December 2023

2023-2024 • Issue 3 • December 2023 | Strath Haven High School • 205 South Providence Road • Wallingford, PA 19086 | shpantherpress.com

GENERATIVE AI PROMPT: “A photo of a high school student at a computer screen trying to decide if generative AI is plagiarism. You can see them from the back view.

Make it VERY ANXIOUS.” IMAGE: IMAGINEAI

vs.

Academic Integrity Does Artificial Intelligence get in the way of learning? Or can it help?

HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY, HAVEN!

OG FORTNITE COMES BACK

Lovely little facts about the high school you never knew.

Students are spawning back into the battle bus.

PAGE 4

PAGE 6

PERIOD PROBLEMS Where are the menstrual products in bathrooms?

PAGE 14

2

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Student art is just as important as trophies Strath Haven needs a better system to get student art on the walls.

Editorial Board

H

The unsigned editorial represents the opinion of the Editorial Board, which consists of the majority of the student editorial staff listed on this page.

alfway through the school year, However, art teachers alone simply don’t we have had time to appreciate have enough time to put up every piece additions to the school, such as worth showcasing, only to have them the cardboard countertops and new blue taken down whenever administration furniture. or athletics identifies an administrative But students and staff can still make need. cheap, huge-impact improvements.

It’s imperative that we get over this As a school with such a robust art hurdle, because we can only see student program, we should focus on getting work if it’s on the walls. Student creativity student art on the walls, whether that deserves to be celebrated. be by using displays to their fullest, or by When art goes online—such as an getting students to pitch in.

Instagram or Facebook post—a lot of Strath Haven could be times, it gets overlooked. made more aesthetically People mostly care about pleasing through art. The visual arts should things that affect them, Although the faux and the artist’s peers may marble countertops are be spotlighted in not see a reason to click on appreciated, many hallways a way that allows a post that does not relate are missing a vital part every student to to them. of any art-appreciating experience the On the other hand, school—student work. physical displays surround beauty of our arts Right now, there is a lot students with art. It’s of pressure on art teachers community. harder to avoid, and its to showcase student work. constant presence may Art has been stripped from make students feel more cases to make room for sports trophies or comfortable and curious about the stories multicultural displays. We’re really just behind it. playing a game of how long we can have For students who have been working student art on the walls before it gets their whole lives to be better artists, and for taken down for any ambiguous reason. students who are just starting out, having The pressure to display art should not a chance for their peers to sample their be solely on visual arts teachers. Students work can make all the difference. They can take the initiative to coordinate work extremely hard, and in the same way displays of their work in a variety of ways. the marching band demonstrates their Art also has a broader definition than talent at the football games, the visual solely what is created in visual art classes. arts should be spotlighted in a way that Other classes that create projects, posters, allows every student to experience the or visual examples should showcase their beauty of our arts community. work, too.

There is a nervous, butterflies-in-yourLast year, we published a column about stomach sort of feeling when you know the lack of art on the walls. The displays something you’ve created is going up for shown in the featured photo aren’t there your peers to see. any more. At the class of 2026 orientation, This is true for everyone in the freshmen were given a chance to take a newspaper, especially us editors. We put ceramic object home from one of those in a lot of time to create issues like these, displays. That didn’t happen this year. hoping that they’ll reach someone. It On the third floor, there is a display case makes our day when we see someone grab full of pieces from AP art, and right across a paper from the stand or compliment (or from it, framed student photographs. even criticize) us.

If you walk down the music hall, there Putting up art can boost students’ selfare paintings–and all of these are great esteem when they realize that other examples of the incredible potential of students are actually appreciating it, too. our student artists.

Not only does hanging up art give We need more. students a sense of ownership and

accomplishment, it can also provide a more welcoming environment.

Park West Gallery summarized a research study published in 2015 titled ‘Your Brain on Art’, stating that decision making and attention can be improved when viewing art.

The gallery also said that “there is an even higher increase in the brain’s gamma wave activity, which is linked to information processing and cognition.”

They’re not the only ones who agree that experiencing art can have a positive impact.

Greater Good Magazine, which is based in UC Berkeley with a focus on social and emotional well-being, wrote in 2023 that art’s ability to engage all of the functions in our brain is one of the main reasons why it’s so good for us.

“We are drawn to experiencing art, because doing so lights up the pleasure centers of our brains, creating a warm feeling that encourages us to want more of the same—much the way our brains respond to fulfilling basic needs,” the magazine article stated.

Because of these positive impacts, more artwork displayed on the school walls may even benefit students’ academic performance.

Wallingford Elementary School has successfully added larger scale art on their walls. Right outside of the gym down the hallway at WES, in 2017, elementary students helped to make a colorful mural that spans more than two walls from floor to ceiling.

Fun fact: the high school used to have more murals as well before COVID. They got painted over during the pandemic.

After finding better ways to showcase smaller, individual student projects, we should think about adding murals back into hallways as well.

Student art on the walls can be more than just decoration. It could and should be a testament to the dedication and thoughtfulness of every artist who helped create the rich program offerings we have today.*

How school kills creativity

I would have thought of a more creative title but I couldn’t.

Luci DiBonaventura ’25

C

Detours Editor

reativity is just as important as literacy and should be prioritized in schools.

It’s important to note that while everyone is born an artist, it’s through practice in which skill is developed. As many students progress through the years they seem to notice their creativity fading. At the same time, they adapt to remembering terms and standardized testing.

Creativity encourages students to approach challenges with unique perspectives and promotes a deeper understanding of concepts.

Sophomore Hari Ghatpande believes that creativity is an essential part of education.

“Creativity is being able to use your imagination and approach problems in unique ways,” Ghatpande said. “I think with school, it’s good to have a balance

between literacy and creativity. I see that, throughout the school years, it forces people to think a certain way.”

Creative Writing teacher Ms. Reagan Lattari thinks creativity is a valuable skill that should be practiced and encouraged in school, and that the lack of creativity goes deeper than just the curriculum itself.

“A problem with creativity in our school is the social pressure,” Lattari said.

“There’s a lot of pressure to take all these math classes and sometimes students don’t take some of these other electives.”

Sophomore Pearl Tweedy agrees that the environment of the school plays a big role in students’ creativity.

“I definitely think that it’s also just how the people around our school are,” Tweedy said. “I think that people are pressured to follow others and it’s not allowing them to express themselves creatively. I feel like

that is one of the big things that is making it hard for creativity to be taught more in schools.”

Junior Isaac Peeler feels like there is a creative aspect missing from the school, not just in the curriculum, but also in the environment.

“I feel like there isn’t a lot of art around,” Peeler said. “I feel like if there were more of students’ work hung up it would encourage students to participate more in creativity.”

Creativity is a very important skill for students to develop. Students and teachers seem to notice that in Strath Haven creativity isn’t being prioritized enough and with more encouragement and teaching of it, it can benefit students.*

About

The Panther Press is the student-run publication of Strath Haven High School in Wallingford, PA. The Panther Press publishes 500 copies bimonthly in print and is distributed to classrooms and students at Strath Haven High School. The publication is also online at www. shpantherpress.com.

The Panther Press is first and foremost a reflection of the opinions and interests of the student body. For this reason, we do not publish any anonymous or teacher-written submissions, and we do not discriminate against any ideology or political opinion. While we are bound by school policy (and funding) and we will not render any article neutral, although individual points may be edited for obscene or inflammatory content.

Finally, the articles published in The Panther Press do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or advisers.

Submissions

All Strath Haven students are welcome to learn the basics of journalism and become contributors to The Panther Press. Our 2023-2024 Google Classroom code is rhupbc. Interested students should join the page to learn about upcoming meetings and training sessions.

Letters to the editor are encouraged. Any reader may submit a letter to the editor via email to strathhavenpantherpress@gmail.com. Anonymous letters will not be published. Editors reserve the right to contact letter writers or edit submissions for reasons of space or clarity.

Our staff also welcomes feedback in the comments section of The Panther Press online or via our social media. Each comment is subject to review by a student editor with support from the adviser. Online commenters on our website must have a verified email address, and comments are reviewed for defamation, profanity, obscenity, libel, and invasion of privacy. Not all comments are published.

Bylines

All contributors are listed in the bylines of stories that appear in print and online.

Photography, graphics, art, illustrations, and other creative work will be given attribution.

Unsigned editorials, when published, feature the byline of the Editorial Board

Social Media

The Panther Press maintains social media accounts on Twitter (@shpantherpress) and Instagram (@shpantherpress). The editors-inchief and social media editor manage the social media accounts in consultation with the adviser.

We encourage community members to follow us on social media for online posting and discussion of student news.

Our staff members do their best to ensure that social media content is accurate and verified. Any inaccurate information will be corrected with corrections acknowledged.

Social media participants should remember that anything posted in response to The Panther Press social media is public and reflects on our publication, our school, and the poster. Social media replies and comments will be screened for defamation, profanity, or libel.

Advertising

Print and online advertising is at the discretion of our editors. The Panther Press reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed inappropriate for high school publication or not addressed to our audience of student readers.

2023-2024 Editorial Staff Interim Editors in Chief

Matteo Ventresca ’25 Evelynn Lin ’25 Kaitlyn Ho ’26

Social Media Editor Matthew Ramirez ’26

Sports Editor

Jillian Thomas ’24

Health & Sciences Editor Kaitlyn Ho ’26

Detours Editor

Luci DiBonaventura ’25

Adviser

Ms. Kate Plows

Spotlighting

NEW

HAVEN HAPPENINGS

STAFF

Dr. Kassiani Kotsidou, Computer Science

New Computer Science teacher shares her educational background and the challenges she has faced so far.

Matteo Ventresca ’25

N

Interim Editor in Chief

ew Computer Science teacher with people,” she said. “In engineering, Dr. Kassiani Kotsidou came to many times I like to be rough because the United States from Greece. you have to have your work done. But Now, she’s engaged in teaching high in teaching, since you’re dealing with schoolers how to program using Python people, you also improve your personal and other coding languages. skills, not only your professional skills, She has a Ph.D. in which I like. I mean, at electrical engineering, the end of the day, we’re and along the way, she all human beings.” fell in love with teaching. “In teaching, since you’re The hardest challenge “I have my first degree, dealing with people, for Kotsidou was my second degree, and joining the Strath you also improve your my third degree all in Haven community electrical engineering,” personal skills, not only in the middle of the Kotsidou said. “I got my your professional skills, semester. She accepted first degree in Greece, which I like.” the position after Mrs. I came here, got my Katie McLead departed master’s degree, and Dr. Kassiani Kotsidou for another position then I was working as a earlier this fall. software engineer.”

“For two weeks, I While she was working was quiet,” Kotsidou on her doctorate, she discovered her said. “I was letting the students continue passion for teaching, and began teaching whatever they were doing. But, after that, at small regional institutions.

I tried to be more productive. I met a lot “Around the time that we were hit by of opposition because you guys got to do COVID, I did substitute teaching. So I whatever you used to do, and that was the started to teach in a certificate program most challenging.” and I ended up here,” she said.

In her past teaching, due to her heavy Kotsidou said that she loves teaching Greek accent, she had some issues teenagers because it has many moral with students not understanding her advantages. completely. She is still finding the best “The thing I love is that you’re dealing ways to communicate clearly to her Strath

Haven students.

“To combat the language barrier, I try to present a lot of information in writing,” Kotsidou said. “I try to have slides, and I encourage students if they don’t understand something. Sometimes, I use a text-to-speech editor so that what I want to say, you will hear it in a more natural language. Sometimes I play the words from the dictionary.”

Although it may sometimes be difficult to understand her when she talks, some students have expressed appreciation because it may help them in the future.

“If the students really want to understand there is a way, and some students told me that they do appreciate that I have an accent because it prepares them for the global market,” she said. “So it’s not all that bad.”

Kotsidou hopes to settle in and have the students get used to her teaching. “[I look forward] to get acclimated with the environment, to have the students get used to my style of teaching because everyone has their own style of doing stuff,” she said. “That will improve both my life and the lives of the students and do something to push them. I think all the teachers are supposed to do that.”*

DR. KASSIANI KOTSIDOU PHOTO: MATTEO VENTRESCA

Schoology switch means mid-year change

After the first semester is over, Strath Haven High School will switch from Google Classroom to Schoology.

Advaya Singh ‘27

S

Contributor

trath Haven has been using Google Classroom as a learning platform in classes. However, in January, they will be switching to Schoology.

Some select teachers in a pilot group have already implemented Schoology in their classrooms, including librarian Mrs. Beth Cohen.

After news of the switch was announced by the administration, Cohen was curious to see what it would be like.

“I like that I don’t have to import grades into PowerSchool,” she said. “When I grade in Schoology, it goes right into PowerSchool.”

This will save time for teachers as they spend much time moving Google Classroom grades into PowerSchool, where the grade is “official.”

Though there may be some benefits for teachers, students who were subject to the change in the first quarter have strong opinions about it.

“I was kind of annoyed because I already didn’t know how Google Classroom works,” freshman Nico McPherson said. As a firstyear student, McPherson needed to learn two different online systems in order to manage his classes.

Sophomore Eddie Gebhardt was subject to the switch in the first semester. “I dislike that

it’s not very well made. So it’s hard to find your assignments and stuff,” he said.

Schoology presents a challenging midyear change for students and teachers, so why did the administration put the switch in place at all?

“My understanding is that the district wanted a true learning management system or an LMS which Google Classroom is not,” Cohen said.

According to the WSSD Educational Affairs Meeting presentation on February 1, 2023, a learning management system simplifies teaching and learning by organizing content in a central location, enabling teachers, administrators, students, and families to have access to up-todate information.

The meeting slides state that Google Classroom is not a learning management system.

Even though some feedback is negative, students and teachers agreed that it would just take a little time to get adjusted to it.

“I think once people get used to using it, it’ll be a quick transition,” Cohen said. “I think anything new and different is going to be a little intimidating, but once people dive in and get used to using it, it’s going to become regular pretty quick.”*

“I think anything new and different is going to be a little intimidating, but once people dive in and get used to using it, it’s going to become regular pretty quick.”

-Mrs. Beth Cohen

3

4

HAVEN HAPPENINGS

THE WALL: Alumnus Carl Gersbach shares his journey

from football to business success

Have you ever stopped to catch a glimpse at the Wall of Honor? We continue a series of interviews of noted alumni with a profile of a former NFL player.

Matteo Ventresca ‘25

C

Interim Editor in Chief

arl Gersbach is currently the Senior Vice President of Global Commercial Real Estate Services in Radnor, PA. But before his real estate career, he played for seven seasons in the NFL as a linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, San Diego Chargers, Chicago Bears, and St. Louis Cardinals.

Gersbach graduated from Swarthmore High School in 1964, prior the consolidation of Swarthmore High School and Nether Providence High School to form Strath Haven in 1983. He graduated from West Chester State University in 1968.

“I played football, basketball, and baseball, and was involved with the varsity team. Those were people that had earned letters in sports, but most of my extracurricular activities centered around sports as opposed to academic-type things,” Gersbach said.

Gersbach was elected to the All-Delco Team in his senior year, which was one of his favorite memories from high school.

“I’m sitting here in my den and I still have the picture of the team, the All-Delco Team from 1964. That was a highlight,”

he said.

Gersbach recalls playing on Thanksgiving morning, as well as playing against Nether Providence High School.

“I think my senior year one of the big things that happened at Swarthmore, was every year, we played on Thanksgiving Day morning,” he said. “Ten a.m., we played Lansdowne and we beat them.

That was a big game.”

“We would play Nether Providence every year and they were always tough, and I’m not sure that we ever beat them,” he said.

“But they were always very competitive games.”

He also appreciated being a part of the Swarthmore community and what it had to offer.

“I really enjoyed growing up in Swarthmore, and enjoyed the relationships with my fellow students,” Gersbach said. “We still have a lot of us stay in fairly close touch with one another, but we’re playing golf now instead of football. We used to all hang out at the Howard Johnson’s and we’d see each other there and have always had a lot of fun together.”

The person who helped him achieve

his success was his football and baseball coach, Millard Robinson. Robinson served as the head football coach at Swarthmore High School from 1949 to 1972.

“I remember one night, for some reason, we were down at the [Swarthmore] college, and a confrontation was supposed to start between some of the college students and the high school students,” he said. “We probably would have gotten our butts kicked, and all of a sudden, Millard Robinson showed up and diffused the whole thing, and we all went home safe and sound. So he’s a wonderful guy, very smart, and very demanding. He had a big influence on me in high school.”

The Class of ’64 is currently planning its 60-year get-together for the summer of 2024.

“Right now, we’re planning our site.

We’re on the phone. We’re doing Zoom meetings. We’re trying to put this together for the summer of 2024 to have a reunion which we haven’t had now for 20 years,” he said.

Overall, Gersbach is grateful for his training and sports background, claiming that it helped his success.

CARL GERSBACH ‘64 • Swarthmore High School alumnus spent seven years playing in the NFL. PHOTO PROVIDED BY GERSBACH INSET: cbre.com

“I was grateful to grow up in the environment where I grew up,” he said.

“It’s helped me throughout life. My sports background has been very significant in my success in the business world. All in all, I would say my training was really helpful in the overall success that I’ve had in life, and not that I’m claiming to be this great success, but things have gone pretty well.”*

Fun facts about Strath Haven

As the high school reaches its 40th anniversary, its history leaves a lot to be uncovered.

Charlie Sharif ’27

I

Contributor

n 1983, our very own Strath Haven High School was founded.

This was a result of a merger between Swarthmore High School and Nether Providence High School. It’s been 40 years since, and Strath Haven is one of the best schools in Pennsylvania— ranked #18 on Niche.com and #32 in US News and World Report.

The merger makes our school young in the Central League. By contrast, Penncrest was founded in 1955, Marple Newtown in 1914, and Radnor High School in 1893.

The merger itself seems to have gone smoothly. In the very first issue of the school newspaper “The Panther Press,” published on October 14, 1983, the staff editorial stated, “One would expect the first year in a merged school to be shaky and unpredictable, but the absence of such effects indicates that all the time, effort, and preparation which went into the construction have paid off.”

Fun fact: did you know that one of the students from the class of 1983 teaches here at Strath Haven?

That teacher would be math teacher Mrs. Lisa Sweeney.

“As a student, it was great, because we got to meet a whole other group of people who came from the other high school,” Sweeney said. “So it increased our class size, we had a lot more people involved in sports and activities and music.”

“And so for me, personally, I really enjoyed it because I’m still very good friends with many of the people that I met when we joined,” she said.

Sweeney watched Strath 83

ESS • OCTOBER 19

FIRST PANTHER PR

Haven evolve throughout the years and has seen improvement.

“I would say one of the biggest changes would be the band, because when we came from our smaller high schools, we didn’t have the band that Strath Haven has, for sure,” she said.

“And that’s a program that really, really got built up.”

According to havenfootball. net, the school’s marching band, the Panther Marching Band, is the second largest marching band in the country, standing at over 400 students FIRST HAVEN YEARBOOK • 1984 participating.

The band contains roughly a third of the entire high school. They don’t just play at the school football games or events at school, they go to all sorts of festivals, locations, and even sometimes the Philadelphia Eagles football games.

There are many sports stars who had their sports starts at our school. In the NFL, players such as Steven Johnson (former linebacker for the Broncos, Titans, Ravens, and Steelers), Isaac Jones (former wide receiver for the Colts), and Lamar Campbell (cornerback for the Lions) came from Strath Haven. On the soccer field, Peter Luzak formerly played for the US national team. In the Olympics, Jacob Hoyle does fencing to support the American team.

In addition to the swelling achievements of the marching band, Sweeney also thinks the differences in the building itself have been significant. Since she graduated, a whole new wing was constructed.

“Again, I just think a lot of our activities, because we had a bigger student population, we’re able to grow in terms of sports teams and arts,” she said. “So, from my standpoint, coming back as a teacher, I just think we’ve had a chance to really blossom as a district because of the consolidation.”*

HAVEN HAPPENINGS

5

Student council implements changes to build student involvement

Student forums and announcements posted online allow students to become more engaged in the school community.

Evelynn Lin ’25

S

Interim Editor in Chief

ince the 2023-2024 school year began, Haven’s “I’ve also posted some [daily announcements] on Student Council representatives have focused on Instagram, which people probably will see more than a making changes to get students involved in the Google Classroom page these days,” she said. “So yeah, I school’s culture. want to have just multiple sources of engagement, and I One of these includes the implementation of posting think that is what will make it most seen.” morning announcements online to the Activities Google Besides updates to the announcements, school board Classroom. representatives and seniors Aditi Halpe and Mirella “I had gotten a lot of feedback saying people can’t hear DiPalma have held two student forums so far this year the announcements over the intercom, during fifth blocks. which is totally understandable and “Mirella and I decided this year very true,” student council president that we wanted to have these student and senior Lola Babin said. “So I started “I think our main goal forums because we noted during our posting them on the Activities pages in is to really empower campaigns that there’s really been a case someone missed something they and engage the school gap in the knowledge of school board wanted to hear.” decisions and administrative decisions According to Babin, she has seen community.” and what students know about them,” a steady increase in extracurricular Aditi Halpe ‘24 Halpe said. participation because of the School Board Representative With the forums, Halpe finds that announcements. A Google Forms hearing what some students have to system that gathers event information say first-hand has helped her better from clubs and athletics shares weekly understand what students want from meetings and events out to the entire student body. the administration.

“It’s very easy to use, and seeing people use it is fulfilling,” “It’s been really interesting to hear different perspectives, Babin said. “It’s just your name, the date you want the both from upperclassmen who’ve gone through and announcement, and what you want the announcement have noticed certain strengths or certain weaknesses for to say for when something in your club is happening or growth, and also from underclassmen, who are here for a fundraiser. It has actually increased student activity.” the first time and seeing what they really love about the There is the challenge of whether students ever even see high school or what they feel like could be improved,” the announcements online in Google Classroom, though. she said.

“I don’t really know how often people check,” Babin said.

At the WSSD School Board meeting on October 23, Babin hopes to build more channels to communicate DiPalma described student feedback on the bathrooms with the student body and is already considering using at the high school, calling the bathrooms “consistently the Student Council Instagram to further get the word in dysfunction and not available for students to use out. properly.” She stated that students would prioritize

Students and staff participate in Thanksgiving food drive, support Media Food Bank

Kindness, competition, and hard work motivated students to give their time and canned goods to help local families.

Students share excitement for break With winter break just around the corner, students reveal how they celebrate their holiday break.

Lavanya Dixit ’27, Claire Salera ’27 “I celebrate Hanukkah, and this year, it’s not over break—it starts on Thursday, December 7. So what we do is we light the Menorah every night. At my house, we get a present every night and then sometimes we’ll play Dreidel, which is a spinning top game. It’s mostly just about lighting the Menorah and spending time with family. We eat latkes too, which are kind of like hash browns, but way better.”

Mark Ball ’26

D

Reporter

uring the two weeks of school before Thanksgiving, students at Strath Haven High School donated 3,112 cans and $686.00 for the school’s annual Thanksgiving food drive, according to an email announcement from Haven Helps adviser Mrs. Beth Benzing.

Cans were collected in students’ and teachers’ first block classes for the drive, which was organized by the Haven Helps club. The class who donated the most earned a breakfast party on their day of choice. The donations were delivered to the Media Food Bank, which would be used to support local families in need.

On Monday, November 20, Haven Helps volunteers went to classrooms during fifth block to count the amount of cans each first block class had raised.

According to Benzing, the loading process is inspirational.

“The Media Food Bank comes with usually two large pickup trucks, and Strath Haven students meet in the auditorium,” Benzing said. “They disperse and collect the cans per floor and bring it to the loading docks near the music lane and load the trucks. It all happens in fifth block, in a matter of 30, 35 minutes.”

This year, Strath Haven students collected 1,016 more cans than last year’s Thanksgiving food drive. According to Benzing, this can be attributed to its

length and the hard work of the students running it. “Last year, we only donated over eight days and this year, we had two full weeks of donations,” Benzing said. “The students put a lot of time and energy into making signs and putting announcements up and being cheerleaders at promoting the food drive.”

Freshman Adam Hardy is a new student at Strath Haven who came from Media Providence Friends School. He donated Cheerios for the Thanksgiving food drive.

“It feels like a good cause, and some people aren’t as fortunate as me,” Hardy said.

The food drive takes place during Thanksgiving because the food banks are in greater need of donations.

“The food banks collect all year round.

But this time of year, they donate to more families due to the holiday seasons,” Benzing said. Math teacher Ms. Kirste Tanzosh’s first block linear algebra class donated the most cans with a total of 545. According to senior Sam Harrington, competition between the linear algebra class and other classes accelerated donations.

“After we got to 350 cans and dollars, we went over to Mrs. [Ciamaichelo]... and we saw she was about at 450,” Harrington said.

“Then we were really trying to rally.”*

changes to the bathrooms, the trailers, the athletic facilities and pool, and the library in future renovations.

While the student forums are held to grab insight from students and facilitate communication between the Board and students, Halpe believes that there is another important goal in providing forums that ask for student opinions on important school issues.

“I think our main goal is to really empower and engage the school community,” Halpe said. “Something that I think over my last four years that I’ve noticed is that students really don’t have a place to voice their concerns without it being lost in like piles of paperwork or just you complaining to a teacher after school about something and they’re like, ‘okay,’ and you never hear about it ever again.”

As the school year continues, Halpe hopes to emphasize the importance of student voice within School Board meetings.

“One thing that I’ve seen is that obviously, a lot of people are busy during fifth block, and it’s hard for them to come and speak to us,” Halpe said. “So another idea that we’ve been thinking about is sending out like a Google Form or blindly interviewing people during school or lunch, and assessing how they feel about certain decisions being made.”

Both Halpe and Babin plan to continue to develop what they have implemented thus far.

“We really want to create a space where students feel comfortable sharing what they like about the school or what they feel like could be addressed in our school environment,” Halpe said. “I personally think that this was the best way to engage students, and also have some thought and responsibility and community engagement.”*

Meredith Seidman ‘24 “During the winter holiday, I spend time with my family, I watch TV, and I hang out with my cats. I like watching the ‘Home Alone’ movies. My grandparents always come down to our house for Christmas and they always bring down this cake that is shaped like a tree that we decorate, and it’s really fun.”

Maisie Sentivan ‘27 “Normally, I don’t travel, I just usually sit at home with my family, and it’s really centered around family time.

But this year, I’m traveling and going to a national park in Florida, which will be nice. Also, my mom usually has some kind of mandatory family card game.”

Jo Kelly ‘24 “Normally, we would have the whole family over to my house. We would cook ham, and my mom would make crab dip– that is her most famous meal.”

Alberto BoydVera ’25 “I spend time with my family, normally at home. We go on a walk in the Crum Woods, and we make a lot of food and listen to a lot of music. We make a Christmas pudding, which is a British thing because my dad is British, and then we light it on fire with alcohol.”

Jeremy Peyton-Jones ‘25*

6

HAVEN HAPPENINGS

Swarthmore rainbow crosswalks targeted in homophobic vandalism

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Swarthmore were shocked to learn about the vandalism of their Pride crosswalks.

Evie Fernandez ’27, Anabella Larin ’27

O

Reporter, Contributor

n November 5, residents of the Swarthmore Tweedy said. “I would assume that something like community noticed that one of the two freshly this would happen, but it is a little bit upsetting painted rainbow crosswalks were vandalized— and it does show that while some people say that spraypainted with the words ‘no gays,’ as well as multiple there is this ‘wokeness’ going on in America in other homophobic slurs and images. general, we really aren’t that progressive. There’s The idea for rainbow crosswalks was originally pitched still a lot of hate in our country. And it’s just to the town borough by a student at Swarthmore College, disappointing.” who wanted to install them to represent and support In the end, though, what truly warmed the hearts the LGBTQIA+ community. Even when of many Swarthmore residents the student was unable to complete their was the community’s efforts in work, the members of Swarthmore soon After the vandalism repainting the crosswalks. came together and raised enough money occurred, members “As President of Swarthmore to complete the project.

Pride, and as the head organizer of the Swarthmore The crosswalks are a work in progress for installing the Pride crosswalks, in the Swarthmore area, with a third community banded I felt it was my responsibility to together to repaint planned to be painted in 2024. repair them as quickly as possible.

Swarthmore Borough Manager William the crosswalks and I’m sure the vandals had no idea Webb called the recent vandalism “a fix the damage. the emotional impact it would have straight up act of hatefulness.” on the community,” President of The vandal was not caught, due to the Swarthmore Pride Martha Perkins lack of security cameras on the crosswalk’s said. corner. However, after the vandalism occurred, members Perkins was the one to organize the repainting of the Swarthmore community banded together to of the crosswalks. Community members offered repaint the crosswalks and fix the damage. to help and gave their thanks when they saw the “Through this, we’re now looking at installing work that Perkins and other volunteers were additional cameras in the downtown area,” Webb said. doing to help make the town feel more inclusive “We have some, but we don’t have as many as we could and welcoming. have, so we’ll be working with the college early next year “I would just like to say that if you’re a part of a and look at installing some more cameras in the town marginalized community, and you feel alone, and center, as well as at Borough Hall.” you feel scared, or if you feel like you can’t be your Members of Swarthmore and surrounding true self, that there are people out there who will communities, including Haven students, were saddened love you and care for you, and just want you to to hear about the hateful acts that occurred. have the opportunity to be your true self,” Perkins PRIDE CROSSWALK IN SWARTHMORE• PHOTO: ANNABELLA LARIN “I actually wasn’t aware that they were vandalized, but said. “We’re here to support you.”* it’s honestly not surprising to me at all,” sophomore Pearl

Return of OG Fortnite invokes enthusiasm among community of gamers Fortnite’s original version is back, and some students are hopping back onto its battle bus.

Lavanya Dixit ’27, Claire Salera ’27

F

Reporters

ortnite logged 102 million hours of play on didn’t have Fortnite personally, but I just remember Saturday, November 4, just a day after its going over to my friend’s house and playing with them original version was re-released, as posted in a there,” Ball said. “It was always a lot of fun, something statement by Fortnite’s official X account.

I looked forward to, so the nostalgia was really there.

Due to several factors, Fortnite decided to re-launch I think it was sixth and seventh grade when Fortnite its original version on Friday, November 3. The recently was most popular.” released version offers the same One thing that is for sure, is that game maps, weapons, and vehicles Fortnite’s original version brings a of Fortnite’s Chapter 1, Season 5, sense of comfort to many, as players “It just alleviates stress, according to CNN Business. hadn’t specifically been fans of the Various students have been allows you to play new updates. passionate about playing the game, with your friends, and “The reason people are so excited preferring this older version and over OG Fortnite is that it was a enjoying its nostalgia. But, why is communicate with other much simpler game at the time, and this, and how do people feel about people in a way that’s not though Epic Games has been trying the return of the renowned video like school.” to move their game forward, people game? haven’t really been liking the updates For many, the new update Jamal Huff ‘26 because the game is becoming too encouraged previous players to log complicated,” sophomore Jamal Huff back onto the game, giving them an said. excuse to play the game, as well as revisit and enjoy a To come back from the fall in popularity, Epic Games pastime from years ago. took advantage of the remembrance, bringing back the “I hadn’t played Fortnite much in a couple of months beloved game that it once was. until the return of OG Fortnite, and it was really a “Over time, people got really good at the game, and great time getting on with all of my friends, who I they thought that if OG Fortnite came back, that it hadn’t played Fortnite with in a while,” senior Gabriel would fix all these problems,” Huff said. “Epic Games Ball said. “I recognized the old map, and even though I decided to fill the kids that play Fortnite up with great hadn’t played on it for months and months and years, I content by releasing OG Fortnite because everything still knew my way around, knew all the places to land, the Epic Community has wanted was OG Fortnite.” and it was a great time.”

Not just comfort, but this excitement over gameplay This nostalgia brings back the feelings of a simpler allows for genuine benefits for Fortnite’s eager time, when the game was first popular and just a community, Huff and freshman Darryl Clark agree on straightforward game to enjoy with friends. The this. original version of Fortnite—Fortnite Battle Royale— “It taught me how to be more hand-eye coordinated,” was released in 2017.

Clark said.

“In middle school, I actually didn’t have an Xbox and Additionally, this pastime allows for players to

OG FORTNITE MAP • EPIC GAMES

communicate in a laid-back manner, which can be stress-relieving and positive.

“OG Fortnite, it just alleviates stress, allows you to play with your friends, and communicate with other people in a way that’s not like school,” Huff said.

As the return of Fortnite OG has created intense enthusiasm among veteran players, the excitement over the game still aims to draw in new players.

“If you don’t play Fortnite, you better get on Fortnite right now,” Clark said. *

HAVEN HAPPENINGS

7

ALUMNI PRO: Jonathan Hardy ’12 supports students, technology needs Technology specialist and alumnus impacts the school community through his job and personality.

Mark Ball ’26

O

Reporter

n any given school day, Technology in casual conversation, but he’s also somebody Specialist and Strath Haven 2012 that will work with you,” Bellini said. “He’s a very graduate Jonathan Hardy “parkours dedicated person. He’s somebody who brings through the halls of Strath people together.”

Haven High School” to fix He also helped Bellini with a troubling technological personal problem. problems for students and staff. “Putting my eyes on the “I had a lot of gripes with the He has always enjoyed system and getting in and [tech] crew last year because technology, and he had a helping them out as fast I wasn’t able to get on the passion for tech crew in high [sound] board,” Bellini said. school. Today, he runs the tech as possible—that‘s what “That was of my own doing, crew and supports students brings me joy.” but he helped me work through with the same interests. that.”

In his role as a technology Mr. Jonathan Hardy ‘12 Hardy helps out with school specialist, Hardy makes sure plays and musicals.

He Chromebooks, desktops, and organizes the set, lights, and the internet functions are maintained. He keeps stage design involved with the performances. a record of every Chromebook that comes in “I take the director’s vision and try to have it fit and out of the high school and solves technical the environment that we’re in,” Hardy said. problems for students and staff.

In the Strath Haven musical “Grease”, Hardy’s “To some teachers or students, they may feel like dog Tiny appeared in the song, “Raining on Prom the problem is overly complex, but I can solve it Night.” fairly quickly,” Hardy said.

“He got lots of treats and chilled backstage until Hardy likes that he can give people peace of mind his cameo appearance,” Hardy said. by helping them solve issues with technology.

English teacher Mrs. Miriam Drew taught “It’s first block and maybe their projector is Hardy in 10th grade and has a strong impression not turning on. Or it’s on but it’s not displaying of his character. anything,” Hardy said. “Putting my eyes on the “When he asked me write to his recommendation system and getting in and helping them out as letter for college when he was a senior, I was fast as possible—that‘s what brings me joy.” happy to say yes because even though he was a According to senior and tech crew member student who didn’t always get perfect grades, he TOP: HARD-Y AT WORK • Jonathan Hardy smiles as he fixes a Chromebook.

Michelangelo Bellini, Hardy has a very likable had the character of someone who I was happy to PHOTO: MARK BALL | BOTTOM • TINY MOMENTS • Hardy’s dog, Tiny, shares personality. write about,” Drew said.* the spotlight during the “Grease” performance of “Raining on Prom Night.” PHOTO: CHARLOTTE HORETSKY “He’s someone you can have a lot of fun with just

FEATURED CLASS:

Biotechnology offers hands-on science learning

Elective science class provides real-world connections for juniors and seniors.

Lucy Karn ’24

H

Reporter

FOCUS AND PRECISION • Senior Maxwell Zarko holds a micropipette and a veil of extracted DNA during first block Honors Biotechnology on Wednesday, December 13. Before analyzing DNA, students extracted pieces of their produce and replicated its DNA using a Polymerase Chain Reaction machine before collecting it into veils. “The importance of being precise was all that was flooding through my head,” Zarko said. PHOTO: JOE LYNCH

aven students looking for a fun and interesting “I’ve been teaching pandemics for 20 years,” he said. course should consider Mr. Timothy Styer’s “And we predicted a big one was coming. Guess what biotechnology class. Biotechnology, usually came? A big one!” made up of juniors and seniors, is a science class that This class emphasizes the importance of learning by focuses on the issues that face humanity today, such as doing, providing students many opportunities for handsfood resources, sustainable materials, on experiments. and global pandemics.

“My favorite part has been the different Styer described biotech as a labs that we have been doing,” senior combination of all the sciences, which is “There is not a thing Jayana Jackson-Purnell said. “I am more what makes it so much fun for students that we do that of a hands-on learner and it gives me the to take. Students are able to apply their will not affect my experience I need to truly understand knowledge from previous classes and what we are working on.” students, infect my extend it in an experimental way.

Biotech allows students to study “You’re taking the basic processes students, or somehow complex topics like microbiology, that we understand. And because we be involved with them virology, pathology, epidemiology, genetic understand them, then we can play with directly.” engineering, and GMOs. them. We can manipulate them and we “So far, I have learned a lot of interesting Mr. Timothy Styer can make them work for us,” Styer said. things and have done a lot of in-depth The science of biotechnology is the labs involving the transduction of E.coli, exploitation of the basic sciences to separating the GMOs that are in certain optimize industry, crop, and medicine production and is foods, using PCR to diagnose patients with certain used to improve human lives every day. symptoms, etc,” senior Sophia Hoppe said.

“There’s not a thing that we do that will not affect my Styer thinks that all students at Haven should take students, infect my students, or somehow be involved biotech to experience a lab-based course, try something with them directly,” Styer said. new, and understand what is going on in the world today.

Because biotech focuses on optimal production and Many of his students think that his teaching is also a creation, Styer states that it will be very influential in the great reason to take the course. future.

“The subject isn’t too hard, and it’s interesting,” senior “I saw it as something which is going to be extremely Liang He said. “The biggest reason why I’d recommend important in the future, very integral in all of our lives,” it would be to have Mr. Styer as your teacher. It’s a chill Styer said. “You know, people say, ‘When am I going to class that still challenges your skill in the lab and your use this?’ That’s never said in my classes. Everything we knowledge about science.”* do is very applicable to what’s going on today, which I love.”

According to Styer, events in the real world—like the COVID-19 pandemic—relate to the topics he covers in class.

8

HAVEN ARTS

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Julian Mendez hits high notes in music production, streaming success Being an independent producer has given senior Julian Mendez a new passion for music.

Josie Wieland ’26

T

Reporter

he world of music production has opened senior Julian Mendez up to a unique outlet of selfexpression, and has also given him an abundance of opportunities and connections.

Mendez shares his music on a variety of platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. On Spotify, he has gained approximately 45,911 monthly listeners and 666,100 streams over the past year.

The music that Mendez creates falls under genres ranging from hip-hop to pop, and he finds inspiration from all sorts of music.

“I listen to a lot of different types of music, like way different than what I usually make,” Mendez said. “I’ll listen to anything from Taylor Swift to Lil Uzi. Listening to lots of genres kind of lets you take a bit from each genre and make it your own.”

Although it wasn’t originally his intention to start producing music, that quickly changed once his curiosity was piqued.

“I bought the software and everything, and I just kind of started from there,” he said.

The software that Mendez uses to make his music has been an important factor in the development of his skills.

“It’s called a Digital Audio Workstation, and it’s kind of like my main setup,” he said. “I use FL Studio, which a lot of people think you can only use as a beginner, but I stuck with it, and it’s been pretty well consistently. As I got bigger, I added more plug-ins that you can buy and it was good to be able to add on to what I already had.”

After his song, “7 Weeks & 3 Days Remix” blew up on TikTok, Mendez had his first taste of success and is continuing to work on more releases that will expand his discography.

“I’m currently working on a few new tracks that will be released in the next month or two,” he said. “It’s all finished, but it takes a while to put something out because you have to schedule it and things like that for promotions and all that.”

Mendez has gradually gained a large audience for his music, and has received lots of support and motivation from his listeners.

“I hate to say that numbers motivate me, but when I see that people enjoy it, and when I get messages from fans or supporters if you will, it just motivates me to make more,” he said.

The accumulation of so many listeners has been an intriguing experience for Mendez.

“It’s cool, I like to see how when I open up a graph, I can see how many listeners I have each day or how many streams,” he said. “It’s kind of weird because I never visualize the people, I kind of just see a number. It would be interesting to see the amount of people as a whole.”

Mendez’s skills as a music producer have also been applied to school, as music teacher Mr. Steve Fischer has seen his interest grow through music software class.

“As he became more successful and more people began to appreciate his music online, it helped him grow even in the class,” Fischer said. “He seemed to really focused more on producing the music and really try to be more meticulous with what he wanted to have happen in the music.”

In the future, Mendez hopes to improve his skills and expand his knowledge regarding the world of music production through college.

“I like to tell people that music is half the music you put in and half the marketing and business tactics that you use, so a lot of it can apply to any type of business or marketing program, like advertising specifically,” he said. “So, I was thinking of possibly going into something like that.”

The music that Mendez creates has touched many people, notably his closest friends. Senior Elias Vite has been with Mendez from the beginning of his journey as a music producer, and has seen his passion firsthand.

Vite was not aware that Mendez was producing music at first, until one day when his friend showed him that one of his first songs hit 10,000 streams.

“Ever since then, I could tell that it’s been a large part of his life,” Vite said. “Anyone around him sees his passion for it growing each day, especially as he succeeds even more. He’s reached a point that a lot of people dream of, and I’m excited to see him succeed even more.”*

PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST • PHOTO & SPOTIFY WRAPPED SCREEN SUPPLIED BY JULIAN MENDEZ

Spring musical sparks excitement

After the successful run of the play “Romeo and Juliet,” it’s time for something “fetch.”

Matthew Ramirez ’26

T

Social Media Editor

his spring, the Strath Haven Theatre production team will perform the high school musical version of Tina Fey’s popular 2004 hit movie, “Mean Girls.”

Musical auditions were held on November 13, 14, and 15.

“There were two days worth of auditions and a day of call-backs,” teacher and assistant director of “Mean Girls” Roxie Everly said.

About 75 students came prepared with lines and music of their preferred character for the musical auditions.

“On the first day of auditions, everybody had certain sets of lines and snippets of their character saying something, and then everyone had picked a song for singing, which is about 16 bars of music,” Everly said.

For the second day of auditions, students learned some brief choreography to one of the musical numbers of the production.

“We learned the dance to ‘Apex Predator’ on the stage, and we performed it,” senior Henry Reacher said.

On the final day of auditions, selected cast members were called back for a final audition.

“I was fortunately called back, so we did some scene work, where I sang the Aaron and the Damian excerpt, which I had learned,” Reacher said.

The final cast list was released a week after auditions. Reacher was cast as lead Damian Hubbard, and junior Josie Tolson was thrilled about the character she had gotten.

“I found out I had got Cady [Heron] and I was so excited,” Tolson said. “I definitely encourage everyone to audition for the musical, it’s a super fun experience.”

This spring musical anticipates a loaded stage full of energy.

“I think it’s going to be a really fun show,” Everly said. “‘Grease’ was a fun show last year and it [‘Mean Girls’] is very ‘legally-blonde-esque.’ I think it’s going to be really fun when we put it together.”

For many cast members, the spring musical brings new experiences to Haven’s performing arts.

“I’m really excited to learn different parts about this artistry and the musical in a way I’ve never before, this is my first time really ever doing a musical in high school,” Reacher said. “I’m so ready to test myself out as a performer and learn and experience what the performing arts are in that aspect.”

The musical opens the last weekend of February and runs through the first weekend of March.

“I can’t wait to be onstage and show people what we’re working on,” Tolson said. “I think it’s going to be awesome.”*

PREPARING AHEAD • Audition members perform choreography for the song “Apex Predator.”

“I’m ready to test myself out as a performer and learn and experience what the performing arts are,” senior Henry Reacher, who plays Damian Hubbard, said. • Cast members sing one of the many musical numbers in the”Mean Girls” musical on Wednesday, November 29 in the choral room. PHOTO: MATTHEW RAMIREZ

HAVEN ARTS

9

Headlining Haven Music

Musicians move from marching season to on-stage performance season, while Pignataro teases kelly green possibility.

Alex Thornton ‘25

T

Contributor

he Panther Marching Band has come to an end after a long season; however, the break will be short, due to the upcoming performances from the symphonic and jazz bands.

The season was lengthy, and players in both the football team and marching band will finally get to rest—for a day or so. Many of the band members have moved on to other performance ensembles, and many of the football players have moved on to winter sports.

“I think that we’ve really come together as a leadership team, and we’ve been able to get the band running back in August, and we had a great season,” drum major and senior Henry Reacher said. “My freshman year, we barely had a season. In fact, I was on Zoom basically the whole time, and we didn’t have any games because of COVID. I think that ever since then, we’ve been performing so well, and I think that it’s gotten better every single year.”

The symphonic, modern, and jazz bands opened for auditions, with recorded auditions due in early December. The modern and jazz bands have their auditions last, due to the majority of players also being in the marching band, meaning they have less time to prepare for their concerts and performances.

“It’s not the end of the world, because I’ve designed the program to make

sure it’ll be fine,” music teacher Mr. Nick Pignataro said, who is leading the performances in the upcoming December weeks.

Pignataro said he considered the extra long marching band season to be a “blessing” in some ways.

“If anything, it’s really given me some time to think through the repertoire for wind ensemble and symphonic band,” he said. “It’s given me a chance to really think about the music, make sure all the folders are ready, and we’ll be good to go.”

Two jazz bands will be performing for Haven this year, leading to more rehearsals, and also more concerts, which also doesn’t bother Pignataro.

On November 30, FOX29 came to Strath Haven to do a live broadcast story on the football team alongside the band, just before the final playoff game of the season.

Pignataro does not expect another live broadcast on local news this year, but he did tease another possibility. “We’ve been talking with the Eagles to see if we can get a performance going maybe before the end of the season,” he said.

On November 18, Haven sent students to audition for District Band at Rustin High School. For those who participated, this was a new experience, either not being eligible for auditions because of their age, or doing it online because of COVID.

“I think District Band is a really great opportunity for some students around here in the school because it offers kind of beyond the symphonic band of the orchestra here,” junior Quinten Saylor said.

This is Saylor’s second year making the District Band.

“You’re kind of surrounded by a

Trombone Christmas slides through the rain

Musician Spotlight:

CJ Chen ’24

Passionate trumpet-playing freshman plays his solo loud and clear.

Trombone players of all levels gathered alongside the University of Pennsylvania Band for a festive tradition.

W

Reporter

ith horns pointed skyward, Christmas music blasted from the brass bells of the colorfully dressed trombone players on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

While the location had to be moved from Christmas Village to the Platt Performing Arts House, Trombone Christmas’ nationwide initiative to promote fellowship between slide trombone players still rang true.

Assistant Director of the Penn Band Dr. Kushol Gupta led the ensemble in Philadelphia, which included three Strath Haven trombone players.

Second-time participant junior Matteo Ventresca first joined a year ago after seeing a Google Classroom post by band director Mr. Nick Pignataro.

“I decided to just go for it,” Ventresca said. “Playing at Christmas Village was super fun and [the] songs were hard, as they were this year, but it was a good experience.”

Participants rehearse together only for an hour beforehand, but the experience is not solely about the performance.

Ventresca’s favorite moments from Trombone Christmas were made while “spending time with the other trombones from Strath Haven, Zeb and Carson.”

Freshman Zeb Smithey felt that “[the] best part would probably be the energy and everyone’s commitment and how much we just wanted to get together and play music.”

Senior Maxwell Kikkawa was unable to

LIVE MUSIC • Swaying side to side, the Marching Band leadership team performs “Hip Hop Stadium Blasters” for the camera during the FOX29 live broadcast in the gym on November 30. A part of the news report covered the impact of the marching band on the football team’s performance. “I love the Band being here. They’re the best band in Delco and in the country,” senior Jake Kitchin said. “During timeouts, they get [the team] so hype.” PHOTO: JOE LYNCH

bunch of people who also want to be there,” he said. “I think District Band will definitely lead me to a couple opportunities, and it’s a nice thing to put on college application stuff.”*

Ryan Schofield amps up football games Lucy Karn ’24 Reporter

SLIDING TOGETHER• Trombone players from around the region gathered together to play festive music during Philadelphia’s 10th annual Trombone Christmas. PHOTO: STEVEN VENTRESCA

attend this year, but feels that Trombone Christmas is a cannot-miss event next year for anyone interested.

“Trombone Christmas is a fun event with a lot of people who are there to have fun with an instrument that is inherently fun,” he said.

Smithey also has a call to action for next year’s event.

“If you’re a tromboner and you go to Strath Haven, you need to show up to Trombone Christmas, there’s just not enough people who go,” Smithey said.*

If you have seen the Strath Haven High School football game, then you have most likely heard freshman Ryan Schofield playing the iconic opening to “Mackens.”

Schofield has been playing the trumpet for five years for elementary and middle school bands, along with the middle school Jazz Band, but this year, he tried something new and played in the Panther Marching Band.

“I have had a lot of fun so far this year playing the trumpet,” Schofield said.

Schofield expressed how five years ago, he chose to play the trumpet and has enjoyed it ever since.

“It’s [the trumpet] one of the louder instruments, and I feel that represents my personality,” Schofield said.

Schofield noted how much he enjoyed marching band this year and discussed what he was most looking forward to in next year’s marching band season. “I think being Section Leader would be pretty cool,” he said.

Schofield explained that he originally heard the “Mackens” opening, practiced it, and then asked marching band director Mr. Nick Pignataro if he could play it at the game. Pignataro agreed and told him to play it during the second kick-off, and the rest is history.

“It’s really really cool to have that honor,” Schofield said.

Schofield said he enjoyed middle school jazz band and is already enrolled in the

TRUMPETS GO TOOT• Freshman Ryan Schofield smiles for the camera with his trumpet in hand. (Lead-in: Thanks Mr. P!) PHOTO: LUCY KARN

symphony orchestra. He strives to join other musical ensembles offered at Haven.

“I would love to get involved with the jazz band,” he said.

Schofield is grateful to the opportunities the music program and the people in it have given him.

“I have had a lot of fun so far this year playing the trumpet and everyone has been very kind,” Schofield said. “I look forward to being in the marching band again.”*

10 FEATURE

OPEN AI’S LEADERSHIP TURMOIL: Sam Altman’s exit and return The tech world was reeling over Sam Altman’s departure from OpenAI—and then he came back.

Jason Zhang ’26

O

Contributor

n November 17, 2023, OpenAI announced the departure of long-time CEO Sam Altman, with former Chief Technical Officer Mira Murati stepping up as the new interim CEO, signaling a chaotic chain of events for the AI firm.

Sam Altman’s departure and unexpected return to OpenAI initially sparked employee unrest and now brings speculation about the company’s future as result of their sudden leadership changes.

“We are grateful for Sam’s many contributions to the founding and growth of OpenAI. At the same time, we believe new leadership is necessary as we move forward,” said a statement released by OpenAI on November 17.

According to a report published by ABC News on November 20, the company was left in turmoil after hundreds of current OpenAI employees submitted a letter to board members.

In the letter, the employees said that “[board members’] conduct has made it clear [they] did not have the competence to oversee OpenAI”, and demands for Altman’s immediate rehiring were clearly stated. If their demands weren’t met, then it would lead to a significant chunk of OpenAI’s employees’ immediate departure.

Shortly after, on November 20, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced on X that Altman and other former key OpenAI leaders would be joining forces with Microsoft’s new “Advanced AI Research Team.”

By November 29, OpenAI and Altman had reached an agreement in principle for his return.

“We have reached an agreement in principle for Sam Altman to return to OpenAI as CEO with a new initial board of Bret Taylor (Chair), Larry Summers, and Adam D’Angelo,” OpenAI declared via X.*

Joe Lynch '24

"I don’t think AI is as evil as people make it out to be. I think we just need to come up with rules for what is and is not acceptable."

Leah Gonzalez-Diaz '24

Evie Fernandez '27, Matteo Ventresca '25 Reporter, Interim Editor in Chief

G

enerative AI is a type of artificial intelligence things that you have to write are a reflection on how distinguished by its ability to use outside you’re doing as a student and just your personal ideas sources to generate human-like writing or and thoughts. And if that’s coming from a computer, it’s images. not really yours. I get that it’s helpful, and I understand Recently, this type of artificial intelligence why kids want to use it, but I don’t think it helps.” has been popularized through ChatGPT, an AI Senior Leah Gonzalez-Diaz suggested that AI generator launched in November 2022 that has is a useful tool to help summarize and condense become prevalent in schools as some students begin information. using it to help with—or complete—assignments.

“I would say that the primary way I use it is to help Though the generator has become popular for writing, for reviewing,” Gonzalez-Diaz said. “Obviously if you using it to do assignments isn’t foolproof. write an essay with it, that’s plagiarism, but I use it as “It’s very good at step-by-step directions,” librarian a tool to help search for research. ChatGPT is neither Mrs. Beth Cohen said. “It’s good at brainstorming a source nor something that I would say generates ideas. It’s not good for research because it makes up quotes from a source.” things or it doesn’t know modern things. Its knowledge The question of whether using ChatGPT to generate base ends a few years ago.” work for you is plagiarizing is a highly debated topic.

“So, for example, if you were playing 20 questions According to a survey of 247 current students, 59% with ChatGPT, it wouldn’t guess King Charles III, consider the use of AI to complete school assignments because he didn’t exist when ChatGPT was being to be plagiarism. created,” Cohen said.

The current Strath Haven High School student Senior Joe Lynch has considered the implications of handbook does not directly address the use of AI tools generative AI in academic writing. in its academic integrity guidelines, but it does define “Asking ChatGPT to write a scholarly article for you, levels of academic integrity violations by a cumulative or a scholarly piece of writing for you kind of defeats point system. the purpose of making a scholarly piece of writing,” he Plagiarism is defined as a three-point violation. At said. six cumulative points of academic integrity violations, However, he sees the possibilities the degree of violations warrants of using ChatGPT to generate ideas. notification on post-secondary “I think there shouldn’t be anything applications, according to the "I feel like essays wrong with just asking them to like handbook. help you brainstorm or get ideas for and other things that The handbook states that any level you have to write stuff to write about,” he said. of academic integrity violation has a Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are a reflection on consequence of a zero grade on the spark questions of intellectual property. how you're doing as assignment, as well as notification of Where is it getting its information a student and just the counselor and parent. from? And is that information being your personal ideas “I think once the ideas stop being willingly given by its original creators, and thoughts. And if your own, then it’s plagiarism,” Liberi or is it being input by other users? said. “When the AI just kind of starts that's coming from The New York Times recently reported a computer, it's not writing what you should be thinking, or on research estimating that generative at least putting the main points down– AI chatbots like ChatGPT may invent really yours." like ideas that you think should be in information at least 3 percent of the Kay Liberi '27 it. When that starts to get written by a time, and as often as 27 percent of the computer, then it kind of becomes less time. Experts refer to this tendency of of your own and more plagiarized.” chat tools to invent information as hallucination.

There are still many questions about the merits and The research indicates that hallucination is more downfalls of ChatGPT, but currently, many teachers do common when AI tools are asked to do more than consider it plagiarism. summarize information. But even with simple tasks Most generative AI tools are currently blocked on like summarizing news articles, hallucinations are still Strath Haven’s network, including district-provided a factor.

Chromebooks used outside of school.

“I think there are some pretty big ethical questions, and if you’re going to access AI at all—and especially POSSIBILITIES AND POTENTIAL use AI in this form—it raises concerns about accuracy hatGPT still has redeeming qualities, such as its and intellectual property,” English teacher Mrs. Miriam ability to write more precise directions by pulling Drew said. from multiple sources across the Internet.

Director of Secondary Teaching Learning, and ETHICS AND INTEGRITY Innovation Dr. Leslie Pratt suggested that generative concern from some students is that when AI AI might be used for some basic tasks. takes the place of students’ thoughts in academic “Depending on your purpose, there are places for works, it’s no longer their voice. tasks that might be a little bit more rote, like giving me “I think a lot of people kind of take it for granted,” step-by-step instructions for how to fix the leak under freshman Kay Liberi said. “I feel like essays and other my sink,” Pratt said. “Having generative AI that can

A

C

"Obviously if you write an essay with it, that's plagiarism, but I use it as a tool to help search for research.

ChatGPT is neither a source nor something that I would say generates quotes from a source."

Josiah Robinson-Leary '25 "A student should not be using AI. None of the content from AI is a student generated idea. So you're taking a machine's idea over your head."

1

2

FEATURE

pull from a whole host of websites to give me the best results for a non-plumber to be able to fix those kinds of things… I think there’s great potential.”

New AI tools are coming out frequently, including some that make life easier for teachers.

“There are some very cool teacher tools out there now,” Cohen said. “EdPuzzle now has a built-in feature where it reads the transcripts of the video and will create the questions for you. And there’s another one called EDUaide. If you give it a topic and say ‘Create a lesson plan to teach fourth graders about plants,’ you can prompt it and it’ll give you something… it’ll do a lesson plan.”

However, Cohen also compared teacher use of generative AI to buying or copying curriculum resources.

“It’s kind of the same thing as buying the canned curriculum of ‘Here’s the chapter questions at the end of the chapter,’” she said. “We tell students that they can’t use it and that it’s plagiarism, or they’re cheating if you use it to write their paper. So then, is it okay for teachers to use it?”

11

TOOLS GAINING FOOTHOLD

P

ratt thinks back to when calculators were introduced in school. She believes that ChatGPT and other AI sources will create the same mindset.

“I talked about this last year when calculators became really endemic in schools, when everybody had a calculator,” Pratt said. “There was this wave of concern about, ‘Oh my gosh, students won’t be able to do basic computation.’ A lot of that didn’t come to fruition, but it did change the way we thought about instruction.”

Cohen has a similar idea and believes that AI will eventually become a part of our daily lives.

“I don’t think it’s going to ruin teachers’ jobs,” she said.

“I’ve seen several good examples like calculators; when calculators first came out, everybody was like, ‘Oh, we can’t let our students use calculators, they’ll forget how to do basic math.’ And now we have calculators on our cell phones and watches, and they have become an integrated part of math class.”

Dan Arena, a computer science professor at Vanderbilt, reported in Slate that he had ChatGPT take the final exam in his Algorithms class. In the end, BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL his entire morning class of students scored higher than any colleges are beginning to develop their own the AI tool, which scored a 72.5%, or a C-minus.

This suggests the same idea Cohen AI policies. addressed: ChatGPT most likely won’t The Northern Illinois be taking teachers’ jobs.

University Center for Innovative However, generative AI tools have Teaching and Learning released a “As we think about already found a foothold on our compilation of AI policies at several what's happening newspaper staff. universities across the nation. New with ChatGPT and courses on AI are also developing things like AI, we're in One of many new tools recently introduced is Murrow, a journalism AI around the country. a space of such great that the Journalistic Learning Initiative Temple University allows the use of came out with this year.

AI for “brainstorming and refining potential, as well as Murrow’s website states, “This your ideas, fine-tuning your research great challenge. We resource is not designed to write stories questions, finding information on your just need to be really for you, but it can offer suggestions to topic, drafting an outline to organize thoughtful.” help you generate your own ideas and your thoughts, and checking grammar narrow in on a topic as well as offer Dr. Leslie Pratt and style.” feedback on your writing.”

However, Temple prohibits the use of “I used it to analyze one of my past AI for “impersonating you in classroom stories on the proposed renovations to high school,” contexts, such as by using the tool to compose discussion board prompts assigned to you, completing freshman reporter Clark Kerkstra said. “Some of group work that your group has assigned to you, it wasn’t helpful, but it had seen a line or two that I writing a draft of a writing assignment, and writing would have missed. And I feel like it did a good job of entire sentences, paragraphs or papers to complete screening for any potential bias or journalistic errors.” o much is happening with AI in the education class assignments.” world, and Pratt thinks that we need to be careful The University of Delaware’s AI policy depends on about what we use it for. the course. The policy has four parts: Use Prohibited, “As we think about what’s happening with ChatGPT Use Only With Prior Permission, Use Only With Acknowledgement, and Use Is Free With No and things like AI, we’re in a space of such great Acknowledgement. A course has only one of the four potential, as well as great challenge,” Pratt said. “We just need to be really thoughtful.” parts.

Lynch agrees with the need for careful consideration, At the University of California, “[All] assignments should be your own original work, created for this but is optimistic about the potential of AI. “I don’t think AI is as evil as people make it out to be,” class. You must do your own work. You cannot reuse work written for another class. You should not use he said. “I think we just need to come up with rules paraphrasing software (‘spinbots’) or AI writing for what is and is not acceptable. As long as there’s a standard for acceptable use, then I don’t see a problem software (like ChatGPT).” with it.”*

of students say they have used AI to complete school assignments.

M

of students believe the use of AI should be considered plagiarism.

S

AI SURVEY

Based on an optional survey of 247 students in grades 9-12 during the first week of December 2023. Survey responses were 31% freshmen, 23% sophomores, 24% juniors, and 22% seniors.

GENERATIVE AI PROMPTS:

3

4

1: “A photo of a high school student using artificial intelligence as help and not as plagiarism.”

2-4: “A photo of a high school student using generative artificial intelligence to do their homework, sitting at a computer. Make it anxious and nerve-wracking.”

IMAGES: IMAGINEAI

12

Julia Thack ’19 stars as Elle Woods in the spring 2019 SHHS production of “Legally Blonde”

OPINION

Would Elle Woods have gotten into HARVARD?

K. PLOWS

An argument at a staff meeting leads to a face-off between friends.

Luci DiBonaventura ‘25, Lorelei Karn ‘27 Detours Editor, Contributor

WHAT, LIKE IT ’S HARD ?

Luci DiBonaventura ‘25

T

he movie “Legally Blonde” directed by Robert Luketic tells the story of a girl, Elle Woods, who gets into Harvard Law to prove to her ex-boyfriend that she is smart.

It has been a wide debate since this movie came out about whether it was realistic or not for Elle Woods to get into Harvard Law. Rumors are that Elle Woods is not capable of getting into this prestigious school because of her looks, and she’s stereotyped as a “dumb blonde.”

Junior Emily Reilly responded to the doubt of Elle Woods getting into Harvard Law. “Elle Woods is a very smart person,” Reilly said. “She graduated at the top of Harvard Law. What more is there to prove that she is a smart person? When people are saying she couldn’t get in, it is simply because of the way she looks, which is going against the complete point of the movie, not judging a book by its cover.”

When she applied to this school, she had a 4.0 GPA with a 179 on the LSAT, the two most important things when applying to law school. The average LSAT score for students applying to Harvard is 174, meaning she got above the average.

She also shows great leadership as she is the president of her sorority and is involved in philanthropy. Her major, being fashion, also doesn’t make her any less smart when it comes to applying to law school. Harvard Law likes a diverse range of law students.

She also came from a wealthy background and went to a very prestigious college, UCLA, in the musical version, all of which played important factors in her chances of getting into Harvard Law. Senior Jo Kelly believes that it is realistic Elle got into Harvard Law. “My mom went to a selective school,” Kelly said. “Having first hand reference I know an idea of how hard it is to get into a school like Harvard. I think that Elle could get in considering her stats. It is part lottery getting into these prestigious schools and she had just as an equal chance getting in as anyone else applying with similar stats.”

In 2001, after the movie came out, Harvard Law Bulletin published an article “In Defense of Blondes” that responded to the stereotype, stating that a lot of people were judged in Harvard Law on their intelligence based on their looks, and they hope that this movie helps change that.

At the end of the day, Harvard Law does not care about Elle carrying a little Chihuahua or her love for pink, but her GPA and LSAT. Not to mention, the movie displays how smart she is, as she graduated at the top of law school. This clearly shows how she was able to get into Harvard Law.*

IT ’S LITERALLY HARD -VARD Lorelei Karn ‘27

E

lle Woods would not have gotten accepted to Harvard Law School. Harvard Law School is a very competitive school with one of the top-ranked law courses in the country.

While a 4.0 undergraduate GPA might align with Harvard’s standards, Elle’s undergraduate major was in fashion merchandising. A major in political science might be a more typical undergraduate degree appropriate for law school. And while fashion merchandising might be challenging in some institutions, it’s not likely she had the same qualifications and experiences with a degree unrelated to government and law.

In addition, at no point in the movie does it state what college Elle Woods attends. There is a ‘West Coast Cali’ vibe to her attire and setting, but no reference to the institution. Only in the musical is it stated that Elle Wood attends UCLA. So, in the movie, she could be coming from a far less rigorous college.

RA TU N In the movie, Elle Woods can be seen not participating in her usual E V NA sorority events and instead studying diligently. This may be impressive, IBO D I C LU but this does not account for her work ethic in general.

At one point in the movie, Elle states, “I once had to judge a tighty-whitey contest for Lambda Kappa Pi. Trust me, I can handle anything.”

Elle Woods clearly hadn’t needed to work very hard for anything in her life previously if the most difficult task she’s had to accomplish was judging a tighty-whitey contest.

In addition, Elle didn’t even submit the correct application requirements. By normal standards, this would have eliminated her application immediately. Harvard Law School requires every applicant to submit a written statement about themselves but instead, Elle submits a video. This is unbelievably unrealistic. Harvard admissions would never accept an applicant who couldn’t even submit all the application requirements in full.

Moreover, another character in the movie, Warner, is Elle’s ex-boyfriend. He is a Harvard legacy with long-term aspirations of attending Harvard Law School. It is revealed later in the movie that he was originally waitlisted when he first applied. At the beginning of the movie, Warner is far more passionate about law, and generally more qualified than Elle to attend Harvard.

It also puts the admissions office into further context. If they would hesitate to accept Warner, they wouldn’t be likely to accept Elle, and you can’t say that officers would accept her because they were generally more lenient.

From a feminist standpoint, one would feel morally inclined to vote in favor of Elle Woods attending Harvard. This can create a mindset that a hot blonde girl can do anything she sets her mind to, which is simply unrealistic in Elle Woods’s case.

Elle Woods is only applying to Harvard to win her ex back, she has no long-term goals besides marrying Warner. In fact, at the start of the movie, she has no goals or ambitions of her own besides trying to get married.

For the fifth ranked law school in America with an acceptance rate of 12.3% (in 2001), a Harvard Law student should have larger goals than just trying to get back together with their ex. It should be a privilege to attend such a prestigious school, not just a play to ‘get him back.’*

CONSIDERING TRENDS: Is self-improvement a fad?

This new feature examines trends—buzzwords, fads, and ideas that people are talking about.

Advaya Singh ’27

S

Contributor

elf improvement is a new Self improvement on social media began buzzword that has been popping to rise in popularity during the summer up on people’s social feeds— Self improvement of 2023 and it began to peak again in the recommended and suggested. winter due to a trend called “Winter Arc.” Self-improvement is described by is a lifestyle This is where people relate their winter Wikipedia as “activities that develop a that is focused months to that of a fictional superhero person’s capabilities and potential, build training. human capital, facilitate employability, on becoming a This trend has been changing many enhance quality of life, and facilitate the people’s lives, promoting a healthier better version of and happier lifestyle. People like realization of dreams and aspirations.”

Essentially, it is a lifestyle that is yourself.

James Clear, Tony Robbins, and others focused on becoming a better version have gained exponential amounts of of yourself by doing things like going to fame due to this trend. the gym, reading, meditating, taking care of your skin, However, like any other social media trend, it is and improving diet. sketchy. Many influencers that preach this lifestyle It is sort of a strict regiment of waking up early, going are questionable people. Some have been to jail while to work, and then studying, and enforcing good habits others have been exposed for abusing things like over bad ones. steroids, drugs, and such.

Nonetheless, it is safe to say that self-improvement has been increasingly popular this winter season. But who can you trust? Do you go with the trend? Do you stay cautious?

Ultimately, all decisions that you make in your life are up to you, not some specific lifestyle routine. To be fully subscribed to a set of ideals or activities is not healthy.

So what I recommend is taking into account what people are saying, and use what is useful. At the end of the day, social media trends come and go, so if you missed it then it is not a big deal.

Or you might try it for a week and see what happens.

Who knows?*

OPINIONS / DETOURS

Best of 2023

13

A few of the best experiences of a media-saturated year, according to one senior.

Sasha Binder ’24

Best Artist: Taylor Swift

It’s been a long time coming, but we all knew she could do it. Number one artist on Spotify, and number one artist in our hearts. Even if you’re not a fan like those in her 0.5% of Spotify listeners, I think anyone who lived through 2023 knew that Taylor would end up on top.

Taylor Swift has always been iconic in the music industry, but this year was a game changer for her career, hence why she is THE top artist of this year.

If you’ve been paying attention to Swift’s latest album releases, you may notice some familiar titles coming back into circulation.

For those who aren’t fans, you should know that Swift has made history in the last few years, specifically this year with the release of two album re-recordings: “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” in July, and “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” in October.

Swift broke Spotify on both release dates for the overwhelming number of listeners. Fans not only attacked Spotify and Apple Music with their desire to re-enter their “Speak Now” and “1989” eras, but broke Ticketmaster as well.

The Ticketmaster crash took place last November but continued throughout this year as tour dates approached.

Swift’s tour began in the spring and is set to continue into 2024 with even more US dates joining the pre-existing international dates.

The popularity of her music and existence in general caused tickets to sell out within minutes… again. She continues to amaze us each day and keeps fans on the edge of their seats for more re-releases and potential new albums.

Best Album: “Guts”

2023 was a year packed full of album releases. There are so many to choose from, but one came out on top.

Fans of Olivia Rodrigo lost their minds when “GUTS,” was first released and after only two months, it’s become a fan favorite from this year. The album is packed full of emotion and any teenager can admit that the lyrics cut deep.

Starting with a bang, Rodrigo’s “all american *****” set the record straight. She is that girl. When you play the album from start to finish you can experience every kind of feeling a teenager can have and that’s a tall order.

Closing with a gut-wrenching song about growing up and moving on to bigger and brighter things, “Teenage Dream” makes you feel all the tough feelings.

Those who didn’t fall in love with the album must not have heard the line “Dazzling starlet, Bardot reincarnate,” in Rodrigo’s heartbreaking ballad “Lacy,” or maybe they did and need a quick reply to remind themselves of the genius poet that Rodrigo has become. Her album deserves all the love it’s received, and trust me when I say that there was, and still is, a lot of love to give it.

Best Movie: “Barbie”

“Barbie,” for those who watched, was life-changing. Not only did Greta Gerwig reimagine the world that young girls grew up loving brightly and beautifully, but she also made us feel things.

Besides the obvious appeal of pink, glitter, and ten thousand pairs of pumps, Barbie was able to reach a part of my soul that I forgot existed. Gerwig brought out the child in all of us and made us laugh, cry, and think about what the purpose of life is all in two hours.

The movie, while targeting sexism and the obvious patriarchy, was also able to entertain those who don’t identify as women.

The “Barbie” movie was intended for all audiences; men, women, and those who identify as nonbinary or genderqueer. There is a Barbie, Ken, or Alan for everyone and Gerwig’s ability to enter the audience with inclusivity and bring back such a special franchise was the reason for its success.

Trends followed “Barbie” around the world, specifically on social media with those dressing in pink to honor Barbie and her iconic style. Barbie made the year her own and welcomed us along on her journey.

Best Concert (tour): Eras Tour, Aerosmith Farewell Tour

The Eras Tour was monumental. The highest-grossing concert tour in history, and it’s not even halfway over.

Everything, down to Taylor’s thirty-second quick changes, was precise.

Songs from childhood to 2022 made audience members feel all of the feelings. This tour broke the internet, literally. Ticketmaster’s crash in 2022 will be remembered for years as well as the sold-out theaters when the tour movie first hit AMC. This tour was nostalgic but well-crafted at best. Surprise songs, costume changes, bedazzled guitars, and surprise album releases made this tour unlike any other.

Whether or not you like, love, or despise Taylor Swift, you have to admit that she knows how to put on a show, and how to make it worth the two thousand dollars you may have spent.

Another tour of note was Aerosmith’s Peace Out: Farewell tour. Although cut short due to Steven Tyler’s vocal issues, the tour was a culmination of over forty years of music. Every album on their discography was represented at the tour, filling the audience with feelings of nostalgia as the band said their final goodbyes.

Best Song: “What was I made for?”

Anyone who has heard Billie Eilish’s heartbreaking ballad “What Was I Made for?” knows the emotional damage this song is capable of doing.

Written for Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” the song is about growing up and finding meaning in life as an adult.

“I used to float, now I just fall,” is Eilish’s tear-jerking opening lyric and those who have listened can agree that it continues to get more sad as the song progresses.

In the “Barbie” movie, the song is used as background music for a montage of Barbie’s nostalgia.

A trend followed on TikTok where scenes from various users’ childhoods flashed on the screen using the caption “Girlhood” with Eilish’s ballad playing. This trend took over the summer, with women and girls all over the internet sharing their favorite memories and the things they love most about being a woman. The videos were seen by Eilish and even she released her version of the trend.

“What Was I Made For?” made us cherish our childhood memories but also think about who we want to be and how to make the most of our lives.

It’s not the best song to play at your next party, but it is a spectacular choice for when you’re feeling a little bit nostalgic and need a good cry.

Best TV Show: “The Last of Us”

For those who love a good dystopian novel or film, this apocalyptic TV show will do your favorite dystopias justice.

Surrounding a world taken over by an infectious zombie-like disease, this show is entertaining, and action-packed, but funny all at the same time. Even after watching the pilot episode, viewers can see that they’re in for a wild ride when streaming the show.

Even without having played the video game that served as inspiration for the show, I still found that this movie eviscerated its competition for the best show of 2023.

We laughed, we cried (in terror), we turned away when things got a little too gory for our taste, and we enjoyed the rollercoaster.

Besides the adrenaline rush you will get when watching, expect to be on the edge of your seat the whole time.

The show received 4.7 million views across the various streaming networks it premiered on and followed closely behind House of the Dragon’s overwhelming audience.

According to Deadline, the series averaged over 32 million views per episode, which is a LOT. Fans spoke highly of Pedro Pascal, the show’s leading male actor, but also gave rave reviews about the show itself.

Its 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes just goes to show that it’s worth a watch, and clearly deserves its “Best of 2023” title.*

Haven 2023

holiday wishlist Have you ever asked yourself what a high schooler wants for the holidays? Here are some of the hottest and most notable picks by grade.

Quinten Saylor ‘25 Contributor

FRESHMEN

JUNIORS

-Hoverboard -Air Pods -Puffer Jacket -Water Bottle -Dog -Hugs -Left Knee

-Water Color Ink -Video Games -Makeup -Backpack -Drum Kit -V-Bucks -Barbie Dream House

Most Popular: Shoes

Most Popular: Clothes

SOPHOMORES

SENIORS

-Electric Scooter -Kitten -Headphones -Garmin Watch -Dyson Airwrap -Pony -Granny Smith Apple

-Apple Watch -Jewelry -Electric Candle Lighter -Record Player -Camera Equipment -Plane Ticket to Ireland -Animal Crackers

Most Popular: Spotify Premium

Most Popular: Clothes

Most Popular Item Overall: Clothes

Honorable mentions: Money, Legos

Most Unique Grade Seniors

14 HEALTH & SCIENCES

Women strive to get menstrual products in bathrooms A community of women is banding together to fund the essentials.

Kaitlyn Ho ’26

O

Students share perspectives on bathrooms Quinten Saylor ‘25 Contributor

Interim Editor-in-Chief

n November 14, the you for being late.

Feminism Club raised Too late, the bell has rung by the $279.00 from their bake time you push the door open. sale. It’s all going to pay for women’s Welcome to being a teenage girl. menstrual products in the bathroom.

To prevent situations like this, Currently, the dispensaries in the president of Feminism Club senior bathrooms are completely empty.

Casey Conway led fundraising You speed walk from your first efforts for menstrual products in the block class to the third-floor nurse’s bathrooms. office, shoving past the thick crowds “I think there is a need, and the of students. There’s no relying on the school is not meeting it,” Conway dispensaries in the bathroom. Don’t said. run. You now have three Junior Sophia Morris minutes. Your body has agrees that the school decided to mess with “They installed should pay for tampons you today, and you themselves. require a menstrual the things and “They installed the product. things and they’ve they’ve never Once you get there, never been filled. It’s on other students with been filled. It’s them to do their jobs. If nosebleeds and fevers we have to raise money, try to avoid eye contact on them to do then that’s kind of just with you as you grab a their jobs.” sad,” Morris said. tampon. Two minutes Seventeen states left. Thankfully, there’s Sophia Morris ‘25 and the District of a bathroom in the Columbia require nurse’s office--but wait, there’s a schools to provide free menstrual line. Once you’ve left, you have one products to students as of June minute left. You speedwalk some 2023, according to Education Week. more, praying your second block The majority of these states provide teacher won’t punish districts with no additional funding to support the menstrual products.

Pennsylvania neither requires nor funds menstrual products.

Without tampons in the dispensaries, girls go to the school nurse’s office for tampons. The school only funds the menstrual products there.

“They’re the kind of cheap cardboard ones. And I don’t know, I also feel like, that’s the nurse’s office. So out of the way too, it’s just not a great spot,” Conway said.

According to school nurse Ms. Sara Fleming, five to six girls come into the nurse’s office per day. Sometimes there are lines of one or two people outside of the nurse’s bathroom.

“It would be more convenient for the girls not to have to make an extra trip here,” Fleming

said. “And if they just went to the bathroom and the bathroom was supplied with what they had, then I think that would be a lot easier.”

After the success of the fundraiser, the feminism club plans on tracking the tampons used by students in the bathrooms every week and showing the results to the school board to reveal how vital free menstrual products really are.

“We’re also going to try and offer a little survey if people are interested in giving their own opinion to just have some sort of testimony to say, ‘Yeah, I use these, I think they’re really helpful,’” Conway said.

Conway hopes that the results of the survey will help the school realize how important menstrual products are and further motivate them to make such products more accessible.

Fleming believes that having products in the bathrooms can give girls additional privacy as well.

“I think it avoids embarrassment,” Fleming said.

Fleming says that the majority of students visit her office in between blocks, including those needing menstrual products. It can feel violating in some ways for girls to have to grab tampons in front of everyone waiting and run to the bathroom.

“I feel like for the girls, the bathroom just seems to be a lot more of a community space… So I feel like just making it more of a welcoming environment would be beneficial,” Conway said.

The issue of menstrual products unite many in the women’s community.

“I would imagine if a girl needs something in terms of the issue we’re talking about, another girl is more likely to lend it to her and say, ‘Don’t worry about it, you know, just do what you got to, you know, here it is,’” Fleming said. “And I think you girls probably would take care of each other more in that sense, especially about this sensitive topic.” *

JOE LYNCH ‘24 What are the main problems with the bathrooms for you?

“They get closed almost every day, at least one of them.

I've figured at this point that it's because they've been vandalized to an extent that they're just not usable. I feel like it's a bigger problem with the boys’ bathrooms than the girls’, but I feel like across the board, it's just kind of a constant problem.”

How do those closed bathrooms affect your daily schedule?

“There have been times where literally all three floors of bathrooms will be closed, and sometimes I think all four, and so I'll go through all three floors, I'll waste five minutes walking around and I still won't be able to go to the bathroom. I just have to go back to class.”

What's the main thing you'd like to improve on the bathrooms?

“I understand that it's not exactly the administration's fault that they have to close them all the time, but I’d just like for them to not be closed on a weekly basis to get cleaned. I'm not entirely sure how that problem could get fixed…Otherwise, they just put up the bar that goes across the door. You're not allowed to go in and nobody knows why.”

How do you think our bathrooms compare to the other schools' bathrooms?

“I've talked to a couple of people from like Ridley or Sun Valley, just because I've happened to do a couple of things with them, and by far our bathrooms are the worst. Like, people are surprised when they hear how bad ours are.”

BEN MITCHELL ‘26 What are the main problems with the bathrooms for you?

“Well, I don't really feel safe when I'm in them because I feel like you know, someone's going to look over the stall or just mess with me. And I also feel like they're just disgusting as heck. I mainly don't feel safe in them.”

How does the state of the bathrooms impact your daily routine?

“For one, I have to take time out of my life to walk over to the unisex bathrooms, which is a slight problem. Not the biggest problem, but I also tried to eliminate using the bathrooms at all during the day, which is actually pretty significant.”

How would you like to see the bathrooms improved?

“I feel like the bathrooms could be improved by the addition of other systems that would allow for certain amounts of people to use the bathroom, like a specific bathroom a day. So one for the bathroom could only be used by three people at a time.” *

Climate change: our reality

The world has questions. Climate scientists have answers.

Lavanya Dixit ’27

F

Reporter

ounder and director Anthony Leiserowitz Ph.D., of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication reports that two billion adults are unaware of climate change completely.

With that in mind, it’s crucial to understand the facts regarding climate change. What is it exactly, and what is happening to the world we all call home?

Here are ten major questions about climate change, and the facts.

What is climate change?

Climate change is the long-term shift in the global temperature and environmental conditions.

“How do we know the Earth is warming?”

Climate scientists have records going back to the 19th century, and these records are compared with today’s global temperature that are taken from thermometers, weather stations, satellites, and ocean buoys. Climate

change scientists have seen an increase of 2 degrees Fahrenheit (or about 1.11 degrees Celsius) in the temperature.

temperatures, which disrupts the environment and causes many risks to life on Earth.

Why is this happening?

What are the other impacts of climate change?

Human activities are the main cause of climate change. Specifically, burning fossil fuels for energy (releasing carbon dioxide), deforestation (reducing the amount of carbon dioxide converted to oxygen), and the farming of livestock add greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere, escalating the greenhouse effect in which global warming is accelerated.

The causes of this warming are an acceleration of sea level rise, drought, wildfires, torrential downpours/heavy rain, agricultural changes, endangering species, and increased intensity and frequency of natural disasters.

Why does a little warming matter?

Simply, the earth is extremely sensitive to climate change– even an increased half a degree Celsius of warming (from 1.5 °C to 2 °C) will affect several hundred million people, the Environmental Defense Fund records.

What are the effects of climate change?

Climate change is causing warmer

What is being done to slow down climate change?

Mitigation strategies, along with policies are being put in place to target the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy efficiency by further utilizing renewable energy and lowcarbon fuels.

Who is most affected by climate issues?

The World Health Organization outlines that ethnic minorities, poorer or older communities/populations,

women, children, and those with preexisting health conditions are especially disadvantaged. This specific disadvantage relates to the term climate justice, which acknowledges that although climate change is a global crisis, the effects are felt at different intensities across the globe.

How do we know what will happen in the future?

The simple answer is math. Climate scientists have developed equations to calculate how the earth responds to our changes in climate and the everlasting effects that will be carried out in the future.

Are we doomed?

The quality of life reduces further and further as climate change developshowever, cynicism and self-interest will not help us. The only thing that’s going to have an effect is making an effort to cut down on our emissions and stay mindful and educated on our globe’s condition.*

HEALTH & SCIENCES

15

Packed schedules negatively affect student-athletes

Why does athlete mental health matter, and what can the school community do about it?

Kaitlyn Ho ’26, Advaya Singh ’27

S

Interim Editor-in-Chief, Contributor

printing from class to the locker room, training, at Strath Haven for a long time. The foundation Hope back home, and into piles of homework every for Hallie was started to provide resources and spread day can take a toll on student athletes’ mental mental health awareness in honor of Hallie Jackson. health.

As a student at Strath Haven, Jackson was heavily Mental health is widely known as a very stigmatized involved in sports as she struggled with her mental subject. In a hyper-competitive high school sports health. Jackson passed away by suicide in fall 2019. Her scene, the stigma can grow worse. parents, Christine Jackson and Kevin In a National Library of Medicine study Jackson, want student-athletes today to of 200 high school student-athletes, it take care of themselves.

“I feel like it does was stated that “approximately 91% of “That’s not just athletes, what we’re all the cohort experienced some level of get really stressful finding is the teams who reach out to us stress due to sports.” are stressed with the demands of school, at points, but you The study further states that 27% of kind of just have to the demands of coaches, and parents as those stressed students wanted help, well,” Mrs. Jackson said. push through it, you but didn’t get it.

Together, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson began Too much stress puts strain on the know? Can’t slack.” to compile resources to help other teens brain, but it can also impact physical who are struggling.

Kiera Bergin ‘26 performance.

“We felt that if we were going to refer Another study published in Frontiers, someone to get help, we wanted to know “Stress in Academic and Athletic who they were and how the process Performance in Collegiate Athletes: A Narrative Review worked. So we, honestly, we had done a lot of research of Sources and Monitoring Strategies” concluded ourselves,” Mrs. Jackson said. that decreased levels of mood and increased levels Having easily accessible resources is more valuable of academic stress could predict injury in collegiate than ever now, as the pressure on student-athletes to athletes. balance everything on their plate increases.

Junior Jacob Jurkech will be fencing in the Junior Their back-to-back schedules play a huge role in their Olympics in December. He also played soccer in the fall stress and well-being. for Strath Haven.

“It’s a bunch of schoolwork, studying,” sophomore “I think there’s always other factors when it comes Kiera Bergin said. She plays soccer, volleyball, and runs to stress,” Jurkech said. “And sports can be stressful if track. there’s a competitive game coming up. But at the end “The training for sports, and then going into the of the day, I think it’d be unfair to blame just the sport.” sports, and then getting drove there takes a while,” she Other students, like freshman Ryan Schofield, agree said. “I feel it does get really stressful at points, but you that sports may be stressful at times, but for the kind of just have to push through it, you know? Can’t most part, aren’t the main stressors. Schofield plays slack,” Bergin said. basketball, soccer, and runs track. he Strath Haven community has begun to have “I think it’s kind of just having to run around a lot,” conversations about mental health, which Mrs. Schofield said.

Jackson emphasized as one of the most important steps Athlete mental health is an issue that has been prevalent to improving the environment for student-athletes.

T

Let it snow: Winter forecast looks promising for snowfall Gabriel Ball ‘24

Angel Blizzard Candycane Sled Chestnuts

W

above-normal snowfall, as the storm track will likely be along the coastline or to our south due to high latitude blocking. This potentially will bring heavy snowfall to the Philadelphia-NYC corridor.

Late December through February will feature highly favorable patterns for possibly several large storms of snowfall eight or more inches. According to Accuweather’s Winter Outlook, February will be the snowiest month, as there will likely be below-average temperatures and frequent storms present.

Low-pressure systems will likely stay to our south and east this year, rather than cut through the middle of the country as they did last year.

There are a couple of things that could disrupt this pattern, however. A strong polar vortex, leading to warmer temperatures, and a storm track more to our west would lower our chances for snowfall.

However, at this point, at least average snowfall will likely occur with near to slightly below freezing temperatures.

Wrap Up Snowfall: Above-average Warmest Month: December Coldest Month: January Snowiest Month: February.*

CRISIS TEXT LINE | Text HOME to 741741 crisistextline.org NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE | Call 988 | 988lifeline.org SAFE2SAY | 1-844-SAF2SAY safe2saypa.org School counselors are always available to support you—reach out or drop in.

Claire Salera ‘27 Reporter

inter is here!

Me teorological winter began on December 1 and will last until March.

Students’ feelings are divided on winter, with some people loving the snow and cold, and others abhorring it. ¨I want the weather to be effective and forceful,” senior Isaac Ainslie said. “If it’s going to snow, I want a blizzard. If it’s not going to snow, I don’t want any drizzles.”

Junior Jaxon Klaus is not a fan of the cold. ¨I’m hoping for as warm weather as you can reasonably expect out of a winter,” he said.

Overall, cold weather fans will have a lot to cheer for this winter with the weather pattern appearing far snowier and colder compared to recent years.

This is because we are in an El Nino this year, which National Geographic defines as a set of climate patterns that occurs every few years with warmer-thanaverage water temperatures around the equatorial Pacific.

The El Nino pattern produces winters that lean one way or another: very warm with lots of rain, or colder with well above average snowfall.

According to meteorologist Steven DeMartino at local weather service NY NJ PA Weather, this year’s pattern favors

If you need support, or if you want to find support for a friend, here are some 24-hour resources:

Winter word search

Meteorologists predict a favorable outlook for some sledding.

Reporter

“Ultimately, I think, again, goes back to the more we talk about it, the more we normalize it,” Mrs. Jackson said. “And I think the easier it is for people to reach out, whether that’s assemblies, whether that is offering clubs, or whether that is offering mental health training and resource fairs.”

According to Jurkech, the school‘s athletic community has done a positive job of discussing mental health.

“In fencing, there’s been a big issue with mental health.

So it’s good to see coaches bring it up because a lot of coaches don’t, but the ones nearby here do,” Jurkech said.

Bergin thinks the coaches could do more to help students.

“I feel like they address [athlete mental health]. But they don’t really do that much, like they say something, but then they don’t do anything; they don’t follow up,” Bergin said.

If you’re worried about someone you know, whether that be a friend, a family member, or just a fellow classmate, Mrs. Jackson urges you to communicate your concerns with them.

“Try and normalize the conversations to make it easier for people to reach out, to talk about it themselves. And if you’re concerned about someone, directly ask them, ask them if they’re struggling, and how you could help them.”*

Christmas December Eggnog Hanukkah HotCocoa

WORD BANK

Kwanzaa Nativity Nutcracker Peppermint Reindeer Santa

Snow Tinsel Yuletide Mistletoe Menorah

16 DETOURS

Haven’s favorite holiday media

Winter book recommendations

Maddie Posternack ‘26

Evie Fernandez ’27

Here are a few songs or movies you can listen to while cozying up by the fire!

Hear several wintery recommendations from our school’s book lovers!

Reporter

Contributor

Ms. Reagan Lattari: “The Beartown Trilogy” by Fredrik Backman

“It’s a very wintry read. It’s a forever favorite, and I highly recommend it to my students. It’s a story full of character development about a small town in Sweden, and a hockey team, but it’s not a hockey book. It just has so, so many layers to it, and it’s a book I wish everyone would read. There’s so much snow and winter in that book.”

Ms. Reagan Lattari: “Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares” by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan “My favorite holiday movie is ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation!’”

Audrey Sill ’26

“My favorite holiday song is ‘Feliz Navidad’ by José Feliciano.”

Cole Hanna ’25

“This is the story of two teens in New York City who pass secrets and create a scavenger hunt in this meet-cute environment through the Strand bookstore during winter holiday break. It’s a very thin book– I think it’s maybe 120 pages, but it’s just a cute fun holiday read about literature and crushes.”

Kaylin Fava ‘27: “The Percy Jackson Series” by Rick Riordan

“I recommend the Percy Jackson series because the series is coming out this month. It’s about this 12-year-old kid who finds out he’s the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of water, and goes on a quest to find Zeus’ lightning bolt. I like the world that’s created and the characters are really relatable. I also like the sequels because I feel like it’s a series that really grows and includes new characters and different, more diverse characters. It’s just really great overall.”

“My favorite movie is ‘Back to the Future!’”

Scott Snyder ’27

“My favorite holiday movie is probably ‘The Grinch.’”

Zoe Likely ’25

“My favorite holiday song is ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham!”

Owen Goldberg ’26

Evie Fernandez “Let It Snow” by John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle This short story collection is perfect for those of us who don’t want to make too big of a commitment to one story! It’s full of beautiful writing, and tells the story of three different couples whose lives intertwine over the course of the story. It’s full of winter fun, including meet-cute stories about a group of people getting snowed in at a Waffle House, an early morning Starbucks shift, and even a cold winter hike after almost getting stuck on a train. The compelling storylines drove this one home for me, and I really enjoyed all three of the stories involved. I’d highly recommend for anyone looking for an interesting romantic short story anthology for their winter read!*

THE PANTHER PLAYLIST Vol 3.1 WINTER PLAYLIST

Headlines of 2023 in review Matteo Ventresca ’25

20 Songs

Interim Editor in Chief

M

onth after month, day after day, 2023 sparked some crazy events in the world.

Israel-Hamas War

An attack on Israel began on October 7. The attack was led by Hamas, a terrorist organization from Palestine.

The war is still active.

Taylor Swift named Time’s Person of the Year

“Time Magazine” named Taylor Swift their Person of the Year for 2023. “The Eras Tour” has grossed more than $780 million, earning Swift about $305 million.

Turkey-Syria Earthquake

On February 6, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated areas of Southern Turkey and Northern Syria.

Many buildings were destroyed, and many people still need proper housing due to the destruction of buildings.

Claire Salera ‘27 SpaceX Starship launch explodes after minutes in the air

2023 named Hottest Year in recorded history

On April 20, SpaceX launched yet another Starship rocket as a test. After just four minutes of the launch, the spaceship exploded.

2023 is the hottest year ever recorded due to global warming. According to EU scientists, the average global temperature for the first eleven months of the year was 2.63 degrees Fahrenheit above the 1850-1900 average.

Elon Musk changes Twitter to “X”

Elon Musk acquired Twitter in 2022 for $44 billion. On July 23, 2023, Twitter replaced the bluebird logo with an “X” and removed the Twitter name from its website apps and headquarters.

Donald Trump becomes first U.S. expresident to be indicted on criminal charges

On June 9, Donald J. Trump was indicted on seven federal criminal charges. Despite this, he claims he’s innocent.

King Charles III coronated as the King of the United Kingdom

On May 6, King Charles III was made the king of the United Kingdom. This follows the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.

Messi wins the Ballon d’Or 2023

On October 30, Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or 2023, which is an award given to the best Men’s Soccer Player of the Year. This makes it his 8th, which is the most won by any player in soccer history.

OG Fortnite returned for one month

The original Fortnite that came out in 2018 has returned and was nostalgia-filled. The OG season lasted one month and featured the return of many players around the world.*

Reporter

1

All I Want For Christmas Is You Mariah Carey

2

3

Winter Wonderland Darlene Love

Santa Clause Is Comin’ To Town Bruce Springsteen

4

5

Sleigh Ride Leroy Anderson

Baby It’s Cold Outside Idina Menzel, Michael Buble

CHECK OUT THE PLAYLIST ON OUR SPOTIFY ACCOUNT! ggg

DETOURS

17

December Crossword Luci DiBonaventura ‘25 Reporter

Across

5. No two are the same 8. Southern Italian tradition on Christmas Eve 10. lasts for eight nights 13. Ballet named after the toy soldier doll 18. People light oil lamps on this holiday 19. Where Santa lives 21. A House You Can Eat 24. Contains the snowiest city

Down

1. Winter drink 2. You leave this treat out for Santa 3. shoes for ice 4. What you use to go sledding 6. Number 1 sold Christmas song 7. Frosty 9. You don’t use it for walking but for licking 11. Happy ___!

12. Dog that is biologically conditioned to survive in freezing temperatures 14. Has a red nose that glows 15. The ___ who stole Christmas 16. Sneaks in your house to deliver presents 17. What made Frosty come to life 20. What you do under the mistletoe 22. Will Ferell plays Buddy in this movie 23. Elf on the ___

ANSWERS AT SHPANTHERPRESS.COM

CHEESE CORNER:

CRIITTER CORNER:

This is the cheesiest column you’ll see in this issue!

Sophomore shares his bond with his dog, Chloe.

Horseradish Cheddar or Spicy Soap?

Matteo Ventresca ’25

W

Lavanya Dixit ‘27

F

Interim Editor in Chief

elcome back to Cheese Corner.

For this edition, I will discuss a personal favorite of our principal, Dr. Greg Hilden: Horseradish Cheddar.

Horseradish cheddar was introduced as cheese that combines the flavor of cheddar with the distinct heat of horseradish. The milk is heated to a particular temperature and then cheese culture is added to start the fermentation process that acidifies the milk. Then, rennet is put into the milk to produce curds. The curds are cut to allow the whey to come out. Separately, the curds are pressed into molds to make cheese while the whey is gotten rid of.

During this time, its texture and flavor develop as it ages for an appropriate time.

Cheddar is usually allowed to mature for several months or even years. Horseradish may be added during or after the aging period. Sometimes, people add less horseradish depending on their desired hotness in their cheddars. The creamy base comes from adding cheddar while horseradish gives it a spicy kick.

At our review of the November issue of “The Panther Press,” we asked Dr. Hilden for cheese recommendations, and horseradish cheddar was his response.

Chloe the Husky Lab Reporter

or this publication’s regular feature of the Critter Corner, sophomore Matthew Ramirez talks about his dog, Chloe, and his bond with her.

Q. What’s your pet’s name?

A. Her name is Chloe, she’s a mix between a labrador and a Siberian husky.

Q. How old is Chloe?

IS IT SOAP? • PHOTO: STEVEN VENTRESCA

A. She’s almost nine years old. She’s a little old, but she’s adorable.

Q. How long have you had her?

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MATTHEW RAMIREZ

A. So, I’ve had her for nine years. We got just like a person. She loves being around her for my brother’s tenth birthday, and people. She’s super friendly, she loves to I didn’t really know what to expect when cuddle, she loves pets. then we’ve had her ever since.

I was about to try it.

Q. What’s the bond between you and your pet?

Let me be frank: horseradish cheddar is Q. How did you feel when you got her? absolutely disgusting.

A. Well, she was a present for both of A. I was seven years old, and when we The problem for me wasn’t the spiciness, first got her it was honestly crazy…Back in us [my brother and I], so, I think we’re but the actual taste.

Texas, I used to live there, in a rural area, really close. I love her to death, she’s the As soon as I put it in my mouth, the and so there were a lot of people who breed cutest thing ever. She’s super loyal and I spiciness was immediate, but not the dogs for a living, and so they’d pull over to love providing for her. the side of the road and sell puppies for ten Q. What’s your favorite thing to do with Chloe? taste. bucks. And so, that’s where we got Chloe.

The taste came ten seconds later.

A. Probably to cuddle because she’s soft.

I wanted a good cheese, not this spicy We were just driving home from dinner or She’s not the biggest dog, she’s probably 2 feet. something and we pulled over and were bar of soap.

Q. What do you love most about Chloe?

Sorry, Dr. Hilden, but this cheese was like, “Oh let’s just get a dog!” actually terrible. Now, I’m stuck with this Q. What’s something you love about Chloe?

A. I just love her. I love being around her. huge block of cheese that I don’t want to A. She’s a very human-like dog. She’s There’s too much…* go to waste.

Want your pet featured next issue? Stretch out your paw to strathhavenpantherpress@gmail.com But it will.*

18 SPORTS

FEATURED ATHLETE: Cypher Ross aims high in national archery rankings Nationally ranked archer talks archery and character development.

Jillian Thomas ’24 Sports Editor

J

unior Cypher Ross is a nationally ranked archer, who has been competing for almost a decade.

He is an Indoor and Outdoor Archery PA State Champion, multitime national qualifier, and is part of the Regional Elite Development Archery Team, an honor only given to archers ranked top 25 in their region.

But he didn’t start there.

“I started archery with my friend, who brought me to a ‘Bring Your Friend Day.’ And I’ve been shooting ever since— that was about nine or ten years ago,” Ross said.

Ross has competed at nationals in Arizona and hopes to return to Chula Vista, California for the 2024 Nationals, hosted by USA Archery. He explained how the different types of competitions work. “[At indoor tournaments] there are different spots you can go to shoot because it’s the same environment.

Outdoors, it’s a lot different because the environment can change, like wind and all that stuff,” Ross said.

Archery has been Ross’s life for years, and he shows true dedication to his craft.

“I practice a lot. I’m shooting almost every day. If I’m not shooting, I’m usually coaching or sleeping. I’m always tired,” he said.

This dedication has paid off, with Ross competing at indoor nationals in Virginia when he was only in sixth grade.

“Me and my good friend went to indoor nationals and competed with 18 other people in that age category. And I won that location,” he said. “During that year, that was really fun. It was really memorable for me.”

Even with accolades like this, Ross still cites difficult parts of the sport. Like most other sports, archery is a mental game as much as it is a physical one.

“I get in my head a lot,” he said. “I have to remind myself that, almost, I’m not allowed to try. Because if I try too hard, then it doesn’t go well. But if I don’t try enough, it also doesn’t go well. So the mental strain and the mental aspect of it is really important.”

Despite the challenges, Ross has found character development and emotional strength from archery. “[Archery has taught me] social interaction. I coached, so that has really helped me open up to people. And I have learned to be more myself around people and not be a turtle and close up as soon as someone that I don’t know comes near me,” he said.

Next in his archery journey, Ross hopes to attend the USA Archery Nationals in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and continue his competition and coaching experience.*

HITTING THE MARK• PHOTO: USA ARCHERY, PROVIDED BY CYPHER ROSS

LOOKING BACK ON FALL SPORTS VARSITY BOYS SOCCER

VARSITY GIRLS TENNIS

OVERALL LEAGUE

OVERALL LEAGUE

11-7-1 5-4-1 5th in League

11-3 8-3 3rd in League

Varsity Girls Cross Country OVERALL

8-3 3rd in League

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL OVERALL LEAGUE

16-5 8-2 3rd in League

District 1 Honors

District 1 Honors

Qualified for States

District 1, Second Round

All Central League Honors

All Central League Honors

All Central League Honors

All Central League Honors

VARSITY GIRLS SOCCER

Varsity Boys Cross Country

VARSITY GOLF

VARSITY Field Hockey

OVERALL

OVERALL LEAGUE

1st Team • George Pezzeca 2nd Team • Andrew Deppen, Will Hall Honorable Mention • Beckett Young, Nico Taylor, Gabe Broome

OVERALL LEAGUE

14-7-1 5-5-1 6th in League

District 1 Runner-UP Qualified for States All Central League Honors

1st Team • Annie Dignazio 2nd Team • Marley Feinberg Honorable Mention • Adelyn Davis, Laura Shea

Singles, 1st Team • Minori Saito Singles, 2nd Team • Lena Anderson Doubles, 1st Team • Emma Olenik, Emily Lin

OVERALL

6-4 6th in League

1st Team • Chloe Browne 2nd Team • Hannah Prokup Honorable Mention • Sophie Jackson

11-0 1st in League

District 1 Honors

District 1 HONORS Central League Champions

All Central League Honors

All Central League Honors

1st Team • Eddie Gebhardt 2nd Team • Dan Wuenschel Honorable Mention • Matt Lund 2nd Team • Matt Caputo, Liam Stinson, Davis Fairbanks Honorable Mention • Luca Kleinschmidt

RESULTS PROVIDED BY WSSD ATHLETIC DIRECTOR COMPILED BY CLARK KERKSTRA ‘27, REPORTER

Reports provided to Athletic Office by coaches. Junior Varsity and Freshman records were not provided.

1st Team • Jillian Surkis 2nd Team • Lauren McGinn Honorable Mention • Eliza Jauregui, Aislin O’Neill

6-12 4-7 8th in League

All Central League Honors

1st Team • Violet Barton Honorable Mention • Grace Kelly, Maddie Noller, Laila Roe

SPORTS

19

Annual Delco Turkey Trot brings community together

With Eagles spirit, raffles, and a 5K, over 1,500 community members ran together to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Evelynn Lin ’25 Editor-in-Chief

LEFT • Tom the Turkey mascot holds the crowd of kids back as they launch themselves forward in the Little Drumsticks run on November 23, 2023 at NPE. The event had 2 runs, one for families’ and their young kids, and one for the official 5K participants. RIGHT • Participants stand at the ready to run the 5K Turkey Trot on November 23, 2023 around the NPE neighborhood. PHOTOS: EVELYNN LIN

T

he sun shone brightly on a cold Thanksgiving morning as community members arrived at NPE in their joggers and turkey hats to celebrate Thanksgiving in an annual turkey trot.

For seven years, the Delco Turkey Trot has been hosted at NPE to bring people together and make them smile.

“It’s amazing to see the community come together, to see so many people come out, and see people cheering and setting up their own extra water tables and have so many people come out and volunteer and help out and spend time with their families on Thanksgiving,” race codirector Mrs. Leah Hillmeyer said. “It’s awesome.”

This year, the event was marked with NPE students’ voices serenading the crowd with the National Anthem, and the “Tom the Turkey” mascot hyping the kids up for

the trot.

“I love cheering people on and bringing them happiness and stuff,” mascot Mrs. Michelle Slaven said. “It just always warms my heart, and these kids are great.”

The main event was a 5K with participants ranging from high schoolers to parents with strollers and graduates visiting family.

“I ran this last year, and it was super fun, so I came back today to try to defend the title,” 5K runner and winner Jacob Lehmann Duke said. Duke won Delco’s Turkey Trot last year as well. “It’s always a great event and fun to see the crowds out to get Thanksgiving started.”

The Turkey Trot also was Eagles themed, a change from past years.

“We live in such an Eagles land here, so then we had

VARSITY FOOTBALL OVERALL LEAGUE

9-1 7-1 1st in League

District 1 Champions CENTRAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS REACHED STATE SEMIFINALS

All Central League Honors

1st Team • James Fisher, Marco Kaufman, Cole Miller, Shane Green 2nd Team • Will Leuthold, Vince Hales, Jackson Geremia, Carter Law, Jake Kitchin, Ben Milligan Honorable Mention • Sean Henry, Gavin Pilson

autographed stuff to raffle off that went with the Eagles theme,” race co-director and Haven French teacher Mrs. Traci Dubs said. “I think it really pumped everybody up.”

While thinking out the million little what-ifs that could go wrong was overwhelming in the planning process, Dubs and Hillmeyer noted that seeing so much smiles and support for the day made it worthwhile.

“The highlight of today was seeing everything come to fruition, seeing everyone and seeing them take time out of their busy holiday to come here and support the kids at NPE,” Dubs and Hillmeyer said.

There is much to look forward to for the next Turkey Trot.

“Anything is possible,” Slaven said. “Maybe more raffles, more mascots!”*

REPORT CARD

A+ C-

Second Floor Decorations + Nutcracker theme slays! + Bright and cheerful!

+ Gingerbread houses=amazing!

Half day before break? + Holiday class parties!

- Could just be a day off.

- Too many Thursday tests.

A

Wawa Holiday Drinks

+ Free coffee Tuesdays!

+ Variety of seasonal flavors - Copying Starbucks?

A-

First Snow(s) of the Season + Cute little flurries

+ GIANT SNOWFLAKES

+ A nice distraction from class

A+

- Didn’t stick either time

Spotify Wrapped

+ Highly anticipated every year; never disappoints + Taylor Swift is the #1 artist in the world!

+ Top listening month for each artist is a peak addition.

PHOTO: K. PLOWS

Editors

20 HAVEN ARTS

LEFT • Music teacher Mr. Nick Pignataro conducts the symphony orchestra through ‘The Nutcracker’ on the holidaythemed second floor hallway of Strath Haven High School on Monday, December 11, 2023.

TOP • Senior Sara Ventriglia plays the cello in the holidaythemed second floor. “It was nice that people came to listen, especially people who wouldn’t normally come,” Ventriglia said.

BOTTOM • Junior Wendy Chen warms up on her violin prior to performing. “We all gave our best, in my book it was a success,” Chen said. PHOTOS: MATTHEW RAMIREZ

The orchestra played musical numbers from Tchaicovsky’s well-renowned “The Nutcracker’’ in the holiday-themed second-floor hallway to ring in the holiday season.

Matthew Ramirez ’26 • Social Media Editor

F

or the last several years, the second-floor hallway has been decorated to a specific holiday theme during the month of December.

“Many years ago, before COVID, Mrs. [Sheryl] Ursillo decorated her door, and it inspired everyone else on the floor to do it, and it has gotten bigger and bigger every year,” French teacher Ms. Suzanne Stadnicki said.

Plans for a Nutcracker-themed hallway began last year.

“Herr [Alex] Paul, Mrs. [Valerie] Szeliga, Mrs. [Regina] Iannello and I had the idea of the Nutcracker,” Stadnicki said. “With language and culture, we thought it would be great to decorate the entire floor.”

Both teachers and students contributed to decorating the second floor.

“It was great. A lot of teachers were involved, but if we had a spare five or ten minutes in class, the kids helped,” Stadnicki said.

“We wouldn’t have been able to do it without student help,” German teacher Herr Alex Paul said.

“There’s so many student handprints throughout, figuratively and literally.”

The hallway is based on the different acts of the twoact classical ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. These

scenes were The Forest, The Gingerbread, and the Land of Sweets.

The plan of having the orchestra play in the second-floor hallway all started with a conversation.

“I was speaking with Mrs. Szeliga and she said ‘We’ve decorated the hallway every year and this year, it’s Nutcracker themed,’” music teacher and symphony orchestra director Mr. Nick Pignataro said.

The orchestra has been rehearsing to play the Nutcracker for their winter concert on December 19.

“I happened to say ‘Funny, we’re playing the Nutcracker’ and then, it was born. We should play ‘The Nutcracker’ in the Nutcracker,” Pignataro said. “The excitement was palpable, you could feel the energy in the room, that’s what performance is all about.”

The symphony orchestra moved their rehearsal to the second floor hallway on Monday, December 11 for a performance of several songs from “The Nutcracker,” as well as some melodies from “The Sound of Music.”

Although the space was cramped and very warm, the holiday spirit was festive as the musicians performed. English teacher Mr. Robert Zakrzewski dressed up in a gingerbread man costume to wave, clap, and pose for the performance.

Senior Sara Ventriglia, who plays the cello in the orchestra, was excited about the hallway performance.

“I enjoyed that everyone could come, a lot of people don’t even know there’s an orchestra,” she said. “It was nice that people came, who wouldn’t normally come to see us play.”

Paul and Stadnicki hope to top this year’s festive holiday decorations in the future.

“Get excited for next year,” Paul and Stadnicki said.*