The Freedom Forum March 2020

March 2020

Volume 53, Issue 4

Photo: Glenn Funderburk

Dr. Roy speaking at the December press conference to push against charter schools.

What’s your go to spring beverage?

Charter cost creates controversy BASD calls for charter reform AJ Minnich Entertainment Editor

Milk with ice Tyler Malitzki, freshman

Water Destiny Delvalle, sophomore

On Thursday, December 5, 2019, 20 separate school districts across PA held press conferences to bring to light the need for charter school reform. During Bethlehem Area School District (BASD)’s conference, a myriad of issues were brought up including limiting charter schools’ costs, increasing their financial transparency, and increasing their accountability. With the auditor general’s statement in 2016 that Pennsylvania’s charter law is one of the worst in the nation, the general public has called for charter reform, and districts like BASD are doing what they can to change the current system.

“What I would like to see is a law passed that says they get what they spend, not that greater amount,” said Dr. Joseph Roy, Superintendent of BASD. One of the largest discrepancies between charters and public schools is that on average public schools spend $25,000 per special ed student but charters only spend $10,000 per special ed student while still receiving the full $25,000. So, essentially for every special ed student, they pocket

$15,000 to use for their own purposes.

“It’s a blatant overpayment that charters get to pocket,” said Dr. Roy. There are also two different teacher evaluation standards for both kinds of schools. Once the standard was raised a few years ago for teacher evaluations, charters were exempt from that increase. This discrepancy shows in their performance as, they consistently underperform compared to public schools despite the promise of higher quality education. Not only do they have lower standards for teachers but they also have little to no oversight.

The only oversight charter’s get is an inspection every five years. Because of this lack of oversight, charter students are left short-changed and public school students suffer from the loss of all the capital that is diverted to unnecessary spending. This leaves less funding to already underfunded public schools, especially in urban districts. ”When I look at legislative issues I say, ‘does it make sense?’” said PA State Representative Steve Samuelson.

To put the amount charters spend into perspective, in PA there are approximately 120 charter schools within the state and 3,287 public schools,

College Board holds Dear Dymea: Cyber all the cards school Lemonade Jazmarie Delvalle, junior

Rep. Samuelson recommends parents hold schools accountable.

Photo: Glenn Funderburk

which equates to a ratio of 3:82. Despite this, charters receive approximately two billion dollars in funding, which is around 25% of the overall education budget. So essentially, 3.5% of publicly funded schools in PA receive 25% of the education budget despite holding only 8% of the student population.

With this state-wide push for charter school reform and support for change from Governor Tom Wolf, hope for a fix to this broken system is in sight.

“I would say to any parent visit the schools. Find out in person what your opportunities are because sometimes we hear stories of families of a 4-year -old or a 5-year-old making a decision without visiting all the options” said Rep. Samuelson.

Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker

Mims brothers score big

How the organization takes advantage of students

Advice for students transitioning

The force is not strong with this one

Caleb and Malek both earn 1000 points

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

Celebrating over 50 years of serving the Freedom community

2 News

The Forum

March 2020

Sleep is for the “week” Sleep Awareness Week begins melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body's sleep cycle. Not only will Samantha Corvera this result in more sleepless nights News Editor

Sleep Awareness Week is approaching and extends from March 10-16, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Studies claim that the recommended amount of sleep for teenagers and adults ranges from seven to ten hours a night; however, most teenagers and adults get about 6.8 hours of sleep per night. This is due to the spreading epidemic of cell phone addiction. As teenagers continue to go on their phones at night, they are exposed to something called blue light, which is a color in the visible light spectrum that can be seen by human eyes. Blue light is a short wavelength, which means it produces higher amounts of energy.

According to Nutribullet.com, “Blue light disrupts the production of

and fatigue, but can also lead to a variety of health problems including heart disease, weight gain, depression, and anxiety.”

“Students have an obsession and an addiction to their cell phones. They have busy and hectic lives and, unfortunately, the late hours of the night may be the only time they get to be by themselves. My advice that I always tell my students is: The worst thing to do before bed is something stressful which could very well be looking at their phones. They become consumed with checking social media to see what other people have to say about them or what others are posting and liking.” said Mr. Dunstan.

Mr. Dunstan is an English teacher at Freedom High School and claims

that as a student, he too neglected the importance of his sleep schedule.

This resulted in “paying a price” such as a drop in grades, loss of interest in school, etc. Students often come to school drained of energy due to their sleep schedules or lack thereof. So, how can students improve their sleep schedules? How can students lessen the amount of time they spend on homework and their phones?

The main way for students to improve their sleep schedules would be for them to just reprioritize. Small time savers like arranging their outfits before bed could help. Although it only saves about 15-20 minutes, the extra sleep could really make a difference. Kids also waste a lot of time in class because of their phones which leads to a large amount of homework. Instead of putting off assignments, students could try to spread them out more in order to

spend less time on it per night while still getting it done.

While most students do not usually take their sleep schedules into much consideration, it really does affect their schoolwork as well as the way they carry themselves throughout the day. Family, friends, and teachers see the difference in a well-rested students, as will their grades.

The pressing question: Do you get enough sleep?

Photo: Samantha Corvera

Happy mind, happy life What’s your go to spring beverage?

Water Richie Okolovitch, senior

Iced Tea Mr. D’Amico

Celebrating World Teen Mental Wellness Day Sarah Healy Editorial Editor

It’s not easy to keep a calm, cool, and collected mindset. A lot is happening during this time in life. Teens nowadays have become very impressionable thanks to the never-ending world of social media.

“I think that people are influenced easier when people post non-realistic things,” Jaden Brown, junior.

When people think of mental wellness, they think of things that make them happy. But, mental wellness goes beyond this because happiness is more than a smile and a laugh. It’s about how a person feels.

If students want a positive mindset, they have to do things that make them feel right. This may seem like the easiest thing in the world. However, they have to be able to differentiate between real and fake happiness. This is where superficial feelings come into play. When you do something, you have to ask yourself, “Is this the right thing to do? Do I feel accomplished when I do it?”

Negative actions create negative feelings. If you want to improve your mental well-being, you have to be proactive. Don’t just do something to

Photos: Christmas City Studios

do it. You have to take into account your beliefs and what you think is right, not what others think.

It takes a lot to improve one’s wellbeing. It’s hard to figure out what the right thing is to do. It’s hard to figure out if something truly makes a person happy. That’s why organizations and programs are being created to help ease the problems.

March 2 is a day dedicated to raising awareness of mental health issues in teenagers. This day is used to remove any stigmas put on preventative mental health. During this day, teens are encouraged to practice selfcare by exercising, meditating, listening to music, or doing any calming activity. The purpose is to relieve oneself of any self-doubt and commotion.

This day was founded by Hollister Co., a division of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. It partnered with the National Day Calendar, creating the first day dedicated to mental wellness among teens specifically. Days like this are needed to further the impact of promoting a positive sense of well -being.

“I think it’s important to get rid of some of the stigma that surrounds

mental health because mental health is just as important as physical health,” said Belinda Yeung, Junior Class Historian.

However, positive change cannot happen in just one day. That is why Hollister will also launch the Hollister Confidence Project on March 2.

This is a year-round, worldwide initiative to raise awareness. It funds projects and organizations that help teens feel confident in all aspects of their life.

While it’s important to look after yourself, remember to support others too. When you’re able to create a community from programs like this, it makes life a little easier. You get the help you need on a larger scale.

Take a moment to destress this March Photo: Flickr

Why do we “leap” every four years?

Observing Leap Year 2020 Zaphaneya Rivera Journalism Student

Leap year is a year in which a day is added to the calendar. A common year has 365 days, but a leap year has 366. The extra day is designated for February 29, and it occurs every four years. An easy trick to remember to check if a year has an extra day or not is that a year can not be a leap year unless you can divide it by 400. For example, the years 1600, and 2000, were a leap year, although 1800 and 1900 were not.

Now the real question should be, why do we have a leap year?

“Leap year takes place so that the calendar can sync with the rotation of the Earth,” said Mrs. Mary Bianco-

Wenger, history teacher.

We need a leap year to keep modern day alignment with Earth’s rotations around the sun. It takes the Earth exactly 365 days, 5 hours 48 minutes and 45 seconds to orbit once around the Sun. This is declared a tropical year. If we did not add a leap day on February 29 almost every four years, each calendar year would begin about 6 hours before the Earth completes its revolution around the Sun. Leap year originated over 2000 years ago by Roman general Julius Caesar. The Julian calendar, which was named after him, had one rule, any year evenly divided by 4 is a leap year. This formula actually produced too many leap years. It caused the calendar to drift apart from a tropical

year, a day per 128 years. Although So the leap year babies, are never more than 1500 years later, the Gre- alone! gorian calendar realigned the days with the correct seasons.

What are the odds of being born on a leap year? There is a 0.07% chance. Once every four years, people have the opportunity to celebrate their birthday. Although on a non leap year, most people celebrate the day before, February 28 or the following day, March 1.

The Honor Society of Leap Year Day Babies is a birthday club for people who are born on February 29. Normally, they would receive membership through a Facebook group chat. They also have a page with any related information, about leap year. Their main goal is to Just another day of the year.

Photo: Zaphaneya Rivera help promote the day’s awareness.

March 2020

The Forum

3 Editorials

Cinema is under siege by directors An argument for the defense and preservation of films Carlo Brienza Sports Editor

with updated visuals and modified scenes. Of those, quite notably, are Steven Spielberg and George Lucas As cinema has become more acces- who are often mocked for how often sible, it has undergone phases of ac- they make large scale changes to ceptance towards artistic considera- their own culturally significant films. tion. In its early days, the industry At this point, “Star Wars: A New was ridiculed as a delusion of tradi- Hope” has been changed so many tional and artistic values. Then in the times that in a room of four people, it early 70s, films began to is possible for all of be accepted as a new them to have seen a “Each piece form of art; one that took different version of the artistic vision of its created stays just the film. For examdirector and crew in or- as it was allowing ple, in the 1997 reder to make something the infait to represent the release that evokes emotion. mous “HanWhile modern-day culture, thinking, Greedo” scene was blockbusters have been and attitudes of modified so that ridiculed for bringing the Han now dodges the time” industry a step back by Greedo who does being influenced by monshoot first and then ey and testing rather than fires back. Other creativity, now more than ever, films classics like Speilburg’s “E.T.” have are considered works of art. With also gone through modification, most this consideration must come a notably with guns being changed into change. Movies should not be edited walkie talkies using C.G.I., an effect by directors to be more in touch with which looks completely out of place the times or to be graphically similar once you’ve picked up on it as the to modern films. Films must remain walkie talkies are often held in as they were at their release. “firing” position or awkwardly posiArt, as in most forms, evolves over tioned between two hands. time, but each piece created stays These re-releases have been widely just as it was allowing it to represent mocked, and justifiably so. Many the culture, thinking, and attitudes of times they are done for money, the time. A lot of a work's meaning is which is just a scummy principle that derived from the context of its crea- dilutes the meanings of these films. tion. Uncle Tom’s Cabin displays the Other times they are made to adjust racist culture of the pre-Civil War things to changing attitudes, a move era, much in the same way Dr. Stran- that adversely affects society by erasgelove presented and made light of ing the problems that existed before.

American attitudes during the Cold Don’t get me wrong, racism in film, War. To modify these works today no matter when it released, should would remove much of the meaning not be considered acceptable because that has been derived from the works of the environment it was released in. for generations.

Rather, films normalizing those attiDespite this, many directors have tudes should be vilified, not resurtaken action to re-release their films rected in a form that's more accepta-

ble to modern audiences. For exam- what's the point. All these modificaple, Disney’s “Song of the South,” tions may make a film technically which was considered to be perpetu- better, but all the emotion, all the ating racial stereotypes and feelings meaning is sucked right out on the that still lingered in the late forties, is back end. Even when the changes a film that if viewed, should be done don’t matter so much, they dilute the as a way to understand racist views experiences. The films we love of the time. The film should not be should be allowed to exist as they modified to fit today's views, because are. They are masterpieces of story, doing so would let the people who creativity, and emotion and every held those views get off scot-free. little change made to them makes Recently, Disney's roadmap for them a little less special. Art should live-action films has been shifted not be retconned or remade every towards remakes of their animated time a new brush comes out, and a classics in live-action format. Much movie shouldn’t be re-released to like the re-releases discussed before, line up with every new C.G.I. imthese remakes have been criticized as provement. It is time we save films cheap “cash-grabs” from a creatively from their directors, stand up for the bankrupt studio who has become integrity of art, and preserve the origwholly focused on their bottom-line. inal image of creatives so that generThese films do not add anything of ations later, our classics can be value to the source material, and for someone else's. the most part, fail to deliver an experience on par with its original. One of the biggest failings being the lack of emotion present in the C.G.I. version of animated characters due to the need to adhere to real-life movement.

With more remakes slated to be released by Disney in the coming months and directors continuing to remake or rerelease their films to faltering critical runs, the time for change is now. Films have become respected as art and should be awarded the same treatment.

They should be protected from the modifications and remaking that diminishes the initial artistic vision.

Going back to the “Dr. Strangelove” example for a moment, just imagine if that film were to be re-released in color. Would it A comparison shot showing the change from be a better film for it? Would it guns to walkie talkies in “E.T.:The Extra Tereven be as significant or meaning- restrial” ful as the original? If not, then Source: IMDb

Make the parking lot beautiful Students should show their creative side Alexis Swoyer Journalism Student

In the beginning of the school year, there was a trend going around of high school seniors around the country showing off their freshly painted parking spots. This trend really sparked my interest seeing that these students got to show off their own creativity to designate their parking space.

Seeing all of these videos with the students painting something creative to them was so beautiful, and one could see how close the school became.

“I feel like we only have one major thing that brings us together as a class, and it’s just not enough. This would be a great opportunity to bring classes together again,” said Jorge Bello, junior.

Being able to express creativity in a different way could be beneficial to the students. It could bring a better vibe to the school and give the students the opportunity to show off their creative side.

“It gives students a chance to express their creativity and gives them the chance to make something like their own.” said Savannah Woolf, junior.

When the trend was going around Seniors get creative and decorated their asin the beginning of the school year, signed parking spots.

Source: Adrienne Lood most of the comments on the videos

were from different students around the country wishing that their own schools did something like this.

There are some concerns with this idea though, like if another student parks in your space even though you painted it. Or what if you can’t make the days that everyone else is painting their own spaces.

Students should not be able to park wherever they want to, the school should assign numbers to each student for them to put a tag on their car. If a student can’t make it to the days the rest of the student body is painting their own, those students should be allowed to stay after school during the week or come on a weekend to start

and finish their spaces.

“I think that it is a really creative way to express our ideas and also have our own parking spot for the day.” said Grace Depadua, Junior.

It is definitely a good idea to put some type of personal parking spaces throughout the school, whether they are painted or not. It can give students who are running late an easier way to get into school quicker than trying to find a spot.

Giving this opportunity for students can show their own creative side and can make them more inspired and feel better when coming into school. You can see others ideas and creativity in different ways throughout the school.

4 Editorials The Freedom Forum A publication of Freedom High School Bethlehem Area School District 3149 Chester Avenue Bethlehem PA, 18020 (610) 867-5843 www.FHSForum.com

Editors-in-Chief Dymea Schippers Isabella Scipioni News Editor Samantha Covera Editorial Editor Sarah Healy Pates’ Post Editor Anna Isbell Entertainment Editor AJ Minnich Center Spread Editors Dymea Schippers Isabella Scipioni Sports Editor Carlo Brienza Advisor Mrs. Karla Erdman Principal Mr. Michael LaPorta Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy 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

The Forum

“Non-profit” makes millions on monopoly The College Board scams millions of students Isabella Scipioni Editor-in-Chief

When hearing the word “monopoly,” most people think of the beloved childhood board game, but high school students around the country equate the name to something a bit more troubling: the College Board. The College Board dominates almost every aspect of secondary education. It administers the SAT which can determine where students are accepted to college and what scholarships they can receive. It oversees Advanced Placement (AP) courses that control exactly what is taught in the classroom. It even determines how much students will pay for college by managing the CSS profile, a financial aid document required by many universities.

As my final year of high school comes to its conclusion, I wondered just how much money I’ve given to this organization. After adding up all the exams, the score sends, the financial aid applications, and the test prep books that I’ve purchased since my sophomore year, I found that I have spent $1359.48 on College Board products and services. Fortunately, the actual amount I paid is just under $1000 thanks to several Freedom AP exam scholarships.

Although not all of these expenses were necessary, for example, the SAT Subject Tests which many students elect not to take, most students will find themselves spending at least $300 if they want to attend a higher education facility.

The AP program offers 38 high school courses in different subject areas for students around the country and even outside of the US to take. In May, each subject has an exam in which students are graded on a scale of one through five. If a student earns a passing grade, which is generally considered to be a three or higher, some colleges will offer them course credit.

Photo: Christmas City Studios

While most students are not required to take the exam, many consider it an important part of the course.

“Its the AP experience. I think it gives you valuable information as to how college courses would have an exam. If you’re committed to the AP, I believe the exam is the culminating part of being an AP student,” said Mrs. Donna Roman, FHS AP teacher.

Although many schools and the College Board itself offer fee waivers to students in need, many students still pay the full exam cost. The College Board attempts to justify these high prices by telling students they can possibly use their exam scores to earn college credit, which would save students money in the long run as these credits can sometimes cost around $3,000 each.

“You have the benefit of getting high school credit, and you also have the chance of getting college credit. The other thing that it does for you is it starts exposing you to critical thinking at a higher level that will better prepare you for college,” said Mrs. Roman.

While AP courses certainly have their benefits, there is no major competitor to the College Board that offers college credit across all subject areas. Compare the price of the SAT, which is $64.50 with the optional essay, to the cost of an AP exam, which is $94.00. AP exams are much more specialized and generally require more open-ended questions than the SAT, so it makes sense for AP exams to be slightly more expensive.

However, one of the main reasons why the costs of these exams differ so greatly is that the SAT has a major competitor, the ACT. The ACT, which has gained traction in recent years as a college admissions test similar to the SAT, is administered by a different company and costs $68.00 with the optional essay. This means that the College Board is forced to offer a compa-

rable price in order to compete with the ACT. Since there is no strong competitor to the AP program, the College Board can hike up the prices of exams as much as it wants. As anyone who has taken AP Macroeconomics would know, this is the textbook definition of a monopoly.

Another somewhat harsh way the College Board makes its revenue is through late fees. If a student registers for the SAT late, they will receive a $29 fee. For AP exams, late fees jump to $40 per exam. Recently, the College Board made AP registration deadlines earlier, as many speculate, to bring in more revenue from these fees.

The College Board is registered as a non-profit, but that doesn’t mean it’s immune to corporate greed. The company made over $1.1 billion in revenue in 2017, with its CEO David Colman earning $1.3 million in the same year.

Many other executives earned upwards of $400,000 in 2017.

The AP program is unique and can offer students great opportunities, but the astounding prices of the exams ensure that only the most privileged students can take advantage of them.

Around the country, students are tired of being taken advantage of by rich executives looking to get richer.

The College Board’s website.

Screenshot: Isabella Scipioni

Healing the homeless Poverty in the Lehigh Valley Sarah Healy Editorial Editor

L-R: Mr. Michael DiBilio, Ms. Laurie Sage, Mr. Michael LaPorta, Ms. Maureen Leeson, Mr. William Cecchini

March 2020

The Lehigh Valley requires a single person to earn an hourly income of $11.04 to survive and $19.60 to sustain financial viability. For a family of four, they need $33.05 an hour to survive and $53.18 an hour for stability.

In 2015, about 75,000 people were living in poverty in the Lehigh Valley.

The poverty rate in Bethlehem is 15.83%.

It is so difficult nowadays to support yourself or your family. The cost of living can become unbearable. It’s so easy for people to lose the ability to pay for the things they need to keep them healthy.

As a result, when people lose their home, they cannot protect themselves from the environment. They cannot store necessities needed to survive and stay healthy. That is why they cannot obtain adequate health care. Since they have no home, they do not seek out the care needed to maintain their health.

While homeless do utilize normal do not have access to health care. It’s health care plans, they still get medical important to reach out and help others. help. Normally, the homeless utilize Support the organizations that take healthcare by going to the ER. A com- care of the needs of the homeless. It mon problem is necrosis of the feet, does not take much to help those who which is tissue death, especially in the need it. Supporting homeless shelters winter. is just as great too.

In efforts to get the homeless out of the state they live in, the Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) sponsors Street Medicine. People who work or volunteer for this program go out into the community and provide free medical services to the homeless.

They bring various medicines and outreach items, like vitamins, socks, antibiotics, etc.

Another organization that helps the homeless’ health is the DeSales Free Clinic. This is a student-run and student-funded free health clinic to help those who cannot pay for it. They provide A member of the New Jersey National Guard givPrimary care, Acute care, Laboraing a homeless man a vaccine. tory services, and Medications Source: The National Guard completely free of charge.

There are too many people who

Update: The Freedom Forum reported in December 2019 that football player Kaden Moore committed to Bowling Green university. He has since changed his commitment to Virginia Tech University.

March 2020

Editorials 5

The Forum

In Memoriam

Food for thought A profile on school lunch at Freedom Jacob Cruz Journalism Student

A look back at the celebrities we’ve lost in 2019-20 Mariah Titus Journalism Student

John Singleton - On April 28, 2019, the world lost a superior movie director, John Daniel Singleton. At age 51, Singleton suffered a stroke that would end his life at Cedars-Sinai Hospital. He was a very big role model to the Black Community for the reason that many grew up watching his movies. Some of the work that he was best-known for was “Boyz-N-the Hood,” “Babyboy, Poetic Justice,” and “Beverly Hills Cops,” though he has many more successful movies.

“John was a brave artist and a true inspiration. His vision changed everything,” says Jordan Peele via Twitter.

Sarah Hassanin enjoys her lunch Source: Samantha Corvera

John Singleton Source: Canadian Film Center

Nipsey Hussle - On March 31, 2019, the world lost a very influential artist. At approximately 3:25 p.m., 33year-old Ermias Joseph Asghedom, professionally known as “Nipsey Hussle,” was shot multiple times outside of his own marathon clothing store in Los Angeles, CA. Nipsey Hussle was not only an artist, but also an activist, entrepreneur, and Grammy Award winner. His death left the music industry, loved ones, and many more people heartbroken. Many took to Twitter about their thoughts and condolences. “He was a solid man who loved his woman, his family and his community. This hurts,” says Issa Rae via Twitter.

In schools around the country, there are different kinds of meals that are served to students. Some are great and delicious, others not so much. There are many opinions on the food from students to staff members.

In the lunchroom, people have different opinions on the food they consume.Some may like it, others may not, and some bring in their own.

“The chicken patty is sometimes not cooked fully, and sometimes it is cold. Also they need to add more chicken nuggets,” said Justin Cortijo, sophomore.

“The pizza is not always hot and it

ment students mentioned were more fresh ingredients. Other students also have their own personal ideas to add or improve to the school menu.

“I would personally add more foods to the menu, like different sandwiches,” said Dante Smith, junior.

I remember a couple months ago a friend of mine fell ill after eating the nachos, so i think that I would change the cheese from the nachos.

Another idea that I have is to add a bit of seasoning in some food. For example, add salt to the fries. Also don’t overcook them.

There are students with multiple

Nipsey Hustle Source: Wikimedia Commons

John Witherspoon - On October 29, 2019, the world lost someone very important to the Black Community. John Witherspoon, the 77-year-old commonly known as “Pops,” was sleeping when he suffered a deadly heart attack.

Witherspoon was known as a childhood dad to many. He was also known for his roles in films such as Friday, The Wayans Bros., and The Boondocks. Not only did his death take a toll on his family members, but his fans, other actors/comedians, and many more. “He was my best friend & my idol. Love U Dad...I’ll miss u.” says his son John David Witherspoon via twitter.

The notorious Freedom High School nachos Source: Samantha Corvera

John Witherspoon Source: IMDb

Kobe and Gianna Bryant - In January 2020, the world was left heartbroken. Nine people were killed in a tragic helicopter crash. Among those nine passengers were 41-year-old Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. Both Kobe and Gianna had a huge passion for basketball. He was an all-star professional basketball player for the NBA, and his daughter trailed right behind him planning to carry on the legacy of her father. The two had a very close father-daughter bond that many adore. Kobe also had three other daughters Bianka, Capri, and Natalia wife Vannessa Bryant that he’s been with since teenagers.

Recently Vanessa has shared her grieving process on social media.

“My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone.

“I can’t process both at the same time,” says Vanessa Bryant via Instagram.

Students have many options in the lunchroom.

Source: Samantha Corvera

A memorial to Kobe and Gianna Bryant Screenshot: Jeff Frank

looks weird,” said Brandon Guaman, sophomore.

Although some students have their own opinions on the food, the majority disliked it, but a fair amount of students still enjoy the food offered at Freedom High School (FHS).

“I like the nachos and the pizza, but I do think they need some improvements,” said Victoria Moreno, sophomore.

Other students said that they also enjoyed the burgers, but that the school needs to add new things to the menu. Some areas for improve-

opinions on the food throughout the school, but what do teachers have to say about this?

“I feel like they are alright, but they should improve on some little things,” said Mr. Michael Dunsten, FHS English teacher.

Another teacher that stated her opinion was Ms. Del Priore, who said.

“I personally think that there should be different kinds of foods served in the lunchroom,” said Ms. Del Priore, FHS Family Consumer Science teacher.

8 Pates’ Post

The Forum

March 2020

Dear Dymea: Finishing this year at home Transitioning into cyber school Dymea Schippers Co-Editor-in-Chief

Dear Dymea, I have been a student at Freedom High School since my freshman year, and although my first three years have had a series of ups and downs, I would still go back and do it all over again. I have always enjoyed coming to school to see all of my friends, staying active in my extracurricular activities, and maintaining my ‘A’ average; however, I feel as though that might change soon.

Due to some personal circumstances, I may have to be cyber schooled for the remainder of my senior year.

Although this may sound like every high school student’s dream - not waking up early in the morning just to stay in school for several hours, I do not want the negative stereotype that comes with it. I am already disappointed that I will not be able to finish my senior year with my friends and peers, but I do not want people making assumptions about me just because

I am cyber schooled.

I have always wanted to live up to the expectations of my parents and teachers, so I feel like I would be disappointing them in the long run, but at the same time, I want to make this choice for myself because I know it would be in my best interests. If you have any advice, I would love to hear it.

Sincerely, Cyber Student Dear Cyber Student, For starters, I just want to say that I am sorry that you are going through a tough time. No one wants that, especially in their senior year of high school. I think the important thing to remember in this situation is why you made the decision to become cyber schooled. Remind yourself of your intention - that finishing off the remainder of your senior year online was in your best interests.

From someone who is cyber

schooled myself, I can definitely relate to your situation, and I was also concerned with what others would think of me. I did not want them to think I was taking the “easy way out,” or lose some of the relationships I had built with my friends. Since I have started cyber schooling, I have learned that if your friends would abandon you over something so trivial, then they were not your friends to begin with, and you are better off without them.

Even though I am completing the rest of my classes online, I am still a Freedom student who is an active member of my clubs and activities, hence why I am able to answer your letter in our school’s newspaper.

Throughout my educational development, I have always wanted to live up to my family’s expectations of achieving good grades in school and being at the top of my class. Initially I thought being cyber schooled would make them disappointed in me; however, once I talked it over with them, they were proud that I was able to

make the decision for myself, and that I was focusing on what would be best for my education.

From one cyber student to another, if I have any advice to give you it would be to not focus on other people’s expectations because it will take away from who you are meant to be.

Hope this helps, Dymea

The student login page to get to their classes online

Screenshot: Dymea Schippers

Exploring with the Travel Club Learn what upcoming trips the club has in 2020 Anna Isbell Pates’ Post Editor

Travel club plays an integral role in many students lives at Freedom High School. Since the club was created, students have gone on numerous trips over the years. The most recent trip that travel club went on was an overnight trip to Washington D.C. this past spring.

They were able to visit Arlington National Cemetery. Club members toured the monuments, along with going to the African museum of culture, the Holocaust museum, and the Smithsonian Museum of American History. The monuments they visited were the Washington Monument, the World War II exhibit, Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and

Martin Luther King.

A few of travel club’s past trips included New York City, Ellis Island, and Gettysburg. In June of 2018, they visited London, Paris, Lucerne, and Munich.

For students who are interested in joining travel club, they have meetings every Wednesday after school.

The meetings are not required; however, they do give students a chance to interact with other students in travel club and learn about upcoming trips early on.

“It’s more about getting involved based on your student schedule than attending a certain number of meetings,” said Karen Buchanan, travel club advisor.

For students who think they are

unable to join due to financial reasons, there is fundraising money that helps students in need. The money is based on need and participation, since the goal of the club is to provide opportunities to students who want to take advantage of it.

All of the financial aspects of the trip go through Education First, which is where any student interested in signing up goes through to sign up for out of country trips.

Travel club’s next trip is going to be to the Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, hopefully along with the New Heritage Museum in Easton. This coming summer, expect travel club will be visiting Europe, going to Paris, Normandy, London, and many more locations as the years go by.

Posters are hung around the school advertising the Travel Club

Photo: Anna Isbell

Take the Airpods out and listen up, Freedom!

Reaching listeners via Alexa one take at a time Samantha Corvera News Editor

The journalism elective at Freedom High School has recently begun to record segments for the BASD podcasts. The Bethlehem Area School District launched its podcasts a little over a year ago and has become very successful over the course of its existence.

“At the start of the process, that flash briefing only had around 25 plays a week, and 20 of them were most likely from me! Now they get around 100 to 200 plays a week.” stated Thomas Braun.

Thomas Braun is the producer of the BASD podcasts and began recording the podcasts alone as a way to reach listeners just as television, radio, and internet have and still do.

After producing podcasts alone for several months, Mr.Braun decided to make them a product that would include some of the very students that attend the Bethlehem Area School District - myself included.

While the idea of recording a podcast was rather foreign to me at the

time, it has easily become one of my favorite projects to do during class. It is also very popular with other students in the class as well. While most students shy away from the class due to the fact that they are asked to appear on camera, the podcasts are a less visual approach at sharing news throughout the Bethlehem Area School District; However, students often find themselves enjoying the fame of the camera lens once they get more comfortable with the class. In addition to not being on camera, students enjoy the simplicity of recording the podcasts. All it takes is a script and a microphone to work the BASD magic.

“The students are really in charge of recording the podcasts; I just add regular music from our set sounds, balance the sound and edit everything together into a final product. You know, because these podcasts are being played on good devices like the Alexa Echo, you want the sound to be clean,” stated Thomas Braun, BASD educator.

The Bethlehem Area School Dis-

trict uses its podcasts as a way to inform its listeners about what is currently happening in the community as well as a way to relate to those who attend the BASD. Most teenagers and adults nowadays have been listening to podcasts more recently just as frequently as they listen to music. The

Journalism elective allows students the opportunity to be a part of this program as well as many others. So join in and give the BASD podcasts a listen!

Students enrolled in the Journalism elective at Freedom can help record the BASD Podcast.

Photo: Samantha Corvera

March 2020

9 Pates’ Post

The Forum

Carly’s Critique: March beverages Getting lucky with mocktails Carly Grozier Journalism Student

When I think of March, the first thing that comes to mind is St. Patrick’s day. St. Patrick’s day is a holiday where people tend to over indulge in alcoholic beverages.

Since I am not of age, I am not one of those people, but there are substitutes for me and others who can not become intoxicated.

Mocktails are non-alcoholic drinks that include all of the same ingredients as an actual cocktail, minus the alcohol.

I decided to give them a try and critique the process.

First things first I had to look up some recipes and two of them grabbed my attention.

One of which was a Shirley Temple

of course. It has always been a favorite of mine to get at restaurants or gatherings. So, I decided it would be neat to try and make one on my own.

I was pleasantly surprised with how similar mine tasted to the ones I have had previously. On the other hand, I guess it would have been pretty hard to mess up something with only three simple ingredients.

The first thing I did was fill my cup up with ice. Next, I added two tablespoons of grenadine and then filled the rest of the glass up with sprite.

Grenadine is just like cherry syrup.

The only critique I give this drink is that there could have been less grenadine and more sprite. It was a little too sugary and wasn’t as refreshing as it could’ve been.

Overall, I give my Shirley Temple an 8.5/10. It might even deserve an award.

For my second and final mocktail I attempted to make my very own Pina Colada.

If anyone knows what a quality Pina Colada tastes like, it would be me. After all, I practically lived off of them on my trip to CanCun, Mexico a few summers back.

This one was a little harder to make than the Shirley Temple, but still easy enough that anyone could do.

All I had to do was add ice, frozen pineapples, pineapple juice, and coconut milk into a blender.

After tasting my concoction I was a little let down. It was pretty flavorless and watered down. I think I could have added less liquid and a little more substance.

I would give it a 4/10, because compared to the ones I drank in Mexico, it tasted bad.

If you are looking to legally have

some fun while staying refreshed on St. Patrick's Day’ I would suggest giving these mocktails a try. Maybe even branch out to create some of your own, but do not forget a cherry on top.

The finished mocktails Photos: Carly Grozier

Meet the new FHS faculty!

FHS welcomes new staff members Jason Schiffer, Journalism Student

One of the new staff members at Freedom Ms. Aislinn Gilmartin, a long-term substitute for Mr. John Wallaesa. Originally from Bethlehem, Ms. Gilmartin started her career wanting to work in a museum, but she began to substitute teach and enjoyed it a lot. Ms. Gilmartin especially enjoys teaching at Freedom because she is an alumna and very familiar with the school. Ms. Gilmartin received her bachelor’s in history from Kutztown University and her Masters from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia.

Freedom welcomes back Ms. Jessica Knowles to the science department. Originally from the Poconos, Ms. Knowles graduated from Pleasant Valley High School.

During her years at King’s College, she had started out in Physical Therapy, but by the end of her freshman year, she realized it was not for her. Ms. Knowles loved science and always wanted to teach and coach kids.

Her mom was a teacher, and Ms. Knowles grew up going to her mother’s school and loved being the classroom and watching her mother teach. Thus, she decided to make teaching her career.

Source: Jessica Knowles

Source: Aislinn Gilmartin

Mr. Evan Kauffman is a new faculty member in the social studies department this semester. He was raised in Bethlehem and went through the Bethlehem Area School District attending Spring Garden, East Hills, and Freedom. After high school, Mr. Kauffman attended Lehigh University where he studied Psychology and Anthropology and found a passion for helping people. Mr. Kauffman decided to pursue teaching after he participated in a tutoring program at Lehigh where they helped students from the Bethlehem community. Mr. Kauffman is extremely excited to come back to his alma mater to teach and be part of the Freedom Family because he can now try to guide students in the right direction like many of the teachers here at Freedom did for him.

Freedom Family welcomes Ms. Ellen Murgolo, a long-term substitute in for Mr. Jonathan Ayre for the semester.

Ms. Murgolo is originally from Abington, PA near Philly. Teaching is her second career. She was in pharmaceutical sales for a long time then went back to teaching after the pharmaceutical industry became tainted. Ms. Murgola is most excited about getting to know her students and helping them see the world through the eyes of biology. Finally, Ms. Murgolo attended Abington High School and Bucknell University.

Source: Evan Kauffman

Source: Ellen Murgolo

Source: Aislinn Gilmartin

Another new addition to the Freedom Family is Ms. Jessica Troiano. Originally from Catasauqua, Ms. Trioan moved to Washington D.C. for seven years and just moved back to the area this past summer.

She wanted to be a teacher ever since the third grade. She had a wonderful teacher who inspired her not only to want to become a teacher but also who made her excited to learn. Ms. Troiano is excited to be a member of the Freedom Family.

Since her first day here, she has felt so welcomed, and she is excited to be a part of all the wonderful traditions at Freedom.

Ms. Troiano graduated from Catasauqua High School, then attended Kutztown University to earn her bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. She recently earned her Master's Degree from Walden University in Teacher Leadership.

Source: Kaitlyn Doddy

The FHS special education department welcomes Ms. Kaitlyn Doddy. Originally from Phillipsburg, New Jersey, Ms. Doddy moved to Nazareth, Pennsylvania during her elementary school years. While in high school, she observed students mistreating others who were not able to learn at the same pace or not using the same resources and materials as their peers. Thus, Ms. Doddy wanted to become a teacher to support students who are faced with challenges in order to empower them and guide them in the direction of achieving their dreams. Ms. Doddy is most excited to get to know the staff and students at Freedom and to learn how to best support the students, as well as her fellow colleagues, by creating a safe and positive learning environment that fosters academic and personal growth. Ms. Doddy graduated from Nazareth High School before pursuing a bachelor's degree in Special Education at Bloomsburg University.

10 Entertainment

The Forum

March 2020

Star Wars: Rise out of your seat and leave A Review of Rise of Skywalker (Spoilers!)

Carlo Brienza Sports Editor

with fake deaths, multiple people coming back to life, and events that I hope so deeply that in writing this seem to just work out because the review I can start a recovery for the plot required them too. world of film because after watching This leads to the film’s most widethis stinker, I am pretty sure cinema spread flaw, its plot. Events are (much like Palpatine was up until chained together to a degree of conthis egocentric trash heap) is dead. venience no amount of suspension of Ladies and gentlemen, disbelief will allow there is no way to tell “One of the film's the viewer to foryou enough not to see largest problems give. It makes it this film. It is not so lies in the fact that hard to not consider bad you have to see it, that what the viewer Palpatine is the it's far worse than is watching is a film that. I left the theatre of impossibility. villain” feeling cold and Rather than seeing alone, depressed even. After mulling the events of a galaxy far far away, it over and letting my feelings stew the viewer is watching a movie inlike the vomit I felt in my mouth as side of the decrepit remains of AmerRey predictably claims the Skywalk- ica’s cinema experience. Many of the er name, I can say without any uncer- events aren’t even logical enough to tainty, this is the most disappointing remain constant in the film. On more movie I have ever seen. than one occasion, this movie brings Rise of somebody please put a stop up a plot point and forgets about it… to this horror opens with the usual forever. To top it all off, The Force crawl (which conveniently is also the in this film is literally just a mysterypace of this film) detailing that “The mousekatool that does whatever the dead speak!” And with those devas- plot requires at any given moment. tating words, it becomes apparent These plot weaknesses ensure that what the helpless viewer has been every meaningful moment in the film coaxed into. That's right, Palpatine is is unsatisfying and unearned. alive, ruining any remaining sense of Then, once you think it is all over, closure for the original trilogy and the conclusion hits you with its own throwing all story sense out the win- slew of problems. It's a battle bedow. tween a new opponent’s army of staOne of the film's largest problems lies in the fact that Palpatine is the villain. The film-makers try to explain away his presence by having him reveal that everything we have seen in the sequel films was him; he was Snoke, but it never feels like it was planned. It just plays out like an excuse for why a student didn’t do their homework more than a reasonable explanation for his presence. It creates a disconnect between this film and the previous two in the trilogy and also somewhat diminishes the impact of both other films’ accomplishments. Him being alive is never explained either, but none of this would be a problem if Palpatine was used in a way that actually brought some stakes to the film. This sadly is not the case as Palpatine really only exists as a means to an end, a reason for people to come and see Star Wars’ “final” outing. As a character, all of his usual cunning is not present in this film, and his plans have a level of ineptitude too divergent to be A promotional poster for Rise of believed. On top of that, he just is not Skywalker threatening in this movie due to the Source: IMDb film throwing away all of its stakes

tionary superweapons lined up for offensive when you consider that all easy triple kills and a rag-tag team of the characters who once thought they freedom fighters established in the had secured a better tomorrow from previous film to be non-existent. the galaxy are stripped the satisfacThere are tense moments devoid of tion of seeing a true conclusion to the any stakes, constant explosions sto- conflict by being killed off in these len from Michael Bay's last movie, sequels. This movie fails to be a and Force lightning critical hits disa- good Star Wars movie, but above bling ships. Rey and Palpatine’s con- that, it fails to truly be a movie in the frontation was bland and, the writers typical sense of the word. Events attempts to artificially raise the occur, bad dialogue is read, and a stakes by claiming it was the final “story” slowly unfolds, but nothing battle of “all the Sith” and “all of the inside the viewer has changed by the Jedi” only served to make it feel less time the credits roll. satisfying. They threw Ren into the Leaving the theatre was a mixed final battle which was a unique con- bag. It seemed a lot of people had cept, but ultimately his contributions liked the film and cheered for it. were manufactured, not meaningful. Some others were rolling their eyes.

The fight sequence had minimal However, I needed to get out of there movement, bad shot cinematography, as quickly as possible. I wanted to and around five too make sure that many fake-out deaths. “The film wraps up no one I knew Add to that the ending me leave like a toddler wraps saw kiss, which is hands that terrible a Christmas down one of the most movie in fear comically bad scenes I they would be present” have ever had the disafraid to speak privilege of being alive to me after the for, and adds up to a climax that was trauma I had endured. The group that nothing close to climactic. It was so sat behind me in the theatre said “no bad in fact that I started laughing one should be allowed to see that when I saw it, and continued laugh- movie.” ing well into the credits.

Their statement really stuck with The film wraps up like a toddler me. That film should not have been wraps a Christmas present, that's to released. It means nothing. Nothing say it was not graceful. They had a happens. You feel nothing. You are same-sex couple kiss in a way that empty leaving that theatre. No one could easily be edited out and pre- should be allowed to see that, besented an almost racist agenda with cause if they like it, they are contribFinn and his new girlfriend. The new uting to a culture that is singlegirlfriend was a character introduced handedly dumbing society down and midway through this film and is an making trite trailer trash like Rise of African-American female. The girl Skywalker acceptable. Spoilers for ends up being Lando’s daughter, the end of the movie… Star Wars meaning that all three black charac- dies. ters in this movie are now either dating or blood relatives. They close with Rey claiming the name Skywalker and end the movie and in my view the franchise, with far worse of a film than they started with.

The problems with this movie are widespread. The plot is utter garbage, confusing, and disjointed, especially when taken in the context of the franchise. This movie was supposed to end the “Skywalker Saga,” but all it did was reveal the problem in artificially extending it in the first place. The original Trilogy ends with an empire defeated and a new hope on the horizon, but all the gains of The cast off-camera those films are eliminated when the First Order is easily able to rise from Source: IMDb the ashes of the empire and undo the good done years ago. It is even more

“All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” take two A Review of the Sequel to the Netflix sensation Alexis Swoyer between them as shown in the books.

Journalism Student

“To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before: P.S. I Still Love You” was the second book out of the series written

by Jenny Han. It is the sequel of “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” and came out on Netflix on February 12th, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The movie follows the start of Peter and Lara Jean (LJ)’s new relationship. While the first movie focused on how Peter and LJ fell in love through a fake relationship, the sequel focused on the growth in their relationship. The movie could have been better at showing the couple’s love for eachother and the tension

Throughout the movie, the audience is torn between two love interests, Peter Kavinsky and John Ambrose. LJ must choose between pursuing her current relationship or a new love. In addition to facing a head spinning love triangle, LJ must also face trying to fit in and face the daily stresses of high school, which was very relatable for the film’s target audience.

Many people believe that the first movie was better than the sequel, and that the sequel lacked important scenes and interactions that were in the books.

“The movie was kinda cringey in my opinion just because it had that

basic teen romance factor too it, but it still managed to make me cry,” said Mykayla Engle, senior at Lehighton High School.

The series focuses on trying to find the person you truly love and want to be around. It explains what teens go through trying to fit in and find love.

Most viewers of the movie were disappointed in how little screen time John Ambrose had, and many didn’t have the same connection with LJ as in the book. Team John Ambrose fell in love with him through the book and wanted that same feeling from him in the movie, but it lacked that effect. Overall, the movie was a good show of teen romance and gives a good example of what teens go through now.

The poster for “PS I Still Love You.”

Source: IMDb

March 2020

The Forum

11 Entertainment

Batman glides above the rest How Batman’s heroism stands against the test of time AJ Minnich Entertainment Editor

“He's the hero Gotham deserves, but not the one it needs right now, so we'll hunt him. Because he can take it because he's not a hero. He's a silent guardian, a watchful protector, a Dark Knight.”-The Dark Knight Since his introduction to the world in 1939, Batman has become one of the most popular and influential popculture icons through all his fluctuations whether it be his introduction inspired by pulp heroes such as The Shadow, the campiness of Adam West, or the grittiness of the Dark Knight. Throughout his 80 year history, he remains not only one of the most popular superheroes but one of the most popular and iconic fictional characters along with characters such as Luke Skywalker and Harry Potter.

But what makes him rise above the rest? What makes him better than any other superhero? What makes him a perfect hero?

“All it takes is one bad day to reduce the sanest man into lunacy.

That’s how far the world is from where I am. One bad day”- Batman: The Killing Joke Any good writer will say that a good antagonist has to challenge the protagonist in ways that are beyond the actual physical conflict. In almost any interpretation of the Joker, he rarely presents any physical challenge to Batman. Instead, he challenges the core of his character. Most Batman villains challenge a core aspect of his character. Two-Face challenges the fine line he walks between good and evil, Poison Ivy challenges his lust and temptation, Riddler challenges his intellect, Bane challenges his strength, Scarecrow challenges his fear, and Joker challenges the most important aspect of all, his morality. Throughout the entirety of the

Batman mythos, the concept of one bad day reverberates throughout with both the origins of Batman and the Joker stemming from one bad day.

This concept alone demonstrates how similar yet different they are.

He always walks a fine line between becoming a villain or staying a hero, and this is what Joker challenges. He wants to bring him down to his level.

This is why the conflict between these two is so compelling because the Joker presents a direct threat to who Batman is whereas someone like Thanos is a completely external threat.

“All I've ever wanted to do is kill him. A day doesn't go by I don't think about subjecting him to every horrendous torture he's dealt out to others and then end him. But if I do that, if I allow myself to go down into that place, I'll never come back.”-Batman: Under the Red Hood In 1940 writers Bob Kane and Bill Finger received a letter from (at the time) National Comics editorial stating that Batman should kill under no circumstances and this precedent gradually became synonymous with Batman over time. This moral code is what differentiates him from almost any other hero because, while others have a no-kill rule such as Spider-Man, Superman, or the Flash, Batman’s no-kill rule lies at the fundamental core of his character. If Batman were truly the dark and edgy hero people think he is then he would kill the Joker. He would mow down goons like they’re grass, but he doesn’t. This is because at his core he is an optimist. He never wanted to destroy crime, he wants to redeem it.

This is why he extended a hand to the Joker in The Killing Joke. This is why he hasn’t killed any of his villains because he sees their humanity,

even in monsters like the Joker. This is why he has taken in countless robins and other sidekicks so they don’t become him in his youth. Should he kill the Joker? Yeah probably. But what makes him good, what makes him a hero is that he doesn’t cross that line. He knows he doesn’t get to decide who is judge, jury, and executioner. This fundamental precedent is why Batman shifts from being a symbol of fear and hatred to a symbol of hope and compassion.

“You know how many times I’ve heard that? ‘rest in peace Batman.’ ‘there’s no escape Batman!’ ‘time to die Batman!’ every night over, and over, and over for so many years.

‘This is the end Batman.’ every.

Night. And yet I’m still here.”- Batman: I am Bane In his universe of gods, demons, speedsters, and magicians, Batman stands as one of the only heroes who doesn’t have any of these enhanced abilities. When Superman gets into a fistfight, the audience knows he’s going to win because of his immense power. But if Batman gets into that same fight, he still runs that risk of losing. In this world where nearly everyone he meets is more powerful than him in some way, Batman has to improvise and adapt to defeat them in unique and interesting ways beyond just a slugfest. This is why he is so loved. Because he is the ultimate underdog and it is in human nature to root for the underdog whether it be the tortoise, Frodo Baggins, or Rocky Balboa. This man, this mortal human man can stand up to gods and make them blink.

“A hero can be anyone. Even a man doing something as simple and reassuring as putting a coat around a little boy’s shoulder to let him know that the world hasn’t ended.”-The Dark Knight Rises

What makes Batman great, what makes him the best is that he is inspiring. When looking at almost any other superhero, next to none of them earned their abilities. Superman was born with his powers, SpiderMan got his by accident, and Captain America got his in a science experiment. But Batman worked tirelessly from the age of 8 to become this ultimate protector and symbol. Batman is the ultimate tale of turning pain and suffering into something good and that is a story that everyone can relate to because life can suck. He turned all those feelings of fear, anger, and depression into a symbol of hope. Anyone can want to be superman but no person can fly. Anyone can try to be Luke Skywalker, but no one can have force powers and a laser sword. Anyone can strive to be Batman. Anyone can strive to turn the pain and anger that comes with life and turn that into a source for good. He shows anyone can do anything even fighting a god and winning. But really why is Batman the best? Because he’s Batman.

Promotional art made to advertise the 80th anniversary of the Caped crusader Source: Consumer Electronics Net

“Terminator: Dark Fate” defiles the franchise’s legacy Terminator six disrespects what came before it (Spoilers!)

Glenn Funderburk Journalism Student

“Terminator 2: Judgement Day” is the second movie in “The Terminator” franchise and is seen as one of the best Sci-Fi/ Action movies of all time. The movie features Arnold Schwarzenegger reprising his role as the iconic T-800, Robert Patrick as the terrifying T-1000 antagonist, Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor who is widely seen as one of the best female characters in film, and Edward Furlong as the movie’s lead star John Connor. Throughout the movie, you follow John Connor reuniting with his mother and finding a father figure in the machine sent to protect him. The machine, in turn, learns a lot about the human psyche and even understands human emotion to the point where it is able to smile and give a thumbs up. Which makes the ending where both terminators are destroyed extremely heartbreaking. The T-800’s final words were “I know now why you cry, but it’s something I can never do.”

Three more Terminator movies were made afterward but none were remotely as well-received as the first two. Now in 2019, a new Terminator

movie was announced, one that promised to wipe the slate clean with a new movie taking place directly after “Judgement Day” and ignoring all of the terrible movies that came after it. However, for a movie that claims to be the “true successor” to “Terminator 2,” it completely destroys the accomplishments of said movie.

At first, the movie looks promising, Linda Hamilton is de-aged by uncanny CGI effects and John Connor’s new actor looks almost exactly like Edward Furlong. But then a Terminator comes out of nowhere and immediately kills John Connor. This completely disrespects and negates the accomplishments of the previous movies. The movie then jumps forward twenty years where it introduces a new terminator called the “Rev9” which is essentially the T-X model from “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines” with the ability to separate its two different layers. Shortly after we are introduced to two new characters: Dani, the new protagonist of the movie and Grace, who is an augmented human from the future sent back in time to protect her.

Which is a plot copied directly from

both earlier Terminator movies. During the plot, the movie shamelessly takes key ideas from the former Terminator sequels. Grace is an augmented human with superior physical abilities, just like Marcus from Terminator: Salvation. The T-800 develops consciousness and acts as a parental figure seemingly out of nowhere just like Genesis and similarly to Genesis it completely disrespects John Connor. In Genesis, they turned him into the villain and in Dark Fate he was killed off. As a concept, the idea of killing off John Connor can work, but in execution, it is done in an extremely disrespectful way.

Throughout the years many movies have been receiving unneeded sequels and reboots, while part of the reason is because of fans desire one, a majority of this is because of the film industry’s desire to milk good stories dry. This was seen with “Ghostbusters” in both 1998 and 2016, “Jurassic Park”, “Alien” and most recently “Star Wars” and “Terminator”. Some of these sequels make sense in the story, such as “Aliens”, or earn their place as a worthy sequel, such as “The Empire Strikes Back”. but the majority of these sequels are far behind their

predecessors in terms of quality. It is time for the audience to stand up and demand that Hollywood gives us new, interesting and original films instead of stretching out a story into a franchise of mediocre or terrible films.

A poster for “Terminator Dark Fate Source: IMDb

12 Sports

The Forum

March 2020

Mims brothers score big on the court Caleb and Malek reach 1,000 points Jeff Frank Journalism Student

The boys basketball team had another great season this year, especially Caleb and Malek Mims.

Both reached their goal of scoring 1,000 career points for the Pates and are putting it in the history books for Freedom High School.

The brothers have become only the fourth and fifth players in FHS boys basketball history to achieve such an honor and the first to do so in over ten years. Even though they both had a great triumph this season, there were plenty of obstacles they had to overcome along the way.

“This year was one of my hardest seasons from a physical standpoint when I hurt my ankle and a mental standpoint with all the work I had to do for school,” says Malek Mims.

Even though Malek faced physical and mental difficulties, he overcame and helped Freedom have one of its best years on rec-

ord. It took loyalty to his teammates and his coaches and a lot of dedication for Malek to get 1,000 points. During the season the Mims acted with a lot of confidence to play their best, so that the patriots could walk away with what is currently a 15-8 overall record “The people that gave me the most confidence this season were my parents and my coaches,” says Malek and Caleb.

It seems like their parents and coaches really pushed them to play their hardest during the season and to stay healthy enough to make it on the court each game.

When the brothers finally scored 1,000 points, Freedom had an amazing reaction. Students felt a sense of pride in their school and their classmates Caleb and Malek for having achieved such a feat.

Many wondered, how do the Mims feel to have earned 1,000 points as a Freedom Patriot?

“It feels great, because it was a

dream that I’ve had since seventh grade; plus, it was a huge relief to me personally,” says Malek Mims.

“It feels amazing, because of how hard I worked toward reaching this goal,” says Caleb Mims.

The Mims both showed dedication in getting themselves to 1,000 points this season, which was their last chance, since it is their senior year. Both Malek and Caleb had different initial reactions to when they hit the last shot they needed.

“I was very happy and emotional,” says Caleb Mims.

“My initial reaction when I hit 1,000 was taking very deep breaths,” says Malek Mims.

Like all basketball players, the Mims had their fair share of memorable moments this season. “My favorite moment from this season is when we beat Archbishop Carroll which was the twelfth ranked team in the state of Pennsylvania,” says Malek Mims.

“My favorite moment from this season is when my brother threw a lob to David Barnes on the first

game,” says Caleb Mims.

After having this amazing season, Freedom basketball will be missing two of the best players in Freedom history.

“We will both miss Coach Stellato, our teammates, Joseph M. McIntyre gymnasium, and especially the riot squad,” says Caleb and Malek Mims.

Caleb and Malek getting ready to score on Liberty.

Source- Caleb Mims

Kokolus shoots her way to 1000 The star player’s big moment Carly Grozier Originally published on D11Sports.com

On Friday, January 10, the Freedom High School Girls basketball team took on Pocono Mountain East at home. Not only did they come out with a win, but it was an exceptionally special night for number 23 in particular. Jenn Kokolus scored her 1000th career point.

“I didn’t know the exact number I needed going into the game, because I didn’t want to over think or play tentatively,” said Kokolus.

With 9 seconds left in the game, she was fouled and given two free throws.

She stepped up to the line, unaware have made tremendous impacts on that the first one was the one she who I am as a player because of needed to achieve 1000 points. Fortuhow much they supported and nately, it went in. challenged me to get better,” KoWhen asked to describe the mokolus shares. “The love and selfment she reached this achievement lessness we have on and off the she said, “I am going to be honest, I court is something special, and I knew I had to make one of the two will always cherish it. I wouldn't free throws and I was hoping it was be where I am as a player without going to happen on the first one. them.”

When the first one went in, my teamKokolus plans on playing Divimates rushed the court and all hugged sion two basketball at Holy Family her on. me. The whole gym was cheering for Jenn’s teammates cheer Published in Original Article University in Philadelphia, while me. It is a moment I will never formajoring in Nursing. She is eager to get.” the court since the second grade. play at the next level.

It has taken a lot to become the “It wasn’t always easy, but I stayed player she is today. She has been focused and pushed myself. All of my shooting hoops and dribbling down coaches and teammates along the way

Mascots mock centuries of tradition Shedding a light on racist teams age of 18 make up 32 percent, and Native youth under the age of 24 Dymea Schippers represent approximately half of the Co-Editor-in-Chief

Ranging from football to hockey, the United States has its fair share of athletic organizations that have been sporting racist team names and mascots for decades.

Born in an era when racism and bigotry were commonplace in the dominant culture, “Indian” sports brands have grown into multi-million dollar franchises. The intolerance promoted by these “Indian” sports’ mascots, logos, and symbols, have degraded the culture and history of America’s Native people. In fact, these caricatures and stereotypes have become so damaging that it has warped society’s understanding of Native American culture.

Most concerning is that these negative stereotypes have augmented the rates of hate crimes against Native Americans. According to the Department of Justice, “American Indians are more likely than people of other races to experience violence at the hands of someone of a different race.”

Of today’s American Indian and Alaska Native population, those under the

entire Native population.

“When you think about how small the Native population is, it’s really a shame that most of the hate crimes are targeted at people who are already part of a small community,” said Vaidehi Chinnawar, senior.

As the country’s oldest and largest American Indian and Alaskan Native advocacy organization, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has taken actions against derogatory and stereotypical representations of Native heritage. For over seventy years, there has been massive support from hundreds of tribal nations, national and regional tribal organizations, and civil rights organizations calling for the end of harmful “Indian” mascots. Since 1963, no professional teams have established new mascots that use racial stereotypes in their brands. In 2005, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) initiated a policy to remove harmful “Indian” mascots. Although this policy has existed for several years, there are teams that do not want to follow the rules.

The NFL’s “Washington Redskins” are named after the racial slur, Redskin, whose origin comes from the government bounty announcements calling for the scalps of Native Americans in the 1800’s. In 1932, team owner George Preston Marshall capitalized off of the term “redskin” while Native Americans were continuing to experience government and social policies to eliminate Native tribes, assimilate Native people, and eradicate Native civil rights. Civilization regulations were still in place, which confined Native people to reservations, banned traditional ceremonies, and confiscated cultural property.

While the team has moved on from Marshall’s segregationist policies, it has refused to close the chapter on Marshall’s race-based marketing at the expense of Native communities.

For nearly fifty years, NCAI and Native advocates have worked to change the name of Washington’s team, even going as far as passing a resolution against the team name. In 1999 and 2014, the U.S. Patent Office ruled that the team’s name is “disparaging to Native Americans” and therefore not entitled to tax-payer -financed copyright protections.

As a result of the ongoing advocacy, two-thirds of “Indian” references in sports have been eliminated but nearly a thousand remain today. While Native opposition to the name has not wavered, public disapproval about not just the Washington team but also the Chicago Blackhawks, Kansas City Chiefs, the Cleveland Indians, and numerous other teams has risen as well.

“It’s hard to believe that so many teams are able to get away with their racist brands, and since this is the case, there should be more extreme actions taken to eliminate any discrimination against Native Americans,” said Nat Durham, senior.

The Chicago Blackhawks logo

Photo: Creative Commons