October 2013

The Stinger Guidology

Musings of your not-so-average editor in chief We are imperfect creatures, every single one of us. We make mistakes. We screw up.

This is a given. Let’s face it, otherwise life would be boring. It is not our failures that define us but rather how we rise from them, how we learn.

As I prepare to go off to college, I can not help but think of the choices that are looming ever near. Which college will secure me employment? Give me the best options?

Provide me with the ability to grow as a person?

Looking back on my grade school experiences, I can only think that the wrong turns, umm… detours, have made me stronger, have given me life experience. But I wonder how my decisions have affected others. What kind of legacy have I left behind? And for that matter, how will my decisions affect not only my future, but that of others as well?

That time in class when I allowed a fellow student to cheat off of me, did I actually make his life easier? Clearly he did not know nor understand the presented information and by giving him the opportunity to pass the class without having the necessary knowledge, I later realized that I was cheating him. The information we learn in these introductory classes is not really about knowing the actual information; no one expects you to remember who Anne Bradstreet is, or why a plant cell differs from an animal cell. What high school is for, what these classes are for, is to learn how to learn: to learn how to acquire knowledge, how to gather information, and then apply it. So despite the fact that the student who cheated off of me had no intention whatsoever of going into any career field remotely related to that of the class, I was robbing him of that ability.

The aforementioned argument is also proof for why school trains you to become intelligent, not smart, intelligent.

Smart is having the ability to memorize a formula, but in the real world we all know that we have the ability to look up said formula. Intelligent is understanding why the formula works and having the ability to apply the formula in the proper situation. People are born smart; intellect is acquired (acquired, not granted, you actually have to put effort in).

Every decision I make weighs so heavily upon my conscience. Every decision I create, for every choice is created by our ability to see that there are indeed options, is scrutinized beyond belief by my own mind. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction; every action has consequences.

How do I know which consequences to consider? Should my decisions be made purely for my benefit? As economics suggests everyone will benefit if you look for the option that most fits your personal needs, but efficiency and fairness are two very different things. Which is more highly prized?

I am not going to lie; I am a people pleaser. Much of what I do is because of my inability to say “no”; “yes” just rolls off the tongue so much more easily. And with that another life lesson of high school: realistic time management.

I’m sorry, I am not a robot. I do not enjoy three hours of sleep a night, having no social life, constantly working with no end in sight. I love learning, but despite what I may say, I am no masochist. I know that many people say this to the point where it seems cliche and has all but lost its meaning, but I can strongly attest, do what you love, for you. Do not join a club or take a class because you feel that it will pad your resume, because you feel unimpressive without it, and most definitely do not just because someone tells you to.

We only have one life to live and if that means that you may make only five figures per year instead of six, at least you know that you will be doing something that you actually enjoy, instead of slaving hour upon hour for the potential pleasure of someone else. That being said, do not think this is permission to do nothing and expect others to take care of you because you think that you happen to love doing nothing. It is important to explore your options and see what is truly out there, to create a purpose for yourself. You need to contribute to society without sacrificing yourself.

With all of that, I think that it is fairly safe to say that though life after high school may not be the rainbows and unicorns that some portray it as, it is also not the fiery Mordor that others make it out to be. Yes we make mistakes, yes people happen to enjoy to no end pointing them out, but it is more important to make our decisions, observe the results, and learn.

Editor-in-chief Katrina Guido Managing Editor of News Destiny Nagle Managing Editor of Opinion Savannah Pukanecz Managing Editor of Feature Justine Coleman Managing Editor of Culture Emma Wang Managing Editor of Sports Steve Gudonis Online Editor Kevin Rodgers Section Editor of News Colleen Grablick Section Editor of Opinion Dave Heiney Section Editor of Feature Christine Carlson Section Editor of Culture Eamon Dreisbach Section Editor of Sports John Lang Photo Editor Maura Benner Copy Editors Shaun Baillie Olivia Riccio Adviser Denise Reaman

Editorial Policy The Stinger is a student-run newspaper. Its content, which is the responsibility of the student staff, is not subject to direct administrative approval. The newspaper, which is designed as an open forum, serves to inform and entertain its readers as well as students interested in print media studies.

The Stinger publishes six times a year. Visit our website at stingerehs.com or follow us on Twitter @StingerEHS. If you are interested in writing or taking photos for The Stinger, stop by Room 559 for more information. And if you’d like to publish a letter to the editor or have a story idea, drop us a line at stingerEHS@gmail.com.

Keysone Press Awards 2013 Second and Honorable Mention Column Writing 2013 First Place Public Service Package 2013 Second Place Feature Story 2013 First Place Ongoing News Coverage

News

I N - D E P T H R E P O R T I N G O N T O P I C S T H AT M AT T E R T O Y O U

Colleen’s Corner

Ahh, Halloween. That lovely time of year when everything smells like pumpkin, and leaves coat the black macadam streets.

Stores display their best deals on candy, and scarecrows protect the front porches of quaint little homes. But we must not forget the most notable and memorable part of Halloween. The costumes.

For children, besides the candy, obviously, their costume is the best part of Halloween.

After little ones reach the age where they can coherently choose their character, rather than be put in a bumblebee costume against their will, they cannot wait until the 31st to sport their favorite Disney Princess or superhero costume. Little Cinderellas and Snow Whites trot down dimly lit streets, holding their pumpkin-shaped candy buckets while their parents converse behind them. Miniature Spider-mans and monsters clutter neighborhoods, doing their best “scary faces” for the people kind enough to hand out candy.

Those were the days.

I would say after the age of 13, Halloween costumes begin to go down a dark road of promiscuity. No longer do girls wish to be “Frankenstein’s Bride” or friendly witches.

Now, it’s revealing lady bug costumes and seductive police officer uniforms.

For me, this never seemed appealing.

I understand it is no longer socially acceptable to dress up as The Little Mermaid at my age (although being only 5-foot, I might pass for a fifth grader), but I do believe that it is possible for girls to dress up on Halloween and still look great , only in a more... selfrespecting manner.

Why not be something funny? Why not take the traditional route, pulling a Cady Heron, and actually dress up in something scary? (My apologies to those not familiar with the movie Mean Girls.)

Personally, that’s what Halloween costumes should be about. Creativity. In my opinion there is nothing creative about a “cowgirl” costume that unattractively flaunts one’s mid-drift.

This all might come off a little harsh, even judgemental. Honestly, if you want to be a Playboy bunny for Halloween, go for it. If that’s your style, then really who am I to judge? But I just can’t comprehend why girls feel the need to dress in such a way.

To delve a little into my own costume own track record, I was Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz at least two, if not three, consecutive Halloweens when I was a youngster. I don’t know why I did that, or why my parents did not steer me towards another character, but I did. On second thought, my motive was probably the sparkly shoes, but I digress.

After Dorothy followed a series of different witch/vampiress costumes. Once in middle school, I dressed up as a “punk girl” for two years, which I would rather not talk about, and in 8th grade my friends and I went as the Pretty Little Liars.

Why am I giving all of these irrelevant factoids about my childhood?

Because to me, Halloween is associated with all of those memories. By dressing up as a promiscuous butterfly, I would be tainting the parts of my childhood that I associate with the holiday that I so dearly love to celebrate.

They say you’re not 16 forever, which is true. Take advantage of these years and be something fun on Halloween, not something that you would cause you to dry-heave if you looked at it 20 years down the road.

As I draw my thoughts to a close, I must reiterate that I cannot control how people choose to display their bodies. I am simply trying to return Halloween to what it used to be. As people say, “you do you,” but this Halloween, maybe “do you” in a more modest manner.

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MANAGING EDITOR DESTINY NAGLE SEC TION EDITOR COLLEEN GRABLICK

Stolz to resign amid controversy

ignation questioned Stolz’s lack of a physStolz wrote in his blog that five years ical relationship during the four months; ago he put his political ambitions ahead of the most severe of the charges alleged his his love life.

“My only error here was choosing to “There’s a party tonight, and I’ll be behavior had traits of a sexual predator.

“Your relationship with an underaged remain on the school board [five years here,” tweeted East Penn School Board girl that became sexual once you were ago],” said Stolz defending his relationmember Julian Stolz before the Oct. 14 older; that my ship.

“Some board meeting. friend is typical day, I may reBut as Stolz, 25, described the situation sexual predator gret not having later on in the night, the meeting became grooming behavthose five years more of a “three-ring circus.” ior,” said Justogether.”

Four residents stood before the board tin Burkhardt of The Emmaus earlier this month to call for Stolz’s resBethlehem who Republican was ignation, whether voluntary or forced, has cousins in the elected to his amid allegations that while on the board district and is losecond fourhe had a relationship with a 15-yearyear term last old Emmaus High School student when cally involved in politics.

November but he was 20. Also under scrutiny was his Likewise, Hillaccording to his membership on a teen social networking ary Smith of blog is choossite, which featured a shirtless picture of Macungie was ing to resign him, that was not closed until earlier this concerned about for his relationStolz joined the school board in 2007 to year. In the days leading up to the Oct. 14 Stolz’s proximity ship. negotiate a taxpayer-friendly union contract. meeting, Stolz emphasized that he would to children.

“It is one Photo courtesy of Twitter not resign, but the following day he an“I decided to thing to attack nounced on his blog that he intends to [be a stay-at-home mom] because even in me, it is quite another to attack those I give his letter of resignation at tonight’s the age of background checks I realized love,” wrote Stolz.

“Over the past few meeting. that the most dangerous people around days, an online personality has continued Jessica Hughes of Macungie, who has a son in the district, told the school board children are often the ones that haven’t her cyber assault not only on me, but also that she does not appreciate how Stolz been caught,” said Smith. “They are on the woman who happens to be the love has handled the situation, citing his recent manipulative and lull parents into a false of my life.” sense of comfort.”

As a mother, Smith questioned how tweets and blog posts.

Since Stolz’s controversial tweets last Stolz’s personal life affected board deci“He seems to have no concern or reMarch, he claims that two online personsions overall. morse other than the perceived political “His actions show that he is not morconflict of interest,” said Hughes. “His re- alities, under the names of Anna Karina and Kevin Chang, have been stalking his ally capable of the judgement necessary sponse was to make jokes and poke fun at online movements and posting them to a to deal with sensitive matters regarding the situation. Certainly we are not laughwebsite called thestolzreport.

He also improper conduct with students,” said ing.” said that he has been Smith.

“Dating a student can bring into Though Stolz physically stalked and question the entire school district’s ability in his blog adhas had photos taken of to act in these matters.” mits that the him while at work.

Last year, Stolz made headlines when shirtless picture Stolz believes that he supported the removal of two books, was not a good Anna is a former classThe Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test and Prep, idea, he does mate and may be refrom the EHS summer reading lists which say that many ceiving information had initially been brought into question by “20-somefrom a “jilted” ex-girla group of parents due to “pornographic things” belong friend whom he met content.” to Teenspot. when he was 20 and she “I would not feel comfortable reading com and claims was 16. this content out loud at a board meeting. If that the only “We dated from 2009 I did, I would be charged with the corruppeople that he through early 2011 tion of the morals of minors,” said Stolz at had any “real when I finally broke up last year’s September board meeting, relife contact with with her,” wrote Stolz. ferring to controversial passages from the were well over “She attended Tea Party books.

“I feel that it is my moral duty to the age of 18.” meetings with me, went see that something like this is not on the He believes to my school board suggested reading list.” that he never Justin Burkhardt addresses Stolz after the meetings, and even ran Burkhardt found Stolz’s desire to proshould have board meeting. for and won a term on tect minors hypocritical. maintained his Photo by Katrina Guido the Republican County “Isn’t that ironic: ‘the corruption of account, which Committee.

At almost no point in the remorals of minors’?” said Burkhardt. according to his blog was opened when he lationship was I faithful....I should have On April 1 of this year, Stolz tweeted was 17 or 18, as long as he had. ended it long before I did.” a false resignation as an April Fool’s Day “It became as habitual as logging onto Stolz wrote in his blog post that these joke, which many did not find quite so Facebook,” said Stolz. “When I became attacks are politically motivated despite amusing. aware that it was about to be used against “[We should] allow the district to deal me, I went back and deleted the account.” his not being up for reelection this year.

“This is not about the fact that I had with the children’s decisions rather than He did not meet the now 20-year-old the account, this is about the election this someone who this continuing nonsense former EHS student through his Teenspot November,” wrote Stolz.

“They sat on seems to be surrounding,” said Hughes. account, but rather at an end-of-schooltheir ‘evidence’ for a month and a half and Stolz initially joined the board to negoterm party, as said in his blog post. waited ‘til now to unveil it.” tiate a contract that is “more friendly to “If there is such thing as love at first His accusers emphasize that this situtaxpayers than to the [teachers’] union,” sight, that was it,” said Stolz. ation has not arisen for political reasons. but in 2015 when the union contract is up, According to Stolz, he had her mother’s “This is not a political issue at all,” said he does not believe there will be “a majorpermission, and the relationship was not Burkhardt.

“People are trying to make ity on the board with the spine to stand up physical in nature while she was underthis into one.

The biggest issue is that [he to the union.” age; however, they ended the relationship “I’m sorry, you don’t like me, you’ve after four months because “among other was] a 20-year-old school board member dating a 15-year-old in this school disnever liked me. That’s not going to things, she was an Emmaus High School trict.” change,” said Stolz in response to EPSD student and I, of course, a sitting school Kevin Kelly of Emmaus, who has two teachers. board director,” Stolz wrote in his blog.

His advice to students about the whole The couple has been back together since daughters, told the school board that he was “saddened” and “disturbed” by the situation is to be careful of what is posted May of this year. idea of a school board member being inonline.

The four people who called for his resvolved with a student.

Katrina Guido Editor in Chief

4

THE STINGER

October 2013

NEWS

Seidenberger to retire as superintendent Colleen Grablick News Editor

After 43 years in the education field, East Penn School District Superintendent Dr. Thomas Seidenberger announced his retirement in September.

Seidenberger is in his seventh year as superintendent of the district. His track record includes a plethora of different schools, starting in 1970. His career began in Bethlehem at Rosemont Elementary School, where Seidenberger served as a teacher for seven years. From there, Seidenberger went on to serve as a principal, administrative assistant, assistant superintendent, and superintendent at schools in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New Jersey.

Looking back to the starting point in his career up until his current position, Seidenberger cannot believe how quickly the time has passed.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 43 years,” said Seidenberger.

During his time in East Penn, Seidenberger has made many advancements in the district’s school system, according to Emmaus High School Principal David Piperato, who began working in the district the same year as Seidenberger.

“He’s dramatically improved communication,” said Piperato. “He’s created an open culture, advanced our technologies, and provided an academic focus.”

Along with these accomplishments, Piperato also said that Seidenberger mentored him over the past 6 years.

“He has served as a role model for me,” said Piperato. “He’s taught me valuable lessons about politics in a school district.”

Although, according to Piperato, Seidenberger’s retirement will be bittersweet, the superintendent realized this was the right time to end his professional career in education.

“There are a lot of things going on,”

said Seidenberger, “and many new regulations that take the fun out of the job.”

Seidenberger said that the enrollment and budget have been stable, and that his assistant superintendents and principals will continue to do great work, making him feel comfortable with his retirement.

“The house is in order, so to speak,”said Seidenberger. “It’s a good time.”

Cecilia Birdsell, Seidenberger’s assistant, will also be retiring with Seidenberger. After 40 years of service in her position and working for five superintendents, Birdsell provided the school district with various services and information.

“She has gone above and beyond the call of duty,” Piperato said. “She has served as an historian, an advocate, and a champion for the school district.”

President of the East Penn Education Association and English teacher Susan Arnold agrees with Piperato.

“She is the backbone of the East Penn School District,” said Arnold. “She has served the district and community very well.”

A graduate of Emmaus High School, Birdsell loves the East Penn School District, according to Seidenberger.

“She is a splendid person,” said Seidenberger of Birdsell. “Every day I thank God that I got the opportunity to work with her.”

Andrew Moxey, Emmaus technical education teacher, feels similarly to Piperato and Seidenberger on Birdsell’s retirement.

“I’ve known her for over 30 years,” said Moxey. “She’s done a tremendous job for the staff and community.”

Active in the Rotary Club of Emmaus and St. Ann’s Church, Birdsell would enjoy more time for those activities.

“It’s time,” said Birdsell. “I have other things in my life that I would like to do.”

Birdsell described her time working with Seidenberger as “a pleasure.”

“He’s been a wonderful boss,” Birdsell

Covelle named new AP

Destiny Nagle News Editor

After nearly two months, juniors at Emmaus High School will finally have an assistant principal to call their own.

Mark Covelle, an assistant principal at Southern Lehigh High School, is taking over for Laura Witman who resigned this summer after working one year at Emmaus. Covelle is expected to start at Emmaus by the month’s end.

According to Covelle, he has spent most of his career at Southern Lehigh, where he saw some of his biggest accomplishments.

“Over the last two years, we rolled out a 1:1 laptop initiative that has been very rewarding and successful,” said Covelle.

“This year [2013-2014] we implemented a new schedule which has been going great.”

Starting out as an English teacher and yearbook advisor, Covelle worked his

New Assistant Principal Mark Covelle Photo by Mark Covelle

way up to assistant principal. He has wanted to be an educator for a majority of his life.

“The education field was something that I was interested in very early in life,” he said. “I had terrific teachers and principals, and they were really influential in my choice to become an educator.”

Covelle is a graduate of Wilkes University, Boston College, and Lehigh University; he is currently studying at Drexel University. He has also recently received his Superintendent Letter of Eligibility of Pennsylvania and sees his future in district leadership.

Principal David Piperato believes Covelle will make a solid addition to the Hornet administration.

“He is highly qualified for the job,” said Piperato.

Covelle said he anticipates his new role.

“I’m coming to Emmaus with an open mind and a lot of enthusiasm,” said Covelle.

In other administrative changes, seniors will graduate this year with Assistant Principal Todd Breiner, who last year oversaw the Class of 2015.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to serve the senior class and the school in this role. It has always been a goal of mine to be a principal,” said Breiner.

“Becoming an assistant principal, especially at Emmaus, is special to me,” said Breiner. “I started my career in education here and care a great deal for this school and community.”

Assistant Principal Mark Caccavo has a new role this year as he will hold the title of secondary curriculum coordinator.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 43 years.”

Dr. Thomas Seidenberger, East Penn superintendent

East Penn superintendent Thomas Seidenberger and his administrative assistant Cecilia Birdsell announced they will both retire Photos by Maura Benner said. “He’s energetic, and has a sense of humor, which is absolutely imperative in this position.”

Both Piperato and Seidenberger agree that Birdsell and Seidenberger make a great team.

“We are losing a tremendous leadership team,” said Piperato. “Their shoes will be very hard to fill.”

Throughout his years at Emmaus, Seidenberger described his favorite part of the job as the people with whom he worked.

“The board here allows their superintendent to be a superintendent,” said Seidenberger. “That’s the best part.”

According to Seidenberger, the toughest part of the job was trying to maintain the district during tough economic times.

“I’m really proud we did not cut programs or staff,” said Seidenberger. “I think we did right by the students.”

When asked how Seidenberger im-

pacted the school district, Arnold said that his handling of budget cuts saved many programs and teachers.

“In very difficult economic times, he made cuts to the budget that retained our programs as well as made [sure] no teacher lost his job,” said Arnold.

Piperato and Arnold both wish Seidenberger well in his retirement.

“It is bittersweet,” said Piperato. “I will miss his camaraderie and leadership.”

Seidenberger and Moxey share a love for basketball, which Moxey says he will miss.

“It’ll be sad,” said Moxey. “I’ll have to research the Cincinnati Bearcats by myself.”

During his retirement, Seidenberger plans on travelling and spending more time with his first grandchild.

Son of a politician

Colleen Grablick News Editor

Next month’s general election will come and go for some people, but for Emmaus High School freshman Jonah Ott, Nov. 5 will consume his family.

With his father, Scott Ott, running for the highest position in the county, Lehigh County executive, the 14-year-old’s life has been ruled by politics ever since he can remember. Ott’s father has run for political office, so the family is no stranger to politics.

“We talk about it every day,” said Ott. “It just always comes up in conversation.”

Ott has an older sister and an older brother, both of whom assist in the campaign, according to Ott. Although only a teenager, Ott helps his father’s campaign in many ways, such as wearing t-shirts with his dad’s name, attending picnics, victory parties, and other events related to the campaign. Ott even picks up trash on the road sporting Scott Ott shirts.

His father, a Republican from Lower Macungie Township, faces Democrat Tom Muller in the race. He currently serves as a Lehigh County commissioner.

Prior to entering politics, Ott’s father ran a non- profit camp.

According to Ott, his father’s job has helped him meet many people and grasp a deeper understanding of politics.

“I definitely have an opinion in politics,” said Ott. Ott elaborated, saying, “A lot of the men involved in politics are great people,

but I look at their philosophies first.”

Naturally, with any job in the public eye, Ott realizes that false comments circulate through the political world.

“Everyone is always saying things about my dad that are not true,” said Ott. “People make up lies.”

Despite these difficulties and the stresses of a job in politics, Ott said that his father still continues to make time for the family.

“He works from home, so he really tries to center in on his work,” said Ott, “but I can still talk to him and he will still make time for the family.”

As for his own political career, Ott does not see a future for himself in the field.

“I couldn’t take it,” said Ott. “My dad is really strong to go through this, but I don’t see myself getting a job in politics.”

Freshman Jonah Ott Photo by Colleen Grablick

5

THE STINGER l October 2013

School board elections

With school board elections approaching Nov. 5, six candidates vying for four available positions discussed what they believe is the most important issue for the school board.

For more information on the candidates, visit stingerEHS.com.

Zaid Munson

Superintendent: We need a superintendent who can steer our district through the big changes that are taking place in education and technology, so that our students are prepared for an economy and a world that is rapidly changing. We need pro-education school board members we can trust to make balanced decisions based on accurate facts and careful judgment, rather than partisan political ideology.

Garrett Rhoads

Public Input: I feel that one of the most important things our School Board can do is to improve the public’s ability to participate in District policy. Parents, teachers, and taxpayers should be allowed to speak to specific agenda items during School Board meetings. I think we need to have a policy that requires the Board to respond to concerns from the public. Lastly, I would like to eliminate the often argumentative tone of discussion during board meetings. In short, the bullying and the name calling needs to end.

Katrina Guido Editor in Chief Rebecca Heid

Budgeting process: The community strives to provide an excellent education to EPSD students with constraints of balancing a budget. State funding continues to drop and there is a heavier burden on the local taxpayer.

Public education: Public education must be funded properly and fairly.

Community support: The community should continue to communicate with the school district and school board in a professional manner. A strong community = a strong school district.

Chris Donatelli

Public Input: The current tenor of the board does not promote public input, but instead chooses to bully. I think the board should set a positive example for its students and be consistent with school policy such as “No Place to Hate”.

Alan Earnshaw Francee Fuller

Fuller did not respond for comment. She returned to the race after Michael Moxley who won the spring primary decided to withdraw.

Maintaining high standards : East Penn’s spending per student is 6.5% below the state average, while our students perform well above average on every measure. As a current member of the board, I have supported efforts to reduce spending on non-core areas, freeing up resources to preserve the high quality programs our students and their families deserve. We continue to look for ways to make the district more efficient without sacrificing any of our effectiveness.

New site makes college apps simpler

Destiny Nagle News Editor

Guidance counselors are breaking down the barrier between colleges and students this year as they introduce a new program aimed to help with the application process.

Naviance, a program directed toward collegebound students, is making its way into the lives of students as guidance counselors help make the transition for students easier. They are meeting with classes by grade level in order to convey the information about the program to everyone

possible. Freshmen, juniors, and seniors have all been to informational sessions, while sophomores will go in November.

Guidance counselors are holding information seminars for students and parents. If a student or parent is looking for more information on the program, they can find it on the Emmaus High School website under guidance in a Powerpoint form.

This program is designed to aid students in their high school career with tasks such as college planning, career searching and school involvement.

Founded by Stephen Smith in

Worst college majors Rania Draklellis News Writer

Although some students dream of pursuing very attainable and practical careers and professions, pursuing one’s dream job nowadays isn’t really reasonable, especially with rising unemployment rates for recent graduates in certain fields including education, liberal arts, and psychology.

For example, film and photography majors.

With the unemployment rate of 12.9 percent and a median salary of $29,000 for recent graduates, the photography and film industry is possibly one of the hardest fields to get into.

Ironically, the unemployment rate for high school graduates is 9.4 percent.

Eric Smith, who teaches visual communications and photography, has a few tips on what to do to get into the photography world.

“I don’t want to divert students away from the major,” Smith said. “but you have to be very good and experienced with

this. You must have a very good portfolio, which could take years to develop.”

If you love photography but don’t want to take the risk of unemployment, Smith suggests something along the lines of forensics or motion pictures.

“There are so many different realms of photography other than weddings photographers or portraits,” Smith said.

Photo and film students face a tough and crowded industry full of competition. Anyone with a camera can create a cheap website about their pictures of flowers and yellow leaves falling off a tree. There are also few benefits as far as health insurance goes.

Even so, recent graduates in philosophy/religious studies and anthropology/archeology face an unemployment rate of 10.8 percent. Why is that? Because their

2002, Naviance is found across the world in over 4 million schools and 84 countries. When Smith gained partnership in the company, he joined Hobson.

Guidance counselor Jennifer Carolla said it took a lot of work to bring Naviance into the school.

“We learned about it, researched it, we called and visited other schools who had it,” said Carolla. “We were in contact with Hobson. When data and security was smoothed over, it went to the board and was approved.”

Naviance is a nearly paperless program in which students have the ability to remain in contact

majors aren’t specific enough. If you were to get an engineering degree, it’s pretty obvious to see

with guidance counselors about future planning according to Carolla. Some colleges do require paper copies, such as transcripts and such which will be handled by counselors.

“We can assign them tasks to do on Family connection prior to meetings with them,” said Carolla. “If they do not do it, there is no penalty, but the more you get into it, the better it is.”

The program can be used for all grade levels in the high school said Carolla.

“We are doing surveys with sophomores and freshmen,” said Carolla. “And college planning with juniors and seniors.”

Seniors this year will use the site by requesting transcripts, letters of recomendation, acceptance history, and completing their resumes.

Juniors can use it for signing up for college visits.

Sophomores and freshmen will use it more as a planning tool in order to meet and stay in contact with couselors and do surveys in order to find out about possible career choices and colleges.

The Naviance website inculudes resources such as blogs from the point of view of users and information pages on how to best use the program.

that you want to become an engineer. If you were to get an arts degree, there are thousands of career options that you can choose from.

If you want to land a well paying job after you graduate, most people advise someone to go into STEM fields. STEM is an acronym that stands for jobs in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Degrees that fall into these categories include chemistry, computer and information technology science, life science, engineering, social sciences, physics, and geosciences.

Recent graduates with bachelor’s degrees usually make an average of $39,700 annually, but that could be more than doubled if those positions were in something related to science or math.

Biology teacher Kristen Susens, who believes science majors have numerous options, majored in environmen-

tal engineering, and has a lot to say about it.

“Personally, engineering opens a lot of careers for you. It’s kind of the best of both worlds of technology and biology,” said Susens. “Once you tell someone you have an engineering degree they say, ‘you can do anything, can’t you?’”

Are you still unsure of what you want to do for the rest of your life? Guidance Counselor Ellen Malone has some suggestions.

“For students who are unsure about a college major or career after high school, we are encouraging them to work the ‘Careers’ tab on Family Connection,” Malone said.

Through this section, you can research careers and pathways and do a complete online personality assessment. Under this careers tab, students are encouraged to research careers including job descriptions, important knowledge and skill sets for a career, and annual wages for that career by state.

Graphics by Dave Heiney.

OPINION 6

THE STINGER

YOUR THOUGHTS, OURS...

OPINION

October 2013

I N O N E B I T E - S I Z E PA C K A G E M A N AG I N G E D I TO R S AVA N N A H P U K A N E C Z S E C T I O N E D I TO R DAV I D H E I N E Y

Don’t tax me if you won’t “rep” me

So Savvy

By Savannah Pukanecz

Kevin Rodgers Opinion Contributor

“Taxation without representation” was the battle cry The Shadow Man of the American Revolution.

Wikipedia.com defines a shadow as an area This phrase was a summation where direct light cannot reach due to obstrucion of Great Britain’s primary of an object. Many things have shadows, and many things cause shadows, including us. Some grievance towards the origichase their shadows, and some run from them. nal 13 colonies. Great Britain But I question when our existence ceases to sim- passed bills and taxes that ply be the object causing the shadow, and when directly affected the citizens we become the shadow ourselves.

I have been fortunate enough to grow up very of the colonies, yet they were close with my grandparents. As a child I sat with not represented in the British my grandmother as she worked in the kitchen, parliament. It was met by a and I watched my grandfather as he repaired revolution and the eventual household items in his basement workshop. separation from Great BritThroughout my adolescent years, my grandfather grew to become my hero. Nothing less than ain. A similar grievance is being repeated by the United perfection was ever acceptable in his standards, and he never gave up on anything or anyone. His States government today. family was always the most important thing in According to section one his life and he was the rock that held us together. of the 26th Amendment “The I knew that I could always count on him to keep right of citizens of the United me grounded.

States who are 18 years of Now I have the opportunity to return the favor. age or older to vote shall not About eight years ago he started developing be denied or abridged by lapses in his memory. And much to my family’s the United States or by any dismay, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

State on account of age.” Yet Over the past couple of years his condition acaccording to The Fair Labor celerated to a downward spiral. Now, I watch the debilitating disease slowly consume him to Standards Act (FLSA), 14 is the point where he no longer knows that I’m his the minimum age for nongranddaughter. Alzheimer’s has not only reduced agricultural work. him to bouts of confusion and dementia, but it Why is it that human has forced him to become a shadow of the man he once was. beings aged 14-17 have It hasn’t been easy to see him slowly lose absolutely no say as to how sight of his true identity. In the early stages of his disease I used to mourn the loss of never really having the opportunity to know him as a person.

All my life I have known him as my grandfather, and the love I have for him will always be unconditional, but now even when the disease has him at his worst, I can still catch a glimpse of who he really is.

He is a friend to everyone. You will never meet someone more amicable, and more eager to have a two-hour conversation with a complete stranger.

He loves animals. There is nothing more heartwarming than seeing the ear-to-ear grin that spreads across his face when a furry little creaHannah Maehrer ture comes meandering into the room.

He loves to sing and whistle and hum. If you Opinion Contributor sing a little tune you’ll hear it on repeat for the At Emmaus High School rest of the day. Still, somehow it will be more melodic than the original tune you first trolled. a common complaint among But most of all, he is still a gentleman. He’ll students is the dress code open doors, help me carry heavy things, and tells requirements and its restricme I look prettier than a picture. It helps me to get through these times day-to-day knowing that tions.

I understand why the code no matter how dark and foreboding the future seems, my grandfather will always be pure of exists and why limitations heart with the best intentions. are put into place; however, In a way, we all eventually become shadows there are parts of the dress of our former selves.

When we are brought into this world, we have code that make me question its effectiveness. an innate sense of adventure and we don’t shy from experiences that would turn those twice our The first day of school was age on their heels. We always leap because we a rather productive day for don’t know that falling is a possibility. However, aides, considering that they as we grow in age we grow in experience, and had to send so many girls to the more we experience the more we realize all the things we have to fear. Now we know too their assistant principal for much about the world around us and we have the inappropriate length of grown timid of taking chances. Our adventurous their shorts. spirit has died to a small flicker of the eternal The rule for shorts at Emflame that was once our youth. maus is that they must reach I have accepted the fact that my grandfather will never again be the man who took me out for the mid-thigh, and I agree ice cream, and taught me how to draw the prothat it is necessary to have a files of peoples’ faces. And there will always be the daily struggle of learning to be tolerant of his length restriction. However, persistent questions, and his child-like demeanor. when an aide has to herd of a group of girls to the office, However, I still have hope.

I know that no matter what, he will always one has to question whether love me even if he doesn’t know who I am. the rule is effective or not.

Those small flashes of light and understanding “They should be more lein those dark and cloudy eyes are enough for me to know that deep, deep down, he’s still in there nient,” said freshman Ashley Harold. somewhere. He was once one of the most hardworking devoted people that I ever knew. Now, For one, students are difhe sits in his La-Z-Boy, listening to the Game ferent heights. The same pair Show Network and doing crossword puzzles; still of shorts appear shorter on my hero, but now a shadow of the man he used a tall girl than they do on a to be. petite one. After all, com-

the government spends the money that they have earned?

An entire demographic of the U.S. workforce is being completely ignored and rendered voiceless. Why are minors in the work force not allowed to have a say in things that would affect their futures such as Social Security or Medicare? If a person is paying into the government, they should have a say as to what the government is spending their money on. It is irrelevant whether someone thinks the vote of a minor would be inferior to that of an adult as a minor pays taxes just like an adult.

Some may argue that minors actually have a greater say in the political process than I am leading on. They say that minors can work the polls and campaign for their desired representative, or send a letter to their representative expressing their views and desired courses of action.

While those actions are within the legal bounds of a minor and would express one’s opinion, a minor still has no direct legal ability to elect a representative. Why would a state or federal representative take additional measures to please a demographic of people who cannot vote? Giving minors a vote would give representatives an

incentive to actually look out for the best interests of our voiceless group of citizens.

To solve this problem I would not recommend a lower minimum voting age but rather a system where minors, specifically those that are in the workforce, have a special exception allowing them to have a vote.

Countries like Australia and Brazil have realized the injustice in discluding a group of taxpaying citizens and have lowered their legal voting age to 16, and why shouldn’t they? A 16-year-old person has been educated for 10 years in the failures and successes of previous governments and is fully capable of making a conscience and unbiased decision on who they want to represent them.

The fact that they use such an arbitrary mark of maturity to determine who they allow to vote really grinds my gears. Wouldn’t it be more fair to judge someone’s maturity by whether or not they can handle the responsibilities associated with a job?

Jobs indicate a certain level of maturity that age does not.

The ability of a person to make a conscience and unbiased decision is not governed by age but by maturity. Age is by no means a measure of maturity, but having a

job is a rather accurate and tangible way to measure a person’s ability to deal with responsibility and gauge their decision-making abilities.

The fact that minors cannot vote is frightening and possibly dangerous; what if a politician decided to start changing child labor laws unfavorably or lowering minimum wage for minors?

Minors would have to rely on the politicians in Washington elected by adults to do the right thing, which is a very scarce occurrence.

Whether you think the vote of a minor would be beneficial to society or not, denying taxpaying, opinionated citizens the right to vote is unconstitutional, unfair, and altogether dangerous to the very foundations of this country. Maybe if the battle cry of the revolution was “No taxation without representation for people over 18,” I would have less of a quarrel with this blatant denial of constitutional rights. But it wasn’t.

People don’t receive divine wisdom the day they turn 18. There are better ways of gauging maturity and decision-making abilities, and any of them would be better than a landmark as irrelevant as age.

Short the Frock Up! mon sense says their legs are longer.

Junior Rachel Brusseler agrees.

“It’s hardly fair that someone could be wearing the same exact shorts as someone who’s shorter and get into trouble just because they happen to be taller,” said Brusseler, who stands 5-foot-10.

Still, many staff members as well as students believe the dress code stipulations are necessary and that they have to be consistent acrossthe-board.

“This is an educational environment, we need to maintain a certain decorum,” said Assistant Principal Sally Hanzlik.

Some people also believe that the dress code is critical to the social and continuing development of students.

“It’s preparing students for work environment,” said junior Jenna Zellner.

Although this makes sense and the dress code prepares students for the expectations found in the work force, I simply can’t accept this as a valid reason when I see kids in the hallways wearing loud costumes and fuzzy pajama pants. If the intention was to put these rules into place to better prepare us for the job market, then what does the future look like for the kids running around in Dracula costumes?

I’m not objecting to any of

these style choices. I would be the last person to knock a comfy pair of pajama pants, and my day is always a little bit brighter when I see someone walking around in a hilarious costume. However, if the shorts rule, tank top rule, or any dress code requirement has the purpose of keeping things professional, why are other exceptions allowed?

EHS athletes who are required to wear a certain type of attire in school for the purpose of representing their team are no exception to the mid-thigh rule.

“They said they would have to look into it. The rule is mid-thigh. That’s what’s enforced,” said Emmaus aide Jessi O’Donald.

When an athlete comes to school trying to support his or her team but they have to worry about getting into trouble by showing their spirit, there is a problem.

Senior Katie Carney agrees.

“If the school assigns a uniform to your team, you should be able to wear it to school,” said Carney.

Since the majority of a student’s time is spent in school, this is the primary place where we get to show off his own personal style.

One of the most harmless ways for a student to express himself or herself is through his clothing. Some aspects of the dress code are in place to

help students, but instead undermine a student’s personal and individual growth.

Junior Austin Hart supports this point.

“As students and individuals we want to express ourselves, we are our own person,” said Hart.

Some students find part of the dress code unnecessary.

“Tank tops should be allowed,” sophomore Shonya Finken. “Shoulders aren’t inappropriate.”

Ashley Harold, the freshman who believed the school board should be more lenient on dress code, agrees with this.

“Shoulders and scoop backs should be allowed as long as bra straps aren’t showing,” said Harold.

While faculty and staff at Emmaus have the authority to make these rules, and they deserve respect for what they do, I believe that students often get the wrong impression when faculty members occasionally wear clothing --a sleeveless blouse, for example -- that would land a student in the office.

Senior Makenzie Lysek agrees with this.

“It can affect a student’s attitude because they [teachers] are our role models,” she said. “If they don’t follow it, why should we?”

Indeed, the dress code has its purpose, but it is a policy that needs revisiting.

OPINION

THE STINGER

MARK HEWERTSON

October 2013

GUN CONT OL

For the past several decades, the United States government has repeatedly debated the merit of passing some basic and other extreme gun regulation laws. Many people establish a connection between the presence of guns and the high percentage of mass shootings and homicide in the United States, connections gun lobbyists and groups such as the National Rifle Association repeatedly deny.

For over forty years, many Americans have been tricked into believing that somehow, guns have nothing to do with gun violence. We have reached the point where common sense combined with the sheer quantity of undeniable evidence will silence gun lobbyists forever. No longer will America allow the ignorant and close-minded to arm mentally unstable individuals.

Many gun lobbyists have denied that a link exists between quantity of mass shootings and gun availability in a country. This idea has been repeatedly proven wrong by simple statistics. Like the U.S. does now, Australia once had a problem with mass shootings. Before 1996, Australia had a recorded number of 11 gun massacres, including the infamous Port Arthur shooting in which over 50 people were killed or injured.

After Port Arthur, almost all guns were bought back by the Australian Government, and since that shooting there has not been a single mass shooting. Similarly, the gun homicide rate fell by 50 percent, a number that is astoundingly high. Further disproving the argument that people will continue to kill at similar rates with other weapons such as knives or bats, general homicide also fell by 40 percent. The reason for this decline is that unlike knives or bats, guns allow people to kill quickly and efficiently without any thought or reasoning. Most murders are caused by an angry person acting rash, and with a gun, taking another’s life becomes impersonal and much easier.

In some odd form of horrible American generalization, many gun lobbyists claim America has a special culture and that what may work in Australia would not work in America.

This statement is as ignorant as it is incorrect. For one, any American should be offended by this statement. Apparently the worst, most violent people live in America only, and banning guns would cause widespread violence.

If anything, this reinforces my point: people are violent, rash, and, most importantly, armed in the United States. If Americans are supposedly not responsible enough to obey their democratically instituted governments, they are certainly not responsible enough to own firearms.

Besides Australia, countries like Great Britain, France, and Germany who instated heavy gun laws have had a continuous downward slope of homicide in their countries and faced almost no armed resistance in enacting these laws. So clearly Australia is not alone.

In a certain sense, gun lobbyists are correct about America having a different culture than other European and Australian nations, at least in the eyes of other nations. For an outside perspective, Americans reinforce their stereotype of being lazy and foolish by refusing to enact change against gun laws. A single mass shooting brought about change in Australia and Great Britain, as everyone was horrified by it, but Americans have become numb to the pain and anguish a mass shooting should bring.

By the definition of mass shooting - the injuring with firearms of four or more people - the U.S. has had over 250 in 2013 alone. It seems every month we turn on the news to hear about a new shooting, each more horrific than the last, yet we still make no changes. Sure, Americans like to think we look strong and free with our big guns and bombs, but how does the world perceive a nation that will not make any changes when presented with more shootings in about half a year than others have had in 15 years?

The fact is, I could sit here all day and list numerous statistics that completely obliterate the arguments of extremist gun owners. Some claim criminals will continue to buy guns, but an article from the Washington Post cites a study that estimates the quantity of illegal firearms would decrease by 90 million if an Australian-like ban was placed. Buying a firearm becomes much more difficult when there are no more guns to buy in the first place.

When debating the importance of gun control, one needs only to consider the common sense of it all: people are less likely to be shot if there are fewer guns.

That is an indisputable fact, like people are less likely to eat carrots if there are fewer carrots. I’m not saying that guns kill people. I’m saying that people kill people, but they mostly do it with guns.

P O I N T

C O U N T E R P O I N T

7

MATT FRANK

In a country filled with guns and criminals, many people maintain that it is only a matter of time until something is going to give—and it’s not going to be pretty.

The United States government currently estimates that roughly 270 million firearms lie in the hands of private owners. When so many weapons exist in a nation, isn’t it inevitable that tragic events will eventually occur? Statistics show that the United States has one of the highest murder rates in the world. And we cannot ignore the well-known shooting massacres at the Navy Yard in Washington D.C., the movie theater in Aurora, Colo., and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. It’s obvious: bad people do bad things.

The truth is that, in some cases, the process of purchasing or obtaining a gun is too easy. But while I do not support a gun ban of any kind, I wholly support background checks for all people who wish to buy a gun.

The recent tragedies that have occurred give responsible gun owners a bad name. Just because a person has an assault rifle, a high-capacity magazine, or a suppressor doesn’t mean that he will automatically start to shoot people in a school, show up in a public arena, or target a political figure.

But the sale of any assault rifle should not be limited to the military and police forces alone. The banning of assault rifles would be as pointless as banning cars, since cars kill people every day. In reality, it is the person pulling the trigger—or driving the car—that kills people. Consider that a 2010 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that the rate of firearm-related fatalities rose for decades before leveling off in the past 10 years. In the United States in 2010, the rate of firearm deaths was 10 deaths per 100,000. Interestingly enough, the rate for traffic accidents was 12 deaths per 100,000.

Everyone on the earth has the power to kill. Guns don’t do the killing; the individual not in his right mind does. If the government believes that a person intends to shoot anybody just because he owns a rifle, then it is the government who isn’t in its right mind.

Banning guns—or even severely limiting ownership—will not resolve violence in America. Better education will. An individual with a proper education is more likely to make safe decisions than an individual without one. We need to teach our youth the consequences of improper use of a firearm.

Learning the basics of handling a firearm causes more adolescents to act responsibly.

Since a person owns a firearm, does this mean that he will kill someone? No. An individual’s interest in guns does not justify the assumption that he will use those guns irresponsibly.

A recent study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania concluded that the weapons ban that lasted from 1994 to 2004 had little effect on gun-related crime. It has also been proven that in cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Washington D.C., where gun control regulations are most strict, there is a higher rate of gun-related crimes.

As a strong supporter of gun control, California Sen. Dianne Feinstein had much to say about the Navy Yard shooting.

“There are reports the killer was armed with an AR-15, a shotgun, and a semiautomatic pistol,” Feinstein said. “This is one more event to add to the litany of massacres that occur when a deranged person or grievance killer is able to obtain multiple weapons – including a military style assault rifle.”

Other politicians, as well as news agencies, jumped to a similar conclusion, continuing to draw attention to the dangers of a civilian owning an assault rifle.

Feinstein released her statement only hours after Aaron Alexis’ rampage at the Navy Yard left 12 victims dead. However, investigators later released the truth— Alexis did not use an assault rifle during his attack.

The FBI recently released a photo of the weapon that Alexis was armed with: a 12-gauge shot gun, not an AR-15 as was first reported. Soon after the shooting, Feinstein requested that the gun ban that had failed earlier that year be revived.

However, the gun ban that she wants passed does not include the shotgun that Alexis used to kill his victims.

The Navy Yard shooting has proven that “gun-free” zones simply do not work.

Any person who may or may not be in a good state of mind could easily sneak a firearm of any kind into a “gun-free” zone.

Since 1950 most of the mass shootings in the United States have taken place in states with strict gun laws. How will people be able to defend themselves if they have no other option than to use their fists? Any form of gun control leads only to higher crime rates and a country that doesn’t trust their government any more.

8

THE STINGER

Heiney Hotspot ism room. A gaggle of “fashion-savvy” sophomores disputed the importance of varying outfits on an annual basis. In layman’s terms, these individuals claim to not wear the same assortment of garments more than once in a school year.

I sincerely hope that not all females at EHS put as much value in their wardrobe as this particular group of sophomores, but, for the purposes of this Hotspot, the views expressed by these individuals adequately represent the mass opinion.

While the conversation itself was amateurly shrouded in a mist of deceitful reasoning to disguise an underclassmen clique’s genuinely shallow motivation, the underlying basis of the argument was valid enough to have provoked my analyzing the topic in further detail.

Initially, the sophomore party contended the point that no one (themselves, especially) should, in his right mind, wear the same article of clothing on more than one occasion during the same week.

The magnitude of this stipulation grossly differs from that of the aforementioned

annual variation of outfits, but both ideas compare adequately regarding the foolish underclassmen behavior.

Unfortunately, alternating one’s clothing at least every week seems to have been instituted as an unspoken regulation amongst the vast majority of EHS students, for if someone were to partake in this forbidden trend he/she might be judged harshly by the masses or unofficially labeled as “dirty”.

You, the reader, are more than welcome to spend as much time as is necessary in an attempt to silently validate plausible deniability of guilt regarding your involvement in the arrogant conviction of other students’ wardrobes, but you will find no satisfaction.

Everyone has judged the occasional (or not so) peer for wearing the same sweatshirt for three days in a row, or due to the fact that he determined his current ensemble by its affordability and not in order to meet today’s fashion standards.

I, myself, am far from exempt of these accusations.

Rarely do the offenders take into account the impact that audaciously criticizing someone’s wardrobe may impart upon the individual’s self-esteem.

Say, for instance, the student lacks the financial means to buy more than one or two pairs of inexpensive pants, or he can only afford to own a small assortment of used T-shirts. That student should not have to deal with petty mockery over circumstances that are beyond his control.

As temperatures drop to near freezing these next few months, is the student expected to risk his well-being and walk to school without the proper attire all in

turned out awesome,” Marcks said.

“I also was allowed to choose wherever I wanted to take my pictures and pretty much as many outfits that I wanted. We even went to a softball field, which was cool.”

Marcks first knew about Flick’s business because she knew her sons. She quickly grew to respect her work. “ I chose someone outside of the school’s policy just because I liked her pictures so much,” Marcks said, “and she gave me so much freedom for my pictures. I didn’t want my pictures to look like everyone elses.”

However, Marcks will not have the option to use Flick’s photography in the yearbook. She must take time to get her senior yearbook portrait taken by either of the two photographers she does not know or feel comfortable with. This makes not only Marcks work harder to be in the yearbook, but it makes other students who wants to be in the yearbook go the extra mile to inconveniently schedule an entirely separate sitting.

“No one should be forcing me to use a specific service for my senior pictures. I shouldn’t have to use RJ Harwick or Wesley Works unless I want to,” Marcks said.

Another senior disappointed with the policy is Nicole D’Amico.

“Everyone should go where they want,” D’Amico said.

“All photographers should be allowed in the yearbook.”

The policy of EHS should stand by the opinion of the student body. Our school has always encouraged a choice in all areas. From classes to school lunches, students at EHS have been prepared to

face life with numerous choices that affect their future. Students have learned about competition because competition is capitalism at its finest.

Imagine if Americans only had two choices of cars to buy or two styles of houses or two TVs? Why then did senior pictures become an exception to the array of choices at Emmaus?

At the pinnacle of the four years in high school, choice is stripped from every senior to only two photographers for the yearbook.

In the past, Emmaus High School opened up senior pictures to any photographer in the Lehigh Valley. According to Piperato, this option was not feasible.

“We first started opening up for several years to all the photographers because of the cost, “ said Piperato. “We encountered numerous issues. The quality differentiated, backgrounds were not consistent, family members were taking the photographs; it was a strain on the yearbook crew. The result was losing pictures.”

When asked why RJ and Wes were the only two photographers chosen, Piperato said the photographs from both studios had the best quality. He was unsure if the yearbook receives any financial benefit from this policy. Tattler adviser Andrew Moxey declined to comment.

Mary Beth Dimattio Flick, Marcks’ professional photographer, has unsuccessfully tried to get her questions answered as to why the policy exists, but she has not received a response.

Numerous seniors were asked who they chose to take their senior pictures. Some said they chose RJ and Wes in order to follow the school policy. Others did not

Dave Heiney Section Editor of Opinion

A Hotspot Sequel Salutations, curious literary patrons of Emmaus High School, and welcome to the Heiney Hotspot. Whether you consider yourself a member of my eager fan base or this is your first of many visits to the esteemed Hotspot, I sincerely thank you for reading and shall attempt to maintain your interest as I reexamine a topic of relative controversy: Clothing.

It was one year ago this month that I attempted to tackle the subject of apparel, but, unfortunately, my lewd angle on the story caused a last-minute rewrite and in turn produced what I consider to be the worst Hotspot I have ever composed.

The lack of significant content and poor style not only perturbed my editors to no end, but also failed to meet the standards I had set forth for myself in order to best provide a relevant article for the Hotspot’s readers. For that, I apologize.

Inspiration for my redeeming last year’s columnal conundrum stems not from polluted nostalgia, however, but instead from a heated debate that took place within the confines of the journal-

Memories, not monopolies Hanna Brosky, Guest Columnist

Your senior portrait marks a rite of passage; the journey of school will soon end and quickly become a fond memory. And so this permanent stamp -- an image that will forever grace a frame in your home, find its way into your daddy’s wallet, and appear in the yearbook -- means more than all of those Christmas City shots taken in the auditorium.

It is the final image of you that your old friends will reminisce over in 20 years.

An Emmaus High School policy states that the yearbook, The Tattler, only accepts pictures from RJ Harwick and Wesley Works. Unfortunately, neither of those two were my photographers. I wanted a photographer with whom I was comfortable and who knew how to reflect my personal style on film. All students should be given the choice to support any photographer for the yearbook portrait.

The yearbook policy excludes all other Lehigh Valley photographers. In a competitive marketplace, RJ and Wes clearly have the upper hand over other photographers.

“I will admit, [RJ and Wes] have an advantage,” Principal David Piperato said. “They have the opportunity to see every senior.”

Senior Olivia Marcks chose Mary Beth Dimattio Flick as her photographer for her senior portrait. Marcks did not agree with her limited choice of only two photographers.

“I chose her because I have seen other senior pictures that she has taken and they

October 2013

OPINION order to avoid wearing that same jacket for two or three consecutive days? He may very well be pressured into doing so just to escape the assembly of judging eyes throughout the halls.

Societal standards impose a burden on one’s psychological welfare even if he has the potential to acquire a vast collection of assorted regalia. Hinging any decision, especially one as fundamental as clothing oneself, on the childish critique of others not only hinders one’s self-esteem, but also nurtures the unhealthy dependence on the approval of the populous.

When asked their reasoning behind varying outfits every day of the week, the sophomore squadron refuted the above point by claiming that they alternated their daily garb merely to satisfy their own desire for self-variety. This seemingly dignified excuse was almost immediately contradicted by a sophomore proclaiming that it was “OK to re-wear an outfit to the mall on a Saturday, because no one from school will see you.”

Not only did the sophomores shoot themselves in the foot with this proclamation, but they succeeded in perplexing me as to any positive outcome from the “one-wear-a-week” rule, and certainly voided any credibility to their argument “one-wear-a-year”. If it were not bad enough that these individuals construct their daily lives around the approval of their peers, they apparently feel the need to lie about it.

So, to summarize, peer pressure (or at least the fear of it) causes young teenagers to lie (badly) about one of life’s basic necessities: clothing. like the quality of RJ and Wes and will not appear in their high school yearbook. In 30 years when my children want to see my full senior class in the yearbook, they will not have that opportunity. I, like others, refuse to use the two sanctioned photographers.

Several students expressed concern that the policy is a monopoly. AP Economics teacher Tom Warnke believes this is, indeed, a monopoly.

Plus, Warnke added: “It’s inconvenient and expensive.”

The decision of only allowing two photographers for such a large school may always be an unanswered question.

Over the next 10 years photography will be one of the fastest growing occupations. The field should experience a 10.3 percent rate of growth during this time period, according to studentscholarships. org. More photographers mean a wider variety of skill levels and quality in the photos. If the true problem in the past was that photographers all used different backgrounds with different quality, this can be easily solved. By setting limitations in photographs instead of photographers, the same quality can still be obtained. The yearbook crew is an organized, hard-working group that will definitely be able to organize and place photos from different photographers.

While it may be convenient for the yearbook staff, it is in fact, inconvenient for many members of the senior class.

The administration may instill the rules, but change comes from the bottom, up.

Students, as the majority, have a voice to be heard.

Photos courtesy of E. Smith Photography

F E A T U R E S

THE STINGER October 2013

9

MANAGING EDITOR JUSTINE COLEMAN SECTION EDITOR CHRISTINE CARLSON

NOW FEATURING UkE-crazy

By: Maura Benner Feaures Contributor

Steadily stringing its way into mainstream culture -- as well as the halls of Emmaus High School -- is a small, but widely recognized instrument: the ukulele.

The modest but mighty four-stringed instrument was created on the HawaiBy: Justine Coleman ian islands in the late 1800s, after It has been six years. It’s hard to believe. But I Portuguese settlers introduced it to the natives. Commonly known as the uke, it wanted her anniversary to go perfectly.

My dad picked me up from school, and we were was originally called the braguinha beoff. We visited her tree in the Lehigh Parkway... fore it was given the nickname ukulele, and her grave. And for the first time, I decided to meaning “jumping flea,” in Hawaiian. talk to her for a long time out loud. It was liberatThe instrument started to gain its recing. ognition when the United States annexed We ate dinner, just the three of us. We talked Hawaii as a territory in 1898, and since about football and other various subjects as if it then, it has seen its share of popularwas a normal day. It kind of seemed like it. ity waves. After some time of keeping And at some points, we talked about her. It’s to the shadows, the ukulele began to been such a long time. It’s not an uncomfortable subject in my family. We’re really honest about it. surface a few times in the past decades, mostly when companies began mass Then, my dad started to drive home. At this point, it was around 6:50 p.m. The time she died. producing plastic ukuleles for the use of I told my dad that we weren’t going to make it children as toys. home to honor the time. Her time. Then, he came But according to UkuleleHunt.com, up with the idea of going to her grave again. I “the first decade of the 2000s saw a thought that was a good idea.

So we stood around the grave, and my dad talked to my mom with his arms around me and my brother.

A few months before my mom died, she made videos for my dad, my brother, and me. As soon as we got home, we watched them. She was so tired in the videos. Her mind wasn’t working correctly, so she kept mixing up her words, which was difficult to see. At 10 years old, I never really understood the pain she must have gone through.

After that, we read the eulogy my dad shared at her funeral. It’s in the form of a scrapbook, so there are pictures on every page. We took turns reading each page like we did the year before. I started crying somewhere in the middle and had trouble getting through my pages. At the end, we just sat, all three of us, on the couch in silence.

People tell me I’m a lot like my mom. I don’t even know what that means. I was only 10, my Photo by Maura Benner. brother only 7. I feel like I didn’t even know her sometimes.

But at the same time, I do. growing acoustic alternative scene using I like to watch her wedding video. There are more eclectic sounds and more unusual pictures at the beginning of her life up until the instrumentation,” so the ukulele started point where she married my dad, as Barbra Strei- to come into the spotlight once more. sand’s “The Way We Were” plays in the backBeing the smallest instrument of the ground. As the screen flashes picture after picture guitar family, it fit right into the new of her growing up, I can see why people think I music scene with its unique, recognizlook like her. able sound. Kala Brand Ukulele, a leadBut sometimes it can get annoying. “Do you ing worldwide ukulele brand, has seen dance like your mom? Do you cheer like your mom? Are you going to the same college as your an incredible 70 percent sale increase mom?” I am not my mom. I suppose most people in the past few years, and players of the struggle with that, but I feel like some people try small instrument seem to be popping up to use me to replace her sometimes. everywhere.

However, I feel I have trouble with my identity Sophomore Avery deHoll is just one more than other people. When people are conof them. fused about why they are the way they are, they “I started playing ukulele because I turn to their family. I can do that most of the time, really wanted to be able to play the Adbut sometimes my family just doesn’t know the

This Just-In

answers.

And then there are mother and daughter connections. I see them everywhere. People should know they are lucky to have them.

I have a great connection with my step-mom.

But sometimes I wonder what my connection with my birth mother would have been like. I try not to ponder that for too long because I know that I just won’t have that.

It’s okay though. I believe this was the way it was supposed to be. I’ve become a better person from it. People come to me when others pass on because they know I’ve lived through it.

It has impacted me. A lot. But I didn’t collapse.

I kept on pushing. But I have to look back once in a while.

She is a part of me. I feel it. I know it.

I miss her.

I love her.

She was, and always will be, my mom.

venture Time theme,” deHoll said. “The guitar seemed really big and intimidating.”

DeHoll, a player of the ukulele for two years, said she learned how to play through YouTube videos and online chord charts. Though learning an instrument through online videos may seem foreign to some, it seems to be a popular method of practicing for the players of the “jumping flea.”

Senior Tommy Boty started playing six years ago thanks to YouTube videos, which are what he uses now to learn new songs.

“It’s such a small instrument,” Boty said. “Occasionally I’ll stop, but then I’ll learn a few more songs.”

Sophomore Kailey Korner, who has been playing for almost one year, said that she also learned through YouTube videos. Korner also said deHoll sparked her interest in the uke.

“I thought it was cool,” Korner said.

“She (deHoll) said, ‘I play the ukulele,’ and I thought that was awesome.”

All three musicians agree that they themselves have seen a rise in the popularity of the instrument and are encountering more and more people who are starting to play.

“I think there’s definitely been a rise in people playing the instrument,” deHoll said.

“But that’s really awesome because the ukulele is an amazing instrument and it should be appreciated for [how] adorable and versatile it is.”

“At least in my friend group,” Boty said. “I was the first to get one, and now I know at least three or four more people.”

Currently, the uke comes in four sizes, each having a differing tone; there’s the soprano, the smallest size that many ukulele first timers use, the concert, the tenor, which is being picked up more and more because of its use for soloists, and lastly the baritone, the largest out of the four. Because the soprano is the most commonly used uke, Boty, who plays a baritone size, said that he sometimes has trouble finding the right videos online to learn from.

Globally, the market for the ukulele is growing as well. In a 2011 interview with HawaiiBusiness.com, Mike Upton,

The uke gains recognition after the US annexes Hawaii.

1898 1915

The Panama-Pacific Intl. Exposition in San Francisco showcases Hawaiin music, the ukulele stealing the mainlanders’ hearts.

Wall Street crashes and uke sales plummet as swing music takes over.

1928

1916

the founder of Kala Brand Music Company, touched on the number of countries his business sells to.

“We have big markets in Europe and England, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong... all over the world,” Upton told Hawaii Business. “It’s probably grown five or six times over... 500 or 600 percent. That aloha spirit definitely translates well in any country.”

As of 2011, Kala exported over 100 different models of ukuleles to 20 different countries.

The ukulele has made its way into popular music in recent years through songs like “The Lazy Song” and “Billionaire” by Bruno Mars, “Hey, Soul Sister” by Train, and “Rhythm of Love”

by Plain White T’s. However, pop music isn’t the only genre this instrument has made its way into. With a little research, sheet music, videos, and chords for the ukulele can be found for almost any style of music, whether you’re into AC/ DC or Britney Spears.

“The ukulele is more versatile than most people think,” deHoll said, “so if you want to play death metal on there, just go for it. Ukuleles sound awesome no matter what.”

For anyone who is thinking about maybe taking up the ukulele, Korner says that it’s not a difficult or expensive instrument.

“It’s not that expensive, or that hard because there’s only four strings, unlike a guitar,” Korner said.

Boty agreed, saying that ukuleles can be found cheaply on Amazon.com, and those who play can find a lot of free sheet music online.

Of course, if your summer job paid well, some ukuleles, such as those from Kala or Martin & Co., home of the famous Martin Guitars, range in price from $75 to over $2,000. (No, that is not a typo.) Straps, strings, accessories, and all your other ukulele needs can also be found online.

As for playing, Korner believes she’ll continue in the future.

“Yes [I will continue to play],” Korner said. “Because it’s a lot of fun, and it’s cool because the instrument is rising [in popularity], but still kind of uncommon.”

DeHoll agrees.

“I’ll definitely keep playing in the future,” deHoll said. “It’s really fun making music and I want to keep doing that forever.”

Famous uke player Herbert “Tiny Tim” Khaury releases his first album God Bless Tiny Tim.

Uke sales soar as Hawaiian music grows in popularity.

1968 2007

The ukulele begins to replace the recorder in primary schools.

October 2013

10

By Justine Coleman and Christine Carlson

A Passion an

One girl’s quest to fight diabet

This year her father and Rhonda Heier, the manager of special events and fundraising at the American Diabetes Association, wanted to enlarge the event. They recruited Emmaus High School swim coach Tim O’Connor to help organize another swim.

To draw greater attention to the event, O’Connor contacted Olympic silver medalist Kristy Kowal to join in, and eventually, her participation transformed into her swimming laps with Carly.

Carly’s goal for this year was to raise $10,000 and swim 110 laps. Additionally, another goal was to stay in the water the entire time that she swam.

Last year, Carly had to stop several times for less than a minute.

“She did come out of the pool two times [or] Olympic swimmer Kristy Kowal helps Carly put on her swim cap. three times to test her blood sugar, eat a banana, and kiss her grandma,” Lenett said.

At the end of September, Carly met her goal and here comes a time when everyone has the choice to swam 110 laps, almost two miles, at Emmaus High School take a plunge and make a difference. Carly Lenett took that in 69 minutes, faster than she swam the previous year. She plunge. At the age of four, Carly jumped into the deep end also didn’t stop at all during her swim. of a pool. With absolutely no swimming experience, she O’Connor, who watched her swim from the deck, knew swam to the other side and back. She hasn’t stopped and that Carly enjoyed her experience swimming beside Kowal. since then, has never turned back, reaching out to people “She kept going,” O’Connor said. “She had a smile on and donating her time through her swimming for a cause her face. Everyone was so happy to see her do it.” that she feels strongly about: diabetes.

Carly also impressed Kowal, who medaled in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

“I think what she’s doing is incredible,” Kowal said.

“What she’s thinking about and what’s she’s doing to help n May of 2008 when she was three, her doctors diag- other people is so beyond what you expect of an eight-yearnosed Carly with type 1 diabetes. Her father, Mitch Lenett, old.” originally felt responsible, since he has type 1 diabetes as Lenett thinks Carly’s continuous swim was unbelievable well. to watch.

“I had a lot of guilt “She felt pretty proud of herself, and we’re all because I’ve had diabetes proud of her too,” Lenett said. since I was four years old, Heier feels Carly’s swim went better than so I felt like it was my expected. fault,” Lenett said. “It “We felt it went flawlessly, and we’re looktook a while to get over ing forward to growing the event in the future” that.”

Heier said.

Carly, now an 8-yearLenett received a lot of support from his comold third grader, also felt munity throughout the event. upset.

“We are so grateful from the outpouring of “I was sad because I alour community,” Lenett said. “[It was] very ways had to prick myself,” humbling how everyone pulled together.” she said.

Within the next week, Carly met her other After Carly’s diagnosis, goal of fundraising $10,000. Contributions to fundraising for diabetes her cause can still be made on her website, diaand spreading awarebetes.org/carlyrocks, until the end of the year. ness became the highest Currently, she is the highest individual sponsor Carly and her dad Mitch Lenett priority for the Lenett family of for the ADA in the Lehigh Valley.

Lower Macungie Township.

An avid swimmer, Carly trains at the Jewish CommuIn 2012, Carly wanted to find a way to raise money for nity Center where she logs between 60 and 80 laps each diabetes research. She came up with the idea to swim 100 practice. laps and ask people to sponsor her. She raised $9,000.

O’Connor is thrilled with Carly’s endurance.

T

I

Imagine being diagnosed with a disease when you are a small child and have no idea how it will later affect how you live.

Haley Heckman, a junior at Emmaus High School, knows exactly how that feels.

“I was four when I got diabetes, and I have done well taking care of myself,” Heckman said.

Heckman lives with type 1, also known as juvenile, diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, commonly diagnosed in children and young adults, requires Heckman to receive insulin through shots. Right now, she receives it through an insulin pump.

Having a disease at such a young age can be terrifying and challenging, but Heckman has learned to cope with it.

In the process, she has also had to adjust to having diabetes in school.

“I have to leave class sometimes and miss what is going on to keep up with everything, like I leave English five minutes before class ends to get to the nurse,” Heckman said.

There are always the challenges with diabetes, and sometimes Haley feels limited if her blood sugar is too high or low.

She sometimes feels very nervous being in school.

“Here’s a young girl who’s really motivated to make a difference in her cause,” he said.

Carly also wanted to educate the public about diabetes through her swim.

“I want to show people to not be afraid, and I want to show people what diabetes is,” Carly said.

B

esides swimming, Carly spends her time spreading awareness through various events.

Carly keeps busy as the Youth Ambassador for the Lehigh Valley Step Out. The walk, which took place on Oct. 13, featured Carly cutting the ribbon. Kendall Simmons, a former guad for the Pittsburgh Steelers, helped Carly start up the event. Simmons was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2003. Carly and Simmons gave out the champion’s medals to people who fundraised $1,000 or more. Throughout the past year, Carly spoke at many events, including a diabetes night seminar at Capital Blue Cross and a kick-off party at Applebee’s. Additionally, she threw out the first pitch at an IronPigs game.

Even in the summer, Carly sets up a lemonade stand to raise money for her cause.

Lenett is proud of his little girl’s ability to raise money for diabetes awareness.

Dealing with

“It can be terrifying because I always have to think about what if something happens to me in the hallway,” she said.

“I could get ignored or trampled.”

Then, there are the constant obstacles for Haley because of having to keep up with having diabetes, but she has learned to overcome them.

“I have had a few bumps in the road like when I was really sick because of my diabetes, but that just shows having diabetes isn’t always easy,” she said.

Junior Nate Oswald had a similar experience when his family found out.

“I was sick and went to the hospital and don’t remember much about it,” Oswald said, who was diagnosed at the age of five.

Oswald said he was told what he had to do, and now it’s just more of a routine. He wasn’t really sure what was happening when he was diagnosed.

But now, Oswald has developed an efficient routine for accommodating his diabetes in and out of school.

“I test my blood sugar every day before each meal, when I wake up, when I go to school, and when I go to bed,” Oswald said.

“When my blood sugar is above the target I use my insulin pump instead of the insulin shots,” he said. “When my

By Olivia R

blood sugar is below the target, I eat something to raise my blood sugar.”

Having diabetes does not really limit Oswald in school activities, but he has to be conscious of what carbohydrate and sugars he takes on a daily basis.

“It’s not a big deal,” Oswald said. “It can be frustrating at times, but at the end of the day, it is just something I have to do.”

Junior Loam Mirabal found out he had type 1 diabetes at

Loam Meribal

Haley He

nd a Dream

O c t o b e r 2 0 1 3 1 1

tes and raise awareness.

myself and feel guilty, or we could do something and make a difference.”

Carly takes insulin for everything she eats that contains carbohydrates. She goes to the nurse at her school, Willow Lane Elementary, three times a day - once in the morning, once at lunch, and once in the afternoon.

Additonally, her levels have to be checked before she bikes home from school.

Sometimes, Carly feels troubled because of the impact diabetes has on her life.

“I feel sad because I don’t like having to go to the nurse every day after school,” Carly said.

B

“She is an inspiration,” Lenett said. “I raised money as a kid, too, but she’s a machine.”

The Lenett family reached out to Heier and the ADA, and ever since, they have worked hard to promote diabetes awareness.

“They are huge advocates in the fight against diabetes,” Heier said. “As soon as I met her, I knew she was the perfect youth ambassador.”

Lenett also spreads awareness for diabetes through his books, The Adventures of Dolce and Banana. The books, which teach kids moral lessons, feature Simmons as a mentor to the two troublemakers, Dolce and Banana. Dolce is a monkey who has diabetes and manages to convince Banana to go along with all of his insane shenanigans.

Lenett feels that they didn’t really go through a phase of self-pity.

“It came a point where I knew I just had a choice to make,” Lenett said. “I could sit around and feel sorry for

“I can do anything a normal person can do.”

- Carly Lenett

h diabetes

Riccio

y

es

t

t

y the time Carly entered third grade, technology reached new heights.

During her father’s childhood, diabetics tested their urine instead of their blood, which was not very exact. Testing blood is more accurate because its gives immediate readings. Additionally, diabetics were less concerned about their diet because people simply did not know how much carbohydrates raised blood sugar.

The technology continues grow. Now, Carly wears an insulin pump that’s called a continuous glucose monitor or CGM, which Carly believes looks like an iPod. The CGM is a wireless sensor that has a monitor and a catheter that goes under the skin. Instead of checking her blood sugar multiple times each day, Carly only has to test her blood sugar once in the morning and once at night with the CGM. She also has a little gadget nicknamed Buzzy Bee. When the needle is injected, Buzzy Bee causes a sensation somewhere else on her body to distract her from the needle.

At the time of Lenett’s diagnosis, people didn’t know about the disease to the full extent that they do today.

“I remember being really scared because we didn’t really know about diabetes,” Lenett said. “In fact, nobody did back then.”

Just like all other technology, diabetes advancements constantly change.

Every few years, new improvements in technology emerge.

For example, researchers are currently testing the advancement, the bionic pancreas. This device checks blood sugar levels and distributes the amount of insulin needed automatically. A diabetic would wear the bionic pancreas like an infusion set, according to Lenett.

“It’s as close to a cure that they have on the table at this

nine.

“When I first found out, it was hard,” Mirabal said. “It was definitely a big adjustment, and I had to change my routine.”

“Now I know what to do,” Mirabal said. “It’s there, and it happens.”

Mirabal visits the nurse when needed, but for the most part, he handles his diabetes in school on his own. He keeps juice in his locker for when his sugar is low.

eckman

Nate Oswald

Outside of school, Mirabal participates in sports. He has to be careful when participating in physical activities to not push himself too hard. He must also be alert and prepared for if his sugar were to drop.

“I have to make sure that I don’t exercise too much, and be prepared with snacks,” Mirabal said.

Mirabal finds the staff at Emmaus understanding when it comes to knowing how to handle students with diabetes.

“The staff is really good,” he said. “The nurses know exactly what to do. My teachers are very understanding and don’t question if I have to use the bathroom several times that day.”

His family is supportive as well, and they know how to handle his diabetes and what to do if he would need their assistance.

Loam has adjusted to living with diabetes like Oswald and Heckman and has accepted it as just another part of his life.

“It’s just me,” he said.

Carly swam 110 laps with Kristy Kowal

point,” Lenett said.

A

s well as educating people about diabetes, Carly has set additional goals for herself.

“I want to be an Olympic swimmer,” she said.

Carly models Olympic Swimmer Kowal’s O’Connor, the swim coach, silver medal admires Carly’s love for swimming.

“This girl does this every day and this her passion,” O’Connor said. “I hope her goal one day would be to swim for Emmaus High School.”

Heier believes that no matter what Carly’s dreams and passions are that she can achieve them.

“Carly is the kind of kid that can just do anything,” Heier said.

Carly knows that her diabetes does not limit her: “I can do anything a normal person can do,” she said.

Photos by Justine Coleman.

Heckman’s insulin pump.

Photos by Maura Benner.

:

er b m

ve o N

1 2

Diabetes Awareness Month A Day in the Life of Diabetes By: Josh LeMaster Features Contributer

It was Friday the 13th in March of 2009 on a dark and stormy evening. Yes it sounds cliché, but it was the night my life would change forever.

I was sitting down to enjoy a nice dinner with my mom, dad, and sister when the phone rang. We were all anxiously anticipating one call that night. We all knew who it was. It was my doctor with a diagnosis. I was 13, and my whole life was about to change forever.

The doctor confirmed my suspicion. I have juvenile diabetes. And I was only 13.

My cousin, Ryan, has had type 1 diabetes for about 10 years. He found out when he was five, so the disease was nothing new for our family. His one wish while he was growing up with diabetes was for one person in his family, close group of friends, or really anybody he knew to get the disease, so he wouldn’t be alone with it on his journey. He would say it all the time.

Then one night, we were at a family event and everybody decided it would be cool to check their blood sugars along with Ryan, so he didn’t feel so alone.

Everybody’s sugar level indicated a normal number for a nondiabetic, which range is between 80 and 120. When it was my turn I was nervous because I hated needles, but I finally worked up the courage to do it.

I finally did it, and my number was 258, which is extremely high for a nondiabetic.

My parents took me to several doctors appointments where I got some blood work and a physical.

Next thing I knew, Ryan’s wish had come true.

Ever since then, diabetes has became a part of my everyday life and my identity. No matter what I do or where I go, I will always have to have roughly 10 needles inside me each day, whether it’s checking my sugar or injecting myself with insulin.

Every summer I participate as a counselor at Camp Red Jacket, which is an eight-hour day camp for little

kids who also have type 1 diabetes. Everybody at the camp including the adults, counselors, and kids, have the disease, so everybody feels comfortable from the first day until the last.

As a counselor, I act as a role model for the campers to show the children that even though they have the disease, they can still live a completely normal life. We give them three full days of activities and sports, with three short food breaks, and diabetes takes up about 10 minutes of the eight hour day for each kid. This proves to them that they can live a typical, everyday life just like every other kid.

When I go out to eat or go somewhere with friends, it’s always a part of me. At sports, like baseball, basketball, or anytime before I work out, I have to check my blood sugar to make sure it’s not too high or too low. Sometimes I may have to do it multiple times during an activity. My friends often tease me about it, but I like to have fun with it too, so it’s all okay with me because I get to make fun of them then.

I really enjoy having fun with it. I like to joke around with it by making people feel bad for me if I do something wrong. I call it, “pulling the diabetes card.” If one of my friends threaten me with something I tell them that I will stab them with one of my needles for revenge.

Sometimes, my friends and I will have a war with my needles and throw them at each other, but we make sure that they’re closed first. Joking about diabetes makes everything easier than just being miserable about it.

Dealing with low and high blood sugars are by far the worst part of dealing with diabetes. There are different symptoms for every diabetic when they experience high or low sugars.

When my sugar is low, typically I feel weak and shaky.

I also get extremely hot and sweaty, and I get mad at everything for no reason. When my sugar is high, I get a bad headache, and I feel light-headed.

A normal blood sugar is anywhere in between 80-120.

A low sugar is anything below 70, and a high sugar is anything above 180. Again, the low and high numbers are different for all diabetics, but the normal 80-120 sugar is the ideal number for a nondiabetic. If somebody without diabetes were to check their sugar, it would more than likely be between those numbers. If a sugar is 38 or below, the person could pass out.

Treatment for low sugars would include sugar or anything with a high amount of carbs. If somebody passes out, they need a glucagon shot and cake icing rubbed on their lips or gums. Every diabetic should have a glucagon shot with them at all times. The cake icing is just an extra measure that some diabetics use to prevent from going into shock.

To treat a high sugar, all the person would need to do is give themselves insulin whether it’s through injection, or with a pump, or any other object. Another smart thing to do is to stay hydrated, specifically with water, because other drinks would keep raising your sugar.

I also always carry a large bottle of glucose tablets along with me wherever I go. Glucose tablets are basically the same thing as Smarties, except they are much bigger. The tablets are about the size of a 50 cent coin, and about as thick as two Smarties on top of each other.

When I am not eating them, sometimes I shake the bottle to break the sugar into powder, and when I open the bottle, the powder diffuses and I inhale it. It just tastes good.

No matter what, type 1 diabetes will stick with me wherever I go and whatever I do for the rest of my life.

As much of a pain as it is, I like to have fun with it sometimes, and I think that’s important in having the disease instead of being miserable about it all the time.

Diabetes is and always will be a big part in my life.

Diabetes Overview Compiled by: Alex Kugler Features Contributor

According to...

Pamela Miller, Emmaus High School nurse, monitors students with diabetes throughout the school day.

Each day, 24 students journey down to the nurse’s office to test their blood sugar. They are not required to check in with the school nurses unless their blood sugar is too low.

“I want them to be independent and able to do this on their own,” Miller said. “I don’t want to hover over the students unless it is needed.”

Over the course of 13 years Miller had seen an increase in students who have diabetes.

This year there are a total of 24 students in the school with diabetes; 13 years ago, there were only 5 students.

Miller believes that awareness for diabetes is important and that there should be an increase in research for this disease.

“It is a disease and doesn’t have obvious signs or symptoms” Miller said. “Numbers are increasing and younger are being affected.”

Type 1: Usually starts to de-

Fast Facts:

Diabetes affects about 0.26 percent of all people under 20 years of age, and 11.3 percent of p e o p l e 20 years old and over.

Approximately there is a total of 25.8 million of children and adults diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in the United States; that is 8.3 percent of the U.S. population.

Blood sugar during the daytime should be 80-120 mg/dL. During the night time blood sugar should be 100-140 mg/dL. Your ethnicity is also a factor in developing type 2 diabetes. African Americans, Hispanic, American Indians, and Asians are at a higher risk.

velop in adolescent years

Symptoms of early development: Increased thirst and urination, extreme hunger, weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision occur when developing this form of diabetes Cause: Autoimmune destruction of insulin, it is thought that you are either born with it or the pancreas just shuts down.

Consequences: Increase in blood and urine glucose and lifelong commit ment to taking insulin everyday Treatment: Important to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight Cure: Unknown

Type 2: Usually starts to develop in adulthood.

Symptoms of early development: Same symptoms of type 1 along with slow healing sores, frequent infections, areas of darkened skin

Definition:

Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which the body is unable to produce enough insulin. This causes elevated levels of glucose in the body.

There are two forms of diabetes, type 1 and type 2.

Cause: Exact causes unknown but risk factors include age, family history, and race Consequences: Lifelong commitment for exercise and healthy diet Treatment: Medication to lower blood sugar levels and take insulin Cure: Unknown

Culture

THE STINGER | October 2013

CULTURE

13

M A N A G I N G E D I T O R : E M M A WA N G SEC TION EDITOR: EAMON DREISBACH

THE BRO LIFE

By Luke Pukanecz

iOS 7 update catches the eyes of iPhone users

Apple touches up security on iPhone 5S

Photo Courteasy of fastcompany.net

What does it mean to be a bro? First of all, if

By Haley Lindstrom you are even questioning this matter, then you Apple’s iOS 7 was released on taking pictures until you release your dialer instead of blocks. Many new are not ready to be a bro.

Sept. 18, creating mixed feelings for finger. An additional eight filters were features are more bubbly and aniA true bro knows what users. also added including Mono, Tonal, mated, rather than square. They also it means to be a bro and knows Apple has completely changed their Noir, Fade, Chrome, Process, Transadded a new blocking feature. This what it takes to become legendary. The people software. Many new features are infer, and Instant. The filters are located blocks any calls, text messages, and that pretend and try to fit in with the masses of the cluded. However, not every user feels right next to the camera button. You FaceTime calls you receive from a population are known to us and the rest of the world the same about the updated version. select the desired filter and pictures selected person. This feature is much as “posers.” They are not the type of crowd that real Emmaus High School math teacher are automatically taken. Photos are more convenient than having to call bros should be hanging with considering that they Kelly Lesko, who recently upgraded now organized and separated by the your provider and asking them to cramp our style and give us a bad name. to iOS 7, has a positive reaction todate they were taken. block a number.

The first main component of being a bro is that wards it. Lesko said if she was a nonSophomore Novi Kpaw has strong The Music app also underwent a you have to longboard. It’s just a must if you are a Apple user the new design of iOS feelings towards the new software. change. iTunes Radio has stations bro.

The most important part of this rule is that you 7 would entice her to buy an Apple “I love it,” said Kpaw. Her favorite with different genres of music and actually have to be talented at longboarding. If you product. quality is the eight filters that are now runs off of cellular data, similar to have to catch your balance after every push or foot “The new design of software is incorporated into the updated camera Pandora Radio. The display of album brake when going down a 10 foot hill, then there is very organized and appealing to the app. pictures has changed too. If you tilt no way that you are one of us broskis. eye,” said Lesko. the screen horizontally, three rows of The best longboarding seshes are in the early However, she would make some album pictures show up. To view all mornings and late at night only if you are with other adjustments to iOS 7 if she could. of the cover art all you have to do is bros.

The only ideal time to board by yourself is after “It is a little too bright. Apple swipe to the right. school or at precisely 3:00 pm.

Otherwise you must should lower the contrast some,” said The look of the Notes app has also board with other bros.

Also, a bro never complains Lekso. altered its look. It is now yellow with about road rash.

If a bro scrapes himself up, then he Apple also added a control center a white background, while the older just gets back up and bombs another hill at 55 mph. which allows you to go into airplane version actually looked like a yellow The second part of being a bro is LAX. As most mode, enable/ disable wifi, use bluenotepad. The Weather app is animated people refer to it as “lacrosse,” only a bro can refer tooth, enter do not disturb mode, and and shows what the weather looks to it as lax.

If one does not participate in lax, then he photo courteasy of idownloadblog.com add a screen rotation lock. It also allike. For instance, if it is raining the is not a bro nor will he ever be a bro.

If one refers to lows you to adjust brightness and play background will have rain drops fallit as “lacrosse,” then he also is not a bro. music. A utility bar was added into An update for the text messaging ing.

Nothing beats going over to a fellow bro’s house the control center too. A flashlight app app was also included in iOS 7. Apple Many apps have also changed their and rippin some cheddar in the backyard or just getthat uses the flash on the camera as a made the texting app more animated. icon but in the program not a signifiting in a solid wall ball session. The better at lax you flashlight, the clock app, calculator, If you swipe the screen with your cant difference from iOS 6.1.4, unlike are, the better of a bro you are. The same also goes and camera all can be accessed with finger to the right while in a conversa- other apps. for longboarding. just one upward swipe of the screen. tion, individual times will appear for EHS teacher Jamie Sanchez, howPart 3 of being a bro is the attire that a bro disThe control center permits easy access the time you sent the message and ever, isn’t very fond of the changes. plays.

There are two types of styles a bro can rock, without making you go to the individ- when you receive them. To the top “I prefer the old software,” said the skater or the lax bro look. Most bros rock the lax ual app. Simplicity is one of Apple’s right of the screen there is a contact Sanchez. Sanchez, like Lesko, bebro look which is a clean cut type of style. It mostly goals for iOS 7. button. If you tap on it, you will get a lieves that the contrast is too bright. consists of white mid calf socks, Sperry shoes, pastel Apple revamped the camra as well. picture of a phone, an old camera for Feelings about iOS 7 vary from shorts, and a nice brand name shirt. This style is There are now four camera modes FaceTime, and an “i” inside of a circle user to user. Some users like it, while usually favored in the brommunity (bro commuavailable: video, photo, square, and (info). The “i” inside of the circle will others believe that iOS 7 is just annity) over the skater look. The skater look usually panorama. A continuous shot option take you to the contact information. other bad apple. consists of skinny jeans, skate shoes, and a skate is also available. All you have to do is In the phone app there are now brand t-shirt.

Not too many bros take advantage of hold down the button and it will keep circles around the numbers in the the skater style but it is still another option besides the lax bro look.

The final and by far most important part of being a bro is following “The Bro Code.” The Bro Code

By Emma Johnson is the most sacred document known by fellow bros.

The latest iPhone hit the market in late print. Surrounding the button is a stainIt MUST be followed to the tightest of principles in September, attracting many fans as well as less steel ring that detects your finger and order to make sure that he is the best possible bro he plenty of controversy on how well Touch wakes up the sensor. can be. There are exactly 150 articles in this halID works.

The sensor has a capability of 360-delowed scripture each of which must be practiced. If On the first day of its release, over 6.5 gree readability. This means that no matter as much as one of the laws is broken by a bro, then million units of the iPhone 5s were sold. how you put your finger onto the home he will be excommunicated from the bropulation There was a lot of controversy and talk button, it can identify you. You can hold (bro population), and scorned for the rest of his life. about how Touch ID worked. While some your finger any direction, and the phone Even though all bros should already know this, I people love the idea, others worry about will know who you are. feel obligated to mention the most important article how secure the new technology actually Senior Nick Tonno got the iPhone 5s in The Bro Code. It just happens to be article #1 faster and easier than typing a is. just a few days after it came out. which states “Misters before Sisters.” In other words, passcode all the time.”

Courtney Wood, a senior at Emmaus “It’s definitely much faster to unlock no girl, no matter how attractive or great of a person The 5s has many other new High School, loves the new changes and the phone,” said Tonno. “It’s also much features besides the fingerprint s she is, will come before or replace a fellow bro. hopes to get the new iPhone soon. more convenient.”

There is no tighter bond in the world than the bond ensor. It boasts a newer, faster “The fingerprint security is a big Touch ID also allows you to enroll difcamera and an M7 coprocessor. between bros. This is what it truly means to be a bro. advance in technology,” Wood said, “but ferent fingerprints. You can have up to 5 If you can’t hack it you better pack it. So it has been The M7 coprocessor is it’s a change that was bound to happen at fingerprints, meaning you can register all said, so it shall be done. Love it and Live it. Bro out. designed to measure motion some point.” of your fingers, or some of your family’s data from the accelerometer, gyThe fingerprint security was created to and friends’ prints. quality. The new sensor is 15 percent roscope, and compass. Fitness help save time and make sure nobody else Although the new technology is almost larger than the original. apps can track physical activity by using has access to your iPhone. unhackable, there is still a required passThe camera also has a True Tone flash. data from the M7 coprocessor without A major concern of many was whether code just in case you need another way The True Tone flash can figure out exactly constantly engaging the A7 chip. This new or not it could be hacked, but Apple told a into your phone. how much light you need for your photo. process helps to save battery power. different story.

Junior Luke Weider also got the iPhone It has a 33 percent higher light sensitivity.

M7 can tell when you’re walking, runThe new ID system works just like a shortly after it came out.

That means it can give you more light, ning or driving. It can also tell when your password and is considered much safer “The passcode is good for when you which leads to better and brighter pictures phone hasn’t moved for a while and cuts because you can’t guess a fingerprint, but would need another way to get in or with more accurate colors. down battery usage. you can guess a passcode. when you need a friend to unlock it,” said Apple has referred to their newest prodThe iPhone 5s also featurees a new Touch ID is embedded into the home Weider. uct as “an iPhone that’s definitely ahead camera. The camera is faster and takes button on the phone. The surface of the Another feature of the Touch ID is that of its time.”

And most people definitely higher quality pictures. button directs the image of your finger to you can download apps with it. agree.

Apple put in a larger sensor, which a touch sensor, which reads beneath the “You can download with the fingerallows the individual pixels to enlarge. outer layers of your skin to get a detailed prints too,” said Tonno, “which is much Having bigger pixels creates better picture

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Breaking Back

THE STINGER | October 2013

CULTURE

MGMT falls short on third LP

By Eamon Dreisbach

“Guess I got what I deserve / Kept you waiting there, too long my love / All that time, without a word / Didn’t know you’d think, that I’d forget, or I’d regret / The special love I have for you / My baby blue” As I listened to those lyrics ring out during the final moments of the Breaking Bad finale, I was hit with a variety of emotions.

While I was more than happy to have finished the ride provided by one of the most prolific and well-written shows in television history, I couldn’t help but feel a hint of anguish. After following the show religiously for the past two and a half years, watching the closing credits flash across the screen for the last time felt like I had just said goodbye to a close friend.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Breaking Bad (in which case I can only assume you have been lost in a desert or living under a rock for the past few years), the show follows the exploits of chemistry teacher-turned-meth-dealer Walter White (played

by Bryan Cranston) and his smart-mouthed former student/ partner in crime, Jesse Pinkman (portrayed by Aaron Paul). Over the course of the series five-year run, the drug peddling pair have provided viewers with plenty of memorable moments and heartfelt drama.

Whether they were battling Walt’s recurring cancer, negotiating for their lives with vicious members of the Mexican cartel, taking out a chicken-slinging drug kingpin, or opening up a car wash, the duo always managed to keep the show from becoming redundant or losing its macabre charm.

While stellar acting played a notable role in keeping me addicted to the show from the very first episode, the brilliant writing of Breaking Bad’s creator/director Vince Gilligan is what kept me coming back week after week.

Every time the show appeared to have exhausted all options to get Walt out of a dire situation, I was hit with another mind-bending plot twist or drastic turn of events. On top of this, Gilligan made a habit of throwing seemingly insignificant details into early episodes that would foreshadow events farther down the line, which provided me with plenty of “how the heck did I miss that?” moments while re-watching old episodes.

Everything from a pink teddy bear in the background of a toy store to a pair of old khakis blowing in the backdrop of a desert scene held hidden significance. As one would expect from a show with as large a fan-base and as much prominence as Breaking Bad has attained, theories on how the show would end ran rampant on media outlets and fan sites in the week leading up to the finale.

And with the attention that Gilligan’s creation amassed in just its final months, it’s no surprise that the show has collected a number of awards since it’s debut. Cranston, Paul, and actress Anna Gunn (who plays the role of Walter’s wife Skylar) have all won Emmys for their roles on the show, while the drama itself has earned nine Saturn Awards, five Satellite Awards, and four Golden Globes. Aside from awards from the critics, the show has also managed to make its way to the 2nd highest user- rated TV show on the Internet Movie Database. The show’s monumental success has even spawned a spin off, “Better Call Saul”, that follows the daily life of Breaking Bad’s wisecracking lawyer, Saul Goodman (played by Bob Odenkirk).

With that in mind, let’s get back to the finale.

My favorite aspect of Breaking Bad has always been the depth and complexity of the show’s characters. An elderly stone-cold hit man can turn out to be a loving grandfather, and a seemingly innocent pest exterminator can turn out to be a psychopathic killer. The final episode beautifully brought out all the unique aspects of the main characters and left me with no unanswered questions or gaping plot holes. I watched in awe as the former schoolteacher completed his transformation into a ruthless drug lord, as he freed his former partner from captivity by brutally gunning down a gang of white supremacists. While the camera slowly panned out over the lifeless body of our favorite meth-cooking anti-hero, one of television’s most inspiring, comical, and often heartbreaking dramas came to a close.

For those who followed the journey of Walt and Jesse, Breaking Bad is sure to serve as an example of how a television show can be so much more than just passive entertainment for years to come. In the words of Walter White, “Chemistry: it is the study of change.

Well that’s… that’s all of life… right? I mean, it’s just the constant, it’s the cycle. It is growth, then decay, then transformation.”

MGMT is the psychedelic pop duo of Benjamin Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden. The group formed in 2005 but didn’t gain mainstream attention until 2010 with the release of their album Oracular Spectacular.

Riding off singles from that album like “Kids” and “Electric Feel,” they launched into the forefront of the movement of electro-pop bands coming out around that time.

On this self-titled album, MGMT has made a major change in their sound, ditching electro-pop, danceable beats for an obvious psychedelic rock influence. That being said, this change does not pan out as well as I expected.

For me, many of the tracks on this album are a bit underwhelming and long-winded.

Tracks like “Cool Song No. 2” and “Astro-Mancy” aren’t very engaging with weak vocals and repetitive synth lines and guitars.

Even the two big singles to come out from this album, “Alien Days” and “Your Life is a Lie,” were rather

forgettable.

However, there were some interesting points on the album. I liked the trippy soundscape that was “I Love You Too, Death” and the glitch synths and heavy drums on “Mystery Disease.” Even on the tracks that I thought were passable, I was still able to pick out interesting effects on the synths and guitars. Overall, I felt this album fell short of its full potential, but I am hopeful that MGMT will capitalize on this sound in the future.

If you’re an MGMT fan, be sure to catch them live at The Electric Factory in Philly on Dec. 3rd.

Rating (out of 10): Solid 6

Drake returns to his roots

Grammy-Award winning artist Drake released his third studio album, Nothing Was the Same, on Sept. 24, although it leaked on the internet on Sept.15. The album includes the hit singles “Hold On, We’re Going Home” and “Started From the Bottom.” Nothing Was the Same lets fans get a peek into Drake’s life as well as his successes, insecurities, and all of the hate he receives.

As a rapper, Drake is often criticized for his upbringing and past career as an actor. His acting career lasted 8 years on the show

Degrassi: The Next Generation, in which Drake played a high school basketball player, Jimmy Brooks, who was shot in the back and put in a wheel chair. Growing up Drake said, “My mother was very sick. We were very poor, like broke…” Not being from the “hood” has lead people to believe that Drake himself has had no struggles and is too “soft” to be in the rap game, but he has had his fair amount of struggles. In this album he tackles the criticisms he faces, like in the song, “The Language.” On this track, Drake says, “People are funny you don’t even know about the s**t that I been through.”

The album also includes features from several well-known artists such as 2Chainz, Jhene Aiko, Majid Jordan and Jay-Z. While the album has an R&B feel, Drake’s verses really hit hard. They get straight to the point and don’t hold back. In the song “The Motion” Drake says, “Seem like everybody calling cause they want me on their song/ It’s like every time I touch it I could never do wrong.” One song off the album, “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” has

By Kevin Gigler

By Ashley Rivera

no rap verses at all. It is a personal favorite because it’s a nice break from Drake’s typical music. Nothing Was the Same is Drake’s best album so far. The versatility of the album is one of the main reasons it has sold so well. In its first week it sold 678,000 copies, which makes it the second best-selling album this year.

The music video for “Hold On, We’re Going Home” was released the same day as the album, and features A$AP Rocky, Majid Jordan, MC Fredo Santana, and Steven Bauer (Manny Ribera, Scarface).

The video takes place Miami in 1985. Drake’s girlfriend in the video is kidnapped by a gangster, Steven Bauer. Ultimately the video ends with Drake and his crew having a shootout and rescuing his damsel in distress. The video is very well filmed, has a great story to it, and to top it off, all off the music fits in perfectly.

The tracklist includes 13 songs on the original album and 16 on the deluxe edition. The best songs off the album are “ From Time”, “ The Language” and “Hold On, We’re Going Home.”

Rating (out of 10): Solid 8

New Volcano Choir album erupts

Volcano Choir is an indie rock group which has gained most, if not all its attention for being a side project of singer-songwriter Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. Joining Vernon are various fellow Wisconsin musicians from Collections of Colonies of Bees. Repave is only their second album to drop since the release of their self-titled debut album, which

was released in 2009. Riding off the fame of Vernon’s For Emma, Forever Ago, the side project received a decent amount of attention.

This album is a blend of serene indie-pop with some rock and roll elements. From the very first track, “Tiderays,” you are already hit with the beautiful instrumentation that this album is set up with.

It’s a near-perfect opener and one of my favorite tracks.

The lush sounds continue on tracks like “Comrade” and the epic anthem “Byegone,” with smoothly picked acoustic and electric guitars, colorful synths, and heavy drums. As far as the vocals go on this album, Justin Vernon couldn’t hit a bad note even if he tried. He tends to use his more mid-range vocals on these tracks instead of his signature falsetto, with great success. That being said, if you’re craving some high-pitched

By Kevin Gigler

magic from Justin, I’d recommend the track “Keel.”

My only complaint with this project is more of a general observation I made while listening to the album as a whole. Many of the tracks on this album sound very similar to songs off of Bon Iver’s last self-titled album.

The first two tracks have a very similar feel to the first two tracks off of that album. Also, I was hoping that this album would be more experimental, like the band’s last album.

They seemed to ditch the wandering, aimless song structures from their first album for a more conventional, rock-style structuring. While I’m on the topic of complaints, I also thought the track was “Alaskans” wasn’t very engaging and kind of passable. Other than that, I enjoyed this album.

Rating (out of 10): Light 8

Cultur e

THE STINGER | October 2013

Falling into Autumn Photo by blogspot.com

of combat boots that hit the market in the 40’s, are back with their edgy look. Docs come in many styles and colors that look great paired with high socks peeking out of the top of the shoe. Another type of boot spotted in many stores this fall season are riding boots. A great way to complete the outfit is with an infinity scarf, beanie, or hair bow.

With pools and beaches closed, there are still many activities to enjoy during this season. Take advantage of the outdoors by making a trip to a pumpkin patch, finding your way out of a corn maze, experiencing hay rides, or simply hiking to enjoy the cool breeze.

Sophomore Nick Quinn prefers going to a corn maze with friends.

“It’s such a typical fall activity, but there’s just something about getting totally lost and confused with your buds in the perfect weather that’s just so fun,” said Quinn.

Attending Friday night football games is another way to enjoy the fall atmosphere while showing off your school spirit. The perfect temperature is usually not too hot and not too cold.

During the fall, seasonal tasty drinks return to stores.

Photo By jwwartick.com

The film sequel to The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, will debut soon, making the students at Emmaus High School very anxious, nervous, and excited.

Catching Fire is a science-fiction movie and is rated PG-13. The production of this movie began during the summer of last year, and will be hitting theaters on Nov. 22. The director of the first movie in this trilogy is Gary Ross, while the director of this sequel is Francis Lawrence. Jennifer Lawrence will return for Catching Fire as Katniss, Liam Hemsworth will play Gale, and Josh Hutcherson will take on the role of Peeta. The famous trilogy of novels the movies are based on were all written by Suzanne Collins.

The Hunger Games was first screened in theatres on March 12, 2012 and went on to make $684 million worldwide.

The hunger games are a punishment for the rebellions of the 12 districts. In these games, 24 tributes, one

boy and one girl from each district, are chosen to fight to the death. Only one of the 24 tributes comes out of the games alive.

Freshman Jonah Ott is a big fan of this well-known trilogy. Ott feels that Catching Fire contains all of the aspects that many other films seem to lack.

“It’s different and people like different,” said Ott. “Love, action, romance, it encompasses everything people like.”

Sophomore Daniela Meynardi is excited for the movie to hit theaters. There are many parts that fans say they are eager to see.

“I heard Katniss and Peeta are going back into the arena,” said Meynardi. “I’m excited to see what happens next.”

Ott feels Catching Fire is much better than the original.

“The second book was my favorite. The movie will be awesome,” said Ott. “The second storyline was the best.”

By Cole Reece

Starbucks offers warm pumpkin spice lattes and cold pumpkin spice Frappuccinos topped off with cinnamon.

Sophomore Rachel Heiney says the pumpkin spice latte is like “fall in a cup.” You can also stock up on classic apple cider to heat and serve on those chilly fall nights.

Another part of autumn is lighting your favorite fall scented candle to achieve that “fall spirit” feel right at home.

Sophomore Victoria Nielsen says her favorite fall scent is Pumpkin Cupcake by Bath & Body Works.

Sadly we’ve come to the end of our fall survival guide, but now you’re all ready for autumn. Go outside and enjoy the fall weather by attending a football game, joining friends on a hayride, and throwing on your very own fall inspired outfit. No need to thank us.

Let the Games Begin

Nicole Croy, also a freshman, hopes the second movie will meet the expectations that the first movie never did. Croy agrees with Ott in that the movie will contain all the elements that the first movie lacked.

“I hope it’ll meet expectations of the book,” said Croy.

“The book has adventure, a love story, but it’s scary and thrilling.”

Fans seem to enjoy the return of the actors from the original Hunger Games.

Sophomores Amber Kohls and Maggie Lavelle seem to be most excited for the previous actors to return for the second movie.

Kohls said Josh Hutcherson was her favorite returning actor, while Lavelle prefers Liam Hemsworth.

Kohls is also looking forward to another part of this sequel.

When asked what he is looking forward to the most, Kohls said, “To see how it ends. To see if it stays to the storyline.”

Fans Ott and Croy showed much excitement to see the release in theaters.

“I plan on seeing it in the

A Different Kind of Holiday

Photo by starstyle.com

By Tori Delhagen and Zoe Kassis jeans will flatter your figure while still keeping you snug. If you want to dress up, try to layer tights.

Sophomore Alex Kugler shared her thoughts on fall bottoms.

“I love to wear leggings because they are so easy and simple,” said Kugler. “But It’s that time of year they can also be dressed up when the crunching sound with a cute top.” of leaves under clunky Now that your legs are boots, the sweet smell of nice and warm, it’s time to pumpkin spice, and the focus on tops. A good way warm taste of apple cider to look cute while still bemark the beginning of fall. ing comfortable is wearing Let’s put away the crop oversized and cozy sweaters. tops and short shorts as we Army jackets are a slowly transition ourselves must-have clothing item for into fall. As the days begin the fall season. The military to grow shorter, and the style is fashionable and weather takes a brisk turn, gives a thicker look for those the sleeves become longer. chillier days. If you have So here’s your very own tank tops from the sumquick style guide to mastermer season to make them ing this season’s trends and wearable in fall by adding a fun activities to make your cardigan over top. fall experience memorable.

Sophomore Crystal Wise Slip on your combat boots agrees with the fall military and thick Army jackets as we trend. fall into autumn.

“The military style is Since the sun is no longer a must have for this fall,” blazing and the temperature said Wise.

“I love wearing has dropped, it’s important army jackets and camouflage that you dress accordingly. sweaters.

They make the You can keep warm during look so edgy.” the fall season by adding With flip-flops tucked thicker layers that are still away, combat boots make a fashionable. fashionable choice to keep Keeping your legs warm up the army style. Doctor is always important, so Martens, a popular brand adding a pair of leggings or

15

By Sydney Buck

theaters,” said Ott. “The first week.”

Croy seems to be eager to see it as well. She plans on visiting the theaters along with the other anxious Hunger Games trilogy fans.

“The day it comes out,” said Croy. “I’m excited.”

Meynardi is also excited to see the movie once it hits theaters, with high expectations.

“I hope it’s really good, and intense,” Maynardi said.

Freshman Brittney Moratori is anxious to see the new arrival as well. This movie seems to be more intriguing than any other new release out there.

“I plan on seeing it the day it comes out,” said Moratori. “Because I’ve been waiting a whole year, I’m excited for it. It’s the only movie I would wait a year for.”

Jessi O’Donald, an EHS aid, has read all the books in the trilogy. O’Donald is hoping the new movie will be as good as the Catching Fire novel.

“It’ll be pretty good, high expectations,” O’Donald said.

For the majority of Americans, November is all about Thanksgiving.

But to be honest, it’s kind of boring. I mean, who cares about one day of sitting around eating turkey when there are way more obscure national days to be celebrated?

Everyone watched Sesame Street when they were a kid. So why not celebrate Sesame Street Day on Nov. 10?

Mayor Michael Bloomsburg established the holiday in New York City in 2009 to celebrate the show’s 40th anniversary. The Mayor temporarily renamed the corner of 64th Street and Broadway in Lincoln Square to 123 Sesame Street in honor of the inaugural celebration. On Nov 10, spend a day reminiscing about the days when you were a kid. Kick back and watch some Sesame Street.

“I saw Suzie sitting in a shoe shine shop.

Where she sits she shines, and where she shines she sits.” Try saying that five times fast. Did you do it? If so, then International Tongue Twister Day is right up your alley.

Numerous competitions are held in various places around the world on the second Sunday of November. The Logic Puzzle Museum in Burlington, Wisconsin founded International Tongue Twister Day. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the hardest tongue twister in the world is “The sixth sick sheikh’s sixth sheep’s sick.” If you can say that without tripping over your own words, you are (un)officially the master of tongue twisters.

Speaking of the Guinness Book of World Records, they established a Guinness World Record Day in 2003. On the third Saturday of every year, hundreds of thousands of people try to get their names into the record books.

Last year, over 420,000 people attempted to set a record on Guinness World Record Day. In 2012, the first world record of the day went to Michael Kopp of Germany who set a record for the longest time spent spinning a basketball on a toothbrush. Kopp’s time was 26.078 seconds.

Don’t think you can beat that record? Maybe you could aim for the most people in a Mini Cooper at one time. The current record is a massive 28 people.

If you don’t think you have a chance of setting a world record, why not let your pet have a try? After all, the world record for the “Fastest 100 meters with a can balanced on head (dog)” is only 2 minutes and 55 seconds. Start training Fido now and you might have a shot.

One day of celebration just not enough for you? Do you need the entire month of November to be filled up with festivities?

That’s perfectly OK as November is the national month of numerous different things, such as National Vegan Month.

This is an entire month dedicated to avoiding eating or using any animal products. If you’ve ever thought being vegan was easy, spend a few days in November trying it.

Don’t feel like changing your diet? Then it’ll probably be easier for you to participate in Movember.

Lasting throughout the month, it was originally created by the Movember Foundation to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues, including cancer. All you need to do is not shave for the month of November to join in, hence why it is widely known as no-shave November. You may see someone with a strange, half-grown moustache. It’ll look ridiculous, but they have a good reason for it.

Sure, stuffing may be delicious, but I’d rather watch Sesame Street.

16

THE STINGER

October 2013

17

@StingerEHS

Respect Pro Wrestling

Steve Gudonis

Stevie G Space

“You know professional wrestling is fake, right?”

I wish I had a dime for every time I heard this.

Since the 90’s, the wacky world that is professional wrestling has been surrounded by controversy. This controversy is the reason the industry, and those who enjoy what the industry provides are frowned upon.

For those who are unaware, professional wrestling is a form of rehearsed sports entertainment loosely based on competitive wrestling. Originating in the 19th-century Europe, the spectacle combines athletics with theatre, as larger-than-life characters carry out storylines. These storylines establish characters as “faces”; the protagonists, and the “heels”; the antagonists. A “face” and a “heel” square off then square off in the wrestling ring to settle their disputes.

So, why is the professional wrestling industry painted in a bad light?

The truth is, there are some aspects of the industry that are rightfully frowned upon, and other aspects that should not be frowned upon.

What can I not make a case for, and should be frowned upon?

First and foremost, I cannot stick up for the inappropriate, tasteless, and offensive nature of past programming. Particularly in the 90’s, segments were aired on live TV that I couldn’t even begin to describe in this article.

I cannot argue against the fact that dozens of wrestlers have died under the age of 40, due to industry leaders turning their back to overwhelmingly apparent drug use in the past. I shouldn’t fail to mention that these deaths were often exploited. Promoters (owners of wrestling companies) would incorporate the death of their client into the show as a storyline, which in turn boosted viewership and ratings, ultimately bringing in money.

Finally, I cannot argue the fact that professional wrestling is scripted. Prior to a wrestling match, event, or television broadcast, the outcomes are established, and it is the wrestler’s job to produce that pre-established outcome.

For every aspect of professional wrestling that I cannot argue with, there are a handful of aspects I can argue with, and stick up for. I truly believe, despite all of the controversy and negativity, the professional wrestling industry, and those who support it, deserve more respect. Why? Yes, professional wrestling is scripted. You know what else is scripted? Your favorite movie and TV show! How can it be that The Godfather and Breaking Bad, arguably the best movie and TV series of all time, be scripted and not be scrutinized the way wrestling is?

Another aspect of professional wrestling is that while the show is scripted, the performers have one chance to execute the script.

Professional wrestling is live!

You may be asking yourself, how can this be any different than an actor performing a script on Broadway?

Actors who perform in plays or productions have weeks, potentially months, to memorize their script. Professional wrestlers must learn their script in a matter of hours. When a wrestler enters an arena for their show, there is a script. Historically, that very script they must perform in front of a live audience, and millions of people around the world, is modified multiple times.

Why don’t wrestlers have more time to memorize their script?

Unlike the NFL, MLB, and the vast majority of professional sports conglomerates, the professional wrestling season NEVER ENDS. Each week, depending on the promotion, multiple shows are held. Each show has a script, and until that show is airing live, the script is a rough draft. Doing simple math, there are 52 weeks in a year. The WWE, the premier wrestling promotion, currently runs FIVE shows per week on television and the Internet, not including pay-per-view, and reality shows. That is 260 shows a year, which are 260 scripts to be memorized.

Every single show, professional wrestlers put their body on the line.

Once again, it is scripted. The wrestlers know what maneuvers they and their opponent will execute. However, if you believe they don’t feel the pain from those moves, you are horribly mistaken. Injuries range from sprains and separations, to broken backs and fatal wounds. Yes, wrestlers have died in the ring. They put their lives on the line.

As for the people who watch wrestling, allow me to make a case for them. Why do they watch wrestling?

I truly believe being a part of the world of professional wrestling is the best escape from reality. Wrestling gives people a temporary break from their own life, and allows them to step into a whole other world. Some people separate themselves from real life by drinking and doing drugs. Why should someone who watches wrestling be criticized?

I believe professional wrestling is the perfect amalgamation of sports, arts, theater, and entertainment. And for those who enjoy wrestling, do not let the ignorance of others cause you to stop being sports-entertained.

SPORTS Girls volleyball running through LVC

John Lang Sports Editor The Emmaus girls volleyball team has been making their mark as they run through the LVC. With a current record of 14-1, the Hornets have been running through the Lehigh Valley Conference, as well as the rest of the league. The team recently captured a huge win at the Ford Tough Challenge Tournament at Haverford High School, taking first place over some of the best teams in Pennsylvania.

Last year the Hornets finished with a record of 13-3, so they have (Left to Right) head coach Gwen Millets, senior Allie Traynor, sophomore Megan already made significant Forstburg, senior Corinne Justus improvements. The squad Photo by Bianca Panunto has collective victories over cation is better. notable conference powerhouses: The way that Central Catholic, Bethlehem they get along Catholic and Southern Lehigh. is great. It’s like Only losing one game to rival a well-oiled Parkland, the team has had an machine; it’s exciting season. working well. It Senior Corinne Justus, who just clicks.” has played varsity for Emmaus A strong for three years, credits the team’s bond as a team success to their drive. is important “The girls all want it this towards prosperyear,” said Justus. “We have con- ity as well. fidence, and there’s no drama.”

“We mesh Another senior, Allie Traynor, well, we are on agrees with Justus. Traynor has happy family been on varsity for four years, on and off the and knows what it takes to have court,” said a successful team.

Justus.

“This year there isn’t anyone “We have who is negative,” said Traynor. like a sister “Everyone is dedicated to sucbond,” said cess. Everyone is putting the Traynor. “We team in front of themselves.” are like sisters; It takes a special team to we’re all close maintain such a good season and we like each with a winning record. other.”

“Every individual that’s on The close the team, their individual person- relationship of a alities [are] special,” said Justus. team transitions Justus serves against Parkland.

“We are special in the sense into their acPhoto by Jen Pickering that we put the team before complishments. our seniors leave,” said Millets. ourselves and are working to one “Because “Our new seniors have to be goal,” said Traynor. we’re so close, we know each Sophomore Megan Forstother on the court,” said Traynor. leaders and mold the team. They need to make it their year. They burg, a two-year varsity veteran, “It helps in the sense that we may not always get along, but reflects on her team’s success. know how to help each other these girls shake it off. They are “The team has grown towhen we’re out there.” positive nature and know-how.” gether, which contributes to us “If you didn’t get along, you Overall, one can only be winning,” said Forstburg. “We won’t have any success,” said pleased with the impressive perare all playing for one common Justus. “Since we get along, we formance by the Emmaus girls goal.” can play well on the court and do volleyball team this season. They The team is led by 12-year our best.” have a positive record, a great head coach Gwen Millets, who “We’re becoming a lot closer, attitude, and a bond unable to be has experienced coaching sucso we trust each other. We have broken. cessful teams. each other’s backs,” said Forst“This season has been a “Their main strengths are burg. blast,” said Millets. “No mattogetherness, teamwork, and the A team is never perfect, ter what happens, I’m really concept of family,” said Millets. however. Naturally, any group happy with this group of girls. I “They don’t want the drama. working together is going to run couldn’t have asked for a better They have one common goal of into some challenges or obstayear.

These kids are destined to winning.” cles while working towards their do great things.”

The result? Victory. goal. But the team always works “Things are running smoothto overcome these problems. ly,” said Millets. “The communi“It’s always difficult when

18

“Charlie will go down in Emmaus soccer history as one of our best playmakers.”

-John Cari on Charlie Jerry

Four

Jordan Frank

FAST FACTS Height: 5’10” Color: Green Movie: Shawshank Redemption

Jordan Frank established his stellar running career when he was in the seventh grade because he just liked to run.

And as captain of the cross-country team, Frank has become very involved in the team as a whole.

“As a captain I feel like the number one responsibility is to make sure the team gets along,” said Frank. “Also, I try to make sure the team appears as a respectable organization.”

Cross-country consists of a lot of athletes. There are a lot of runners, and sometimes it’s hard to keep track of everything going on. Frank helps out the coaches in this aspect.

He leads the team of 27 boys on their warm up and to the starting line.

Coach Dan Wessner is very proud of a competitor like Frank.

“Jordan is a very good leader,” said Wessner. “He has a tough mentality, and he won’t back down from any challenge or challenger.”

Frank shows great leadership qualities.

“He knows how to act,” said Wessner. “He relates well with other people, and they just recognize him as a leader.”

Even when things get tough, like dealing with injury, Frank pushes through.

“I just want to get back to it,” said Frank. “It doesn’t feel good when the team is working out, and you can’t. It makes you feel insignificant.”

When things are hard for the team, he tries to make it better for them.

Fellow varsity runner Cassidy Leight has seen this encouragement.

“Like a coach, he tells us that he’s proud of us,” said Leight, a sophomore.

After the coach was done talking about a recent, tough meet, Frank spoke to the entire team and said, “I’m still proud of you guys.”

“I chose him as a captain by watching him with his peers,” said Wessner. “He had the quality that people would

respect him, listen to him, and follow him.”

“He’s a good captain because he motivates us,” said Leight.

“He tells us when we do well.”

Frank says that his favorite part about crosscountry is the different sceneries he gets to take in. Most sports take place in one area. Cross-country has many varying landscapes.

While on a race, the runners go up hills and across fields, as opposed to other sports that just stay on a field.

“There’s so much green in every race,” said Frank.

As autumn comes, the leaves start to fall, and then colors of red and orange are added to the green that the runners see on their course.

Besides cross-country, Frank is a member of the

varsity swim team and the track team. He is also a part of chorale.

He plans to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy after his senior year.

By Katie Mest

Actor: Jack Nicholson

Charlie Jerry

FAST FACTS Height: 5’8” Favorite Song: Tunak Tunak Tun Color: Blue Dessert: Dirt Cups

Senior Charlie Jerry began playing soccer when he was only four years old, and he has stuck with the game ever since.

Not only has he been on the Emmaus varsity team since his sophomore year, but Jerry is also a member of the volleyball team and is the vice president of the class of 2014.

His work on the soccer field earned his praise from his coaches and his teammates. His commitment to the team is part of the reason that Jerry was named a team captain this season.

Coach John Cari credits Jerry as a solid role model.

“He is a good captain simply because he cares,” said Cari. “He cares about the program, his teammates, and his friends. He wants nothing but the best for all of them.”

Sophomore teammate Ryan Paradise agrees with Cari.

“When we come in from a bad half or game, he encourages us to do better,” said Paradise. “For example, the loss against Parkland.

He got us back on our feet.”

Earlier this season, the hornets suffered an extremely tough loss. They fell to Parkland 0-7 on their home field. The squad used this loss as motivation. Since then, in large part to Jerry, the team has not lost a game since.

Sophomore Cory Ross also recognizes that Jerry possesses strong leadership skills and encourages his teammates to improve themselves throughout the season.

“He pushes us during practices,” said Ross. “He also challenges us to become better players.”

Team captains bear a lot of different responsibilities.

They represent their teammates, and their team as a whole. It is a title of honor, and Jerry lives up to it.

Paradise recognizes the impact Jerry makes as captain.

“He makes sure everyone feels like a true part of the team,” said Paradise. “Say someone was having a bad practice or game or wasn’t doing well, he’ll encourage them to keep focused.”

Leadership skills aren’t

the only thing that make Jerry an essential part of the team.

He is also an outstanding player, currently amongst the league leaders in assists with 14. His strengths include his ball distribution and his ability to win headers.

Cari holds Jerry’s ability in very high regard.

“Charlie will go down in Emmaus soccer history as one of our best playmakers,” said Cari.

Jerry has certainly made a positive impact on his team.

“He is upbeat, dedicated, and positive,” said Cari. “As long as I’ve known him, he has always had a smile on his face and the drive to be excellent.”

The future for Jerry is undecided but holds much potential.

“I want to play soccer in college, but I’m not sure where,” said Jerry. “I want to study psychology.”

By Katie Mest

Faces

19

“She has the ability to lead others and inspire them to be at their best.”

-Robert Rooney on Mandy McCarthy

Mandy McCarthy

Senior Mandy McCarthy, a captain on Emmaus Girls soccer team, has had a long career playing the sport. In fact, she has been playing more years than not.

McCarthy has been playing soccer since a young age.

“I have been playing since I was 5 and my parents got me involved,” said McCarthy.

“My very first team was Western Lehigh.

“Some of my favorite team memories are big wins we had and our team trip to the lake house,” said McCarthy.

McCarthy has achieved major accomplishments throughout her high school career.

Robert Rooney, coach of girls soccer, explains the characteristics and skills that Mandy has.

“The three words I would use to describe McCarthy

are consistent, skilled, and a leader,” said Rooney.

Senior teammate Alyssa Guthrie explains how important McCarthy is to the team.

“Mandy is an important asset of our team because she’s another captain and was an all conference player last year,” said Guthrie.

“Last year I was first team all-conference,” said McCarthy. “My team also voted me MVP and team captain (along with Guthrie) for this year.”

“She’s a good representative for the team. She’s one of our leading scorers and isn’t even a forward,” said Guthrie.

“She is also a very skilled quality player,” said Rooney.

“She was first team All Lehigh Valley Conference player last season who led the team in scoring and she is leading the team in scoring again this season through our first 12 games. She has the ability to lead others and inspire them to be at their best.”

McCarthy really loves the position she plays. She gets to move around and is very active.

“My position on the field is center midfielder. I like that center midfielder allows me to be very active and involved in the whole game,” said McCarthy.

Senior teammate Michelle

Calogero appreciates having someone like McCarthy on the squad.

“She’s hard working and she’s encouraging,” said Calogero.

Both teammates have played with McCarthy in recent years. Guthrie has played with her on Western Lehigh for about 5 years. Calogero played with her about a year ago on Vincent United.

Mandy’s position is very important. Rooney said that covering the field is difficult, but Mandy makes it look easy.

“Mandy is extremely fit, a great athlete, and a very technical player,” said Rooney.

“She is a strong dribbler and has an excellent sense of game and how situations play out.

All those qualities combine to make her one of the most dynamic players in the Lehigh Valley Conference. Her dedication and commitment to the group is also unquestioned.”

McCarthy explained some of the work she puts in while training for soccer.

“We do a lot of technical work and we run during preseason to get in good shape,” said McCarthy.

“Mandy is the most skilled player on the team,” said Rooney. “She is our most fit player and trains harder than anyone else.”

McCarthy said she will miss being with her teammates when the season is over.

“They are my best friends and I love being around them,” said McCarthy. “We have all become really close friends and we have grown more as a team over our high school years.”

Calogero says that McCarthy scores a lot of goals and she brings positive energy to the team.

“She’s a well-rounded great person, a great teammate and she’s also friends with everyone,” said Guthrie.

McCarthy said that she is planning on attending college at West Chester University.

She will study biology and she will continue to play soccer.

Rooney said, “McCarthy always plays at a high level almost everytime she steps on the field. That consistency is a valued quality in a player.”

“Her strongest skill is her ability to be our biggest personality player,” said Rooney.

“She always believes she can impact the game in a positive manner. Her willingness to be that player inspires others to follow her lead.”

By Makenna Shafer and Jordan Robertson

FAST FACTS Height: 5’4” Dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookies Favorite Movie: Batman Favorite Book: Any Nicholas Sparks Book

Krissy Mikelson

Krissy Mikelson has been playing field hockey since the third grade and has now established herself as an important asset for Emmaus High School’s team.

Mikelson started playing field hockey at a Lower Macungie Youth Association camp. Now in her senior year, she is playing field hockey for our nationally ranked team.

This is her fourth year playing varsity as a low forward for the Hornets.

In her years of field hockey, Mikelson and her teammates have grown together as players immensely.

Teammate Annie Kennedy, a senior, comments on her relationship with Mikelson.

“She and I work closely together on the field, she could call for the ball and I would know exactly where she is without even looking,” said Kennedy. “We work great as

a team.”

Mikelson shows traits of a great leader and role model.

“She controls most of the forward plays, and is always willing to help the underclassmen with improving their skills,” said Kennedy.

It takes a lot of hard work to get to the skill level that Mikelson is at.

“Every day during the summer, except Sundays, our team trains with John Graham,” said Mikelson. “We also go down to the track and do our time mile which should be under eight minutes.”

Mikelson has a specific routine before a game in order to prepare herself.

“I put on my lucky ankle bracelet, listen to music, and get pumped up with the team,” said Mikelson. “Mentally, I find a calming place and transfer my nervousness into excitement.”

Mikelson is a special type of player. Coach Stu Speicher, who has coached Mikelson her whole high school career, can only describe her with positive things.

“She is strong willed and driven,” said Speicher. “She makes every attempt to encourage her teammates to match her intensity. She fuels the team with emotion and drive.”

Mikelson’s teammate Ashley Moxey also recognizes her as a significant part of the team.

“She always knows how to makes us laugh,” said Moxey.

“She is great as both a teammate and player.”

Mikelson has many memories from her years here as an Emmaus Hornet.

“I will miss all the traditions we have, as well as the field hockey parties,” said Mikelson. “I’ll miss all the girls I am lucky enough to play with on the team.”

But the person she will miss the most is her head coach Sue Butz-Stavin.

“I will miss my coach the most,” said Mikelson. “She really is the best coach and she has always pushed me forward. I am a mentally stronger player because of her.”

Mikelson’s favorite feeling when playing the sport is breaking a tie in a long close game. Her greatest accomplishments include making the district team as a freshman, making the All-American team, and most importantly, winning the state championship as a freshman.

But Mikelson couldn’t have done all this alone.

“My inspiration and drive has come from my family and coaches over the years,” said

Mikelson.

“Having a supportive sister on the team my freshman and sophomore year helped me develop as a player,” she said.

“She was very supportive and pushed me extra hard.”

Mikelson looks forward to playing field hockey at the college level.

She has committed to the University of Delaware where she will play alongside her sister, Allie.

“I am nervous as well as excited to play,” said Mikelson. “ I love playing field hockey with my sister and I’m glad I get to continue that with her as a Blue Hen for Delaware,” she said. “I’m not sure what to expect going into college hockey but I know my family and teammates will have my back and support me along the way.”

FAST FACTS Height: 5’2” Movie: The Little Mermaid

By Shaun Baillie

Musician: Mumford and Sons Unique Skill: Avid BackFlipper

Leading a Program To Greatness CARLOS FULLERTON

By Austin Flaugh

GRANT SCHUMAKER

Photos courtesy of LehighValleyLive.com

The Emmaus golf team has achieved greatness, going undefeated the past two seasons.

Their dominance, resulting in a District 11 3A championship title, would not have come without two star players. Seniors Grant Schumaker and Carlos Fullerton lead the squad with exceptional play, giving the Hornets to a 24-0 record over the past two years and making them a force to be reckoned with in the LVC. Fullerton began golfing at a young age.

“I started playing around ten years ago,” said Fullerton.

“Competitively I’ve been playing for five years.”

Now, Fullerton practices almost every day.

“During the summer I practice anywhere from three to five days a week. During the season at least five days a week,” said Fullerton. “I usually don’t practice over the offseason too much, once or twice a week.”

Fullerton practices mostly by himself, but he also gets advice

from his fellow senior teammate.

“Grant’s a great player,” said Fullerton. “We consistently encourage each other during big matches and give each other tips on how to play different holes and courses.”

Fullerton’s most memorable match was this season’s matchup against Northampton, where he shot an impressive seven under par, tying the school record.

“Through most of the round I was really just thinking about beating the other team,” said Fullerton. “But as it got close to the end of the match, I realized how good I was actually playing and knew I just had to finish strong.”

Fullerton reached his only personal goal but keeps his overall goal simple and true to the game.

“I met my goal of being a four-year varsity letterman,” said Fullerton. “The only other goal I set for myself in golf is the get the ball in the hole in the least amount of strokes. If I can do that, good things will happen.”

Despite his impressive golfing ability, he does not plan to compete at the collegiate level.

“I’m not looking to play golf, but I am highly considering Penn State, North Carolina State, and Clemson for professional golf management,” said Fullerton.

The other key asset to the team’s success was Schumaker.

Schumaker also started golfing at a very young age.

“I started when I was six years old,” said Schumaker “My dad got me interested in golfing.”

Along with Fullerton, Schumaker shoots consistently under par, putting pressure on his shoulders when it comes to a match.

“I just have to pretend like it is a fun match with my friends, and try to do the best I can,” said Schumaker.

Being consistent in the game of golf takes time and practice.

“In the summer I am traveling a lot to different tournaments,” said Schumaker. “I practice six days a week, and I take one day

off. During the winter I try to practice as much as I possibly can.”

Schumaker has had many memorable moments as a member of the Emmaus golf team, from beating rival Northampton to having his team going undefeated the past two seasons to winning the District 3A tournament.

However, those were not his fondest.

“My most memorable moment as a golfer was becoming the first high school golfer to win the Lehigh Valley Amateur,” said Schumaker.

Mike Mihalik, the head coach of the golf team, holds his top two seniors in high regard.

Fullerton and Schumaker have played for Mihalik for all four years of their high school career, and he has witnessed them become the players they are today.

“They both made varsity as freshmen,” said Mihalik. “Their averages have dropped about 16

Catching up With Gabby Weiss

Two years ago this month, Gabby Weiss made a lifechanging decision in order to chase a dream.

Weiss was introduced to the game of golf at a very young age. She began taking the game seriously at the age of nine. After living in the Lehigh Valley her whole life, Weiss and her family moved to Pinehurst, North Carolina so she could pursue her dream of playing collegiate golf in the south.

Weiss attended Emmaus High School her freshman year and moved in October of her sophomore year.

“Moving was really hard for my parents and I because all of our family is from the Allentown area,” said Weiss.

Adjusting to her new sur-

roundings was not all too challenging for Weiss.

“A year before we actually moved we bought a condo that we would visit,” said Weiss. “I didn’t have a problem fitting in because I actually knew some people from the school already because I was always visiting so much.”

Weiss’s parents were supportive of her decision to move.

“My parents love it here,” said Weiss. “They want to retire down here.”

Along with Carlos Fullerton and Grant Schumaker, Weiss was an instrumental part of the Hornets golf team during her time at Emmaus, and she misses her former squad.

“I really miss the golf team at Emmaus,” said Weiss. “It’s

not the same without having Grant, Mike Lessel, and Carlos because I’m on an all girls team now which is very different.”

Moving to North Carolina presented Weiss with better opportunities to improve her golf game. While living in Pennsylvania, cold weather prevented her from practicing during the winter. In North Carolina, she has the opportunity to practice year-round, as the winters are warmer. She also moved to an area filled with golf history, as she competes at the Pinehurst Resort, a historic resort that has held numerous prestigious tournaments.

Not to mention, she works with coach Eric Alpenfels, a Class A PGA of America professional who has earned rec-

strokes, which is insane.”

Not only were Fullerton and Schumaker the top two players on Mihalik’s squad, they are two of the top players in the area.

“They’re not just our top two players, they’re two of the top players in the Lehigh Valley Conference,” said Mihalik.

Mihalik made it clear that Fullerton and Schumaker will go down as two of the best golfers in Emmaus history.

“They are going to be two of the best players to ever play for Emmaus,” said Mihalik. “With Carlos tying the school record for lowest score, and Grant for being the youngest player to ever win the Leigh Valley Amateur.”

With all the success these two have had, losing them to graduation will be a monumental loss for the golf team.

“It will be the most enormous loss,” said Mihalik. “No one can replace these two great players.”

By Steve Gudonis ognition from Golf Digest as one of “America’s 50 Greatest Teachers.”

It’s safe to say Weiss took advantage of the opportunities that came with moving. In her freshman year, Weiss’s scoring average was a 74. Now, competing in her senior year at Pinecrest High School, she has lowered her average to a 67.

Also this season, Weiss shot 8 under par 64, breaking a state record.

All the hard work and sacrifices Weiss made to reach her dream paid off, as she received a full ride to University of North Carolina at Greensboro.