The Emmaus High School Stinger

Have you ever had a dream that just flat-out freaked you out? I have. In fact I have a lot of crazy dreams, including anything from being naked in school to being in the midst of a postapocalyptic world.

But what do they really mean?

Some studies show that dreams are simply a continuation of one’s thoughts while awake.

While you sleep, your body supposedly patches together sounds and images that evoke the same emotions you feel in the daytime.

I find this difficult to believe, because my dreams are often so random that I find little correlation between my thoughts and my dreams.

Last night however, I had another strange dream. After much consideration, I think I may know what it means, and how it pertains to my life right now.

In my dream, I was taking a road trip with some friend across the country, in hopes of seeing all of our nation’s famous landmarks.

This struck me as odd already, considering I get carsick very easily.

My dream began with me packing up the RV we had rented with all of my belongings. And I mean all of them.

I shoved all of my clothes, my bed, my dresser, my TV, my laptop, and pretty much everything else into the back of the RV, which apparently had an infinite amount of space.

It was almost as if I had no intention of returning home.

To navigate, we used a map, my GPS, and advice from the locals of the place we visited. The trip began without any probems, everyone was getting along and we were having a great time.

However, at each landmark we stopped we lost one person in the RV. They were gone. Poof.

Just like that.

Eventually, it was me and one other person in the car. After stopping at a rest stop, the last passenger dissappeared as well. I was completely alone, in a place completely foreign to me.

I was frantic to find my way back home. I was lost, alone, scared, and confused as to where my friends had gone.

My GPS continually malfunctioned, my map flew out the window, and even the people in my dream completely ignored my calls for help.

I felt so desperate and vulnerable. So I just kept on driving on a long strech of road by myself, not sure of where I was going.

Then I woke up.

The more and more I thought about my dream, the more it made sense to me.

My mind right now is constantly filled with with thoughts of the future.

Growing up is scary. There, I said it.

A part of me is so anxious to enter the real world. Another part of me though, is terrified of leaving behind my friends and family, everything that is familiar to me.

As excited as I am to start my college and my career, I wonder if I’m really ready to start fresh somewhere new.

This dream has made me realize what I’ve been too afraid to admit.

I have to take control of my life. I can’t rely on others to find my way, my happiness. The truth is, we are all at a crossroad in life. Maybe we’re all lost.

But maybe, we’re not supposed to be found just yet.

I’ve realized that in order to find out who I am, I need to embrace life and live each moment like it’s my last. We all should.

Meet someone new, sing a song, dance like crazy, take a chance. Do something that makes you feel alive, whatever that may be.

Don’t waste a single moment. Don’t think about how others perceive you, because at the end of the day, the only person you need to please is yourself.

One day, high school will end and “real life” will begin, and we all need to be ready for it.

As weird an unrealistic dreams may be sometimes, think about them.

Maybe you’re trying to tell yourself something.

That

What’s

Smell?

By Melanie Brusseler

By Logan Beck

According to Logue

On Monday, Sept 10 two parents lodged a complaint against two books on EHS students’ summer reading list at a school board meeting, calling for them to be removed. These two books, Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld and The Electric KoolAid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe, the parents claim, feature “pornographic material” and as such should not be recommended to children. I am being entirely serious. It is 2012 and people trying to ban books. Oh wait sorry, “remove” books.

Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines pornography as “the depiction of erotic behavior (as in pictures or writing) intended to cause sexual excitement.” Yeah, these books talk about sex. Prep describes in somewhat graphic detail the first time the main character Lee performs oral sex, and The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test recounts the true life of Ken Kesey, author of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, his band of Merry Pranksters, all of the acid they dropped in the 60’s and some of the characters’ more wild sexual experiences.

These books depict “erotic behavior” but they are not by any conceivable stretch of the imagination pornographic, because they lack the explicit intent. These sexual encounters are there not to excite the reader, but to add to character development, not to offend anyone, but to illustrate themes. It is not as if they are required reading.

These books are among many that students can choose from. It even says on the list that some of the books contain explicit material and that Editors-in-Chief parents should help their children decide which Logan Beck ones to read. So let’s cut out the nonsense and Melanie Brusseler say what the problem really is: parents trying to push their beliefs and standards upon others.

Managing Editor of News After all too conveniently hearing the parents’ Katrina Guido complaints, one school board member called Managing Editor of Opinion for a motion on the books’ removal from the list Ji Han to be on the agenda for the next board meetManaging Editor of Feature ing. When talking about the books; he claimed Sophie Bean that, “If I read an excerpt out of either of these Managing Editor of Culture [books], I’d be charged with the corruption of the Abbey Pudliner morals of minors.”

Managing Editor of Sports I know that it may be hard for him to grapple Terence Cawley the benefits of different parenting styles since, Online Editor though on the school board, he has no children himself, but that is exactly why he shouldn’t Neil Ren be making and influencing decisions that affect Copy Editors students.

Justine Coleman The East Penn School District has a proceKevin Rodgers dure for removing books from the curriculum Section Editor of News or from reading lists. If these parents and said Sarah Reibman school board member were going about this the News Contributors right way they would have filled out a detailed Christine Carlson, Justine Coleman, Christina Collier, Alli Dremock, Claudia sheet to prove that they had read the full books, Estrada, Gabrielle Turocy understood the major themes, and offered sugGuido, Jason Klick, Destiny Nagle, Reibman gestions to replace the book. They would have Section Editor of Opinion sat down in a group with the librarians, members of administration, and several others to discuss Savannah Pukanecz the book to again make sure that the concerns are Opinion Contributors substantianted.

Han, Ren These two parents, and the school board Section Editor of Feature member who undoubtedly supports them did Molly Young not follow this procedure. Instead, the parents Feature Contributors complained at a meeting, and the school director Nagle.Turocy quickly called for a motion to remove the books.

Section Editor of Culture If this kind of behavior from school board is tolEmma Wang erated the precedence it sets would be dangerous.

Culture Contributors In the past ten years books such as Of Mice Pudliner, Wang and Men and To Kill a Mockingbird have been contested. Important works of literature, novels Section Editor of Sports that should be studied and analyzed by every Steve Gudonis student were contested and thankfully the comSports Contributors plaints where shot down through the effective Cawley, Gudonis procedure that our school district has in place.

Photo Editor If these people are allowed to just disregard Bri Basile the rules we have in place they are no better than Photo Contributors schoolchildren themselves. If we let them remove Basile, Maura Benner, Guido, Turocy these books from our summer reading lists we Cover Design will just be enabling them to eventually ban the Beck and Brusseler culturally significant and powerful books that Adviser they really have in mind.

This is not about Prep, or Electric Kool-Aid Denise Reaman Test. This is about you and me, and our rights Editorial Policy The Singer is a student-run newspaper. Its content, which is the responsibility as high school students to make decisions about of the student staff, is not subject to direct administrative approval. The news- what we read. Although quite honestly, they could not have found a better way to make sure paper, which is designed as an open forum, serves to inform and entertain its that the entire student body of Emmaus High readers as well as students interested in print media studies.

School read a book than to try and ban it.

3

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

Kitty Corner In the first days of school many teachers (whether we like it or not) ask questions to get to know their students’ personalities. One of the most jarring questions, perhaps not so much because of the question itself but moreso due to the answers it produces, is “what is your most prized possesion?”

Many people in our society, not just students, would answer with their cell phone, their car, or some other material object. If the first thing that popped into your head falls along these lines, then how does that reflect upon your personality?

I must admit, while searching for an answer I came up with responses such as my GPA and my tennis racquet. In disbelief, I thought about how shallow that would make me appear to some adult who knows almost nothing about me.

I felt that I, as well as just about everyone in the class, fit perfectly into the generalization that “as a society, we take so much for granted.”

The more respectable answer would not deal with some shallow material possession, but rather with health, a content family, safety, and other ever so slightly less egocentric responses.

I could not for the life of me understand why those answers seemed almost programmed into the subconscious.

Being the inquisitive person that I am, I had to think about why those responses came first to my mind, and why other people had chosen such answers as well.

Perhaps the answers were not about the actual objects themselves, but instead were about the ideas they represented.

Maybe, just maybe, those objects were the shortest way of explaining such a large concept that could not have been fully explained in the two spaces that the teacher had given.

For me, the objects that I had chosen had the ability to define me in so many more ways than in just being materialistic. I had worked incredibly hard for both of them.

At the moment of that realization, the tennis racquet represented so much more: all of the hours I had to spend working at a job I despised to pay for the racquet, my parents’ love for me through teaching responsibility and money management by making me pay, and the determination to get better that produced the need of a new racquet.

Likewise, my GPA was no longer the number itself, but rather a reflection of my hard work, perserverence, and support network (teachers, parents, friends, etc).

And the answers of my peers as well left so much open for interpretation and were no longer the straightforward responses that they had once seemed.

I am not saying that the consequences of such thoughts are positive, in fact quite the opposite is possibly true. This idea would mean that we have turned mundane, replaceable possesions into symbols of ourselves and indeed are losing the ability to clearly express our ideas.

However, if some teacher wanted to “learn about me” through a questionnaire, then what does he think my answer means?

Katrina Guido

Guidology

News

M A N A G I N G E D I T O R K AT R I N A G U I D O SEC TION EDITOR SARAH REIBMAN

Parents allege porn in summer reading books Katrina Guido News Editor Two parents recently petitioned the East Penn School Board to remove two books from the summer reading list for having “pornographic” content.

On Sept. 10, Paula Wittman of Emmaus requested that Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld on the ninth grade and The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe on the tenth grade summer reading lists be removed. While Wittman spoke, Jeff Lotte distributed excerpts from both books to board members.

Later at the meeting, board member Julian Stolz asked to put a motion on the agenda for this Monday’s meeting to have the books removed from the suggested reading list.

Wittman questioned the school’s decision for putting such books on the reading list.

“Why would the administration think that pornography is age appropriate for underage school children?” said Wittman at the meeting. “If the words in this excerpt were shown in a movie, it would be X-rated.”

She also said that this is just a small sampling and that many of the books on the summer reading lists should be reviewed.

Superintendent Thomas Seidenberger informed Wittman that a process is in place to have a book on the list reevaluated and the proper paperwork must be filled out.

Seidenberger offered to explain the process more in depth to Wittman and Lotte at the end of the meeting; however, they left the meeting before without asking for the information, according to Seidenberger.

“I want to maintain the dignity and respect of the East Penn School District,” Se-

idenberger told The Stinger. “They must by a process with professional teaching infollow board policy. I don’t want a circus put, balance the concerns of all groups in show in public regarding the changing of the community and take into account rights books.”

The form, which is adapted from a version developed by the National Council of Teachers of English, asks questions like whether or not the complainant has read the entire book, is aware of literary criticism, and what he or she believes the results of reading the book are. The form also requests a recommendation of a book to replace the challenged one. No forms were received by Seidenberger as of yet.

Board member Julian Stolz supported Wittman and Lotte later at the meeting.

Prep and The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test are allegedly “I would not feel that it is apinappropriate for high school students. propriate to read [these excerpts] Photo by Katrina Guido. out loud at a board meeting,” said Stolz. “If I read an excerpt out of ei- of all groups, including students.” ther of these, I would be charged with the At the meeting, board member Francee corruption of the morals of minors.”

Fuller pointed out that there are descripBoard President Charles Ballard defend- tions of the books online and cited a “soed the school’s decision during the meet- phisticated student body” as one reason for ing. why the books should remain on the list.

“I would like to point out that [removing “I think it is important for anyone who the books] is going down the route of ban- expects to have a discussion about a book ning books,” said Ballard, after assenting to be thoroughly familiar with the contents, to having the motion placed on the agenda not just selective pages,” said Fuller, who of the next meeting. has read Prep and hopes to finish The ElecHowever, Ballard, who has not read ei- tric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Monday’s meetther book, has not yet personally decided ing. whether or not any changes should be Stolz, as expressed in an interview with made to the reading list.

The Stinger, does not believe the books “It is hard to separate the concept of cen- should be banned, nor removed from the sorship from the necessary filtering func- library. He does not consider the removal tion that must be used by those who select of the books from the list censorship and materials for school curricula,” Ballard told feels that better options exist to replace The Stinger. “Selections need to be made

See “Summer reading”

New year, new changes at EHS Sarah Reibman News Editor

The new school year brings the removal of freshman lunch, addition of Chick-fil-A to the cafeteria and the 12-minute mile.

This year, class sizes have remained fairly consistent, according to 12th grade Assistant Principal Sally Hanzlik. The more than 2,500 students are broken into 661 seniors, 629 juniors, 633 sophomores and 664 freshmen.

According to Principal David Piperato, relatively few changes were made this year compared to others. Now in his sixth year at Emmaus, Piperato feels he has already made the adjustments he deemed necessary.

These past changes include moving senior breakfast, homecoming, and the pep rally. So few changes have been made in Piperato’s time because “Emmaus has such great kids that the school practically runs itself.” He gives students the credit for Emmaus being such a great high school.

The specially designated freshman lunch, implemented just last year, was removed so that all lunches this year contain all grade levels. The idea for freshmen lunch emerged two years ago, according to Piperato. This lunch was expected to be a safe environment for freshmen to have ownership of the school, especially in the

beginning of the academic year. Lunch made the most sense in the schedule for a place where all the freshmen could get together.

Scheduling, a primary issue with the freshman lunch, forced students to miss out on taking classes they would otherwise be able to take without a restricted schedule.

“I felt segregated,” said Carli Marks, now a sophomore.

Brianna McGovern, also a sophomore, likewise did not appreciate the separation for freshman.

“There was no point, we should have had the chance to get together with other students,” said McGovern.

Another issue with the freshman lunch was the lack of upperclassmen leadership.

As recent middle-schoolers, the freshman lunch was the most unbehaved and disruptive.

“With no models, the freshmen never transitioned and fifth lunch had the most disciplinary problems,” said Piperato of the reasons he abolished freshman-only lunch. “It was a failed experiment.”

In addition to the cafeteria-related modifications, a 12-minute mile now substitutes the gym class pacers. The fitness program Emmaus uses for testing offers the choice of pacers or the 12-minute mile. According to gym teacher Eleni Assise, the gym teachers wanted to vary the program and

continued on page 4

try out something new.

With the new fitness test, every student must exercise for at least one mile, whether they run or walk.

“This keeps students from only running a few pacers before quitting,” said Assise.

Patrick Birns, another gym teacher, hopes that students perform better in outside conditions. The change of scenery encourages better results and the student’s have a chance to spend time outside. Running the mile also gives another use to Emmaus’ outdoor track.

In case of inclement weather, gym classes will revert to pacers.

Potentially new this year to the caf is Chick-fil-A. As a result of the summertime protests against Chick-fil-A, the menu item is currently on hold, according to Director of Food Service Aneita Sutton.

While it is unknown if Emmaus will have Chick-fil-A in the future, the original plan was to offer the famous chicken sandwich once a month, á la carte. The chicken sandwich company approached Emmaus about selling its food at a decent price to Emmaus students.

Similar to the plan Domino’s Pizza has with Emmaus, Chick-fil-A would be priced separately from a school meal.

“I hope and believe this will be successful,” said Sutton who expects students will enjoy the variety in the cafeteria.

4

THE STINGER

September 2012

New band director hopes for success Justine Coleman and Christine Carlson News Writers

A new band director has been hired this year to replace the prior director, Bruce Denmead.

Ryan Harrington, chosen out of just over 30 applicants, became a part of the Emmaus staff this year. Harrington graduated from Temple University within the Esther Boyer College of Music. He majored in music performance and jazz studies.

Harrington loved his college experience.

“Overall, I really enjoyed college,” Harrington said. “It was great to be around aspiring musicians and getting to do lots of playing both in and out of school.”

Harrington has worked with Emmaus students before.

“For the past three years, I had been working with the marching band and conducting the spring musicals,” Harrington said. “I have come to really enjoy working with the student body at Emmaus High School, particularly those in the band and orchestra.”

Harrington enjoyed being the pit director for Guys and Dolls.

“The pit and the cast for this show were a lot of fun,” Harrington said. “Mrs. Kuebler, Ms. Cortez, and I enjoy working together, which makes the whole process even more enjoyable.”

Harrington believes that the staff members have been supportive.

“My fellow staff members have all been very kind and helpful,” Harrington said.

“It’s not easy finding your way around this place.”

Principal David Piperato is excited to have Harrington join the Emmaus staff.

“I am thrilled to have Mr. Harrington join us as our instrumental music teacher

and band director,” said Piperato. “He has meticulously fine tuning the band’s permany years experience teaching music formance while maintaining the sense of and has spent several years as our assiscommunity established by Mr. Denmead.” tant director.”

Cichocki thinks that Harrington and Harrington believes that the transition Denmead have differences as well as simwas not quite so hard since he had worked ilarities. in the school before.

“They have very different personalities “I think working with the band for the and it’s a big change, but band will still be last three years has made the transition a lot of fun and we will still be very good,” easier than it might have been since the said Cichocki. “Mr. Harrington and Mr. kids know me already,” said Harrington. Denmead both really want to see us suc“The stuceed as a band, dents have have fun, and do also been well.” great.”

Cichocki beB a n d lieves music m e m teachers can be inber and fluential for their sophomore students.

Brooke “All of the muCichocki sic teachers that I thinks Harhave had so far in rington is my life have influefficient. enced me in some “ M r . way,” Cichocki Harrington said. “They all is orgahelp me to get nized and Ryan Harrington, the new band director, replaced better but also p r o d u c - Bruce Denmead this year. encourage me to t i v e , ” Photo by Bri Basile. reach my goals.”

Cichocki said. “We’re on schedule and always accomplish a lot in practice.”

Harrington feels that he has some “big shoes to fill” in place of Denmead, the former band director.

“Mr. Denmead is a great band director and all the kids love him,” said Harrington. “He and I are good friends and we continue to stay in touch even though he lives [five] hours away.”

Piperato also agrees that Denmead was a great band director.

“Mr. Denmead did a great job improving the quality of our instrumental music program while growing the size of the band,” Piperato said. “Mr. Harrington will lead our band students to the next level,

Harrington has been married to his wife, Amy, for four-and-a-half years. His hobbies include woodworking, making furniture, and music. Harrington also plays eight instruments professionally including the flute, piccolo, clarinet, and saxophone.

Harrington believes that music is a great outlet.

“Music is a great way to express yourself,” Harrington said. “It requires a great deal of hard work to play at a very high level, but the better you get, the more you enjoy it.”

Piperato agrees with Harrington.

“Music is a common language that helps to bond us a civilized society. It moves us, inspires us, and helps us reflect

Earth Watch Club increases efforts

NEWS

and relax,” Piperato said. “Learning and playing music is a life lesson in perseverance and problem solving.”

Cichocki feels the same way.

“I love music,” Cichocki said. “It just gives me a way to have fun and relax at the same time.”

Piperato likes to listen to music.

“I love music and listen to it constantly,” Piperato said. “I marvel at the synchronicity of the many complex sounds and the ability of the musicians to create melody. Beyond that, sometimes I just love to rock out.”

It was natural for Harrington to enjoy music since he grew up listening to his mother play the piano.

“I found that the more I played, the better I became, and the better I became, the more I enjoyed it,” Harrington said. “It’s the type of hard work that has a payoff that is greater than the work you put in.”

Piperato believes that the students have amazing talents.

“I am unable to play or read a single note of music...and nobody would ever want to hear me sing,” Piperato said. “I envy our students and their amazing talents. Those talents were nurtured from a young age and developed through hard work and dedication.”

Harrington is thrilled for the coming year.

“I am excited to be here at EHS and am looking forward to a great year of musicmaking with my students,” Harrington said.

Piperato thinks that Harrington will greatly help Emmaus band students.

“Mr. Harrington is a master musician who will help our students reach a new level in their performance,” said Piperato.

“We are fortunate to have him in this position.”

Jason Klick News Writer

of how much we recycle in pounds. They The Earth Watch Club will also be bengive us money for our recycling efforts efiting from the bins; they will receive based on the amount money for the amount we recycle,” said they recycle.

Kramer.

“The company we The custodians at recycle through with Emmaus have also the paper retriever been a part of the rebins will give some cycling program for proceeds to us which the last decade. They we will reinvest in the are the ones who pick club to help buy seeds up the recycling from for our organic garteachers’ rooms and den.” Said Kramer. lounges.

Club members are “The new bins outalso excited about the side will further the new recycling efforts. recycling effort by Senior club member already having the Jade Gery is excited Earthwatch member Gabrielle Turocy paper and cardboard about the new recycling recycles old newspapers. separated,” said head bins and the progress Photo by Alli Dremock. janitor Tom Gable. they will make.

“ I think its really cool that we are getting rewarded for all our hard work and its for a good cause going green,” said Gery.

The bins allow teachers and students to recycle on their own and it frees up time during club meetings to talk instead of recycling the entire time.

“Before the bins, some of our club days would be spent entirely on picking up recycling boxes from teachers’ rooms,” said Kramer. The club will continue to try and educate members of the community about going green and its positive effects on the environment around us. Earth Watch helps the community by recycling at the school or participating in events in the community like Emmaus clean up day.

The club currently has 13 members and is looking more to help increase its green efforts and spread awareness for their cause.

Summer reading

high school students “experimenting with alcohol and sex.” The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test recounts novelist Ken Kesey’s experience of the 1960s, including “LSDinduced ‘acid tests’.”

These parental advisories were written after The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test was questioned by parents five years ago at Seidenberger’s first board meeting.

Seidenberger also stressed that these books are one of many options on the summer reading lists, and therefore students are not forced to read them.

Freshman Jera Bassett, who read Prep as part of her summer reading, was not offended.

“I thought it was really good,” said Bassett. “I really enjoyed it.”

the book is fitting for ninth graders and that the reading level is acceptable for 12-year-olds.

Junior Andrew Bond, who read The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, believes that it is ridiculous that people want to ban non-fiction.

“Where is the line drawn on what we learn?” said Bond. “I was never forced to read the book; I chose to.”

The Sept. 10 meeting is available for viewing on the East Penn Citizens for Accountability and Transparency website.

The next school board will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the board room at 800 Pine St. in Emmaus.

This year the Earth Watch Club will try to increase its recycling efforts by encouraging students to join the club.

Earth Watch is run by biology teacher Rachel Kramer and meets once a week in room 420. This year they are increasing their recycling efforts by using two large dumpsters outside of the cafeteria: one which holds cardboard and the other which holds paper.

“It is our first year with the paper retriever bins to which students and faculty can bring their old paper and cardboard instead of throwing it away,” said Kramer.

The two bins are easy to notice outside of the cafeteria. They are both bright green and yellow.

“The company we use helps keep track

continued from page 3

them. Though he is aware of the proper procedure for questioning a book, he doesn’t think the system works.

The summer reading lists, which are available on the high school website, state that “some selections are focused toward mature readers. We encourage parents to read the book descriptions carefully with their children and assist them in selecting interesting, appropriate titles for their summer reading.”

In addition to that warning issued to readers, each book carries with it a description. Readers of Prep are made aware that the book contains scenes with

Bassett’s mom read it before she had and suggested that she read it.

“Most of the kids already knew what the book is talking about,” said Bassett. “I already knew a lot of what was mentioned in the book.”

Bassett sees Prep as a good resource for knowing if her friends are in an unhealthy relationship.

Emmaus has not been not the only school being questioned for the use of Prep. In 2008, at Heritage Oak School in Yorba Linda, Calif., the book was removed from library shelves by the principal immediately after being questioned by parents. There it was used as part of an accelerated reading program as suggested

by Renaissance Learning which believes

OPINION

THE STINGER

Y O U R T H O U G H T S , O U R S , I N O N E B I T E - S I Z E PA C K A G E

OPINION

MANAGING EDITOR JI HAN S E C T I O N E D I TO R S AVA N N A H P U K A N E C Z

Savannah Pukanecz

So Savvy

5

S e p t e m b e r. 2 0 1 2

Obamacare insures a future generation

in the right direction. No clearer understanding of the abide by these rules must send one should be denied health law. The primary goal of the rebates to consumers. Rebates insurance coverage because of law is to ensure that everyone have already been sent out to a pre-existing condition. No On June 28, the Supreme is insured and that no family 12.8 million Americans. person should have to forgo a Court upheld The Patient or individual will have to go By 2014, more effects potentially life-saving checkup Protection and Affordable Care bankrupt due to illness. of the law will begin taking because he was not covered.

Act (ACA). Chief Justice John As of now, many changes place. Businesses with 50 or Roberts cast the tie-breaking have already taken place. Public I find hope in knowing that, when we get our first vote and cemented the ACA insurance plans have been set #YO-NO with the individual mandate up in states to cover people with jobs, we will be insured through these jobs, too.

In a time like today, social media into law. President Barack pre-existing conditions. Insurers outlets are constantly changing. FaceThere is a fundamental value in Obama’s landmark reform bill, are required to cover children more workers will be required book was on the rise; people were post- more commonly referred to as sharing the cost of healthcare. In up to the age of 26 on their to provide insurance to these this new system, everyone buys ing pictures and sending friend requests. “Obamacare,” evoked a rush of parents’ policies. Some health workers. Those with 25 or rash reactions throughout the insurance plans provide 100 fewer workers could be eligible in, so there is more money to Until they decided that Facebook was cover the person that gets sick. country. Obamacare has passed percent coverage for preventive for federal tax credits to help too complicated. So now, instead of (And who knows? That person and has finally been upheld, services. Seniors who have buy insurance. Insurance status updates, people “tweet.” With may be you.) Many cannot regardless of the praise or hit the “doughnut hole” with companies will price and sell “tweeting” came this nifty little thing comprehend the hardships of contempt the public may have Medicare prescription-drug policies to everyone regardless called a hash-tag (more commonly onerous medical bills while for the bill. coverage have received of health status, including prereferred to as a number sign or pound). people with pre-existing Everyone should have an discounts on brand name drugs existing conditions. Millions The hash-tag is used to reiterate a conditions struggle to pay their opinion of the new healthcare and $250 in federal rebates. will receive federal subsidies “tweet” and add another comment. bills because they were denied law; it directly affects you, Insurance companies must to afford insurance purchased The hash-tag then sparked the phrase coverage. me, and everyone else in also cover women’s preventive independently. States will be “YOLO”. Now you can get the phrase I see the change as a result the country. Unfortunately, services such as mammograms, able to expand their Medicare “YOLO” on a t-shirt. It’s in pop culture, some have too hastily formed well-women visits, and programs for more individuals. of The Patient Protection and ACA. I find hope in knowing opinions on the law without an contraception.

The cornerstone of the bill, and you’ll probably hear it walking that our generation can stay Moreover, Obamacare the individual mandate, will down one of the hallways in the school. accurate understanding of the on our parents’ healthcare bill. The sensationalism of the helps in preventing fraud and take effect. Thus, nearly all It’s a common phrase with a universal throughout our college years anti-Obamacare fervor has had making sure our money goes to Americans will be required to meaning: you only live once. and our first few years in a derisive effect on people’s healthcare, not company profits. have health insurance or face a People say “YOLO” all the time, the real world. I find hope in reception to the law. It has The new law provides tools monetary penalty. but I don’t think they really understand knowing that, when we get our clouded people’s judgments, to crack down on Medicare I have laid out many of the the meaning. They interpret it any way and often times they only get first jobs, we will be insured fraud which have already key reforms to the existing convenient for their purpose. They use one side of the story (usually the totaled billions of dollars in through these jobs, too. healthcare system, but over it as an excuse or a reason to justify Obamacare will insure a wrong side.) All too often I have returns to the Medicare Trust the next few years, we will idiotic and reckless actions. You would heard the cries of death-panels nation, and in turn, these insured Fund. Insurance companies are continue to see changes and think that the words “You Only Live of Obamacare and socialism of required to spend 85 percent of improvement brought about by and informed citizens will strive to ensure the next generation of premium dollars on healthcare, Obamacare in the healthcare Once” means “live your life to its full- the Obama administration.

Americans a better future.

I want to help provide a and those companies that do not system. Obamacare is a step est, and you only have one chance at life so don’t screw it up.” Instead people say things like “I just ate five Big Macs, Chick-Fil-A’s Rights to“Traditional” Values YOLO!” or “I just got suspended for Outrageous Outfits at the VMAs In late July there was a controversy surrounding punching someone in the face, YOLO!” Everyone knows MTV’s Video Music Awards are never Chick-Fil-A. In an age where the previous century’s It’s like the teenager’s way of saying boring.

People trend of nuclear families are a dying breed, Dan Carpe Diem, except that some use it to watch it for Cathy, the CEO of Chick-Fil-A, received negamake rash decisions. Instead of being different tive comments on his support of traditional inspiring and uplifting, it has a negative reasons other The Stinger accepts letters, quesfamily values. When asked of his “traditional” connotation. It’s like saying, “I was just then to see tions, and comments to the editor. values, Cathy said,”We are very much supportive reckless and I potentially hurt myself the award of the family-- the biblical definition of the family Letters can be on any topic and and others, but hey, who cares? It’s no ceremony. If unit. We are a family-owned business, a familybig deal.” For some reason, teenagmust be submitted with full name you’re like led business, and we are married to our first wives. ers believe this is an appropriate way me, you like and grade but may be published We give God thanks for that.” of thinking. But I believe we need a with initials. Send all entries to to watch it These remarks raised a firestorm of debate, wakeup call. to see what stingerehs@gmail.com or Room and Cathy’s remarks were blown way out of proportion.

Someone started an “anti-YOLO” crazy outfits 559.

Some went so far as saying, “Chick-Fil-A hates gays.” campaign using a picture of a girl the celebri- The Stinger takes no responsibility A parade of protests broke out-- some boycotting Chick-Fil-A and holding a positive pregnancy test. The ties wear others flooding the doors, applauding Cathy’s firm stance as a caption reads: “Nine months from now for the views of student-contributthroughout champion of traditional values. Naturally, in a Kony-esque fashion, #YOLO just won’t be as cool as you ed opinions. the show. In this died out in a week. The question remains, though, why we are thought it was.” If that’s not the wakesurprised when the CEO of a company that closes on Sundays says the past three up call we need I’m not sure what will years, Lady Gaga that he supports the traditional, biblical values of marriage. Its not be. has stolen the spotlight when it comes to her ridiculous, but like Mr. Cathy said he hates gays, simply that he supported the I don’t understand how “YOLO” creative attire. Nicki Minaj has also managed to biblical definition of marriage. received a negative undertone to begin create an image of an over the top lifesize This is a prime example of how, in this day and age, people with. I mean the message is a pretty Barbie. refuse to see the other side of the argument; they either agree simple one. We should be using it as a with you, or you are a bigot and accused of a hate crime. If you way to better our lives and open new But who really stole the show this year? don’t like Obama, you’re racist. If you don’t support gay marriage, doors rather than screw up the one shot you’re a religious zealot. If you’re not supportive of government we have to make something of ourIt looks like Nicki Minaj took the most risk hand-out programs to the poor, then all of a sudden, you’re pompselves. I mean we all have dreams so by wearing a black lace Versace bodysuit, with ous and greedy. In a few cases, yes, the stereotypes are true-why would we let a stupid little phrase a pattern of red tape. Her yellow hair seemed some people are racists, zealots, or hate the poor. But in most get in the way of achieving them. as if it was colored with a highlighter. Apparcases, it’s not. Everyone has the right of sexuality and religious beSo don’t hop a fence and say ently it was said that her dominatrix cap was liefs, whether you are a devout Christian such as Mr. Cathy or you “YOLO”. Instead, help an old lady with an acceasory stolen straight from Lady Gaga’s are less involved in religious pursuits (or lack thereof) or you wish her groceries-- “YOLO.” Build up the wardrobe.

Nicki Minaj clearly looks up to Gaga’s to marry whoever or whatever you want. Either way, you have your courage and ask your crush on a date-different and outrageous style. freedom of speech in religion, politics, or a myriad of other topics, “YOLO.” Skip the party Saturday night

-Emily Myers and should be able to exercise this right without being jumped on and study for that big test you have on Junior for being a “hater,” simply because your views oppose the other Monday-- “YOLO.” Give someone a party.

-David S. Bailey compliment, or volunteer your time to Junior help those less fortunate-- “YOLO.”

Neil Ren Opinion Contributor

“

”

LETTERS

6

THE STINGER

S e p t e m b e r. 2 0 1 2

OPINION

More reasons to support Libya Ji Han Opinion Editor On Sept. 13, violent protests that erupted across the Islamic world affected U.S. Embassies and franchises in more than 20 countries. Ten Libyans and four Embassy staff, including Ambassador Chris Stevens died as a result of an attack in Benghazi.

Several conservatives motioned for a halt to U.S. aid to Libya as a retribution to such protests. On the House floor, Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) reasoned that the U.S. should “stop spending our Treasury” because the Libyan people do not “appreciate our sacrifice.”

If foreign aid were given on the basis of appreciation, the United States would have little place in the Middle East. It is not to say that Libyans disregard the sacrifice of the U.S. on personnel and funds.

Before his death, Ambassador Stevens had maintained positive relations with locals. The Libyan government promptly apologized and promised to investigate the riots. Moreover, some Libyans have organized counter-demonstrations (not surprisingly ignored by popular media) to support the United States and mourn Stevens’ death.

Monetary aid to Libya is crucial in many ways. The nascent government still

several extremist groups were the jihadist Salafists who have established relations with al-Qaeda.

While it is difficult to deny that the widespread outrage at the anti-Islam video Innocence of Muslims had found the wrong outlet, the fact that the Libyan people need funding remains unchanged.

The U.S. should continue to support Libya so the government can gain stability.

We must continue to provide foreign aid because a successful Libya will reaffirm our powerful international status. And we should offer help at least so that Ambassador Stevens’ work in Libya will not have been built in vain.

must strengthen internal security so that similar protests can be stopped before staged and Salafist sources of funding can be eliminated. After years of gun-torn conflict, Libya must reestablish order and promote democracy.

To withhold aid from the majority for the staged actions of few individuals and some extremist factions is far misguided at best. Attack is not representative of all Libyan people or of all Muslims just as the radical anti-Islamic sentiment of individuals like Sam Bacile and Terry Jones does not portray all Americans’ views on Islam. According to reports, the assault almost certainly involved more than just angry civilians; among

You’re never too old to follow your dreams <3

Dear K-Rod, what is the right age to stop trick or treating?

There is a lot of controversy surrounding the maturity of trick or treating. The answer to your question is never. The proper age to stop trick or treating is the same age you sacrifice bi-pedal movement for a swift roll through the neighborhood. If you can still fit under your bed sheet, you best be poking holes in it and begging for Kit-Kats.

Excluding obesity, if you’re terrified of the judging eyes of old lady Reaman who lives across the street and yells at her tree, wear a mask.

No one ever has to know you asked politely for sweets from people who buy a bowl of them specifically for that purpose. If you claim to be “too mature” to trick or treat, you’re wrong. No one is ever old enough for scrumptious treats.

This is Important Let’s skip the formalities, shall we? Especially since these hooligans gave me some half-page disgrace to spew my thoughts into. This is proposterous. I have to change my classic layout to fit this half-pint crap. All of this so that the sports section could get all of their four faces. It’s blasphemy, I tell you! It’s the middle of September! We’ve had a total of two football games since I’m writing this and only one hockey game. What is there to write about? Soccer? I would hope not.

So anyway, I’m going to omit the welcome-back-to-school nonsense, and get right down to brass tacks. There is a topic that must be addressed and I’m just the person for the job.

Ladies and gentleman, it’s time we talked about...MERMAIDS. You heard it here first, folks. They exist. “Dave, that’s poppycock,” you might say, but I know it. Fact? Yes. Hoax? No. Ridiculous? Well, I wouldn’t have picked this to be my topic at the last minute if it wasn’t. Is there evidence? Oh yeah. It was on TV. These are not lies. Twas featured on Animal Planet’s “Monster Week” more specifically. What more do you need to be convinced? Anything with such an audacious and original title deserves the benefit of the doubt and then some.

Still doubting? Then I guess I’ll whet your appetite with a quick synopsis of the documentary.

It’s set in what seems to be the dark basement of Steven Spielberg’s disowned drunk cousin. One single spotlight on several scientists respectively, and they begin the story. They have a schpeal about how they are doing this against the will of the U.S. Navy and are the first to speak out on this topic. That last part was shocking. I had no knowledge that no one else had ever been concerned about mermaids before. Obviously, my immediate reaction was, “Probably because no one cares,” but oh, how wrong I was.

So, anyway, they go to a beach where a mass beaching of whales has occured. This is an event that is actually 100 percent historically accurate. It is. Ask some teachers. Seriously. They probably don’t know. A team of Navy scientists had an area roped off on the beach and needless to say that curiosity overcame them.

There was this other part (FYI, it’s not my story telling that is making this story jump all over the place, that’s just the well-thought-out plot line) where these kids filmed themselves investigating before anyone got there and there was a was some pile of sea trash that sort of looked like a fecal mold of a shark. You could see a cardboard looking dorsal fin sticking out of the rubbish.

The kid not filming with a Mezozoic Era-esque flip camera proceeds to poke the trash, and a stripped-to-bone hand clenched the sand in a very suspensful fashion. They show this whole scene about 50 times inbetween close up monolgues of the scientists that resemble kidnapping hostage videos.

XOXO, Kevin

Heiney

Hotspot I realize that my rambling is rapidly taking up my disappointingly short page and it’s time I wrap up my tantalizing summary of the worst funded “film” anyone will ever see. So aside from what I’ve already said, the scientists find some evidence and the Navy takes it all away. The scientists try to get the word out about it, but the Navy shuts them up.

Finally, the Navy shuts down a website the scientists put up. The Navy is a pretty horrible cop-out in my opinion. Nobody wants to doubt it though, because who wants to go against the Navy? They killed Bin Laden, they wouldn’t have a problem tactically silencing some conspiritionalists.

Anyway, boys and girls, the point is, despite all the nonsensical shenanigans and horrible budgeting, I’m convinced mermaids are real. You may say, “Dave, have you just wasted minutes of my life for the second time?” I assure that I have not. Not only is my article so short that it barely constitutes as “minutes of your life” but I’m also writing this for the sake of the mermaids. If I made the film out to seem fanastic, everyone would watch it. If everyone watched it, everyone would be convinced of mermaids’ existence. If everyone was convinced, the mermaids would be poached or some nonsense because people will say crap like,“I’ve always wanted to know what mermaid tasted like,” because we as a nation will eat anything that moves. Actually, more so we eat anything that we think used to move at one point in time.

So, don’t watch it. Don’t even try. You should go talk to Mrs. Kimberly Kneller of the Oceanography department, for she has debunked my theories many-a-times. In fact, she leads into conversations with me by saying,“No, mermaids aren’t real.”

I have zero room left, my beloved readers. So, in a word...

Peace

Questions or concerns?

Talk to someone else. It’s not my problem and I don’t really care.

F E A T U R E S

THE STINGER|

7

September 2012

M A N A G I N G E D I T O R S O P H I E B E A N S E C T I O N E D I T O R M O L LY Y O U N G

NOW FEATURING What

Class of 2013: Did YOU Do This Summer?

So & Mo

Christian Urrutia

By: Molly Young

I lay on a bed consisting of an unforgiving mattress, scratchy sheets, and bed rails; the monitor beeps a steady beat. Steadily, a slow burning spreads through my veins as a chill creeps across my skin. I pray that this strange sensation will end shortly; soon, a nurse should enter my room to administer another dose of morphine.

Minutes pass, and the fire grows and the iciness drops below zero. The skin on my spine feels ripped open and my spinal cord attempts to break the newly implanted rods.

I hear persistent screaming, but I soon realize that the unbearable noises escape from my throat. I plead for someone to come stop the complete sensory overload. I long to search for the nurse, but I do not know how to operate my new spine just yet.

Hours seem to pass as the pain intensity builds and then fades; my eyelids unclench and open to see a nurse standing over me.

That is what it feels like to be completely at the mercy of another human. You see, we all have ‘that moment’ in life where everything comes into perspective; ‘that moment’ which brings clarity to our lives.

Personally, before my operation, I could be described as one who takes their life for granted.’

I never once stepped back to look at the blessings in my life; for example, I viewed the abilities of walking, talking, seeing, hearing as rights as opposed to privileges.

And above all, I genuinely believed that I held the world in the palm of my hand, and I was invincible.

At the age of 12, I was diagnosed with scoliosis; as I aged, the curve in my spine increased 40 degrees and rotated 60 degrees, which pulled my shoulder and back out of alignment, rendering my right shoulder useless.

Fortunately, this operation fixed not only my malformed spine, but also, my malformed perception.

Recovery required assistance in all aspects of typical daily life: walking, showering, eating, sitting, and standing. During this time, I learned how lucky I am to have clean air in my lungs and fresh grass beneath my feet. Materialistic aspects did not seem to matter after having to relearn the basic mechanics of my body. To have even survived the surgery is a blessing, but due to the fact that my spinal cord is straight, I can’t help but appreciate my life.

Unfortunately, it took me years to have this epiphany, but now I can’t help but appreciate everything. I just wish that we could all have this kind of revelation. I can’t even count how many times a day I walk down the hallway of this school and hear someone complain about their privileged life.

All I’m trying to say is we all need to appreciate the gifts we have in our life: our cars, our electricity, our talents, our gifts, our healthy bodies, our food, our community, our friends, our family, our school. The things we have in life aren’t our rights; they are our privileges. Don’t waste time worrying about trivial things, and learn to love your life in the time that you have.

This summer I went to Carnegie Mellon University for six weeks to take two courses, Economics and Philosophy of Religion, taught by college professors free of charge. While there, I stayed in the dorms, had a roommate, sang in an a capella group, wrote term papers, and took midterm and final exams. I basically lived as a college student for six weeks. Although I was taking college courses, there were other students there who were designing video games, performing in the musical theater program, and composing pieces as composition majors. I met some really amazing people through the program and had an amazing time, all while earning college credit. It’s weird to think that, even though I’m still only a senior in high school, I already have a college transcript and have formed relationships with professors at an extremely successful university.

Shauna Poling I went to Alaska with Mr. Mihalik and the National Parks Club.

It was awesome. We did a lot. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. We were in Anchorage, Girdwood, Seward, and Denali for about two weeks. It absolutely made this summer more memorable than others. I plan on working there in the summers. There are openings being a kayak guide, so I’m going to look into that.

Isaiah Zukowski I worked as an unpaid intern for Organizing for America, the President’s reelection campaign for the entirety of my summer. From it I’ve gained incredible experiences that more than make up for the lack of income. I talked with people from all different ages and creeds, organized big events, and made something to the tune of 5,000 phone calls. The job gave me a valuable skill set, and it was an excellent way to spend my summer.

Finn Hobson

This summer I got the fortune to travel to Italy and experience the Olympic games in London first hand. We flew to Palermo, Sicily, on the 14th of June. As soon as we arrived, we proceeded to the marina where we were going to pick up the boat. We spent seven days and seven nights on the boat. Throughout the week, we sailed out into the Mediterranean and around the Aeolian Islands.

Stromboli was my favorite island because of its unique feature, a giant volcano. The island is completely a volcano and the town is located on one of the slopes of it. We carried on with our sailing trip, meeting so many locals and attempting to communicate with them with the very little Italian we knew. The geography was beautiful and unforgettable. This was our tenth sailing trip, our first to Italy, and by far, one of the best. The other major event of my summer was experiencing the Olympic games. We stayed with my uncle who lived just a few minutes from the heart of London. The nationalism and pride for Team GB was everywhere. The amount of people was ridiculous and it was fun to mix with people from all around the world that are all brought together for one thing. I got to see a few Olympic events and participated in many street BBQ parties. I will never forget these Olympic games and I hope I will be able to have this experience again in Brazil in 2016.

Continued on Page 8

F E A T U R E S

8

THE STINGER | September 2012

Class of 2013: What Did YOU Do This Summer?

Lacy Wood I went to do a pre-college program at Pratt Institute located in Brooklyn, New York. I studied art and my major was Photography. I was there from the beginning of July to August 3. I lived on campus in a dorm and got a real college experience. Every day, except for weekends, I up at 9 a.m., went to my classes, and studied art. My last class ended at 4:50 p.m. and and I got about an hour break. Then I went back to the art rooms and photography labs to work on assignments that we’re given to us. I finally got to go back to my dorm around 10 p.m. If I was lucky, I got to go to bed by 11 p.m., but most of the time I didn’t go to sleep until 2 a.m. I worked really hard while I was there because I wanted to prove to the school that they made the right choice in choosing me for their summer program. I’m also lucky enough to have parents that support me and I wanted to make them proud as well. And on the last day, there was an art show where we got to display all of our art work that we had been working on. My parents got to see everything and it was rewarding to see that all the time you spent working on assignments was worth something.

Mike Rachman I spent the month of July with the National Outdoor Leadership School in the Wind River Range of Wyoming. It’s south of Yellowstone National Park. For the 28 days I lived without a cell phone, a roof over my head, or a toilet. We hiked an average of eight miles a day with weights up to 50 lbs. on my back. I’ve always liked being outside but I guess I just wanted to test how much I really liked it you know? And I found out that I do really like it that much. It was pretty crazy coming back to civilization. The same day I got out of the mountains I was in the Denver airport to go home. And seeing thousands of people was quite different compared with only seeing 12 people for a month. I would do it again in a heartbeat and I’m actually considering teaching them as a career option now.

Andrew Kerson Our preseason schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a scrimmage on Saturday. Double sessions may be tough, but we all know they are essential to prepare for the season. It gives us the opportunity to put the pads on and get ready. After preparing all summer and off season, we are also excited to get back in action. Thoughts on the season: Strong start, and we have to improve every week. We are preparing and excited to go out every Friday ready to play.

The nest is back Sophie Bean Features Editor

Throughout the Lehigh Valley, high school students recognize that Freedom High School’s Riot Squad stands out as a loyal and vocal group of fans.

And this year, it seems, Emmaus High School is determined to follow the Bethlehem school’s lead as students try to gain as many supporters at football games and other events to increase school morale and spirit.

The senior class, as well as the other student classes, strives to participate and get into the spirit of being a Hornet.

Although this desire always existed, there is a fresh and universal drive amongst Emmaus students to display their pride. But why is there such a push this year to get the entire student body involved and enthused about school events?

Seniors seem to be spearheading the push for Emmaus pride this year, which is obvious with the use of social media websites, like Facebook and Twitter, to incite the spirit among students.

Last year’s class created the “Hornet Nest I” on Facebook in order to inform all of the classes of sporting events, spirit days, and other school functions.

Senior Finn Hobson reincarnated the group as the “Hornet Nest II” on Facebook and expanded it to Twitter.

“I feel like the Facebook group really gets everyone on the same page.

It makes it much easier for us to contact each other, and all the details of the games and school events are easy to

access,” Hobson said.

With this forum available and open to all grades, everyone is able to get involved. By opening the group to all classes, the Hornet Nest II unifies the students and fuels school pride without permitting division between different grades. That way, students of all grades, not just seniors, can become a part of the buzz.

“I think it would be cool if we got each grade together during games, kind of like Freedom’s Riot Squad,” said junior Zobaku Acholonu.

“It would definitely make games more enjoyable and we would really support our athletes.”

Many seniors, like Class of 2013 President Katie Thomas, are determined to make this year as memorable as possible with the rest of their classmates.

“This is the last hoorah for us seniors,” Thomas said. “We are the top dogs now, so it would be great if we really get everyone united to represent our school.”

With the beginning of the school year comes the beginning of football season. Although football is by no means the only high school sport, it is undoubtedly the most attended. At least that is how it has always been, although this year might be the year to change that.

In previous years, the seniors as a whole attempted to lead the student section by just yelling out cheers that some students picked up on, but most did not. This left the student section disunited.

However, this year, senior Gabe Shankweiler has taken it upon himself to fill the Hornet Nest II with cheers and chants, so that all of the students may watch and learn them. Additionally, during the games, he effectively notifies all the rows of the chant he wishes to perform; some of these chants require the entire student section to move as one.

According to Shankweiler, one of the primary goals of the group is to continue school spirit and game attendance throughout the entire school year.

“It [attendance at school events] will definitely continue throughout the year,” said Shankweiler. “We have already gotten big turnouts at some of the soccer and volleyball games. Some people have already asked me if they could lead the Hornet’s Nest during basketball season. But I think with the amount of spirit and pride we have, the Hornet’s Nest is going to make a lot more appearances.”

Hobson, Shankweiler, and other contributors to the Hornet Nest II have already come up with plenty of ideas on how to come together as a school and prove to other Lehigh Valley Conference teams that Emmaus has the most student pride.

Some of these ideas include color-themed football games like a blackout or pink-out, performing rehearsed cheers and chants, wearing masks to psych out the other teams, and simply being the loudest and proudest section.

Even faculty members are

jumping on the school pride bandwagon.

“My goal for this year is to really bring the school together as a whole, to come out and have each grade together to really support the athletes and the entire school,” senior class Assistant Principal Sally Hanzlik said. “You kids should still be able to have fun and be respectful toward the staff, families, and each other.”

The Hornet Nest II was created with the intention of drawing bigger crowds to games, but also to root for the home team.

Senior Kj Meade, a guard for the varsity football team, notices the benefits of having a supportive student section during games.

“It has a huge positive effect on us. We look forward to Fridays not only because of the game, but also to see hundreds of fans-- not only seniors, but all classes,” Meade said.

Meade and his fellow football players plan to return the same support to other teams that they received during their season.

“We definitely want to go support other teams since so many people support us. We want to do our part, too,” Meade said.

Just as the football players intend to follow other sports throughout the school year, so does the rest of the student section. This year, thanks in part to the Hornet Nest II, students look forward to a year packed with school pride.

Watch out Riot Squad, here come the Hornets.

Additional reporting by Destiny Nagle and Gabrielle Turocy.

9

THE STINGER September 2012

CULTURE

CULTURE

MANAGING EDITOR ABBEY PUDLINER S E C T I O N E D I T O R E M M A WA N G

Dil

EM

MA

s

The Importance of Being Cultured

By: Emma Wang

Owl City: The Midsummer Station Review By: Emma Wang Owl City released its new album, “The Midsummer Station,” on Aug. 21.

This album differs from previous albums because Adam Young revamps his familiar electronic sound by introducing a pop flare. This change, although unexpected, will still make “The Midsummer Station” a hoot among Owl City fans.

Kicking off the album is “Dreams and Disasters.” This typical Owl City song contains thought-provoking lyrics and subtle steady beats harmonizing with Adam Young’s sweet up-beat singing. Even though it’s so normal of Adam Young, it’s a great way to start off the album.

This album has several two tracks, “Gold” and “Shooting Star”, that seem to encourage individual thinking and the album also promotes that each person has something important to do or say. “Gold” has a message similar to “Shooting Star” but the two songs vary in musical sound.

“Gold” has more of an electronic feel, and “Shooting Star” has a pop beat to it.

The fourth song on the album, “Dementia” features Mark Hoppus from Blink 182. The lyrics to this song are mainly oxymorons used to describe the war inside oneself. This song has a great beat and

it’s worth listening to because of the sound and lyrics.

“I’m Coming After You” is one song that sticks out as different from the other songs. This song has some electronic and pop elements that mix very well. It’s upbeat and it’s also a good example of Adam Young’s clever lyrics. He uses the idea of a criminal on the loose as a girl who’s stolen his heart, and calls himself a police officer who’s after her. While it’s cliché, the music that accompanies the lyrics makes it a fun, crowd-pleasing song.

Another song full of electronic sound, is “Speed of Love”. This song has the greatest amount of electronic noise and it’s very traditional of Young’s previous music.

It’s very catchy and you’ll be singing it for hours after hearing it only once.

“Good Time,” featuring Carly Rae Jepsen, is a very positive song with a good beat and more of pop sound. If you didn’t like “Call Me Maybe” and you’re deciding to judge Carly Rae Jepsen based on that, I’d give this song a listen and maybe your opinion of her will change.

“Embers” inspires those who hear it to continue through the hard times because there will always be a light at the end of

the tunnel for them to have joy in. It’s entirely a pop song, and there is little to no electronic influence in it.

The album’s slow song is “Silhouette.” It has a beautiful piano introduction before Young begins singing, and the piano continues through the song softly playing a soothing line that works well with the vocals. It’s a slow, sad song, but it’s definitely a must-listen for this album.

Young had to have one song on the album that had a confusing message and lyrics that couldn’t be understood right away and that song is “Metropolis.” It’s fairly upbeat and it’s just a positive fun song.

“Blonde Bombshell” is the most electronically influenced song on the album.

This song has to be the best song on the album because it’s honest and clever. It’s also very catchy and a listener will have it stuck in their head and find themselves tapping out the beat constantly. You can’t listen to it just once.

This album is a must-have accessory for Owl City fans and electronic listeners alike by introducing a heap of new songs with a variety of great sounds and powerful lyrics.

Movie Reviews:

Hit and Run By: Abbey Pudliner “Hit and Run” invites you to hop in and take shot gun for your ride into this full throttle action-packed romantic comedy.

The plot follows Yul Perrkins, starring Dax Sheppard, as an ex-getaway driver who assumes the name of Charlie Bronson under witness protection. His girlfriend of one year, Annie Bean, portrayed by Kristen Bell, gets the opportunity of a lifetime which forces the pair to leave the safety of their small town. This windy road of the couple’s risk-all trip to Los Angeles for the sake of Bean’s dream job will have you on the edge of your seat.

The action first revs its engine when the couple has a head-on collision with Charlie’s past. Three ex-fugitives, a nitwit U.S. Marshall with two misfit police officers, and Bean’s desperate ex, form a ragtag band all in hot pursuit of the couple. Rated-R witty banter paired with muscle cars and some awkward run-ins will not leave you disappointed, despite some hit and miss reviews.

So buckle up, and enjoy the ride.

The Possession By: Abbey Pudliner In the daylight, I foresee “The Possession” to come off as a laughable matter with its demon being nothing short of the crawling, rehashed version of Gollum from “Lord of the Rings.”

However, I dare you to turn off the lights and live vicariously through the father as he watches his darling little girl morph into this demonic being. ”The Possession,” based off a true story, will terrify viewers, not by the plot but with its multiple aerial shots, choppy scene transitions, and home movieesque filming. Considering it is a Jewish knock-off of “The Exorcist,” it is just your average, run-of-themill horror flick.

As we begin the new school year, we need to take an honest look at ourselves and find areas for improvement. I see one that stands out. When I survey my peers, I notice that we need to regain our individuality and our culture.

Our hallways are filled with clones.

Everyone looks the same. We all wear the same clothes. The same cut of jeans.

The same blouse from American Eagle.

The same flat-ironed hairstyle. And the same terrible pair of high black Nike socks with the same Adidas slides. Think about it. It is sickening. What is the world going to be like when everyone is the same?

Roughly 10 percent of Emmaus’ student population is made up of the few students who actually have culture and are proud of their differences.They are the ones who look different, talk different, and act different. They’re also the ones who are most often picked on and bullied-bullied because they have the strength to be different and embrace it.

The only thing that even hints at diversity is physical ethnic characteristics, which are few and far between. These beautiful, often overlooked differences many strive to cover up.

What happened to the ethnic diversity that leads to culture? Ignorance seems to be the problem. The few ignorant people who mock differences take away the diversity. They mold today’s teenagers to all look, talk, and act the same. Their looks of disgust scream, “If you don’t look like this, talk like this, or act like this, then you’re worth nothing to me or to the world.” That is not the worst of it though. Teenagers have lost contact with their culture because they are too scared even to hint at it because of their mocking peers. I think that we should all flaunt our culture because it is what makes us unique.

According to Coco Chanel, “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.”

Coco Chanel is one of my favorite fashion designers and a great inspiration to me (Notice, how I said my inspiration, not my idol). I think that is what differentiates the clones from the cultured.

The cultured can take different ideas and styles from a variety of people and then, combine them to come up with his or her own unique style but if we idol someone and do everything just like they do, then we’re just like them.

But, honestly, who gets anywhere if they’re always copying others? No one.

Without unique characteristics, each person is easily replaceable like Chanel said.

Individuals leave the greatest imprint on society because they simply cannot be replaced. In order to stand out from the masses, you need to have those little quirks and interests that others might not have or might find weird.

From this crowd of clones, I urge you to indulge in your individuality. Embrace who you are. The men and women who made it into your history textbooks ended up there because they were different and they had different opinions. In some cases they risked their lives; other just had seemingly radical ideas at the time but they were true to themselves (and ended up succeeding). If that means you are going to get picked on, so be it.

Don’t let the ignorance of certain groups hold you back because seriously, they aren’t worth it.

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THE STINGER September 2012

CULTURE

11

C O V E R I N G A L L Y O U R P L AY I N G F I E L D S

SPORTS

Price trains with EHS student, makes U.S. Olympics gymnastics Terence Cawley Sports Editor The 2012 Summer Olympic Games, which were held in London from July 27-Aug. 12, featured an athlete with local ties: Elizabeth Price, who was an alternate for the U.S. gymnastics team.

As an alternate, Price went to Birmingham, England, where she continued training in case she needed to compete. The U.S. gymnastics team won a total of six medals, three of them gold, a total second only to China’s eight medals and four golds. Though Price did not get a chance to compete in London, her experience was still remarkable.

“It felt surreal, honestly,” Price said in an exclusive interview with the Stinger. “I couldn’t believe I was going to the Olympics. And after it sunk in that I was going to London, I realized that I’d be one of the youngest competitors there…that made me realize how much I’ve accomplished in such little time.”

Despite the pressure of possibly having to represent her home country in the world’s most important gymnastics competition, Price maintained incredible composure.

“Traveling to Birmingham, I was a little on edge because I could be called to replace a teammate of mine at any second, and I’d need to be 100 percent ready,” Price said. “But at the same time, I was excited because I was at the Olympics, and I was a part of the Games.”

According to Price’s official website, she is 16 years old and currently lives in Coopersburg, PA. Price trains at Parkettes National Gymnastics Training Center, a nationally renowned gymnastics club based in Allentown, where she trains nearly 40 hours a week with a team of five coaches. Two of her coaches, Bill and Donna Strauss, co-founded Parkettes

in the early 1960’s. Many gymnasts who have trained with Parkettes have become Junior Olympic and US National Champions, including four Olympians beside Price. The most recent Parkette to compete in the Olympics, Kristen Maloney, won a bronze medal for the U.S. at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

Price acknowledges that Parkettes has had a crucial role in launching her gymnastics career.

“I’ve spent my entire gymnastics career at Parkettes and I’ve grown to appreciate it as a second home,” Price said. “All my teammates and coaches have helped me reach where I am today, and to me they’re all family. Without their support, I never would’ve made it this far.”

EHS senior Heather Kern has known Price for about eight years through Par- Olympic gymnast Elizabeth Price in action. Photo courtesy of lehighvalleykettes, where Kern trained for nine years. live.com She has nothing but high praise for Price.

“Elizabeth was always the hardest Price’s parents enrolled her in her first time’s worth of achievements, Price hopes worker out of everyone on the team,” gymnastics class at the age of three, and to accomplish much more in the coming Kern said. “She was also always the stron- within five years, she was competing and years. gest. She would always try so hard, and it placing at the Parkette Invitational. Since “My goals for the future are to get paid off. Elizabeth, or ‘Ebee’ as we would then, she has continued steadily moving back into my regular rhythm of training call her, is one of the nicest girls I know up the levels (gymnasts progress through so that next year, I’ll be ready to compete from Parkettes.” a series of 12 levels, starting with levels at the multiple competitions lined up for Not every athlete gets the chance to one through 10 and culminating with Ju- next year, including the gymnastics World train with an Olympian, and Kern certain- nior Elite and Senior Elite, Price’s current Championship,” Price said. ly seems grateful for the experience. level). Price earned a spot on the U.S. JuIt is this constant struggle to build upon “It’s pretty cool to know an Olym- nior National team in 2010 and has only her successes which inspires Price to purpian,” Kern said. “Especially since she is continued earning accolades since then. In sue gymnastics with such love and dedicaso down to earth and nice to anyone she 2012 alone, Price finished first on vault, tion. meets.” uneven bars, floor exercise, and all-around “What I enjoy most about gymnastics Price’s presence also had an inspiring at the Parkette Invitational, qualified for is the challenges it brings,” Price said. effect on Kern. the Senior U.S. National Team with her “The fact that there’s always more to learn “Being at Parkettes and being around performance at the VISA Championships and accomplish drives me to continue in such amazing gymnasts like Price was in St. Louis, and earned her U.S. Olympics the sport. And not only that, but also being motivation for me to be better and be as alternate position at the U.S. Olympic Tri- able to work through each day of practice good as the other gymnasts one day,” Kern als in San Jose, CA. with some of my best friends right there said.

While she has already gained a life- with me keeps me loving what I do.”

Girls’ soccer team switches to fall season

Bri Basile Photo Editor

This year, the Emmaus girls’ soccer team hopes to continue to achieve success in the District XI fall season.

The girls’ soccer team has a tradition of success, with four district titles and eight Lehigh Valley Conference titles. District XI, which includes the Lehigh Valley Conference, has traditionally always held its girls’ soccer season in the spring. This year, however, District XI switched to the fall season to play with the rest of Pennsylvania.

Assistant coach Sara Oswald believes that switching to the fall season is a positive thing for the program.

“Changing from the spring season to the fall allows for Pennsylvania as a whole to have stronger competition because everyone is finally playing at the same time,” Oswald said.

The girls’ soccer team will compete against opponents whom they have never been able to compete against before, due to the separation of seasons within the state. With every team in Pennsylvania competing in the fall, the state will crown one girls’ PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscho-

lastic Athletic Association) champion.

Prior to this year, the state crowned separate champions for the fall and spring seasons.

The transition to the fall season has sparked change in the Lady Hornets’ schedule. The team started preseason in the August heat instead of the cold weather of March. The players also participated in preseason two-a-days for the first time in their season.

Senior forward Kelsey Bacon acknowledges the change in seasons.

“It was weird with the temperature change and having double practices, but it was also good having back-to-back seasons because it was just like we took a quick break and picked back up to where we left off last season,” Bacon said.

Senior keeper Katie Thomas also commented on the changes.

“Part of me is excited about this extended season, but it’s taken some getting used to. I’m so used to the end of school aligning with the end of my soccer season; it’s going to be weird being done with soccer and still having more than a semester

The Emmaus girls’ soccer team has been practicing for their upcoming fall season. Photo courtesy of emmaussoccer.com. left at Emmaus,” Thomas said.

This spring, the girls’ team finished with a 12-7 record, earning the title of Lehigh Valley Conference semifinalists before getting eliminated in the quarterfinals of the District XI playoffs. This year’s team will seek leadership from two senior

captains, midfielder Meghan Paradise and fullback Esther Younger.

Even though the team’s players are going through a major transition, they still maintain the same goals: to win the Lehigh Valley Conference, District XI, and the PIAA State title.

The Stinger

12

September 2012

Emmaus Football: Fall 2012 Season Preview Steve Gudonis Sports Editor Coming off an offseason filled with adversity, the Emmaus Football team is striving for a successful season.

In 2011, The Hornets finished 5-5 overall (4-5 in the Lehigh Valley Conference). They picked up their victories against Parkland, Bethlehem Catholic, Allen, Dieruff, and Germantown.

Head Coach Joe Bottiglieri is entering his 11th year coaching, with a 66-45 career record. Bottiglieri, also known as “Coach Bott,” is very impressed with this year’s squad.

“This year’s team works hard, and is very enthusiastic,” said Bottiglieri.

Bottiglieri retired from teaching following this past school year, allowing him to focus on his passion, coaching football.

“I am able to devote more time to football since I am not teaching,” said Bottiglieri.

The team and team personnel have gone through major changes. Seniors have graduated, and coaches and players have moved onto other programs.

Despite the distractions, the squad has stepped up and dealt with the adversity.

Senior offensive guard Kj Meade sad, “The seniors have accepted our leadership role pretty well, considering the circumstances.”

Meade added, “We’ve dealt with the circumstances, and we have juniors that have stepped up.”

“Our new players are adjusting quite well to being thrust into new po-

sitions and starting roles,” said Bottiglieri. “I am most impressed with our players are handling their responsibilities and adversity.”

“The seniors on the team plan on making this year memorable.”

-Kj Meade, Senior

The Hornets are off to an impressive start this season, starting 3-0 after commanding victories against Germantown, Bethlehem Catholic, and Central Catholic.

Sophomore Tom Bisco has scored five touchdowns in the first three games, four coming on the ground, and one on a 78-yard fumble return.

Senior Kicker Dalton Landis has contributed 22 points on field goals and point after attempts combined.

Senior Travis Kulp scored a touchdown on a 32-yard interception return, as well as returning a blocked punt for a 21-yard touchdown.

As for the remainder of the season, the seniors plan on making this year very memorable. The team’s goals are to have a winning season, make the playoffs, and win a championship.

Top, the Hornets getting pumped up. Bottom, a play in action. Photos courtesy of Bri Basile .

Seniors Micah Fick #55

Dalton Landis #28

Dan Flick #13

Jake Maehrer #22

Francisco Garcia #69

KJ Meade #56

Ethan Hovanic #59

Kevin Nguyen #41

Gonzolo Hurtado #35

JT Ruggiero #75

Prosper Jolo #7

Kyle Schaffer #58

Andrew Kerson #15

Mike Winter #40

Nick Kerson #81

Fantasy Football: Traditional Fan Killer?

Steve Gudonis Sports Editor I will admit that I am addicted to fantasy football. I buy the magazines, read the online blogs, listen to the podcasts, and so on and so forth. I am often asked the question, “Who’s your favorite NFL team,” and I get an odd look when I respond, “Don’t have one, I root for whoever is on my fantasy team.”

I answered that question recently, and it got me thinking. I thought about how much I have changed as a fan. Years ago, I was a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan.

Although I still support them, I am not attached to the franchise like I used to be. Why? The answer is simple: fantasy football.

This year, I am a part of multiple buyin leagues, in which the league champion wins a cash prize.

Participants in these leagues could potentially win hundreds of dollars. Ask yourself, would you rather win hundreds of dollars (while rubbing your league championship win in the face of your friends, family, and co-workers), or would you rather watch your team win? Tough call.

Fantasy football encourages fans to root for players on rival teams. An example would be if you’re a Giants fan, but you’re starting Eagles running back LeSean McCoy. The Giants are facing the Eagles on Sunday Night Foot-

ball, in a pivotal NFC East battle. What is your mindset?

I can probably guess what you’re thinking right now.

You’re thinking, “I want the Giants to destroy the Eagles, but I want LeSean McCoy to have a huge game.”

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

Could you imagine saying that 15 years ago? People would think you were crazy.

A lot has changed in the NFL in the past decade. The state of the league has changed, the game has changed, but most of all, the fans have changed. The traditional NFL fan, whether they are sitting on their couch at home screaming at the quarterback or in the

stadium sporting face paint, accessories, and the popular jersey, is changing. While they may be watching the game and rooting for their team, the opposing team’s superstar is making or breaking their week in fantasy.

It would be silly to think that this doesn’t go through the fans’ minds. While fantasy football may not be “killing” the traditional NFL fans, these fans are certainly adapting how they view the game.

Photo courtesy of freefantasyfootballpicks.com