvaggio got her own horse and began working with it to compete, or “show” in jumping. However, because of her trainer’s expertise, Silvaggio decided to transition to dressage, and has been competing in the event for the last two years. “[The first competition] was super scary. It was a lot different from jumping because you have to go through a test, and jumping is a course,” Silvaggio said. “So, you have to study the test and then you have to make everything precise. The circles have to be a certain amount of meters. It was a lot different then jumping.”
Despite her anxious feelings about the first competition, Silvaggio has become one of the top riders for her age. She recently competed in the prestigious Devon Horse Show, the largest outdoor horse show in the country, alongside an Olympic dressage team, and placed third in her class. In the competition, all of her competitors were professional riders, and many of them were around five years older. “I’m very proud,” Alia’s brother, senior Luke Silvaggio said. “I went to go watch, and it was pretty cool to see her compete and place in such a big competition.” At this point, Silvaggio’s career in dressage looks promising. One of her main goals for the upcoming year is to compete in the National Junior Championships. However, her ultimate goal extends beyond the confines of the United States border and out to the rest of the world, where she hopes to one day compete in dressage for the United States Olympic team. “I like how precise dressage is and I like competing to see how I do and how I’ve grown,” Silvaggio said. “I need to keep getting to know my horse more and dressage in general and the movements, because I’ve only been riding dressage for two years and a lot of other riders have been doing it for their whole lives.”
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The Spotlight
Guess the Homecoming Court by Sarah Trebicka
This caring, motivated, and ambitious homecoming court member loves cookies and cream ice cream, the smell of Kate Spade perfume, and the sound of nighttime thunderstorms. If Mario Kart Wii were an Olympic sport, this violinist would be a gold medalist. Their favorite childhood book was “The Pokey Little Puppy,” and if they could be any animal, they would be a dog because they LOVE dogs. They first picked up the violin at four years old, so naturally their phenomenal performances are most likely to bring them fame. They have all their violin concertos memorized, and they could easily deliver an hour-long presentation on all there is to know about the violin. However, their dream is to attend the University of Notre Dame and become a physician’s assistant. They would love to live in the world of “Harry Potter,” although travelling to Greece would be just as exciting. Shannon Quinn From left to right: Spencer Gunkle, Kyle Reyes, Thomas Matsumura, and Michael Sisselberger. Middle: Luke Strauss. Photo credit: Christmas City Studios
This motivated, energetic, and determined member of the homecoming court loves chocolate ice cream, the sound of leaves blowing in the wind, and, oddly enough, the smell of gasoline. You might find them singing along to all the lyrics of “American Pie” by Don McLean, “The Real Slim Shady” by Eminem, or “Party in the U.S.A” by Miley Cyrus. If they could travel anywhere in the world, they would visit Iceland for its beautiful scenery and exciting hiking opportunities. An avid fan of “The Office,” they would visit Schrute Farms if it were a real place. As a child, they loved reading “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” and if they could be any animal, they would be a capybara, which they enthusiastically declare to be “the coolest animal in the animal kingdom.” In the future, they hope to be a doctor or medical researcher, although they are most likely to become famous for being a runner. If pogo-sticking was an Olympic sport, this athlete would certainly win a gold medal. They could give an hour-long presentation on historical Olympic games without any preparation, and they would love to be able to fly because “it’d be so much more effective than just sitting in traffic.” Thomas Matsumura
This kind, funny, and “swag” homecoming court member loves chocolate ice cream, the smell of laundry and wet rocks, and the sound of the ocean. They would claim teleportation as their superpower so they could go wherever they want whenever they want, and if they could be any animal, they would “slay life” as a cat. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” is their most treasured childhood book, but if they could live in a fictional world, it would be Wonderland from “Alice in Wonderland.” They know all the words to “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and “Bodak Yellow” by Cardi B, and, unfortunately, they are all too capable of delivering an hour-long presentation on how to deal with mono. In the future, they hope to travel the world (especially Switzerland). They are most likely to become famous for their Vines, and they could win an Olympic gold medal for sleeping. Suraya Stoudt
Spartans: 28 Tigers: 21
This musical, athletic, and friendly homecoming court member loves cookies and cream ice cream, sea lions, the smell of vanilla, and the sound of snow crunching underfoot. As a child, you would find them reading one of their many animal encyclopedias, and as a result, they are extremely qualified to narrate wildlife specials on “Planet Earth.” They have always wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands, but if they could, they would certainly buy a one-way ticket to the Pokemon universe. Their superpower of choice would be super-speed so they could be “insanely fast, like Sonic the Hedgehog,” and their dream is to become a famous musician. You might find them belting out all the words to “Breaking Free” from “High School Musical,” and if chugging orange juice (no pulp) were an Olympic sport, they would win a gold medal for sure. Luke Strauss
Seniors Gwynn Kylish and Luke Strauss were crowned homecoming king and queen. Photo credit: Christmas City Studios
From left to right: Michael S Kylish, Luke Strauss, Sura
From left to right: Thomas Matsumura, Shannon Quinn, Kyle Reyes, Madison McPherson, Michael Sisselberger, Brooke Zellner, Luke Strauss, Suraya Stoudt, Spencer Gunkle, and Gwynn Kylish. Photo credit: Karin Naktin
Th tea co ing ing “R me Gi be ing the ity wa ea
October 2017
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Gwynn Kylish
This talkative, outgoing, and sassy homecoming court member loves dulce de leche ice cream, the smell of fall, and the sound of crunching leaves. Having the power to fly would help them minimize their number of school tardies, and they could deliver an hour-long presentation on the trials and tribulations of being concussed. In fact, this court member jokes that their claim to fame would be breaking the world record for most concussions. “Replay” by Iyaz, “Headlines” by Drake, and “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band are among the songs they can recite word for word, and as a child, you would’ve caught them with their nose stuck in “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.” If they could be any animal, they would be a dog because they are “so cute,” and if texting were an Olympic sport, they would be a gold medalist. Their dream is to be able to travel the world while understanding the stock markets of other countries, and Bora Bora is their most anticipated travel destination. However, paying a visit to Candyland would make this job description just a little bit sweeter.
This funny and sarcastic homecoming court member loves cookies and cream ice cream, the smell of pumpkin, the sound of windchimes, and the word “indubitably.” They can recite all the lyrics to “Promiscuous Girl” by Nelly Furtado with ease. If they could be any animal, they would be a sloth because 16 hours of its day is spent soundly slumbering. As a child, you would catch this athlete reading Dr. Seuss books like “Cat in the Hat,” and they would love the power of invisibility so they could maneuver around without being seen. Narnia is their fictional destination of choice, but the captivating (and real) sights of Paris, France, are equally as alluring. If jump roping were an Olympic sport, this court member would surely win a gold medal. In the future, they hope to establish a career managing hedge funds, although they are most likely to become famous for their comedic skills, and they could deliver an hour-long presentation on the ins and outs of lacrosse. Michael Sisselberger
This adventurous, friendly, and optimistic homecoming court member loves “Parker’s Playground” ice cream from the Inside Scoop, the smell of their house, and the sound of their loved ones laughing. They could win an Olympic gold medal for sleeping, and if they could be any animal, they would be a cat, “because they pretty much just sleep and get to relax all day.” They’d rather be enrolled at Hogwarts, and as a child they loved the entire “Scooby-doo” storybook series. You might find them singing along to “Heartless” by Kanye West and “Airplanes” by B.o.B, and they could give an hour-long presentation on “how great dogs are” without any notes. If they could have any superpower, it would be the power of invisibility. In the future, they hope to find a job that allows them to travel a lot and work with people from all over the world. London, England, and Paris, France, are just two of the cities they hope to visit along the way.
Brooke Zellner
From left to right: Suraya Stoudt, Brooke Zellner, Gwynn Kylish, Madison McPherson, Shannon Quinn. Photo credit: Christmas City Studios
This passionate, kind, and dedicated homecoming court member loves vanilla ice cream, the smell of “strong black tea on a brisk morning,” and the satisfying sound of a successful fist bump. If AP Psychology trivia were an Olympic sport, this future fiction writer would be a gold medalist. As a child, you would have found them glued to the “Percy Jackson” book series. They are beyond capable of delivering an hour-long presentation on the greatness of “Psych,” the TV show, and if they could have any superpower, it would be super strength. You might catch them jamming out to “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice, “Love Story” by Taylor Swift, or “Bye Bye Bye” by ‘N Sync. If they could be any animal, they would be a cat so they could “live a happy and free life on a farm.” They would love to live in the “Lord of the Rings” universe, but Spain strikes them as the most charming real travel destination. In the future, publishing a novel is most likely to be their claim to fame. Kyle Reyes
his personable, fun, and loud homecoming court member loves green a ice cream, the smell of freshly cut grass, and the sound of rain. They ould give an hour-long presentation on the importance of always beg kind to others, and if they could switch worlds, you’d find them flyg alongside Peter Pan in Neverland. “Bodak Yellow” by Cardi B and Rockstar” by Hannah Montana are two of many songs that this court ember can belt out flawlessly. Their favorite childhood book is “The iving Tree,” and if they could be any animal, they would be a peacock, ecause “they are really colorful and large, beautiful creatures.” Workg with aquatic animals in Hawaii pretty much sums up their hopes for e future, although they are most likely to become famous for creativy in designing houses. Naturally, their superpower would be controlling ater, “like Percy Jackson.” They could win a gold medal in an Olympic ating competition, and they hope to one day visit Santorini, Greece.
Spencer Gunkle
Sisselberger, Brooke Zellner, Thomas Matsumura, Shannon Quinn, Spencer Gunkle, Gwynn aya Stoudt, Kyle Reyes, and Madison McPherson. Photo credit: Christmas Ciity Studios
This funny, athletic, and self-described “musically challenged” homecoming court member loves cookies and cream ice cream, the smell of Christmas, and the sound of leaves blowing in the wind. Not only could they win an Olympic gold medal for texting with their eyes closed, but they could also deliver an hour long presentation on “Overwatch” without any preparation. They wish they could make the “Star Wars” universe their home, and they plan to visit Barcelona in the future so they can “watch Messi rip.” If they could be any animal, they would be “the real king of the animal kingdom,” the hippo. If you’re especially lucky, you might find this athlete singing along to “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond and “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. As a child, they loved reading “The Little Engine That Could,” and if they could have any superpower, they would want the power to fly in order to get places faster. While they are most likely to become famous for major league gaming, they hope to attend the University of Pittsburgh in the near future.
Madison McPherson
Page 10 Opinion
The Spotlight
Immigrants Make America Great
by Sarah Trebicka
There have been many protests against President Trump’s executive order to defend Deferred Actioon for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Photo credit: afagen via Flickr.
What does it mean to be an American? For some, it means working hard to better our economy and society, pledging allegiance to a flag with your hand on your heart, and giving thanks to veterans for fighting for our freedoms. For others, it means being born and raised here, speaking English, and supporting the government no matter what. But often times, Americans forget the one fundamental aspect that makes the United States so unique: the fact that not only was this country founded and advanced by immigrants, but the majority of Americans are either immigrants or descendants of immigrants. Even Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of Treasury, was born and raised in the West Indies before he arrived in America as a poor orphan and made something of himself. “When my grandfather immigrated here, he was one of thousands fleeing from WWII, so [it was a time when] the country felt an obligation to help as many people as they could. I feel that back then more people believed in the ‘melting pot’ image of America and didn’t feel as threatened by immigrants,” senior Kyra Salamon said. “Now, many years later, I think more and more Americans have gone back to their prejudiced ‘protective modes,’ and they feel the need to protect their safety, their jobs, and keep the crime rate down.” In early September, President Donald Trump began working to cancel Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which grants temporary work permits and lawful immigration presence to over 800,000 undocumented immigrants who were brought to this country before the age of 16. Only a couple weeks later, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported that they arrested 498 individuals from 42 countries for federal immigration violations in multiple sanctuary cities across the U.S. during a four-day operation. The Trump administration claims to prioritize deporting those with serious criminal records, but new policies also take aim at unauthorized immigrants who commit minor crimes, such as driving without a license or using a fake Social Security number. “There’s a lot of controversy right now over illegal immigration, especially over immigrants who have been here for many years and feel
more like an American than a citizen from their native country,” Spanish teacher Ms. Jessica Swartz said. Whether we like it or not, undocumented immigrants are part of this country, too. Americans should not fear them, but work to help them by creating paths to citizenship and reforming the current immigration process in order to make legal immigration a feasible option for desperate immigrants. According to the Migration Policy Institute, most illegal immigrants are “productive, law-abiding members of society, deeply rooted in communities all over the country, working hard, living quietly, paying taxes and raising families,” and 60 percent have been here for at least 10 years. Only 7.5 percent of undocumented immigrants currently living in the country have been convicted of a crime, which certainly contradicts President Trump’s narrative that illegal immigrants are Mexican “rapists” and “killers.” “I believe that the acceptance of immigrants to this country is what makes our nation strong,” Salamon said. “My grandfather is not the only immigrant who has had an accomplished life and who has contributed to American society; there are many people off of whose efforts we are all reaping the rewards.” Furthermore, illegal immigrants can’t simply “get in line” to come here legally. A 2006 Pew Hispanic Center study found that 45 percent of the total undocumented immigrant population initially entered the country legally, but simply overstayed their visas. “There’s obviously a much greater demand or desire for people to come here than there are legal means necessary. I think we have to decide how to address that in a way that reduces these issues of illegal immigration,” social studies teacher Mr. Tom Beaupre said, “because it’s quite obvious that there are people who wanna come here for many different reasons, whether it’s financial, to be with family, to get away from bad situations in their home country… and because we restrict the number of people who come here legally, we fail to deal with this legal issue.” According to the American Immigration Council, in order to come to the U.S. for employment purposes, immigrants must already have a job offer from an American employer who is willing to sponsor them. Additionally, most of the
qualifying professions for immigration require high levels of education and professional experience, which makes it difficult for less skilled workers to take the legal route. In a 2015 report, the Pew Research Center said the majority of undocumented immigrants hold more low-skill jobs than high-skill jobs. Furthermore, according to the American Immigration Council, most people fleeing their native countries are unable to access humanitarian protection. To be admitted as refugees, immigrants must undergo vetting processes conducted by international and U.S. agencies, and prove that they have a “well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, membership in a particular social group, political opinion, or national origin.” However, perhaps the largest issue with this legal route is the fact that an immigrant cannot qualify as a refugee because of difficult economic conditions in their native country. What our immigration system needs is a legal route that allows more workers escaping inadequate economic conditions to legally immigrate to the U.S. even if they don’t meet exceptionally high standards of education and professional experience. Contrary to popular belief, low-skill workers actually help the American economy. Giovanni Peri, an economist at the University of California, found that from 1990 to 2007, undocumented low-skill workers increased high skilled workers’ pay by roughly 10 percent. According to a report by Ben Gitis, director of labor market policy at American Action Forum (a rightleaning Washington research group), and Jacqueline Varas, mass deportations would reduce real gross domestic product (GDP) by over $1 trillion, private sector employment could fall to as low as 4 million workers, and private industry output would be reduced to between $381.5 billion and $623.2 billion. In simpler terms: the labor force would take a significant hit. All immigrants should be able to pursue the American dream, and to one day have the opportunity to achieve greatness. We must ensure that the words on the Statue of Liberty, words that capture our country’s essence as a diverse fusion of cultures and a land of opportunity, continue to ring true: “Give me your tired, your poor / Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
The Spotlight is published six times annually by the student members of its staff. Its purpose is to present news concerning Southern Lehigh High School and the Southern Lehigh School District, as well as to provide a forum for student opinion. Editorial content of The Spotlight expresses the view of the paper and not necessarily that of the Board of Education, Administration, or faculty of the Southern Lehigh School District. Bylined editorial content and letters to the editor represent the opinion of the writer only. All contents are copyrighted by The Spotlight. Advertising and subscription rates are furnished upon request.
October 2017
Opinion Page 11
A Call for Multiculturalism in School Curriculums by Izza Choudhry
Over the past year, Southern Lehigh High School has been making initiatives to address issues of diversity and acceptance, such as the formation of the SPIRIT Committee. Photo credit: Izzy Diaz
The dictionary defines multiculturalism as “the presence of, or support for the presence of, several distinct cultural or ethnic groups within a society.” Considering the vast diversity of the United States, one would assume that multiculturalism is a widely accepted idea, integrated into citizens’ daily lives. Unfortunately, this is not the reality. Partially due to the current political climate, closed-mindedness, racism, and discrimination are prevalent in America. In our country today, the idea of multiculturalism is rarely encouraged or acted upon. We must encourage tolerance, celebrate diversity, and promote multiculturalism, especially in school environments. “Understanding and learning about different cultures, groups of people, and ways of life helps people become more open-minded and tolerant individuals,” social studies teacher Mr. Lee Zeisloft said. “Our country needs more of that at a young age to help [students] progress and develop.” According to a 2016 report by the Teachers College of Columbia University, “the benefits of school diversity run in all directions.” This is in reference to the increasing evidence that diversity promotes intelligence. According to the authors of the study, students’ exposure to other students who are different from themselves leads to improved cognitive skills, such as critical thinking and problem solving. The idea of introducing multicultural concepts in schools is an educational movement based on American values such as freedom, justice, opportunity, and equality. The main goals of multicultural education include creating an accepting learning environment, increasing awareness of global issues, strengthening cultural consciousness and interracial awareness, informing students of multiple historical perspectives, and preventing prejudice and discrimination. These are all positive objectives needed in the world, and the best way to ensure that they happen is by educating future generations. “Looking at today’s environment and political landscape, being tolerant about different ideas is a success of civil discourse,” Mr. Zeisloft said. Integrating multiculturalism into curricula where it would apply, such
as English and social studies courses, would create a future advanced by tolerant, open-minded people. Understanding other cultures and religions will ease the tension that exists in this country towards foreigners and immigrants. For example, if students learned about the actual beliefs of Islam, it would be widely understood that the religion of Islam does not promote violence. If education regarding multiculturalism does not increase, racism and unjustifiable hatred towards those who are different will prevail. “I do believe there is a need for [multicultural education] in our school because not every school is going to have a high level of diversity,” senior Vanessa Oviedo said. “This means that students will not be exposed to as many cultures. To combat this, I think that multiculturalism in schools could be beneficial for everyone because this can help combat prejudice and stereotypes that students may have for certain groups of people.” A traditional complaint pertaining to English classes is why curriculum only includes stories written by “dead white guys.” While I do believe it is essential to read various classic literature in able to understand how our culture and society has progressed over time, incorporating modern texts is necessary to helping students enhance their mind and knowledge of today’s world. Fortunately, at Southern Lehigh High School, we are making progress. For example, in Honors English 11, students read “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini, which incorporates Afghani culture, enabling students to explore a culture that they never before experienced in literature. “[Students] are going to live in a very global world, so [the school] needs to bring the multicultural perspective into a little place like Southern Lehigh, which has a limited world-view,” English teacher Mr. Jeff Hershey said. “[Students] are going to have contact with people from all different races and religions and backgrounds, and they need to understand [different] perspectives of the world. Additionally, the twelfth grade English course has changed significantly to include more diverse works, which focus on a wide variety of topics such as the Iranian revolution, or the prejudice faced by a Muslim man during Hurricane Katrina. These texts display customs and ideas of societies dissimilar to ours and encourage open-mindedness and willingness to understand different cultures. “It would be absurd to limit students’ viewpoints and perspectives,” English teacher Mrs. Lauren Tocci said. “Our school’s literature should look like the world we live in. It should be representative beyond the boundaries of classic literature. We are not dishonoring [classic literature], but honoring these [new] voices.” As our country becomes more diverse, we as a society must become more progressive. We must create a tolerant society, and ensure that “with freedom and justice for all” becomes a true statement. By incorporating different perspectives in academic curricula, encouraging students to embrace diversity, and acknowledging personal biases, multiculturalism is an obtainable goal in the future of education. Students must learn to be tolerant of other cultures and people who come from different backgrounds in order to foster a more peaceful, accepting world. “We are all better when we learn from experiences that are not our own,” Mrs. Tocci said. “When we only hear voices the same as us, we are never growing as people.”
Staff Editorial: Say NO! to Drugs
With the recent Red Ribbon Week, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) reminded Southern Lehigh staff and students of the dangers of drugs. While most students have heard about SADD and Red Ribbon Week, few are fully aware of what they are advocating. The National Red Ribbon Campaign first launched in 1985 in response to the torture and murder of 37-year-old Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Enrique Camarena. Community members wore red satin ribbons in honor of his memory and to raise awareness of the senseless killings caused by drugs in the United States. According to his mother, Camarena said he joined the DEA because, “I’m only one person, but I want to make a difference.” With Camarena’s powerful words in mind, people nationwide formed coalitions to stop the destruction caused by drugs and alcohol. In March 2017, Lehigh Valley authorities arrested 19 people in connection to with two drug ring busts in Allentown and Bethlehem, involving methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
marijuana. This September, three more people were arrested in three different Easton dru busts relating to crack and cocaine sales. Since 2013, heroin has been the most prominent drug in the Lehigh Valley. According to Easton Police Inspector Sal Crisafulli, arrests were made daily in 2013 for simple possession of heroin, while serious arrests targeting dealers were made on a biweekly basis. As a community, both parents and students,
we need to do better. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 64,000 Americans died of drug overdose in 2016. These deaths could easily be prevented by educating others and raising awareness for the dangers of drugs. The Red Ribbon Campaign’s website states that children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42 percent less likely to use drugs, yet only a quarter of teens report having these conversations. The first step is making sure we have these conversations, whether they be at home with our parents, or at school in a health class, and we need to take them seriously. As students, we are capable of, and responsible for, taking our own Red Ribbon pledge. We can pledge to remain educated about the dangers of drug abuse, set clear boundaries for ourselves, and encourage our friends to follow the same guidelines to keep our community safe from substance abuse. We can remember Agent Camarena’s words. All it takes is one person, and then another person, and then another, until finally, we can make a difference.
Page 12
Our World
The Spotlight
Taking a Knee Raises Controversy and Awareness by Izza Choudhry
Constitutional right to freely protest, and saying he wished that NFL players would be fired for kneeling during the National Anthem. “The average American cannot protest at work and keep their job. [The protesters are] absolutely disrespecting the flag and the anthem,” math teacher and veteran Ms. Justine Viola said. “We expect students to stand for the flag. We expect them to be respectful of those people who provided them the right to protest.” As #TakeaKnee protests have become more prevalent in the public eye, the true intentions have been twisted by the media. “I think [what the protest represents is] very unclear. People have different intentions,” Ms. Viola said. “The original claim was that they were upset by unfair treatment of different races. [I’m] not sure what it morphed into.” The #TakeAKnee movement is not a protest against Trump or the American flag. “[The protesters] are not disrespecting the flag, they’re protesting what America represents right now,” senior Nerissa Chase said. “It’s not a violent The #TakeAKnee movement has become a controversial protest by football players seek- protest. The action is powerful.” As the ones who are protesting have said, their purpose is to object ing to raise awareness of social injustice. Photo credit: tmabaker via Flickr to the the prevalence of institutionalized racism in the American justice In August of 2016, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepersystem. It is meant to highlight the gap between what protesters believe the nick decided to sit down during the National Anthem in protest during a flag should represent -- freedom, liberty, and justice -- and the tense social preseason game. Later on, in order to show more respect for veterans, he climate that protesters argue contradicts these ideals. transitioned to taking a knee instead. As of now, there have been countless “I think [the protest] really represents people being frustrated with NFL players who have decided to take a knee during the National Anthem injustice and feeling empowered to use their position and stature to voice as a form of protest, creating the #TakeaKnee movement. This act of protest solidarity with people who are victims,” social studies teacher Mrs. Katie is meant to bring serious social issues and tensions in the United States into Quartuch said. “I wish the conversation [about the protest] was more about the public eye. the cause, rather than the manner of the protest. It is our job to listen to “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that what [the protesters] are saying, rather than to react to what they’re doing. oppresses black people, and people of color,” Kaepernick said in a press They don’t need to do more. Bringing attention to the cause is part of the conference. “To me, this is bigger than football, and it would be selfish on protest; that is powerful.” my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street, and people As Americans, we have First Amendment rights, including freedom getting paid leave, and getting away with murder.” of speech and the right to peacefully protest. Since the true intentions of Kaepernick personally testified that his actions are simply a protest the protest are unclear and unknown to the majority of Americans due to against police brutality and racial injustice, sharing similar views as the the influence of the media, #TakeaKnee remains a controversial issue. As Black Lives Matter movement. the dispute of the protest continues, so will feelings of contempt towards However, many perceive his protest to be simply an act of disrespect an allegedly unfair justice system, and Americans exercising their right to towards our flag and towards veterans who fought to grant us the right to protest their beliefs. protest. At a September 2017 campaign rally, President Trump rekindled the controversy of the protest, condemning sports players for using their
The Confederate Flag: Does It Represent Heritage or Hate? by Sarah Jacobson
“I think [the Confederate battle flag’s] original meaning was that this section of the U.S. wanted to become their own country and [the flag] represented reaching for independence in [the confederacy’s] mind and what they thought was right,” junior Taso Rubino said. Preceding the secession of the South in 1861, Abraham Lincoln of the Republican party was elected President of the United States. According to Khan Academy, the Republican party was strongly anti-slavery. The South was enraged by President Lincoln’s election, thinking that they would be forced to give up slavery. Without slavery, many of the rich Southerners believed they would not be able to support themselves. The confederate battle flag’s meaning has evolved throughAccording to the “Encyclopedia Virginia,” out the years. Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons. after the Confederacy seceded from the United As of May, Saucon Valley High School is being sued following allegations that the school has not States, their leaders decided that they would appropriately addressed cases in which students need a flag different from the American one. The Confederate battle flag, however, was never are harassed because of their race. These inofficially adopted as a national flag. It was used stances have been recorded for years in isolated during battle to help soldiers identify their side. instances at the school, but recently have escalated enough for a lawsuit. One of these incidents Because it was associated with the soldiers fighting against the Union, the flag became a that occurred three years ago involved a group prominent symbol, and eventually became more of students throwing a Confederate battle flag at popular than the official flag of the Confederacy. an African-American student, and telling him to “I think that [the Confederate battle flag] was “wear it with pride,” according to the Morning once used by some people to truly advocate for Call. states’ rights and advocate for a Confederacy, What did those students mean when they but right now I really think that people use [the said to wear the Confederate battle flag with Confederate battle flag] as a mask for racism,” sepride? This question ultimately goes back to a decades-old debate: is the Confederate battle flag nior Emma Duane said. “I personally believe the Confederate flag is a sign of inequality and a sign offensive? In order to answer these questions, you must go all the way back to the Civil War, the of injustices that some humans still face today.” Now, the flag may not have been the official time during which the flag was designed. flag of the Confederacy, but the it was still associ-
ated with it. The flag was widely used by Confederate soldiers, and after all these generations, it is still used to represent the cause of the Confederacy: slavery. Rich members of the South feared losing all the money and prosperity they had accumulated thanks to cheap slave labor, so this is what the South was really fighting for. The flag did not disappear into history after the Civil War. Instead, it has continued to represent new causes and take on new meanings. During a July 2017 Ku Klux Klan rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, called “Unite the Right,” many people were seen waving the Confederate flag alongside the Nazi flag. “I don’t like [the Confederate battle flag]. I don’t agree with what [the flag] stands for, but I’m not going to bash it in any way, shape, or form,” sophomore Kate Miller said. According to a 2007 paper published by “The American Journal”, the Ku Klux Klan joined with the American Nazi Party in the 1970s. This is significant because the Ku Klux Klan had long used the Confederate flag to represent their cause of white supremacy, but when they began working with the Nazi party, they started to incorporate the Nazi flag into their rallies. From representing Robert E. Lee’s army during the Civil War, becoming a symbol of heritage for veterans of the Civil War in the South, and symbolizing the causes of the Ku Klux Klan and the American Nazi Party, the meaning of the Confederate battle flag has evolved quite a bit. This evolution begs the question posed at the beginning of this article: is the Confederate battle flag offensive? Opinions may vary, but the facts can help you decide where you stand on the issue.
October 2017
Where Are They Now?
Our World Page 13
Sustainable Nature Parks May Be Part of Upper Saucon Township’s Future by Saskia Van’t Hof
Samantha Palumbo by Danielle Alpert
Marquam Nature Park in Portland, Oregon. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
Palumbo appeared in a skit on the show “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” Photo credit: Late Night with Seth Meyers.
Members of the Channel 2 Spartan News team may not necessarily see themselves going into the television industry. However, that is exactly the path taken by 2010 Southern Lehigh graduate Samantha Palumbo, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Television, Radio, and Film from Syracuse University and now works as a producer and video editor at Al Roker Entertainment. Palumbo was first able to get her “foot in the door to the television industry” when she was one of fewer than 100 people of 16,000 applicants hired for the NBC Page Program. Within the span of three months, she rotated through working at USA Network, “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” “Saturday Night Live,” and the “TODAY” show, where she first met Al Roker. “It was incredible because I got to do everything from production to marketing and public relations, and learn what I liked and didn’t like about the industry,” Palumbo said. After the program ended, she was recommended for a job at Roker’s company and “naturally ended up there.” “In my job I write, produce, and edit weekly videos for an international news source, Business Wire,” Palumbo said. “I also develop television shows at our company and edit ‘sizzle reels,’ which are essentially three to five minute previews of what a new show is about. Our president pitches these reels to networks so they can decide if they want to buy the show or not.” She recently worked on creating “Girl Starter” a competition show on TLC spotlighting young female entrepreneurs. Although starting a show on a famous channel was unforgettable, her most memorable moment so far was when she featured in a segment on “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” “The writers asked to put me in a sketch where crew members read poetry. I read a haiku that ended with me giving Seth the double [middle] finger for not remembering my name,” Palumbo said. “Rainn Wilson from ‘The Office’ was a guest on the show that night, and he came over to me and shook my hand after I was on...my heart never raced so hard.” In high school, Palumbo was was an anchor on the morning announcements, and also involved with the swim team, the choir, and the theater department. She was cast in four plays: “Damn Yankees,” “Rumors,” “Macbeth,” and “Curtains.” “Sam was a hard worker. I distinctly remember her performance as Carmen in ‘Curtains.’ It was her to a tee,” music teacher Mr. Matthew Wehr said. “I am in no way surprised to hear where she has landed. She, a few years ago, interned for NBC at the Olympics in Sochi, Russia, so it is no surprise to see her thriving in media on such a high level.” To all high school students, especially the seniors applying to college, Palumbo shared a few encouraging words: “Don’t worry or compare where you are to your peers. Everything really does fall into place, and everyone’s path is totally different.”
On September 12, supervisors on the Upper Saucon Township committee reviewed the site development plans for transforming 90 acres of land into two new public nature parks. Committee board member Doris Clegg says her motivation behind the plan is to create “a passive recreation area within the township to reach all of the residents and provide spaces that bring those resources to everyone.” The two pieces of land include the 15-acre Benckeni parcel behind the Copperhead Grille on Preston Lane and the 74-acre Haring Tract on Passer Road. Both areas have been untouched for over a decade. However, since November 2016, the township has held eight meetings to discuss future plans of the land. Many ideas have been considered for the two properties. The committee has based much of the utilities on public input. “The Benckini Tract at the corner of Preston Lane and Bethlehem Park is a very suitable property for a sustainable park [because it has] a stream, level land and a variety of vegetation,” Clegg said. “The Haring Tract, which used to be farmland located off Suter and Passer Roads...has some water features and potential area for a succession forest.” The Benckini Tract’s proximity to Southern Lehigh’s middle and high schools also provides many opportunities. The park would only be a third of a mile away from the schools, so it would be easily accessible. “This space could act as an outdoor classroom where [students] could learn about native plants and animals, soil and water quality, and hopefully learn to appreciate natural spaces,” biology teacher Ms. Jesse Mead said. Students also agreed that developing a park could benefit the community in significant ways. “I think that, especially considering how much land is being turned into housing developments in this area, it would be nice to have an outdoor space. Conserving the environment is really important, and if the public can enjoy and learn things from the park, the it would be beneficial to everyone,” freshman Kayla Howie states. Current ideas on the Master Site Plan include a walking trail, bridges, parking lots, a seven-acre dog park in the Haring Tract, and educational staging areas. A sustainable park could also foster relationships between children and nature at a young age, community member Judy Krasnicke says. “The idea of the nature park is to have a passive recreation area where...you’re engaged with nature,” Krasnicke said. “It relies heavily on native plants and takes advantage of the natural features of the land.” There are benefits to installing a natural park instead of a more traditional park with playgrounds or sports fields. “It gives a whole range of other opportunities to the community that a sports field does not,” Krasnicke said. “Athlete fields have a place in Southern Lehigh. However, the need for open nature spaces should not be discounted. Learning opportunities compliment the health benefits of parks such as these.” Even if the plan is approved, the projects are still far from completion. Clegg said it could take anywhere from two to seven years to complete the parks. Although nature parks are generally much less expensive than creating and sustaining active parks, there are still costs involved. To facilitate the building stages, the township will look for grant money from various sources within the state to meet the budgetary needs. Both properties need much work to rehabilitate the vegetation. For example, the Beckeni property requires demolishing and restoring the defunct tree nursery. “It is intended that invasive species will be removed and native plants will be planted,” Clegg said. “There will be seeding of meadow areas, streambank restoration, riparian buffer and rain garden plantings with the intentions of keeping invasive plants out.” The next town meeting will be held on November 2 at the township building to further discuss the future of the two properties. Visit the Upper Saucon Township website, www.uppersaucon.org, for more information on upcoming events.
Page 14 Arts and Entertainment
The Spotlight
Playa Bowls Brings a Bit of the Beach to Bethlehem By Quinn Schmidt
The Playa Bowls chain has just arrived in Bethlehem. Photo Credit Quinn Schmidt
Driving down 3rd Street in Bethlehem on a Saturday, it’s hard to hear yourself think. There is commotion everywhere, mostly stemming from a small little restaurant that slightly resembles a tiki hut. This beachy joint called Playa Bowls has finally landed itself in the Lehigh Valley after four years of successful business all around New
Jersey. The chain restaurant was first established on the Jersey Shore four years ago, hence the summery feel. I visited the location in Bethlehem, which is laid out with an open floor plan that allows customers to see their food being made. Picture it like a Subway on the beach, but instead of processed meats behind the counter, there are fresh fruits. The restaurant contains an actual tiki hut, complete with a ping pong table and beach chairs. Tied to the rafters are a plethora of surf boards, which helps set the tone of the beachy atmosphere. Residing in the back corner of the restaurant is a hammock along with a chair swing. The menu features their iconic açaí bowls, which has become this restaurant chain’s signature. Harvested from South Africa, açaí berries are high in antioxidants, which is why Playa Bowls uses them to promote a healthy lifestyle. There are also plenty of other types of bowls, including the pitaya, oatmeal, and coconut. Complementing the bowls are an assortment of smoothies and juices, each made right in front of your eyes. I ordered the Matcha smoothie, and my dining partner ordered the Açaí Energy smoothie. Both cost $7, with prices going as high as $11 for some types of bowls. The Matcha was a combina-
tion of green tea, banana, pineapple, and coconut milk; and the Açaí Energy consisted of açaí berries, banana, strawberry, apple juice, and coconut milk. Before I give you my view on the smoothies, I would like to make it clear that I typically don’t eat on the healthier side. I eat an apple every now and then, but that is the extent of my healthy eating. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed both smoothies, with my preference being the Matcha. They were refreshing and delicious, and surprisingly filling. I ordered a 16 ounce cup, and I was sufficiently full after drinking it all. I was astounded by the great taste of the Matcha. Judging from my personal bias that all healthy food tastes like grass, and the sight of a grotesque green liquid in my cup, I was not expecting something so delicious. Overall, I would say that Playa Bowls has made a great impact on the Lehigh Valley. Close to many college campuses and high schools, it provides a quick healthy option for students, though it is a little on the expensive side of things. If you are willing to make the trek into Bethlehem to dine at Playa Bowls, you will most definitely be pleased with your experience. I left the restaurant with a full stomach and the thought of the Jersey Shore in my head.
‘Battle of the Sexes’ Explores the Personal Struggles of Sports Legends King and Riggs, but Struggles to be a Legendary Film By Ben Baca and Sarah Trebicka
If you’re looking for a good sports film to watch this year, “Battle of the Sexes” is one that’s mildly appreciative. This sports biographical film first premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on September 2, and gained a full theatrical release three weeks after on September 22. The story is loosely based upon the famous 1973 tennis match between women’s world champion, Billie Jean King (Emma Stone), and former tennis champ and prostitute, Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell). Before the match begins, both players deal with personal struggles. Billie champions for gender equality and learns to come to terms with her sexuality, while Bobby partakes in the event to fight his gambling habits and win back his wife’s approval. For the most part, the movie attempts to create a powerful biography set during a sports event while simultaneously trying to address gender inequalities. As a result, it becomes one of those films that isn’t a great masterpiece, or one of the best pictures of the year, because it tries too hard to incorporate a feminist perspective. Instead, the entire plot is just a simple story with an expected ending. However, the movie did have some redeemable qualities that made it an okay film, such as the spectacular cinematography and impressively accurate casting, as the actors appear strikingly similar to the real life tennis players. All in all, “Battle of the Sexes” is a good, not great, picture that features amazing visuals, realistic casting, fantastic performances, accurately written characters, and a satisfying ending. However, its attempts to be amazing falls flat with its try-hard focus on sexism. I’d rate this film a 7/10. “Battle of the Sexes” starring Emma Stone and Steve Carell premiered nationwide in theatres on September 22. Photo Credit Cloud Eight Films.
Oh Taylor. What Did You Make Me Do? By Erin Noneman
Scan the QR Code to read about Taylor Swift and the conjecture surrounding her latest single.
October 2017
Arts and Entertainment
Page 15
SLHS Theater Presents ‘Almost, Maine’ By Quinn Schmidt
As leaves start to change color outside, it becomes time again for the production of another fall play at Southern Lehigh. This year, the theater department will be performing “Almost, Maine,” a delightful play written by John Cariani. The story takes place in the wonderful town of Almost, Maine, the play’s namesake. Everything about the town is just… almost. It is so far north that it is almost in Canada, and the town almost doesn’t exist due to its lack of residents. The romantic comedy’s plot follows the stories of Almost residents. They constantly drift in and out of love while the northern lights dance across the sky above them, adding to the romance. “I always view it as seasons. The [fall] play and [spring] musical are picked in separation. Part of ‘Almost Maine’ is that it compliments what I want to do in ‘Little Mermaid’ nicely. They partner well together,” theater director Mr. Matthew Wehr said. “I think it is a perfect high school play. It gives a lot of opportunities for students. It is an audience pleaser; they are going to get this.” “Almost Maine” is not your typical high school play. It is composed of nine short performances, all of them focusing on the ideas of love and loss. These nine mini plays account for the uniqueness revolving around the entire production, along with its 19 different leads. Adding to the distinctive storyline is the stark contrast of personalities from the real life students to the characters they will be portraying. “My favorite part of the play is that I am able to be the opposite of who I am,” senior Rachel Ziegler said. “Each of our characters are opposites of who we are in real life.” The play also contains a series of surprise endings that will leave the audience exhilarated with the sense of both romance and sorrow. However, the story also manages to tie in a significant amount of comedic relief according to junior Jake Finkbeiner. “I’m looking forward to people’s reactions to the play. It’s a very deep play,” Finkbeiner said. “There are plenty of funny moments, but there are also powerful moments. It’s going to be interesting to see how people interpret it because every scene can be interpreted differently.” Opening night is scheduled for November 2, with performances stretching through November 4.
Freshman Ava Scattergood rehearses her scene. Photo Credit Audrey Miller.
Prepare to Float with Stephen King’s ‘It’ By Jakob Bloss
Stephen King’s latest adaptation of “It” returned in a big way twenty-seven years after the original miniseries was first introduced. Not letting fans or critics down, “It” managed to rake in an estimated $123.1 million its opening weekend according to BoxOfficeMojo.com. Stephen King is widely recognized as one of the most successful horror story writers of all time. Before “It” ever reached the big screen, the film was originally a novel written by King in the 1980s, which was later turned into a two-part miniseries that aired in 1990. It finally got a chance to become a feature film this year. The movie, which dates back to the 1980s, centers around a group of teenagers outcast in a fictional town called Derry. Local teenagers Beverly Marsh (Sophia Lillis), Richie Tozier (Finn Wolfhard), Bill Denbrough (Jaeden Lieberher), Eddie Kaspbrak (Jack Dylan Grazer), Stanley Uris (Wyatt Oleff), and Ben Hanscom (Jeremy Ray Taylor) seem to be the only ones who notice people going missing apparently every day. They ambitiously try to find out who is causing these incidents as they run into “It” along the way. “It,” aka Pennywise, is a psychopathic clown who finds satisfaction from people’s fear. Pennywise tries to harass these teenagers throughout the film by exposing them to their worst fears through every individual encounter. Instead of breaking, the teenagers only grow closer to one another forming the “Loser’s Club” as they learn to face their fears. I’m not a fan of studios remaking historical movies, but this film surprisingly
held its own. “It” not only blew my expectations out the water, but it also somehow did an amazing job at combining horror, comedy, and adventure into one. I also found that this film lives up to its “R” rating better than others. “I feel like the gore and blood are taken to the extreme in this movie, but it works as an advantage rather than a disadvantage,” junior Jeet Gandhi said. There is plenty of action and individual storytelling that progresses well throughout the film, therefore keeping the viewers interested the whole time. I never found myself bored while watching this movie. I really have to attribute that to the directors and storyboard writers. It tends to be difficult to put a creative twist on horror films; most of them become monotonous and follow the same plot without adding anything original to the story. Even the actors who portray the teenagers in the film are brilliant. Instead of the director giving us some watered down version of how teenagers are supposed to act, the audience is given a real representation of teenagers. They curse, pick on each other, and experience normal teenage problems. When it premiered in September, people had high hopes that “It” would live up to its mini-series counterpart. Not only did “It” succeed, but it is also being called one of Stephen King's greatest adaptations. This movie isn’t perfect, but if you are a Stephen King enthusiast, or maybe just a horror film lover, I highly recommend “It” has been gaining an abundance of popularity following its release this you see this. I would rate “It” an 8/10 for year. Photo Credit New Line Cinema. its development of characters, surprising humor, and excellent display of gore.
Page 16 Odds and Ends
The Spotlight
October 2017
Students Shake to Show School Spirit at the Homecoming Pep Rally Seniors Luke Strauss and Michael Sisselberger passionately performed “Promiscuous Girl.”
Members of the color guard including senior Sarah Booth and junior Alyssa Kovacs a performed flag routine to a Billy Joel medly performed by the marching band.
Juniors Quinn Schmidt and Connor Dougherty proved their “Hips Don’t Lie” when they danced to Shakira.
Senior Nate Morris was one of three emcees at the homecoming pep rally.
Junior Nick Ferretti and sophomore Ethan Cregger warm up with the percussion section in the stands.
Photo credits: Alex Fillman