September 2019

THE STINGER

September 2019 Volume 45

@stinger.ehs @stingerehs

Issue 1

@StingerEHS

Illustration by Norah Sheehan.

Emmaus Electronic Equality

1:1 Chromebook initiative completed as new school year begins Taylor Barkis News Editor High schools across the nation are searching for innovative ways to incorporate technology into learning, and Emmaus High School is no exception.

In the 2017-18 school year, all freshmen and sophomores received new Chromebooks, and teachers and students were eager to embody them into the high school experience. With the Chromebooks, teachers can easily share websites and information with students, making them feel more hands-on in their education.

For the 2019-20 school year, the East Penn School District provided Chromebooks for all EHS grade levels.

English teacher Stu Speicher believes that Chromebooks will positively change the way teachers instruct, especially with all grade levels included now.

“It’s exciting, the opportunities [Chromebooks are] gonna bring to the classroom and I think it’s going to improve the situations in school, considering all grades... have Chromebooks now opposed to just the underclassmen,” Speicher says. “I think there was a little bit of negativity last year that some grades had Chromebooks and some grades did not, so I think they’re finally happy that all grades have them.”

Even though not all students had their own schoolissued laptop last year, some EHS teachers attempted to adapt to the new additions. These teachers would either obtain extra laptops or iPads for that class period or give students without Chromebooks the activity on paper.

Despite the positive aspects, having personal laptops creates room for error and distractions as an abundance of problems arise. Trusting teenagers to carry computers around all day where they can get dropped, slammed, or ruined from drinks is overwhelming. Another issue is if teachers are using them for everything, every day then teachers stop teaching because they will rely on Chrome-

5

Op-ed: student section Twitter posts front row list

books too much.

Senior Billy Maroun believes that sooner or later technology is going to make its way into schools across the nation.

“This is unavoidable that everyone’s going to get absorbed into technology,” Maroun says. “So it is what it is, but I feel that they shouldn’t take away the part of lectures and all that and everything shouldn’t be on a computer one day.”

The Association for Talent Development stated in an article about varied types of learning, that individuals perform better when taught using paper rather than screens. When information is read through a screen, the brain has a more difficult time comprehending and remembering it. ATD professionals believe that having text in landscape format is more difficult to read because the brain gets distracted. Other factors like eye strain and navigation of screen information can also impact one’s learning. On websites, you’re unable to skim the page without scrolling down and revisiting other pages, so work such as annotating comes with a greater extent of difficulty.

Maroun believes that using technology rather than paper is detrimental to his learning.

“Chromebooks are damaging the way we learn,” Maroun says. “I’ve always grown up learning without technology and it’s kind of easier that way. I feel like I’m less focused looking at a screen and more focused looking at a teacher write things on the board.”

Senior Fionnúir Ní Chochlain believes that despite the initial resistance felt by students, many also learned to work with and appreciate them.

“I think originally people were very apprehensive about it the first day,” Ní Chochlain says. “Everyone was like ‘give them back,’ but I’ve seen a fair amount of students using them in class and they’ve been very useful,

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Seniors offer guidance to new freshmen

STINGEREHS.COM

at least for me.”

School districts across the United States have begun to assign homework for students to complete on days with no school, such as snow days. Though none of these days have occurred yet, some teachers have begun planning snow day assignments now that every student has a personal computer. Districts believe that if they have implemented the money for students to have personal computers, they might as well put them to use for snow or out-of-school days. The East Penn School District built five snow days into the school calendar, but if teachers assign homework during the used snow days, then the makeup days would not be necessary.

Chromebook equality for all EHS students will inevitably change the way students will complete homework and learn this year.

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Polled via Twitter.

Football team supports freshman fan

News 2

THE STINGER

SEPTEMBER 2019

Sophomore receives inventive patent

Heather Fabritze News Editor Emmaus High School sophomore Hayden Schmidt received a patent through the Young Inventors Program at the Da Vinci Science Center, as well as a potential licensing deal, which all started with the baffling matter of circuit breakers in his home.

For an electrical problem in the Schmidt household, figuring out which of the many breakers controlled the circuit proved to be a difficult, strenuous process.

Eventually, his father offhandedly mentioned that “it would be cool” if Hayden could invent something that could potentially solve their problem, and that’s exactly what he did.

EHS senior Arthur Schmidt, Hayden’s brother, also received a patent. Arthur developed the software for the invention, and Hayden designed the rest. “[The invention is] basically just a new field communication tag, which is like a small circuit with an antenna that stores information,” Hayden said.

“There’s tags on a piece of plastic that just sits on top of the outlet behind the cover plate. So when you hold your phone up to it… your phone receives a signal from the tag and the information stored on the tag opens up a webpage on your phone with all of the information that you can program on the tag.”

The information on the tag tells the user which circuit breaker turns on which switch. It also shows pictures of the outlets they correlate to.

The Schmidt family has been extensively using the invention since its creation.

“Right now we have it installed in our whole house, which took a while because the electrical system is very messed up,” Hayden said. “The house was added onto several times, so there’s, I think, five different circuit-breaker panels which [are] probably about how many there are on [the English floor] of the school. It’s pretty confusing, so installing that helps a lot now that it’s been put in place.”

Hayden joined the Young Inventors Program because of Arthur’s influence as he had participated in the program before. The program cultivates innovative skills in fifth to eighth grade students, while also exploring the invention process. The presenter who wins first place in the showcase at the end of the year receives help from the center in submitting an application for a provisional patent. Hayden won the 2017 the

showcase.

Hayden describes the beginnings of the patent process as being unique to each person. The remainder of the process is more generalized.

“We got the provisional application, which holds your place with the patent office for a year until you can file the actual Hayden Schmidt, a sophoapplication,” Hayden more, was awarded a patent. said. “So basically, Photo by Meliha Anthony. when you have an idea, anybody else can file an application for the idea before you do, which would mean that you can’t get a patent because it has ‘already been invented’ then. So you want to get the provisional application in as soon as possible so that it holds your place in the office and you can get the real thing.”

When submitting the full application following the provisional application, it’s recommended that it be specific but general enough that it covers what you want it to. The full application is required to be sent in within a year of the provisional application’s submission. After this, it is either accepted or rejected. Those who are rejected can request a discussion surrounding their refusal, but it is not guaranteed that the result will change.

Hayden himself has two patents so far and a potential licensing deal. Ideal Industries, a manufacturing company that deals with electric objects and telecommunications, saw an article published about Hayden in The Morning Call. They reached out to him with an interest in manufacturing his invention.

Hayden hopes that this deal could help him with any plans he may have in the future, as well as receiving funds that can make up for the vacation money they used to apply for the patents.

“I think it’ll help with college applications and… jobs, interviews,” Hayden said. “It’s just a cool thing to be able to have a patent.”

Hornet’s Nest swarms to new location Eleanor Creelman Features Editor Emmaus High School’s store, the Hornet’s Nest, migrated from a closet-sized space near the cafeteria to room 519 to expand its venture.

Advisor Jayne Espenshade decided that moving the store would benefit the student body and gain exposure for merchandise. Espenshade regarded the upgrade as a vision she’s pursued since being relocated to the wing above the main office.

The Hornet’s Nest nearly “quadrupled” in size, according to senior Jazeel Cruz who works at the store.

Espenshade teaches a variety of classes at Emmaus, including Introduction To Business, Marketing One and Two, and School Store One and Two. “Me and my department head, Brent Haley, at the time-- he and I put together almost like a Shark Tank

sales pitch to [Principal Katie Kieres] and some vice principals,” Espenshade said. “And we pretty much sold them on moving the space to the [Student Assistant Program] room.”

The Hornet’s Nest offers a variety of school spirited paraphernalia, ranging from Emmaus themed sweatshirts and tees, to green and gold school supplies. Although prior to the transition, the store received a daily average of 50 kids, Espenshade is hoping the number “increases significantly.”

School Store One and Two are the classes offered to all grades for a half credit, where students learn management and retail skills, and work alongside Espenshade to run the small business. It’s available for use when they have study halls or during lunch periods, but is closed on Mondays.

The set-up of the new school store offers more merchandise to patrons. Photo by Aidan “Scoop” Springs.

STINGEREHS.COM

Kindly, Krissy The Importance of 9/11 Why Sept. 11 should never be forgotten Kristen Heilenman News Editor Never forget.

Following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, our country used this slogan to urge citizens to remember the terrible actions of that day, but have the American people started to forget already?

In elementary and middle school, there was always a moment of silence or a short video clip played on Sept. 11. Recently, this has begun to change. For instance, last year on Sept.

11 there was no school-wide moment of silence, announcement, video, or any mention of the attacks that happened 17 years prior.

This year, EHS administrators decided to remember by reading President Donald Trump’s address to the nation and participating in a minute-long moment of silence.

Some noted how this year marks one of the first where EHS has notably remembered Sept. 11.

Being born in 2002, I am part of the first generation born after the attacks; however, I am not any less aware of the atrocities committed and the lives lost. In just one day, 2,996 people died and more than 6,000 were injured.

We should never forget that many were just trying to get through the day and go home to their families, and many more died attempting to save others.

Along with remembering the lives lost, Sept. 11 was also a day when citizens of the U.S. came together to support one another.

In his post-9/11 address to the U.S., former President Bush said, “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America.” On this day, American citizens put aside differences to not only be a support system for the affected, but also seek retribution for the attacks and create a sense of patriotism. They decided that a terrible thing happened, but assured it would not happen again. After all, as President Bush said, “[America is] the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.”

This sense of patriotism should be celebrated on 9/11 because American citizens were able to put aside politics and other differences such as race and religion to be one united country. There’s not many times in history this has happened, and I can’t recall a time when it’s happened since.

American citizens should never forget these efforts made.

Throughout what happened, the events of 9/11 can bring us to realize the randomness of life.

On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, my dad was supposed to attend a meeting in one of the Twin Towers. The morning of, the meeting was canceled due to an unforeseen illness, and my dad’s life was saved. At this time, my older sister Abby was just a baby and I wasn’t even a thought yet. If this man never became sick, my sister would’ve lost her father, my mother would’ve lost her husband, and I wouldn’t be here today. This unfolding of events is something I will never forget. In just one moment, the lives of all the people I care about and love would’ve changed, and not for the better.

As I am sure I am not the only American with a story like that, remembering Sept. 11 also calls us to never forget how fragile life is. You should never take anything for granted because your life can truly change in a blink of an eye.

To help us never forget these things, many monuments and memorials have been erected across the country. This summer, I visited the Flight 93 National Memorial outside of Shanksville, Pa. At this spot, a plane crashed after the members valiantly attempted to stop the terrorists from creating further damage to our country. These men and women sacrificed their lives for America. This heartbreaking memorial honors some of the strongest heroes who should never be forgotten.

The triumphs and tribulations of Sept. 11 should always stay with the American people. We fell to the evils of terrorism but triumphed through our unity and bravery. I will never forget, and neither should you.

THE STINGER SEPTEMBER 2019

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Opinion 4

MANAGING EDITOR Katie Taranto NEWS EDITOR Krissy Heilenman DEPUTY NEWS EDITORS Heather Frabritze, Taylor Barkis OPINION EDITOR Madison Mauro DEPUTY OPINION EDITORS Adithi Katikhaneni, Belle Lees FEATURES EDITOR Greta Miller DEPUTY FEATURES EDITORS Lila Benner, Eleanor Creelman ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Victoria Rivera DEPUTY ARTS & CULTURE EDITORS Jacob Welsko, Thomas Hartill SPORTS EDITOR Erick De La Rosa DEPUTY SPORTS EDITORS Mac Thomas, Rylee Dang BUSINESS MANAGER Sydney Lilly PHOTO EDITOR Emma Brashear EDITORIAL CARTOONISTS Kaylee Ruiz, Norah Sheehan, Nate Garcia

SEPTEMBER 2019

STINGEREHS.COM

A Letter from the Editors

THE STINGER

Emmaus High School 500 Macungie Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049 EDITOR IN CHIEF Rylan Bassett

THE STINGER

Rylan Bassett Katie Taranto Editors “Your school.

Your voice. Your newspaper.” So has read the goldenrod paper hanging on the door of room 559 for years.

From 7:23 a.m. to 2:25 p.m., we are required to sit in classrooms, listening and learning, but the Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines ensured that we do not “shed [our] constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate.”

Of these constitutional rights, the rights to free speech and press are instrumental for a successful student-run publication.

Emmaus High School houses thousands of students for seven hours a day, five days a week, nine months a year, making it a narrative microcosm, home to thousands of individual stories and points of view. Your school.

The presence of the press is important to any functioning democratic institution.

Journalism serves as a faucet for the truth,

a faucet to reflect the cultures and happenings of our generation. As your student-run publication, we want to facilitate a public forum where students can exercise their rights to free speech. Pursuant to this purpose, we accept and encourage community participation in our product in the form of letters to the editor or guest editorials. Your school, your voice.

As your voice, we have a responsibility to keep you informed. In order to do that, we depend on our readers for tips on news-worthy goings on. Send tips to the Stinger email, stingerehs@gmail.com, or reach out to us via social media. Tell us what is important to you, what matters at Emmaus. By doing this, you can control your newspaper. Your school, your voice, your newspaper.

For our staff, a solid chunk of time in this building is spent in the back corner of room 559, writing stories, designing newspaper spreads, and crafting headlines.

In and out of the classroom, our staff members seek to share the stories that need to be told. The goal of our staff is to provide a voice to you, the EHS student body, via print and digital storytelling throughout the year.

Our news section informs the school community about topics that matter to you.

You can find coverage of rule changes, school events, and community events.

Our opinion section provides a platform

to showcase the perspectives of individuals, broadening the experience of those who agree and disagree alike. This is where your voice can shine in guest pieces.

It is where this can be your newspaper.

Our features section tells the stories of people who sit with us in our English class, or swim laps with us in Aquatics. We believe that behind every student there is a different story.

The arts and culture section explores pop culture, reviewing movies, music, and food. All the while, boasting the best pun game of the paper, arguably.

The sports section highlights EHS athletic news throughout the school year.

We provide post-game reports, features on athletes and coaches, and the scoop on athletic news.

For 45 years, this publication has cultivated a community of young journalists and told the stories of the students and staff who inspire us everyday.

It’s our mission. It’s our passion. It’s our purpose.

Everyone has a story to tell. Let us tell yours.

Photos by Emma Brashear.

School before Labor Day? No Way!

Why school should start in September

Adithi Katikhaneni Opinion Editor As endless sweltering days of summer and humid nights finally COPY EDITOR Caitlin O’Brien start to wind down as August comes to a close, there approaches the student’s inevitable dread: going back to school.

Although some may hate to give up their last days of summer, Editorial Policy the quick turnaround to the Labor Day weekend is what many The Stinger is a student-run newspaschools adhere to. But what’s the real reason for this earlier start?

Emmaus High School is one of many in the nation that opens per published six times per year and continuously on its online publication, its doors in late August, and then lets students off again for a recustingerehs.com. The content, which is perating four-day weekend.

When discussing school’s startthe responsibility of the student staff, ing in relation to this national holis not subject to direct administrative iday, it is important to first underapproval. Designated as an open fostand the origins of the day itself, rum, The Stinger serves to inform and and why people have off for it. entertain readers with articles based on Although many believe that it a wide variety of research for a broad is now antiquated and irrelevant to and diverse audience on topics decided the times, others still stand strong by the staff and editorial board on mat- behind it. Whether that is due to ters that are timely, relevant, compel- their adherence to tradition, or ling, educational, and important to the simply wanting a break, is up for student body. The Stinger, which also debate. The original idea behind serves to enrich students interested in the holiday’s ties to manual labor print media studies, is a member of the and agricultural work however, create an air of outdatedness to the PSPA, JEA, and NSPA. holiday.

Business Dating back over a century, the For advertising, contact business first years of the September holiday manager Sydney Lilly. were created to dedicate a day to appreciate the labors of the working population and to honor their contributions to making the country Have an opinion and want to be what it is. However, when it comes heard? to whose name goes down on paper Illustration by Nate Garcia. for originally creating the idea, Letters to the editor are limited to 150 there exists a great deal of dispute. words in length and can be submitted Some historians believe that it was Peter J. McGuire, the to stingerehs@gmail.com. Letters must cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, who was responinclude full names as well as contact sible for the creation of this “workingmen’s holiday,” as History. information for verification. Guest com dubs it; but others pay their respects to Matthew Maguire, contributions for editorial columns are who is thought to have suggested the holiday. A New Jersey based welcome and are limited to 2.5 pages machinist, Maguire is the other figure that history tends to credit double-spaced. They can be emailed to for this holiday due to his cooperation with the Central Labor the staff, dropped off in Room 559, or Union. After his works in public space as an outspoken member mailed: The Stinger, EHS, 500 Macun- of the labor community, Maguire also went on to become the Vice Presidential nominee of the Socialist Labor Party, demonstrating gie Ave., Emmaus, 18049. his dedication to the ideals of his party, and the need for respect of the hardworking members of society.

Despite the interruptive feeling caused by Labor Day, there can be a few surprising upsides to an earlier start, especially in Penn-

sylvania. One benefit to an early start is due to the rather extreme winter climate on the East Coast.

With fewer snow days built in and a tight state requirement of at least 180 school days, this can mean that years with especially rough winters can take away precious days of the next summer, or other long weekends within the school year, like Columbus Day, in October.

An earlier start also provides a way to protect those other breaks within the school year. The preliminary days act as “safety” for snow days or days off for other extreme weather conditions, which are all but uncommon in the Northeastern region of the country where East Penn School District sits.

However, a start after Labor Day provides a smoother, more consistent start to the school year, to the liking of many more students.

“It’s kind of interrupting, you know, the motion of the school year? And when you get back to school after Labor Day, it’s just, like, it flows, you know?” remarked former Emmaus High School student Nina Grijalva.

After transferring to Parkland High School for her sophomore year, Grijalva was able to experience both start times.

In comparing the two, she said, “Overall, it’s just better to start school after Labor Day because you don’t have to interrupt school.”

Despite the added benefit of an earlier start in terms of more school days, a later start does create a sense of continuity. By maintaining a consistent start to the school year, students would be able to enjoy a more steady period of readjustment.

A later start also allows a more conclusive feeling to the summer, instead of the abruptness of a late August introduction to the academic year. Be it for students going back to harder hitting, higher grade levels, which demand a greater initial effort to accommodate a heavier schedule, or much younger students just beginning elementary school, who are overall unfamiliar with the shift from home life to school.

When it comes to comfort and ease for students returning ready to learn, Emmaus High School, and others incorporated, in East Penn are falling behind the more advantageous, convenient start, post Labor Day.

Opinion

THE STINGER

SEPTEMBER 2019

5

Hornets Nest fumbles with front row tweet Social media post causes dispute over student section Katie Taranto Managing Editor Senior year: a time to rise up to the top and live life front and center. Or so we thought.

On Sept. 12, The Hornets Nest Twitter account, @Hornets__Nest, posted an irreverent tweet which received backlash from many indignant Emmaus High School seniors via social media. The tweet contained a screenshot of an iPhone Note listing the names of 15 EHS seniors, whose seats were supposedly reserved for the front row at EHS home football games. The tweet itself read, “This is the 2019 list for the front row at HOME football games away games are still first come first serve.”

The student-run account, which claims to be the official Twitter of the Emmaus High School student section, holds a primary responsibility of informing students about football game apparel themes as well as game locations and times.

The problem with the list, and with the since-then deleted tweet, is that they

created division within the senior class.

The tweet was a clear demonstration of how among students and separate friend groups, there is oftentimes a lack of empathy, unity, and inclusion. The tweet did not promote a sense of community or team spirit among EHS students.

goes without saying that students pay the same rate of $3 per home game ticket. Although it’s certainly a nationwide tradition that high school seniors sit in the front row of the student section, no specific rules allow reserved seating at football games.

Rather, it caused agitation and social polarization, which did not accomplish any of @Hornets__Nest’s initial goals of building school-wide team spirit at the football games.

Students do not have a right to create and enforce such a list just for reserved seating, as there are no guidelines or rules allowing for it in the East Penn School District. The bleachers reside on public property; no student has the right to claim reserved seats. As a handful of EHS seniors pointed out on Twitter, every game’s seating should operate on a first-come and first-serve basis. It also

The bottom line: the tweet was an act of bullying. By attempting to enforce a rule which would purposefully exclude other students in the senior class, the account owner(s) displayed a distasteful sense of authority.

Sitting in the front row at football games is a senior’s privilege, not a senior’s right.

It’s a privilge that certainly should not be reserved for a meager 15 students all season long.

Photo illustration by Emma Brashear and Rylan Bassett.

If any senior chose to come out early to a home game and support our football team, why shouldn’t they be able to?

Students wanting to sit in the front row do not have bad intentions-- they just want to be a part of their school community by rooting for their football team.

While it is true that mid-game student section traditions such as the “I believe” chant and “riding the rollercoaster” are typically led by the same seniors at every game, this does not mean that others should be prohibited from the very opportunity to do so.

Looking forward, EHS students should remember that their words and actions impact others besides themselves. By valuing simple ideas such as kindness and hospitality, we can all prevent insignificant theatrics such as these from happening again, and enjoy the rest of the school year.

To the seniors, directly: let’s make our last year at EHS a cordial one to look back on in the years to come.

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The Learning Curve:

Greta Miller Eleanor Creelman Lila Benner Features Editors Earlier mornings, heavier workloads, and new friends.

Freshman year at Emmaus High School opens up a whole new world for nearly 700 students every school year -- a world that is simply unforgettable.

Well, of course it’s unforgettable; who could forget constantly being late to class, trying out the new lunches in the cafeteria, or failing their first test? High school is all about changes, as it’s a profound experience for some, Emmaus staff and students provide as much support as they can to integrate the newcomers.

As the overwhelming orientation rolls around every

mid-August, and the even more mystifying freshman walkthroughs the following week, there is no doubt that nearly every ninth grader is anxious by the time their bus pulls up to school for the first day. However, people such as Chris Stuchko, a ninth-grade teacher and advisor for the Freshman Mentor Program, strive to integrate freshmen into the building alongside other staff members.

“In the last three years, we’ve done a lot to integrate freshmen and make them feel more welcomed here at the building. Are we 100 percent there? No. But I think what we’re doing now is much better than what we had done previously,” Stuchko said. “This will be my 11th year here at the high school, and I think what we’ve done for freshmen even in that time period has dramatically improved it.”

Danielle Potts

Stinger: What is the best advice you could give to a freshman?

Potts: Don’t be afraid to try new things.

Coming into the high school as a freshman can be really scary, but the best way to put yourself out there is to get

Brody Pavelko

Stinger: What is the best advice you could give to a freshman?

Pavelko: The best advice I could give is ask questions if you’re not sure of something. Acting like you know what you’re doing, when in reality you’re lost, is just going to make you more confused.

Stinger: What were your best and worst years of high school?

Pavelko: Looking back, my least favorite year was freshman year because I was weird. And my favorite year is junior year because aside from all the work that comes in 11th grade, I had a lot of good things happening in sports and with my friends.

Stinger: Do you think the school does a good job of adjusting the freshmen into high school?

Pavelko: I think they do a good job.

To be honest, I don’t remember my transition into high school all that well.

And maybe that’s because the school did a good job on making sure it went smoothly. Or maybe it’s just not as bad as everyone makes it out to be.

involved with clubs, talk to new people, and go to social events.

Stinger: If you could go back in time and change something about your freshman self, what would it be?

Potts: I would change the group of friends I had and be more involved with music my freshman year.

Stinger: What were your least and most favorite memories from high school?

Potts: My favorite has to be getting into chorale my sophomore year and my worst memory is loosing a lot of friends my freshman year.

Stinger: What is the worst advice you could give to freshmen?

Potts: The worst advice I can give a freshman is to put all your books in your backpack.

Stinger: What has been the easiest/hard-

Senior

est part of high school and why?

Potts: When I first entered high school, I had this mindset where I had to be popular and the most known girl in school, which took me down a lonely path in the end, and turned me away from some of my true friends. Then I learned that popularity isn’t real and you don’t need to have so many friends to be happy. Stick with the people who have never failed you, even if it’s a small group.

Stinger: What clubs and organizations are you a part of?

Potts: I’m a part of the Drama Department, Chorale, Select, and Acca[bellas]. I love it so so much.

Paige Harbison Stinger: What do you look forward to in high school?

Harbison: I want to go into some clubs, but not a lot. I love swimming, so probably aquatics. I want to drive too, so also Driver’s Ed. Stinger: What is the best advice you’ve heard so far?

Harbison: That you’ll get lost at first, but you’ll find your way and everything will be okay in the end.

Stinger: What is the worst advice you’ve heard so far?

Harbison: That I would be pushed into lockers.

Senior

Stinger: Who do you think is the best teacher in the school and why?

Pavelko: The best teacher in the school is Mr. Speicher because his classes are fun and laid back. And he jokes around a lot, but he will still be serious with you when you need help.

Stinger: What has been the easiest and hardest part of high school and why?

Pavelko: The hardest part of high school for me is getting work done before the last minute. And I don’t know if that’s a high school problem because there’s a lot of work, or if it’s just a me problem because I’m good at procrastinating.

The easiest part of high school is just showing up to classes and listening to your teachers for the seven hours you’re there.

Stinger: What clubs and organizations are you a part of?

Pavelko: I’m on the track team and [a] part of Pediatric Cancer Club and Health Wellness Fitness Club. And if I can plug HWF club that’d be great because almost all of our members are seniors.

Abby Sommer

Stinger: What is the best advice you could give to a freshman?

Sommer: The best advice I could give to a freshman is just to be yourself and always be courteous to everyone around

Stuchko records a podcast called the “9th Grade Experience” to provide guidance to incoming freshmen. Along with help from a grant provided by the EPSD Education Foundation, he covers topics ranging from dealing with academics to the life of a varsity athlete, along with discussions about LCTI, and interviews with a variety of teachers and students. He hopes that the podcast, available on Apple Music and Spotify, is able to reach a variety of audiences in order to overall benefit students.

“It’s for students and for parents too,” Stuchko said.

“The way I kind of explained it is that if you’re coming up from eighth grade to ninth grade, if you were to go and listen to the episodes, you would get a good idea of how Emmaus High School is like here.”

Stuchko believes that the podcast could continue for

you, also to get involved in things like sports, clubs, plays, et cetera. You’ll be able to branch out so much more and talk to all kinds of people.

Stinger: If you could go back in time and change something about your freshman self, what would it be?

Sommer: I would try to enjoy the simpler years of high school while it lasted, and meet more people.

Stinger: What is the worst advice you could give to freshmen?

Sommer: If I were ever rude enough to give a freshman bad advice, then I would say something like ‘make sure you run in the halls, especially on the left side.’

Stinger: Who do you think is the best teacher in the school and why?

Sommer: My best experiences with

THE

You should join HWF club because it’s ran by two of the best teachers in the school, Mrs. Assise and Ms. Deacon.

We do fundraisers like the dodgeball tournament that help fund activities in gym class. Like the three new Spikeball nets we have this year. And last year we had a lot of fun on a field trip to Lincoln Financial Field and volunteering at the Special Olympics.

Senior

teachers are so far, Mr. Pum, he’s super sarcastic but also an amazing teacher. Mr. Parish, kinda reminds me of the comedian John Mulaney, he’s just a goofy dude but its hilarious. Mrs. Hunter is also a phenomenal person and does so much to make sure everyone leaves her class with full knowledge on her subject.

Stinger: What has been the easiest and hardest part of highschool and why?

Sommer: The hardest part for me would definitely just be the fact that I’m a super anxious person and am super panicky about my performances on tests, even though I typically always do fine. The easiest part of high school would be bonding with people in my classes, a ton of people are super nice if you just reach out and talk to them.

Fres Matthew Jerry

Stinger: What are you hoping to accomplish throughout high school?

Jerry: I just want to get good grades and stay on top of my work.

Stinger: What are you most nervous about going into high school?

Jerry: Challenging classes, because I know that sometimes they can get really hard, and require a lot of work.

Stinger: What is the worst advice you’ve heard about high school?

Jerry: To go visit the aquarium on the fourth floor.

Stinger: Are there any classes or teachers that you like so far?

Jerry: I really like Mr. Brown, he’s my history teacher.

Senior advice to Freshmen years to come, and is optimistic about the future of its influence.

“One thing about ninth graders is that you never run out of stories. Every year I will have new students that will come up and who will have new stories,” Stuchko said.

“Maybe the idea for new topics [to discuss on the podcast] will run dry a little bit, but I think each year new kids come up with new stories to tell.”

Lisa Lucchessi-Wood, ninth grade administrative assistant, also plays an important role in integrating freshmen into the building. However, she believes the process could be “more involved.”

“I think that maybe the first day of school needs to be changed up a little,” Lucchessi-Wood said. “I like the fact that [the freshmen] get to be in the building by themselves,

Ethan Ferris

Stinger: What are you most nervous about in high school?

Ferris: Probably midterms and final exams and stuff.

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

Ferris: Probably good grades and to be successful in like sports and things I do like that. And just not to look like a loser.

Stinger: What’s the best advice you’ve heard so far?

Ferris: Don’t ask the upperclassmen for anything. Don’t ask them for help.

but I don’t know that bringing the upperclassmen in on the same day is helpful.”

She also brings some of her most useful advice to the table, describing tips for students to stay on top of their academic careers.

“I would say, pay attention, take advice from others, and just try to focus on what they need to do, not necessarily what they want to do,” Lucchessi-Wood said.

Stuchko puts emphasis on extracurricular advice. “‘Get involved’ is my big one. We try to tell people to get involved since it’s such a big school that I think if you find something that you like and you want to spend your time with, then that’s important,” said Stuchko. “The story I say is, go ask any adult what they remember about high school, and it’s very rarely that it’s ‘oh man, I had such

Mark Magee

Stinger: What is the best advice that you could give freshmen?

Magee: I know a lot of people don’t try academically their freshman year and they just want to have fun, and like two years down the road they’re like, ‘oh wait, I need to go into college,’ and they have a low GPA. I knew a kid who had a 4.2 his senior year, but freshman year he had a 1.9 so it was hard for him to get into schools. And he says that was his biggest regret was not trying his freshman year.

Stinger: If you could change something about your freshman self, what would it be?

Magee: I would [tell myself to] go to more school functions because I only went to the football games, but the basketball games and soccer games, a lot

a great 10th grade math class!’ It’s always, ‘I was in the band,’ or, ‘I played football,’ or ‘I was in this club or we did that activity.’ So I think when kids get involved, they feel like they’re a part of something, and it gets them to focus their time and efforts in other areas.”

Despite the adults of the building seek to point out helpful tips for the freshmen, some of the advice comes from the other leaders of the school: the seniors. Sure, general advice from administrative presentations about high school can be useful, but rarely does the spotlight ever shine on the kids who are currently living the experience.

Here is some of the advice that seniors all across Emmaus High School have provided the newcomers, along with some freshman reflection:

Senior

of people go to as well.

Stinger: What was your least and most favorite year of high school?

Magee: I didn’t like Aquatics; I hated smelling like chlorine, so that was probably the worst part. But freshman year, I didn’t have a lot of homework, so that was really nice, and that was probably my favorite year.

Stinger: Who were your favorite teachers?

Magee: I liked having [Mr.] Harkness or [Mr.] Pirro the most, probably because you learn more than just the curriculum in those courses, so they were probably my favorite teachers.

Stinger: What has been the hardest part of high school?

Magee: Usually on course selection day, you always think you want to sign

up for more because you see everyone sign up for AP classes, and then the next year you really don’t want to actually do the AP classes, so knowing what you can handle might be the hardest part.

Fionnúir Ní Chochlain

shmen Reanna Istrate

Stinger: What do you hope to achieve by the end of high school?

Istrate: I want to make new friends and, like, meet new people.

Stinger: What is the worst advice you’ve heard so far?

Istrate: My friends told me that there was an aquarium on the second floor by the library, and I believed them for like three days.

Stinger: Can you describe your high school experience so far?

Istrate: Stressful. Everything is stressful. And I’m tired. Very tired. But it’s all good.

Stinger: What is the best part of high school so far?

Istrate: Having classes with friends that I know from middle school.

Stinger: What is the best advice you could give to a freshman?

Ní Chochlain: Remember that it’s okay to mess up. I know a lot of kids who are super type A and pressure themselves to get good grades and do good in sports and stuff, and they sometimes forget to be good people to others and themselves. So I think it’s important to be nice to yourself.

Stinger: Do you think the school does a good job of helping the freshmen

Trevor Warren Stinger: What is the best advice you could give to a freshman?

Warren: Definitely get involved in clubs because it really is the best way to meet new people and it’s especially easy because you share the same interests.

It’s also a good opportunity for guidance from older students.

Stinger: If you could go back in time and change something about your freshman self, what would it be?

Warren: Try and evenly distribute your credit required classes between every year so you aren’t cramming them your senior year.

Stinger: What was your favorite year of highschool?

7

Senior

Ní Chochlain: Easiest part of high school was finding activities I really enjoyed. Because there were so many options, I was able to find things and people that I really identified with, in like choir and stage crew. The easiest part of high school for me was finding people that I could connect with.

Stinger: How did you feel when you first entered the high school?

Ní Chochlain: I was pretty excited for when school first started, like I had my outfit picked out the night before. I had two sisters who did it before me, so I knew some stuff from them. But middle school teachers, at least for me, hyped it up as a really hard thing and not to take a ton of classes and overwork yourself. I was getting different stories from my sisters so I was kinda unsure going in. But I ended up figuring it out with the help of upperclassmen, my sisters, and some really awesome teachers.

adjust to high school?

Ní Chochlain: I think they do a perfect job, like just enough help with programs like Freshman Mentors, like just enough that they aren’t completely lost. But a lot of the adjusting is left to the actual students which is just like, preparing them for the rest of high school and life. So I think the administration does a perfect job of finding that balance.

Stinger: What’s something you would warn freshman against?

Ní Chochlain: I would warn them against thinking that the people that they are with right now are gonna be the group forever, for the rest of highschool, and really getting attached to that idea. Because your friend group will change, people come and go, so don’t get too stressed about like losing friends, because some things work out and some don’t and that’s perfectly okay.

Stinger: What has been the easiest part of high school and why?

Senior

Warren: Sophomore year because it just wasn’t freshman year, I don’t know.

Stinger: Do you think the school does a good job of adjusting the freshmen to high school?

Warren: I think the school is definitely doing a lot to help the freshmen, every year they’ve added more and more tools and resources to help them. And I know this because it was definitely not like this my freshman year.

Stinger: What is the worst advice you could give to freshmen?

Warren: The Chromebooks are waterproof, try it.

Stinger: What has been the easiest and hardest part of highschool and why?

Warren: I tried starting fine dining and breathing club, but unfortunately I was not able.

Photos by Beth Brown and Emma Brashear.

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STINGEREHS.COM

THE STINGER | SEPTEMBER 2019

Arts Culture D isney’s Path of D ecadence

Rylan Bassett Editor in Chief The news came as a shock.

“Sony is pulling Spider-Man out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe,” followed by an onslaught of webslinger and “RIP Tom Holland” memes and blogs.

Fans were enraged by Sony’s disregard for their demands. How could they strip such a cinematic masterpiece of one of its focal characters for the sake of corporate rivalry? More importantly, why?

Sony acquired the film rights to Spider-Man in 1985 after they passed through a number of corporate hands when Marvel was struggling to stay afloat. The tides changed in 2015 after the failure of Sony’s Amazing Spider-Man venture starring Andrew Garfield, when Sony decided to cut its losses and reboot the character with a fresh face in the MCU. Sony’s historical deal with Disney that allowed Spidey to appear in MCU films expired shortly after the release of Spider-man: Far from Home. According to Deadline, Disney wanted to split profits from Sony’s biggest character down the middle. Disney had previously taken five percent of Spider-man revenue, but the character’s success both in joint ventures and Sony’s solo project, Into the Spiderverse, had evidently whet their appetite. Sony turned the offer down, standing up to the menacing mouse, and proposed alternative deals, but Disney executives wouldn’t bite.

This debacle prompts further investigation of Disney’s business interactions, as does the upcoming launch of a new streaming service, Disney+, which will host a lineup of MCU-canonical series.

Of course, they own everything that can be referred to as Disney proper (until he becomes public domain in 2024, but talking about how Disney has successfully lobbied for copyright extension legislation before every scheduled release of Mickey despite using public domain material to birth many of its most successful projects is boring), innumerable parks and resorts, and whatnot. But the company’s reach extends far past products stamped with mouse ears.

The Walt Disney Corporation controls 21st Century Fox, Pixar, LucasFilms (and Star Wars canon, most of which they eviscerated), Marvel Studios (and MCU canon), ESPN, National Geographic, Hulu (they will be competing with themselves by creating Disney+ because they have a majority stake in Hulu), and many others.

The technique of pitting two of its companies against itself is one of Disney’s favorites. They dominate the highest grossing film genre with the MCU while simultaneously controlling the only real competitive super franchise, Fox’s X-Men movies (because as much as it hurts, DC doesn’t pose a threat in cinema).

The clear-eyed consumer knows the Steamboat Willie has grown into Scrooge McDuck, squeezing every penny from loyal fans. But either way, we are all going to shell out for Disney+, ever chasing the expanding MCU lore like a carrot on a stick.

Photo illustration courtesy of Kaylee Ruiz.

Travis Scott’s first rodeo on Netflix Jacob Welsko Arts & Culture Editor Exhilaration, joy, pain, chaos, and love all fit the description of the 85-minute roller coaster of rapper Travis Scott’s debut Netflix documentary, Look Mom I Can Fly. On Aug. 28, Travis Scott’s first ever documentary struck Netflix just less than a week after being announced. Word first circulated after a free surprise event on Aug. 22 at a Movie Exchange in his hometown of Houston. Fans lined up to get a free, limited VHS copy containing the trailer of the film.

Produced by Angus Wall, Look Mom I Can Fly primarily focuses on Travis Scott’s 2018 effort, ASTROWORLD, as well as the monumental tour in support of the album. Along with that, the movie also interpolates old footage of Travis before the fame. One scene from 2014 shows him performing for some 10 or 20 people, then a couple seconds later he stands before a sea of thousands of people in an arena. The film also cuts several times to the rapper as a child walking around with Photo courtesy of IMDb. his parents at the now defunct Six Flags crowd surfing keep the film thrilling and AstroWorld amusement park in Houston, intoxicating. More importantly, it transports which served as the core inspiration for the viewers into the audience and makes them album. Travis said in the documentary that feel like they are experiencing a Travis he had the idea of creating an album with Scott show first hand. Or at least that’s what the AstroWorld backdrop ever since he was they think while they prance around their about six years old. Throughout the film, we rooms to “STARGAZING.” see how this dream came to fruition, with In addition, Look Mom I Can Fly shows behind the scenes footage of the making of the cult-like fanbase that Travis has accutracks like “STOP TRYING TO BE GOD,” mulated since he started making music.

“BUTTERFLY EFFECT,” and “NO BYSeveral scenes include fans swarming TraSTANDERS.” vis in his car and lining up for his inaugural Also sprinkled throughout the exciting AstroWorld themed show in Houston like documentary are various live clips from it’s Black Friday.

Travis’ energetic concerts. Footage of La Fan reception of the film is exceptional, Flame screaming his hits, stage diving, and with it reportedly having over a million

views on its premiere date and earning a 7.1/10 on IMDb. It also set Twitter ablaze with a sea of reactions hyping up both the movie and rapper alike.

Although an overall fantastic watch, Look Mom I Can Fly would have been even better perhaps if it hadn’t heavily focused only on ASTROWORLD. If the film delved into more of Travis’ previous works, specifically Rodeo and Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight, it would have made for an even more enjoyable movie. The documentary almost makes it seems like ASTROWORLD is what hurdled Travis into super-stardom, when in reality it was a combination of all three of his albums. Although it may be his most well-received and highest charting album thus far, many fans would tell you ASTROWORLD lacks something his foregoing albums contain. In short, Look Mom I Can Fly blatantly ignores the joyride of Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight and the impeccable grandeur of Rodeo. With that being said, a future documentary that shines some light on those two albums, and maybe even his mixtapes Owl Pharaoh and Days Before Rodeo, would be very satisfactory for fans.

Not to mention, the film also has a strange structure, with it bouncing around from hectic live footage, the birth of his daughter and scenes of him as a kid to mirror the past and present, the makings of tracks, all back to more concert shots. The movie seems like it goes in circles several times throughout watching it.

Nonetheless, Look Mom I Can Fly is a wonderful time, full of moments that will give one goosebumps and make you feel like you can do the impossible. Travis Scott is yet again “flying high.”

Spiders Dressed in Red rock Musikfest Thomas Hartill Arts & Culture Editor Just eight months after the release of their first EP, Spiders Dressed in Red, Emmaus’ own indie rock band, found themselves on Aug. 10 playing at the largest non-gated music festival in the country: Musikfest. Including guitarist Dylan Michael’s solo show and the band’s show, Spiders Dressed in Red played to plenty of eager festival-goers and possible new fans. Alongside Michael on lead vocals and guitar, Spiders Dressed in Red features the musical talents of fellow EHS students Nate Garcia also on lead vocals and guitar, Darren Bower on bass, and Brandon Washburn on drums.

The band originally got their start at Lower Macungie Middle School consisting only of Michael and Garcia working on many of the songs that would

end up in their first EP, Spiders Dressed in Red, and in the setlists of their Musikfest performances. The most prominent songs in the two performances were “Broken English” a song originally written by Michael for a cancelled solo EP, and “Italics,” a two-part song the band is “most lyrically proud of.” Each of these songs were featured on their debut album with “Broken English” amassing over 1,000 downloads on Spotify. In addition, the band played numerous songs not featured in their debut album including “Saltwater,” “Sunday,” and “Golden Arches.” Michael jokes, “Golden Arches” looks like a song about McDonald’s from the outside, “but at the center is still about McDonald’s.”

Both performances drew a large crowd from family and friends while also attracting passersby who could not help but hear the band’s performance. Where the Spiders Dressed in Red show felt much more like an actual band playing and having fun with music they were From left to right, Nate Garcia and Darren Bower passionate about, (bottom left), Brandon Washburn and Dylan Michael Michael’s time (top right). Photos by Emma Brashear. at the Steelstacks

Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema felt like a showcase of his immense talent both lyrically and musically, including a preview of a few in-development untitled songs. In addition to a few modified Spiders Dressed in Red songs, Michael also played “Young Lion,” “Ben,” “White Bread,” and a slew of others. After just a few songs Michael commented on how it was “bold to come here,” as any smaller musician most likely would when playing such a large event. As festival-goers streamed into the relatively small Musikfest venue, it seemed just about everyone was enjoying Michael’s music and style.

While Michael’s Aug. 5 solo show had a much more intimate feeling thanks to the smaller venue and quieter music, the band’s performance five days later felt just as personal simply because of the passion the musicians felt regarding their music. It was plain to see that each member of the band felt comfortable with each other and with playing in front of a large

crowd as they moved through their setlist. Each song appeared to have even more attention and care put into it than the last. The band made sure to play their more popular songs such as the previously mentioned “Broken English” and “Italics” while also playing songs not available for download including “Morgan” and “Sunday.” And of course, it would not be a true show without merchandise, with Spiders Dressed in Red selling CDs and stickers throughout their show.

It seems the Lehigh Valley should be on the lookout for the latest up-and-coming band, Spiders Dressed in Red, who have proven they have the potential to become a true success.

Their EP, Spiders Dressed in Red, can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud, and Bandcamp, and their most recently released single, “Bela Lugosi,” is available on Spotify and Apple Music.

THE STINGER | SEPTEMBER 2019

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THE STINGER | SEPTEMBER 2019

10

Hollywood’s

Bleeding

is a

ARTS & CULTURE

bloody mess

Madison Mauro classic rap narrative of flexing your riches, Gucci and Opinion Editor Versace, all wrapped up in the emotional conflict of guilt Post Malone’s Hollywood’s Bleeding couldn’t have from family and relationships. further missed the mark.

Malone lets DaBaby shine as he delivers on “EneWith the release of his debut album Stoney in 2016 mies.” The rhythm of the beat and vocals is ridiculous. and Beerbongs & Bentleys in 2018, Austin Post, better DaBaby’s tone and flow comes through as one of the known as Post Malone, has dominated the Billboard strongest features off of the celeb-filled album. However, charts for the past three years. Only 24 years old, Malone has already collaborated with hip-hop geniuses such as Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne, stacked up two American Music Awards, an MTV Video Music Award, Billboard Music Award for Top Rap Song, and a Juna Award for International Album of the Year. Post Malone’s ascent to fame was as brisk as his fall to disgrace after releasing his most recent album Hollywood’s Bleeding.

Announcing the release Aug. 26, he teased the album with songs “Circles” and “Goodbyes (ft. Young Thug)” The utter genius behind similar overall lyrical content mixed with stellarly bland and basic beats that seem to play continuously throughout the album, came off as an unimpressive attempt to top the charts instead of expressing any artistic message. The rest of the album followed suit. Although his new pop career was catapulted by the album, Hollywood’s Bleeding doesn’t know what it wants to be.

The title track is weak and resembles a medley of the same heart aching lyrics that wrote Beerbongs & Bentleys. Malone’s voice is lackluster, and carries out a bland chorus. Although, he does introduce a darker, Courtesy of Complex Magazine. more alternative sound with the first song off of the album with “Hollywood’s Bleeding.” Malone is starting to the meter of “Enemies” came across as a second-rate experiment with harsher riffs and louder blasts of vocals “Congratulations.” than we’ve seen in the past. A tougher rendition than “Allergic” promises the Post Malone angst-ridden and Pink Floyd’s, “San Tropez” sounds familiar and plainly poignant sound that Hollywood’s Bleeding seemed to be to the point. For rap fans, this album could be summasearching for. Filed under rap, “Allergic” (undeniably an rized with “Saint-Tropez” cadence. It is a tribute to the alt-pop ballad) is a gem. “A Thousand Bad Times” fea-

tures Halsey taking a step into the rap game, though after hearing it, she needs to take a step back. And Future tries to sing. A thick bass commands the song, but the sound and structure aren’t entirely new, just nothing we’ve heard before from Malone.

Meek Mill serves us the expertise we’ve come to expect, but it’s hard to follow that and Lil Baby failed to compete. His verse falls short and the autotune was no comfort in “On the Road.”

The highly anticipated “Take What You Want” was a chaotic masterpiece that encapsulated the troublesome medley of Malone, Ozzy Osbourne, and Travis Scott’s vocals. While the background music is somewhat messy and tears into the chorus, it still commands an immediate head bop and foot tap. The collaboration of a sublime guitar riff enhances the energy until the end. A thrilling and well-crafted song, “Take What You Want” serves everything you would want, from an alt-pop song.

SZA came on strong in “Staring at the Sun.” Their harmonies were flawless and worth the wait for the 11th song on the 17-song long album. “Internet” finally delivers a brief reminiscence of our favorites off of Beerbongs & Bentleys and Stoney. “I Know” is truly an epic finish. It’s clear that, although the story line and arch resemble something we’ve heard previously from his first two albums and even Hollywood’s Bleeding, his artistry bled through with killer beats and raw vocals.

Malone obviously doesn’t mind smearing his emotions and admiration of all genres over the entire album.

Pushing all doubts about success aside, his bravery to release an album that contradicts any previous ideas of what a hip-hop or rap artist can produce is applauded.

However, instead of uniting the genres, brilliantly incorporating a mix of featured artists from opposing genres into a new pop-infused sound, it missed the mark and became a smudge.

English artists disgrace Latin pop Victoria Rivera Arts & Culture Editor Summer of 2019 found itself absolutely bombarded with a growing genre being explored by English artists in music: Latin pop.

It all started with the dreaded “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, featuring Justin Bieber. The whole planet exploded when the catchy song dropped and dominated radio stations in 2017. Before Bieber added his English section to the track, the song was mainly popular in only Spanish-speaking communities. But once everyone heard the combination of English and Spanish, a new trend was born.

Next came “Havana” by Camila Cabello in August 2017. There are few words that can describe the atrocity that this song is. Listening to “Havana” is like taking a rusty sword and jamming it through one’s eardrums. It is brutal, it is torturous, and it is disgusting. That is all that can be said.

These, along with other Latin pop singles have paved the way for the music industry’s current situation: English artists that are struggling to stay relevant, now adding in a Spanish feature to catch audiences’ attention. The end result is sloppy and offensive to any

From left to right: Selena Gomez, courtesy of Teen Vogue Magazine, and Rosalía, courtesy of Vogue Magazine.

From left to right: Camila Cabello, courtesy of Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Bad Bunny, courtesy of Billboard.

authentic Spanish songs.

Cabello has no clue how to successfully make a nod to her Hispanic background in her music without making it sound trashy. In “Señorita,” the singer waters down her culture to the point where the song seems like a satirical take on current Latin pop. Although Shawn Mendes is also on the track, it is impossible to find fault in the Canadian artist since he is an absolute angel.

Another hit of summer 2019 was “Taki Taki” by Dj Snake, featuring Selena Gomez, Ozuna, and Cardi B. Gomez is another American pop star fighting to remind everyone of her heritage while also disrespecting that same heritage. While it’s understandable why the song was a hit (repetitive lyrics, good dance beat, etc.), the track misrepresents an actual genre with a long history full of superstars that deserve their fame.

And to top it all off, the song includes Miss Belcalis Marlenis Almán-

zar, also known as Cardi B. While the rapper (this title is being used loosely), also has a Hispanic background, almost none of it comes through on the overall flop of a song that is “Taki Taki.”

As if her previous song wasn’t enough, Cardi B decided to include “I Like It,” with Bad Bunny and J Balvin, on her debut album Invasion of Privacy. Even though Bad Bunny is an absolute gift to the current Spanish music industry and an icon in destroying gender roles in fashion, his talent was not enough to save this track. Yet again, Cardi’s weak lyricism created a song that should never be considered to be in the same genre as bops like “Gasolina”

by Daddy Yankee and “MÍA”

by Bad Bunny featuring Drake.

Because of Cardi B’s Latin pop contributions to the rap in- From left to right: dustry, other Cardi B, courtesy of rappers have Consequence of Sound, taken it upon and Ozuna, courtesy of People Magazine. themselves to repeat this unacceptable behavior.

For example, “Uno” by Ambjaay is a jumble of incomprehensible lyrics with random Spanish phrases thrown in.

While the song is lighthearted and just a bit of fun, this type of music cannot become the norm. If the American

music industry allows songs like “Uno” to continuously place on the charts, the entire world will be a darker place. If the American music industry allows random rappers like Ambjaay get away with such a heinous crime as this, we will all be worse off. If one rapper can release a song with a line such as “still getting queso like nachos,” who’s to stop the thousands of weaker Soundcloud rappers from imitating this pattern?

While the recent additions by English singers to Latin pop discredit the entire genre, this is unfair to the numerous musicians who make actual contributions to it. For example, Bad Bunny continues to release hit after hit.

Other artists such as Ozuna and recent sensation Rosalía also bolster the Spanish music industry with their songs. So, while multiple Hispanic artists attempt to carry the entire genre on their backs, a few washed up English singers continue to take it upon themselves to destroy it.

For the people that have garnered a taste for Spanish music because of the less attractive

versions of it by “artists” such as Camila Cabello, Selena Gomez, and Cardi B, there is still hope to be exposed to the true genre. Please stop this crime on Latin pop, and support actual Latin pop artists on their journey to save the soon-to-be trashy genre.

Sports

11

THE STINGER | SEPTEMBER 2019

Spikeball spikes student interest Katie Taranto Managing Editor Imagine playing a game that combines four square, volleyball, and mini trampolines all in one. That’s exactly how juniors Danny Bohman and Shep Henseler, and senior Grant Yen spent their summer.

Founded in 2008 by entrepreneur Chris Ruder, Spikeball merges the principles of four square and volleyball, but ditches the volleyball net in exchange for a small trampoline. In 2015, Spikeball Inc. premiered on the television show Shark Tank and struck a deal for $500,000 with Daymond John. Since then, its popularity has grown significantly, as it has made appearances on high school and college campuses across the nation. Spikeballers also encouraged the formation of the Spikeball Roundnet Association, and a Spikeball app to organize games on both the national and local levels.

The Spikeball trend made its way into Emmaus High School last spring when Henseler and his friends contacted Wellness/Fitness teacher Vinnie D’Agostino with an interest in acquiring school Spikeball equipment.

“I had a student email me asking just to buy a couple Spikeball nets because a lot of people thought it would be a lot of fun, and I was like, ‘yeah, no problem,’” D’Agostino said. “[EHS] had some funds that we could allocate to it, so I ordered three sets: two regular sets and one beginner [set] with an oversized ball and a trampoline.”

With three new sets of Spikeball equipment available, the EHS Wellness/ Fitness Department plans on incorporating the game into this year’s gym classes, to

see students’ reactions. According to D’Agostino, if enough students take an interest in the game, an after-school club could be established in the near future.

“If a lot of people are interested in it, and we have time, and we can get it approved, [then we’ll start a club],” D’Agostino said. “There’s a whole process in the Athletics Spikeball equipment that was gifted to Hensler.

Office to get it going, and obvi- Photo courtesy of @lehighvalley_spike. ously you need someone to run dollars, and I asked [Henseler] it. I could potentially do it, based on what to play one day, and we just days they would want to do it.”

Outside of school, Spikeball has gained played, and we invited a bunch of people that we knew to come a rather large following of EHS students. play,” Yen said. “Now, we have In addition to playing at Wild Cherry a groupchat with like 30 people Park, Bohman, Henseler, and Yen also to organize games and stuff.” play with their friends on the EHS tennis Over the summer, the courts, with multiple games running at Juniors Danny Bohman and Shep Henseler pose in front of trend grew larger. Bohman once.

Spikeball equipment. Photo courtesy of and Henseler sought to “We need all the courts because we @lehighvalley_spike. create an online Spikeball have so many people,” Bohman said. “We presence on Instagram, came popularized through Spikeball Inc. usually have up to four games going at creating the account @lehighvalley_spike, and the Spikeball Roundnet Association. once. On an average, we have like 10, 15, which has gained over a hundred followHenseler and Bohman plan on play20 people [playing] is the max.” ing Spikeball throughout the year, long How did Spikeball begin trending in the ers. Through advertising and working with friends, they successfully organized past the fall season. With winter slowly EHS community? It all started with a gift approaching, the boys are searching for from Henseler’s grandmother, who bought a Spikeball tournament at Camp Olympic Park with roughly 40 players and 20 spec- indoor facilities to play in the offseason. him Spikeball equipment after they “We’re hoping to do one more tournawatched its premiere on Shark Tank. From tators, according to Henseler. The winning team of two each received a $25 Wawa ment before winter probably in the fall, there he and his brother played often, gift card, which they supplied. like mid-fall, so it won’t be too cold but eventually introducing the game to their As of Sept. 9, Bohman and Henseler it won’t be a sweat-fest either,” Henseler friends. The trend began to pick up when announced through @lehighvalley_spike said.

Yen and Henseler invited other EHS stuThe future of Spikeball in the EHS dents to play along with them one day last that they created Lehigh Valley Spikeball shirts, printed with a yellow logo and their community seems bright. spring. After playing with Henseler, Yen Instagram handle, along with the phrase, “It’s a craft,” Bohman said. “It’s really decided to buy his own trampoline net.

“Join the movement,” a phrase which bean art.”

“I bought a [Spikeball] net for five

Rylee Dang Sports Editor Bringing over 40 years of coaching experience, Robert Dragotta, the new head coach of the girls tennis team, plans to make great strides over the current season.

Dragotta began his coaching career at Pennridge School District, leading their tennis program for 30 years before retiring. He then continued to coach at Oakmont Tennis Club in Allentown. Afterward, Dragotta became a tennis pro and ran Sand Island, a tennis club located in Bethlehem, before transferring to Emmaus to coach the girls team after the departure of former head coach, Brian Bleam.

Throughout the season, Dragotta’s main goal is to instill the ideas of personal growth and achievement into his players as their driving force.

“I want the players to be better today than they were yesterday, and by the end of the season, I want us to be better than we were at the beginning of the season,” Dragotta says. “So, we work hard and try our best. It’s only been a few weeks and you just see so much improvement [with] all of them. It just makes me really happy.”

Number two singles player, sophomore Jocelyn Chow, believes that the Robert Dragotta. Photo by transition Emma Brashear. between

coaches has gone well, and she is excited to see what the rest of the season holds for the team.

“He has spent a lot of time and energy holding practices to prepare us for our season,” Chow said. “[He’s] also getting to know each and every one of us personally... He cares about all of us on the team so much, and it shows with all the effort he puts into making us become the best team we could possibly be.”

Last season, the Hornets won a total of four and lost seven matches under Bleam. This ranked Emmaus at 10th out of 18 teams in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.

Additionally, this season the team faces the loss of their number one singles player from last season, Shannon Stewart, when she transferred to Becahi. Looking to improve upon past seasons, Dragotta is preparing the girls to play hard, focus during each match, and hopes success will follow.

“Basically if you move your feet, and watch the ball, and get the ball, usually good things will happen,” Dragotta says.

Approaching the midway point of the season, the team has 10 wins and three losses under their belt, Chow says the team is ready, and claims that the challenges will elevate their play, bringing them more success. Regardless of the difficulty, Dragotta enters each match with enthusiasm, never shying away because it is “a chance to get better.”

“He always tells us he wants us to be better every day,” Chow says. “And I think that we will accomplish great things with him as our coach.”

Girls tennis rallies around new coach Dragotta

Giangiobbe sets team for success

Erick De La Rosa Sports Editor The Emmaus girls volleyball team has a new look this year, as Brianne Giangiobbe takes over as head coach and hopes to help her players grow.

Giangiobbe is not new to coaching volleyball. Before taking the job at Emmaus, she worked as an assistant coach at Northampton Community College, and is the current head coach for the East Coast Power club team. Her arrival continues to show a positive impact on the team, as they have started off the season winning four of their first seven games, and hope to keep their winning streak as they continue with their season Team captain and senior outside hitter Maiah Sabol was instrumental in helping smooth over the transition between coaches, and loves the new energy that Giangiobbe brings to the team.

“Her energy is contagious,” Sabol said.

“The seniors have been here the longest, so it was easier for us to help her out and show her what Emmaus volleyball is all about.”

Sabol believes that Giangiobbe can lead the team to heights that past teams have not.

“Last year we had a great year. It was the first time we went to states since 1995, so it was a big year,” Sabol said. “This year I feel like [Giangiobbe] can get us there and even past it. We have a new system and a younger team, but I believe we can do it.

Along with the difference in energy, the Xs and Os have also changed with the new leadership. Sabol welcomes the change and believes it can further help the team win.

“She changed the way we are running our serve receive, and defense, Sabol said.

So far, it has really helped us to be more in control early on in a set, and with it we

can bring a new intensity to our games.”

Giangiobbe is loves the team atmosphere that her players have shown so far, and that is what has made her fall in love with Emmaus.

“The girls [have kept me motivated],” Giangiobbe said. “They are always ready to go, they are always focused, always hustling, and you don’t have to tell them what to do. They know exactly what is expected of them and they have the passion that makes me what to continue.”

Along with Sabol, Giangiobbe gives extra praise to her captains Macy Van Den Elzen and Kelsie Baus for helping her lead the team.

“Our captains are doing an outstanding job and [I] really couldn’t have done it without them,” Giangiobbe said. “Their continued trust in me is what has allowed us to have a great season so far.”

While some coaches put increased pressure on students by demanding victories, and increase pressure on their athletes, Giangiobbe doesn’t believe that they are the end all, be all. She wants her players to continuously work hard and improve their game.

“For me, it’s not about the wins and losses.

I’m not really too focused on that,” Giangiobbe said. “I just want to come in and see the girls get better. I want them to be an all around Brianne Giangiobbe. Photo player.” courtesy of Giangiobbe.

12

THE STINGER

SEPTEMBER 2019

SPORTS

Football embraces freshman into family Under Fairclough’s lead, team makes connections with students

Ian Foerst runs onto the field with Jameel Sanders before kickoff. Photo by Rylan Bassett.

Adithi Kathikaneni Eleanor Creelman Editors Friday nights often set the scene for hundreds of students who pack the stadium and cheer for the Emmaus High School football team.

But on Sept. 6, the “hippie-out,” one excited fan did more than cheer -- in fact, he was presented with a heartwarming greeting from the players themselves.

Ian Foerst, a freshman with Down syndrome, has become enthralled with the football team and often refers to the boys as “the football guys,” according to his mother, Megan Foerst.

Social media provided a platform for Ian’s love for the team to draw attention from the players.

Junior wide receiver Jameel Sanders found out about Ian’s interest in the team and contacted the Foerst family through Facebook, which led him to arrange a meeting with several players before their departure to the Whitehall game. His mother expected Foerst to meet “one or two” players, but was surprised by Sanders’ announcing, “no player is to get on the bus without shaking Ian’s hand.”

Megan Foerst, an Emmaus alumni, shared the moment on Facebook and received a deluge of praise and reactions from the football team and members of the Emmaus community.

During the USA themed game on Sept. 13, the team

invited Ian to charge the field alongside the players. He was also gifted pieces of Hornets merchandise, including a lawn sign with signatures from the team that reads, “Proud supporter of the Emmaus Hornets,” and a “Mascot Crew” T-shirt with his name printed on the back.

“They lined up, lined up, and I’m just sitting there, I’m sitting there in awe,” Foerst said. “I took three quick pictures and then I just stood there. They all shook his hand, and then they were on the bus. For a parent in general, it’s amazing to see your child get that kind of positive attention. But for a parent of a child with a disability, there’s no words to describe it.”

The event was important to more than just the Foerst family; it instilled the team with a sense of purpose.

Junior middle linebacker Connor Carter left with an impression he carried with him through the game.

“It made me feel really empowered and made me realize how lucky we all are to be in our position,” Carter said. “It made me feel like we were all doing something good, and we’re not just like a high school football team.

I realized everyone playing a lot better and more focused than they normally do.”

For Sanders, Foerst and his family struck more of a chord than for most.

“I hadn’t noticed him at games before but I’d like them to come to all of them,” Sanders said. “My uncle has a disability and I would love if he could make it to my games, like seeing him come to the games would make me happy.”

The Emmaus football team has been active in lending a helping hand to East Penn community members, especially when it comes to students with disabilities.

The program annually hosts a flag football clinic at EHS for kids with special needs, which started Sept. 21. The program features warmups, drills, and ends with a flag football game, mirroring a football camp, but it is tailored to create a better fitting environment for children who otherwise may not have been able to get involved in athletics.

According to head football coach Harold Fairclough, each year the team hosts attendees from Lehigh and Carbon counties.

Football team poses in a photo with Ian Foerst. Photo Courtesy of Megan The athletes also volunteer with Special Foerest.

Olympics.

Ian Foerst poses with an Emmaus shirt. Photo Courtesy of Megan Foerst.

When Fairclough started working and coaching at Emmaus four years ago, he implemented a volunteer opportunity for football players called Lunch Buddies.

The program pairs football players with students in the special education program at lunch on Fridays, allowing a chance for both groups mingle, and further the goal of making sure that Emmaus High School is an environment where no one feels alienated.

Fairclough believes the social image that football players have can be a powerful tool that can be used to make statements and set the right expectations in a school community.

“I always tell the kids, ‘if we have that platform, why don’t we do something positive with it?’” Fairclough said.

The team at Emmaus is known to have extra room in their hearts for reaching out to members within the community like they did with Ian. With programs like Lunch Buddies and the Special Olympics, community members like Megan Foerst notice how the players and the Athletic Department use their position to make others feel included and respected.

“I don’t think Jameel, and all the players, and the coaches, I don’t think they understand, that small gesture of a high five, what it did,” Foerst said. “Ian isn’t 100 percent verbal, but the smile on his face said it all.”