South Hadley High School
Spotlight
Issue 2
TIWALE: ‘Our main idea is to empower women.’
p. 3
February 2016
Volume 96
Spotlight
Inside this issue
Review 5
Features 3 Spotlight, currently in its 96th year, is South Hadley High School’s student-run, open forum publication. Students create all content and make all editorial decisions.
Our staff
Maritza Roman, Editor in Chief mcrspotlight@gmail.com Andrei Danilchenko, Managing Editor amdspotlight@gmail.com Brianna Ingham, News Editor brispotlight@gmail.com Samantha Carey, Sports Editor srcspotlight@gmail.com Jailene Rodriguez, Student Profiles Editor jgrspotlight@gmail.com Lexi Bogalhas, Features Editor lrbspotlight@gmail.com Renee Stoltz, Photo Editor rmstspotlight@gmail.com William Schenker, Spotlight Intern wschenker117@gmail.com William Ortyl, Contributing Writer wnortyl@gmail.com Ethan Ortyl, Contributing Writer erortyl@gmail.com Mr. B-G, Adviser pbillmang@shschools.com CONTACT US
Facebook: SHHS Spotlight Twitter: @SHHS_Spotlight Youtube: SHHS Spotlight Web: southhadleystudentpress.com Phone: (413) 538-5063 Ext. 3505
2 ABOUT | Spotlight | February 2016
News 6 & 7
Opinion 9
Sports 11
Editorial 10
Cotillion 12
A note from the staff
We are pleased to bring you the second Spotlight of the 2015-2016 school year, and excited about the change to a news magazine. In an effort to better serve readers and establish a link between our print and online products, we will be posting news and other timely stories to southhadleystudentpress.com, while making fea-
tures, reviews, opinions, and photo collages the focus of the news magazine. Spotlight welcomes your feedback as we work to improve our offerings. Students interested in joining Spotlight may contact any staff member or Mr. B-G. Thanks to our adveristers and Easthampton Savings Bank for their ongoing support.
Tiwale improves womens’ lives Tiwale is an organization that helps women in Malawi become empowered and start their own business so they can become successful. Ellen Chilemba, a 21-year-old student at Mount Holyoke College, is the founder of this organization. Malawi is one of the world’s poorest countries, and according to the International Fund for Agricultural Development, 74 percent of the Malawian population lives below the income poverty line of US $1.25 a day. Many children in Malawi drop out of school between the ages of 12 and 15 because secondary school costs money and they can’t afford to pay. Many girls are married off at a young age for a dowry. Tiwale helps provide education so these young girls can start their own busineses. The money they earn from their work helps with their necessities and education. Tiwale—which means “Let’s glow” in Chichewa—aims “to be the light to guide women toward realizing their purpose and goals,” Chilemba explained. “Our main idea is to empower women.”
By: Sam Carey
Contributed photos by Ellen Chilemba
Chilemba was born in Malawi and lived there all her life until she came to South Hadley for her freshman year at Mount Holyoke, right down the road from the high school. Chilemba said she considered herself one of the lucky ones because both of her parents had a job so they could provide for their kids. “Growing up in Malawi is not only different physically but everyone in Malawi is more family orientated. Here everyone is very focused on themselves,” Chilemba said. She said that people in the United States are very fortunate and because of this, they tend to focus on themselves and improving themselves instead of improving others. People in the United States have technology to communicate with each other but the technology also detaches families. Despite these challenges, Tiwale has been successful in providing for women and helping them get the money they need to survive. For more on Tiwale, visit southhadleystudentpress.com
Grab your gear from ‘The Paw’ By: Maritza Roman Previously known as “The Paw,” the school store has reopened and changed its name to “The Tiger’s Den.” Currently, the school store is selling retired jerseys, and all profits made from them will go to ordering new inventory. Dan Paradis, connections coordinator, is the current store advisor. He, along with his fifth period connections students, run the store. Students can expect to see hoodies, sweatpants, shirts, socks and many other clothing articles. “Baseball hats, t-shirts, socks, shorts and anything the majority of people request,” Paradis said. “What would [students] like to see in the Tiger’s Den for the springtime?” Paradis is gearing all of the inventory to what the students ask for. Outside of the Tiger’s Den entrance, there is a suggestion box filled with ideas. “ I wish we could sell coffee, but unfortunately that’s not possible. With that said, I hope to provide students with clothing and gear that they want and what’s hip, not what I think is cool. I would be off by a mile.” The Tiger’s Den is based off of what the students want and when they are available to get it. “I believe one of the most important aspects is being consistent. If people know that the Den is open during fifth period every day, then they will always have time to swing in,” said Paradis. “The most important aspect is that it’s the students’ store. My goal is to empower students to be engaged in what the store has to offer so there is constant traffic, otherwise it will never be as big as Walmart.” For more on “ The Paw”, visit southhadleystudentpress.com
Staff photos by: Bri Ingham
Febuary 2016 | Spotlight | FEATURES 3
Advertise with Spotlight today Contact us at: shhsspotlight@gmail.com
or
Staff emails located on the second page of this issue phone: (413)
530 5063 ex: 3505
4 | Spotlight | February 2016
you should stay
for this film
By Maritza Roman
Screenshot from “if i stay” official movie site
With Valentine’s day coming, teens are watching sappy romantic chick flicks with their partners. “If I Stay” is a 2014 drama featuring Chloë Grace Moretz as a teen with a passion for the cello. Mia Hall was an average girl in her high school, until her crush caught a glimpse of her playing it in the music room. Interested, Adam (Jamie Blackley) wanted to get to know Mia a little better. The hardest decision she would ever face would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at Juilliard or be with the love of her life. An unfortunate car accident kills most of the
4 out of 5 Paws; Pounce on it!
Sylvester’s satisfies tastebuds By Brianna Ingham If you’re looking for mouthwatering pancakes and mega-stuffed omeletes, Sylvester’s is the place for you. The restaurant is full of life, and by that I mean it is always busy. Customers flock to this bright and cheery restaurant to receive excellent service and delicious food. Staff photos by Brianna Ingham Nestled in the heart of Northampton, Sylvester’s is a family-friendly hangout with an overall cozy feel. I asked Leslie Tane, a frequent visitor of the restaurant, what she thought of the place. “I always get the oatmeal sunflower bread,” said Tane. She lives close to Sylvester’s and goes there often.
‘I also love the color of the walls. It is very uplifting.’
family members in the car. Life changes almost instantly as Mia is put into a coma. Throughout the film, Mia is faced with out of body experiences and remembers all of the great things she had in life. It is up to her as to decide if she wants to live, or die in peace. If Mia chooses to pass, she is leaving behind her little brother. However, if she chooses life, she will be alone to watch after her brother, and she gets the boy of her dreams.Although this film is a little confusing at first, because it switches back and forth from the day of the accident, to memories, to her in the coma, it is a really great film.
Sylvester’s has many delicious drinks including several variations of hot chocolate and coffee. One of my favorite drinks on the menu is their hot apple cider. One sip of it and you’re transported to a world of warmth and filled with the spirit of Autumn. Another one of my favorites is their “twilight hot chocolate.” It is a mix of white and dark chocolate, it is absolutely divine. Drinking this stuff makes you feel like a little kid. 5 out of 5 Paws; Devour it!
The 33 exhilirates By Jailene Rodriguez
Screenshot from “The 33” official moviesite “The 33” is based on the global phenomenon of the 33 Chilean miners that were trapped for 69 days deep in a mountain in 2010. “The 33” revisits the events and untold stories inside the mine. The movie highlights everything from what the miners ate, to the discussions and arguments that occurred between them. It also highlights the emotions of the miners, but their families and the rescuers as well as their undying faith. The miners food and water quality left the audience in suspense, questioning if they’ll ever be rescued. The rescuers sent a drill at different angles into the mountain towards the refugees. When the men were found it proved that they were still alive. The men were then brought one by one to the surface, and were welcomed
by their families. As the men prepared to leave the mine and head to safety, the miners wrote, “God was with us” on the wall of the refuge. Then finally on October 13, 2010 all 33 miners returned to the surface after a successful rescue operation. The filmers wanted to capture the story in an honest and exciting way. After making the movie the filmers said, “The moral is plain. Capital and the state don’t really care about you, though they can sometimes be shamed into acting in your interest. Better to put your trust in the Almighty, and in the solidarity of your fellow workers.” at the end the movie filmmakers also incorporated unseen footage from actual event introduced the origional 33 miners. 5 out 5 Paws; Devour it!
February 2016 | Spotlight | REVIEWS 5
Welcoming author Wes Moore to Springfield
Moore brings his wisdom and experiences to 80th anniversary of the Springfield Public Forum
T
By Jailene Rodriguez and Andrei Danilchenko
his past summer, students in all grades were required to read “The Other Wes Moore” by Wes Moore. After reading the book, English classes were able to discuss how it relates to everyday decisions. The discussion lead to a conversation about what influences character and what about these two boys made them the men they are today. Now Moore is a Rhodes Scholar, army veteran, and accomplished author. The “other” Wes Moore is presently serving life in prison. Earlier this winter, Moore spoke at the Springfield Symphony Hall in honor of the 80th anniversary of Springfield’s public forum. During his speech, Moore addressed one important question, “who will we choose to fight for?”
‘Who will we choose to fight for?’ -Wes Moore
Staff photos by Andrei Danilchenko and Maritza Roman
Moore said he believes that the most important things that you should fight for are the people close to you, your own beliefs, and for those who can’t defend themselves. Moore revealed that the title of the book was not the one that he wanted. His editors and publisher chose the cover and title of the book. He also explained that the title symbolizes the fact that there is always “another Wes Moore.” Whether it be in school, in the form of outcasts, or in your neighborhood one can always find someone like the other Wes Moore. The impact that one choice can make often creates the line between people and “others.” That choice can lead other to neagtive or positive decisions. It is up to each person to take responsibilty over their own choices and actions. Wes’ relationship with the other Wes Moore is a connection that few will experience. Wes Moore said, “Wes got life in prison, this is his 14th year. He is devoting his life to making sure that people understand his story so that
they may make better decisions.” Moore also said he grew up believing that people are a product of their environment. It wasn’t until he finally met the other Wes Moore that they discussed this topic and Moore’s views evolved. He learned that “people are a product of their expectations.” and Moore realized that he was accurate.
‘People are a product of their expectations.’ -The “other” Wes Moore While speaking with the other Wes Moore as he was writing the book, Moore said that, “The only way I could have gotten this book done was through talking to Wes. There is no way I could have written this book without him.” He revealed a memory about speaking to one of Wes’ friends, “I remember one day I called Woody, I asked him how was it like growing up in Baltimore and Woody answered, ‘it was cool’. Woody was giving me nothing and I didn’t blame him, because when someone randomly calls you up and starts asking questions, I wouldn’t answer.” Moore proceed to say, “after a couple days, Woody called me and he said, ‘hey listen I talked to Wes and I want to meet up.’” Wes met up with Woody and he took Wes everywhere and talked to him about everything. Moore said, “The only way that Woody opened up to me was when Wes gave him permission. That’s the same with Woody, the same with Wes’s friends, and the same with his family.” Moore answered questions from many local high school and college students that night. He kept repeating the lessons he has learned throughout his lifetime. Moore looked to the audience one last time that night and said, “remember that every desion you take will affect you for the rest of you life”. The lesson that Moore wanted to communicate to his readers is that every decision is important. Moore also said,“It’s about all of us, and that’s the idea I wanted to share.”
ALL SMILES: Author Wes Moore talked about his life experiences in front of roughly 200 people at the Springfield Forum in December. 6 NEWS | Spotlight | February 2016
February 2016 | Spotlight | NEWS 7
Spotlight adheres to the Massachusetts Student Free Expression Law “Freedom of expression shall include without limitation, the rights and responsibilities of students, collectively and individually, (a) to express their views through speech and symbols, (b) to write, publish and disseminate their views, (c) to assemble peaceably on school property for the purpose of expressing their opinions. “No expression made by students in the exercise of such rights shall be deemed to be an expression of school policy and no school officials shall be held responsible in any civil or criminal action for any expression made or published by the students.”
8 | Spotlight | February 2016
STANDARDIZED TESTING: unrealistic measure of knowledge By Lexi Bogalhas As juniors and seniors in high school, we are expected to take the SAT. We have had plenty of practice throughout the years from the MCAS. However, we don’t really understand the reasoning behind why we take it. We just accept the fact that we need to sit down and take a test lasting for hours, measuring “how smart we are.” Not everyone is book smart. In fact, most aren’t. It can be challenging for students to sit down and memorize material that most of which you will never use again. To test students on what they know “from the classroom” is an unfair way of measuring intelligence. The SAT is a test that was introduced in 1926 that is
used to place students in colleges based on their score. It is critical to take the test if the student wishes to get into a four-year college. And lastly, it says that it tests what you already know. I believe that what the College Board is suggesting is false. This one test should not determine how smart a person
is, nor should it decide for you your path of education. Not every person learns at the same speed or can pick up on material in the same way others do. This test should not prove to the college you apply to if you are fit to get in or not. The other point that the College Board brought up is that all material on the test is material
File photo by Spotlight staff
f
Be
l e s r You
we already know. There are definitely questions on the test that students have yet to learn. Some students may not be up to that level of education, however, they are being tested on it. In life, no one bases their opinions of people strictly off of their intelligence. Should colleges do the same? Yes, I do understand that school is for education; however, people may do well in certain areas more than others that the test doesn’t hit. I strongly believe that SAT testing should not be held against someone for the rest of their life. There are many more components to being a human being than one test can tell, and I do believe people have more to show and bring forth to the table than can be shown through one test.
Students feel pressure to do well while test taking.
this world that make it harder to find ourselves and harder to act as we wish. Judgment from others, laws and rules, or just self confusion and doubt are some restrictions. People aren’t meant to be
should be who they truly are, if that means dressing like a By Renee Stoltz cowboy one day and dressing People aren’t always who like a rockstar the next, that’s they appear to be. People have fine. Go eat oreos on your roof, other sides of themselves that in a onesie, on a summer night. they keep hidden deep down. Play your ukulele in the streets As the human mind and and halls for everyone body continue to grow, ‘Be yourself; everyone to hear. Be the try-hard, we have to figure out who or the slacker. Be the we are, who we were, and else is already taken .’ - one who makes a fool of who we want to be. These themselves in front of the Oscar Wilde realizations are what all teencrowd. Be whoever you agers and adults have to face clones. It is perfectly fine to and decipher. Trying to figure be different from the majority. out who you are is difficult for We shouldn’t have to live in a a lot of people. There are many world where people are afraid restrictions and limitations in to different. Humans should be allowed to be whoever they want to be, regardless of other’s opinions. Whether you are black, white, gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, asexual, male, female, etc.. we all bleed the same color. As long as your actions do Creative Commons image by THEMACGIRL on Flickr not hurt others, you should Be unique, be yourself, be allowed to do anything Contributed photo by Tasha Blanchard that makes you happy. People stand out from the crowd.
‘Be yourself- not your idea of what you think somebody else’s idea of yourself should be.’ - Henry David Thoreau are because we are literally walking sacks of meat and blood trying to have a good time. Be proud of what you like, own it, and don’t let the judgment of others keep you from your happiness. Life is miserable when you try to fit in just to please others. It’s time that we get sick of living in fear, and show our true selves because we are all beautiful in our own unique way. Don’t judge so much, live for yourself, and be yourself.
February 2016 | Spotlight | OPINIONS 9
Spotlight Shines On The following articles represent the opinions of the Spotlight staff as a whole.
What Is love? Creative commons image by Susanne Nilsson on flickr
“Love is balance. You need to make sure that the other person is happy, but you cannot forget about yourself. Love is the unconditional feeling you get when you are with someone. When you love someone, they mean the world to you.” - Sam Carey “Love is a deep feeling of affection toward someone or something that means more than anything to you. A bond that cannot be easily broken. Love is not easy to find but once you have it, you will know it.” - Lexi Bogalhas
“Love is what we find when we stop looking for it.” - Brianna Ingham “Love is a feeling of strong devotion to someone or something, resulting in many outcomes (good or bad), as time goes on. It could either be the most painful thing in the world, or the best thing in the world. It can make your life feel like heaven and hell at the same time. It makes you sick in a good way” - Renee Stoltz “Love is understanding.” - Peter Billman-Golemme
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) - Jailene Rodriguez “Love is the feeling that you will get when you meet the one person who makes you the person you want to be. They better you without even trying, and
you can’t see yourself without them. You wouldn’t trade the relationship you have with that person for anything. - Andrei Danilchenko
“Love is more than just a feeling. It is a connection or unbreakable bond that two people share. That person does not change who we are, but they bring out the best sides of us. Love is acceptance, trust, honesty, compassion, understanding, and many other factors that end up resulting in an affectionate and passionate bond between the two.” - Maritza Roman
Changes could make guidance more efficient Typically, most high schools around the country
have a guidance staff that assists students for academic and emotional reasons. Aside from schoolwork, students may have specific concerns that may need individual attention from a counselor. As seniors approach the time of college planning and applying, the guidance staff is booked with appointments for them. This creates a buildup of students seeking the advice and help from only a small amount
of staff members. The Spotlight staff has come up with the following idea to possibly help the situation. It was agreed that we could divide the staff into sections for different situations in our guidance department. For instance, one could be for college, one could be for classes and schedule changes, and one could be for handling personal issues or emotional breakdowns. One more councelor could also be added for miscellaneous issues.
10 EDITORIALS | Spotlight | February 2016
One Spotlight member suggested that since guidance is closed sometimes, there should be a counselor that’s always there for emergencies. One student pointed out that there were more guidance staff five years ago than there are today, so there is precident for adding another counselor. The guidance staff are wonderful and very helpful as it is, but by making a few tweaks and an addition, the department could be an even better resource for students.
File photo by Spotlight staff
COUNSELOR: Andy Meeker serves as an advocate for students and their needs.
Gatzounas joins 1,000 point club By Samantha Carey
Contributed Photos by Corol Lollis
TIGERS VICTORY: Highlights of Gatzounas playing during her 1000th point game
Sophie Gatzounas, junior, reached 1,000 points during her game against Monson in Januray. During the game, Gatzounas was at 998 points when she went up to the foul line. “My friends had a countdown sign, so I knew,” Gatzounas said. “This game was just a huge game. We just clinched playoffs. First league win, it just kind of happened along the way. It’s only appropriate, I like free throws… I didn’t feel nervous though. I thought if these go in, cool. The last one, as soon as it went off my hands, I knew it was going in. It felt good.” Her goal now is to win Western Mass with her team.
Cheerleading is a sport
By Samantha Carey
Cheerleading is just as demanding and challenging as any other sport
rate gymnast’s moves, others are starting Basketball is a sport. to consider cheerleading a sport. Former Football is a sport. Lacrosse Cheerleader Lexi Bogalhas said “Cheeris a sport. Soccer is a sport. leading is 110% a sport. You are thrown Baseball is a sport. Softball is into the air and do tucks and handsprings a sport. Track is a sport. But and have to land without killing yourself. there has always been a quesJust watch a competition video and try to tion on whether cheerleading is replicate that”. a sport. For competitions, cheerleaders are Many people believe that put into stunts, pushed to their limits in cheerleading is just standing in tumbling, jumping as high in the air as a line chanting and cheering for possible to preform jumps and tucks, as the team. In some cases that is well as lifting other girls in the air holdtrue. Cheerleaders do stand on ing them there while still cheering loudly the sidelines of games cheering for all to hear, and then tossing them for the team that is playing, but high to do a twist, then catching them they also do competitions. Flybefore they hit the ground. ers are thrown into the air and I can only imagine trying to be a bases are their floor. CheerleadContributed Photo by Amirah Sheehan-Miles cheerleader, and the amount of effort it ers tumble and jump and do all must take. I dance which is only half of what types of stunts. the cheerleaders do. Throwing my body in the air and wishing that At this moment, people are trying to get cheerleading to I don’t fall and break my neck is terrifying. Congrats to those who become an Olympic sport. Now that cheerleaders incorpocheerlead, because you do things others only wish they could do.
Winter Sports Recap By Samantha Carey Wrestling- Won the league title and are undefeated Girls Indoor Track- League Champions! Katie Evans, Sarah Fudger, Morgan Harrington, and Kyra Schoenfeld place first at Western Mass for the 4x4. Record 11-0 Boys Indoor Track- record 8-3 Cheerleading- first team in Massachusetts to compete in a new division called Game Day
Girls Basketball- 6th place in Western Mass with a record of 10-1. Sophie Gatzounas scores her 1,000th point. Boys Basketball- record 4-6 Girls Swimming- Lost league title. Two more league meets that they are predicted to win. Record 6-4 Boys Swimming- record 4-6 Hockey- record 6-8-2 February 2016 | Spotlight | SPORTS 11
Cotillion 2016
12 COTILLION | Spotlight | February 2016
Contributed photos by Karen Walsh Pio and South Hadley community