Feb 16 issuu

Volume 49 Issue 5

February 2016

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

In this Issue Opinion—3 Twins—4/5 Pates’ Post—6 Entertainment—7 Sports—8

Leading future of engineering and biomedical science The ins and outs of Freedom High School’s Project Lead The Way

By Carly Pfaff The Freedom Forum

Interested in pursuing a career in engineering or biomedical science? Looking to expand your horizons with hands on learning experiences? Whichever the case, Project Lead the Way (PLTW) offered right here at FHS, may be the perfect fit for you.

Here is everything you need to know as PLTW enters its second year.

PLTW is broken down into two separate programs, Engineering and Biomedical Science. Both are four year programs.

The engineering course is taught by Mrs. Alexandra Roscher and Mr. Jamie Bothwell, whereas the biomedical course is taught by Mr. Jonathan Ayre.

Moving into the specifics of each, PLTW Engineering begins with Intro to Engineering Design in year one. Students learn the basics of engineering like a design process, 3D modeling, design elements, reverse engineering, etc. The year two course is known as Principles of Engineering.

Students use REX Robotics for projects as well as mechanisms and automation.

“Year two differs from year one because the second year is based more on robotics.

Teaching both, it is rewarding to see kids mature in both personalities and skills,” said

Mrs. Roscher.

Year three allows the student to choose between Civil Engineering and Architecture and/ or Environmental Sustainability. Lastly, in the year four course known as Engineering Design and Development,

Systems, students investigate the interactions of systems of the human body.

Year three involves a course called Medical Interventions.

This is where students learn how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Finally, the year four course, Biomedical Innovation, allows students to explore solutions to various health problems.

What are the benefits of these four year programs you may ask? Whether you take the engineering or biomedical science route, at the end of the year students take an end of course exam for their course. If they do well enough, they can earn colThis 3D printer found in the PLTW engilege credit.

“PLTW has defineering classroom is perfect for creating nitely prepared me detailed structures like a brain or skull.

Photo: Carly Pfaff for college because of the experiences I can’t find anywhere students develop their own else. Going into college not invention to get patented. knowing what to expect, I PLTW Biomedical Science know the four year program is new to FHS, as it is the first will give me the edge over year it is being offered. The someone who doesn’t have year one course is Principles the hands on experiences,” of Biomedical Science where said Sean Boyer, a PLTW students explore concepts of student. biology and medicine. In the As well as the possibility of year two course, Human Body earning college credit, the

PLTW banner in the Science Wing

courses offer projects that are very hands on. PLTW engineering specifically involves a lot of building and designing.

The classroom is also equipped with innovative technology like a 3D printer, laser cutter, and engraving machine.

PLTW Engineering has been very successful in its two years at FHS. An engineering club was created by students.

Meetings occur every Wednesday in room 303. A partnership with East Hills was also created where FHS students make lesson plans and share them with EHMS students. It will be exciting to see all that PLTW Biomedical Science accomplishes in its first year at FHS. Along with various highlights of the programs, PLTW is also equipped with dedicated and skilled staff. For example, Mrs. Roscher won the Da Vinci Science Center Educator Excellence Award for teaching PLTW. “I hope that my students take away from PLTW that they can do anything. We like to “geek out” and it is exciting to imagine all the possibilities

Photo: Carly Pfaff

of future technology,” said Mrs. Roscher.

The future certainly looks bright for PLTW. As the guidance counselors soon begin visiting classrooms for course selections, consider choosing one of the four year programs.

All four years are not required meaning you can still take part in the program starting your sophomore, junior, or senior year. Upperclassmen can join at anytime; they just will not finish the four year sequence. However, you must take all the courses sequentially.

“My best advice for students interested in joining PLTW is make sure you are a motivated worker with a strong work ethic. Math and physics are important to succeeding in the engineering program. The projects take work, but they are definitely fun and rewarding,” said Sean Boyer.

In the end, PLTW is without a doubt leading the way towards the future of engineering and biomedical science right here at Freedom High School.

“Meet Oswald the Lucky Rabbit!”

Walt Disney film found in BFI National Archive

By Julia Ingarao Centerspread Editor

Mickey and Minnie mouse may be Walt Disney’s most iconic characters, but they certainly are not his first.

Thanks to the British Film Institute (BFI) National Archive, a missing Disney film has now been found. Please meet Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Disney studio’s first animated character to have it’s own feature series.

Oswald was created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks for Universal Studio’s in 1927 and in 1928. Oswald starred in a six-minute film called

“Sleigh Bells.” The animation, since it’s release in 1928, has not been seen and was feared to have been lost forever.

Due to the extensive stock at the BFI archive, which includes over one million films and almost 770,000 TV shows, “Sleigh Bells” went in undocumented and unnoticed for years. It was not until a researcher who was searching the BFI online catalog happened upon the lost film had they realized the huge discovery.

Thanks to Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Sleigh Bells” was restored and prem-

iered at the British Film Institute in London last month.

“What a joyful treat to discover a long-lost Walt Disney film in the BFI national archive and to be able to show it to a whole new audience 87 years after it was made. The restoration of this film will introduce many audiences to Disney’s work in the silent period.” said Robin Baker, BFI National Archive head curator (www.bfi.org.uk).

The animated film features Oswald playing an ice hockey game with other animated characters such as an elephant, and a donkey. At one point Oswald removes his ear

and makes it a balloon showing Walt Disney’s eye for creativity.

“As a big Disney fan I think it is so cool that they found this because it shows Disney at a time before Mickey Mouse was even a thought,” said Laura Kurtz, senior.

Not only are students excited about the rediscovery, but so is Walt Disney Animation Studio’s president Andrew Millstein.

“The Oswald shorts are an important part of our studio's’ history and we have been working with film archives and private collectors all around the world to research the missing titles,” said Mill-

stein (www.theguardian.com).

The world of Walt Disney is magical and mysterious. From his creation of Mickey and his friends to modern movies created even after Walt’s life, such as “Tangled” and “Frozen.” The world of Disney has captured the eyes and hearts of audiences for over 90 years. The finding of “Sleigh Bells” is like finding the piece to an amazing puzzle of Disney’s history.

Photo: Wikimedia

2 News

February 2016

The Forum

The “death” of the Keystone?

Pennsylvania government delays Keystone Exam requirement

By TJ Schaeffer

For every student, standardized tests can be a burden.

Usually, these tests must be passed in order for a student to graduate from high school.

However, if a student is not solid at taking tests, he or she may be in a tad bit of trouble.

All across the country, every state has its students taking a standardized tests.

In Pennsylvania, one of the standardized tests required to graduate are the Keystone Exams.

These exams are used to “assess proficiency in the subject areas of Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Literature, English Composition, Biology, Chemistry, U.S. History, World History, and Civics and

Government” according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

At Freedom High School, students are required to pass the Literature, Biology and Algebra I Keystones are required.

However, on June 15, 2015, the Pennsylvania Senate passed a bill that will delay the Keystone requirement by 2 school years, which means that the Keystone Exams are not a requirement to graduate until the 2018-2019 school year.

This was passed to allow the state to regroup and help the schools pay for remediation and the project-based assessments that the students who fail the Keystones must take.

Meanwhile during the week of November 30, 2015, the

Pennsylvania House of Representatives gave the okay on the passing the bill, meaning that only Governor Tom Wolf had to sign off on it for the bill to be officially passed.

In the week of January 20, 2016, the Senate officially signed off on the bill and the governor said he will sign off on the bill.

For many students at Freedom, this is a huge win, especially for the juniors (class of 2017) and the sophomores (class of 2018).

However, this bill is not great for the freshmen (class of 2019), as they will have to pass the Keystones in order to graduate.

“They always told us, you have to take them to graduate, and all they seemed to do is give everyone stress since

Photo: Alberto G., Flickr

they are right around finals,” said Jack Parkin, sophomore.

“I think the delay is good.”

Ms. Maureen Leeson, one of the assistant principals at Freedom, explained why the delaying of accountability on these tests has happened.

“I believe that holding stu-

dents accountable for understanding the state standards is very appropriate. I think the way by which we assess them is flawed,” said Ms. Leeson.

Frankie visits Freedom Mrs. Erdman’s therapy dog made a guest appearance in her classes

By Ava Markle

the family.

“We lucked out.

The people who were going to originally adopt Frankie could not make it down from the New England states last year due to the snow issues,” said Mrs. Karla Erdman, English teacher.

Normally, an adoption at DVGRR takes several months.

However, the adoption process for the Erdmans took only 12 days total, and when they brought him home he had no trouble fitting into the family.

“Frankie walked into our home and acted like he had Frankie gathers with journalism students. already been there and knew the place,” Photo: Ava Markle said Mrs. Erdman.

Thus, Frankie imImagine walking into your Arkansas. He was scheduled mediately adjusted and was classroom at Freedom to an to be euthanized; however, a ready to begin his new life. adorable puppy waiting for Golden Retriever rescue orFrankie has a hectic routine, you at your desk. The comfort ganization in Tennessee took he gets taken on a daily 5 a.m. of cuddling up and hugging a him in and fixed him up. His walk and goes to training furry pup who only wants to travels did not end there. once a week at Hope Lock give you love is irreplacea- Frankie was later transferred Kennels. Mrs. Erdman’s goal ble. Thanks to Frankie, a to the Delaware Valley Gold- is to eventually have Frankie therapy dog in training, this en Retriever (DVGRR) Or- certified as a therapy dog. happened for students in Mrs. ganization in Pa. where he Training was tough at first, Erdman’s classroom. was adopted by the Erdman but as it progresses, Frankie is Frankie is a rescued Golden family. They drove down to improving and getting better Retriever mix who was found where he was moved, after each week. He is going to with a broken hip, fleas, and being rescued, to retrieve their continue the training and is worms by an organization in new and adorable addition to currently working hard on

recalls.

“I love taking Frankie to training. I will probably continue to do it even after he is certified,” said Mrs. Erdman.

“It gives me a whole hour each week to just focus on Frankie.”

looking into how therapy dogs can be incorporated into the high school setting.

Maybe one day therapy dogs like Frankie will be seen daily in the halls of Freedom High School.

The process of a dog becoming a therapy dog can be difficult, requiring hard work and patience. However, it is very rewarding when the dog brings joy to others. Therapy dogs are taken to visit people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, colleges, schools, and many other places. The dogs are friendly, patient, confident, and gentle with strangers, and they never fail to put a smile on children’s and adults’ face. Therapy dogs are helpful towards children who have difficulty reading learning disabilities.

Reading to therapy dogs provides students with confidence, comfort, and a way to improve their skills.

Pet therapy in high schools is not common; however some think they can be very helpful. In fact, Mrs. Loretta Lohenitz, a guidance Mrs. Erdman demonstrates Frankie’s counselor at FreePhoto: Ava Markle dom High School is skills.

4 Editorials The Freedom Forum A publication of Freedom High School Bethlehem Area School District

February 2016

The Forum

The inside scoop on PDA Couples at FHS are getting a little too “lovey-dovey” By: The Freedom Forum Staff

3149 Chester Avenue Bethlehem PA, 18020 (610) 867-5843 www.FHSForum.com

Editor-in-Chief Elyse Sanford News Editor Cassandra Sedler Editorials Editor Joshua Christiansen Pates’ Post Editor Analisa Jeffries Entertainment Editor Kerilyn Kipp Maya White

Center Spread Editor Julia Ingarao Sports Editor Mitchell Coriell Web Editor Gabriella Greenhoward Adviser

We all know how much everyone loves seeing PDA in the hallway, so enjoy this satirical article on public affection just in time for Valentine’s Day. As Valentine’s Day approaches, the feeling of love is in the air, but that does not mean it has to be contagious. On a daily basis, it is not unusual or uncommon to see couples showing affection for one another throughout the hallways of Freedom High School. So, join the trend and show off how much you really care for your significant other.

As defined by urbandictionary.com, a public display of affection (PDA), is when “couples operate in public areas, and they display affection such as holding hands, kissing, etc.”

Ninety minutes is a long time for you to spend away from your boyfriend or girlfriend when you are not in the same class. We get it. When you and your partner are separated for too long, you start to experience great emptiness. That is how single people feel, but for much, much longer.

Photo: Screenshot from common posts on Twitter, Josh Christiansen

Since you know your time away from one another will feel like a century, make sure to walk your better half to his or her next class. This will show your peers that what you have between one another is real, and for the icing on the cake, make sure to get a little tongue action in before the late bell.

In addition, the newly designed fountain creates a great atmosphere for showing off your love. The fountain has magical powers that allows even the most reserved of couples to display endearment.

Seeing your boyfriend or girlfriend with the faint light reflecting on their best features, combined with the gentle sound of flowing water, makes the experience all the better.

Unable to take your bae out to dinner? The school cafeteria makes a perfect spot that is very similar to a restaurant. In fact, you can even claim your own table without any reservations needed. Being at your own table creates intimacy and isolation from the haters. You can kiss and cuddle all you want because everyone else around will be focused on their

lunch. If someone catches you, it will make them even more hungry and thirsty for a relationship like yours.

Need some help on showing PDA? Look no further than your favorite married faculty members. They understand how hard it is to be on opposite sides of the building, but somehow they make it work.

Whether it is the hallway, the fountain of love, or the romantic cafeteria, PDA is sure to make your relationship last forever. Following these simple rules will ensure that you and your better half are #RelationshipGoals.

The Freedom Forum has put out several satirical articles in past issues. Scan the QR Code below for those articles.

Karla Erdman

Tests vs. Projects

Principal Mr. Michael LaPorta Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy

Is there an upside to having more tests rather than projects?

By: Hayley Guzzo The Freedom Forum

For our editorial statement and correction policy, please go to www.fhsforum.com/about.html Any photo that is not directly credited is from Microsoft Office.

Follow us on Twitter, send us an email, and visit our website! @fhsforum, #fhsforum fhsforum@gmail.com www.fhsforum.com

Now-a-days, there are more and more tests being given in the classroom that are causing some students to fail in school.

It seems like all teachers do is hand out tests. However, others may prefer the more hands on approach, with projects and in--class assignments. Students who are not considered good test-takers will usually prefer to do group projects in class with the help of peers and the guidance of teachers.

Today, more students are not passing their classes and are finding it harder to get good grades because of all the tests and pop quizzes that are being handed out. Students are having to study hard, yet some do not study at all, and are failing more because there is not as much time in class to go over the material.

Many Students are visual learners who prefer to work with the material in class with the teacher so they can understand it better. With tests and quizzes, it almost takes that opportunity away from those students and forces them to cram all the material in their

head at once.

Yet, there are some upsides to having tests and quizzes in class, rather than group assignments.

For some students, having tests and quizzes gives them the opportunity to review the material over and over again to hopefully understand it better.

As time goes on, students may become better test-takers and may learn better study skills rather than trying to learn it all the night before the exam.

Although, teachers and students are not the only ones who are focusing on this widely discussed topic.

“Projects that require creativity and problem solving of real world challenges are great learning opportunities and can be used for assessments as well. So, a decrease in traditional and an increase in well designed projects would be a good thing,” said Dr. Joseph Roy, Bethlehem Area School District Superintendent over an email interview.

As said in the interview, many parents, students, and teachers think that more hands--on assignments can be beneficial in the classroom.

Having tests in the classroom is not always a bad thing.

There has to be an even amount of both in class assignments and tests.

“The value of a test depends entirely on its purpose and how well it is constructed to assess learning. I do not believe tests are more valuable than group projects. A good mix of both makes sense.

More project based learning is the direction we should move,” said Dr. Roy. For some of the students who lack certain socials skills, individual assignments or tests can be more valuable to them.

On the other hand, those students can obtain better social skills if more group projects were brought into the classroom.

Many people either prefer group projects or tests.

“I prefer group projects because it could enable students to work with others rather than to have them take a test and like not do well,” said Rebecca Packo, sophomore.

So, it really depends on how the teacher likes to run their classroom and it all comes down to how hard the students are willing to work so they well in school.

Photo illustration of group project

Photo: Flickr

First of all, there are two types of twins: identical twins and fraternal (nonidentical) twins. Identical twins are formed when one single fertilized egg cell divides into two identical cells and forms two identical babies. However, a large majority of twins are fraternal, and they come from the fertilization of two different egg cells by two different sperm cells. Both of these processes can potentially lead to triplets, quadruplets, or other multiple babies.

According to aboutkidshealth.com, “About one of every 250 births is a set of identical twins.”

This ratio is basically the same globally, despite race, heredity, mother’s age, Diagram from www.diffen.com

When twins and multiples are introduced, the following question may be asked; “Can you feel or understand your [twin’s/multiples’] thoughts, emotions, or pain?” Most times, individuals of that status will most likely respond with a “no”.

Abby Rowan looks at twin Emily

“By one estimate there are about 100 million twins worldwide, and the fact is that most twins do not report experiencing any sort of mysterious telepathic connection. If some special, psychic connection between twins is as strong and common as often claimed, then by chance alone we should expect millions of these amazing stories, not just a few dozen,” said Benjamin Radford, author and editor of many scientific and paranormal publications, in his article on a livescience.com forum.

There have been many decades of research on the topic of telepathy, and there is a consensus that there is credible scientific evidence leading to

Emily Rowan looks at twin Abby

All around the world, conventions for twins are held every year. At these conventions, several twins come together to celebrate being a twin. In addition, there are several researchers at these conventions that ask the twin survey questions and take photographs of the twins. The Twins Day Festival in Twinsburg, Ohio is the largest twins and multiples convention in the world. It started with only 37 sets of twins. Today, the number is in the thousands. The convention is held for three days and this year is the convention’s 40th anniversary. Only twins, multiples, and their families are allowed to enter the convention. At The Twins Day Festival, there are several forms of entertainment lined up for the day, such as talent shows and

June 17, 2015 "The President carries the twin boys of Katie Beirne Fallon, Director of Legislative Affairs, into the Oval Office just a few months after they were born." (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) Photo: Public Domain Photo : Daily Mail

From left to right ; Katherine, Kevin, and Shaun Mcnulty

From left to right: triplets Amy, Nicole and Ashley Rissmiller

Rachel Capuano (left) is pictured with twin Adam (right)

RJ Walther (left) is pictured with twin Madison (right)

Berto Diez (bottom) is pictured with twin Glenis (top)

Sean Boyer (left) is pictured with twin Adam (right)

John Eltringham (left) is pictured with twin Megan (right)

From left to right: triplets Briana.

Dillon and Nicole Brown



The International Twins Association was organized by and for twins in 1932. It is a non-profit, family-oriented organization to promote the spiritual, intellectual, and social welfare of twins and multiples throughout the world.



The world's oldest twins were Eli Shadrack and John Meshak Phipps born on Feb 14 1803 in Virginia and died at the ages of 108 and 113 respectively. The chances of identical twins surpassing the age of 100 is 1 in 700 million.



The chances of having a twin pregnancy is increased by maternal age (30+).



They tend to be early – over 50% of twins are born before 37 weeks.



Identical twins do not have identical fingerprints



Massachusetts has the most twin births of any state in America.

Resources: Huffington Post, International Twins Association, BabyMed.

What’s your favorite part about being twin/multiple? 

Kevin McNulty: “I guess just being a triplet and having two people the same as you and going through the same things at the same time.”

What is your least favorite part? 

Madison Walther: “My least favorite part of being a twin is probably having people compare us with out looks and academic achievements.”

Everybody wants to be a twin/multiple, but is it really what it’s been hyped up to be? 

Daniel Quigley: “It’s not all what it’s hyped up to be. It’s kind of just like a regular sibling and people think the idea of being a twin is cool, but it’s kind of crazy.”

6 Pates’ Post

The Forum

February 2016

Networking to success Meet this Issue’s Student of the Month: Grant Stives

By Maya White Entertainment Editor

Ever heard of the term “technical difficulty?” Grant Stives has. He uses his knowledge of technology to fix those irritating blips in computer performance that many people often experience. President of the choir as well as active participant in Les Chanteurs and chorale, Stives is very involved with Freedom. One of the ways he lends his talents to others is through his technology expertise.

“I usually go from troubleshooting sometimes all the way to repair, but I don’t do repairs at school. Everything

here at school I do is troubleshooting, including with student laptops,” said Stives.

Even teachers ask for help.

Stives has been called out of class to address computers with loading difficulty or trouble connecting to a projector. He also receives calls asking for advice on how best to handle others’ “technical difficulties.”

Recently, Stives has been “tinkering around with iPhone repairs, and exploring the internals of iPhones.”

Many students will approach him to ask for help in figuring out their Apple Product malfunctions.

However, Stives’ main focus seems to be on computers.

“I work a lot of the time with computers...from linking them differently to exploring different kinds of enterprise-like environments, web servers, different types of networking setups; it ranges from a whole lot of things,” said Stives.

Stives hopes to find a career in the engineering field, but is prepared to decide whether or not that path is the right choice for him.

“They [Freedom] are enrolling people into AP Computer Science. They are offering that next year, and that’s where I’m going to try to dip my feet in the water as far as computer sciences. If that’s not what I want to do, then I’ll go into network engineering

or another type of computer engineering. I don’t know if programming is my strong suit just yet. I like being up and more active,” said Stives.

For students in search of a way to bolster their computer and technology skills, and who would like to earn community service hours, Stives recommends helping out the Information Technology (IT) department over summer break.

“There is a program, actually, that IT offers. It’s a community service program, and students can come in-they typically do a lot of maintenance stuff. It’s just a way to easily get community service hours-cleaning teacher laptops

Photo: Christmas City Studios

and student laptops. This is over the summer, because teachers have to hand in their laptops to reimage and to restore, and re-setup and reconfigure. A lot of the times students are relabeling. IT is a good way to dip your feet in the water,” said Stives.

Dear Gabi on Love By: Gabriella Greenhoward Web Editor

Dear Gabi, It is that time of year.

I can’t believe Valentine’s Day is already here. Personally, I do not really like the holiday all that much.

However, it’s my girlfriend’s absolute favorite time of year.

She loves all the roses, teddy

bears, and reminders of how much she means to me. That’s why I really do not know how to tell her I don’t want to be together any more. Okay, I’m not trying to be corny, but it really has less to do with her and more to do with me. My parent’s are getting a divorce, so there’s so much going on in my house and my life. It’s a rough time in my life, and I need some time and space to think everything through. I want to tell her how I feel, but I don’t know how to do it, especially during her favorite holiday. Should I celebrate Valentine’s Day with her, and

then break the news? I don’t know if that will make it better or worse. I’m just so confused.

Sincerely, Not Feeling the Love In The Air Dear Not Feeling Love in The Air, I can see that your personal life is filled with a lot of complications. But I do not think that waiting until after Valentine's Day is a good idea. That would mean that you are leading her on, which is not fair. I can see that you care about

her, which is why I think it is a bad idea. She deserves an explanation. If you go through Valentine’s Day together, you will be obligated to show affection that you do not feel.

As an alternative, I think you should sit her down and talk to her about your situation.

That is an honest solution, and it also means you may have potential for the future, when things in your life settle down.

You seem to have a pretty solid relationship, so if you are honest, then you never know what could happen. By being direct, you do not give her a false sense of security.

You do not want her to celebrate the holiday and think that everything in your relationship is okay. I think in your situation, waiting until after Valentine’s Day it will hurt more than it will help.

Love always,

Gabi

Did you know...

The top 8 food allergies are: 1. Milk

7. Soy

2. Egg

8. Wheat

3. Peanut 4. Tree Nut 5. Fish 6. Shellfish

February 2016

The Forum

Entertainment 7

Leaping into 2016 A look into the Leap Year

By Analisa Jeffries Pates’ Post Editor

What is a Leap Year? Why does this day have to happen?

Who created the Leap Day? According to timeanddate.com, the 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds for the Earth to circle once around the sun is a tropical year.

However, the normal year is only 365 days, causing the world to lose almost 6 hours of time each year. To make up for this lost time, every four years, another day is added to the modern calendar. Without this Leap Day the world would be losing hours and hours each year. Just a few

hours may not seem like a big deal, however it starts to pile up.

After four years, the Earth would be a day off from when it truly circled the sun one time. This would keep continuing, like it did in Julius Caesar’s calendar. It was not fixed until Pope Gregory XIII added a day to modify the Julian Calendar. This is the calendar still used today, keeping the world on time.

Every year that is evenly divisible by four is a Leap Year, said timeanddate.com.

Although this will create too many extra days. To ensure that does not happen, every year divisible by 100 is not a

Leap Year unless it is divisible by 400, as well. This special Leap Year, divisible by 100, occurred in 2000 and will happen in 2400.

“Being born on February 29 is interesting because I'm asked questions all the time!

Over the years, I have found that having my birthday on Leap Day for sure has its pros and cons,” said Rachel Black, sophomore.

Black’s birthday also occurred on the only special Leap Year in 2000. However when it is not a Leap Year, she celebrates her birthday on February 28th. “ I remember the days in elementary school and middle school when the office assistants would read off the birth-

days over the intercom. As a little kid, I would sometimes be a little sad because my birthday was never read off ,” said Black.

Black chooses to remain positive about her birthday.

She feels it makes her unique, and she would not change it.

People born on a Leap Day can join The Honors Society of Leap Year Day Babies. Along with this society, there are other traditions as well. There are races, festivals and other events held all over the world on this day. It is also tradition for a woman to propose to her significant other on Leap Day. If they were to refuse the pro-

Photo: Analisa Jeffries

posal, they would have to buy the woman 12 pairs of gloves.

This odd gift was said to hide her hands from the embarrassment of not having a ring.

Valentine’s Day date night ideas Adventuring for Couples

By Bryce Kollar The Freedom Forum

It’s the most romantic day of every year, February 14th, or better known as Valentine’s Day. With many teen couple’s here at Freedom high school trying to figure out what to do without breaking the bank, there are tons of places you can venture to with your Valentine, some places even being free.

day with one another, or trip over one another and make laughable memories that can be told for years to come. The fee to enter for one person is eight to ten dollars, so if you are paying, it won’t make a dent in your pocket.

Address: 320 E 1st str eet, Bethlehem, PA 18015 Single admission: $8.00$10.00

Hiking: Places and activities to do The Hoover-Mason Trestle, located right along the Steel together: stacks, is 46 feet tall and 2,000 feet long. Once being Ice Skating: Ice skating in Bethlehem has used as the railroad to bring become quite popular over the minerals in, the walkway is last several seasons. Take open to the public for free. your lover to the Steel Ice With light post and benches Center, an indoor skating rink, settle along the railing, couwhere you can romantically ples can walk side by side and hold hands and talk about the take in the Steel Stacks close

up, holding hands, and reading the information boards along the way. Not only do you get many romantic views of Bethlehem, but a new learning experience for anyone.

Address: 101 Founder s Way, Bethlehem, Pa 18015 Fee: Fr ee The Melting Pot: Are you and your lover looking to just sit down, have a romantic dinner and relax?

Well look no further than the Melting Pots Lover's Lane in Bethlehem. It is the restaurant's most requested seating area. You can have flowers, a keepsake photo frame, balloons, and chocolate covered strawberries delivered to your table for your lover. Although the Melting Pot can become pretty expensive, specials like

this one are at its finest.

Address: 1 E Br oad Str eet, Bethlehem, PA 18018 Fee for two people: Pay at your expense

close by and travel back in time to the year 1741. You can take in the site of the 1741 Tannery, the 1869 Luckenbach Mill, the single sisters’ house, the waterworks, and so many more sites along the way.

Address: Main Str eet, Bethlehem, PA Fee: Pay at your expense

A Stroll Downtown: Have you walked through historic Bethlehem before?

Have you seen the beautiful historic buildings and walked the streets to the many shops?

Look no further than the Main Street commons in Bethlehem. You and your partner can hold hands, shop, eat out, and venture to many historic sites Main Street, Bethlehem

Photo: Wikimedia

Another spell to be cast on readers everywhere J.K. Rowling writing a new children’s book

By Cassandra Sedler News Editor

To the delight of many Harry Potter fans, J.K. Rowling recently announced she is currently working on a new children’s book. Although it is unclear whether or not this particular book will be affiliated with the Harry Potter series Rowling is most known for, it is quite unlikely her fans will be at all disappointed. Before avid readers rush to purchase the first copy, however, Rowling has yet to set a specific time this much anticipated book

then, she has written a novel for adults titled, “The Casual Vacancy,” and an entire series of crime novels, according to The Huffington Post.

Meanwhile, she is in the process of writing screenplay, “The Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,”, and play, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” both of which are spinoffs of the J.K. Rowling reading a book from her Harry Potter series original Potter series.

Photo: Wikimedia (time.com) “J.K. Rowling has the will be officially out on the Potter novel since 2007, amazing ability to create a shelves.

Rowling most certainly has whole different world with Despite not writing a Harry not stopped writing. Since words. Her Harry Potter

books have been captivating readers for years, so it is exciting to see what she will do for a younger generation,” said Sarah Beth Dunn, junior.

Readers can be assured the beloved author has plenty ideas set for future novels and stories, and will continue to write as much as she can.

“I genuinely sometimes worry I’ll die before I’ve written them all out. That’s my midlife crisis, that I will leave this earth without having written them all,” said Rowling to BBC.

8 Sports

February 2016

The Forum

The aim of the rifle team

Looking at the rifle team and the benefits it has that not many other sports offer

By Kevin McNulty Journalism Student

Everyone knows about the football team, soccer team, and basketball team, but there is one sport that people often forget about. A sport that is not often recognized at Freedom High School (FHS) is the rifle team. In addition, many students do not even know that it exists.

It is not the biggest sports team here at FHS, but in 2013 the Bethlehem Area School District (BASD), both Liberty and Freedom, had a

combined amount of 60 diflevel because many ferent people on the team. colleges and uniThat number might not sound versities have their big, but it is considered a own rifle team or large amount for the rifle club. team.

Even though In addition, the rifle team one’s’ rifle career can be turned down by stumight end one day, dents at Freedom because in the skills learned order to join, they have to go can become very to Liberty for practice and useful for several events because FHS does not different things. For have their own shooting example, marksrange. manship can be Photo: Wikimedia Commons “We have 30 some people very useful if you on the team but only 10 are are a hunter and if varsity and shoot in matches,” Students’ rifling career can you want to go into a career said Jakob Klo, senior. also move onto a collegiate that deals with components

similar to the military.

“In terms of score no, but it very well accomplishes allowing students who might not have access to a range, to learn gun safety and marksmanship in a safe controlled environment,” said Klo. The rifle team may not always get the recognition that other sports receive, but it allows you to learn several different skills that the average sport will not give you.

Stepping it up a notch The best three prospects in the NFL

By Roland Cash The Freedom Forum

It is that time of year when college football players finish their college careers and attempt to head to the National Football League (NFL). Before the 2016 NFL draft, these talented college football players have to run a test on their skills at the NFL combine.

The NFL combine tests your 40 time, bench press, vertical jump, Broad jump, 3 cone drills, and shuttle run. Everyone is going to have their eyes on the top three athletes at the combine: Joey Bosa (Ohio State) , Laremy Tunsil (Ole Miss) , and Jalen Ramsey

(Florida State).

At Ohio State, Bosa made a name for himself and became one of the best players in Ohio State history. After being a junior, Bosa made his decision to skip his senior year and declare for the NFL draft. Last season Bosa did not live up to the hype, but he made a big impact for his team to go 14-1. Bosa finished his junior season with 5 sacks and an interception on 47 tackles. A perfect team for him will be Tennessee Titans, which have the number one draft pick.

“Bosa is going to be effective on the Titans,” said Juwan Northington, a senior.

You will rarely see an offensive linemen get picked for the top five in the draft or do good at the combine, but Tunsil is the guy who’s going to turn heads with his skills.

After missing the first seven games of the 2015 season due to NCAA infractions involving a booster, Tunsil returned back with his team and showed no rustiness in his game. San Diego Chargers are weak in the linemen spot and Tunsil would be a great fit for them as well.

“As a linemen, Tunsil is quick off his feet and going to be a valid football player,” said Hakeem Strickland, a junior.

Jalen Ramsey is one of the most exciting players in col-

lege to watch. Ramsey ‘s defensive skills and mentality make him the top prospect in the draft. Ramsey had a great career at Florida State as being a leader and being the best at what he does. Dallas Cowboys need help in the secondary and picking up Ramsey would be a good fit.

“No matter what team he goes to he will become a star,” said Northington.

Make sure on February 23rd - 29th to keep an eye on these top prospects and other college athletes that are attending the NFL combine.

These young men are ready to

Photo: New York Sports Journalism

show off their abilities and skills in hopes of getting their names called in the first round.