June 2017

THE STINGER June 2017 Volume 42 Issue 6

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Make it Klick

THE STINGER June 2017

Looking Back

There we sat, in the middle of another brightly-lit auditorium filled with banners and posters beaming with school pride, prepared to listen to another group of admissions counselors and students drole on about the college experience at their fine institution.

An admissions counselor stepped up to the podium, dressed in a suit that just so happened to match the school colors, and began with a classic elementary school principal style greeting: “Good morning!” she chirped with a pearly white smile.

“Good...morning…” we groggy, sleep-deprived humans droned back.

“Hey, you can do better than that! Good morning!”

Once our counselor felt satisfied with the volume and tone of our morning greeting, she began her slideshow presentation. As always, she threw out some random facts and statistics like where the school is ranked locally, the gender ratio and that they indeed have an Olympic-sized swimming pool that all students can use.

At this point I had to force myself to listen while my mom angrily nudged my dad to stay awake (or at least to stop snoring).

Next our friend, the admissions counselor, pulled two students onto the stage to discuss their experience on campus. Smiling ever so widely, the student presenters always seem rather robotic, as if they’ve rehearsed their “I love [insert school name] and you should too” speech since they could speak. I prepared myself for yet another story detailing the “incredible internships, friendly student body and tasty cafeteria food that I wouldn’t have found anywhere else!”

The boy followed this foolproof script almost to a tee, and the girl started off similarly. Knowing that she wanted to leave her small town for a big city college, she worked hard in school and it earned her a spot at her dream institution. Then, she somehow managed to smile a little wider and utter a phrase I couldn’t forgive, “Yep, I got here, and I’ve never looked back on that small town.

I just call my mom every so often to check in.”

When I heard those words, I sat up a little straighter and started to wonder why anyone would want to get up and completely ditch her old life and “never look back.”

In a way, I’m quite similar to the girl who presented that day. For years I’ve dreamt of going to school in a city filled with people, politics and culture that I could report on, and I’m always the first one to complain about the sheer boredom that exists in the Lehigh Valley. But as much as I say I want to pack my bags and jump on the next flight out of suburban Pennsylvania, I can’t imagine what my life would be like if I never came back.

As cheesy as it is, I wouldn’t be the writer, student or person I am if I hadn’t grown up in this quiet area we call home. It seems ridiculous to me that anyone can leave their hometown and so easily forget all of the people who encouraged, taught and molded them through the years. So, to all the seniors, juniors and anyone else reading this, please remember that no matter how far you travel from home or how wonderful your new life is, you should always remember and thank those people who helped you get there.

Thank your friends for forcing you out of the house, making you laugh uncontrollably and dancing like an idiot with you at prom when none of you knew the songs.

Thank your teachers for putting up with your snarky comments and jokes (and sometimes even laughing at them). Thank your fitness coach for pushing you as a scrawny, out-of-shape freshman to constantly improve even when you thought you had reached your breaking point.

Thank your journalism teacher for always showing you new sides to this world of storytelling that you love so much and for putting up with you until 10 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank your whole staff for being your second family with whom you can joke about bad font choices and discuss your hatred for the Oxford comma with.

Most importantly, thank your family who have driven you to and from too many club meetings to count and dealt with many late night cry sessions over friend drama and bad grades.

While the idea of leaving home for a school or job far, far away seems like an exciting adventure, you should always remember these people who cared for and shaped you. And even though every teen magazine and advice book urges you to “live for now” and “forget the past,” I have a slightly different piece of advice: No matter where you end up five, 10 or even 20 years from now, you should always look back to remember the memories and people who changed you for good.

Associate Editor Marley Wait @Marleywait

Editor-in-chief Andrea Klick @aklick2000

News Editor Lily Day @lilyyyy_d

Assistant News Editor Assistant News Editor Katie Taranto Tabitha Nowak

Opinion Editor Erica Love

Assistant Opinion Editor Luke Maake

Features Editor Bibi Correa @_bibi_correaa

Culture Editor Joe Eckstein

Assistant Opinion Editor Kaylee Ruiz

Assistant Features Editor Chloe Gerhard

Assistant Features Editor Emma Lin-Moyer

Assistant Culture Editor Rylan Bassett

Assistant Culture Editor Renee Martin

Sports Editor James Marler

Assistant Sports Editor Caroline Bond

Online Editor Izzy Wegner @wegnerisabella

Convergence Editor Bradley Klemick

2017 Keystone Press Awards First Place Public Service/Enterprise Package First Place Feature Story First Place Column Writing First Place Review First Place Cartoon/Graphic Illustration First Place Photo Story First Place Layout and Design Second Place Website Second Place Sports Photo Second Place Public Service/Enterprise Package Second Place Ongoing News Coverage 2016 Pennsylvania Press Club First Place News Story First Place Cartooning Second Place Layout Third Place Sports Story Honorable Mention Features Honorable Mention Sports 2015 Keystone Press Awards Second Place General News Second Place Public Service Package First Place Sports Story First, Second Place Column Honorable Mention Review Second Place Graphic Illustration Second Place Layout and Design NSPA 2015 Second Place Editorial Cartoon Eighth Place Feature Writing

Assistant Sports Editor Adrianna Tomasello

Assistant Online Editor Makayla Frazier

Advisor Denise Reaman

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

Twitter: Stingerehs

This Can't Wait A Girl’s Best Friend If you have a dog, you probably know the feeling of fear that comes with imagining your life without them.

If you used to have a dog, you have probably experienced that awful imagination becoming a reality. Losing a lifelong dog is just as painful as losing a lifelong friend. Most likely because dogs play both the role of a pet and a companion.

When I was five, I begged my parents to buy me a kitten. It was all I wanted. To my disappointment, I was not the only child in the family. My older brother had also been begging my parents for a pet, but he wanted a dog instead. When my mom brought home a small, black Labrador Retriever a few months later, I cried as the dog peed all over our carpets. In retrospect, I am grateful my mom chose to get a dog instead of a cat.

Choosing a name for the new addition to the family was difficult, but we decided to name her Lola. My childhood years are filled with stories involving my dog. She became my best friend. As a kid, I was more of a nuisance to her than anything else. I was constantly hanging on to her, dressing her up in my clothes, and chasing her around my backyard. But despite this, I think she still loved me.

Lola quickly turned from a puppy to a full-grown dog. She was no longer the 12-pound ball of fur my mom had brought home. She was now a 100-pound Labrador Retriever. Everyday before school I’d say goodbye to her. When I returned home, she was always there waiting, tail thumping, in my front yard.

Once my older brother left for college, our days together became routine. We would spend hours together every day after school while my parents finished up at work, just enjoying each other’s company. I would walk her down to the retention pond and let her run around. I valued our time together and looked forward to those few hours I spent with her after school.

As the seasons changed, so did our friendship. In the fall, Lola was my number one fan at every soccer game. When the first snow fell in the winter, we would go outside together. I’d laugh as she ate snow off the ground and jumped up to try to eat any snowball I threw at her. As winter turned into spring, we spent even more time together outside. She would lay by my side as I read a book or watch me as I flew through the air on my backyard swing. In the summer, Lola would sprawl out in the sun as if she could get a tan.

There are so many memories I have of Lola and me, but there is one that sticks out more than most.

One day when I was 13, I came home from school. As usual, Lola and I went to my backyard. I was playing with her, and in burst of excitement, she began to sprint around the yard. Suddenly, she yelped out and pulled her leg close to her body, attempting to keep weight off of it. I, being a clueless 13-year-old, began to cry.

I tried to help her into the house, but she could barely walk. Once we got into the house, I sat there on the floor with her, crying helplessly and trying to get ahold of my mom. All the while, Lola was trying to comfort me, even though she was the one in pain. She would put her head in my lap and try to get me to stop crying.

Anytime I would cry, she did this. Later that week, the veterinarian told us that she had torn her cranial cruciate ligament (which is the equivalent to the anterior cruciate ligament in a human). I would never forget this memory. Not only was it traumatizing, but it also reminded me how compassionate Lola was.

Time passed, and as I grew older, so did Lola. In the winter of 2016, my family found out that my dog had cancer. This wasn’t easy news, to say the least, but the veterinarian said she had a few months left. I wanted to make the most out of that time, but the more I thought about my life without her, the more I couldn’t imagine it. What would it be like to come home and not hear Lola barreling down the stairs to greet me, or to spend a christmas not buying cute dog toys? What would a family dinner be like without her laying at our feet, constantly begging? Most importantly, what would a life without my best friend look like? I didn’t know, and I didn’t want to.

Those few months we had left with her passed, and much to my family’s surprise, Lola is still alive today.

We know her time is coming soon, but for now, she is doing okay. As I spend my last several weeks with her, I remember all the times we spent together. I know I wouldn’t be the same person today if I hadn’t grown up by her side.

News

IN-DEPTH REPORTING ON TOPICS THAT MATTER TO YOU

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MANAGING EDITOR LILY DAY ASST. EDITORS TABITHA NOWAK & KATIE TARANTO

Kieres to return to Emmaus as principal Former AP to replace Piperato in summer

sistant superintendent is to be an assistant to the superintendent, but also to do curriculum and instruction and assessment. I’m responsible for everything from curriculum mapping, teaching evaluation -- anything that has to do with teaching and learning, basically. It’s my responsibility to oversee all the way from kindergarten to twelfth grade in every subject.

Stinger: What are some factors in your decision in coming to Emmaus?

Kieres: I was actually an assistant principal at Emmaus for five years … I loved it there, and I loved it so much that my husband and I actually moved our family to East Penn from Bethlehem when I was working there. So we live in the community and I loved working at Emmaus.

I loved the students, I loved the community, I loved the staff. I loved being a part of a really big, successful, comprehensive high school.

Rachel McQuiston Stinger: What are you most excited for in your role as News Contributor principal?

Numerous changes will be brought about at Emmaus Kieres: I think I’m most excited to really celebrate all of High School for the 2017-2018 school year, including the the great things that are happening at the high school. addition of EHS’ new principal, Dr. Kate Kieres, who was The job that I’ve had for the last five years, or six years, recently hired for the position. has been wonderful, but it’s been a district office level Kieres is no stranger to the East Penn School District; position. I get into buildings a lot and I get into classin fact, she was an assistant principal at Emmaus from rooms a lot, but I don’t have as much direct engagement 2006 to 2011. After serving the last six years as assistant everyday with students and teachers, and I miss that. superintendent at the Palisades School District, Kieres is So I’m really excited to have the opportunity to get into ready to come back to East Penn, a district and commuclassrooms every single day and to really get to know nity that she adores. the students and the teachers again. And like I said, really celebrate the great things that are happening, and Stinger: Where did you go to college? really look for those opportunities that exist to continue Kieres: So I went to Penn State for undergrad and I was to grow and improve what we’re doing for kids. a theatre major -- I was actually a double major in theatre Stinger: Any changes that you would like to see happen and education for two years… But my goal was to teach, at Emmaus next year? so after undergrad, I went to Lehigh and I got my teaching Kieres: I don’t have anything specific that I would like degree so that I could teach English and drama, so I did to see change… This is also an opportunity for me to that. And I got my Principal’s Certification from Gwynedd come back and learn about everything that has happened Mercy, which is a university now, but it was a college since I’ve been gone and the things that have been put then. And then in 2012 I finished my doctorate and I got in place. So if you ask me a year from now, I’ll probably that degree from Seton Hall. have more of an idea how to answer that question beStinger: What is your role at your current job? cause I’ll feel like I’m more grounded in what’s happenKieres: So right now I’m the assistant superintendent in ing at the high school and what are our needs together as the Palisades School District. Palisades is a small school a school community… district, we have about a little over 1,600 kids, so it’s Stinger: What’s the last book you read? significantly smaller than even Emmaus High School is.

Kieres: So I just got back from Ireland, and the last That’s the whole district, K through 12 … My job as asbook that I read was a book called “The Graves are

Walking” -- it’s a little bit depressing. It’s a book about the Irish potato famine, so I read that book in preparation in heading off to Ireland.

Stinger: What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Kieres: Kind, collaborative, enthusiastic.

Stinger: What do you like to do outside of work?

Kieres: I love to read, [and] I have two kiddos -- one of them is in 7th grade and the other one is four, so she’s not in school yet. So most of my free time is spent revolving around doing things with my kids and with my husband, so that’s work and a hobby.

Stinger: Wawa or Sheetz?

Kieres: Wawa, absolutely. I just drove through Wawa this morning for coffee and a breakfast burrito. I’ll go way out of my way to hit Wawa.

Stinger: Anything else you would like the students of Emmaus to know about you?

Kieres: Hmm, no. I’m excited to get started, and I’m really excited to get to know the students.

Pip to leave EHS for top job at PV See the full story at:

stingerehs.com

“Miss Saigon” cast captures seven Freddy Awards Stinger Staff Emmaus High School’s production of “Miss Saigon” received seven Freddy Awards on May 25, including Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical.

“Miss Saigon,” which opened at EHS on March 16, earned 18 Freddy Award nominations--the most of any high school production this year. Of the 21 categories that are judged for the Freddy Awards, EHS’ production was nominated in 17. One category had two EHS nominations. Last year’s production at EHS, “Once Upon a Mattress,” garnered seven nominations but no awards.The Freddy Awards have been recognizing outstanding high school musical theater productions since 2003.

In their acceptance speeches, most students credited directors Rita Cortez and Jill Kuebler as a major cause of their success.

Although the Freddy’s are an important part of high school theater in the Lehigh Valley, Kuebler does not base the success of a show solely off of nominations and awards.

“We always do the best show we possibly can do, and then whatever happens after is icing on the cake,” Kuebler said. “I think every school has definite strengths. A strength of our department is that we have

a really strong creative team. Our students are amazingly committed to the art and working to put on the best show they can.”

Select students from each participating high school are chosen by their schools to perform in the opening and closing numbers of the ceremony, including seniors Julia Bezems, Thomas Riley, Robert Lynn, and Erin McGowan .

EHS students, however, have the opportunity to perform in more than just the opening and closing nomination. Seniors Julia Bezems and Thomas Riley each performed small solos because of their nominations in Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role and Outstanding Actor in a

Leading Role. Because of their nomination for Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical, the “Miss Saigon” cast also performed the musical number “Bui Doi.” Riley, who played Chris, sat in the audience at last year’s Freddy Awards.

Performing in the ceremony twice this year was surreal to him.

“The experience of going to the Freddy’s was unlike any other,” Riley said. “I made so many friends with great people, and the energy from the audience was absolutely insane. I think my favorite part of the night is when I hit the high note in my solo and everyone from Emmaus stood for me. It was such a rush of adrenaline and euphoria.”

Students who performed were not the only ones who attended the show.

Senior Declan Schoen accepted the the Freddy for Outstanding Use of Lighting alongside junior Andrew Ashmar.

“The Freddy’s were, as always, a phenomenal night,” Schoen said.

“There’s just a sense of universal support in that theater that I’ve never felt anywhere else. You just know that if you win an award everyone there is going to be supportive, and if you don’t, you are not only ready, but eager to give all of your support to the people that won.”

Left: Riley and Bezems perform a number from “Miss Saigon.” Right: The cast of “Miss Saigon” poses.

For an in-depth article on the Freddy’s visit:

stingerehs.com

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THE STINGER

JUNE 2017

NEWS

Porzuczek-Melin to retire after a decade at EHS

Angie Stein News Contributor After 10 years of teaching at Emmaus, math teacher Teresa Porzuczek-Melin will retire this year.

Porzuczek-Melin graduated from Binghamton University with a bachelor’s degree in science and mathematics. She went on to receive two master’s degrees, one in mathematics and the other in statistics, from Michigan State University.

Before teaching, Porzuczek-Melin worked in the private sector. She began teaching in 2005 at William Allen High School.

“I wanted to bring in my knowledge of math… combined with the knowledge I had from working in the private sector into the classroom,” Porzuczek-Melin said. “[I wanted to] bring both dimensions or both factors and use that to prepare students for their futures.”

After two years at Allen, PorzuczekMelin came to Emmaus. Since then, she has taught mathematics courses involving algebra, trigonometry and calculus, sharing her knowledge with students of all grade levels.

“The most rewarding thing is seeing students progress and become excited about the subjects that I’m teaching,” Porzuczek-Melin said. “I spent half as much time teaching as I did in the private sector, and teaching was... infinitely more rewarding.”

Math teacher Cindy Brashear, who has known Porzuczek-Melin for close to 10 years, describes her as “organized” and “a hard worker.”

“She is a kind person who cares about her students and colleagues,” Brashear says. “I know she always has the students’ best interests at heart, and is able to see the big picture of what would be beneficial in the long-run.”

Porzuczek-Melin recalls fond memories of her time at EHS. “[My favorite memory] just occurred the other day,” she says. “I teach Calculus CP, and a couple of my students... asked a couple questions, and I responded and all of a sudden they just stood up, a couple of them, and said, ‘Man, calculus is really cool.’ They were able to make connections… all of a sudden they just see the

connections form and calculus became cool.

I’ll remember that for a long time.”

Principal David Piperato hopes that Porzuczek-Melin “has many opportunities to rest, relax and enjoy her family.” He praises the work that she has done at EHS. “Mrs. PorzuczekMelin has a very high standard for herself and her students,” Piperato said. “She expects the best out of people, and pushes them to grow.

She has helped the math department continue to grow and meet the challenges of high stakes testing while not losing sight of the needs of our students.”

Piperato will especially miss the conversations that they shared “about the state of education.”

“She has a keen understanding of

the challenges we face and is genuinely concerned about the future of public education,” Piperato said. “Mrs. PorzuczekMelin will always be a champion for EHS and public ed.”

Sherwood retires, plans move to Hawaii

Cathryn Seibert News Contributor After spending 17 years teaching English at Emmaus High School and advising Red Cross Club, Diane Sherwood will move to Hawaii this summer to spend her retirement on the “Big Island.”

Sherwood and her husband plan to relocate in order to be closer to their family. They are only bringing along their two elderly cats and necessary clothes. In preparation for their move, they have been selling everything they own through ads on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. They hope to find a buyer for their 1850s

farmhouse.

While living in Hawaii, Sherwood looks forward to gardening and getting away from the snowy eastern climate. She and her husband would also like to make a difference in the local community, whether it be through volunteer work, teaching, or getting involved in local politics.

Sherwood anticipates this new chapter in her life and feels she has “accomplished what [she] wanted to do” throughout her career.

“My husband’s retired, and, yeah, we’re looking forward to relaxing and settling down to a different life,” she said. “It’s gonna be different. It’s kind of an adventure.”

English teacher Susan Carville has worked with Sherwood for 12 years and “consider[s] [her] a great friend.”

“Mrs. Sherwood is a patient, knowledgeable, and thorough teacher. She has high expectations for her students and helps them all along the way, whether it’s giving individual feedback on students’ rough drafts, providing individual help or instructing homebound students, she knows all of her students’ strengths and rough spots,” Carville said. “In her calm, quiet voice, she will help any student who needs a little extra attention.”

When she leaves EHS, Sherwood said she will miss “the quality of the kids” and “the friendliness of the teachers” most and has enjoyed her time as Red Cross Club advisor.

“I like seeing the kids, the way they feel, after they’ve done something for the community,” Sherwood said.

“Some of the kids you can’t get involved, they just come to the meetings, and they do the fundraisers, whatever, but the day they finally do get involved and you see the look on their face, it’s pretty outstanding, to teach them what altruism is, doing something for others.”

She also likes to see the level of involvement during the club’s annual blood drives.

“We have members… organizing all the donors and all the details. ‘Has this person got his ID and his driver’s license and his permission slip?’ and ‘Did they eat and are they hydrated?’” she said. “Then you sit them down and you move them through the process, and they take care of the kids when they come out.”

Principal David Piperato will miss Sherwood’s “dedication as a Language Arts teacher and her willingness to put kids first,” and recognizes the impact that she has made over the years through being “an advocate for her students.”

“She looks beyond the curriculum and focuses on the needs of her students,” Piperato said. “Mrs. Sherwood understands the need to challenge students, but never allows the stress of the job to overshadow her concern for her students. On many occasions she demonstrated keen insight regarding students in her class. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Sherwood has done a fantastic job running the blood drive at EHS, undoubtedly saving lives as a result of the many donations she has secured over the years.”

Warnke to embark on next chapter in his life Rachel McQuiston News Contributor A lover of cats, a Wawa fiend, a selfproclaimed economics enthusiast -- Emmaus High School will lose a one-of-akind teacher, mentor and friend this year as Social Studies Department chair Tom Warnke plans to depart from the halls of EHS to pursue a career in real estate.

Whether it be teaching American Studies 2 Honors in the classroom or his previous position as golf coach, there’s no doubt that Warnke has been highly involved in EHS. Anyone who has met Warnke surely knows his knack for teaching and passion for learning -- however, teaching was not his initial career choice.

“I went into business -- that was my original career. As it turned out, I just didn’t like it very much,” Warnke said. “...I sort of always had it in the back of my mind I wanted to be a teacher, so I went back to Kutztown after I got my master’s degree, and I got certified in social studies…”

After this pivotal career change, Warnke quickly got his first teaching job at Sacred Heart Grade School in Allentown, which he described as “a good

experience.” Years later, he made his way to Emmaus High School, where he’s taught for the past 15 years and served as department chair for the past 10 years.

“It’s been extremely positive. Just aside from the teaching, which is great, I’ve had great classes,” Warnke said. “I think the Social Studies Department is the best department in the school. We work together really, really well, so that experience has been great.”

Social studies teacher Brian Pum, who has been working with Warnke for eight years, can vouch for this exceptional experience with both the Social Studies Department and Warnke. In fact, Pum believes Warnke to be “very funny” and appreciates that he “doesn’t put himself first.” “[I will miss] his company, his sense of humor, his ability to take hard issues and break them down for us,” Pum said.

Principal David Piperato couldn’t agree more -- he acknowledges that “[Mr. Warnke’s] sense of humor and his practical approach to issues” helped make Piperato’s experience at Emmaus so exceptional.

“Mr. Warnke is an outstanding teacher in the classroom,” Piperato said. “[He]

has been very involved in the life of EHS and is a leader of and example for his teaching peers.

He contributed to many positive changes at Emmaus High School.”

As his time at EHS draws to a close, Warnke knows that he will always cherish the memories that he has created with his fellow teachers and students over the years.

“There’s a lot of memories because I’ve done a lot of stuff. I enjoyed when I was coaching golf -- that was great, we were very, very successful...” Warnke said. “[Also,] I did meet a teacher who I have become very close with, so I better put something about that in there.”

Though he will always treasure his amazing experiences at Emmaus, Warnke is ready to begin a new chapter in his life.

“Last summer, I decided I was going to go back and took the classes I had to

take to get a real estate license,” Warnke said. “So [now] I have a real estate license and I’m working with Wesley Works Real Estate right here in Emmaus.

Thirty-two years is a long time to do anything, so I’m just looking forward to something new. And not getting up at six in the morning -- I hate [that]!”

Photos by Eve Walters.

THE STINGER

NEWS

HENRIK ZU JEDDELOH

Henrik zu Jeddeloh moved from Germany to the United States in 2000.

Since sixth grade, he has participated on a robotics team for FIRST Tech Challenge, a worldwide robotics competition that challenges students to build robots using engineering and STEM techniques.

This year, zu Jeddeloh made it to the world championship competition in St. Louis, where the team placed 40th out of 120, and was named as an Engineering Notebook finalist. He is also currently taking EMT classes through LCCC and preparing for the national exam at the end of June.

Stinger: What are your plans for the future? zu Jeddeloh: To work as an EMT. I’m taking a gap year before moving to Germany. I’ve ridden along in ambulances 10 to 12 times, which is really cool. I’m going to get a doctorate in medicine,

particularly brain surgery.

Stinger: What is your favorite part about the robotics team? zu Jeddeloh: We face many difficult challenges together as a team, but solving them with my friends makes them much more fun.

Stinger: What do you find most interesting about the medical field and being an EMT? zu Jeddeloh: You can learn all you want in the class, but every emergency in the real world is different and every person is different.

Stinger: What excites you the most about your future? zu Jeddeloh: I could choose a job in an engineering field or science field, but being able to save someone’s life directly would make me more happy than anything.

Stinger: What will you miss most about Emmaus? zu Jeddeloh: Being able to see my friends every day and still having fun while also learning.

Stinger: Do you have any advice for underclassmen? zu Jeddeloh: Think about what you want to do in the future and take the classes that you’re actually interested in and the things you want to do. Don’t take classes because you feel like you have to.

Stinger: What teacher impacted you the most and why? zu Jeddeloh: Mr. Ohl. Even if I had a weird question, he always had an intelligible answer.

Stinger: What is your favorite class? zu Jeddeloh: AP Physics 1 and 2. It’s such a nice environment to learn in. We joke around and learn and are able to have fun with our friends.

AUDREY BOLESTA

Throughout her time at Emmaus High School, Audrey Bolesta enjoyed being a part of cross country, track and Interact Club.

Bolesta found her true passion, however, to be architecture, which is what she will study at California Polytechnic State University in the fall.

Stinger: What made you want to get in-

NATE WALLS

By Rachel Reed

JUNE 2017

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LASAIR NI CHOCHLAIN

By Andrea Klick

Over the past four years, Lasair Ni Chochlain could be found at football games playing clarinet in the marching band as well as at the school musicals, where she participated in stage crew. She also served as president of Interact Club and vice president of German Club this year.

Next year, she will continue her education on a full-ride scholarship to Schreyer Honors College at Penn State University, where she will major in biology.

Stinger: What was your favorite memory?

Ni Chochlain: I feel like a lot of my favorite memories are from this year, like in marching band we had a really good competition and we won, so that was cool. In stage crew, it was really hard saying goodbye to everyone.

Stinger: What have you learned about yourself in high school?

Ni Chochlain: I guess I’ve learned that I’m capable of more than I thought I was. I feel like I used to be very insecure about my intelligence, like I would take AP and honors classes, and I would feel like I didn’t belong there. And I feel like over high school I’ve learned to be more confident in myself and be like “no, I can handle these classes and I do belong here.”

Stinger: What was your favorite class?

Ni Chochlain: I really like AP Economics this year; shout out to Mr. Parish cause he’s the best. Also AP Literature, Ms. DiDona [is] also the best. I feel like it’s the first English class where I’ve really gotten to read literature that is relevant and that I enjoy. Shakespeare is great and all, but it’s cool to actually

read literature that is modern and feels relevant to the modern day. And economics is great cause Parish is just a baller.

I don’t even like economics, he’s just a great teacher.

Stinger: Scale from one to 10, how bad is your senioritis?

Ni Chochlain: Oh gosh, an 11. It’s so bad, but you can relax. People act like senioritis is such a bad thing, but you can not try that hard and it’s fine. I’m not failing any of my classes. [Laughing] Maybe that’s not such a great message to send.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Ni Chochlain: Don’t take it too seriously. Just enjoy high school.

By Izzy Wegner

volved in cross country and track?

Bolesta: I had done cross country in middle school, but also a lot of my friends did it, and I thought it would be a fun way to exercise.

Stinger: Did something about track make you want to join cross country?

Bolesta: I actually did soccer my freshman year, but then I was cut my sophomore year. It was actually a blessing in disguise because I found cross country, and I really enjoyed that.

Stinger: What is your favorite part about Interact?

Bolesta: Just volunteering and giving back to the community.

Stinger: What was your favorite class that you took while at Emmaus?

Bolesta: Definitely the architecture class. It was such a great experience getting to actually build a building and [work with] Didra, who retired this past year. I actually decided to go into architecture, so he was a big force in helping me find my passion in it.

Stinger: Although you are not taking architecture this year, why did you decide to help the current classes build?

Bolesta: Last year the project and the class had such a big impact on me. I wanted to give back in a way and have an impact on kids possibly considering architecture.

Stinger: Who would you say was your mentor? Why? Bolesta: Definitely Didra, he’s definitely the biggest force in what I’ve done. Before taking some of those classes, I never really found something I was passionate about, but I found that after taking those classes.

With his help, I found architecture, which I’m really passionate about now.

Stinger: What was your greatest accomplishment throughout your high school career?

Bolesta: Last year, during the summer, I got to participate in an architecture pre-college experience for six weeks at Carnegie Mellon. Just making it through that was probably a big accomplishment for me.

Stinger: What are you the most excited for about college?

Bolesta: I’m excited to just experience a new way of life. Going away to California is actually terrifying, but it’s also so exciting to get new experiences and meet new people.

I’m excited for that, but I’m also excited to be around people who are excited about the same things as I am. In high school, most people like completely different things, but in college you get around people who are just as passionate as you.

Stinger: What do you think you will remember the most about your time at Emmaus?

Bolesta: Probably just the people. I think the people make Emmaus, Emmaus. I’ll just miss that.

Stinger: What is your favorite bathroom at Emmaus?

Bolesta: Have you ever been to the bathrooms down in tech ed? No one knows that they really exist, and not many girls take tech ed, so they are the best bathrooms in the whole school.

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

Bolesta: Probably a three or a four, because I didn’t know where I was going until two days before May 1, so I knew I had to keep my grades up for that.

By Makayla Frazier Nate Walls will be going on a mission trip with his church before attending Brigham Young University for electrical engineering and computer science. Walls found a love for computer science after Mrs. Stoudt recruited him for the computer science program at EHS. Since then, Walls has participated in the Computer Science Club all four years of his high school career. He also served as the section leader of the percussion section in the EHS Marching Band.

Stinger: How have you grown as a person over the past four years?

Walls: In the Computer Science Club I

feel like I’ve been a big help and a strong programmer. Especially with the language of Python and helping get everyone up to speed with that. We’ve made a lot of improvements and made the department stronger.

Stinger: What is your biggest accomplishment?

Walls: Best percussion in states this year.

We worked very hard as a group and individually I worked hard. We put in a lot of work and it really paid off for us this year.

Stinger: What was your motivation to reach your goals?

Walls: I really want to succeed and I enjoy doing things, and when I enjoy doing

things, I want to do them well.

Stinger: Who is your mentor?

Walls: I would consider Mrs. Stoudt a mentor because she got me into programming and calculus.

Stinger: What will you miss the most about EHS? Walls: The people. I really love the diversity we have here and how we help each other out. I love the culture and the people we have here at Emmaus Stinger: Do you have any regrets?

Walls: I don’t think that if I looked back I’d say, “Hey I should have done this.” I think I really pushed myself and succeeded in what I wanted to do.

6

THE STINGER

ERIN MCGOWAN

Erin McGowan’s proficiency in the EHS Theater Department has led her to commit to the University of Rhode Island and double major in fashion merchandising and theater.

Stinger: What clubs are you involved in?

McGowan: I’m in Drama Department and Acabella, and I’m in Chorale and a lot of things with the Choral Department.

MATT SPERING

DYLAN ROMIG

Stinger: What was your reaction to being nominated for a Freddy?

McGowan: I was so excited, I really didn’t think I was because everyone was so talented that’s involved with the Freddy’s, and when I saw my name it was incredible to be noticed for working so hard on something.

Stinger: How has theater changed you as a person?

McGowan: I think it has really shaped me as a person to be able to meet so many people involved in different things, and learning from those people. I feel I wouldn’t be who I am now without them.

Stinger: Favorite thing about Emmaus?

McGowan: I like how they showcase the arts as much as they do because I know a lot of other schools neglect [them].

Stinger: What would you change if you could start over?

McGowan: That’s a good question, I think even as I’ve messed up throughout the years I have learned so much that I don’t think I would ever change that.

Stinger: What will you miss the most about Emmaus?

McGowan: I have gotten close to a lot of the underclassmen. I’m going to miss seeing them.

By Luke Maake

During his time at Emmaus High School, Matt Spering participated in the Academic Team, Sinfonia and chamber orchestra, and was also a member of the National Honor Society. Spering plans to study mechanical engineering and economics at the University of Pittsburgh.

Stinger: Do you plan to continue any of your high school activities after you graduate?

By James Marler

Spering: I’m probably going to keep playing violin for fun, just not in the orchestra.

Stinger: Who’s your favorite teacher?

Spering: I’ve had Mr. Ohl for three years now, so I guess I would say Mr. Ohl. It’s hard to choose one, because a lot of teachers have impacts on you and who you are as a person.

Stinger: What are your favorite classes?

Spering: Physics and calculus.

Stinger: What was the most memorable part about high school for you?

Spering: A lot of the things I remember about high school are weird memories, like “why did that happen?” type of things. Not necessarily bad, just strange.

Most of my memorable things would just be the crazy moments that were unexpected.

Stinger: How have you changed over the course of your high school career?

Spering: Well, I’ve always had a lot of energy, and I’ve definitely retained that.

In terms of situational awareness, and dealing with people, I’ve gotten a lot better in those situations. Maturity-wise, I’ve just grown in general.

By Charlie Norelli

Stinger: What excites you most about college?

Romig: Meeting people who love doing what I love to do.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Romig: Hopefully, I’ll have founded my own technical company, perhaps some space company. I’ve always been fascinated by rockets.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Romig: My biggest accomplishment in high school would be making it to states this year with the robotics team.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

From an early age, Dylan Romig was Romig: Freshman year I was mostly refascinated by machines and how they served to my small friend group and now work. His fascination led him to join the I feel like I’m way more open to talking robotics team his sophomore year. Since to new people and have a lot more friends then, Romig has become the co-captain of that enjoy different things than me. the team and plans to attend Drexel UniStinger: What are your thoughts on versity to study mechanical engineering. leaving EHS? He also ran cross country and track. Some Romig: I’ll miss high school, but I’m of his out of school activities include ready to move on to pursuing a career that volunteer work at the Colebrook Railroad I’m passionate about.

Organization and playing recreational soccer for the Southern Lehigh Soccer League.

JUNE 2017

NEWS

AIDAN O’SULLIVAN

By Noel Santichen

Aidan O’Sullivan is a hardworking student and member of the fitness team at EHS. He moved here last year from Cork, Ireland, and he plans to go back for college at the University College Cork Ireland.

Stinger: What do you miss about Ireland?

O’Sullivan: I just miss my friends and the slow pace of life.

Stinger: What do you plan to study and why?

O’Sullivan: Medicine, I want to further myself studying something I’m passionate about.

Stinger: Why did you decide to join fitness club?

O’Sullivan: I’ve trained a lot in gymnastics; I want to keep up my fitness.

Stinger: How did being in fitness club throughout high school affect you?

O’Sullivan: It helped me integrate into the high school.

Stinger: Will you continue doing something similar throughout college?

O’Sullivan: I’m hoping to be a gymnastics coach part time through college Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

O’Sullivan: I really want to be an osteopathic orthopedic surgeon.

Stinger: Where do you want to live?

O’Sullivan: I definitely want to live both in America and Ireland, I want to do Doctors Without Borders.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

O’Sullivan: I look up to my mom. She’s hardworking and patient.

Stinger: Which teacher has impacted you the most?

O’Sullivan: Mrs. Kramer-Hinks. She was my anatomy teacher last year.

She’s so positive and energetic. She set my interest into being a doctor in stone.

Stinger: What will you miss most about EHS? O’Sullivan: My friends. I made friends for life here.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment?

O’Sullivan: Actually moving and integrating into a whole new school system.

Even if I didn’t understand, I just kept going.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

O’Sullivan: I guess for being compassionate and kind.

Stinger: Do you have any regrets?

O’Sullivan: I wish I had got to know some of my friends sooner.

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

O’Sullivan: “The Sound of Silence” by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.

OPINION

THE STINGER JUNE 2017

Opinion

7

YO 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

MANAGING EDITOR ERICA LOVE A S S T. O P I N I O N E D I TO R S L U K E M A A K E & K AY L E E R U I Z

Love Letters

Erica Love Opinion Editor The recent death of conservative influencer and Fox News co-founder Roger Ailes has brought some monumentally important issues to the forefront of my mind. As you may know, Ailes was not only a conservative mastermind, but a known sexual harasser of women.

Yet for some reason, this fact has essentially been absent from the dialogue surrounding his life in the right-wing news and community. This brings me to another issue at large: the rampant disregard for women by some prominent conservatives.

Less than one year ago, the media was flooded with the infamous tape of Donald Trump and Billy Bush discussing tactics used to take advantage of and harass women. The news held headlines for over a week, but currently, the incident is very rarely referenced. Now, Trump is the President of the United States, and I am just left wondering, how did the American people and politicians let this slide?

The answer is simply that women are not valued as much as men are in America. Possibly one of the saddest parts about this is that so many women and girls in this country think that the institutionalized sexism is normal, and that America is an amazing place for females. Some people even say that women have already gained all the rights that they could need in earlier movements, and argue that since the rights are legally guaranteed, we can’t be complaining. But they fail to see that laws are not the problem.

The problem is the societal blackout of women’s issues and the ignorance that, as a result, plagues large percentages of Americans. The issue is not just single faceted, too. It spans economic, social and healthrelated sectors. And, if Americans do not begin to take a comprehensive approach, then women will never be able to reach a place of true equality.

Take the new healthcare bill as an example. The proposed defunding of Planned Parenthood is a monumental step towards the loss of essential health care for about two and a half million women in the United States. The GOP likes to propagate the idea that the clinic is only for abortion, (which is not paid through federal funds because that’s already illegal). The truth is, abortion is only 3 percent of what the clinic does, and even with that said, it is still a bodily right of women that impacts their health, just as any other medical procedure would.

Furthermore, threats to women’s rights also lie in the economic field. For a reason unbeknownst to me (other than mere ignorance), many people still believe that the wage gap between men and women does not exist.

I can’t believe we even need to have this discussion anymore.

Yes, it is true that in some jobs, the amount of salary depends on the position, time and commitment of the employee. However, that does not mean that women and men both have universal pay equality in the United States. There is absolutely nothing that justifies the vast difference that exists between men’s and women’s salaries in their respective jobs, and this is especially applicable to women of color, who are even more susceptible to unspeakable discrimination and inequalities. There is no right for corporatist men to close off dialogue about the issue, as they are just reaping the benefits of the hard work that underpaid women do.

But of course, this is another one of the neglected issues pertaining to women that still have not been solved, and continuing at this rate, will likely not be solved in years.

All of these seemingly insurmountable obstacles are in some cases dealt with by women and girls in our country every day. The healthcare many women in America depend on is quickly and non-consensually being ripped away, money that is earned is not received and rape culture is still being propagated every day in society, through both everyday citizens and corporate news media’s GOP pundits and presenters.

The most unbelievable aspect of all this hardship, however, is the heroic strength and courage women still possess. In a country where there have been so many obstacles for women, we still persist and carry on, fighting discrimination and hate, hoping to create a better future.

Illustration by Kaylee Ruiz.

ELISE MCDONALD Throughout her years at Emmaus, Elise McDonald has played an active role in the Music Department. She was a part of symphonic band, marching band, Women’s Choir, Chorale, Select Choir, Accabella, pit orchestra and was flute section leader for a year. Now McDonald plans to major in international studies and continue playing the flute and bassoon while singing at Fordham University Rose Hill Campus.

Stinger: How has being involved in the Music Department affected you throughout high school?

McDonald: I guess it’s kind of like a closer knit community amongst everyone in the school. When I was a freshman, being in marching band helped me make a lot of friends before I got here, and it’s kind of nice to have a smaller group that you can really connect with because of similarities.

Stinger: How have you changed since your freshman year?

McDonald: I would say I am more easygoing and, I know that’s hard to

By Adrianna Tomasello

believe. I guess being in the Music Department taught me that I can't be in control all the time, which is a good thing to learn.

Stinger: What are three words to describe yourself?

McDonald: Outgoing. Funny. I think I’m funny, that’s all that really matters. Indecisive.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

McDonald: Well hopefully I will be working with a nonprofit like the UN helping to do humanitarian work, maybe be in the Peace Corps. I have no idea, something in that area.

Stinger: Which is your favorite: flute or bassoon?

McDonald: No! I don’t have a favorite.

SOPHIE TESSIER

By Kyle Carraher

Sophie Tessier is involved with National Parks Club, enjoys the outdoors and plans to study geoscience at the Pennsylvania State University. Tessier also plays an active role in the community and attended the Women’s March on Washington.

Stinger: How do you feel you have impacted Emmaus?

Tessier: Probably just my outstanding wit. I hope it left an impact on people.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Tessier: I’ve become a lot more positive since freshman year.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Tessier: Mr. Mihalik, he’s the one who put me onto the Earth sciences.

Stinger: What excites you most about college?

Tessier: I’m excited for all the new people I’m going to meet.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory?

Why? Tessier: Probably just this year, overall. I’ve met so many great people senior year.

Stinger:Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Tessier: I want to live in a treehouse in the middle of the woods.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high

school?

Tessier: Probably the haiku I just wrote about knees.

THE STINGER JUNE 2017

8

ANDREW GIGLER By William Newbegin Andrew Gigler is a four-year participant in both track and field and crosscountry.

For track and field, he runs the 4x800-meter relay, as well as the 800-meter, 1600-meter, and 3200-meter.

When he’s not running, Gigler is a dedicated student. He also donates his time to Emmaus’ Shave for the Brave, which he has participated in twice. Next year, he plans to study either biology or environmental science at the University of Vermont as part of their honors college.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory?

AIDAN HUZAR

Gigler: My favorite high school memory was participating and helping out with the volunteering and planning of the Shave for the Brave my senior year. It was a great honor to be able to shave along with 100 other individuals, including students and staff at Emmaus High School, and to be able to raise over $2,000 to meet my goal and contribute towards a grand total of over $80,000 raised as a high school. The event was very moving and definitely means a lot to me. I know a lot of people that have been affected by cancer. One of my former baseball teammates had cancer, he’s a survivor, and I know other Emmaus students were honored, as well. It really means a lot to me. I want to do something related to helping out children or contributing to cancer research later in life and especially in college.

Stinger: Who was your biggest inspiration?

Gigler: Out of all the people that have coached me and supported me, I would say my track coach, who coached me all four years, Eileen Shovlin. [She] has been my biggest motivator and inspiration. [She’s] probably the best overall coach I’ve ever had in any sport growing up. She really pushes her runners to make the most out of every run, every workout, and her running knowledge is extraordinary. She has more knowledge on any single sport out of any coach I’ve ever met or ever had coach me, and her experience shows a lot in what she can get out of her runners.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?

By Makayla Frazier

Aidan Huzar is involved in the EHS musical program, singing for boy’s choir and playing the piano. Huzar plans on moving to Los Angeles after high school to continue his musical career, though he will not be continuing his education past high school. He plans on writing songs to support himself, because he wishes to live a non-materialistic lifestyle.

college to succeed?

Huzar: I feel like it's a good idea, but it's not necessary. It’s definitely essential because it’s really hard to take a different route.

Stinger: How will you succeed if you don't go to college?

Huzar: There are a lot of different definitions of success. I want to have food and a place to sleep and that’s successful to me.

Stinger: What is your number one place to go to before you die?

Huzar: Tibet. It’s beautiful and it's off the maps. It's off the tour guides if you go,you go.

Stinger: What are some of your bucket list items?

Huzar: Learning to skateboard, growing a flow and learning how to speak Italian.

Stinger: What is the busiest stairwell in the school?

Huzar: The stairwell that leads to the main office. It’s skinny and nobody seems to know how to walk.

Stinger: What’s the most mainstream trend you've followed?

Huzar: I'm known to be the weird person who doesn't really follow trends.

Stinger: Do you feel you need to go to

JASON KASHUBA

By Charles Norelli

Jason Kashuba closely fits the label of a stereotypical high school senior, and is eager to graduate. Standing in his way, however, is his third math credit, BC Calculus. Kashuba had applied to Penn State University, but made the mistake of sending his admission in two days late. He served on the Debate Team his freshman and sophomore years and has been on the cast of several of the Emmaus High School’s theatre productions, such as “Romeo and Juliet,” “The Diary of Anne Frank,” and “Mary Poppins.”

Stinger: Advice to underclassmen?

Kashuba: Meet your deadlines kids.

Stinger: Any regrets?

Kashuba: My regret would probably never finishing driver’s training. I started my junior year and I still have 3 more training sessions left.

Stinger: What will you miss about EHS? Kashuba: The debate team. It was one of the best parts of those two years. Sadly, it took too much out of my schedule.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Kashuba: My thoughts on the corn industry. The government has a super monopoly on it. It’ll be the downfall of this nation if we don’t crack down on the National Restaurant Association (NRA).

OPINION

Gigler: I’d like to say doing well in academics because I feel like I definitely put in the most effort to pushing myself to always perform academically as best as I can.

I definitely tried to push myself academically to get a good foundation for college, and to get into some of my top schools and universities and pursue scholarships to make college more feasible. [I] Definitely [chose] academics over athletics, just because academics are gonna impact your life forever. So, I’ve strived to do as best as I can academically just because I know how much it will better me in the future. I’m proud to say that I’ve done as well as I did while in high school.

Stinger: What was your favorite class at Emmaus?

Gigler: My favorite class at Emmaus High School definitely has to be Geology of the National Parks, taught

by Mr. Mihalik. I had the class the spring semester of junior year, and Mr. Mihalik’s teaching through examples of places that he’s been to in our own country is just fascinating. He has such a wealth of knowledge on geology, and he’s seen many of the geological formations and national parks that he teaches about in his class. I had the opportunity to go to Alaska with him and another group of students that had that class, which made it even more meaningful to see the things we learned about in class in real life.

Stinger: Describe your high school experience in three words Gigler: Disciplined, motivated, formative.

HARRISON WALKER

By Luke Maake

Throughout his four years at Emmaus High School, Harrison Walker has been involved with Debate Team, Robotics Club, and run crew for the Drama Department. After high school, Walker will be attending Lafayette College to study mechanical engineering.

Stinger: Do you plan to pursue any of these interests beyond high school?

Walker: I might do crew at college, but I’m not going to make a career out of it or anything. I might just do it for fun.

Stinger: What will you miss most about high school?

Walker: Luke Maake.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Walker: Follow Luke Maake on Twitter, get involved, and don’t stress too much.

[High school] seems like a lot of stress, but there’s a lot more stress and unknowns at the end. At the start, there’s stress, but there’s also certainty about what to do.

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

Walker: For the most part, yeah. I did as well academically as I could’ve hoped, but there was some stress and wasted time doing things that didn’t really make me happy.

THE STINGER JUNE 2017

OPINION

JASON BOWEN

9

By Izzy Wegner

Jason Bowen has always been interested in a wide variety of activities, the most prominent being theater and politics.

He was involved in many productions at Emmaus, as well as several outside of the district. Bowen was also the president of the Young Democrats Club, National History Day Club, and Poetry Out Loud as well as the historian of the Drama Department, treasurer of Spanish Club, and a previous treasurer for the Class of 2017.

Bowen plans to study theater and political science in the fall at Columbia University.

Stinger: Why did you decide to get involved in the Drama Department?

Bowen: I did drama in middle school, and then when I came as a freshman I was really intimidated and I didn’t know what I wanted to do… Then sophomore year, after I had taken Drama 1 with Kuebler, I was like ‘I know the director, let me try and take my chance at a role,’ and I ended up getting the role of Peter Van Daan in “The Diary of Anne Frank,” which was really incredible. Once I had my first taste of the Emmaus Theater Department I fell in love… It just kind of became a place where I found people that I loved, and it was just kind of a haven to be myself and find true enjoyment in what I was doing.

Stinger: What was your favorite class in high school?

Why? Bowen: I’m going to have to pick two. My favorite class material wise and class environment wise was probably APUSH sophomore year with Hunter. I love US history and I loved the people in that class and I really loved my relationship with Hunter. She was an amazing teacher and just a really amazing person. My second one that I have to say it is tied with would be AP Psychology this year with Walsh. This is my first time really getting to know Walsh, and she is just an incredible teacher, just amazing at what she does. She is also an incredible mentor and person. The material in AP

VINOSHI WEERAKKODY

Vinoshi Weerakkody is a dedicated member of the Emmaus community. She is the Class of 2017 Treasurer and a member of clubs such as the Drama Department and Interact Club. Weerakkody was a costumes crew member for “Beauty and the Beast,” “[The Diary of] Anne Frank,” and “Mary Poppins” and later became CoHead of the Costume Department, which included the shows “Romeo and Juliet,” “Once Upon a Mattress,” “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” and “Miss Saigon.” Being heavily involved in theater as well as being an outstanding student, she will be attending Penn State to major in pre-medicine and minor in psychology. She hopes to become a doctor specializing in pediatrics.

Psychology is so riveting all the time. Everything you learn is new and fascinating and it is very relevant to just human existence.

Stinger: What excites you most about college?

Bowen: Everything excited me about college. One of the main things and one of the main reasons I chose Columbia [University] is the New York City atmosphere.

I think New York City is unparalleled with any other environment just because of the immense opportunity it has to offer. There is something going on everywhere and for everyone. No matter what you want to do, you can find someone to do it with and some outlet for it in New York City. I find that incredibly exciting and incredibly liberating and just something that you can’t necessarily find in Emmaus, Pennsylvania.

Stinger: What was your favorite role that you have played at Emmaus?

Bowen: My favorite role in high school was Stan in “Brighton Beach Memoirs” this fall. I’m not going to lie, I went into the show really going out for the role of Eugene, which was the lead. After casting I realized I was much more the typecast for the role of Stan. Once I got into the process of rehearsing, I really fell in love with the character and what he represented.

By Renee Martin

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Weerakkody: Mrs. Ardito is a teacher that I can turn to, especially this year, and has helped me clear my head or given me advice when I needed it. She is one of my class advisors and I am the class treasurer so we have worked closely together for the past four years. Over that time it has become obvious to me how genuine of a person she is and how willing she is to always help everyone around her.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Weerakkody: My older brother is someone I've always looked up to and aspired to be like. He is a genuinely kind, fun, and caring person who leaves a lasting impression on everyone around him. Everyone who meets him can say only good things about him and on top of all that he is insanely hardworking. So he's pretty great and I can only hope to be anything like him.

Stinger: What excites you most about college?

Weerakkody: EHS has given me a lot of great experi-

ences, but I'm most excited to be in a new environment with new people and new freedom. I'm definitely going to miss all the amazing friends I've made in high school, but I'm very ready to start the next step in my life. Also, Penn State is such a big campus so I'm excited to explore and fall in love with the “Happy Valley.”

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

Weerakkody: I did crew in middle school but it was honestly just a spur of the moment decision freshman year so I could spend more time with my friends.

Stinger: What was your favorite part about playing/being involved in theater?

Weerakkody: There is so much I love about being involved in theater, but the people are, without a doubt, the best part of the entire experience. Everyone on the cast, crew, and pit are such genuinely amazing people that made all the tiresome rehearsals enjoyable. Anyone involved with the theater department at EHS has played a part in making some of my best memories of high school.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Weerakkody: EHS offers a variety of activities. Find at least one thing that you truly enjoy and get involved as soon as you can. After that everything will follow along.

Once you have that go-to activity you can indulge into friends with common interests, a way to spend free time, and a naturally comfortable place to escape to in the chaos of high school will all come along. If what you're interested in isn't available, don't be afraid to start it on your own because chances are that you are not the only one looking for it.

Stinger: What do you hope to accomplish after high

Denise Reaman Stinger Adviser Three years ago on a whim, a few Stinger editors wanted to submit a handful of articles to the National School Press Association for an annual contest that honors outstanding student journalism across the country.

I figured it was a longshot. Eh, why not? Go ahead, I suggested.

As their adviser, I typically eschewed contests. Do shiny plaques really mean that much when I -- their journalistturned-teacher -- stand here ready to mold them with my trusty real-world knowledge and newsroom experience?

Apparently so. Because a few months later, we received an email that one of our writers landed a top 10 spot for Story of the Year in the nation, and we were invited to come to the NSPA convention in Washington D.C. The staff insisted we go. The problem? It all transpired last minute -- and we didn’t have the funds or time to raise money.

We could just not show up. But the conference workshops -- and the chance to hear Woodward and Bernstein speak about the Watergate exposé -- as well as finding out if our own Kitty Guido penned the top story were rather irresistible.

So I took a deep breath and headed out of Room 559 to see Principal David Piperato. I needed to make a pitch: The kids were up for a national laurel, they had the chance to attend these incredible training sessions, and we were somewhat broke. And Woodward and Bernstein. He listened, nodded, took notes.

The conversation didn’t last very long. Pip’s gist: he’d find the money in his budget to make sure that we’d get to the convention as long as I could fund the transportation and students paid for their meals. We’ll make it work for

the kids, he said.

I returned to 559 with the news. They cheered.

Part of their surprise, I think, is that -- historically speaking -- the relationships between high school journalism programs and administrators don’t always operate smoothly. They’re typically tenuous, strained. Journos learn a lot of this through case studies. High school journalists tend to face a lot of censorship, criticism, and challenges. They often invest a lot of time and energy to create publications that some in their community don’t read or value.

And they rely on their adviser to work as a liaison with the administration to ensure that they can continue what they are doing to maintain a public forum within the protection of the First Amendment. But do they ever read about relationships that do work?

As a journalism teacher offor 17 years, I’ve advised student-run newspapers under four high school principals -- and it hasn’t always been the easiest job. Granted, I’ve never expected to have coffee or play quoits with principals, but I’ve sat through a fair share of honest conversations on controversial articles, which bring me to my purpose.

Our long line of editors and writers have been extremely fortunate to publish under the leadership of Mr. Piperato, who in March announced that he will leave Emmaus to become the superintendent of the Pleasant Valley School District this summer. Mr. Piperato has been a friend to The Stinger, which publishes as a public forum. As a public forum, school officials give student editors the authority to make their own content decisions. Sometimes, school newspapers that can make their own decision still get challenged, including some in districts not far from us.

Fortunately, Mr. Piperato has maintained an open-door policy with our staff, always responding to interviews, providing information when he can -- and that, in my professional opinion, has helped the students who produce it and

Goodbye, Mr. Pip, a friend to student journalism

school?

Weerakkody: I hope to become a pediatric doctor of some sort, not quite sure what type yet, and to travel the world. It'd also be really cool to do a year with the Peace Corps or just spend the time helping out in an area of need in Africa.

Stinger: What was your favorite class at Emmaus?

Weerakkody: AP Psych with Mrs. Walsh. That class has changed the way I look at everything and everyone.

Everyone in the class has become a second family to me. We have a large class group chat where we all have grown very close, but ultimately learning about such personal topics with such amazing people has made psych one of the best experiences. Plus, Mrs. Walsh is just an awesome teacher.

the community it serves.

In the past year, The Stinger staff has continued its tradition of creating real-world journalism for its readers.

Their work this year earned 11 Keystone Press Awards from the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association, the most of any high school in the state. Seven students won first place at regional levels for the Pennsylvania School Press Association, one of whom won at the state level. And just last month, senior Angeline Stein captured second in the country for editorial cartooning from the National Federation of Press Women -- her third national title as a Stinger editor.

Granted, these awards largely come from the talents and dedication of our students. But I would be greatly remiss to not acknowledge that their accomplishments were met with the support and alliance of Mr. Piperato.

Indeed, the staff has recognized that Pip remained a friend to student journalism through his tenure and wishes him well.

10

THE STINGER

Features Colombian convos Broken Prom-ises The perfectly pinned updo, the flawless makeup and the elegant dress all embody the idea of what a perfect prom is supposed to look like.

Surrounded by friends and family all with smiles on their faces and poses set in their mind. So much time and preparation that went into that one night. That night every girl dreams of to be the epitome of high school.

Sounds captivating right? Wrong! If only it seemed as easy as it does in the movies. The action of finding a dress, let alone the entire prom ensemble, took three mall trips, some online scrolling and a lot of money. Like, to the point where selling a kidney on the black market didn’t seem too bad of an idea. To say I was underprepared was the understatement of the year.

But let me give you a little inside scoop, I couldn’t have cared less about all that. Honestly, I was pretty content with just how fast I was able to pull my entire prom look together with less than $200. It was relatively inexpensive but when car insurance, gas and college exist, there’s very little wiggle room. Anyway, I was happy and although I didn’t put too much time or energy into it, some people took this dance, this one dance, way too seriously.

Hair appointments, manicures, pedicures, makeup counters, and just about everything else in between filled the list of plans for my peers. If they were this stressed over prom, imagine a wedding. If a three and a half hour dance stresses them this badly they’ll most likely be bald by the time they turn 30. People spend so much time and energy planning their prom night down to the last second; where pre-prom pictures would be taken, where all of their friends would meet afterwards, how they wanted to look, and even how they wanted their significant other to ask them.

But why is there so much pressure on this night? So many expectations about what it should be overshadow what it actually is. People assume to see this grandiose yacht, filled with diamond encrusted chandeliers, and a five course meal. Yet, they are disappointed when the only thing their class could afford was some cheap hotel encapsulating them in darkness and a chocolate fountain that spilled everywhere. People seem to get their panties in a twist when they don’t get everything they hoped to get, but let’s be real here, I don’t know what you would’ve expected from $25 tickets.

There’s just this certain expectation for not only prom but life in general. By the time graduation comes everyone is supposed to already knows where they want to go, where they want to live, and who they plan to marry. People have this perfect puzzle-piece-like view on life, everything is supposed to all fit and work like it’s supposed to. But pieces get lost, ambitions disappear and people change.

Life doesn’t just decide to give you a “get this amazing night free of any BS” pass because, believe me, we would all be in line for it. Crappy things happen to good people, money gets stolen, music isn’t very danceable and humidity exists.

Puddles of sweat gathered up underneath my arms and half my makeup smeared off, but I was so happy. I got to see all of my friends looking beautiful, and dressed up and I just felt like a proud mom. Sure the songs weren’t that amazing (don’t be afraid of Spanish music people) but I made it count. Because I’d much rather be dancing to a mediocre party song than sitting down at a table glaring at a phone screen.

Random opportunities are given to us that we never expect, but without them life wouldn’t be as fun. If I hadn’t decided to leave everything and go to Colombia with my mom earlier this year, who knows what would have happened. That unexpected trip changed me, it made me realize things in myself that I never knew, nor would have ever learned had I not gone. Sure I would have loved to compete at Hershey for the Keystone, but it wasn’t meant for me this year. I owasn’t meant to do that. You can say it’s “God’s will” or whatever you want, but at the end of the day it’s a conscience choice.

You make the choices in your life and it’s up to you to decide whether it was worth making. Chose to live, don’t worry about the things that in 10 years or even 10 minutes won’t matter. Not everything works out perfectly, but it’s up to you to decide how you want to handle the situation.

This is very typically Tumblr of me but seriously go out and do something you are going to remember. Say yes to things you might not usually do, live life, don’t sit around planning every aspect of it. Don’t waste your time thinking about what could’ve happened or what may happen just do it. Just live in the moment and remember to embrace all the choices you made, both good and bad.

JUNE 2017

MANAGING EDITOR BIBI CORREA A S S T. E D I TO R S C H L O E G E R H A R D & E M M A - L I N M OY E R

ELIZABETH BENNETT By Renee Martin Elizabeth Bennett has had an eventful four years at Emmaus High School, contributing as the president of both the Red Cross Club and as the president of the Gay-Straight Alliance.

Bennet plans on studying makeup artistry at the Make-Up Designory Los Angeles School of Make-Up. Her love of makeup started in eighth grade, and she hopes to continue following her passion.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Bennett: I’ve changed so much, first of all I wear so much more other than just leggings. Also freshman year was really tough figuring yourself out as a person. I think I’m more secure in who I am than I was.

A lot of growing up happened between freshman year and now.

Stinger: Who is your mentor?

Bennett: Mrs. Doklan. She’s been a person I can really talk to and she’s given me good life advice I can take outside of high school Stinger: What are you most excited about for leaving high school?

Bennett: I’m excited to be on my own because in high school you don’t have much freedom; there’s like a set list of what you can do. When you leave high school you have many more opportunities.

Stinger: Favorite part of clubs?

Bennett: My favorite part of being a part of clubs is making more friends that I may not have made if I had not joined.

Stinger: What would your high school experience be like if you didn’t get involved in clubs?

Bennett: If I wasn’t in clubs I probably wouldn’t have been as ambitious to achieve things in my life.

I probably would have settled on something more “realistic” going into the real world.

Stinger: Favorite memory?

Bennett: I think prom and afterball were some of my favorite memories in high school.

Stinger: Favorite lunch food?

Bennett: My favorite lunch food is probably the mac n cheese or Dominos, obviously.

Stinger: What is your biggest accomplishment?

Bennett: My biggest accomplishment would probably be becoming president of the two clubs I’m president of now and also I’ve become a better student academically. I think I’m very proud I got myself in a better place in the last two years.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Bennett: Hopefully I’ll be doing something with makeup, and I’ll hopefully be in California still.

Stinger: Do you have any regrets?

Bennett: I regret not applying myself in ninth and 10th grade.

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

Bennett: I’ll miss my friends here at Emmaus the most out of everything.

Stinger: Do you have any awkward memories?

Bennett: Walking into teachers’ classrooms to ask them a question is always pretty awkward.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Bennett: I want to be remembered for being a good friend and being passionate about what I do.

Stinger: On a scale of 1-10 how much senioritis do you have?

JARED SKIBINSKI By Makenzie Christman

Between sports and keeping the senior class in shape, Jared Skibinski maintains a busy life.

Skibinski preoccupies himself with many sports such as wrestling, football, and rugby. Not only does he take pride in his participation in sports, but he also enjoys being the Vice President of the senior class and surprising people with his many talents.

Stinger: How do you feel that you’ve impacted Emmaus?

Skibinski: I feel like I kind of gave Emmaus a new face in sports and like the way that people interact with one another between schools.

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

Skibinski: Definitely a lot more mature, and the amount of people that I hang out with. I usually used to hang out with just the jocks, but now I’m hanging out with Will [Newbegin] and them, more like a broader spectrum of people.

Stinger: What’s favorite about playing or being involved in a sport?

Skibinski: Winning.

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

Skibinski: Honestly, it made it better. I think I have better grades being a student athlete, because usually

when kids just have school they tend to push it off, but if you play a sport you kind of have to manage your time wisely so you actually get ahead of having more done when playing a sport versus not playing a sport at all.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Skibinski: My personality.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Skibinski: Definitely the Parkland game, the last thirty seconds.

Stinger: Describe your high school experience in three words.

Skibinski: Best experience ever.

Stinger: What are your plans for after high school?

Skibinski: I’m going to Temple for pre-med and then hopefully Temple Medical School after that. I’m going to specialize in geriatrics or radiology.

MACKENZIE MCCANN By Hunter Gerhardt As a Hornet Ambassador, goalie for the soccer team, and a player on the basketball team Mackenzie McCann has been heavily involved in the EHS community and hopes to have left a positive impact on the high school. She plans to attend Pace University to double major in Psychology and Religious Studies.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

McCann: I feel like as I leave high school, nothing about me is the same as when I started. It has

definitely been a learning experience and a time of personal growth.

Stinger: What is your favorite high school memory?

McCann: The high school memories that stand out the most in my mind initially are definitely ones associated with soccer. The few months of my senior season were some of the best, mainly because of my teammates and coaches. I think getting involved in the school is the way to make your four years the best they can be.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

McCann: Liz Del Re has helped me through absolutely everything that I have encountered since I was literally in eighth grade. Obviously there were things on the field that she helped me with but beyond that she has had such an immeasurable impact on my life and has seen me grow through it all, and I’m so beyond thankful for her.

STAFF REFLECTS

Kyle Carraher Sports editor Kyle Carraher never expected to be so involved in The Stinger when he first signed up for his journalism class.

Stinger advisor Denise Reaman asked him to write sports columns and because Carraher liked everyone on staff, he thought of becoming an editor. Carraher believed that the newspaper was a good way to get out there and write something for the school to read.

He finds in-depth pieces, especially those in sports, neat because it’s an important part of an athlete’s life and can lead them to talk about whatever else that’s important to them. While Carraher likes to write about sports, he also enjoys playing them as he was the tight-end and defensive end on the football team, the creasman for the lacrosse team, and played basketball.

Stinger: Favorite memory?

Carraher: When we beat Parkland and I ran towards the sideline, Fairclough ran towards me and jumped into my arms, and I carried him. Also holding the trophy with Brian and Ryan (co-captains alongside Carraher) showed all the great work the team did.

Stinger: Favorite year?

Carraher: Senior year because I became a better person and had good relationships with all my teachers. I like how teachers treat me like an adult and not like a student. It’s nice to have everyday conversation and being a normal person with teachers.

Stinger: Best bathroom?

Carraher: The one next to Ms. Reaman’s room. It’s always locked but whenever it’s open it’s kinda like Christmas because you don’t get to use it very often.

Stinger: What will you miss the most?

Carraher: I’ll miss my friends because I became close with my core group of friends. I’ll miss some teachers, Mr. Pum, Mrs. Arnold, Mr. Luckenbill, and I’ll mostly miss Ms. Reaman. I can’t thank her enough and if most people treated their students like her the world would be a better place.

Will Newbegin Will Newbegin, culture editor of The Stinger, also participated in Kid to Kid, NHS and Debate Team during his time at EHS. After graduation, he will attend Lehigh University, where he plans on studying biology. Newbegin hopes to be remembered by the EHS community as “just someone’s who’s very good-natured” and “enjoys joking around--maybe a little too much.”

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved with journalism and join the Stinger staff?

Newbegin: Well, it was almost kind of an accident in that I took journalism just because I thought it would be cool... Ms. Reaman approached me and mentioned that she liked my writing and wanted me to start contributing to the newspaper, and it snowballed from there. I got my first editor’s position sophomore year and since then I’ve been consistently learning about how to make my writing better, about how to be a better journalist, think more objectively about certain things.

Stinger: How have you changed since your freshman year?

Newbegin: I was a bit of a dweeb, I think, coming into freshman year. I had these really awful wire framed glasses; I was terribly socially unaware in a lot of aspects... I think I’ve become a better student. This sounds cliche, but I found myself a little bit more, I found a little bit more of an identity, and I’ve really done a better job at determining who I want to be for the rest of my life.

Stinger: What is your favorite high school memory?

Newbegin: I would probably say performing in Mr. Emmaus. That was just a blast from beginning to end. Just putting together my talent, getting to perform it in front of so many people, and getting to make people laugh, it’s something I really like to do. It was also really cool seeing the best in some other members of the senior class.

Stinger: What will you miss most about high school?

Newbegin: I think there’s comfort in routine. I think while it may seem like a drag to get up early every single day, and go through the motions of a general day in high school, I think there’s something kind of endearing about that, the idea that you have the same people that you’re friends with, and you don’t necessarily have to go out of your comfort zone if you don’t need to.

Stinger: What’s a song that you think describes your time in high school?

Newbegin: I would probably say “Everything I Am” by Kanye West.

I’ve always had an attachment to his music, so there’s kind of a sentimental value to it there, but also I feel like it’s a very good coming-into-your-own sort of song.

Stinger: Who would you consider to be your biggest inspiration?

Newbegin: Without a doubt, Ms. Reaman.

Rachel Reed An acclaimed photographer, Rachel Reed received Keystone, Pennsylvania Press, and other assorted awards throughout her high school career for her visual contributions to the Stinger. Having enjoyed a successful academic career through her four years at Emmaus, Reed concludes her senior year bound for Virginia Tech with an intent to major in electrical engineering.

A zealous student, Reed was involved not only in the Stinger for three years, but a myriad of activities, including National Honor Society, Outdoor Adventure Club, French Club, Red Cross Club, student government, and lacrosse since freshman year, where she now plays for the varsity team.

Stinger: When did you start being involved in the Stinger?

Reed: I walked into Ms. Reaman’s room sophomore year and asked if they needed any photos. Then Ms. Reaman shouted, “John Lang, I have your new photographer,” and I’ve been involved ever since.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Reed: Probably working for Tesla, and saving the world from human ignorance.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Reed: I’d say some sort of love child between Mr. Smith and Mr. Ohl. They’ve both influenced

my high school experience and my future.

Stinger: What was your favorite class at Emmaus?

Reed: Definitely AP Physics 1 and 2. It helped me decide what I wanted to do, and also introduced me to one of the coolest teachers in EHS: Mr. Ohl. Plus there some cool experiments, and we learned how the world works.

Stinger: Advice for underclassmen?

Reed: Get involved. Don’t box yourself into one social or friend group. There are so many people that you can meet, and high school is a great time to find out your interests, so don’t be afraid to expand your horizons. Also, make sure you have one teacher who is your best friend.

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

Reed: I wish I didn’t care what people thought of me as much as I did. Once I started doing my own thing, and enjoying myself, I found people who were better than anyone I was trying to impress. I wish I had started pursuing my interests earlier, because it’s so much fun doing what you’re happy doing.

Rachel McQuist

Rachel McQuiston, editor-in-chief official font consultant for The Stinge the newspaper to winning the most Ke stone Press Awards of any high schoo publication in the state this year.

McQuiston is also involved in PALS (Peer Assisted Learning Support) Club as its secretary and ran for the EHS cross country and track teams. She grew passionate about journalism during her time at Emmaus, and plans to major in the field at Temple University, where she says she is excited to “explore different forms of journalism” and “learn more about what I love.”

Stinger: How have you changed since your freshman year?

McQuiston: Freshman year I was definitely a lot more naive and a lot m oblivious to everything. I’ve definitely and become more responsible, especia with The Stinger.

Stinger: What led you to get involved journalism and then join The Stinger s McQuiston: I remember in 8th grade were doing course selection and I was “oh, I’ve always liked to write things English class so I’ll sign up for journa because that’s writing” but I didn’t rea know what kind of writing it was... M Reaman probably never thought that I go anywhere with journalism because totally immature... but [journalism cla was the first real time I got to be myse a school atmosphere... What’s made m continue to be involved [in The Stinge my growing love for journalism and f ing and for page layout. Every issue I something that I like even more about Stinger: What will you miss most abo school?

McQuiston: I’ll miss The Stinger the honestly. I’ll definitely miss having th place to go to wh have a proble when I nee cheered u of the pe involved Stinger s and we’r like a fam We’re all v different, but have one thing i

Cathryn Seiber

Cathryn Seibert always enjoyed writin but taking journalism opened her up to a new form of it which allowed for more freedom.

While there was a specific type of wri in the class, such as editorials and colum the content varied, allowing students to express themselves in a way English cla couldn’t. As her writing career advanced Seibert noticed more organization and co fidence in each piece she published. For the most interesting types of writing are depth because of the different perspectiv and amount of research put into them. A with being the online edito for The Stinger, Seiber is also the president EHS’s German clu and works at Let’ Play Book’s in E maus.

Stinger: Favorit memory?

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mon, and I’m really gonna miss that. I hope I find something like that at Temple, but it’ll never be the same, completely.

Stinger: Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

McQuiston: My advice would just be to get through it. Just work hard, even if it seems like graduation is so far off and there’s just no hope and it’s just day-by-day and nothing seems long-term. Everyone has to do their time in high school, but it gets better.

Stinger: Who would you consider to be your biggest inspiration?

McQuiston: Ms. Reaman, because she’s one of those people that just always knows what to say... she’s always been there, and I think everyone can say the same. She works so hard, she’s such a good writer, and I hope one day I can be like that. I definitely looked up to Colleen Grablick a lot last year... she was someone who always worked hard and was really good at what she did.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for at EHS? McQuiston: I hope I’m remembered as someone who is approachable and friendly because there’s really not enough people like that in the world... I just want to be known as someone who’s very easygoing and nice, but at the same time someone who’s hardworking, and everything I did I gave my all.

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Stinger: Favorite year?

Seibert: They’re all good and bad, different years have different struggles. Last year it was the most challenging academically. This year most challenges are accepting that things are going to be different, the whole year is waiting for what’s to come.

But I’ve come to terms that things are going to happen.

Stinger: Best bathroom?

Seibert: I would say the one near Ms. Reaman’s room, but it’s never open. Probably near the library because it’s closed off, big, and had a mirror. The worst ones are the science bathrooms.

Stinger: What’ll you miss the most?

Seibert: Not having to pay bills and spending time with friends. You look forward to class because your friends are there, and it’s hard to plan when to hangout. Everything is the same and comfortable.

Jenna Fritzinger As business manager, Jenna Fritzinger oversaw the financial and fundraising records for The Stinger for two years, and she served as the right-hand assistant who kept the advisor somewhat sane.

A music fan largely defined by Tegan and Sara as well as Lana Del Rey, Fritzinger said it sounds cliche, but the best part of EHS was spending time in The Stinger room, 559.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Why? Fritzinger: Hopefully not at the Brass Rail. Hopefully married. Don’t want any kids. Don’t know about the job. I want dogs. I love dogs.

Stinger: What do you remember about your first week of high school?

Fritzinger: I was literally so nervous, I think I cried every day because I didn’t want to come in the next day. It was something new, and I hate doing new things and I felt really anxious about it. It lasted a solid week and after that I was fine.

Stinger: How many naps do you think you took in high school?

Fritzinger: Oh my god, well over a hundred. More than that. I take one every day. The only thing I’m good at is taking naps.

Stinger: People close to you know that you’re a picky eater.

What are the few things that you have actually eaten in the cafeteria?

Fritzinger: Oh god, baked Lays. Freshman year, I ate pizza sticks and literally threw up. That’s the last time I ever got anything in the cafeteria besides baked Lays.

That’s it - ever since ninth grade.

Stinger: If you could retake one class in school, because you enjoyed it or the teacher so much, what would it be?

Fritzinger: Probably geology. I liked learning about the National Parks.

Stinger: If you could give yourself a re-do, what would it be?

Fritzinger: I feel like I gave up somewhere halfway through sophomore year. My grades sucked.

Stinger: What did the 6-year-old Jenna want to be when she grew up?

Fritzinger: I wanted to be a princess at Disney World.

Stinger: What does the 18-year-old Jenna want to be when she grows up?

Fritzinger: There are a lot of things that I want to do. I’m still trying to figure that out.

Stinger: What song defines a part of your life?

Fritzinger: “Don’t Dream It’s Over” by Crowded House.

Angie Stein Opinion editor Angie Stein, who has been nationally recognized for her editorial cartoons during her time with The Stinger, plans to major in creative writing at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia next fall.

Stinger: How do you think you have changed since freshman year?

Stein: I have become way more responsible when it comes to managing school and all this other stuff. I had a really rough time with freshman and sophomore year and...I was thinking to myself... “no, there’s no way I can ever go to college, I can’t accomplish something like that,” and I was making plans about what I was going to do, because I sure as heck wasn’t going to school, and now I’m going to my dream school.

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

Stein: I remember checking off journalism on my course selection sheet because I’ve always really really loved to write, but mostly creatively, and I never was able to try out anything else, so I thought “hey, this sounds really cool.”

And I remember I wrote our very first assignment, it was a news reaction story, and I got called down to Ms. Reaman’s desk, and she was like “this is really good... I want you to join us.” And I had no idea then that it would end up

becoming something as big as this.

Stinger: What will you miss most about high school?

Stein: Oh my gosh, obviously I’m going to miss everyone in The Stinger and room 559. I’m going to miss camping out there during lunch and talking to Ms. Reaman and my friends and being able to collaborate and just have a fun time in that little nook in the back of room 559.

Stinger: What’s something that you won’t miss so much?

Stein: Something that I won’t miss is all of the immaturity that comes with being in the same school with both 18 year olds and 14 year olds. It’s such a huge difference and to be honest, I’m not going to miss sophomore age boys. At all.

Stinger: Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

Stein: It’s so cliche for me to say get involved, because that’s all anyone ever says. And I’ve never been a social butterfly ever... But, you need to get involved, man. I don’t even want to imagine my life without the Stinger... So, I think my advice is that you will find your nook.

Stinger: Who would you consider to be your biggest inspiration?

Stein: My biggest inspiration in general is obviously my mom, because she is the picture of a strong independent woman, which is what I’ve always strived to be and what anyone will tell you I believe in...

Related to school, my inspiration is definitely Ms. Reaman as someone who exudes kindness and intelligence and compassion and patience in everything that she does.

When Brian Mantone took Journalism 1 his junior year, he never thought he would join The Stinger staff. However, his interest in culture led him to take his current position as the assistant culture editor.

His time on The Stinger, although short, allowed him to express his feelings in the form of column writing. Mantones’s columns helped him reflect upon himself and represented his mental state at the time. But he learned to be more straightforward, writing in a way that people understood his message and where he “didn’t sound so preachy.”As the 2017 Class President, former Hornet Ambassador, and Football and Track Scholar Athlete, Mantone has proven himself to be involved in the EHS community. \Stinger: Funniest memory?

Mantone: Sophomore year Jared Skibinski’s presentation on Thurgood Marshall.

If you were there you get it but if you weren’t I’m sorry that you weren’t.

Stinger: Favorite school year?

Mantone: Senior year because football season was the most memorable from the beginning and in the end everything clicked. Everything made sense with college and I knew it would come with time.

Stinger: Favorite bathroom?

Mantone: The gender neutral bathrooms because nobody uses it, so it’s always clean.

Stinger: Most unforgettable memory?

Mantone: The friend group that I’ve grown to know over time; we are all unique in different ways. The way we mesh is different and we’re all genuinely nice people, and that kind of group is rare.

Stinger: How long are you going to grow out your hair?

Mantone: Long enough but not too long. It’s easier when it’s long because I can just put it up, but short hair is a lot to deal with.

Brian Mantone

F E AT U R E S

THE STINGER | JUNE 2017

MICHAEL MONTE By Joe Eckstein

Looking back on his four years, it is safe to say that Michael Monte was one of Emmaus’ “renaissance men.”

Whether it be running the lights and sound for school events, being the president of Kid to Kid, or singing in chorale, Monte has always been able to keep busy when in school. He hopes to be remembered for being a happy person, as well as someone who was motivated to get work done. Monte will be attending Temple Uni-

Senior Lexi Milander has been involved with the Emmaus High School dance team. However, Milander plans to step away from dance and focus fully on science at Rutgers University, where she will major in neuroscience and minor in psychology.

Stinger: How did you first start dance?

Milander: My mom started me when I was two. I was kinda thrown into it.

Stinger: What’s your favorite part of dance?

Milander: The bond that I’ve made with all of my teammates.

Stinger: What’s been your favorite part of high school?

Milander: Possibly all the science classes I’ve taken, and also all the friendships I’ve made.

versity to study sound recording technology and music education after high school.

Stinger: What made you want to get involved with lighting in theatre?

Monte: In middle school I tried doing sound and in the first couple days I fell in love with it. I knew right then and there that’s what I wanted to do the for the rest of my life. Freshman year I came in here, signed up for sound crew right away, and from then on out I’ve been doing everything.

Stinger: How do you feel you have impacted Emmaus?

Monte: I run the sound and lights for every school event that happens. I’ve done a lot with technology for the high school, and helping out with trying to make it the best that it could be. I think that was my biggest impact I had on the school.

Stinger: Do you think you have changed at all from your freshman year?

Monte: Oh yeah, most definitely. I was very cocky my

13 freshman year and very excitable, loud. Basically what changed was less cocky, not really caring about what people think about me or anything like that. Just the normal kind of high school changes.

Stinger: Favorite teacher?

Monte: Ms. Cortez. She is very influential in my life, a mentor.

Stinger: Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

Monte: Believe in yourself, don’t do what other people want you to do, be your own person, if you love yourself that’s all that counts.

Stinger: If you could describe your high school experience in three words what would they be?

Monte: Stressful, memorable, life-changing.

Stinger: Looking back at your four years here, are you happy with how it went?

Monte: Yeah, there are some things that I wish I could change but didn’t do, but overall I’m very happy with how things ended up here.

ALEXIS MILANDER By Luke Maake

Stinger: Who’s your favorite teacher?

Milander: Mr. Carolla. I just had him for the first time this past year, but he’s really nice.

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

Milander: Probably around a seven.

Stinger: If you had three words to describe your EHS experience, what would they be?

Milander: Interesting, crazy, and definitely fun.

Stinger: Overall, how much has your time at EHS impacted you?

Milander: EHS definitely made me more mature. I got to do a lot of cool opportunities. It’s made me more independent and given me a lot more knowledge.

JACOB LICKER By Luke Maake Jacob Licker focused on excelling at academics and debate team, in which he currently serves as a captain, during his time at Emmaus.

Licker will be attending Colgate University to double major in neuroscience and psychology in the fall.

Stinger: What excites you most about college?

Licker: For college I'm most excited about meeting new people and trying new things. It's not often that you get to start over in a brand new place with brand new people and I'm excited to see what comes of it.

Stinger: What’s your favorite high school memory?

Licker: My favorite high school memory was the first nice day of senior year when my psych class convinced our teacher to have class outside. We all went out into the courtyard and enjoyed the fact that the weather was nice and winter was over.

Stinger: Who’s your inspiration?

Licker: My inspiration is definitely former president Barack Obama. The amount of things he's been able to do, going from constitutional law professor to senator to president in under 6 years, while fighting adversity the whole through is amazing. I admire his work ethic and values that he has stuck to during his political career.

Stinger: What’s your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Licker: My biggest accomplishment in high school would probably be acing my APUSH final project in sophomore year. I had to do a 20 minute presentation on anything American from 1960-1980 and I picked something interesting and worked my butt off on the project. When I got my grade back and saw that it was a 99, I was ecstatic because it showed me that hard work does pay off Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Licker: My advice to underclassmen is to not let anyone talk you out of something you want to do. No

one knows you better than yourself. If you want to join 15 clubs your freshman year to find out what you're passionate about, go for it. If you want to take a class instead of a lunch and think you can handle (it), do it.

You make your own decisions because ultimately, it's your future you're deciding.

Stinger: Do you have any regrets?

Licker: One thing I regret is not sticking with the theatre program. Our theatre department is amazing and I let the time commitment scare me away from continuing in it. Whenever I see how amazing their shows turn out it always makes me wish I had stuck with it Stinger: Who’s your favorite teacher?

Licker: Out of all the teachers I've had, the one who has impacted me the most would have to be Mrs. Hunter. She was the teacher for my first AP class and truly taught me that you can't just coast by in high school.

You could definitely tell that my work ethic changed drastically from the beginning of sophomore​year to the end, and that's largely due to Mrs. Hunter. Even though I haven't had her class for two years, she always greets me with a smile whenever I stop by to check in. She definitely changed me for the better.

TODD MOXEY By Chloe Gerhard Todd Moxey participated in many activities at Emmaus including SGA, basketball, baseball and cross country. After high school, he plans to attend Longwood University in Virginia to play division one baseball.

Many of Moxey’s friends participated on the same sports teams as him, so his extracurricular activities had a “huge” impact on his social life. Being able to spend so much time with his friends caused him to greatly enjoy participating in sports.

Stinger: How did the activities you participated in affect you throughout your high school career?

Moxey: It had a big impact on me socially and sports wise. I had a lot of friends that played the same sport as me. So it was a lot of fun and it had a huge impact on my life.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Moxey: Just always that person that was nice to everyone and had a good time.

Stinger: Who was your mentor at EHS? Moxey: Mrs. Arnold, she’s an English teacher, I think 12th grade only. She’s always nice to me, and we’ve always got along. She was always just a great influence on me.

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

Moxey: Probably playing baseball for Emmaus. I was at Coca Cola Park and running into the right field wall and passing out for a couple of seconds. That was probably one of the best points.

Stinger: What will you miss most about high school?

Moxey: Definitely seeing all my friends everyday.

That’s going to be sad, not seeing them next year [because] they’re a huge part of my life.

Stinger: Will you try and keep in touch with your friends?

Moxey: Oh yeah, whenever we come home from like Thanksgiving and Christmas break, spring break. I think we’ll stay in touch.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Moxey: I mean freshman year I didn’t really do a lot of studying, and over the years [I] realized that you have to study to really get where you want to be and always work hard.

Stinger: What was your favorite class at Emmaus?

Moxey: Probably American History one, two, World History, anything with History I enjoyed a lot.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Moxey: Probably making a lot of the sports teams I tried out for and making SGA as a freshman and just getting to that next step in life with attending college.

Stinger: What was it like having your dad work in the school?

Moxey: I mean I don’t really mind. He’s been here for a while.

I had him freshman year and sophomore year and it wasn’t that awkward and I got away with some things.

Stinger: What was your favorite thing that you got away with during high school?

Moxey: Definitely the passes. I could probably just go to any class late and get away with it because he would just sign for me if I needed it, so that was pretty sweet.

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JON ISAZA By Andrea Klick

F E AT U R E S

THE STINGER | JUNE 2017

In his four years at EHS, Jonathan Isaza has served as president of the Latino Leadership Club, a homeroom representative for Student Government, and participated in Future Business Leaders of America. After graduation, Isaza plans to attend the University of Hartford, where he will major in accounting.

Stinger: Why did you decide to join Latino Leadership Club?

Isaza: It started my freshman year and I was in the native speaker’s class with Monte.

Mr. Montepeque was the teacher that ran it.

Everything that they want to do, it’s all for a great cause and they just really want to help out. Some of the things we did, we gathered up clothing and we sent it to kids who needed it in the Latin American countries. I’ve been to Colombia multiple times and I know how it is. Some people aren’t that fortunate. Me

being in that club made me feel liked I helped out more than I normally thought I could.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Isaza: Oh man. I’ve really change a lot since my freshman year. I’m really more responsible and independent. I understand how important education is. If you would have asked where would I be in four years, I wouldn’t have said studying at the University of Hartford I would have thought I’d be at home working long hours at some warehouse or something.

Stinger:What are your plans after high school?

Isaza: I am going to be an accounting major.

When I joined FBLA, I remember we had this field trip at Moravian College and at this time I didn’t know what I wanted to do. [One presentation] talked about the demand and

the growth of the field and the salary, and it showed all the different types of jobs that you could have. It seemed like something that I would be good at doing. It seemed like something that I could see myself doing for the rest of my life.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Isaza: If I wanted anybody to remember me in anything it would be the negligent student turned scholar. It just describes how I started high school and how I ended up finishing.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Isaza: Definitely try hard since day one, like GPAs from all four years matter. And high school affects your entire life. I know it’s cliche to say it, but I’ve learned from experience that it’s 110 percent true. And definitely don’t worry about what other people think about you, just do what’s best for you.

EMILY YEN By Izzy Wegner Throughout her high school career, Emily Yen has found art to be her true passion, which led to her decision to go to Marist College for digital media and graphic design in the fall.

In addition to being heavily involved in the Art Department, Yen also participates in Interact Club, the Music Department, and the mentoring program, where she serves as president.

Stinger: What made you want to be the president of the mentoring program?

Yen: I wanted to be president because during my junior year it was really just a welcoming environment, and I think it’s a really great idea that students can help other students. It’s a peerto-peer thing, but you don’t really feel awkward about it. I also just really love Grabfelder and that’s his thing.

Stinger: What’s your favorite part of being so involved in the Art Department?

Yen: I just love art. I’m in there as much as I can. I stay after school sometimes until it’s,

at least in the winter, dark out. Everyone’s so welcoming, and the atmosphere is so nice.

You’re just doing what you love. It doesn’t have to be bright and happy. There are kids who do really dark things. I personally like really overly saturated colors. It’s just relaxing, and [art] is what I want to do.

Stinger: What made you choose graphic design?

Yen: I really just love art. The idea of doing graphic design came when I was part of Buzz Magazine because I was in charge of laying out the magazine and all that stuff. I also have a family friend who is a graphic designer so I got to shadow him, and I got to see what people actually do and it was a creative space, not like sitting in a cubicle just typing things up.

Stinger: What is a piece of advice that you would give to underclassmen?

Yen: Do as much as possible. It sounds stupid, but join every club you could possibly fit in your schedule. Take advantage of it.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Yen: I’d like to be remembered for just making a difference. But honestly, just being remembered is enough. Maybe making an impact, teaching someone new, or helping somebody else on their journey.

Stinger: What was your favorite class that you took at Emmaus? Why? Yen: Probably AP Studio Art. I like independent work and that’s basically what it is. It also gives me the freedom to kind of do what I want and still be guided by a teacher. But it’s very personalized and individual.

Stinger: Last words?

Yen: High school kind of stinks, but at the same time it’s also a really great and fun adventure. You just have to deal with the lows so you can enjoy the highs.

No matter how rough it seems, it’s still worth it.

NICK AMEY By Eve Walters After four years at Emmaus High School, baseball player Nick Amey plans to go to Immaculata University. Though he hasn’t always been interested in history, he plans on majoring in it at the university.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Amey: I’ve changed a lot. Obviously I wasn’t huge on history freshman year, and then you know through high school I learned to love it.

So that’s why I’m gonna major in history in college.

Stinger: Did you have a mentor at all throughout high school?

Amey: Yes, Laurie Furry. She’s a social studies teacher here, and she pretty much taught me how to like actually love history more.

Stinger: When did you start playing/being involved in baseball?

Amey: Probably about when I was like five or six, I started playing.

Stinger: What will you miss most about Emmaus?

Amey: Probably my teammates for high school baseball. [I]became really close with those guys since freshman year.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Amey: probably just being a great person in general, you know a great teammate to baseball guys on and off the field, a great role

model for all the younger guys to [look up to].

Stinger: What’s your most embarrassing high school memory?

Amey: Probably walking into school, especially this year on days that you’re really tired and spilling your coffee cause you’re like too tired to hold it.

Stinger: Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

Amey: Probably the biggest advice is definitely keep your grades up for the year. Get freshman and sophomore year out of the way with your classes and junior year and senior year really focus or college and getting your grades done.

Stinger: Describe your high school career in three words if you can.

Amey: Very very tiring.

Stinger: What was your favorite place at EHS? Amey: Probably the gazebo in the courtyard. Especially more this year cause when we’re pretty bored we just chill out there.

Stinger: Do you have any regrets?

Amey: No, not really. Probably maybe try to have a little more fun with baseball freshman and sophomore year. A lot of us you know our intentions were to try and make varsity team and everything like that.

TARA WU By Noah Speight Tara Wu, a vibrant, focused individual, actively participates in Collage Magazine as the club’s editor. With four years of hig school just about completed, Wu reflects back on how Emmaus has impacted her life.

Stinger: How has highschool changed you?

Wu: I think I matured as a person. I know a lot more about myself and the type of person I am.

Stinger: How have you changed highschool? In what ways have you made an impact?

Wu: I think it’s safe to say that I've always been a kind and sensitive person to all the people around me. I definitely helped impact our school through my involvement with the Collage club. When it first started my freshman year there was only four kids including myself, now there are 14 as of this year.

Stinger: What are you looking forward to most about college?

Wu: I’m really looking forward to new

beginnings. I like really having the freedom to do what you genuinely enjoy doing and being able to make your own decisions. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people as well as getting away from the same people you’ve known since elementary school who’s opinions of you haven't ever changed.

Stinger: How did you get involved with Collage and how has it turned out?

Wu: I was a freshman and I just wanted to be part of a club and try something new. I figured that since I liked art and literature it would be a good fit for me and I ended up falling in love with it.

Stinger: Favorite memories of high school?

Wu: My favorite memories are prom of course, all the orchestra events, and Collage meetings after school.

Stinger: Any regrets?

Wu: I wish I would've wrote for the Stinger because I did really enjoy my journalism class and creative writing.

Stinger: Do you have a favorite restroom in the school?

Wu: Oh of course I do! The one by the library all the way down the hall next to the big staircase. It’s so clean and has a lot of space. The grossest one is the one on the English floor, girls must literally go on the floor, it’s gross.

Stinger: Advice for any incoming freshman?

Wu: I guess the best advice I could offer is to just tell them to do what they want to do and not what everybody else is telling them to do and to just try a lot of things because you might find out you really like something.

Stinger: Three words to describe high school?

Wu: A learning process.

Stinger: Did you have a successful four years of high school?

Wu: Yes, I did. Looking back at it I am happy with the choices I made and where I am now. It was tough through the middle years but once it got to the end it all worked out.

THE STINGER

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Culture ROBERT LYNN

friend.

Stinger: Would you say that she was the most impactful teacher?

Lynn: Yes, definitely.

Stinger: What was your favorite role? Why? Lynn: I’d have to say my favorite role was The Engineer in Miss Saigon, our spring musical this year. It was just a really hard role to do and I had a lot of fun in the character, something I never got to do before.

Stinger: What would you say was your biggest accomplishment?

Lynn: I would definitely have to say that role was my biggest accomplishment. It was a lot of hard work and a lot of technique and training to get there and to actually feel like I did a good job is nice.

Stinger: Would you say that you are happy with how your four years went?

Lynn: Oh yes, I’m extremely happy. I’m ready to let go of things and move on, but I’ll always have nice memories.

By Renee Martin

Thomas Riley is a familiar face in the halls of Emmaus. Riley has been involved in chorus and theater ever since he was in middle school. His talents grew as he started performing in high school productions as well as shows at Civic Theater in Allentown. Riley plans on attending Muhlenberg College to double major in theater and music.

Stinger: What shows have you been a part of?

KAI MURPHY

CULTURE EDITOR JOE ECKSTEIN ASST. EDITORS RENEE MARTIN & RYLAN BASSETT

By Joe Eckstein

Over his four years here at Emmaus, Robert Lynn feels that he has brought a better attitude toward the school.

Lynn, who has been heavily involved in theatre, played the role of The Engineer in this year’s spring musical, “Miss Saigon”. Along with being in theatre, Lynn is also involved in the chorus program. Lynn hopes to be remembered for “being a nice, happy person.” After high school, Lynn plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to study political science.

Stinger: Do you feel you have changed since your freshman year?

Lynn: Yes, definitely. I feel like I’ve become the person I wanted to be, and I’ve made plenty of important friendships and I know what I want to do.

Stinger: Favorite part of theatre?

Lynn: I loved the community that we all had. I have some of my best friends from that. We’ve spent so much hard work and to make a final product with the people you love is nice.

Stinger: Favorite teacher?

Lynn: I’d have to say Ms. Cortez, our chorus director.

She is much more than a teacher. She has taught us many valuable lessons, and I could really say she is a close

THOMAS RILEY

CULTURE

THE STINGER | JUNE 2017

Riley: I’ve been in “Miss Saigon,” “Once Upon a Mattress,” “Carrie,” “Adams Family,” “Christmas Carol,” and “McGrimms Inc.” which was a Desales senior film project that I auditioned for. I’ve also done a few short films with Ryan Zimmerman.

Stinger: Favorite role?

Riley: My favorite role was probably Chris from “Miss Saigon.” It’s the furthest I’ve ever gone for a role. I poured my heart and soul into the show. I’m so incredibly proud of everyone who was a part of it.

Stinger: How have you impacted Emmaus?

Riley: I feel like the only way I impacted Emmaus was to encourage others to impact Emmaus by being a good friend and mentor. I’ve always suggested to people to be happy and kind and to love the people around them.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Riley: Insane. As a freshman I was very socially awkward; I’d basically have panic attacks when teachers called my name for roll call. I was a mess. Theater taught me how to find myself. Discovering myself helped me gain confidence and understand others point of view. I’ve changed a lot since freshman year but it’s all been for the better.

Stinger: Mentor?

Riley: Ms. Cortez was my mentor, if theater didn’t change me she did. She’s very stern and hard working and if you’re not giving your all you’re gonna know it.

She has such a love for art and music. She really helped all of us become better people. I firmly believe she helped me become a better person.

Stinger: How do you feel about leaving high school?

By Ethan Flanagan

Kai Murphy, who will attend Kutztown University this fall, was involved with orchestra for four years as a violinist. She also ran cross country during her junior year, although she admits she didn’t run much beforehand -- and she did sign up to run senior year, but didn’t turn out for practice. Oops!

Stinger: How have you matured since your freshman year?

Murphy: I’ve matured a great deal. I probably have a better perspective on the world, in freshman year I focused more on myself, now I see the bigger picture.

Stinger: Why did you choose Kutztown?

Murphy: It’s close to home and I like the campus.

Stinger: What was your favorite class at Emmaus?

Murphy: World Studies Honors with Mr. Gallagher.

He’s a really energetic teacher. He made it very interesting.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Murphy: Being kind and staying out of drama.

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

Murphy: Yeah, I came in strong and I’m ending strong.

Stinger: Greatest achievement?

Murphy: Finishing.

Stinger: Tell us about your big summer trip during high school.

Murphy: It was through Adventure Treks the summer before junior year. I flew out to Washington state… where I backpacked in the Cascades in the Olympic

Peninsula and hiked up Mount Saint Helens and went whitewater rafting. It was 20 days of being immersed in nature. My mom decided that I needed to get out of the house for the summer.

Stinger: What did you learn from that trip?

Murphy: I learned that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. I had no backpacking experience before that and somehow managed to not die and keep up.

Since then, I did some hiking.

Stinger: What do you see yourself doing professionally?

Murphy: I’ve thought about criminal justice or law... but that’s kind of a risky thing to do. You have to be loud and argue, which is a trait that I don’t possess. So it’s between that and an office job, which is boring. I have to think about it a lot. I’m just hoping that when I get to college, I have an epiphany and realize that’s what I want to do.

Stinger: So who will you miss the most at Emmaus?

Murphy: Mostly Brian [Mantone]. He’s pretty much the only person I can stand.

Stinger: So what is your full name?

Murphy: KaiMana Cassie Teja E’noch Murphy. KaiMana is Hawaiian, and my mom is Hawaiian. Teja is Hindu. That name was given to me by Grandma’s spiritual leader. Cassie is my from my great great grandmom and E’Noch is from the Bible. So I kind of got all of the religions in there.

Riley: I am equally scared and equally excited because I’m the first person in my family to really go to college.

My dad went into the military, and my mom went to beauty school. I’m scared because I don’t know what to expect, but I’m excited to learn and have new experiences with all the people I’m gonna meet.

Stinger: What will you miss the most?

Riley: The greatest friends I have today came from the Music Department. I’m going to miss them a lot. I’m also gonna miss the overall atmosphere in the music wing and the people there.

Stinger: Advice for freshman?

Riley: Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do something and don’t waste your time doing anything you don’t enjoy.

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

Riley: 10 Stinger: Song that describes your highschool experience?

Riley: “It’s the End of the World as We Know It” from “Chicken Little” Stinger: Favorite hall monitor?

Riley: Mrs. P. Stinger: Three words to describe your high school experience?

Riley: Happy, sad, and exciting as hell.

THE STINGER | JUNE 2017

CULTURE

TARA MAAKE

17

By Christopher Solley Tara Maake has dedicated herself to the thing she loves most for the past four years: art. She has done this while balancing her academic and social life.

Maake has played a part in creating some of the art pieces that decorate the halls of Emmaus -- and along the way, she has helped mentor some young artists in the community. After high school, Maake plans on attending the Savannah College of Art and Design to major in animation.

Stinger: How do you feel you have impacted Emmaus?

Maake: I have no idea. My artwork is what I participate most in, and I play a big part in the Art Department, so it’d probably be that.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Maake: Mrs. Maley because I have had so many art classes with her, and she’s

taught me to do what I love most.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Maake: I hope to see myself working for a major animation company.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Maake: My biggest accomplishment was either winning the school art competition or winning the gold keys from Scholastic.

Stinger: Any regrets?

Maake: Not participating more in clubs and stuff.

Stinger: What have you enjoyed most about the art program?

Maake: Meeting other people in the Art Department that I never would have met otherwise.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Maake: Being a good person along with a good artist.

Stinger: How would you describe your high school experience in three words and why?

Maake: Tiring, stressful, and fun. It’s been tiring because I am really bad with waking up in the morning. It’s been stressful because of studying and homework and fun because of all the friends I’ve made.

Stinger: What was your most embarrassing high school memory?

Maake: The time the librarian called me out for sleeping during her presentation.

LAURA HODES By Cassidy Klingman Laura Hodes has been part of the Emmaus High School community for the past four years, as a member of Drama Club, art programs, Kid-to-Kid, and Buzz Magazine. Now at the end of her high school career, she plans on going to college and pursuing illustration and business.

Stinger: What was your favorite club?

Hodes: Art Club. I really enjoy art, and it’s something for freshmen to get involved in and get to know upperclassmen.

Stinger: What’s your favorite high school memory, and why?

Hodes: My junior year because I went abroad with Art Club, and we went to England, France, and Italy.

Stinger: Which teacher do you feel impacted you the most?

Hodes: Mrs. Pfenninger because she taught me a spe-

cial art medium. I took it and ran with it, and have been successful doing it on my own.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Hodes: Probably a close family member of mine, his name is Bruce Johnson. He was an art mentor to me.

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

Hodes: Seeing all of my friends and close teachers.

Stinger: What are you looking forward to?

Hodes: Seeing where the future goes and getting a good job. That’s always important. Meeting new people is exciting, also.

Stinger: What advice do you have for underclassmen?

Hodes: Definitely get involved in clubs. It’s an eyeopener, especially for freshmen. Seniors will know how awkward it is being a freshman; they were in the same place you were.

AARMAN SETHI By Caroline Bond Aarman Sethi is a very involved student who has participated in many activities such as boy’s concert choir and Fermata Nowhere, the male acapella group at Emmaus.

Stinger: What activities have you taken part in while at Emmaus?

Sethi: I’ve participated in the choral program for four years. I was in boys concert choir freshman year then I’ve been in Chorale for three years. I’m also part of Fermata Nowhere which is just a guys acapella group. That’s been a lot of fun, we have gotten to perform in cool places like Hershey.

Stinger: What made you want to do Fermata?

Sethi: People told me to try out. I wasn’t really thinking about trying out until people convinced me to do it.

Stinger: What has been your favorite involvement within the chorale program?

Sethi: Definitely Fermata just because its after school on Mondays and I’ve just gotten to be a lot closer with people in Chorale through Fermata. It’s just helped me develop better relationships with my friends.

Stinger: What teacher has impacted you the most and set you up for success in the future?

Sethi: I would say Mr. Warnke, I had him sophomore year for American Studies and I just loved the way he taught. He made it so that it wasn’t just information being taught, you could relate to it, and he would make a lot of jokes about it too so that always kept you interested.

Stinger: What are your plans for after you graduate?

Sethi: I plan to attend St. Joe’s to major in risk management.

Stinger: What is one thing you will miss most about Emmaus?

Sethi: Just people. That’s a little bit cliche, but I’ve gotten closer with a

JULIA PAN By Brian Mantone During her time at Emmaus, Julia Pan excelled at both tennis and orchestra. Next year, she plans on studying neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh.

Stinger: What was your favorite part about orchestra?

Pan: You’re with the same people all the time. It’s like with anything you join, you just become like family.

I think that’s the best part of high school, you join things and you meet people who you have the same interests with.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshmen year?

Pan: I’ve really mellowed out. I was so high strung.

I hated myself freshman year, I worried about everything. I’ve become a lot more open minded I feel.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory?

Pan: The basketball games and the football games.

Just getting involved, and not focusing on school all the time. I think that’s really important, going out and having fun.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Pan: Being honest. I don’t care if they like me or not, as long as I’m honest with people.

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

Pan: Yeah, it’s very strange. It goes by very quickly but it’s very long. The seniors were right. It’s high school, people might hate it or love it, but it’s just another four years of school.

lot of people. Everything else I feel like I’m ready to start the next part of my life.

Stinger: What is one thing you would tell your freshman self?

Sethi: Get mature.

Stinger: Do you have one thing you always wanted to do at Emmaus but were just never equipped to do?

Sethi: I wish I could pursue soccer in college. It’s just I was never good enough to pursue it at that high of a level.

Stinger: Have you ever broken the rules and not gotten caught for it?

Sethi: Multiple times, can’t name any of them though.

Stinger: On a scale of one to 10 how severe is your senioritis?

Sethi: Probably a nine. I’ve kind of stopped doing homework; it gets to that point in the year when you’re just like, “no.”

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JULIA BEZEMS

CULTURE

THE STINGER | JUNE 2017

By Will Newbegin

Between serving as the president of National Honor Society, starring in lead roles for the EHS Drama Department, and participating in Hornet Ambassadors, Julia Bezems does it all. Over the years, she has played such characters as Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet” and most recently, Kim in “Miss Saigon.” Bezems is an accomplished scholar and has received the EHS Academic Excellence Award three times and hopes to continue her success abroad after high school.

Stinger: Favorite part of being involved in the EHS’ theater and choral programs?

Bezems: The Drama Department provided me a niche as soon as I got into high school. It was a place I could go everyday after school. I made a lot of friends through the Drama Department, and I think ultimately it’s amazing to see how the shows come together, to create something so wonderful that everybody really enjoys in the end. That’s my favorite part, just getting into the zone of performing on stage. My favorite part about being in the Choral Department is definitely the bonds that we make with each other. It’s incredible to see how we all change when we sing together, and that’s something that I never experienced

before EHS Chorale. Ms. Cortez is an incredible director, and we couldn’t do anything that we do without her. On the trips that we take, we sing in incredible venues, like Carnegie Hall. I’ve gotten to do so much through the Choral Department, and it’s really helped me grow as a musician.

Stinger: What about being the president of NHS? Bezems: My favorite part of being president of NHS is being a leader for the kids, and being a good role model as well. Helping and serving others through that position, I think it’s quite meaningful.

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

Bezems: Next year, I’m going to a college in the Netherlands called University College Roosevelt, and it is an honors college of University of Utrecht, which is both the top and largest school in the country. Currently, it’s the top liberal arts program in the Netherlands, and I’m really, really excited to go live there. I’ve had dual citizenship there for most of my life, and I look forward to going back to a place in my heritage, learn about my culture, learn the native language, and also study music and math, which I think go together very well. I’m hoping

to somehow merge those in a future career, though I don’t know how yet.

Stinger: What won’t you miss about Emmaus?

Bezems: The slow-walkers in the hallway. That’s it.

Stinger: Favorite role(s) you’ve played over the years?

Bezems: Definitely Anne Frank, because I feel it really helped me grow as an actress. It helped me to learn so much about WWII and the Holocaust and helped me to gain so much more respect for people that have different views than I, as well as teaching me what the consequences are when we don’t have tolerance. Tolerance is valuable to the world.

Stinger: Favorite high school memory?

Bezems: Last year, when Chorale went and performed at Carnegie Hall, it might’ve been the best weekend of my life. It was my first performance with Chorale at Carnegie Hall, and we sang an amazing piece called “Requiem” by John Rutter. That same weekend was

LAURA MILLER By Hunter Gerhardt

Laura Miller has been involved with music for nearly all of her life; she has been playing the flute and piccolo for 10 years. But Miller’s music career didn’t end there -- it continued to flourish in high school, where she was involved in marching band for all four years.

Impressively, she was given the position of drum major her senior year, and had the privilege of leading the band on and off the football field.

senior prom, and I went with a group of friends, and it was just a blast to spend the whole weekend with friends, and especially singing at such a venue.

Stinger: Any last comments?

Bezems: I think Emmaus High School is an amazing place for amazing oppurtunities for kids, no matter if it’s in sports, music, theatre, math and science. I think it’s a great place, and really prepares students well, and I’m incredibly thankful for the time that I had here.

thought what he was doing was super cool so I wanted to join too.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Miller: I’ve definitely become more mature since freshman year. I’ve realized not everything in the world is so black and white.

Stinger: What is your most memorable moment here at Emmaus?

Miller: My favorite high school memory is probably all of the Friday night football games with the marching band.

Stinger: What are your plans after high school?

Miller: I’m planning on going to IUP (Indiana University of Pennsylvania). I’m majoring in accounting and a minor in criminology.

Stinger: Who was your inspiration for music?

Miller: My biggest inspiration was my older brother.

He played the trumpet once he got to fourth grade and I

ALEX MOUDY By Nicholas Martellucci

Alex Moudy, a talented musician, has been singing most of her life and just started playing the guitar two years ago.

Moudy plans to study music business at Belmont University. After college, she hopes to receive a recording contract and sing as a career.

Stinger: What is your favorite part about being involved in the club?

Moudy: Being around people that are like me and want to make a career in the music industry.

Stinger: What made you decide to get

involved in the club?

Moudy: I learned to play to accompany myself and also enhance my song writing.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Moudy: How much I’ve grown as a person and as a songwriter.

Stinger: What teacher impacted you the most?

Moudy: Ms. Cortez because when I was preparing for districts and regionals she pushed me to become a better guitar player to help me advance.

Stinger: What's your favorite music genre and who are your favorite artists?

Moudy: My favorite music genre is country pop. My favorite artists include Charlie Worsham, Willie Nelson, and Nels Cline.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Moudy: I want to be remembered as a good person and writer while always remaining humble.

CALEB AUGUSTIN

Caleb Augustin’s light-hearted and fun attitude towards life makes him truly a unique personality at Emmaus, whether through his guitar or his interactions with his fellow students throughout his four years.

Stinger: What are you involved in?

Augustin: Last year I did football, wrestling, ran track, Spanish club, historian.

Stinger: Favorite thing to do in your free time?

By James Marler

Augustin: Play guitar.

Stinger: How long have you played?

Augustin: I’ve played for eight years, but I play alone.

Stinger: Role model?

Augustin: I don’t know, but I would probably say Will Smith or something.

Stinger: How has music impacted your life?

Augustin: Well I get more opportunities to do stuff, and help the community, like I play at events, I play at my church, I think I’ve played at three churches so far. I also go to places with music like coffee houses and stuff like that. It gives you more opportunities to meet new people.

Stinger: What will you miss the most about Emmaus?

Augustin: All my friends probably, because everyone is branching out.

Stinger: Where are you going for college and what are you majoring in?

Augustin: I’m going to West Chester, for criminal justice, I want to be an FBI Agent.

THE STINGER | JUNE 2017

19

20

THE STINGER | JUNE 2017

Sports

SPORTS EDITOR JAMES MARLER ASSIT. EDITORS CAROLINE BOND & ADRIANNA TOMASELLO

DREW SCHWINDENHAMMER By Konnor Haldeman Drew Schwindenhammer has played wide receiver at EHS for four years and serves as historian for the Class of 2017. He plans to attend Millersville University to play football and study secondary education to teach history.

Stinger: What made you decide to attend Millersville?

Schwindenhammer: It was the best fit for me athletically and academically, and I feel like I can succeed in their university.

Stinger: How is Coach Fairclough different from Coach Cuthbert?

Schwindenhammer: Fairclough has a better game plan for the season and drives us to go further.

Stinger: What was your favorite memory during your high school career?

Schwindenhammer: Definitely the Parkland game.

Afterwards, it just felt like a movie, and like life was numb at that point.

Stinger: What is your favorite breakfast?

Schwindenhammer: Sausage, egg and cheese omelette with a side of home fries.

Stinger: What is your favorite thing to buy at Wawa?

Schwindenhammer: Turkey hoagie with mayo.

Stinger: What is something you want people at Emmaus to remember about you?

Schwindenhammer: That I was a fun, adventurous guy.

Stinger: Did you ever wish you were in the student section during football games?

Schwindenhammer: Never. Nope, never.

Stinger: How bad is your senioritis?

Schwindenhammer: Oh, it’s terrible. Just absolutely horrendous. I would’ve ran out of excuse days if it weren’t for football in the fall.

Stinger: Where were you when the bullets were dropped?

Schwindenhammer: I was in Spanish class and slept through the whole drill.

CHASE PAVELKO By Andrea Klick

In his four years at EHS, Chase Pavelko has been active in sports.

He served as a co-captain on the wrestling team this year and also competes as a pole vaulter and triple long jumper for the track team. Next year, he plans to attend Penn State Altoona to major in kinesiology.

Stinger: How did you first get involved in wrestling and track?

Pavelko: I started wrestling when I was five so I’ve just been doing it ever since. And track I’ve always wanted to to do, but I didn’t get to until high school. And one of the guys on the wrestling team, when I was a freshman and he was a senior, introduced me to pole vaulting and I just fell in love with it.

Stinger: Why did you decide to major in kinesiology?

Pavelko: I wanted to do something with physical therapy maybe like the chiropractic field. But that’s so broad, I’ll have a lot of time to decide later.

Stinger: What will you miss most about high school?

Pavelko: Probably just the people that I’ve met over the last four years. They’ll definitely be lifelong friends.

Stinger: Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

Pavelko: Get yourself out there. Don’t isolate yourself to one thing. Just try stuff.

Stinger: How do you think you have changed since freshman year?

BRENDAN DUNKLE

At the age of eight, Brendan Dunkle made the decision to begin playing volleyball.

His father, a former player, encouraged him to take up the sport, and from there he has produced an impressive career. Recently, Dunkle was named to the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference First Team AllStar roster, a feat that makes him one of the top players in the Eastern Pennsylvania region. After high school, Dunkle plans to study criminal justice at either Kutztown or Bloomsburg University.

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

By Joe Eckstein

Dunkle: Probably my friends, everybody’s right here so that’s nice, but college we’ll be all spread out.

Stinger: Favorite teacher?

Dunkle: Probably Mr. Flynn.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment?

Dunkle: The All-Star Team roster came out and I made that so that was a really big accomplishment.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Dunkle: I want to be remembered for being good at volleyball and that I was a funny dude.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Dunkle: Don’t stress about everything, just live in the moment and enjoy the simple things in life.

Stinger: What was the best part of volleyball?

Dunkle: Just the intensity of it all and the momentum. It’s a really fun game, and it’s a very passionate sport.

Stinger: Are you happy with how your four years at Emmaus went?

Dunkle: Yeah, for the most part.

Pavelko: I’ve definitely become more social I think. It’s nice to walk around and know everybody. Just be able to say hi to people that you otherwise wouldn’t have known.

Stinger: Do you have any favorite teachers?

Pavelko: Mrs. Moxley was definitely my favorite teacher and Mr. McConville. Mrs. Moxley is just a fun person to be around. I had her two out of my four years.

She made the class enjoyable. And Mr. McConville’s class is really interesting, and he definitely makes it a lot better.

Stinger: Do you have any embarrassing high school memories?

Pavelko: Not that I want to share.

SEAN MCFARLAND By Brian Mantone

Sean McFarland was a leader on the track & field team during his time at Emmaus, excelling at both the 200 and 400 meter dashes. Next year, he plans on continuing his academic and athletic careers at Moravian College, where he will study biology.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

McFarland: Coach Kami [Reinhard] has always been there for me. She just came last year but honestly in these two years, she made such an impact in my life and in track, and I can’t thank her enough for that.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory?

McFarland: Last year at Leagues, I was seeded ninth going into the meet, and I ended up finishing third, and I got a medal from the slower heat. That was the culmination of a lot of hard work.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

McFarland: I just want to be remembered as a good person.

Someone who just left it all out on the track, someone who always worked hard for what they got.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

McFarland: Just enjoy it, four years sounds like a lot as a freshman, but it really goes fast so just enjoy all the friends you make and all the good times.

KONNOR HALDEMAN

By Duncan Bispham

Konnor Haldeman has been a solid lacrosse athlete for many years, and he will be missed when he graduates and spends his star power somewhere else. After graduating, he will be attending West Virginia University to pursue a career as a sports announcer.

Stinger: Are you thinking about pursuing lacrosse professionally?

Haldeman: No, just playing in high school and in college, but professionally it does not pay well.

Stinger: What is your favorite way to blow off steam?

Haldeman: Play videogames, relax, and listen to music.

Stinger: Who do you like to spend time with the most?

Haldeman: I spend time with my family. I’m not always going to spend time with them because I’m going to West Virginia.

Stinger: If you could not play lacrosse, what sport would you play?

Haldeman: Basketball, because I really like basketball and it’s similar to lacrosse in the whole team aspect.

Stinger: What was the hardest team you ever played?

Haldeman: Syosset. We played them this year, and they were ranked the 38th in the nation, while we were in the hundred and 30 or something.

MORGAN TIETZ

Stinger: Who would be your favorite athlete?

Haldeman: Isaiah Thomas because of all the adversity that he had to go through and to perform at the level he is in.

Stinger: If you could live in any fictional universe, which would it be?

Haldeman: Probably the universe of Star Wars, cause intergalactic space travel- that would be interesting.

Stinger: Would you say clothing is an important part of a person?

Haldeman: Yeah, I would say they’re important. Keeps everyone warm and keeps everyone’s extremities to themselves.

Stinger: Who do you trust more, the government, the public, or yourself?

Haldeman: I trust myself more because I know what’s best for my life and the government doesn’t know [what’s best] and the public doesn’t know [what’s best].

Stinger: In what way could the world be better?

Haldeman: We could stop all the hating. There are too many sides, we should all be on one side.

Stinger: Do you think animals have the capacities similar to human beings?

Haldeman: I think humans take animals for granted.

They have a heart like we do, they have a brain like we do, do they probably have feelings like we do.

Stinger: If you had to live without the use of your arms, legs, or eyes, which would you choose to lose?

Haldeman: I probably [go with] not living with my legs. I could just use a wheelchair and I could still use my eyes to see.

By Kyle Carraher Morgan Tietz makes the most of every day, whether it’s playing field hockey or being in school. No matter what Tietz is doing, she laughs and has fun with it.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshmen year?

Tietz: I think since freshman year, I’ve made a lot more friends and learned to not take things as seriously.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Tietz: Miss Deacon would be my mentor. She’s always there to talk to me about field hockey or school.

Stinger: What excites you most about college?

Tietz: All the new people and the fact that everything isn’t so structured.

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved in field hockey?

Tietz: One of my friends, Frankie Schoen wanted me to play so I did. I’m really glad because I’ve met some of my best friends from field hockey.

Stinger: Are you going to college? What are you majoring in?

Tietz: I’m going to Muhlenberg and majoring in biology.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory?

Tietz: Playing field hockey with all my friends, in the summer

NATALIE TREXLER

especially.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Tietz: Don’t take anything too seriously and just laugh about it.

It probably won’t matter in 10 years anyway.

Stinger: What is your most embarrassing high school memory?

Tietz: Walking into the boys bathroom freshman year. A lot of people saw me do it, but I just owned it.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Tietz: I want to be remembered for being able to make people laugh and hopefully nice.

Stinger: What won’t you miss about EHS? Tietz: Probably just how long you have to be in school every day.

By Anuj Arora

Natalie Trexler has been playing volleyball for six years as a right side attacker. She also has been involved in chorus for the past four years. She plans on pursuing a career in the sciences and attending Lehigh Carbon Community College or Northampton Community College for two years before attending a four-year university.

Stinger: Throughout high school, what activities and clubs have you been involved in?

Trexler: Volleyball.

Stinger: What adult has impacted you the most?

Trexler: Probably my two volleyball coaches, Coach Gwen and Audra.

Stinger: What do you like the most about being on the volleyball team?

Trexler: It always felt like a family and we’re all really close.

Stinger: What are your greatest accomplishments?

RYAN FRITZ

21

STINGER JUNE 2017

SPORTS

Trexler: Making varsity my junior year and getting good grades as well as honor roll.

Stinger: What’s the greatest lesson you learned in school?

Trexler: No matter how hard it gets to just keep going.

Stinger: What do you hate the most about school?

Trexler: Some of the kids at this school are interesting.

Especially when it comes to PDA. I don’t hate a lot here, but the way some teachers teach here and how some students treat teachers here.

By Rachel Reed Ryan Fritz, a receiver and safety for the high school football team, has been playing the sport for as long as he can remember. He has started on the football team since sophomore year and was captain for the 2016-17 season. He was also named to the 2017 McDonald’s Lehigh Valley All-Star Football team. Fritz plans to attend the University of Delaware to study political science and hopes to walk onto the football team.

Stinger: What was your favorite part about the football team?

Fritz: Coming into our senior year without a coach and everybody coming together and having faith in each other that everything would work out. When the new coach came in and everyone bought into the system, it was cool to see firsthand what hard work can directly translate into.

Stinger: What is your favorite HS memory?

Fritz: Definitely beating Parkland in football

in double overtime to win the EPC title. That was the first time I got the blitz all year, I’ll never forget that play.

Stinger: What excites you the most about your future?

Fritz: I don’t want to sound corny but the ‘unknown factor,’ the fact that my entire life is ahead of me, and I feel like I have set myself up to succeed in the future so I feel good about that.

Stinger: What will you miss most about Emmaus?

Fritz: I’ll miss my school friends. Everyone has those friends you don’t lose touch with but the sad reality is everyone loses touch with a lot of other people, so I’ll miss that group of people.

Stinger: What teacher impacted you the most and why?

Fritz: Mr. Luckenbill. He has taught me a lot about what I want to get into and has helped me explore my interests. He is also a guy I’ve gone to when I need advice, and he always has my back and I think his positive qualities rub off on me.

Stinger: What advice do you have for underclassmen?

Fritz: Go out of your way to try different things. I played baseball my entire life and sophomore year I decided to flip and try and play lacrosse with absolutely no knowledge of how to play. I was able to make an impact and we won the district championship that year and that was a really cool experience that I would have never had if I didn’t change things up.

22

SPORTS

THE STINGER | JUNE 2017

HOLLY BRINKMAN

By Makayla Frazier

In her four years at EHS, Holly Brinkman has played lacrosse, field hockey and basketball and participated in the Pediatric Cancer Club. Brinkman will be attending East Carolina University for nursing after finding a close connection to the medical field through her time in Pediatric Cancer Club.

Stinger: Throughout the past few years how have you changed?

Brinkman: Starting freshman year I’ve been through different friend groups but during senior year I found my real friends.

Stinger: Who is your in-school mentor?

Brinkman: Mrs. Williams who is an assistant coach for

BRIANA SCHWOYER

Since she started playing softball at age 12, Briana Schwoyer has had a love for the sport. For four years Schwoyer served as both an outfielder and a catcher on the varsity softball team. However, her fondness for softball could only be matched by her passion for singing. Schwoyer began singing for her middle school’s concert in seventh grade and continued throughout all of high school. She has been accepted into California University of Pennsylvania for pre-vet studies and plans on joining their Division II softball team.

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

Schwoyer: It hasn’t really hindered me. If anything softball pushes me to do better in school.

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

Schwoyer: My favorite part of being on the softball team was team bonding. Whether it was pizza or pasta parties that was when I had the most fun.

my lacrosse team.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory?

Brinkman: Beating Parkland for the very first time during my senior year.

Stinger: What was your favorite course?

Brinkman: Chemistry. I know a lot of people don’t like it, but I like doing the labs and experiments.

Stinger: Who inspires you?

Brinkman: My dad and my sister as well as one of my best friends Julia Dunn.

Stinger: Do you have any regrets?

Brinkman: I regret not doing well my freshman year and having to try to pick up my grades.

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

Schwoyer: Probably a nine, I just don’t care as much knowing I’m already accepted into college. I can’t wait to get out of here.

Stinger: Favorite collegiate softball team?

Schwoyer: The Auburn Tigers. They’re a pretty good team, and I love the color orange.

Stinger: What prompted you to pursue becoming a veterinarian?

Schwoyer: I’ve always wanted to become a vet since I was little. When I was four years old we had to put our dog down and that’s one of the main reasons. In my mind, becoming a vet is one step towards saving other pets from the same fate of my dog.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Schwoyer: I’ve changed a lot since freshman year. I’ve pushed myself a lot since then, both emotionally and physically. I’m a lot more assertive and outgoing of a person now thanks to my family, friends and teachers.

BRAXTON GROM

Love crêpes?

Love to choose?

Bring this coupon and your EHS ID and we will give you either

a buy one/get one crêpe

or

a f ree French press coffee with the p urchase of a crêpe

187 Rue Principale 187 Main Street Emmaus 8AM-3PM Sunday and Monday

Braxton Grom has managed to balance school, hockey and soccer during his years at EHS. Hockey is something that’s been a part of Grom’s life for years. Getting his rhythm on the ice comes easy to him, as does keeping pace on the field. Being adept at two very different sports isn’t easy, but Grom would make one think so.

Stinger: Looking back, what was your least favorite phase you went through in high school?

Grom: I would say… I didn’t go through any phases. Nah, I didn’t have any.

Stinger: What trend is most memorable to you?

Grom: I hate those fidget spinners. They’re stupid. I mean what’s the point of them?

Stinger: How has your hair contributed to your abilities in hockey?

Grom: It’s always been my thing. It’s not just aesthetic.

Stinger: Why do you hate bologna so much?

Grom: Why do I hate it? Because it smells bad. It tastes bad. It’s disgusting, and it’s not kosher.

Stinger: What goals do you have in place for hockey? What does your future look like?

Grom: Nothing. Maybe I’d do it for fun, but that’s about it. I’m probably gonna play soccer in college, but not for a scholarship or anything. Hockey is something I’d still like to keep on the side.

Stinger: What’s your go to snack from the cafeteria?

Grom: Best meal, chicken salad. Also, a Snapple. Oh, those mini soft pretzels are good, too. I get that a lot. Not those s’mores things though, those things are disgusting looking. Never tried one.

Stinger: What is one major difference this year compared to your freshman year?

Grom: School has gotten easier. Like, I

By Michael Moyzan

can just study less and still do well on a test. You know what I mean? It just comes more naturally. I don’t do as bad.

Stinger: What is one thing that you look forward to now that you won’t be in high school?

Grom: I don’t have to wake up to come here early anymore. I just won’t have to come here every day. Free schedule.

Stinger: What teacher or staff member inspires you the most?

Grom: Mr. Didra. He was just really helpful, he was good to everybody. He was nice, and he told jokes. I actually want to be an architect. I’m going to college for it, Penn State.

Stinger: How do you feel about cargo shorts?

Grom: I don’t wear them. I don’t think you’re a bad person if you wear cargo shorts. Cargo pants, worse. They’re both just ugly.

SPORTS

AUSTIN ROBERTSON

THE STINGER | JUNE 2017

By James Marler Robertson: It’s a bit generic, but I’d say my father, actually both of my parents. They’ve been there all my life, the support they’ve shown is amazing.

Stinger: What will you miss the most about Emmaus?

Robertson: Waking up everyday, doing that grind. Just seeing my friends everyday, it’s gonna be tough doing it without them.

Stinger: What do you like to do in your free time?

Robertson: Baseball takes up most of my time, but I love hiking, going outside. Every once in awhile I’ll take a walk or hang out with friends, that’s always fun. I like watching sports, do fantasy sports, but I’m not very good at it.

Austin Robertson has put his heart into baseball, and that hasn’t changed as he finishes his senior season. He has committed to Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, where he hopes to major in naval engineering.

Stinger: Why did you choose to play left field?

Robertson: I mean outfield you get to be more athletic, move around a bit more, and for me that was more fun because I like to show my athleticism.

Stinger: What’s your favorite thing about baseball?

Robertson: Competition. Those close games where you get fired up, those are a lot of fun.

Stinger: When did you start playing?

Robertson: I was probably about four or five, you know playing t-ball and stuff like that, I was an Emmaus kid so I played for them.

Stinger: Do you have a role model?

KAITLIN HUR

23

By Kristina Streit Kaitlin Hur has been swimming competitively for the past nine years and has been a member of the EHS swim team for the past four years.

She met her goal as a senior this past season, which was to make the podium at the PIAA District 11 championship for her individual event. Not only is she a member of the team, but she is a member of the National Honor Society and has dedicated her time to tutoring multiple students. She has maintained honor roll for all four years.

Stinger: What do you plan on doing in the future?

Hur: I’m going to Virginia Tech for engineering, and after that I’m not entirely sure.

Stinger: What will you miss most about high school?

Hur: I will miss being able to see my friends from school everyday because I have been going to school with them for so long, so it’s going to be weird when I’m with a new crowd of people.

Stinger: How have you changed since

freshman year?

Hur: I don’t really care about others opinions anymore, and I keep to myself more than I used to which I actually really like.

Stinger: What has not changed since freshman year?

Hur: I still have a lot of the same close friends that I started high school with, and my hobbies have pretty much stayed the same.

Stinger: What was your favorite part of high school?

Hur: My favorite part of high school was the activities outside of the classroom such as football games, and events like homecoming and prom because that’s when you can see all your friends and not have to learn and just have fun.

Stinger: If you could say one thing to upcoming seniors, what would it be?

Hur: Don’t be so eager to leave the high school because even though coming to school every day can be annoying, it will be over really quickly.

Stinger: How bad was your case of

EVAN CHARLESWORTH By Destiny Swan

Senior Evan Charlesworth, a dedicated soccer player, found his love for the sport in fourth grade. At that time soccer came naturally to him, so he decided to give it a shot in high school, and it went well. His biggest accomplishment is winning two consecutive championships for soccer. Although Charlesworth enjoyed his high school years for the most part, he is excited to go to college mostly for two reasons: meeting new people and being able to live alone-finally. Charlesworth plans to study architecture at Drexel University and hopefully in 10 years he will be able to have a job and live in a city that he loves.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Charlesworth: Scott Didra Stinger: Which class do you regret not taking?

Charlesworth: Personal Finance Management Stinger: What are you hoping to accomplish before you

die?

Charlesworth: Climb Mount Everest Stinger: What song could sum up your high school career?

Charlesworth: Mr. Bright Side Stinger: What will you miss about EHS and what won’t you miss?

Charlesworth: I will miss the friends that I made and I won’t miss waking up at six in the morning.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Charlesworth: Being an easygoing person and not getting worked up about much.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Charlesworth: Don’t stress out about little things; people definitely get too worked up about little things all the time.

So how does The Stinger decide which seniors get featured in our senior issue? Believe us, it’s a tough call each year. The staff meets several times to discuss which seniors represent a dynamic blend of the graduating class. Editors submit people from various clubs, from all walks of life, people with varied backgrounds, with different goals. We do try to avoid featuring people who we’ve already covered in-depth earlier in the year inorder to provide opportunities for others. To see articles on other seniors from previous issues this year as well as current online stories, visit our website at www.stingerehs.com.

Best of luck, Class of 2017!

senioritis?

Hur: Let’s just say I haven’t done homework at home since October.

Stinger: What are some things you will keep in mind going into the next chapter of your life?

Hur: I just want to make the most of every experience I have in my life, whether it’s big or small.

24

SPORTS

THE STINGER | JUNE 2017

KAMERON DANGLEBEN By Rachel Reed Senior Kameron Dangleben has been on the fitness team since freshman year and ran track his sophomore and senior seasons, competing in the 100-meter and 200-meter events. Along with working out regularly, he has also been drawing for as long as he can remember.

Next year, he will attend Penn State Lehigh Valley.

Stinger: What are your future plans?

Dangleben: Realistically I will be going into something with business, but I would love to go into art or media or start up my own business.

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

Dangleben: I was always pretty fast. It is the only sport I play that I’m actually pretty good at.

Stinger: What was your favorite part about track and fitness team?

Dangleben: Seeing myself getting better.

Stinger: What is your favorite high school memory?

Dangleben: I think just messing around in class to be honest, that’s what I’ll miss the most.

Stinger: What excites you the most about your future?

Dangleben: The freedom to be able to do whatever you want pretty much.

Stinger: What will you miss most about Emmaus?

Dangleben: Being able to see my friends every single day, it’s going to be hard to move away from my friends.

Stinger: Who is your role model and why?

Dangleben: My mom and my dad are my role models; they push me. They’re on my side whenever I’m going through stuff.

Stinger: What advice do you have for underclassmen?

Dangleben: Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks, it really doesn’t matter in the long run.

Stinger: Looking back on high school, would you do anything different?

Dangleben: I would go out of my comfort zone more, especially [during] my freshman and sophomore years I didn’t go out of my comfort zone at all.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Dangleben: It doesn’t really matter as long as it’s not bad.

Stinger: What do you hope to accomplish in the future?

Dangleben: Travel the world is a big one.

Stinger: What won’t you miss about Emmaus?

Dangleben: The dumb and annoying people.

NICK CILENTO By Kyle Carraher In his time at Emmaus High School, Nick Cilento never had a dull moment, involving himself in Future Business Leaders of America, Habitat for Humanity, football, and basketball.

Stinger: How do you feel you have impacted Emmaus?

Cilento:I don’t feel like I have impacted Emmaus in my four years here.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshmen year?

Cilento:Since freshman year I have gotten a significantly better work ethic both inside and outside of school.

Also, I now realize how important it is to start planning ahead for the future.

Stinger: What are your plans after high school?

Cilento:I am going to James Madison University to study business.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Cilento: I’d say Mrs. Simpkins.

Stinger: What excites you most about college?

Cilento:I am most excited to experience the freedom and responsibility of a college life.

Stinger: What are you majoring in?

Cilento: Business.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory?

Cilento: Winning the scrubs league championship with my friends.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Cilento: I see myself working an average corporate job.

Hopefully I will be working on starting a family.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Cilento: Winning the scrubs league championship.

NATALIE HAKIM By Hunter Gerhardt

Natalie Hakim has been an active part of the EHS community for the past four years. Hakim has been a member of the tennis team for three years and started playing when her cousin encouraged her. She has also served as treasurer and advertiser for Spanish Club, went to states twice for Future Business Leaders of America and was a member of Key Club.

Stinger: What made you want to get into tennis?

Hakim: I had friends who played it and thought it would be fun to learn how to play.

Stinger: How do you feel like you have impacted Emmaus?

Hakim: I feel like I’ve impacted Emmaus in a good way by trying to be the best example for underclassmen in my classes.

Stinger: What are your plans after high school?

Hakim: My plans after high school are to attend Moravian College with a major in public health and Spanish.

Stinger: What are some of your favorite moments in high school?

Hakim: My favorite moments in high school were probably our senior nights, I always loved seeing all the seniors excited about their last year on the team and their future and it always made me excited for my own.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Hakim: My mentor is probably my cousin, who played for Whitehall and encouraged me the most to try the sport. I looked up to her and what she did, and how she was able to balance all of her extracurriculars without ever complaining or being negative.

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

Hakim: Being a student athlete impacted my high school career in a good way, I definitely learned how to manage my time efficiently when I got home late from matches. It also tests your limits of endurance and how much you can push yourself, as well as being able to work with your teammates to strategize how to win. Overall, being a student athlete is definitely something that I enjoyed in high school.

KENYA RA’OOF By Aleezeh Saeed

Kenya Ra’Oof has been involved in cross country, fitness team, and the track team this year. In the fall, Ra’Oof plans to attend the University of Alabama, majoring in either media and entertainment or business. Ra’Oof hopes be a member of Alabama’s track team in the future.

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

Ra’Oof: Yes I am. High school was fun; it went fast, though, really fast.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Ra’Oof: I learned not to procrastinate; that was a big problem. I think I just matured a lot more. I’m just ready to get out of here.

Stinger: What was your favorite part of being a part of the athletic teams you were on?

Ra’Oof: Cross country, I didn’t really like it that much; I just did it to stay in shape. The 5k’s were not my favorite. But fitness team, just the people, building new friendships and stuff, same with track.

Stinger: What teacher impacted you the most?

Ra’Oof: Mr. Mihalik, even though I’ve never actually had him for a teacher, I just met him through sports, and I’m always in his room talking to him about stuff.

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

Ra’Oof: Oh, a 10!

Stinger: What are your hobbies outside of school?

Ra’Oof: I like to bake a lot, and I’m also a model outside of school.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Ra’Oof: Just stay on top of your work and don’t fall behind.