Senior Issue June 2018

retirements

SUPERINTENDENT CANDIDATES

THE STINGER June 2018 Volume 43

Issue 7

Jadel Contreras and Emily Ingalls were crowned prom king and queen at the 2018 senior ball.

STINGEREHS.COM

TRACK WRAP-UP @stinger.ehs @stingerehs @StingerEHS

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THE STINGER JUNE 2018

Four Emmaus staff members set to retire Bibi Correa News Contributor Widely recognized for his golden sombrero and musical performances, Emmaus High School history teacher Mike Flynn is set to retire.

Always having a love for history, Flynn was mostly influenced by his father. He had a way of bringing history to life, which allowed Flynn to learn a lot from him. He interviewed for the position of history teacher at Emmaus in 1984, receiving the job the following year. In 1987, he began coaching track, a passion he also inherited from both his father and his brother, running in high school and for a short period in college.

Flynn feels that teaching has truly fit his personality well. His energy and enthusiasm for the subjects complements the animation of the job. Throughout his time at Emmaus, he loved every class he taught and appreciated the ability to meet an excellent staff and student body.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better place to work,” Flynn said. “I have had the honor of working with some talented and committed teachers and administrators and I have learned a lot over the past 34 years. I will always cherish the students I’ve had in the classroom. I can’t think of a better career that allows one to

Krissy Heilenman News Editor After teaching at Emmaus High School for 30 years, math teacher Charles Sonon is ready to retire.

Sonan attended Reading High School and then moved on to Lehigh University. Prior to teaching at EHS, he taught at Bethlehem Catholic, Reading High School, and was a Lehigh University Assistant Football Coach for five years.

While reflecting on his career at EHS, Sonon said he will miss the people here the most. He also displays his affection for the subject of mathematics.

“I like it [math]. I was good at it as a student,” Sonon said. “I realize how important it is for everyone’s future.”

Reminiscing on his years here, his favorite memories involve the students. “[It’s] hearing the students say ‘Oh’ when they finally get a concept I am teaching them,” Sonon said.

Fellow math teacher Todd Burkhardt has known Sonon for a long time and describes him as fun-loving, excitable, and jovial. Reflecting on their friendship, Burkhardt has two memories of Sonon that stand out to him.

“For many years, he dressed up and played Santa,” Burkhardt said. “We [also] worked together building a treehouse for his son… it was an experience. It showed that not all math professionals can do construction.”

Burkhardt reports that Sonon has brought many positives to the math de-

explore, create and engage with curious, young minds.”

For Flynn, the best part of teaching is seeing a student find their own passion for history, even when initially the subject wasn’t their top priority. Mostly, he prides himself on his ability to connect his students to current events and the news going on in the world.

“I feel history can teach us so much about ourselves and our time,” he said.

“It’s rewarding when students also see the value of history and make my job that much better.”

Senior Alex Comfort believes these efforts to truly engage students in the material and the world around them make him an incredible teacher, along with his overall caring personality.

“He’s one of the most supportive and engaging teachers I’ve ever met,” Comfort said. “Anyone can come to him for help at any time, and he never fails to provide whatever he can for a student. The way he keeps students in his classes not only involved with the subject material but also current events is amazing.”

Flynn’s passion and generosity as a teacher are well known by both his students and fellow faculty members.

When considering his move to the high school, history teacher John Galla-

Charles Sonon will finish his teaching career this June. Photo courtesy of The Morning Call. partment throughout his time at EHS. “He was very good working with applied standards,” Burkhardt said. “[He] enjoyed doing that in particular. He also loved trigonometry, which he taught.”

While thinking about his retirement, Sonon starts to plan ahead for what he will do in his free time.

“Travel. [My wife and I want to] finish our trip on going to a game at every major league baseball park,” Sonon said. “Also visit many of our national parks and play with my grandchildren. [I want to] do more gardening and continue to coach football.”

Although he is getting ready to move on, Sonon has one last word of advice for both current and future EHS students.

“Keep working at it. Never give up,” Sonon said.

Izzy Wegner News Contributer After 23 years working at Emmaus High School, guidance counselor Ellen Malone will retire at the end of this year.

Following her retirement, Malone will be living at her lake house in Harvey’s Lake for half of the year. She also plans to spend two and a half weeks biking around Lake Constance in Europe, which borders Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.

Malone went to Allentown Central Catholic High School, followed by LaSalle University where she received an athletic scholarship to play basketball and earned her degree in social work. She then went on to a counseling graduate program at Lehigh University where she became the graduate assistant to the women’s basketball head coach.

She decided to go into the counseling program because she enjoyed the internships she did at LaSalle.

“I always knew I was going to be in the helping profession of some sort,” Malone said. “My friends would always come to me with their problems. I had a pretty good sense of humor and I was a good listener. So it seemed like a good fit for my personality and every experience that I had worked out.”

Malone then went on to work at Palmerton High School for two years and Easton Area High School for five years before finally ending up at EHS. After going to Central Catholic, Malone knew that

Mike Flynn plays the guitar, a staple of his teaching career. Photo by Emma Brashear. gher sought out Flynn in order to get his feedback and some advice. During their exchange, Flynn commented on his love for the high school and offered to help Gallagher along the way.

“He is a fantastic colleague,” Gallagher said. “I know all of us in the social studies department will miss him. Because of that and also since he’s a great person.”

One of Gallagher’s fondest memories with Flynn was during “Bring Your Child to Work Day,” where Flynn gushed to

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Gallagher’s children about how great of a teacher their father is.

“As a parent, it’s neat to know that somebody recognizes that your children should know that what you do is important and that you at least try to do it well,” Gallagher said. “That’s the type of person he is, he wants your kids to know that you’re good at something.”

While news of his retirement was shocking to many, Flynn looks at it as a new opportunity to do what he loves but also contribute to his community. He hopes to continue playing in his band and retain his love of music.

“I’m leaving content that I tried to do the best I can,” Flynn said. “I love teaching here and it was a good run.”

Although it is saddening to see his colleague leave, Gallagher understands Flynn’s reason for doing so.

“Teaching is the best job in the world, undoubtedly,” Gallagher said. “But it is very tiring, as you are getting older you don’t have the stamina you had when you were younger. It’s time to move onto something else, and he’s doing that, and that’s wonderful. Of course, we wish him all the best and I’m sure whatever he does he’ll be great at, just like he’s great upstairs.”

Marley Wait Opinion Editor Special Education teacher Darlene Kale has been teaching at Emmaus High School for 22 years but is planning to retire at the end of this school year, which she said will be a very “bittersweet ending.”

While Kale was originally a nurse, she returned to school to get her Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and Elementary Education when her nursing job “transitioned to more of a management model Darlene Kale will leave the special education department at the end of the school year. and… eliminated a lot of the one-on-one patient care,” Kale “I love redoing antique furniture and said. She then got her Masters in secondthings like that, so I will actually have ary education. Using her knowledge of some time to do that,” Kale said. nursing and working with patients, Kale Despite this, she also notes that she is decided that a job in special education sad to leave the school, specifically her would be the perfect fit for her. students.

“I really wanted that patient contact,” “I am gonna miss all of my colleagues Kale said. “So I decided that special ed and the students. I absolutely love being would be the best of both worlds where I here so it’s kind of a bittersweet ending, could work directly with people and use because I love my job so much. It is gomy background.” ing to be really hard,” Kale said. “ [I will Kale’s first job was at a kindergarten miss] just the contact with them… There in Allentown as a long-term substitute. is always something in them that is good.

From there, she applied for a position at I just love working with them.”

Emmaus High School and has been here ever since. Kale has mixed feelings about retiring. While Kale will miss EHS, she is looking forward to having more time to do activities that she otherwise would not have time to do.

EHS had an excellence for arts, athletics and most importantly, academics. She took the opportunity to work here.

Continuously, Malone enjoys the diversity of her job.

“For me, every day is different, it brings new challenges,” Malone said. “I’ll walk in some days and someone’s yelling at me, someone’s crying, someone’s happy, and in what other profession can you experience all that and be willing to embrace it and deal with it.”

Malone enjoys the day-to-day variety she experiences.

“You need that balance,” she said. “I have a list of my students and I check off when I see them and whatnot. I like having that schedule but… my administrative assistants out front are wonderful and they are able to manage if somebody is really upset and I had a meeting scheduled, they know when it’s time just to reschedule and deal with what’s happening.”

Guidance counselor Jennifer Carolla admires Malone’s flexibility and thoughtfulness.

“Mrs. Malone is an asset because she cares deeply for her students and she is an advocate for them,” Carolla said. “She continually pushes our counselors to do what is best for students.”

In addition to Malone’s interactions with students, Carolla also appreciates her interactions with colleagues.

“There is no one that makes us laugh harder or who can get away with calling each of us out like Mrs. Malone does,” Carolla said. “She has been a constant source of support and encouragement for us not only professionally, but also personally. Her authenticity, care and

concern for others, and her wisdom will be greatly missed.

She is an incredibly good person and she has touched our hearts in more ways than she will ever know.”

Although Malone will miss many aspects of her job, what she will miss most is her daily interactions with her colleagues.

“I am going to miss the satisfacGuidance counselor Ellen Malone tion of being a part prepares to retire at the end of this of something bigger year. Photo by Emma Brashear. than myself and watching it succeed,” Malone said. “I’m going to miss being a part of the advanced placement administration…

I’m going to miss rolling out Naviance to students and parents. All of these activities, and there are so many, require a great deal of coordination and effort not just

by Ellen Malone, but by a lot of people together. That’s something that you don’t get when you’re at home.”

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THE STINGER JUNE 2018

School board to choose new superintendent Erica Love Editor-in-Chief In anticipation of current Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Schilder’s retirement this June, the East Penn School District is on the search for his successor -- and the candidate pool is down to two.

Dr. Joyce Mundy, a longtime member of the educational workforce both in and out of Pennsylvania, and Kristen Campbell, a current EPSD assistant superintendent, were introduced to the public as candidates during the week of May 7. During public meetings they faced questions and comments from district members about their qualifications and aspirations, hoping to make a good impression and communicate their intentions as potential superintendents.

In their Q&As, both candidates emphasized communication and visibility in schools and the community at large.

Consequently, cooperation and “partnerships,” as Mundy put it, are among the essential qualities that the candidates should emanate if they are chosen for the job.

Additionally, Campbell and Mundy advocated for an increased use and accessibility of technology to enhance learning and modernize the district.

Where the contenders differ, however, is in types of experience and leadership approaches.

Campbell has worked in EPSD for 23 years, and at this point in her career she is most proud of her work on full-day kindergarten planning and implementation.

Apart from the academic sector, she assured during her forum on May 10 that under her leadership, the district’s schools and personnel would continue to be an emotional and social support for students.

JOEL SANCHEZ

Kristen Campbell (left) and Joyce Mundy (right) hope to become the next superintendent. Left photo by Sonya Boukengoults. Right photo by Emma Brashear. reputation.

“One of those hallmarks [of high qual“East Penn is an exceptionally strong ity schools] is a culture of acceptance: of district -- [it has] high quality, a lot of enembracing differences among each other gagement, [a] tremendous sense of pride, as opposed to excluding or pointing out strong achievement and multiple opporthose differences,” Campbell said. “You need to give young people a voice and put tunities for students to connect, not just supports in place that are going to listen to to their learning, but to their development what young people are saying, and be able and their growth,” Mundy said.

She sees herself playing a very involved to work within the school organization to and comprehensive role in the district if then possibly put some of those supports she were to become superintendent. in place.”

“The most important responsibility Campbell finds that reflecting on the that I see in this chair is really having school’s successes and shortcomings can a very clear working knowledge of all lead to the best improvements. parts of the district, and understanding, “If we’re going to change teaching and learning in the district, the way we have to departmentally, what the goals are [and] the resources that are being expended,” do that is invest in people and continue to Mundy said. provide high-quality professional learnLike Campbell, Mundy maintained that ing,” Campbell said. “As a superintendent, it’s my goal to continue to develop a supporting students is crucial, whether it be through emotional support or encourstrong leadership team.” aging student rights. To many EPSD Mundy described herself to the disstakeholders, protecting student rights of trict community at her May 9 forum as a speech and expression on school grounds “hands-on leader.” is key to successful and modern student “To me, the heart of leadership is all about relationships,” Mundy said. “I think development.

“I think student voice is extremely I have a very strong vision for what sucimportant, [as well as] encouraging our cess for students looks like.” students to be active in a democracy and Mundy enthusiastically explained understanding issues from all perspectives her interest in the district and lauded its

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to reach a shared understanding,” Mundy said. “But also [it’s vital] to be able to look at people in schools today and the awareness that students have, as well as the determination to shape their future -- I respect that and I think it’s extremely important.”

To reach this goal successfully in our schools, Mundy said she would collaborate with administration and allow for dialogue between students and staff to ensure activism would be safe, yet still allow students to be expressive.

For Campbell, who has witnessed the district’s student advocacy streak firsthand, the issue also rang important. She emphasized the importance of connection to what goes on in each school building.

“It’s about making sure that students understand they have a voice… [and] a choice… in what’s happening,” Campbell said. “Their experiences are very important to us. Having said that, when you share your experiences in what’s going well [and] what’s not going well, we have to work together then to problem solve to be able to do something differently as opposed to just hearing what the problems are and never really addressing.”

To specifically address possible issues or points of advocacy, Campbell vowed to continue conversation through methods such as student focus groups.

Both Mundy and Campbell made it apparent that they would establish quality leadership based on openness and connectedness.

“Everyone has a voice, and that’s important,” Campbell said.

The final selection of either of the experienced candidates to become the East Penn School District’s next superintendent of schools is expected to take place in the coming weeks.

By Preveena Joseph Joel Sanchez, the class president of 2018, is a friendly face that always bares a welcoming smile. In a couple of months, he will walk through the halls of West Chester University, where he intends to study economic finance. As Sanchez moves onto this new chapter in his life, he will not miss the school lunches. However, he will miss the teachers at Emmaus and how close everyone in the community is with each other.

Stinger: What made you want to become your class president?

Sanchez: I just wanted to become more involved and it seemed like the perfect

KAITLYN MCGINLEY

Kaitlyn McGinley is the secretary of SGA and Pediatric Cancer Club, as well as a captain of the girls’ volleyball team.

McGinley has also been involved in Key Club since freshman year, where she started as a lieutenant governor. She now holds the position of Executive Assistant for the district board in Pennsylvania.

McGinley will attend Ursinus College in the fall, where she intends to continue pursuing volleyball. She plans to major in biology and minor in either Spanish or environmental science.

Stinger: How did you get involved in Key Club?

McGinley: I have two older sisters, and my oldest sister was a senior when I was a freshman, so she introduced me to Key Club. Because I kind of had an ‘in’ with the older crowd, I got to know the state level.

Stinger: How do you think these activities impacted your time in high school?

McGinley: It definitely helped me learn good time management, and I think the one thing I saw as I progressed through high school is my grades got better.

Freshman year it was kind of a hard transition because I thought that middle school was pretty easy. I never had too

opportunity.

Stinger: When did you first start experiencing senioritis?

Sanchez: It was around the first week of October; that’s when it really hit me.

Stinger: What song would best describe your high school career?

Sanchez: “FourFiveSeconds” by Kanye West.

Stinger: Who is your biggest inspiration?

Sanchez: Nelson Mandela, I think it’s really inspiring how he was able to bring people together in such a positive and powerful way.

Stinger: What’s the worst trend that existed during your high school career?

Sanchez: I know I’ll probably be hated on for this, but probably fidget spinners and [Birkenstocks].

Stinger: What advice do you have for the students at EHS? Sanchez: Stay positive; a lot of high school isn’t going to matter when it’s over. Also go to as many school events as you can and make the best out of your experience here.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for by the staff and students at EHS? Sanchez: I want to be remembered as that guy that brought laughter into a room and just gave off a positive vibe.

By Erica Love

bad of grades, but [they were] definitely not amazing freshman year. So, I saw how I could progress and manage my time better.

Stinger: What will you remember most from your time at Emmaus High School?

McGinley: I think a lot of it has to do with my friends and just like the memories with my friends, cause I think it’s all about who you surround yourself with.

One of the big things I’ll remember are the school dances. A lot of people think that they’re lame, but being someone who has had to go to every single one of them, I’ve gotten to really like them and just not really care what people think there and just kinda have a good time.

Stinger: What is the worst thing about Emmaus High School?

McGinley: I can’t really think of one, it’s really bad. I’m like one of those kids who loves high school. Maybe how early it starts, but that’s out of people’s control.

Stinger: What would you say is your most embarrassing memory from high school?

McGinley: Last year, Brooke Iobst dressed up in the Hornet and she was running the pep rally, and so I was like ok I’ll do it [too]. I was having a good time-- I told a couple of my close friends because I knew that they would think it’s funny,

but I didn’t want everyone to know. So I was dancing to the music that Wesley Works was playing and I whipped cause I was trying to get the crowd hype. When I whipped, the head came off of the hornet in front of the whole school.

Stinger: What are three words you would use to describe the kids who go to Emmaus High School?

McGinley: Genuine, accepting, and energetic. That’s how I feel in the hallways-there’s a lot of energy. Maybe not in the morning, but a lot of people talking.

Stinger: Is there a teacher at this school who has made your time here special?

McGinley: I would say Mr. Mihalik. I think that I was pretty quiet as a freshman, but not that quiet, but he’s just kind of, especially with student government, helped me grow as a leader and also he’s introduced me to new things. I’m taking geology of national parks this year, and that’s something I never really thought that I would be interested in until I took the course, and I really love it.

Stinger: What advice would you give to yourself as a freshman?

McGinley: I would say care less about what people think, care less about the time you spend doing your makeup in the morning, and what your outfits look like.

Senior year, it’s not gonna matter. You’re gonna come to school in leggings and a sweatshirt everyday, and you’re gonna find out who your real friends are.

Stinger: What’s the first thing you plan on doing after graduation?

McGinley: I’m going to Alaska. It takes the place of senior week and I’m really excited to go there. But [I’m] also gonna take a breath and relax, cause I’ve worked pretty hard.

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THE STINGER

JENNIFER ACOSTA

JUNE 2018

By Tabitha Nowak Jennifer Acosta is a relatively new member of the EHS community, having moved to Pennsylvania last year after living in Puerto Rico. She takes part in the Latino Leadership Club and Global Citizens club.

Acosta plans to continue her education at Northampton Community College, later transferring to Kutztown University to pursue her passion, environmental science.

TIEN PHAM

Stinger: What will you miss the most about high school?

Acosta: I kinda like how easy it is. Like you don’t really have to do a lot of work.

Stinger: What will you miss the least?

Acosta: Probably how strict [it is]. You have to go to your classes and stuff.

Stinger: We’ve heard that you moved here from Puerto Rico. Was the move easy or difficult?

Acosta: It was very very difficult. It was really hard because people here don’t really care. Because there’s so many people here they don’t even know if someone is new or not. Like they say ‘Oh, I’ve never seen their face before, I don’t know if they’re new but I’ve just never seen them.’ So they’re not really friendly, they’re not mean, but they’re not really friendly either. Some

people would be rude but most of them would be really nice.

Stinger: Who is your biggest inspiration?

Acosta: Probably my mom. She’s worked her way to the top. She was really poor [living in the Dominican Republic] and then she moved to Puerto Rico, got a better job, and now we’re here.

Stinger: Why did you get involved with the clubs you’re a part of?

Acosta: When I got here I didn’t really know my people. I would hang out with some people but I didn’t feel comfortable with them. So I was like ‘okay, I got to find my people’ so the first thing that I did was look for the Latina and Hispanic kids. So I joined those clubs so I could meet them.

Stinger: What is the best water fountain?

Acosta: The best one...it would probably be the one in the cafeteria, when you get out of the bathrooms.

Stinger: What is your favorite class?

Acosta: Senior Humanities definitely. It’s a really good class, you learn a lot. Because it’s four classes in one kind of, because you have art and music, and then history and philosophy and then literature, so you learn a lot about those things, which I don’t know anything about, so I’m interested.

whenever I needed help I could just ask them. Penn is not too far away but even then [it isn’t close]. It’s an opportunity to learn to be independent and I think that’s what I’m most excited for.

Stinger: What was one of the most important lessons you learned during high school?

Pham: You are not always gonna do things properly the first time. Of course things in middle school and elementary school are gonna be easy but in high school things stepped up. I struggled and failed time and time again, but I learned to pick myself back up from those failures.

Stinger: How did being a student athlete throughout high school affect you?

Pham: It’s only been the past few years but those were the hardest two years. It’s really time constraining when you’re on any sports team [with] practice everyday, two to three hours a day, and sometimes it’s right after school. It helped me be better at managing my time, doing homework faster, being more efficient, and I think it’s been really beneficial for me and for my future as well.

Stinger: Favorite professional sports teams?

Pham: I love watching sports. I’m an immigrant so the first team I saw became my favorite team, I don’t have a hometown team so for football [I like the] New Orleans Saints, [for] basketball [I like] the Boston Celtics, [for] baseball I like the Boston Red Socks, college basketball I like Duke, [and in] college football [I] like Alabama.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory and why?

Pham: Probably two years ago for ACSL we went to New Hampshire to compete at the national competition.

It was hard, but we had so much fun doing it.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Pham: Well I hope to be graduated from college. I want to invent something and impact the world somehow.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Pham: The person who motivates me the most is probably my sister. She’s only two years older than me but

because we both moved here and our parents weren’t able to go to an American school, we had to form a strong bond together to be able to get through life over here. She’s always pushed me to give 110 percent effort in everything I do. We relate to each other so much and we’ve dealt with the same problems, but she had it 10 times harder cause she was the older sibling.

Stinger: What will you miss most about your time at Emmaus?

Pham: The friends because we are all going to different places... you’re gonna meet new people, but you will always have those memories from high school.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Pham: I guess I would say my positive attitude to learning as many things as I can.

Stinger: Where was your favorite place at EHS? Pham: Honestly [the] gymnasium, I love sports. Not that fitness test stuff. Just being able to play basketball and when they put you out on the field playing football or soccer. I just love it.

By Sydney Lilly

With a reputation such as his, it’s no wonder that computer genius Tien Pham intends on studying artificial intelligence at University of Pennsylvania.

Pham says his dream is to invent something helpful to others that will leave an impact computer science as well as the artificial intelligence world. In addition to his knowledge of technology, he is involved in cross country, American Computer Science League, track, Future Business Leaders of America, and Interact Club, among others.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Pham: Other than physically, I’ve definitely changed mentally, [I first thought] woah this school is huge -- I don’t know where everything is, [and] I don’t know half the kids in the school, but of course over a four-year span, you get to know people and everything that goes on in the school. High school isn’t just about academics, it’s about your relationships. There’s a lot of drama I think that really helped me to prepare for the future.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Pham: I had so many great teachers in high school but considering my computer science background I would say first Mrs. Blackstone for my freshman and sophomore years. Outside of teachers, my friends too. Bradley Klemick, our special computer science nerd at the school, has helped me through [a lot]. We’ve been stuck together because we are the only ones who take computer science classes, and I learned so much from him, not just with academics but with life in general.

Stinger: What was it like moving from Vietnam to America?

Pham: I was only five so it isn’t as dramatic as if you were a teenager… but it was still a change. At home I still speak Vietnamese but everywhere else I have to speak English. It is also a massive culture difference between Far East and the Far West.

Stinger: What excites you most about college?

Pham: It’s gonna be really interesting to learn to live without my parents. They’ve always been with me and

ADAM LANG

NEWS

By Emma-Lin Moyer Adam Lang leaves high school maintaining the image of the class of 2018’s “good guy.” Lang has been involved in the Student Government Association, National Honor Society, the Tutor-Coordinators Program, track, and cross country at Emmaus. Along with keeping up academically, holding a part-time job at Marshalls, and living and enjoying life with his friends, Lang demonstrates the amiable and charismatic character others looks up to.

Stinger: Where are you going to college?

Lang: I am attending Temple University to study neuroscience in the honors program.

Stinger: Do you plan on going into the medical field?

Lang: The plan right now is to do undergrad and go to grad school for my Ph.D. and do medical research… but that can very well change.

Stinger: What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

Lang: Care about school but don’t get too hard on yourself. Grades aren’t the most important thing in the world. Things like forming a good friend group and

enjoying life are also important.

Stinger: Who is your biggest inspiration?

Lang: I don’t really get inspired by people but if I had to choose someone it would be my mom. She immigrated here [from Israel], went to school, and worked really hard to work her way up. She’s really smart.

Stinger: What kind of music do you listen to?

Lang: I listen to a lot of alternative, and I love Sam Smith and Imagine Dragons. I don’t like rap.

Stinger: What will you miss most about high school?

Lang: Not much, but I will miss a lot of the great teachers I’ve had and a lot of underclassmen friends.

Stinger: Do you have a favorite bathroom?

Lang: Yes. The one across the multimedia room, it’s like the secret bathroom of the English hall and it’s always super clean.

Stinger: How did being a student athlete affect you throughout high school?

Lang: It definitely made me more aware of time, it would be hard to find time to do work and study, and I had to learn time management.

THE STINGER | JUNE 2018

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Opinion THE STINGER

Emmaus High School 500 Macungie Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049 EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Makenzie Christman, Erica Love ASSOCIATE EDITOR Caroline Bond MANAGING NEWS EDITOR Tabitha Nowak ASSISTANT NEWS EDITORS Kristen Heilenman MANAGING OPINION EDITOR Marley Wait ASSISTANT OPINION EDITORS Ronnie Rohlsen, Madison Mauro MANAGING FEATURES EDITOR Katie Taranto ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITORS Julia Popule MANAGING CULTURE EDITOR Rylan Bassett ASSISTANT CULTURE EDITORS Jacob Welsko, Victoria Rivera MANAGING SPORTS EDITOR Adrianna Tomasello ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITORS Chloe Gerhard, Erick De La Rosa BUSINESS MANAGER Sydney Lilly PHOTO EDITORS Emma Brashear CONVERGENCE EDITOR Hersheit Budhwar Editorial Policy The Stinger is a student-run newspaper published six times per year. 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 enrich students interested in print media studies.

Business For advertising, contact business manager Sydney Lilly.

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THE STINGER JUNE 2018

ALEX COMFORTby Bibiana Correa Alex Comfort is ending his last year of high school as one of the captains of the varsity debate team, president of Model United Nations, co-secretary of student government, and a member of EHS Chorale, to name a few. His hope is that through his involvement in a multitude of clubs he has made a positive impact and made the school a better place.

Comfort will further his academic career at Villanova University while studying political science and economics.

Stinger: What is your favorite high school memory?

Comfort: Outside of class, my favorite memory would come from the trip that I took with chorale to France, Germany and

Switzerland last year. We got to perform at Normandy Beach at the World War II Memorial. That was really emotional and it meant a lot to me. I don’t think that’s an experience I would have gotten if I was outside that group or organization.

Stinger: What has been your favorite class?

Comfort: I have a couple. AP United States History in sophomore year with Mrs. Hunter was incredible. AP European History with Ms. Furry last year was also incredible. Our AP Government class was really good. That was really unique because I was the only junior in that class, so it really put me out of my comfort zone.

But I think it was important that I needed to work through that. AP Physics 1 with Mr. Ohl last year was also really good.

Stinger: What excites you the most about college?

Comfort: I think the freedom that college affords you is really important. There is a lot of academic freedom at Emmaus, but it excites me that I can do work at my own pace instead of being told that this has to be in this time. The resources that are offered at universities are really exceptional and will allow you to do research that you’re really passionate about. Where sometimes high school forces you to solve

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a problem that’s given to you, you can come up with your own problem and solve it in college.

Stinger: If you could switch places with any teacher who would it be?

Comfort: Mr. Flynn is pretty cool, that philosophy class is really cool to teach. I want to teach AP Government, so I’d want to switch places with Mr. Gallagher in that sense. And then, I do like physics so Mr. Ohl would be a good teacher to switch with.

Stinger: Who has been your mentor or most influential teacher?

Comfort: I’d probably say there are two teachers that I can really pinpoint as the most influential and that would be Mr. Ohl and Mr. Flynn. Mr. Flynn has been my GIEP advisor for four years and so I’ve had a lot in-depth contact with him.

Whether it’s about schedule, college decisions and just on a personal basis, he knows me really well and I know him really well. That also goes for Mr. Ohl. That’s a class that I wasn’t really super comfortable with at the beginning. When I started to not perform to where I wanted to perform, I worked with him to find ways to study better. And then that sort of evolved into academic team.

SANDHYA SRIRAM by Cassidy Klingman Sandhya Sriram has enjoyed playing the violin since she was only three years old, and she will continue to play in college. Sriram will further her academic and muscial career while attending Cornell University with a major in computer science.

Stinger: What is your favorite part about playing the violin?

Sriram: I like playing with other instruments, especially cello. I also like playing my favorite Disney and Broadway songs just for fun.

Stinger: Why do you want to attend Cornell University after graduation?

Sriram: I stayed there over the summer to take a computer science and engineering course and ended up falling in love with the university. My computer science teachers there influenced me a lot. It also has a relaxing environment-- very close to nature.

Stinger: What will you miss the most about high school?

Sriram: I’m going to miss being in orchestra and seeing the teachers I like, seeing friends and being in their classes. A few teachers in particular are Mrs. Stoudt and Mr. Ohl. Stinger: What won’t you miss about high school?

Sriram: Waking up early. Even late arrival wasn’t enough for me.

I liked the experiences in high school but I’m excited for college and to get the courses to further my education.

Stinger: What is your favorite high school memory?

Sriram: TEAMS Engineering club went to Florida for the National Engineering competition. We got to go to Disney World and

everyone had time to bond and have fun while also doing our engineering work. We placed 7th place nationally on our prepared presentation.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment during your time at Emmaus?

Sriram: Being president of the school’s Interact Club and reestablishing our connection with Camp Camelot. They had shut down for a while, and I was happy to be a part of volunteering and helping out kids again.

Stinger: You currently take several AP classes, as well as chorus and orchestra, how do you handle such a rigorous schedule?

Sriram: I mostly study whenever I can, study a lot for my tests, and have study groups. I recommend not procrastinating.

Stinger: Do yoou have any advice for underclassmen?

Sriram: Don’t worry too much about knowing what you’re doing after high school, but get experience, and balance between school and friends.

SIRAAJ SUMAR by Michael Moyzan Siraaj Sumar has had his heart set on computer engineering for a long time. During his high school career, Sumar was involved in Science Olympiad, Debate and Science Bowl. Sumar intends on studying computer engineering at Drexel University while also pursuing tennis in the future as well.

Stinger: What kind of hobbies do you pursue now?

Sumar: Pretty much playing soccer and tennis with my friends, hanging out, trying my best in school, and helping my friends do whatever they have to do to be successful.

Stinger: Do you plan on any playing sports in college?

Sumar: It’s probably going to be tennis in college. I’m going to try to play club if

I can.

Stinger: What teacher has impacted you the most?

Sumar: I would say the two teachers that have impacted me most are both Mr. Ohl and Mrs. Stout. Just because they really pushed me to do better in school and have really opened me to new outlooks on what I want to do in life.

Stinger: What won’t you miss about EHS? Sumar: Flex-block Wednesdays, coming to school at 7:23 every morning, walking from the senior lot, and that’s about it.

Stinger: How long have you had senioritis?

Sumar: I’d say approximately after the fourth week of freshman year.

Stinger: What is one class you wish you had taken?

Sumar: Probably Advanced Astronomy.

Stinger: Would you say you had a mentor in high school?

Sumar: I have a lot of my friends, specifically Aman Malik. He’s been there for me since day one. He helps with my school work, we both help each other. We both complement each other really well.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Sumar: Don’t procrastinate. Challenge yourself, it looks good for college résumés.

Do as much as you can, help out your

community. Try to have fun with everything you do. Try to step up to new things, leave your comfort zone.

Stinger: What was your favorite class that you took at EHS? Sumar: AP Physics because of all my friends that are in it and how much it’s challenged me. It gave me a look at what I wanted to do in the future.

Stinger: Is there a school rule that needs to be taken away or added?

Sumar: Listening to music in the hallway should definitely be a thing. I think teachers enforce it too seriously, and people should just be allowed to listen to what they wish.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Sumar: In ten years hopefully I’ll have a masters degree and a PhD... Probably working in Silicon Valley if I can.

Stinger: What is your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Sumar: Honestly, just finishing. I didn’t even see myself doing that with all the classes I was taking. I gave up a lot of times, but picked myself back up each time. It’s a big accomplishment. Everyone who’s graduating, big shout out to them.

They made it too.

THE STINGER

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JUNE 2018

MILLAN PATEL by Rylan Bassett

In the spirit of a true Renaissance man, Millan Patel has participated in a variety of clubs and organizations and has always made sure to squeeze as much laughter out of it as he can. His list of extracurricular activities includes orchestra, debate, Science Olympiad, computer science club, academic team, math club and Model UN, among others. Patel is committed to Johns Hopkins University and plans to major in biomedical engineering with a minor in computer science.

Stinger: How has your experience at Emmaus impacted you?

Patel: I’ve learned a lot about myself and others at Emmaus High School. In middle school, I didn’t really think much of anything. I kind of went through the motions, did school, hung out, I kind of wung things. In high school, I learned what it takes to be successful, what it takes to get where you want to be.

Stinger: How have you impacted Emmaus?

Patel: I hope I’ve impacted Emmaus by being a good friend, kind of supporting people if they need help in a class or with other things.

Stinger: Who was your mentor during your high school

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career?

Patel: Mr. Ohl has been an amazing mentor. [He was] my physics teacher for the past three years and also my academic team advisor for the past three years. I’ve learned so much from him, obviously in physics and science and all that, but just as a person. We’re very close, we talk a lot. He’s taught me so much about myself and the subject that he loves so much and it kind of opened my eyes to what true fascination in a subject can lead to.

Stinger: What is your favorite high school memory?

Patel: Just lots of little things like hanging out with my friends and stuff like that and just laughing through school. I guess a culmination of that was going to Disney for physics with Mr. Ohl and a bunch of my friends. We learned some things, cool stuff about Disney like how they make the ghosts in the Haunted Mansion. And that was a good sum-up of my high school experience: learning with a fun twist to it.

Stinger: What excites you most about going to college?

Patel: Definitely the idea of the amount of stuff that you can learn at college. At high school, we have a really large coursebook and that’s really awesome here, but we’re kind of limited to certain curriculums. We teach to an AP test and... we only have so much time. But I feel like at college, there’s almost infinite possibilities. You can learn about any little thing you want because the faculty is so large. They know so much that you can get really in-depth on subjects that you already love and learn something really fascinating about it, or you can learn something completely different that you never would’ve even considered to be something that you’d enjoy.

Stinger: What accomplishment of your high school years are you most proud of?

Patel: My best accomplishment was in sophomore year when I qualified for an international programming competition as part of the American Computer Science League. Before then I just did programming because it seemed like an interesting thing to do. Through that experience I realized, ‘Maybe this is something I can be good at.’ It’s nothing I really considered very seriously before

high school. It showed that I can be among the top in the world in a certain subject that I didn’t even think about before, and it just reminds me that anything that you do can turn out to be something really incredible.

Stinger: What will you miss most about Emmaus?

Patel: Definitely seeing my friends every day because for a lot of people school seems like a chore or whatever and it doesn’t really feel like it stops. But my motivation that gets me through the day is definitely seeing all my friends in my classes and then laughing and enjoying the time that we’re spending together.

Stinger: What song could describe your high school experience?

Patel: Maybe like, ‘We Are the Champions’ because we all go into school kind of knowing what we’re going to get out of it: go through four years of high school, get out, go to college, and onto the rest of our lives. But I feel like as you go through high school you start learning more about yourself. And then, by the end of it, you’re reflecting back on the last four years of school. You see the growth you went through and everything that you’ve learned and what your accomplishments have lead you to and then your future that you can see almost there, almost in grasp. Then you think, ‘Wow, we’re champions.’

Stinger: What is your most embarrassing high school memory?

Patel: Definitely before, in middle school and elementary, I did a whole bunch of stupid stuff. Like, ... my fifth-grade teacher gave me the nickname “fidget” ‘cause of whatever reasons. And then I just took that and ran with it, no sort of self-doubt. I made parody songs off my nickname in middle school, and I performed it at the talent show all three years. And it was getting progressively worse every year. I know that’s not high school, but that is something.

Stinger: Did you get standing ovations all three years?

Patel: Oh yeah, people loved it. I think the hype got progressively worse each time I did it, everybody was like, ‘Alright, Millan, this is getting old.’

off the stepping stone soon, I guess.

Stinger: What inspired you to start playing for the band?

Liu: I started piano in third grade. In fourth grade at Shoemaker Elementary, we were allowed to pick an instrument to play. I picked the trumpet. I saw three buttons and figured it’d be easy. I had great friends in elementary, [and] I didn’t wanna quit, so I stuck with it. Music has been my big extra curricular.

Stinger: How do you think the faculty impacted you at Emmaus?

Liu: Mr. Harrington is definitely fun and funny. Sometimes he gets stuff done and has fun doing it. Teachers have been super nice. It makes the learning experience better. The teachers are fun and are what makes or breaks a class.

Stinger: What was the most memorable thing about Emmaus?

Liu: Easton Jazz Festival. We go every year and compete against several bands and get scores based on performances. For all four years, we won the best trumpet section. It was really cool and means a lot to me. We soar high and have a lot of fun.

Stinger: What do you think you will miss the most from Emmaus?

Liu: A sense of security. The structure and safety. I’m gonna be glad to be free at college.

It brings a level of uncertainty that Emmaus doesn’t have.

Gonna miss a lot of friends too.

Stinger: What was your favorite class to take at Emmaus?

Liu: I had a lot of fun classes. Jazz band is probably the best. All four years it’s been really nice.

The first three years, it was ninth period.

It was a nice end to the day. Sometimes we even played cards.

ERIC LIU by Eddie Coleman Eric Liu has played the trumpet all four years of his time at Emmaus High School. Aside from that, Liu will miss his time spent at the high school and praises the education he received by the teachers, who he thought did a very good job in his high school career. Liu advises underclassmen and incoming students on how to make the most of their time at EHS. Stinger: What do you plan on doing after high school?

Liu: Go to Cornell and study science. Hopefully when I’m there I’ll get into the research programs. Hopefully, I’ll get into the pep band and the marching band.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Liu: I guess I hope I’m researching at Cornell. I’ve been volunteering at Rodale. They have a good program. I’d like to study biology, plants, greenhousing, GMO, plant communication, etc.

Stinger: What is some advice you can give to future Emmaus students?

Liu: Try your best, I guess. Not every class has great results. Work with what you got. What really matters is that you learn from the experience. What subjects you like and don’t like. You can use it to carry towards college.

High school is really a stepping stone to real life. I’ll be

MILES ZAKOS by Kaylee Ruiz It’s rare that anyone would step near the chorus room, a debate team meeting, or Mr. Ohl’s physics class without hearing the shockingly deep voice of Miles Zakos with a joke, an interesting fact, or some friendly advice. Zakos is involved in Chorale, Debate Team, NHS, the Pool Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Big Brother Little Brother program. He just committed to Penn State Main Campus to study astrophysics.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Zakos: I’m definitely a lot more comfortable in my own skin. Its stereotypical to say, but everyone seemed big and scary when we first came, although I don’t consider myself big and scary as a senior.

Stinger: Where did you spend most of your time in the school?

Zakos: I spent most of my time in the physics room, between eating lunch in there last year and heading down there every chance I get this year to ask Mr. Ohl questions. He’s such a cool dude.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Zakos: I know I’m tooting that ‘Mr. Ohl-horn,’ but I have to give it to him. He’s not only an extremely competent person who can explain the concepts well, but he’s extremely kind and apt at handling any drama that may arise. I respect that he will make

sure everyone’s questions are answered, he’s not above holding back the class to ensure everyone understands the material, which is how I think a teacher should be. I like to think I’m taking some of what Mr. Ohl taught me with me, both with major obviously, but also learning to be a more patient, kind person.

Stinger: What scares you most about college?

Zakos: On the campus I’m going to there are 47,000 other undergrad students, and it’s going to be hard to find my people in a group that large. I’ve been lucky enough to be in the same school district from kindergarten until now, so having to find new friends is going to be a different experience.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory?

Zakos: In Chorale we sing a song “Let My Love Be Heard,” and were lucky enough to have the opportunity to sing it in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The feeling of everyone giving their all and singing with everything they have, then hearing the silence echo afterwards was incredible. I’ve written three college essays about that moment, it felt like we were singing over the ocean. That was the most passionate I’ve ever felt singing anything.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Zakos: Join everything that makes you happy and then give your all to that, you won’t regret it. If it turns out what makes you happy isn’t working, there is no shame in switching clubs.

Stinger: What do you hope to accomplish after high school?

Zakos: I’m going to Penn State University Park to study astrophysics, and afterwards I’m hoping to go to graduate school or move right into the science field and do research.

Research is what I want to do for the rest of my life. It appeals to my romantic side, going into a job like this and looking at the stars.

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GRACIE FLOOD by Michael Moyzan

Gracie Flood has made the most of her time at EHS through participating in theatre, Chorale, and French Club. She’s traveled to Europe and found her passion in translation. Flood plans on continuing her education at Pace University and doesn’t want to let her passion for theatre and acting ever die.

Stinger: How do you feel you’ve changed since freshman year?

Flood: I feel I’ve gained a lot more responsibility. I’ve traveled to Europe and I’ve really just figured out what I want to do with my life. I feel like I’ve got this clarity.

Stinger: How did you get involved in theatre and Chorale?

Flood: I’ve always been a pretty theatrical person, but I joined in middle school and it kinda just carried over into high school and now I’m the president of the drama department.

Stinger: Favorite high school memory?

Flood: Traveling to Europe with Chorale, that was crazy.

There was this moment in Europe where this minister at the church we were singing at said, ‘I don’t speak English, who can translate?’ and everyone was like, ‘Gracie, you’re gonna have to do it.’ I stood up in front of everybody and translated this man’s blessing to the whole choir and it was the craziest experience of my life. I thought, “This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

Stinger: What was your favorite role in theatre?

Flood: Probably Ophelia in Hamlet, because it was the most challenging. That was the first lead I got in high school and it’s a pretty challenging role. It’s really intense, and I think that it helped me gain more experience.

Stinger: What are you going to miss most about Emmaus?

Flood: We all like to joke that we’re not going to miss anything and that we’re so ready to get out of here, but

EMILY WOLFE by Eve Walters Emily Wolfe, President of the Young Republicans Club and participant in the school musicals, plans on attending Liberty University to study government with a focus in strategic intelligence.

Stinger: How have you changed since

freshman year?

Wolfe: When I was a freshman I was definitely more timid than what I am now because I was more worried of what other people thought of me and now I just don’t really care anymore. I don’t really care what other people think. One of the best things that I took with me was to just be yourself and just stand up for whatever you believe in.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Wolfe: Ms. Cortez -- she’s tough. She doesn’t really care

OPINION

I’m gonna miss the people, the choir that I’m in, and the teachers that I see on a daily basis -- all the people who have influenced my life and shaped me into who I am today. The thought that I’m not gonna see them for a long time kinda sucks.

Stinger: What teacher impacted you the most?

Flood: Probably Madame Pissara. She is such a passionate teacher. She just always supported me through everything that I wanted to do and helped me become the speaker that I wanted to be. She was so hard on me because she cares enough to be hard on me. She’s so passionate about making sure you’re not learning just for the number grade, but that you’re learning to gain knowledge and she transformed the way that I looked at education.

She pushed me to get to where I am.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Flood: A lot can change in 10 years. I honestly see myself either in France or in California. I’ve always had this dream ever since I was younger of being famous one day. As people grow up and you finish high school and figure out where you’re going that sort of becomes this, ‘Well you know that’s probably not gonna happen,’ and then you make a new plan. I guess I haven’t really gotten to that point yet. So I still see myself going to Hollywood and making it big.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Flood: Stick with it. Obviously it gets hard, especially around those middle years like sophomore and junior year, it gets really hard to stay focused. You kinda just have to keep your eye on the prize. I waited... a long time to pick my college because it scared me so much, but the more you reach out and learn about your future rather than just fearing it and procrastinating, the more excited you’re actually going to be about getting there. You’ll be more motivated to take more classes that you like and be more passionate about your time in high school.

Stinger: If you could go back and change one thing what would it be?

Flood: To focus more. I got really distracted throughout my high school years with things that didn’t matter so much. So I feel like you kinda just have to look at this time in your life as like, you’re not going to be able to go back. You have this chunk of four years where you’re with your best friends all the time, and you’re learning and living at home and you get to eat your mom’s cooking. You have to envision the rest of your life so that you can appreciate that these are the good old days that you’re livin’ in right now. Make the memories that you’re going to look back on.

about what other people think of her, so I think I kind of took that on and sort of have a tougher shell.

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved in musicals/singing?

Wolfe: I did it in middle school but I didn’t start the musicals in middle school until 8th grade, so I really enjoyed it then and I just did it in high school. I really like it here.

That was probably the best decision I ever made was to do singing in school. That’s where I made a lot of my friends.

Stinger: Favorite part about playing/being involved in musicals?

Wolfe: The people.

Stinger: What theatre productions have you been a part of and what role did you play in them?

Wolfe: I was in ensemble for all of them but this year I had a name, Francisca, in West Side Story, but I was in Mary Poppins, Once Upon a Mattress, [and] Miss Saigon.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory?

Why? Wolfe: Probably going to Europe last year with Chorale or Boston this year, that was also good.

Stinger: What will you miss most about your time at Emmaus?

Wolfe: Chorale, that’s where my friends are and it’s a community. You don’t really like everyone but you love everyone.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Wolfe: Don’t be afraid of other people. There are so

many people that are worried about what other people think and you cannot be worried about what other people think. If you go through high school paranoid of what other people think of you, you’ve missed the biggest lesson of high school.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Wolfe: Being kind. I mean I’m definitely not the peppiest person all the time but I think that one thing that I wish people didn’t first think of when they thought of me was that ‘Oh, she’s a Republican she’s president of the young republicans.’ I wish it weren’t that way. I wish it was just because I think I’m a nice person so that’s what I think is a better description of me.

Stinger: Where was your favorite place at EHS? Wolfe: The Chorus room.

Stinger: Describe your high school experience in three words Wolfe: Challenging, fun, opportunistic.

Stinger: Any last comments or advice?

Wolfe: Don’t give up. That’s like my thing; just don’t give up on yourself, don’t give up on anyone else. When things get bad just know they’ll get better again with time. As hard as that is to believe, just don’t give up on anything.

BEN WILSON by Dean Graham Aside from being drum major in the band, Ben Wilson also has years of martial arts experience under his black belt.

After graduation, Wilson plans on furthering his academic career at Penn State.

He hopes to move to Washington D.C., his goal being to work at the Smithsonian Institute.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Wilson: I’ve really matured a lot through leadership positions, I understand a lot more, and I know how to listen.

Stinger: What excites you most about college?

Wilson: Being able to meet people from all kinds of places. Emmaus is a small town with a lot of people in the school, it will be a new experience for me.

Stinger: What was your favorite high

school memory?

Wilson: Leading the band on the field on the last football game, being up front, and knowing it will be the last time I can lead all these kids and having a great time.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Wilson: Living around D.C., working at the Smithsonian as a curator or historian, maybe working my way up to a director position.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Wilson: My inspiration would have to be FDR, because he was president of the country and he couldn’t walk. I had to lead in crutches for two marching band seasons because of knee problems. I had to be that inspiring figure, even though I couldn’t match it physically, so I had to inspire in other ways.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Wilson: Earning my black belt in karate.

Stinger: What was your favorite class?

Wilson: Quest for the Distant Past with Mr. Flynn because it combined the social and cultural history of society and how they dominated each other.

Stinger: What is your most embarrassing high school memory?

Wilson: During sophomore year, I had knee surgery and I was on crutches and we were coming inside from a football game and it was raining, and the crutches slipped from under me.

Stinger: What is a song that describes your high school experiences?

Wilson: “Whatever it Takes” by Imagine Dragons, because it’s a fast paced song that talks about how experiences and events break you down, but how they build you up also. And how you need to get through it, whatever it takes.

Stinger: What’s your advice for underclassmen?

Wilson: Just be yourself, there’s always gonna be people who judge you for how you act and what you like. Lying to yourself about what you like is not how you want to live.

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THE STINGER | JUNE 2018

Features

STINGEREHS.COM

COLE CONNOLLY by Katie Taranto

hopes to pursue a job in that field.

Cole Connolly is the president of the Envirothon team, a member of the swim team, and a member of the National Honor Society. Strongly passionate about science and the environment, Connolly will pursue a degree in bioengineering at Penn State University Park this fall. He has acquired a strong interest in horticulture, and

Stinger: What was your favorite part about participating on the swim team?

Connolly: My favorite part would probably be the team atmosphere and everything that surrounds it, because of

all of the great friends that I’ve made through the years.

Even when it got really tough, especially in practices, we all persevered together.

Stinger: Tell me about your pet chickens!

Connolly: Well, I feel like I’m not the only one [at EHS] who has chickens, but it is definitely something that probably sets me apart from other people. But I really love my chickens and I’ve had them ever since I was little.

My family was always like, ‘Well, we want to get eggs,’ and we would end up going to the grocery store all of the time. I love to take care of them, and they’re kind of just like a normal pet, like a dog or a cat.

Stinger: Do they have any names?

Connolly: I don’t have names for all of them, but my rooster is named Big Joe, and I have a couple of hens.

One of them is named Henrietta, and another one’s name is Meep.

Stinger: Who is your favorite teacher at EHS? Connolly: My favorite teacher would have to be Ms. Susens, because she’s so motivational with portraying sustainability and the environment. That had a really big influence on my career. But my second favorite would probably have to be Mrs. Kneller, because of all she taught me in AP Enviro.

Stinger: What was your most memorable moment of your high school career?

Connolly: I would have to say probably the height of

my swimming career during my senior year, where we picked up, I think, our 13th District XI title in a row, and our 11th EPC title in a row, so that was really fun. I had some great swims, especially at the end of the year. It was really fun to wrap it up with the rest of my team.

Stinger: Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

Connolly: Just get involved in as many things as you can, because you don’t necessarily know what you’re going to love, and what you’re going to hate. Try as many things as you can, because there are so many clubs and activities that you can do outside and inside of school, and you’ll find what you love eventually.

Stinger: Where is your favorite water fountain?

Connolly: The one right below the guidance office, because that one actually comes from a secret underground spring, and the water is fresh and cold.

Stinger: What excites you about the future?

Connolly: Just how much the world is going to change in the future, with all the technology and everything, that is really something I’m excited to be a part of, and something I’m really passionate about, especially with plant research, which is something I really want to get into.

Everything is changing so fast.

Stinger: What are three words to describe your high school career?

Connolly: Dynamic, tough, and unique.

JACKIE BASSETT by Gaby Sukop Jackie Bassett plans on taking a gap year after she graduates from Emmaus. She feels that taking a year off will help her find herself as she participates in charity work, and travels to help people while exploring different cultures. Bassett hopes that by helping others it will assist her in finding a career.

Stinger: What are your plans after high school?

Bassett: After high school, I will be taking a year off. I am undecided as to what I would like to do for a career, so I decided to take a gap year to explore my passions and figure out what fits me best. This year will include lots of travel and experiencing new places and cultures.

I will spend the month of September working at an orphanage in Haiti, which is the trip that I am most excited about.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Bassett: The biggest inspiration in my life is my dad.

He has taught me that if you dream big and work hard you will always be successful. He has the most generous heart, and always puts others before himself. I hope that someday I can be half as selfless and hardworking as he is.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Bassett: My advice for underclassmen is to not compare yourself to your peers. High school often turns into a competition, and it’s hard when you constantly feel like you’re losing. Don’t sacrifice who you are just to fit in.

There are so many different roads to success that it is impossible to base your own success off of someone else’s.

Stinger: If you could go back and change one thing, what would it be?

Bassett: If I could go back, I would take the time to get to know more of my classmates better. I was always pretty reserved, and there are so many people that I never took the chance to get to know.

Stinger: Which teacher impacted you the most?

Bassett: Mr. Mihalik has been the most influential teacher that I have had during my time at Emmaus. His classes and trips have taught me that there is so much more out there than Emmaus, Pa. Throughout the trip to Utah that I went on with him, I learned how rewarding it can be to step outside of your comfort zone. This trip resulted in me changing my plans for my future from a safe, comfortable plan that makes sense, to a less secure plan that makes me happy.

KYRA MALONE by Renee Martin

To an outsider, Kyra Malone seems to do it all: Reserve Officer Training Corps, National Honor Society, varsity soccer, Pediatric Cancer Club, Key Club, and Hornet Ambassadors. A schedule such as this may seem like a daunting task for many, but Malone actively participates and still manages to maintain her school work and social life. Throughout her years at Emmaus, Malone has improved the school community and formed lifelong friendships through her various activities. After graduation Malone has plans of becoming a Nittany Lion at Penn State, where she has a full scholarship.

Stinger: When did you start soccer?

Malone: I’ve been playing for about 13 years.

Stinger: What was your highlight of high school career?

Malone: I’ve made so many good memories every year that it’s hard to choose. I think going to states for the first time this year with my team was a really great experience,

Stinger: Do you have any regrets?

Bassett: I regret stressing about things that I couldn’t change. Things don’t always go your way, and no amount of dwelling on the past can change that. You’ll miss deadlines, forget assignments, and let down friends, but the sooner you move on and grow from it, the happier you will be.

Stinger: What will you miss most about your time at Emmaus?

Bassett: I will miss having all of my friends in the same place at the same time. We have such a routine and are so used to seeing each other everyday that it will be hard getting used to life without seeing them throughout the day.

Stinger: What won’t you miss about EHS? Bassett: The parking situation.

Stinger: What was one of the most important lessons you learned during high school?

Bassett: The most important lesson that I learned during high school is that college is not the only path to success. The school makes it seem as though you can only be successful if you have a college degree. If someone chooses a trade career, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t smart. If someone isn’t going to college, it doesn’t mean that they are lazy. Once I realized that there were ways to be successful without a degree, I stopped putting pressure on myself to do something that I had no interest in.

even if we didn’t win. Just getting there was amazing.

Stinger: What advice do you have for underclassmen?

Malone: I would say to get good grades early, so you don’t need to stress out about pulling your grades up when you’re an upperclassman. Start early and keep consistent.

Stinger: What is one lesson that you have learned?

Malone: I learned to get involved more; it really opens doors for you in the long run.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Malone: I hope to go to medical school after Penn State. My long-term goal is to become a doctor or something in the medical field. I’m going to do ROTC throughout college, [and] by the end of senior year, I’ll be a lieutenant officer and be leading the younger kids.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Malone: My biggest accomplishment was probably winning my scholarship. The application process was really lengthy; it started at the end of my junior year and included a fitness test, aptitude test, and an interview.

Stinger: Who is your favorite teacher?

Malone: Mr. Ohl for AP Physics. I just really like the way he teaches and how he keeps the class involved.

Stinger: What will you miss most about high school?

Malone: I’m definitely going to miss my friends the most, because I’m not going to see them that often at college; I’m going to have to get used to not seeing them every day.

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FEATURES

SAM WORKMAN by Laurel Widdoss

After four years well spent at Emmaus, Sam Workman will leave with enough valuable memories and friends to last a lifetime. Filling his time with Chorale, boys varsity volleyball and academics, Workman is always immersed in school activities while being surrounded by the people he loves most. After graduation, Workman plans on attending LCCC for two years, then transferring to either Bloomsburg or Kutztown to attain a degree in teaching.

Stinger: How do you think you’ve changed since freshman year?

Workman: I’ve definitely matured, I’m not as annoying as I once was. I’ve gotten better manners. I feel like I’ve grown overall.

Stinger: What are you planning on majoring in college?

Workman: American history.

Stinger: What are some of your favorite subjects in school?

Workman: Physics, astronomy, American history, of course. World honors, not because I like the subject, but because I like Mr. Flynn. Mr. Flynn, I thought, was a great teacher. He actually made me want to learn and helped me learn. I liked his way of teaching.

Stinger: Hobbies?

Workman: Frisbee golfing is a good one, [and I] love me my Guitar Hero. It’s always a throwback, I love it. I like being outside, any outside activities are good.

Listening to music and playing piano.

Singing, especially just driving the car and listening to music. Belting with the sunglasses on and the window down, there’s nothing better.

Stinger: Most embarrassing school memory?

Workman: In eighth grade, I glued a calculator to a desk. We only got in trouble because it ripped the paint off the desk, and that wasn’t exactly our fault. Just use some nail polish remover and it would’ve come right off, but no. The kid decided to rip it off, and it took off a chunk.

Stinger: Is there any song that you feel embodies your high school career?

Workman: I would say “Good Riddance”

by Green Day. It’s a little sad, but I think I got the most out of my four years here, through education [and] meeting new

people.

Stinger: What’s something you want to be remembered for in high school?

Workman: Definitely being a positive kid, I hope that kids, especially underclassmen, look up to me to be that kid that’s at the football games not doing anything they shouldn’t be, just cheering on the team, being loud, being obnoxious.

But not being condescending towards the other team. I mean, we’ll cheer for ourselves, but not do anything against the other team, because that’s just unsportsmanlike. I mean, it’s always fun every now and then, but after a while it gets a little old.

Stinger: What will you miss most about high school?

Workman: Seeing everyone everyday.

It’s gonna be sad not seeing them, even the ones I’m not super tight with. Sometimes we would be like, “Hey we should chill,” and then we never did. When I get to college it’s going to be pretty sad because it’s like, I wanted to chill with you, and then we never did.

Stinger: What’s something you won’t miss about high school?

Workman: High school in general... not letting us be as free as we should be. Like the headphone thing, I understand we should have conversations in the hallway because that’s how you make friends, but sometimes you’re having a poopy day and you just want to listen to some sad songs.

You just want to get that sadness out and chill out.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Workman: Three places: World class astronomer, American Studies teacher. You know, helping kids actually learn something. One thing I want kids to take out of my class is, ‘Oh you failed a test... It’s just a test.’ But if you can take something out of my class that will help you in life and you learned something, then I feel like I did well as a teacher. And last, traveling around the world being a nurse. Overall, just helping people. That’s what I hope to do.

Stinger: How did being a student athlete affect your high school career?

Workman: Just dealing with volleyball and school at the same time is different.

I’m not saying it’s hard, I’m not saying it’s easy, but it is different because you have both to work at. It’s nice though because the volleyball team, we’re family.

They’re people I can keep in the book for beers and barbeques when we’re 30.

Stinger: How would you consider your presence in EHS? Workman: I’m always a jolly guy. I would say easily [that I’m in] the top three happiest people at EHS. I never really have a bad day. You let the punches hit you and you go from there.

Stinger: Any last comments?

Workman: Advice for all high school students: If you ain’t first, you’re last.

GRACE LEWIS by Bibi Correa As the president of Red Cross club, a member of Envirothon, EHS Activism, Select Choir, Chorale and Mock Trial, Grace Lewis has tried and succeeded in being an active member of the Emmaus community.

Although Lewis did not get involved in these clubs until later on in her high school career, she was grateful to participate in many clubs, and make friends with their members.

Overall, Lewis has noted that her high school experience was positive, because not only is EHS great, but she was able to make lots of memories with her friends. Throughout high school, she has learned to let go of her stress and make as many memories as possible.

While she is uncertain of where she wants to go to college, she hopes to study environmental studies and government. She discovered her passion for environmental science last year, and wants to voice her opinion through being politically active.

Stinger: On a scale of one to 10, how much senioritis are you feeling right now?

Lewis: Right now probably an eight, but on average this year probably a five. Compared to other people I know, I’m not as bad, but compared to my past self, it’s really bad.

Stinger: What kind of career are you looking at?

Lewis: I’m not really sure, I could picture maybe being some sort of politician or elected official or maybe just working in D.C. Stinger: What excites you the most about college?

Lewis: Definitely getting away from here, far away. I think the closest place that I applied is three hours but even that is in a different state. I want to break out, meet new people, start fresh, get out of the lack of hustle and bustle of Emmaus. I want to be where there’s a lot of things going on that I can participate in, and where there’s a lot of food.

Stinger: What has been your favorite class?

Lewis: My favorite class right now is AP Art History, by far. It’s totally different from all my classes, because I’ve never taken an art class before, but the teacher Mrs. Soboleski is awesome. I love art, but I’m not that good at it, so it’s the best way for me to appreciate it without ruining it.

Stinger: If you could change one thing about your high school experience, what would it be?

Lewis: I feel like I would definitely take more risks, just in general. I picked studying over hanging out and in the long run maybe I didn’t need to study those extra 17 hours for a test. Less academic focus, not that academics

EVAN BASSETT by Ava Gelsomini

Throughout his four years at Emmaus High School, Evan Bassett has been actively involved in Emmaus’ band, receiving the role of section leader of saxophones his senior year. Outside of school he has also served as a volunteer firefighter. Bassett will be pursuing his interests of computer science and joining the Air Force through studying digital forensics at Bloomsburg University, and will be a part of Wilkes University’s Air Force ROTC program.

Stinger: What activities were you involved in at Emmaus?

Bassett: I was a section leader in marching band this year, and a firefighter at Good Will Fire Company of Trexlertown.

Stinger: What are your plans after high school?

Bassett: I plan on going to Bloomsburg Univer-

aren’t important but more hanging out with friends and making memories.

Stinger: If you could change something about Emmaus what would it be?

Lewis: I would change something about the strict cell phone policy between classes. I don’t think it’s that big of a deal if people have their phones in between classes, they aren’t really disturbing anyone.

Stinger: If you could switch places with any teacher who would it be?

Lewis: Probably Mrs. Moxley. The classes that she teaches are classes that I really enjoyed taking, so if I could teach them I think it would be fun. She’s really cool I feel like we are really similar anyway so I think it would be fun.

Stinger: What’s your favorite bathroom?

Lewis: Definitely not the ones in the English hallway or the one near the cafeteria. If the one in the science hallway had a mirror, then probably that one because it’s always the cleanest since nobody really goes in there.

Stinger: Who has been your mentor throughout high school?

Lewis: I think every year you have a teacher that you feel really close to, this year it is definitely my psych teacher Mrs. Walsh. She’s really cool and the class is a little harder and it requires asking more question. The more you talk to someone, the more you know them.

sity for digital forensics. I’ll be going from Bloomsburg to Wilkes for Air Force ROTC. Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Bassett: Being section leader.

Stinger: What teacher impacted you the most?

Bassett: Mrs. Stoudt. I didn’t think I’d be able to do the AP Computer Science class, but she told me I could.

Stinger: Do you plan on continuing music?

Bassett: That’s the one thing I’ll be dropping, even though I enjoy the instrument.

Stinger: What will you miss about Emmaus?

Bassett: I’ll miss all the people. A lot of marching band stuff mostly.

Stinger: What’s one class you wish you had taken in high school?

Bassett: I wish I had time for an art class.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Bassett: Probably as an officer in the Air Force, doing something with computers, and also [to] continue being a firefighter.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Bassett: A lot of students are too set on their grades; just have some fun.

Oh, theStinger Places They’ll Go staff looks back on their y LUKE MAAKE, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF by Erica Love

Luke Maake has not had the typical high school experience. He spends his free time as a volunteer at The Pool Wildlife Sanctuary feeding animals, and boasts a new secret alphabet that he created. But in school, his 12th grade year was filled with computer science competitions, being the treasurer of NHS, and the editor-in-chief of The Stinger.

Maake will continue his academic career at Princeton University where he will study computer science-- with an end goal of formulating a program to hack the lottery and “become the world’s first trillionaire.”

Stinger: How do you think that these activities have shaped you as a person, especially The Stinger?

Maake: I feel like The Stinger has definitely increased

my level of literacy. Before, I was on the verge of being illiterate, but once I joined The Stinger, I immediately become more of a literate person and more invested in world affairs. I went to [computer science] competitions and I enjoyed them, so it’s what I want to do. Feeding the animals has made me more respectful of animals and their culture. It hasn’t been enough to convert me into being a vegan, but I have a newfound empathy for opossums.

Stinger: What will you miss the most about your time in Emmaus High School and why?

Maake: I will probably miss journalism the most, because that’s the thing I enjoyed doing most this year.

Besides that, I’ll miss breaking into the school at 5 a.m. every morning and placing pieces of invisible tape on random hallways and walls. It gives you a sense of power.

Stinger: What is your favorite memory of high school?

Maake: My favorite memory from high school is when I got a C in Journalism last year, because I handed in my in-depth piece one month late.

Stinger: What is your worst memory from high school?

Maake: My worst memory was all of Chemistry, because I hated that class. I just really severely disliked that class.

Stinger: What is one school rule that should be changed for future incoming classes?

Maake: I feel like the dress code should be changed,

LILY DAY, NEWS EDITOR by Makenzie Christman

As clarinet section leader, marching band performer, and debate team member, The Stinger’s award-winning news editor Lily Day would like to be remembered as being someone who was “nice and helpful” to others, in addition to her title as a managing news editor for The Stinger.

While Day has a passion and talent for writing, she plans to pursue a career in biology instead. She credits Biology class with Debra Barthold from her freshman year for piquing her interest in the field. Day will continue her studies at Villanova University, claiming that it “just felt right” every time she visited the campus.

Stinger: What made you want to take Journalism?

Day: Throughout middle school, I knew that I really liked to write, and some of my friends said that they were

interested in taking Journalism. So, I looked into it and I wasn’t sure; I didn’t know that I was going to end up getting so involved in it.

Stinger: What made you want to join The Stinger?

Day: Ms. Reaman approached me about it at the end of freshman year when applications were coming out and she was just like, ‘Oh, are you going to apply?’ She just kind of encouraged me to do it, and I’m really glad that I ended up doing it.

Stinger: How did you get into the news section?

Day: I always liked reading the news, and I always liked to be informed about what’s happening. So I thought it’d be cool to help inform the school about things happening in the school community.

Stinger: How do you feel that being in multiple different extracurricular activities has affected you?

Day: It’s taught me to manage my time better. Especially during marching band season and production weeks for the paper; that’s really hard [to keep up with schoolwork]. So I think it’s made me a little bit more organized.

Stinger: Do you have a favorite high school memory?

Day: That’s really hard. I can’t think of anything specific, but I know there’s lots of times when I’m just

because if you want to come to school fully nude, it’s entirely within our right as citizens of the United States to do that.

Stinger: Do you have any regrets from your time here?

Maake: I regret nothing. You can quote me on that.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered by?

Maake: I want to be remembered in school by five things: my fearless courage, my razor sharp wit, my amazing looks, my unmatched intelligence and my large shoe size.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Maake: I see myself beginning to work my way up into the government. I’ll probably be in an entry-level position or an assistant to a congressman or something.

But the secret is from there, I’m gonna work my way up slowly and hack my way into government systems and distribute information to foreign countries, so that eventually, the United States comes toppling to the ground.

That is the end goal.

talking with friends and we all start laughing so hard that we end up crying. It’s just those little moments that are really nice.

Stinger: How do you feel that your high school years went by?

Day: I think it went pretty well. There are obviously things that I didn’t like about it and things that I did like about it. I guess overall, looking back now being at my senior year, it seems like it went by pretty fast.

Stinger: Do you have any regrets?

Day: When I first entered high school, I wasn’t very confident and I didn’t speak out as much. I guess I wish that I was a little bit more outgoing, especially in the beginning.

Stinger: What are you most excited for in college?

Day: I’m just excited for a new start and meeting new people and being able to study things that specifically interest me.

BIBI CORREA, FEATURES EDITOR by Tabitha Nowak

Bibi Correa is the managing features editor of The Stinger and a self-proclaimed people-person who enjoys talking and learning about others. When she isn’t writing articles or criticizing her counterparts’ font choices, Correa participates in Spanish Club, Key Club, National Honor Society, and serves as the president of Latino Leadership Club.

Correa finds that her passion is journalism, and plans to continue with that field at la Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Colombia.

Stinger: What is your favorite high school memory?

Correa: I feel like it sounds kind of lame if I say that it’s Dallas [The Stinger school trip]. But it has to be Dallas. I think there, I really got to understand why I wanted to be a journalist. I also got into Temple when I was there so that just made it all better. And I just remember that moment when I got in because I screamed and... a lot of people were in our room and they were all screaming and they were like ‘oh my god, congratulations Bibi’ and it just was so nice because I feel like we all got really close... it was just a really fun time.

Stinger: How did you get involved with journalism and The Stinger?

Correa: I started J1, [and] my stories weren’t that good, but for some reason Ms. Reaman came up to me

one day, and was just like ‘hey, I really want you to be in my homeroom, I really want you to write for us’ and I got really excited, because I never felt like my writing was that good. So when she noticed me, I was like, ‘oh my god, this could be really cool.’ I never thought it was going to escalate to the point it is now. I never thought I would be going into journalism.

Stinger: What made you get into feature writing?

Correa: I just always had this thing that I really like talking to people. I don’t know why. I just think it’s kind of fun. And I think it allows you to really understand why people do the things they do, and it really allows you to understand why they’re so passionate about it. Which I guess it could be the same thing for sports or culture, but features is specifically people-based.

Stinger: What impact do you think you’ve had on Emmaus High School?

Correa: I don’t know. I feel like in The Stinger, I allowed people to get their voices heard. So I think maybe in that sense I feel like I impacted Emmaus.

I guess in other ways, I hope people think I’m a nice person. That’s just what I try to be, like whenever anyone needs any advice, I’ll always be there. I want people to be comfortable with me.

Stinger: Do you have a person who served as a mentor throughout high school?

Correa: I have two. So one of them is obviously Ms. Reaman. She has helped me so much because she made me realize what my passion is. And she also realized where my weaknesses lie. And she’s also helped me just through personal stuff. I feel like I can always talk to her and she’s always been there. And sometimes we have our disagreements and stuff, but I think that she’s just always been a good friend to me. My second one would have to be Monte[peque]. I love Monte so much. Freshman year... I was in my Spanish for Native Speakers class and people looked at me really weirdly. And then Monte, I remember, he stood up and he was like ‘it does not matter the color of her skin,’ he was just like, ‘Latinos have all different colors, all different backgrounds, she is still Latina.’ And that, I think that must be my favorite moment ever. Because before people were kind of weird about me being pale, but also being fluent. So I feel like in that moment I realized I was like ‘Yeah! We come in all different colors.’ I was like, ‘you can’t touch me.’

o! years at EHS

IZZY WEGNER, ONLINE EDITOR by Caroline Bond

Best described as determined, compassionate, and helpful, Izzy Wegner has been involved in countless clubs and after school activities; some of her most notable accomplishments being The Stinger’s online editor, secretary of the robotics team, as well as a percussionist in the EHS marching band.

With her need for challenges and new opportunities dwindling by no means when she receives her diploma, Wegner plans to attend the University of Wisconsin, Madison in the fall in pursuit of a degree in chemical engineering, which she hopes will be followed by the acquisition of her Ph.D.

Stinger: How did you get involved in journalism?

Wegner: I knew I always loved writing, so when I was in eighth grade, I signed up for Journalism 1...[other students] told [me] that Ms. Reaman was a very harsh grader, so I was terrified I wasn’t going to like her. So little freshman me came in absolutely terrified, and she

JAMES MARLER, SPORTS EDITOR by Julia Popule

Having been appointed as managing sports editor for his final year on The Stinger, James Marler plans to change course and attend the University of the Sciences to attain a doctorate in pharmacy.

Beyond becoming a pharmacist, he also expressed interest in becoming a high school athletic coach for soccer or basketball.

Marler was well known for his infected big toe, and as of May 7, he finally has two “working big toes” again.

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved with The Stinger?

Marler: Ms. Reaman had approached me freshman year about possibly writing for staff. I wrote a couple columns, and then she reached out to me to see if she wanted me to write for sophomore year. I started getting involved in production, and then became a member junior year.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school, would you say?

Marler: Oh God. I mean, the Dallas competition. That was pretty big, and it definitely caught me off guard. I

Wegner: It’s taught me so much. These kids have this unrelenting positivity [despite] a lot of issues in their personal lives that I never really noticed before. The way that they interact is just so interesting, and it’s been really cool to see them grow; you see so much growth in these kids over the year.

Stinger: What do you have to say to girls who are interested in male dominant fields like engineering?

Wegner: I don’t think you should let some guy determine if you don’t want to do something. You go and you prove that you’re meant to be there and they aren’t going to question you.

had us fill out this paper asking us what our favorite things were, and I was like ‘What? I was not expecting this, but this is awesome.’

Stinger: Who has your high school mentor been?

Wegner: Ms. Reaman has been my life mentor, just someone that I could always go to and talk to. So being able to have her as a teacher has made me remember ‘Hey, I really love [writing], maybe I shouldn’t stop doing this.’ I had Mrs. Augustin for Chemistry [and] if it wasn’t for her, I don’t know if I would be going into this field.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Wegner: I’m going to work my butt off and get my Ph.D., and then I’m going to be minoring in French and my goal is to work in the pharmaceutical industry within chemical engineering. And with my minor in French, I would love to go do some work in France.

Stinger: What has working with the kids in the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program taught you?

didn’t have paper when I came into the [writing] competition. I didn’t think we needed it, [but] ended up being one of two best, national sports writers so it was kinda, like, ironic. That kid must’ve felt pretty weird. I mean he probably could’ve said no, and I would have been really screwed, so props to that kid.

Stinger: Is there anything you’ll miss about being an editor?

Marler: Teasing Luke. That’s gonna suck. I have a lot of fun teasing of Luke, and I’m gonna miss Scoop [Aidan Springs]. You know, he’s my son and it’s gonna be hard being away from him.

Stinger: Is there anything embarrassing you’d like to share?

Marler: There’s a lot of things to think about. There’s a lot of bad things about my clothes; I used to wear a lot of weird clothes. I wore cargo shorts until sophomore year, and I was kinda unaware that they had died a good three years before. People always make fun of the pockets, but you have your phone in one, your wallet in another, and then you had these two pockets to just put whatever the hell you want in [them], so I mean, I don’t really get the hate.

Stinger: What is your connection to sports in general?

Marler: It’s just fun to play and to just go outside.

I mean, I love playing with teams, especially people who you’re friends with because you have a connection and it usually works really well.

Stinger: Any other comments to peers, underclassmen, or teachers?

Marler: I’m gonna miss Ms. Reaman a lot. She’s been a really big mentor to me and if I had stuck with orchestra this year, she would have been my mentor. I mean, [it] kinda stinks I don’t have that framed picture in the corner, but it wasn’t my fault, at the end of the day. Blame journalism. Or, blame East Penn School District. For making those two classes the same period. Thank you.

JOE ECKSTEIN, CULTURE EDITOR by Katie Taranto

Joe Eckstein was the managing editor of the culture section for The Stinger this year. Additionally, he was a member of the Emmaus ice hockey team, and participated in various hockey programs, including refereeing for USA Hockey and helping disabled kids learn to play in a program called Special Hockey during his spare time. After high school, he would like to continue his passions for journalism and culture writing.

Stinger: What are your plans for after high school?

Eckstein: After high school I’m going to attend Penn State Lehigh Valley for their 2+2 Program, and I’m going to be studying journalism. After that, I kind of have a mix of plans. I want to study journalism and

I want to apply to write for a Rolling Stone type of magazine, or The Atlantic, something like that. Or maybe even broadcast, but I’ll see.

Stinger: Where is the best bathroom in the school?

Eckstein: Right here. The one right outside of Ms. Reaman’s room, but it’s never open. So when it is, it’s like a holy grail type of feeling; it’s the best thing ever.

Nobody goes in there.

Stinger: What would you like to be remembered for?

Eckstein: Maybe just being remembered for being one of the good guys. I haven’t really thought about it that much. I’d just want to be remembered for being me, really. I kinda just was who I was. I didn’t try to be anything that I wasn’t.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Eckstein: School-wise, I’d have to say Ms. Reaman.

She’s someone that I like to model myself off of, not just from a journalist standpoint, but as a person as well. Outside of school, my mom and dad. They’re

really hard working and they really do a lot for me, so everyday I’m really thankful I have them. Without them, I don’t think I’d be close to where I’m at. My mom helped me a lot with school, and she helped me buckle down. My dad, he was really into my athletics.

He really encouraged me, and he was my number one believer in me to pursue everything I did.

Stinger: How do you think The Stinger has affected your life?

Eckstein: I met a lot of great people because of it, that is one of the biggest reasons how. I met some of my closest friends -- James, Luke, Bibi, you know, everybody. I just really became close with them. I came into journalism not knowing anybody, really, and now its kind of like a second family for me, whether it be at production, or in the back second period with everybody just writing, it’s really enjoyable.

BRADLEY KLEMICK, CONVERGENCE EDITOR by Chloe Gerhard

Bradley Klemick became a crucial figure to The Stinger in his sophomore year when the website was hacked.

Now, as the paper’s convergence editor, Klemick continues to maintain security for the website as well as help with any technological issues. His proudest moments include winning a second place Keystone award for The Stinger’s website.

Klemick’s plans for the future include majoring in computer science at Rochester Institute of Technology, to then move on to a career in software engineering.

Stinger: What is your favorite part about being on The Stinger?

Klemick: Well, the fact that I can be helpful. The fact that I have the skills with this computer stuff and that they, of course, value them and it’s really, it’s almost simulating a real job to some extent, where they’re

like ‘oh we want you to program this feature’ and then I work on it and that’s really cool.

Stinger: What would you like to achieve after high school?

Klemick: I hope to be able to contribute and not only have a career that I totally enjoy -- which I fully expect to have in computer science, [be]cause that is the stuff I really like -- [but] also contribute to some project that’s going to be able to help an wide population of people. That’s hard to do at this point. Obviously the biggest thing I’ve made is Auto Hack, but I hope to make a bigger impact as I grow older.

Stinger: What is your favorite high school memory?

Klemick: I’d say the American Computer Science League contest I went to in Southern California.

Obviously a pretty big deal, hard to forget that as far as big field trips go [be]cause I also went to Disney for physics, but the ACSL [competition] was way on

top because we just had this awesome team. It was just incredible -- and not only that, but we won the contest, which was an international contest, and we got to experience California too.

Stinger: What was your favorite class?

Klemick: Well I know this is kind of a cheap answer, looking at what I’m going to do, but I’d say it would be Computer Science. That was pretty enjoyable and taught by Ms. Blackstone, who is retired now.

Stinger: What is your favorite school lunch?

Klemick: I like the pho bar. I’m not even into spicy stuff, but that was pretty good as far as school lunches go.

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THE STINGER | JUNE 2018

ALLY HOFFER by Julia Popule

Despite her young age, Alexandria Hoffer already has a handful of experiences under her belt, including the milestone of marriage. Wed in December, Williams married her brother’s best friend, Jeremy Hoffer, and plans to move in with him after high school.

During her academic career, she was involved in cheerleading and orchestra, although her interest in studies leads her away from those types of extracurriculars, and into the field of medicine.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Hoffer: Oh, my goodness. I definitely matured a lot. I grew up and became a lot more independent because I had to. I just became an adult.

Stinger: What are your plans for after graduation?

Hoffer: After high school, I’m actually gonna be moving to Hawaii, and I’m either going to go to the University of Hawaii, or join the military. I would love to be a plastic surgeon, so I’m gonna aim high for that, but even if I’m a plastic surgeon assistant who’s still assisting in surgeries and everything, I’d love to do that, too. But either way, I’d enter the medical field through military or going to a university.

Stinger: What excites you most about your plans?

Hoffer: Moving. Moving out of Pennsylvania and getting away from this small area. [I want to] start traveling and

having those adult experiences.

Stinger: Why did you choose to get married so young?

Hoffer: So initially, we planned on getting married because he’s in the military, and it’s very common for military members to get married at a younger age than regular civilians. We were planning to get married because I wanna move out [to Hawaii] with him, and in order for me to move out there, we have to be married.

So that’s one part of it. But I also go kicked out of my house, and I had to work for myself and still go to school, which was a little difficult. And then also because, you know, I love him more than anything. Even though I’m young, I know what love is.

Stinger: Why were you kicked out of your house?

Hoffer: Because I was with Jeremy, my husband. My parents didn’t approve of [the relationship], because I basically hid the relationship for two years. And then once they found out, they were like ‘No, you’re done.’ And I was kicked out, my clothing and everything was left on the curb and I had to move in with my dad [in] Kutztown.

Stinger: How was the move to Kutztown? Was it hard?

Hoffer: Yeah, definitely. Because Kutztown is like a half hour away, so driving to and from all the time takes a toll on my bank account. Especially when I was buying my own food, and paying my gas, car insurance, if I wanted any clothing; all my expenses I had to pay for. A lot of my friends, they didn’t have cars or they were busy, so I kinda had to isolate myself.

Stinger: Who is your husband to you, besides your spouse?

Hoffer: Oh my gosh, he is my go-to, he’s my best friend.

I honestly don’t know what I would do without him. I vent to him about everything, I ask him for advice, and he’s just that person who’s always there for me, supporting me, like he should and it goes vice versa.

Stinger: What will you miss most about Emmaus?

Hoffer: Definitely cheerleading the most, and having that bond with all your teammates.

FEATURES

Stinger: Did cheerleading interfere with your studies in any way?

Hoffer: No; I somehow managed to hold my schoolwork, cheerleading, and working all together, and maintaining pretty good grades. It’s just a lot of hard work and dedication. I couldn’t cheer the whole year this year, but looking back on how I did it last year...I had eight classes.

I didn’t have study halls, like, I had lunch. That was my study hall. And then I worked on the weekdays and weekends...I don’t know how the hell I did it. I hate to toot my own horn, but for the grades I got, and the amount of time I wasn’t even home, I did really good. I’m actually very proud of myself.

Stinger: Anything memorable that you’ll take with you past graduation?

Hoffer: Oh, gosh, I don’t know. A lot of cheer related things, like when we’d go to camp, or those long practices in the summer heat. I was just waiting for those to be over, but now I’m actually gonna miss those. And my orchestra concerts. I’m not gonna play in a concert ever again.

Stinger: Do you have any regrets you’d like to share?

Hoffer: Not being as involved in the school. Besides cheer, I didn’t really do anything else. I didn’t join any clubs or anything. I always wanted to, but I never did. I was like, ‘I’ll get to it later.’ Never did.

Stinger: Is there anything you would change if you had the chance?

Hoffer: I feel like I could have put in so much more effort into my school work, but I don’t know if I physically could have done it. [But] I always feel like I can do better.

BOBBY WINK by James Marler Bobby Wink has a one of a kind personality that is a peek into his very unique lifestyle.

Wink has recently become involved with a rugby team in Kutztown, the Silverbacks, and attends weekly practices and games. He is also a member of Future Business Leaders of America, or FBLA, and competed in a regional competition this year. Wink will attend Millersville University in the fall.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Wink: I feel I’ve become more wise, and that’s about it, I’d say.

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved in rugby?

Wink: I wasn’t doing anything and my friend said, ‘I have rugby practice today’ and I asked ‘Hey, can I come’ and he said ‘Yeah, just come along’ and that’s how it started.

Stinger: Will you play rugby in college?

Wink: I think I’m gonna give it a try, and if I don’t make it, I’ll play in the 18 and up league.

Stinger: What’s your favorite high school memory?

Wink: All four years of high school.

Stinger: Just being in high school?

Wink: Yes, that’s it.

Stinger: What will you miss about Emmaus?

Wink: The teachers and the kids, especially Mr. Carolla, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Braglio.

Stinger: What won’t you miss about Emmaus?

Wink: Research papers. So I guess you have to do ‘em in college, but I didn’t like those at all.

Stinger: What’s your favorite school lunch food?

Wink: Dominos. Can I say that? And by Dominos I mean the classic Dominos.

Stinger: What school rule needs to be changed?

Wink: I don’t really like flex block to be honest, I feel they should go back to regular homeroom.

Stinger: Are you involved in any other clubs?

Wink: Uh, FBLA. Stinger: Regional champion right?

Wink: No, eighth place, I did advertising, took the test, went to the event and my name popped up on the board meaning I was top eight and I was like ‘Oh my god I did it, I made it’ and your heart’s pounding like ‘Am I gonna

GARRETT QUINN by Kayla Frazier

As an eight year old boy, Garrett Quinn dreamed of joining the armed forces out of admiration of his uncle, who was a Marine.

Now, as graduation rolls around the corner, Quinn will be departing to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, on July 9 to start his basic training. He will be attending Kutztown University the following spring, and plans on majoring in financial management. He is unsure if he will pursue a full-time career in the Army following his education.

Stinger: What is your favorite school lunch food?

Quinn: The popcorn chicken bowl.

Stinger: What is a song that describes your high school career?

Quinn: “Dancing Queen” by Abba.

Stinger: How long have you been preparing for your enlistment?

Quinn: I wanted to go to West Point since I was around 12 [years old].

Stinger: If you could have joined any club at EHS in the past which would they be?

Quinn: NHS, that’s what I’d want to join. It looks really good on college resumes.

go to states?’ [top 5] and then the first name was Bobby Wink, and I got eighth [place].

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Wink: A Kutztown Silverback rugby player. The greatest of all time.

Stinger: Who is your favorite teacher?

Quinn: Mr. Warnke.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Quinn: I plan to be serving in the army, full time.

Stinger: Are you excited to go to training?

Quinn: I’m not excited for it, it’s grueling. But I have the mentality that I need to work hard and push myself.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Quinn: My father.

Stinger: What will you miss most about your time at Emmaus?

Quinn: I will miss not seeing everyone I’ve met throughout high school.

Stinger: What do you hope to accomplish after high school?

Quinn: I hope to go to [the United States Army] Airborne School, and become an officer in the army.

Stinger: Favorite class in high school?

Quinn: Science classes [were my favorite], Physics was pretty cool.

THE STINGER JUNE 2018

STINGEREHS.COM

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Culture LEXI SMITH by Eve Walters

As director of marketing for Buzz Magazine, Lexi Smith plans to go onto The King’s College in New York City for Business Management and Marketing and wants eventually get into social media marketing.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Smith: I’ve gotten involved in a lot more school events and clubs that further me as

a person and a student. I also have grown in my learning abilities and have been able to learn in different ways by being taught by different teachers.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Smith: The closest person to a mentor was my brothers just because they went through it and knew before me going through it like everything I’d need to know -- they taught me in a lot of ways.

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved in Buzz Magazine?

Smith: Growing up I’ve always been interested in beauty and lifestyle and fashion especially, so being able to find a club at Emmaus that actually does that was really cool. I also loved all the ways that they contributed that into Emmaus so that is why I decided to get involved.

I really enjoyed the idea of fashion, beauty, lifestyle, art and photography being incorporated in high school. I love the idea that all students of all ages, all grades guys or girls [it] doesn’t matter, are able to show their creativity through things that they love like fashion, beauty and lifestyle and photography and stuff.

Stinger: Favorite part about being in-

volved in Buzz?

Smith: Definitely seeing all the creativity that comes in from all the students, there’s definitely a vast variety. We get to see students write articles and see how their writing progresses just by getting to see them write throughout the year. And you also get to see how students working with other students though photography and how that changes and how they all correlate with each other and can give tips and tricks. That’s probably what my favorite part is, being able to see people work together with something that they love and show their creativity Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory? Why? Smith: Last year during the Freddy Awards, we won a lot -- I think it was 18 awards. I wish that was my senior year so it would go out with a bang. That was definitely my favorite part of high school being involved in that show.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Smith: The biggest thing is to get involved in as much as you can while still being able to manage organization… and have down time.

Stinger: What do you hope to accomplish

after high school?

Smith: I want to graduate college, I definitely want to grow even more in my learning abilities... be the most successful me that I can be.

Stinger: What is your most embarrassing high school memory?

Smith: I walked down the up stairs [in the cafeteria] and all the the seniors clapped for me and it was so embarrassing.

Stinger: What teacher impacted you the most?

Smith: Ms. Cortez, this was my first year in the choral department which was a mistake because [I didn’t join earlier] and Mr. Pum just because of his sarcasm; his sarcasm always radiates to me.

Stinger: Describe your high school experience in three words.

Smith: Stressful, eventful, long.

Stinger: If you could go back and change one thing what would it be?

Smith: I would be in the choral department as long as I possibly could have.

Being able to do that would’ve made my high school a little bit more enjoyable.

Stinger: Are you happy with the way your high school years went?

Suida: I am. I think that’s all I have to say.

Stinger: If you could go back and change one thing what would it be?

Suida: Not doing nationals freshman year.

Stinger: What made you want to become a nurse practitioner?

Suida: My grandmother’s actually a nurse. Ever since I was little she would take care of me, like, if I was sick she would always comfort me. She gave me a little doctors kit, so I think practicing on teddy bears and stuff really showed my true love for caring for people and helping them.

Stinger: Who was your role model throughout high school?

Suida: My mom. We’re basically the same person, but she always helps me and pushes me to do my best in everything I do. She makes sure I’m okay, just little things like that.

Stinger: Why did you start dancing?

Suida: So, my mom put me into dance, I also did cheering, but I stuck with dance because that’s what I loved most. I just never [didn’t] like it.

Stinger: What is your role on dance team?

Suida: We don’t really assign captains, [but] the seniors are basically the cap-

tains. I think it’s a pretty open team, we all throw in ideas, we all decide on them together. The only role I’d say I have is to make sure everybody’s happy.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Suida: Definitely as a team leader and someone who’s really friendly... who is always there if [someone] needed a friend.

MADIE SUIDA by Makenzie Christman With her warm, bubbly personality, it’s no shock that Madie Suida plans on attending college to become a nurse practitioner to care for others.

Aside from her love for dance, Suida has dreamed of going into the medical field since she was a young girl. She says her love for tending to those in need stems from the care her grandmother provided to her when she felt sick or hurt. Now that she’s a member of Temple’s dance team, Suida hopes to pursue her medical career at the university.

Stinger: What excites you most about college?

Suida: I think experiencing all the freedom in the sense that [the college] trusts that I am capable of doing homework by myself and stuff. All the clinicals and working with people and getting the sense of what my job is gonna be like in six years, I think that’s gonna be amazing.

Stinger: How did being a student athlete throughout high school affect you?

Suida: Honestly, I think it kept me more organized... helped me learn time management very well... allowed me to meet new friends and do all these amazing things, like be[coming] ninth in the nation [for dance] was just amazing.

Stinger: What was your favorite part of being on the Emmaus dance team?

CLAIRE BOTY

Suida: I don’t know, there’s so many good things to being part of the dance team. All the people are just amazing, our coach helps us through everything.

Nationals -- competing at nationals is probably the best part because it’s a whole different feel instead of dancing in front of basketball games, which is also amazing.

Just competing in Florida was just surreal.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Suida: I think I’m honestly most proud of dance team coming from basically not being known to making it [to] ninth in the nation. I think that’s just incredible and probably one of my biggest accomplishments, not as an individual, but as a whole.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Suida: I’d say to make sure you’re always on task and you don’t procrastinate because you can be stressed if you procrastinate. I think that many kids have a lot of things going on, so I think that if you get things done as soon as they’re given to you, that’ll make your life ten times easier.

Stinger: Any regrets?

Suida: I think joining more clubs and becoming really really active in them. I mean, I was active enough, but I think [not] becoming super active within the clubs is one of the things I regret.

by Rachel Levy Claire Boty has grown from her freshman self into a confident, responsible senior who will be attending Penn State University this fall. Boty’s hardworking nature has shown through, not only through her participation in extracurriculars such as orchestra, but also through her desire to take as many classes as possible while putting her best foot forward in all of them.

Her high school experience has been shaped by her love for orchestra and art, and both hobbies have provided her with unforgettable memories and great friends along the way.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Boty: Since freshman year I’ve become a lot more comfortable, especially in art classes.

I’ve become more confident and learned a lot more responsibility.

Stinger: What are your plans after high school?

Boty: I’m going to Penn State in the fall for meteorology. Besides that, I’m not really sure.

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved in orchestra, and when did you start?

Boty: That was in, like, fourth grade. All the people in orchestra are my friends. It’s an awesome environment to be in, and it’s great to have a group of people to identify with and have someone to rely on.

Stinger: What is your favorite high school memory?

Boty: Probably going to the East Penn Diner after orchestra concerts and wearing Christmas sweaters with Darci Ott. Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Boty: Ms. Sobeleski. She’s super supportive of everything you do and knows how to push you to do your best, but doesn’t stress you about it.

Stinger: Advice for underclassmen?

Boty: You should take as many classes as you can possibly take that you really want to take, because in college you won’t have the chance to do that without a lot of money.

Stinger: What was your favorite class?

Boty: Any of the art classes I’ve taken. They’re all pretty great [so] it doesn’t matter which you take. If I had to choose, I would probably say Drawing 1.

Stinger: What will you miss most about Emmaus?

Boty: The people. Even though there’s lots of people I didn’t know personally, this is our last chance to be together.

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THE STINGER JUNE 2018

CULTURE

GRACE McCARTHY by Cassidy Klingman Starting with Communications 1 in her junior year, Grace McCarthy discovered her passion. Aside from communications, McCarthy feels that E-TV has also pre-

pared her to pursue a career in broadcast journalism. She plans to attend Penn State University to continue her education.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

McCarthy: I would say freshman year I wasn’t really confident with myself and I cared more about popularity. E-TV helped with that in a way, over the past few years I’ve been finding myself.

Stinger: What is your favorite memory from your involvement in E-TV? McCarthy: The first time going on air, I really loved it and realized it’s what I want to do with my life.

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved in E-TV? McCarthy: I took Communications 1 as

an elective. I really liked it and wanted to learn more.

Stinger: Which teacher impacted you the most?

McCarthy: Mrs. Kuebler. All of her classes are smaller, so there’s more oneon-one teaching. And she taught me about what I want to do.

Stinger: What will you miss the most about high school?

McCarthy: Probably the close friends I made, that I’ll keep for the rest of my life hopefully. And coming home at the end of the day and seeing my dog. It will be hard to adjust to not being able to come home and relax.

Stinger: What won’t you miss about high school?

McCarthy: Probably all of the immatu-

rity that comes along with it. I’m ready to be more independent and leave my comfort zone a little bit.

Stinger: What other clubs or sports were you involved in at Emmaus?

McCarthy: I played field hockey freshman year, cross country, Pediatric Cancer Club, and E-TV. Stinger: What was your favorite class overall?

McCarthy: E-TV, but I really like psychology. Mr. Parish is a really great teacher.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

McCarthy: Honestly it sounds cheesy but if it’s not going to affect you in a few months, don’t dwell on it. Enjoy where you are and don’t focus on those things.

JOEY RAYMOND By Renee Martin Joey Raymond’s music and bright personality impact all those around him. Raymond is also a self-proclaimed, “Disney nut,” as he regularly attends the park with his family, having a total of 37 trips, his most recent this past December.

After graduation, Raymond plans on attending Penn State to study cybersecurity technology. He intends on staying consistent with his passion for music, as he’s currently in the process of writing and recording his own album.

Stinger: What excites you most about college?

Raymond: I think the freedom you get at college is what gets me the most excited.

Stinger: When did you start playing music?

Raymond: I’ve been a music lover for my entire life, but it wasn’t until I was 15 when I started playing guitar.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Raymond: One of my biggest inspirations is Walt Disney. Walt Disney was told ‘no’ so many times, but that never kept him from achieving his dreams.

Stinger: What will you miss most about your time at Emmaus?

Raymond: I will miss my friends the most.

Stinger: What do you hope to accomplish after high school?

Raymond: I want to live in a different country for a little bit. I think it would be really cool to take in another language or culture. I also want to learn how to play more instruments.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Raymond: I want to be remembered as someone who is always willing to lend a helping hand, and a good friend.

Stinger: Describe your high school experience in three words.

Raymond: Studies then forgets.

Stinger: If you could go back and change one thing what would it be?

Raymond: I wish I would have been more active in clubs.

Stinger: Do you plan on pursuing art in the future?

Raymond: Definitely. I’m a musician and I’m working on writing and recording an album. It’s something I do in my free time so sometimes it gets pushed off, but it truly is a passion of mine.

Stinger: Are you happy with the way your high school years went?

Raymond: I am happy. I feel like I made good friends

and good memories and learned a lot.

Stinger: On a scale of one to 10, how much senioritis have you been experiencing?

Raymond: I’d say a solid nine. I do my work but it seriously sucks.

Like, it’s the worst.

Stinger: What was one of the most important lessons you learned during high school?

Raymond: I learned that it is very important to take school seriously, but also to have fun sometimes and to not stress over the small things.

Stinger: What was one class that you wish you had taken in high school? Why? Raymond: I wish I had taken another language. I took French throughout high school, but I love languages and would have loved to learn another during my time here.

THE STINGER | JUNE 2018

CULTURE

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ANDY MATHIEU by Kayla Frazier After joining Art Club his freshman year, Andy Mathieu’s dedication for the club started growing. By his sophomore year, he earned the position of treasurer.

During both his junior and senior year, he secured the position of president of Art Club. Mathieu’s love for art has branched out in the form of engineering, after working on the outdoor classroom at EHS. He will be attending Marian University for the next five years to major in architecture, a “perfect mix” of engineering and art.

Stinger: How did you get involved in art club?

Mathieu: Freshman year I kinda wanted friends and I wanted something to involve myself in the school. And I already liked art so I came into art club.

Stinger: Do you intend on going to school for art?

Mathieu: I’m going for architecture, which is kinda the perfect mix of art and engineering at Marian University for their five-year program.

Stinger: Have you had other positions in art club otherwise than the president?

Mathieu: Yeah ... And Nikki [Moratori] is the co-president this year and I think we work really well together.

Stinger: Have you won any art awards?

Mathieu: No I haven’t, I’m more of an introverted person when it comes to my art. I don’t put my art work up or perform anywhere. I do art for me.

Stinger: How has being president of art club helped you for your future? How has art club affected your life?

Mathieu: It’s a leadership role, so that’s always helpful towards getting a job ...

Stinger: Who is your mentor?

Mathieu: I’ve been with [Mrs. Pfenninger] for all four years and she’s always been someone I feel comfortable going to to talk and going to goof off and hangout with. She’s a great person and a great teacher as well. [Also] Mr. Didra, he’s really the person who sparked my interest with doing drafting and design. And then sophomore year we did the outdoor classroom and then I really knew that that’s what I wanted to do with college and my future.

Stinger: Advice for the future presidents of art club?

Mathieu: Work hard and work with Phen.

She’s a really good adviser and she helps us with whatever we need. She’s the glue that holds all of the kids in our club together.

Stinger: How long have you known you wanted to be an architect?

Mathieu: As long as I can remember.

It’s a perfect match because I really love art and I’ve always wanted to be able to do something with business, something practical in my life.

Stinger: Favorite educational book your read in high school ?

Mathieu: Hands down “Lord of the Flies”. It’s a great story and it draws you in pretty easily and doesn’t feel like a summer reading book.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for at EHS? Mathieu: I’m not really here to leave a message so if anything I want to be remembered for being a nice person.

Stinger: Favorite field trip throughout your educational career?

Mathieu: My junior year with Chorale [when] we went to Germany, Switzerland and France as a performance group and it was fantastic. Not only being there, Europe is amazing, but because we got to sing everywhere and it made everything more personal which other field trips don’t have.

Stinger: Who is your favorite teacher from your childhood?

Mathieu: Mr. Williams, my fifth grade teacher.

Stinger: Do you have any regrets?

Mathieu: None, I’m not the type of person to regret. I don’t look back on my mistakes. I learn from them and I move forward.

Stinger: Any additional comments?

Mathieu: Get involved with Art Club. I’m going to turn this into an advertisement because it’s a great place to be and I’ve made a lot of my good friends and have still kept in touch with them over the four years.

Coffey: Mrs. Musselman, one of the anatomy teachers, I had her last year and she solidified me becoming a physical therapist.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Coffey: I want people to see me as caring and nice. If they were to need help, I would want them to know that I am here.

Stinger: What was one of the most important lessons you learned during high school?

Coffey: You have to work to hard to get what you want.

ERIN COFFEY by Abbey Baksa As those final weeks of school turn into days, Erin Coffey reminisces on how her time at Emmaus has impacted her.

Through swimming, orchestra, dancing and French Club, Coffey has kept herself busy. That is all about to change as she is preparing to walk across the stage in her cap and gown and receive her diploma.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Coffey: My work ethic has changed. I realized school and my grades matter.

Stinger: What excites you most about college?

Coffey: I am most excited about getting to explore a new area. College is about being more independent than high school.

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved in orchestra and swimming?

Coffey: In fourth grade, we had to pick an instrument if interested. I chose the violin; I just had a feeling and stuck with it. I have been swimming since I moved to the area. Once high school came around, my friends asked me if I wanted to join the school’s swim team, so during my junior year I did diving and swimming, and this

year I just swam.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Coffey: At the end of my sophomore year, I realized how important school was and started switching my school tactics around.

Stinger: What will you miss most about your time at Emmaus?

Coffey: In college, it is more informal than high school. Here, you build a bond even in a classroom, it’s more personal. I am going to miss the relationships that I built in orchestra, French Club, and more.

Stinger: What is your most embarrassing high school memory?

Coffey: It was an away meet against Northampton. I had to do a twist dive and I didn’t know how to. My coach had to teach me on the spot with all these amazing divers around us.

Stinger: Any regrets?

Coffey: Looking back, I didn’t care to put in work. Ninth and tenth grade, I never cared because in middle school it was easy for me.

Stinger: Which teacher impacted you the most?

JULIA NORELLI by Destiny Swan Julia Norelli, a talented vocalist and actress, has been involved with the arts for years -- but to Norelli, it never gets old. She first started acting in fifth grade as a way to pass time and then in middle school she decided to try out for the play. Norelli will attend Ithaca College and plans to major in sound recording technology and minor in composition.

Stinger: Besides drama department, what else are you a part of?

Norelli: Chorale, Acabella and Concert Choir.

Stinger: Are you hoping to pursue acting professionally in the future?

Norelli: I’m hoping to do performing, it’s my outlet.

Stinger: What is the biggest accomplishment of your high school career?

Norelli: Being Anita in “West Side Story.” It was a struggle and the content of that show was so current so I wanted to make her the best it could be.

Stinger: What’s your favorite part of being in the Emmaus theatre program?

Norelli: Our shows are really professionally done. I take it very seriously and have fun doing them. It’s a very whole experience that I learned a lot from.

Stinger: Is there a certain backstage ritual that you have

before each show?

Norelli: We would do a circle and let everyone in cast from each grade every night talk about the show and then squeeze each others hands as a unit.

Stinger: What are you most excited for about college?

Norelli: I’m excited for freedom, meeting new people and becoming my own person.

Stinger: How has your acting developed over the course of your high school years?

Norelli: I have learned a lot towards serious acting. I’ve found myself delving into deep situations more seriously.

Stinger: What is your all time favorite musical? Why? Norelli: “Heathers.” It’s a lot of fun and makes me laugh. It makes light of a serious topic.

Stinger: What’s a song that describes your high school career?

Norelli: “Save Myself” by Ed Sheeran. When I was younger I was focused on helping other people and didn’t focus on myself. Develop yourself instead of really worrying about other people.

Stinger: Do you have any last words?

Norelli: Thank you Emmaus for all the experiences, but I am very much looking forward to looking past high school and becoming my own person.

THE STINGER | JUNE 2018

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JADEL CONTRERAS by Makenzie Christman

This year Emmaus High School will lose the friendly face and welcoming personality of Jadel Contreras as he moves on to attend The University of Pennsylvania.

While Contreras is uncertain as to what he may study, he feels confident that he will find a passion to pursue within his first two years of college. Although many may recognize him as the fierce persona of Bernardo from Emmaus’ production of West Side Story, Contreras does not intend on taking up theatre as a potential career option, but instead finds himself leaning towards studying psychology.

GABE KLEIS by Victoria Rivera

After one major concussion, a trip to Europe, and learning to love Lady Gaga songs, Gabe Kleis is excited for what the future holds. He was a part of the lacrosse team, chorus and the drama department.

For his senior year, Kleis decided to try out for the musical, “West Side Story,” and landed a role as A-rab.

Although he’s sad to not see his friends as much once he parts ways from high school, Kleis leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter and love. The last four years of high school taught him one major life lesson: always be yourself.

Stinger: How do you feel you have impacted Emmaus?

Kleis: I feel like the friends I have here aren’t just seniors, I have like underclassmen friends, too... I feel like I’ve kind of brushed off on people who I’m friends with, and instead of being a classic senior who stops trying halfway through the year, I’ve tried to keep a good work habit and work ethic, which I think has brushed off on a few of my friends.

Stinger: What are your plans after high

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Contreras: Since freshman year...definitely because I was new I got to know a lot more people and I feel a million times more comfortable in this school [now] than I [was] before. In freshman year I felt like I was looking in from the outside and now I feel like I’ve never been more interconnected with everyone and I can thank that to the drama department.

Stinger: What was your favorite part of being in the Emmaus theater program?

Contreras: Throughout the numerous productions I realized that every aspect of theatre is my passion. I love the thrill of being on stage, the audience, the people, [and] the rush of creating a story that’s so beautiful... It’s such a step by step process. You start with memorizing your lines, rehearsing numbers, blocking and all that. Then you watch it grow and by the end it’s so worth it when you hear the audience clap for something that you’ve been working on for months and you’re like ‘wow’.

Stinger: What was your favorite role and why?

Contreras: Definitely the one I just played, Bernardo, because I’ve never really danced on [my] own and I really love to dance. It was a really heavy role. Also, I can connect to him because I’m Puerto Rican myself.

And I know that hispanic people face a lot of prejudice in this country so I can take that [role] on myself and I just really enjoyed his fiery passion and dancing. I felt that it

school?

Kleis: After high school I’m going to Indiana University of Pennsylvania for a nursing degree. And then I might switch over to a PA, which is a physician’s assistant, which is two extra years. After that hopefully I’ll be in the hospital working.

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved in lacrosse, drama and chorus?

Kleis: Lacrosse I’ve been playing since I was seven years old… I stopped playing after freshman year because I got a concussion. But I came back senior year, because I thought, ‘why not try to do all I can?’ And then chorus I’ve been doing since fifth grade, and that’s always stuck with me. I really love singing, it’s just one of my passions ... Even though it takes up a lot of time, it’s a lot of fun. And then I decided this year to do the musical because a bunch of my friends were trying to convince me, and I thought, ‘Hey, it’s my senior year, why not?’ And I had some difficulty deciding if I needed to quit lacrosse to do the musical, but I talked to my coach and my director, and we worked out a good schedule.

VIGNESH SENGUTTAVAN by Joe Eckstein One of the best ways to describe Vignesh Senguttuvan is well-rounded.

Whether it be keeping with the latest films and albums, or being a part of the many clubs Emmaus has to offer, Senguttuvan always found a way to keep busy during his four years.

Senguttuvan plans on attending Lehigh

University to study business economics and minor in journalism. He hopes to “make a difference economically in the business scene” after college.

Stinger: Who was your mentor throughout high school?

Senguttuvan: I feel like I have had two big mentors. One of them is Mr. Flynn.

He’s amazing. He basically got me into politics in general with his daily recaps of what’s going on around the world. And his spirit is such an uplifting thing to be around. He’s such a good person. And the other teacher is Mr. Ohl who also got me much more focused. He’s kind of like another father figure, because he’s such a cool guy and we just do so much for [the] academic team and physics.

Stinger: What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?

Senguttuvan: It’s weird. I feel like I’ve accomplished so many little things that it all kind of amounts to where I am now. I guess you could say getting into college

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Moratori: Teaching kids and traveling.

Stinger: Favorite school lunch food?

Moratori: The salad.

Stinger: What is one school rule that needs to be added or changed for future classes?

was a perfect role for me.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Contreras: My mom is definitely my inspiration because she’s been through so much. She’s been a single parent since she was 20, she has five kids, she’s been going to school for 8 years throughout having kids, and she’s managed to give us everything we need while also trying to foster her career. So, she’s shown me that I can do whatever I put my mind to, any obstacle was meant to be overcome. She’s really taught me how to persevere and get where I am today.

Stinger: What teacher impacted you the most?

Contreras: Cortez. I’ve only been involved in chorale for two years but I’ve never met anyone who cares for her students [as much as her] to teach them not just music lessons, but life lessons as well: how to be better singers, how to be better people. She really wants us all to succeed and she’s so caring. She’s made me a much better musician than I was when I first got to the Chorale department.

Stinger: What will you miss most about your time at Emmaus?

Contreras: Just the people. I mean, I know when I get to college I’ll find a group of friends but you’ll never find the same group of people you grew up with and those same unique people that make your day to day [life].

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory? Why? Kleis: I went to Europe with EHS Chorale, and we went to France, Germany, Switzerland, and the trip was great itself.

We went to like Notre Dame, [the] Eiffel Tower, [the] Beach of Normandy, and all these other great places. But, some of the best memories were just making new friends, friendships that lasted. Like, I met people on that trip, and now they’re in college, but I still keep in touch with them every day.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Kleis: I think, academically, would be that I maintained a good GPA and I had high standards for my grades and kept that standard throughout all four years.

Stinger: What is your most embarrassing high school memory?

Kleis: When I was a freshman and I had a concussion, I had to walk around in sunglasses all the time because the lights would hurt my head. And I had a teacher actually yell at me for wearing sunglasses in class and I had to tell them ‘Oh, I have

is the greatest accomplishment in high school, but I feel like my greatest accomplishment is becoming the person I am now. It’s just been such a massive change since freshman year to now. I don’t see how anything I’ve done couldn’t be seen as an accomplishment to myself.

Stinger: On your Twitter, in your bio it says “professional film snob.” Out of all the films you’ve seen, what’s one film you recommend that every high school student watches once?

Senguttuvan: Oh, you’ve done some research. I think I’d say this movie made by the Coen brothers in 2013 called “Inside Llewyn Davis”. It’s a movie that stars Oscar Isaac, the guy that plays Poe Dameron in the new Star Wars movies.

And it’s about a folk musician named Llewyn Davis, who goes around Greenwich Village in the ‘60s. It really just shows him struggling. You watch this movie and you think “you want this guy to catch a break,” but he doesn’t. And the movie is effective not because you wish

NICOLLETTE MORATORI by Natalie Schadler Nicollette Moratori has accomplished many things during her high school career, one of them being her title as president of Art Club. Although Moratori will miss the art department at EHS, she feels prepared and eager to expand her art skills at Kutztown, where she plans to major in art education.

CULTURE

Moratori: Headphones should be allowed in the hallway.

Stinger: What was one of the most important lessons you learned in high school?

Moratori: To not care about what people think.

Stinger: What is your most embarrassing high school memory?

Moratori: When I got pulled over and handed the officer my credit card instead of my license.

Stinger: What is a song that describes your high school career?

Moratori: “Say A” by A Boogie.

a concussion,’ in front of the whole class, and then everyone started laughing.

Stinger: What’s a song that describes your high school career?

Kleis: “Bad Romance” [by Lady Gaga].

We sing it in Fermata and it’s actually a good song. I mean I haven’t been through a lot of bad romances, but it’s a pretty good song to relate to.

you weren’t him, but because you can identify with the fact [that] you probably have gone through crap like this guy has in your life. So it’s just one of those movies that shows how you should deal with pain and just hardships in your life and just keep moving on. Because in the movie, he doesn’t really give up, he just keeps going through the crap, which is kind of like how life is.

Stinger: What are three words you would use to describe your high school experience?

Senguttuvan: Storied, tumultuous, entertaining. It’s kind of like a really crappy sitcom.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Senguttuvan: Honestly I don’t want to be remembered for one thing... [what] I want to be remembered for is that people look back and they think ‘he was all these different things. He wasn’t nailed down to just one thing that he was.’

THE STINGER

JUNE 2018

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Sports

THE STINGER | JUNE 2018

STINGEREHS.COM

Girls track and field goes undefeated in the regular season Adrianna Tomasello Sports Editor Hard work and dedication definitely paid off for the athletes that make up the Emmaus High School’s girls track team -the effort put into every meet resulted in an undefeated season with a record of 11-0.

Winning one meet after another, the team conquered their toughest rivals including Parkland, Stroudsburg, Easton and Liberty, which eventually led to them being named regular season Co-Girls Eastern Pennsylvania Conference champions with Stroudsburg. Coming off of their high from the season, the girls took on the District XI and then the EPC Championships on May 8-9 and May 15-16, respectively.

Those moving on to districts included a group of 17 girls and the 4x100-meter, 4x400-meter and the 4x800-meter. At the conclusion of the meet the girls ranked third with 63 points and trailed the second place finishers, Stroudsburg, by only two and a half points. In the following week the team placed fourth at the EPC meet behind Liberty with only one point separating the two.

However, the team produced multiple qualifiers for the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Track and Field State Championships that will take place on May 25-26.

Led by first-year head coach Kami Reinhard, and other assistant coaches -- Mark Keely for throws, Zach Labar for jumps, Eileen Shovlin for distance, Mark Wiragh for hurdles and Kristen Susens -- the team found themselves with a new mindset to start off the regular season back in March.

“It’s been just a really exciting and incredible season overall,” Reinhard said. “We became such a balanced team so that makes me feel great about not only me as a coach, but all of our assistant coaches. I think they all feel they had success in their own groups, and that’s what it’s all about. [It] all came together, and showed in our performance.”

Senior Kaitlyn Carter, who runs both the mile and two mile, credits this year’s success to the change in atmosphere and attitude that made the team work harder at practice.

“I definitely think we are putting in a lot more effort, especially in jumps,” Carter said. “In distance we’ve actually had sprinters step up and run the 800 which is crazy because we’ve had seven girls qualify for leagues which hasn’t happened before which is pretty incredible.”

Like Carter, junior Hannah Lingold, a leader in the throwing events like shot put, javelin and discus, saw the team blend together more coherently this season than before.

“We have definitely come together as a team more,”

The girls track and field team pictured in its entirety (top). The girls that participated in the league meet are awarded EPC league trophy (bottom right). Photo courtesy of Emmaus Track and Field.

Sophmores Dries, Roper, Kayla Smith and Alana Smith pose with their medals (bottom left). Photo courtesy of Corin Dries.

Lingold said. “The countless hours that we put in and how hard everyone works together and helping each other out [made the team who we are today].”

Along with the change in work ethic, other athletes like junior Katharine Downey, a runner for the 400m and the 4x400-meter, believes that the a new head coach brought a different perspective that impacted the outlook of the team.

“Coach Kami was so positive,” Downey said. “She had such great energy and she wanted us to do even better and she knew we could push ourselves to the limit and be able to perform our best every single meet.”

Even at their most crucial meets the girls still found a way to come out on top. One of their closest scores of the season occured at the home against Parkland when they clenched their victory by only four points, ending with a final score of 77-73.

“It was so tight,” Downey said. “It’s been around nine years since we beat them and they beat us every single season. It came down to three points and our 4x4, which was the last event, and then our 4x4 came out on top. We all ran pretty well. There was so much good energy [after we ran].”

Other relays like the 4x100-meter, which sophomore Mackenzie Dries dedicates most of her time to besides other sprinting events, steadily improved over the course of the season. After all the hard work put in to get their time down, sophomores Breyanna Roper, Alana Smith, Kayla Smith and Dries placed second at Districts with their fastest time of 49.21, which automatically qualified them for the PIAA State Championships.

“The 4x1 team finally got under 50 seconds,” Dries

Fitness team places second at nationals Erick De La Rosa Sports Editor The Emmaus fitness team has a lot to brag about after finishing their long and strenuous season at the National Youth Physical Fitness championship at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA, on May 19.

Throughout another excellent season, the team was supported by a strong group of seniors. The boys and girls teams finished second nationally, and senior Hazi Rodriguez placed first in the country. Coach George Gibbs had his team training for months, and their hard work and determination certainly showed with the final results.

Although the entire team contributed to their success, none had the performance that senior Hazi Rodriguez did. With his first place finish, Rodriguez thinks that he

The boys and girls team finish a home competition.

Photo courtesy of Emmaus Fitness Team.

reached new heights.

“I didn’t put God or my team in front last year,” Rodriguez said.“I got cocky and [was] only thinking about me, me, me. I lost my A team spot. I was looking for a bounce back year, I was looking for a way to get first every time.”

Rodriguez also said Coach Gibbs had a lot to do with his motivation for the new year.

“He showed me how to compete and he knows what I’m capable of,” Rodriguez said. “He knew I could do better.”

Rodriguez pushed himself to the limit and dedicated everything he could to his team.

“If you want something bad enough you need to work the hardest,” Rodriguez said. “If you want to be [a] national champion, you need to train like one, and put God first before everything.”

To Rodriguez there was no better way to end his senior season.

“I’m honored.” Rodriguez said. “All the training, and the tears, and all the pain payed off. I think the last thing is if you give God something that you love doing, and trust him with it, you can do anything.”

Along with Rodriguez, the rest of the boys team placed second in the nation. The team was comprised of Nick Cappucci, Graham Tolson, Will Papp, Noah Carl and Klay Koehler. The competition is usually held in San Diego, but switched to the Fort Indiantown Gap this year. The team was surprised by this, and even more shocked when their arrival to the competiton was accompanied by thunderstorms.

“It really wasn’t what anyone expected,” Koehler

said. “Last year they were trying to do that all season and then this year we finally broke it. We were third in the league at one point and now we are fifth.”

Along with the 4x100-meter, Alana Smith qualified for the 100-meter and senior Abigail Dalton for the 3200-meter.

Looking forward to next year, the girls only see room for improvement with their times and overall performance with one another.

“We’ve always been pretty strong in distance and sprints, but we’ve always struggled in jumps and throws,” Carter said. “We’ve really improved this year.

Next year I think we are still going to have a really strong team just because there’s only about a little more than 20 seniors [on both the girls and boys teams] and sprints isn’t losing anybody.”

Since the underclassmen must fill the shoes of the seniors it is important to for them to make the most of their training and practices in order to succeed.

“Our training [can make the team improve even more], just being consistent with our training and doing stuff over the summer and not taking too much time off,” Dries said. “I know for me [if I take] a lot of time off all my work will be gone. All my hard work will go away.

We all work really hard for it and [are] excited to be [at track] and want to be there.”

Though the season is over for most, all the memories will be carried with the team.

“The atmosphere of the team is just very welcoming and friendly and everyone is really nice to each other,” Dries said. “Which is one of the things that I love about track. Meets are so much fun. I love the meets. We are always cheering for everyone and at the end of each meet... and everyone is on the fences screaming.”

Carter agrees, especially since her future in running is uncertain as she plans on attending Shenandoah University to play soccer.

“The season meant a lot to me,” Carter said. “I have been only running track since my sophomore year and it’s really sad because I am not really sure if I am running track in college yet. I have made such great friends with the people on the track team, even with some of the freshmen that just came in I am really close with already. It’s going to be really sad that I am leaving.”

said. “It was raining a lot, it was downpouring most of the time, and the running and jumping [events] weren’t too organized due to the extremely muddy conditions.”

Despite the unfavorable conditions, the boys team was able to compete hard, and to their fullest ability.

“Even with all that we still did well in the conditions, which made it somewhat interesting and exciting,” Koehler said. “We have a great group of guys, and we knew exactly what to do.”

The girls team also had a very successful run through the tough conditions at nationals. Behind the strength of Jill Bray, Lorabeth Lobst, Chrissy Lambert, Kristina Streit, Jacy Rader and Jeana Kidwell, the ladies also finished in second place. Both Bray and Streit felt proud to attend the competition, as well as see their peers compete.

After losing seniors like Reilly McGinnis, the team bounced back.

“After losing two seniors we recovered very well, and getting second place is something we should definitely be proud of,” Streit said. “The fact that we got to compete was great, but placing was even better.”

The girls also had to play through the muddy conditions, but they just continued to do what they always do.

“The field was completely flooded and we didn’t train for that,” Streit said. “Hard work [helped us] you have to learn how to succeed and keep on your plan.”

After placing, Streit reflected on the incredible season they had.

“It felt pretty good and it’s nice to know we could do it,” Streit said. “We start in November and we spend all year focusing for this one meet, so it was great to place.

Going to fitness is the best decision I’ve ever made, and I recommend everyone to try it. It feels like a family and it’s a great place to go to.”

THE STINGER | JUNE 2018

SPORTS

RACHAEL MILLER by Caroline Bond Rachael Miller has left her mark on Emmaus High School in more ways than one, having been involved in a diverse mix of organizations throughout her high school career. Some of her most notable activities include being a four-year soccer player, Pediatric Cancer Club member, Hornet Ambassador and tutor coordinator.

Miller will take her soccer talents to East Stroudsburg University to compete at the Division II level next fall.

While at ESU, she plans to study biology in hopes of becoming a physician’s assistant.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Miller: I’ve grown a lot more confident over the past four years. I’ve learned to be independent and speak up for myself.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Miller: Sarah Oswald [the girls soccer coach] because she’s just such a great role model. I grew up with her coaching me and [she] showed me how successful you can be in your sport and your academics, and how you can push yourself beyond the limits you ever thought you could go to succeed.

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved in soccer?

Miller: My parents signed me up for LMYA rec soccer when I was three years old, and from there I just fell in love with the sport and I just wanted to push myself and be the best player I could possibly be.

Stinger: Why do you want to study biology?

Miller: So I started shadowing different healthcare jobs my junior year, and I shadowed a former Emmaus soccer player, she’s a physician’s assistant...it was just so much fun, I learned so much and I just fell in love with the profession.

Stinger: What is your favorite thing about soccer?

Miller: I’m a very physical player, and I just love the speed of the game and the technicality to it. I’ve just made so many friends through the sport, it just came naturally.

Stinger: How did being a student athlete throughout high school affect you?

Miller: It’s definitely taught me time management and responsibility because you have to be able to be successful on the field and outside of the field. And it just teaches you that when you have the time, take that time to get what you need to get done.

Stinger: What will you miss most about your time at Emmaus?

Miller: Oh I’m definitely going to miss my teammates most of all. They’re just so loving and supportive, and I’ve always just had the best time with them. The friendships I’ve made in high school are going to last for a lifetime.

Stinger: Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

Miller: Take every opportunity you get. Don’t think less of yourself, and take every chance that you possibly can make yourself grow even more, and never be scared to take any risks.

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Stinger: What was your favorite class at Emmaus?

Miller: Probably anatomy because I am so interested in the body and health field. We would always just goof around in that class.

Stinger: What words do you want people to remember you by?

Miller: Hardworking, compassionate, and thoughtful.

JOHNNY HEBERLEIN by Adrianna Tomasello

play club soccer.

For the past four years, Johnny Heberlein has been a key offensive player for the Emmaus boys soccer team. Starting from a young age, the sport played a large role in his life from the memories made and the people that he met.

After graduation, Heberlein plans on attending York College, where he will major in mechanical engineering and

Stinger: What was one lesson Emmaus has taught you?

Heberlein: It’s taught me that overall, friends come and go. You’re going to make new friends. You’re going to lose friends. Don’t stress over it. It’s not the end of the world; it’s just life.

Stinger: How has Emmaus impacted you?

Heberlein: I would mostly say how helpful the teachers are throughout high school. Every single teacher I had

was always willing to help. Coming from the middle school I never really needed any help, but coming to high school the teachers definitely helped with the transition and helped prepare me for college and for life.

Stinger: What is your favorite part about playing soccer for Emmaus?

Heberlein: Probably getting to know everybody and accomplishing a goal that you set out at the beginning of the season and when you accomplish it at the end of the season. It is a great feeling.

Stinger: Did you have any doubts before trying out for the high school team?

Heberlein: I didn’t really have any doubts. I was more so excited. As a kid it [had] always been a thing that you wanted to play for the high school team. So it was really just [exciting] that I’d finally be a part of it.

Stinger: What was one of your accomplishments with the soccer team?

Heberlein: We did win back-to-back districts my sophomore and junior year. That has definitely been the overwhelming biggest accomplishment throughout my high school career. Definitely [my favorite memory was] the district final my junior year. We won in penalty kicks against Parkland, which was great.

Stinger: What is your most embarrassing high school memory?

Heberlein: Freshmen year a group of us would go to my locker and they used to always chew gum. They used to put their gum at the top part of my locker. I never wanted to touch it so by the end of the year there was 30 to 40 pieces of dried gum at the top of my locker. I never knew what to tell people when they asked about it. Eventually I scraped as much as I could, but there were lots of remnants from it. The next year after I came back after the

summer, it was all gone.

Stinger: If you could have traded places with a faculty member or other member of the staff for a day, who would it have been -- and why?

Heberlein: Dr. Kieres, I think it would be pretty cool to be the principal. I don’t know what she really does so it would be pretty cool to to see what goes on in a principal’s daily life.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshmen year?

Heberlein: Since freshmen year I have become way more organized and an overall better student. Freshmen year I had no study skills and I did not know how to organize my time well. Since then every year I have gotten better and better.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Heberlein: Actually, this year I have perfect attendance and I think I’m probably one of the only seniors with perfect attendance. I’m quite proud of that I would say.

Stinger: On a scale from one to ten how much senioritis have you been experiencing?

Heberlein: I’ve been around a five. I haven’t been terrible, but I can’t say I’ve been the best student. You get tired, it happens.

Stinger: Do you have any advice to underclassmen?

Heberlein: Your grades matter. I know for me and other people that they got off to a slow start for their high school career and that’s not really what you want to do.

It’s a lot to make up from later in your years.

AMY LINEBERGER by Marley Wait Amy Lineberger has been playing soccer for as long as she can remember, with many of her fondest memories coming from her time on the field.

Over the past four years, she has been a key player for the Emmaus High School girls soccer team. As a leader for her teammates, she hopes that she has left a positive influence on the program. Outside of soccer, Lineberger is the vice president of Pediatric Cancer Club and participates in Key Club.

Lineberger will further her academic career at the University of Delaware while studying mechanical engineering.

Stinger: Are you planning on playing soccer at all in college?

Lineberger: Maybe club, but not D1.

Stinger: What’s your favorite memory from high school soccer?

Lineberger: I think probably the bus rides. We always brought speakers and would sing together.

Stinger: What’s your favorite memory from Pediatric Cancer Club?

Lineberger: [My favorite memory was] Shave for the Brave last year. It was really heartfelt and touching to see all those people shave their heads for such a great cause.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for after high school?

Lineberger: I want to be remembered for just being kind

and a great leader on the soccer team and just positively influencing the team.

Stinger: If you could go back and change one thing, what would it be?

Lineberger: I would have beat Parkland. That would be it.

Stinger: What won’t you miss about EHS? Lineberger: I won’t miss coming in so early.

Stinger: On a scale of one to ten, how much senioritis have you been experiencing?

Lineberger: Probably a solid seven.

Stinger: Which teacher from EHS impacted you the most and why?

Lineberger: I would say Mr. Gavin did. He was the coach for the Emmaus girls soccer team for my first three years of high school, and then I had him for English class last year. He is just a really awesome guy.

Stinger: How did being a student athlete throughout high school affect you?

Lineberger: It made me become more involved, because I made a lot of friends on the soccer team. It was great to just be a part of a group that could do things together and bond.

Stinger: How would you say you have changed since freshman year?

Lineberger: I would say I am much more thoughtful about what I talk about what I do, write, [and] text.

Stinger: Do you have any other plans for the future?

Lineberger: I just want to enjoy college. I want to have the college experience: meet new people, get involved, maybe play soccer.

Stinger: What advice would you give to current high school students?

Lineberger: Just enjoy high school while you still can, because it goes by really quickly.

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THE STINGER | JUNE 2018

JAKE CAVERLY by Ryan Sylvia

Jake Caverly has been a four-year varsity player in golf, and eventually joined the tennis team during his senior year. Some of his accomplishments include helping the golf team achieve their record of 14-1 this year, as well as winning the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference in his underclassmen years. Throughout his high school career, Caverly has maintained a busy lifestyle by juggling many extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, Student

Government Association and National Honors Society as an upperclassman.

Stinger: Has being president of student council in middle school helped you in high school?

Caverly: My gosh absolutely. No greater contributor in my life. I gained leadership skills by putting the school on my shoulders.

Stinger: How have you changed since your freshman year?

Caverly: I started playing tennis. I also started using the one folder strategy, which I highly recommend.

Stinger: Did you have any mentors?

Caverly: Mr. Parish; he’s hilarious.

Stinger: What’s your favorite memory?

Caverly: Winning the EPC with the golf team. I appreciate the [team.]

Stinger: Do you have any regrets?

Caverly: Taking physics. Mr. Ohl is still a great teacher, though.

MATTHEW HUDAK by Abby Perkins Matthew Hudak has continuously contributed to the successful records of Emmaus’ golf and tennis teams.

While Hudak proves to be talented in sports, he also doubles as a watch critic, owning roughly a dozen wrist watches. Along with athletics, Hudak is also involved musically at EHS as a bass player in the orchestra. Hudak will enroll at Muhlenberg College this fall and has yet to decide his major.

Stinger: What excites you most about college?

Hudak: I’m excited to meet new people and learn about things that I actually care about.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Hudak: I’d say my work ethic in school has definitely gotten better.

Stinger: How do you feel you have impacted Emmaus?

Hudak: I definitely didn’t.

Stinger: When did you start playing tennis and golf?

Hudak: I started playing golf and tennis in middle school, but started playing high school golf as a freshman and tennis as a senior.

Stinger: Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

Hudak: My advice for underclassmen would be to not worry so much about one bad grade, there will be plenty of others to make up for it.

Stinger: What was your favorite class at Emmaus and why?

Hudak: My favorite class was Intro to Statistics with Mr. Geist because he taught us about math that we will actually use in real world situations.

Stinger: What song describes your high school career?

Hudak: “Story of My Life” by Social Distortion.

Stinger: What won’t you miss about EHS? Hudak: The people.

Stinger: How do you feel about Rolex watches?

Hudak: I like the brand, they’re kind of overrated though.

Stinger: What is your favorite watch brand?

Hudak: That’s tough. Honestly probably F.P. Journe.

Stinger: How many watches do you own?

Hudak: Probably at least 15.

Stinger: Is there something special you look for in your watches?

Hudak: It has to be mechanical. I can’t explain it.

DESTINY SWAN by Josh Orendach While at Emmaus, Destiny Swan pursued her interests in both cheerleading and journalism. Starting in her sophomore year, Swan cheered for the varsity squad as a back base.

Next fall, Swan plans on attending California University of Pennsylvania to major in social work.

Stinger: What was your first year of high school like?

Swan: My freshman year I felt kind of sweaty, and I was always running around trying to find my class.

Stinger: Altogether, how was high school?

Swan: It was actually really good and it was a great experience.

Stinger: Why did you decide to get involved with cheerleading?

Swan: It was really fun, I made a lot of friends since freshman year which I still have today. I decided to join when I saw a flyer about it and I was like ‘why not’.

Stinger: What was your favorite or most memorable moment during high school?

Swan: It was honestly probably the bus rides to away games as a cheerleader because I got to socialize a bit and I just listened to music.

Stinger: What was your favorite class or period?

Swan: It had to be psychology with Mr. Parish. He is a really friendly, fun guy.

Stinger: If you could change one thing about EHS what would it be?

Swan: I think that we should be able to listen to music in the hallway. It is just what I need. For me it kind of helps me to listen to music before I get into a class or before I

EMILY INGALLS by Adrianna Tomasello

During her time at Emmaus, Emily Ingalls took part in the field hockey team, the girls lacrosse team and the girls track and field team. Throughout her high school years, she learned the importance of grades and discovered her passion for helping those in need. After graduation Ingalls plans on attending West Chester University to major in occupational therapy and play Division II field hockey for the Golden Rams.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Ingalls: Definitely a lot. Freshmen year I didn’t really think school was important and my GPA dropped a lot, but joining the field hockey team and getting more involved definitely helped because I was surrounded by such good people. Then I was able to get into better classes. I actually brought my GPA up from a 2.9 to a 3.5. I worked really hard. I definitely would not be where I am today without the amazing people that I am surrounded with, that being all the clubs, teams, friends and family.

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved in field hockey?

Ingalls: I actually started in 7th grade when my friend, Alison Johnston, called me and asked me if I wanted to

do a camp. I then fell in love with the sport and the people involved. I thought that it would be a good program.

It’s really hard, you need a lot of commitment [and] that was really good for me. Then going into high school I had a great senior class mentoring me and I fell in love with the girls, the sport and the coach. I wanted to make an impact on that team.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Ingalls: I definitely hope to have a job in occupational therapy and continue my passion for helping people. I definitely want to help veterans with being able to walk again after losing a limb.

Stinger: What will you miss most about your time at Emmaus?

Ingalls: I’ll miss my teammates and friends and all the underclassmen I’ve met this year through field hockey.

I’ll miss some teachers that really impacted me. [I’ll miss] the environment. Emmaus is a really good school, I feel safe and I’ll definitely miss the people.

Stinger: What is one thing you’re are looking forward to after high school?

Ingalls: I am looking forward to having the summer because with field hockey you practice every day at 6 a.m. so I finally get a summer to myself to enjoy time with

SPORTS

Stinger: How do you feel you have impacted Emmaus?

Caverly: Not much to be honest, I think I’m kind of funny.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for at Emmaus?

Caverly: Hopefully being funny and reliable. If something is asked, I always get it done.

Stinger: What are your plans after high school?

Caverly: I’m going to Villanova to study business and one day I’ll work for the Knicks. While I’m in college, I’ll still play some rec sports.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Caverly: Working for the New York Knickerbockers.

Stinger: Do you have any advice for upcoming students?

Caverly: You only need one folder and one notebook; you won’t lose anything. I’ve never missed a homework assignment in all four years of high school.

Stinger: Describe your high school experience in three words.

Hudak: Length, knowledge, mediocrity.

take a test.

Stinger: Do you plan to leave the area?

Swan: At the moment, I just can’t see myself in a different state, not yet at least.

Stinger: What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?

Swan: I mean, I hope in the field of social work. I hope to see myself as someone to come to for help and advice.

I love helping people. It makes me happy to know that I can put a smile on someone’s face and make their life a little easier. Sometimes all you need is a person to lean on and I want to be that person.

Stinger: What would be one thing you would miss and wouldn’t miss about high school?

Swan: Honestly, I would miss the people, the friends I made, the classes and journalism. I wouldn’t miss the food, it’s usually just the same stuff over and over. I feel as if I’m stuck in a bubble.

friends before I go off to college. I am excited for college because of the freedom and I’m excited to start fresh with a new team and friends.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Ingalls: I want to be remembered for being a caring person that will always stop and help anyone. Outgoing, fun and always smiling.

SPORTS

THE STINGER | JUNE 2018

23

AUSTEN KASACZUN by Noel Santichen As a part of the Emmaus football team, Austen Kasaczun played offensive guard and defensive tackle, which had a great impact throughout his high school experience. Once he graduates, Kasaczun plans on attending Franklin and Marshall University to play football and major in mechanical engineering.

Stinger: How do you feel you’ve impacted Emmaus?

Kasaczun: As a football player, I’m a leader. I push people to their limit. As a student, same thing. I just help kids through stuff whether it’s school or personal.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Kasaczun: Physically I’ve gotten bigger, I got more laid back. I don’t care what people think of me, and I’m a lot more focused.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Kasaczun: In school Mr. Braglio and Mr. Smith, they’ve taught me hands-on skills and conversations outside the curriculum.

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved in football?

Kasaczun: I’ve always wanted to play football, it was on a wim. I tried out freshman year and it took over my life.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Kasaczun: I wanna have a family in 10 years, run a

workshop or work in one for troubleshooting.

Stinger: Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

Kasaczun: Take your time in high school, don’t forget to have fun.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Kasaczun: I want to be remembered for always being there for people.

Stinger: Describe your high school experience in three words.

Kasaczun: Bumpy, entertaining, reflective.

Stinger: How were you involved in the music department?

Johnston: I did Women’s Choir and then junior year I got into Chorale and I’m also in orchestra.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Johnston: I think I’m a lot more confident and I’m less nervous. I think going into a sport right away in the summer kind of shocked me. It was a very new experience and it was scary [be]cause I was going into a new school obviously how it always is, but now I’m like used to it and you know, happier.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Johnston: Sport-wise, I think it was just being on such a high level team and getting to like play in state games and district games and overall I think it was just having a good experience with that and getting to Chorale was a big experience for me.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory?

Why? Johnston: I think it was when we went to Europe for Chorale and that was amazing, especially because we got to sing in this cute little church in Paris and that was a really cool experience. And sports, winning states.

Stinger: What is your most embarrassing high school

memory?

Johnston: Oh gosh. I’ve liked walked into the wrong classroom sometimes.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Johnston: I think I want to be remembered as just having a positive attitude and working hard.

Stinger: What song do you think describes your high school career?

Johnston: This might sound tacky but I really like the song Everyday from High School Musical 2. I always think it’s cute. I keep listening to the soundtrack and I’m like ‘it’s almost over.’

Stinger: How long have you been playing basketball for in high school?

Smith: For high school I’ve been playing since freshman year, but I started playing since around the third grade.

Stinger: What was your best moment from basketball?

Smith: It’s just being a part of last year’s run to states.

We almost made it to the final four, but just came short.

The environment was crazy.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school moment?

Smith: Going out to the football games, hanging out with friends, events like that.

Stinger: Over your four years, how do you feel you have changed since you came in as a freshman?

Smith: I feel like I matured and just took more responsibility. And hopefully going forward to college I apply those things [that] I learned in high school.

Stinger: Throughout high school, who do you think your mentor was?

Smith: It’d probably have to be one of my basketball coaches. Probably Mr. Luckenbill. He was my middle school coach and from there on [he] helped me on the basketball court and off. Just a great teacher overall.

Stinger: How did being a student athlete throughout high school affect you?

Smith: Just getting all the work done. Practices are

usually two and [a] half to three hours everyday, so just balancing work and my sport.

Stinger: What was your favorite class at Emmaus?

Smith: Probably Psychology with Mr. Parish. He was a funny guy and it was [an] interesting class. I learned something new.

Stinger: If you could describe your high school experience with three words, what would they be?

Smith: Fun, interesting, amazing.

Stinger: What was one of the most important lessons you learned during high school?

Smith: You have to grow up and take responsibility in what you do. After middle school, you start to live on your own because that’s what the future is going to be like.

Stinger: Besides basketball, were you a part of anything else throughout high school?

Smith: I play a lot of sports. Freshman and sophomore year I played rec baseball, soccer, I played football until freshman year. I just wanted to stay physically active. I don’t like sitting around.

Stinger: What will you miss most about Emmaus?

Smith: Meeting all of the people. You won’t really get to see your friends if they’re going somewhere far.

ALY JOHNSTON by Chloe Gerhard

Throughout her time at Emmaus, Aly Johnston kept herself busy. She played field hockey all four years and emersed herself in multiple music programs, including chorale and orchestra. Now, she will attend Penn State University Park and major in energy, business, and finance. While at Penn State, she hopes to continue playing field hockey at the club level.

Stinger: When did you start playing or being involved in field hockey?

Johnston: I started [when I was little] they had these things on Sunday at LMYA...then I kinda like really got into it in middle school.

Stinger: What excites you most about college?

Johnston: I think the new experience [of] going somewhere new and getting to really see what I want to do in life and...the broader campus. I really like big schools. I think that’d be really fun meeting more new people.

Stinger: How did being a student athlete throughout high school affect you?

Johnston: It definitely was a lot. Like, it kind of took over my life in a sense. I didn’t really get to do as much as what I would like to do with singing and other things with that but I think it was worth it, even though it was like all year round.

CHRIS SMITH

by Joe Eckstein

Ever since his freshman year, Chris Smith has been the leader on the court for the Emmaus boys basketball team.

As the team’s point guard, Smith played the role of orchestrating the offense.

Besides his activeness on the court, Smith hopes to remembered as “a great student and one of those people you like to be around.” After high school, Smith plans on attending Penn State Lehigh Valley for their 2+2 program and transfer to University Park to study business or sports management.

CIARA WIPPEL by Chloe Gerhard Ciara Wippel began playing basketball when she was only six years old, and later joined the high school team in 8th grade. Now, she is committed to Alvernia University and plans to pursue a career in nursing.

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved in basketball?

Wippel: I enjoy being active and it’s a fun team sport so it’s fun to play, but you get to meet new friends and become a part of a team and it keeps you busy. It keeps you on top of grades as well.

Stinger: Is that typical or because you were a good player?

Wippel: Well, I would like to say I was just good at basketball because they bring up a couple middle schoolers if they are good enough, so I would like to toot my

own horn.

Stinger: What is your favorite part about being involved in basketball?

Wippel: I would say games, [be]cause I’m really competitive, and then just being part of a team and team bonding.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory? Why? Wippel: I would have to say all the dances like homecoming [be]cause it’s just fun to get ready with all your friends and you get to go with your boyfriend and it’s exciting.

Stinger: What will you miss most about your time at Emmaus?

Wippel: I would say seeing the same friends you have everyday and then playing basketball.

Stinger: What do you hope to accomplish after high school?

Wippel: After high school, I hope to get a good education for nursing. I want to get a good job, you know, not really anything special.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Wippel: Not to stress high school [be] cause there’s more to look forward to after I would like to believe because people stress it too much and are like ‘I don’t want to go.’ Like just get through it and then there’s more.

Stinger: Do you have a favorite bathroom at Emmaus?

Wippel: The one next to the library.

Stinger: What are three words that describe your high school experience?

Wippel: I would have to say exciting, short, and then funny.

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SPORTS

THE STINGER | JUNE 2018

JILL BRAY by Sydney Lilly While at Emmaus, Jill Bray discovered her interests through the various clubs and sports that she joined including fitness team, cross country, track, student government association, hornet ambassadors and Health and Wellness Club. Bray plans to attend Liberty University and hopes to pursue a major in the health field.

Stinger: Describe your high school experience in three words.

Bray: Exciting, unexpected and difficult.

Stinger: How do you feel you have impacted Emmaus?

Bray: I feel like I impacted the school by encouraging underclassmen to come to [after school] events and [by] bringing the school together as a whole.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Bray: I was really quiet and antisocial my freshman year. I opened up and met a ton of new people and I’m a lot closer with [the people in] my grade. I’m a lot more open and outgoing [now].

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved in the fitness team?

Bray: My sisters have done it and I actually started when I was in eighth grade. We are so close to the coach and I just love it. Everyone on that team is so

positive and fun and I love fitness, so it’s perfect for me.

Stinger: Favorite school lunch food?

Bray: French toast sticks. If I [could] have that every day, I would.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Bray: I would have to say probably my oldest sister. She’s exactly like me and she accomplished so much in high school.

I wanna be exactly like her when I grow up. She definitely encouraged me to do so much throughout high school.

Stinger: How did being a student athlete throughout high school affect you?

Bray: Coming in as a freshman it was hard to learn how to balance my school work with practice because I was doing track and cross country at the same time as fitness but it helped me learn how to manage my time well, like for college which I will definitely need.

Stinger: What was your favorite part about being involved in the fitness team?

Bray: The people. My coach [George Gibbs] is amazing. I’m gonna miss him so much when I leave. The team, we are so close. We are literally like a family. I’m gonna miss them so much. Even thinking about it is gonna make me sad.

Stinger: What was your biggest accom-

plishment in high school?

Bray: I qualified for nationals three out of the four years. We got second both years in nationals. I’ve been the top scorer, which for me is like a big accomplishment. I have been placing second to fourth in overall which is awesome.

Stinger: What was your favorite class at Emmaus?

Bray: Geology of National Parks. That was such an interesting class, and it made me wanna travel. [Mr.] Mihalik is awesome.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Bray: I really wanna be remembered for having a positive attitude throughout high school. I don’t wanna be someone who never wanted to be here and had a negative attitude. On my fitness team I wanna be remembered [as] someone who pushed themselves. I want to be remembered as someone who tried to get people involved in stuff, just like a positive person in general.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Bray: My fitness coach. He’s so positive.

He pushed me so hard and got me to where I am now, like the top score for the girls...I would have never thought [that] would have happened and it wouldn’t

have had happened if it wasn’t for him.

Stinger: What was one of the most important lessons you learned during high school?

Bray: Don’t care about what other people think about you. It’s not gonna matter in the long run. I worried so much about what people thought about me. And senior year nobody cares. Just do your own thing and don’t worry about what people are gonna say or think.

RYLAN DOMINGUES by James Marler Rylan Domingues has been an active part of the Emmaus baseball team for years. He began his high school career managing the team before playing this season. Domingues is a member of the National Honor Society and has also traveled twice to Belize to do missionary work.

He will be going to St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia to study business, where he hopes to enter a career in the front office market of a sports franchise.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Domingues: Mr. Flynn. He always showed interest and care in his students, made class very fun and engaging.

Plus, he evoked a passion for learning.

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved in baseball?

Domingues: [I] grew up loving the sport. [I] knew the history and success of the team and wanted to be a part of that.

Stinger: What will you miss most about your time at Emmaus?

Domingues: Sports with a community aspect, going to games and participating in such events as well.

Stinger: What was your favorite class at Emmaus?

Domingues: AP Economics with Mr. Parish. He finds a way to turn something that isn’t very interesting such as economics, and make it as funny as possible.

Stinger: Tell me about your time in Belize.

Domingues: It has been the most life-changing experience traveling to Belize, where I will be going for my third time this upcoming summer. My group and I have brought down over 60 suitcases of clothes, school supplies, books and toys for the children down there over the last two years. We have done hurricane recov-

LIZZY NINESLING

by Destiny Swan

Lizzy Ninesling has been an active athlete at Emmaus over the past four years.

As a sophomore, she made the varsity soccer team and played on the girls lacrosse team. While on the lacrosse team, Ninesling consistently produced goals as a part of the team’s offense.

Now Ninesling has committed to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and hopes to major in civil engineering.

Stinger: What made you decide to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical?

Ninesling: The area. It’s in Florida and it also has my major.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment?

Ninesling: Making the varsity soccer team as a sophomore.

Stinger: Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

Ninesling: Always budget your time, stay on top of work, but make time for friends and fun.

Stinger: What do want to be remembered for?

Ninesling: My personality, always making people laugh and smile.

Stinger: How would you rate your high school experience from 1 to 10?

Ninesling: Eight, there were some good times.

Stinger: What is the best game that you ever played? Who was it against?

Ninesling: Lacrosse [playing] against Parkland [was the best game].

Stinger: What is a saying or quote that you live by?

Ninesling: Forget about your mistakes and keep going.

Stinger: There are two types of people in the world. What are the two types?

Ninesling: The fighters and the quitters.

Stinger: What song or artist do you like, but rarely admit to liking?

Ninesling: Billy Joel.

Stinger: Do you have any superstitions?

Ninesling: Whenever I say something like ‘oh I’ve never broken my leg,’ I need to knock on wood.

Stinger: What are three words to describe your senior year?

Ninesling: Sad, exciting, fun.

ery, house repairs and have held week long fairs for the children. Every single day I look forward to my next trip back.

Stinger: What is your most embarrassing high school memory?

Domingues: It’s between when I tripped up the stairs and spilled my lunch, or [the] amount of balls I’ve thrown at the poles in the aux gym.

Stinger: Any regrets?

Domingues: Not being involved enough in my underclassmen years.

Stinger: What won’t you miss about EHS? Domingues: Just the endless hours of hard work.

Stinger: What do you hope to accomplish after high school?

Domingues: Find a career path which I can love and enjoy.

Stinger: Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

Domingues: Don’t miss out on events or choose to not go. Four years go really quickly and they will be done before you know it.

JAROD LICHTENWALTER

by Noel Santichen

Emmaus varsity lacrosse midfielder Jarod Lichtenwalter will continue his education at Temple University after graduation to pursue economics. Despite playing for the high school, Lichtenwalter will not play at the university; however, he may join a club team.

Stinger: How do you feel you’ve impacted Emmaus?

Lichtenwalter: I feel like I’ve made good friends and spread positivity by being nice to everyone.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Lichtenwalter: Mr. Speicher. I’ve had him since freshman year and he’s been my lacrosse coach all four years.

Stinger: Who was your inspiration?

Lichtenwalter: My mom, she’s been there with me all the way. She keeps me level-headed.

Stinger: Are you happy with the way your high school years went?

Lichtenwalter: Yes, there was never really any down periods.

Stinger: What was one of the most important lessons you learned during high school?

Lichtenwalter: To mature fast, if you’re not it’s gonna take a toll on the rest of your career.

Stinger: What’s one school rule that needs to be added or changed for future classes?

Lichtenwalter: Headphones in the hall-

way.

Stinger: What’s a song that describes your high school career?

Lichtenwalter: “Now I Do What I Want”

by Lil Uzi Vert.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory? Why? Lichtenwalter: Winning districts was just amazing. I was on varsity freshman year, the team went crazy.

Stinger: Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

Lichtenwalter: Be yourself and have fun with high school.