September 2014

The Stinger This Just-In

My Crusty Counterparts

Associate Editor Colleen Grablick @collllsss

My New World

Every family gathering. Every family friend get together. Every person I meet. One of the first questions of a conversation remains the same: “What colleges are you applying to?”

Okay, I admit it. It is a big deal. I’ve worked hard for many years in school just for these applications and hopefully (fingers crossed) acceptance letters.

However, because I lacked the needed amount of confidence at times, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be ready for the college experience. Until this summer.

Walking into that tall tower with all the dorms, I could feel myself shaking. Sure, I had looked forward to this for months. When I got accepted to the New England Center of Investigative Reporting’s summer program at Boston University, I was beyond thrilled. I, Justine Coleman, would finally get to study journalism at a college for two whole weeks.

Finally, something I actually wanted to learn. Yet, I was scared. I didn’t want my family to leave Boston. I didn’t want to be left alone.

But I wasn’t alone. Tons of other girls began to arrive in the dorm hall within that first hour, and as we gathered, we exchanged that most of our biggest fears about the week were not being able to find friends. We didn’t need to be scared. Within the next few first days and after the awkward icebreaker activities, we had found our friend groups.

Soon I learned just how busy college life was.

The girl who does struggle sometimes to stop texting all the time barely had time to reply to messages.

My brother would wonder why I don’t answer the emails. I felt like I was running around until midnight each night.

In the morning, I would wake up for 8 a.m. class and run to the cafeteria. The dorm rooms had no air conditioning, so it would take quite a bit of time to look presentable. At least more than usual.

We would have classes until noon, and then, rush to eat our lunch in 45 minutes, which proved an issue especially when meeting friends for lunch. The class in the afternoon proved to be different than a “typical class.” We all got to write an investigative reporting story with help from a mentor journalist.

It was so cool to actually be doing real investigative work where I emailed governors asking for interviews. That was amazing to me. I only wish I had had more time to go more in-depth.

In the afternoon, our group had occasional evening trips around the city of Boston, which may I say is the most beautiful city I’ve ever seen. Throughout the trip, we took the T (subway of Boston) to these evening destinations and I’m proud to say that after two weeks, I learned not to totally fall over when it started moving. Since I am totally not a city-girl, Boston was a great opportunity for me. I learned to maneuver around the city (more like made friends with those who knew where they were going), but still I was proud of myself.

My group’s favorite hangout was the lawn in front of the communications building. Before breakfast, during breaks, and when we wrote our assignments the night they were due, we would just lay in the grass and hang out.

One of my favorite moments was finding a spot in Harvard Square and just listening to a street performer strumming the guitar. There was also a really talented trumpeter by Boston’s version of the Reading Terminal, Faneuil Hall.

By the way, nothing can beat the food at Boston restaurants. So if you haven’t seen Boston, I recommend you visit.

Most importantly, though, I met some amazing people in Boston. Everyone I met was so sweet, so supportive, and so much fun. I am still pretty close with some of the friends I made in that fantastic city.

As the week went on, I figured out something.

My world won’t totally be limited to the Lehigh Valley for my entire life. I can make a new world with new friends. There’s no need to be scared about it because there will be hundreds of freshman attempting to rebuild their worlds too. New experiences are good experiences.

I am so glad I got the opportunity to go to Boston and experience the college life for two weeks. I miss it dearly.

We took so many pictures, but still, it was not enough. I wish I could relive it.

I guess I will get that chance in nine months. As this stage of my life begins its ending, I cannot wait.

Colleen’s Corner

Editor-in-chief Justine Coleman @JustineColeman8

Business Manager News Editor Marua Benner @bennedryl Assistant News Editor Cathryn Seibert @ryncat98 Assisant Online News Editor Ellie Lewis @ellie_lewis14 Opinion/Editorial Editor Angie Stein @shmangieangie Assistant Opinion Editor Will Newbegin @free_willy98 Opinion Columnist Jacob Puleo @JacobPuleo Culture Editor Olivia Riccio @Liv120497 Assistant Culture Editor Kayla McGovern Assistant Online Culture Editor Rachel McQuiston @rachelmcqq Features Editor Christine Carlson Assisant Feature Editors Tori Delhagen @tori_delhagen Zoie Kassis @zoie_kassis Sports Editor John Lang @JohnLang05 Assistant Sports Editor Katie Mest @katiemest Online Sports Editor Jason Kashuba Photo Editor Lindsay Harner @lindsayharner Web Administrators Zooey He Darsh Patel Adviser Denise Reaman Copy Editors Rania Draklellis

Ava Johnson

Holly Diehl

Cover Photo by Jared O’Neill 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.

2014 Keystone Press Awards Second Place Ongoing News Coverage Honorable Mention News Story First, Second, Honorable Mention Public Service Package First Place Feature Story First, Second Place Personality Profile Honorable Mention Column Writing Second Place Review Writing First Place Photo Story Honorable Mention Website

179 messages.

As I slowly rolled my tired body to my left side, I dug around my bed to find my phone. Clearing those crusties that accumulate in everyone’s eyes overnight, I hit the lock button to check the time.

10-something a.m. Below the time, banners of notifications lit up. 179 messages.

I sighed and unlocked my phone.

Scrolling through the messages, 85 perecent of which contained the slang word “schleep” (I will explain later), I began chuckling to myself in that groggy morning voice that plagues us all in the few minutes after waking up.

The 179 messages that I received during my sleep came from a group message. I assume that everyone knows what a group message is, but for those who are so technologically impaired, I will explain. People with iPhones have the ability to start group iMessages with multiple people. This certain group message consists of 5 people: myself, and my four friends. Well, I should say four of my friends, because of course I have more than just four friends!!!!! (Multiple exclamation points are added to indicate sarcasm, a comedic technique frequently practiced in this said group message.)

This group message, if my memory serves me correctly, began for the sole purpose of planning. It provided an easy means of communication when organizing our social outings. However, after we would make the plans in the group message, we would just continue talking. Not really talking about anything in specific, just random stuff that we thought was funny. As time went on, we began talking in it every day.

Now, a few months later, it is rare to go an hour without receiving a text from the group message.

Unhealthy, some might say. “Kids are too addicted to their phones these days.” I mean, I suppose it is a little over the top/obsessive/addictive that we talk in this message as much as we do, but it’s our way of always being together. It feels like we’re always with each other by being in constant contact.

Not to mention it is easily the most entertaining and hilarious part of my day, every day.

I guess everyone has certain degree of bias regarding their close friends, but I can honestly say that my friends are the funniest people I know. The group message normally consists of us partaking in inside jokes, or using the common slang of our generation.

To give you a sneak-peak into this unique five-way friendship I will share some of the most frequently used phrases.

As previously mentioned, “I’m schleep” is always a popular one, due to it’s versatility in conversation.

The word “schleep,” a variant of the word sleep, can mean one of two things. It can imply that one is in fact, going to sleep. An example would be “I have to get up at eight, so I’m schleep guys.” The others of the group message would then note that person’s “goodnight” and continue on the conversation without them. The other use of “schleep,” usually used for comedic effect, means that something was so funny that that person can’t handle it and is therefore dead or “schleep.”

A favorite pronoun that the group uses is “bruh.”

“Bruh,” a variant of the form “bro,” is often used in tandem with “I’m shleep” to form the squad favorite “bruh I’m schleep.” Typically these phrases occur in conversation after someone makes a funny remark.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a column about my friends unless I included the adjective crusty. This word usually describes people we encounter at school, or more commonly ourselves. A prime example would be sending “Guys I look so crusty right now” before heading off to school.

Now that I have provided somewhat of a look into the culture that is this group message, I would just like to reiterate that I by no means find this group message unhealthy or obsessive. I just love my friends and always want to talk to them.

Time is flying by, and before we know it, we won’t be seeing each other in the halls or getting ready for football games together. We won’t be sharing our daily stories of our weird hallway encounters or poking fun at Mr. Ritter. We just want to make the most of the two years we have left together, and if that means remaining in constant contact and sending 179 message overnight, then so be it.

Confessions of a Hollywood Addict

As I tweeted, tumbled, and instagramed on my iPhone over the summer, a certain app kept catching my eye- Kim Kardashian: Hollywood.

Now, I would like to make one thing very clear; I do not keep up with the Kardashians. I find their spoiled living styles outrageous, and I don’t really give much mind into what’s going on in their lives.

But this app has been all over the Internet for months, and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, so I took that fatal step and downloaded the game.

It all went downhill from there.

Suddenly, I was an up-and-coming celebrity, wearing clothes that were more expensive than my car, duking it out with my enemy Willow Pape, and going on dates with my A-list, makeup artist boyfriend Oliver. I went to photoshoots, flew to multiple cities in seconds, and furnished my second house.

(Whatever you’re calling me right now in your head, believe me, I’ve called myself already.) Needless to say I got a little swept up in my new virtual life.

Here’s where I got in trouble: To keep up with the grueling life of fame, you have to collect/earn energy bolts, because without them you can’t do much of anything. But the game is timed, so if you used all of them at one time, you’re out of luck until they come back. So to get energy, you either have to have to wait, or buy stars with your real life money which in turn lets you get energy.

I always did consider myself a patient person; I was sadly proven wrong.

I spent money on this app. Cold, hard cash that I worked tirelessly to earn this summer by selling vegetables, walking dogs, and watching children. I could have used my money on music, food, real clothes that I could wear. But no. I used it to buy stars so I could get more energy, and a virtual cat I didn’t even get to name. Or see again, by the way.

I haven’t see him again since the moment I purchased little ‘Charli’. He just disappeared. He must not have known that though I thought 19 stars was pricey for a stray off the streets, I found it in my heart to take him in. If I knew I’d never see him again, I would at least have gotten a nice shirt or a haircut. You know, something virtual me could have actually used.

Wait, you’re not mad that you spent $4.99 on stars to buy a virtual cat?

Nope. I’m mad that for that same price, I could have gotten the pair of floral pattern jeans I’ve had my eye on to wear to my next photoshoot, and possibly could’ve gained more fans (I have 31.1 million of them, in case you were wondering.)

Now, in all seriousness, did I spend an excessive amount of money on this app? No, thankfully. After that first week of obsessively playing, something along the lines of common sense and shame finally hit me, and I cut myself off, leaving me to wallow in my pure stupidity and regret.

But am I still playing this game? Oh yes. In the more or less four weeks I’ve had this app, I’ve become an A-list celebrity. I have a beach house in Miami, a manager and a publicist, and am currently endorsing a brand of lotion. Virtual me is living the dream.

Real me, is disgusted with herself.

With many also regretting their own purchases through the app, I’m glad, at the very least, I’m not alone.

I hope you’re happy, Kim. I hope you feel good about being able to buy a new beach house with the money you made from your consumers’ spontaneous and hefty financial mistakes.

MAURA BENNER

IN-DEPTH REPORTING ON TOPICS THAT MATTER TO YOU NEWS EDITOR MAURA BENNER KEEPS ASSISTANT NEWS CATHRYN SEIBERT GETING BENNER

News

3

New superintendent drums up a fresh beat Maura Benner Cathryn Seibert News Editors

West Orange and then Bernards Township power.” school districts, soon after holding the role Despite the time spent developing his of superintendent of career, Schilder has Clinton Public School made his family a Dr. Michael Schilder looks forward to District. He stayed priority. He and his tackling challenges with his new job as su- at Clinton for eight wife often take time to perintendent of the East Penn School Dis- years before holding visit their 24-year-old trict. the same position in daughter, Ali, as well Of course, little did he expect that within Bridgewater-Raritan as their 26-year-old the first month of the school year, he would School District. Seven son Brian. be dealing with issues such as busing prob- years later, he arrived Schilder enjoys East lems, removal of illegally dumped asbestos in East Penn.

Penn School District at Wescosville Elementary, and taxpayers Schilder knew that for many reasons. who are angry over a teachers’ early-bird education was his pas“It’s a high-achievcontract. sion from ing school district; it’s Good thing Schilder is not one who “My mother always academically orientwants to sit still. told me that I was ed. Students do well Schilder began his career in education as good with little kids,” here,” he said. “The Schilder anticipates getting to know a fifth grade elementary teacher and guid- he said. “I just liked working community is very proud of East Penn School District ance counselor in the Central Bucks School with younger children, even their school district, and they Photo by Maura Benner District in Doylestown. After a decade of when I was a young child. … It just support it.” working in the classroom, Schilder climbed kind of stuck, and I knew it’s what I liked.”

Throughout the school year, Schilder the ranks of adminSchilder attended hopes to assess the strengths and weakistration, moving to Bloomsburg University nesses of the district. He wants to make Things you may not know Hopewell, N.J., to for his undergraduate sure that the curriculum is rigorous as well become the princidegree in elementary ed- as appropriate for students, and views the about Dr. Schilder pal of Hopewell Eleucation, later earning his process of hiring teachers as a priority. mentary School. Not master’s in counselor “I think one of the most important jobs “I’m a drummer in a blues rock wanting to become band. I’ve been doing it ever since I education at Penn State. of an administrator is hiring the best and the tired of this career, He then went to Seton brightest teachers,” he said. “Are we makwas 12 years old.” he made the jump Hall University for his ing sure we’re getting the very best teachfrom a classroom to “This may sound cheesy, but the doctoral degree in edu- ers in here and keeping them here?” an office.

Expect to see Schilder walking the hallbest part of my day, any day as a su- cation administration.

“I never wanted perintendent, is when I have a good The superintendent ways during the school year; he plans to be to become stale solid conversation with a student.” believes that students a very present figure in the district, excited or bored,” Schilcan benefit from learn- to get to know the staff and students. der said. “I wasn’t ing about their educa“I really like to get out of my office,” “I live in a 250-year-old house… bored. tion at state level. As a Schilder said. “I like to get to know stuon three acres with a pond.”

“I taught for student, he didn’t know dents, and just wander around the halls, and about 10 years, and I much of what the role of pop into the classrooms and say hello, or always loved it,” he said. “But I didn’t want the school board was, he says that students even just observe. One of the things I was to get to the point where I didn’t love it. can make more of an impact in their school proud of when I left Bridgewater-Raritan, Plus I thought that being a principal I would than they may think. is that most kids in the school knew who I still have the connection with kids, but I “Typically when students speak up, es- was, and would say hello, and often would could influence things on a wider scale.” pecially if it’s done in a respectful way, and say hello by name.”

During his time in Hopewell, Schilder’s done in a way which makes some sense Schilder encourages students to say hello potential “blossomed”, and he said he and has some common sense to it, gener- and introduce themselves when they see wanted to climb the ladder and “see how far ally, adults listen,” Schilder said. “And I him in the schools and talk to him about [he] could go.” He later left the district and don’t think a lot of times students [under- any issues he could help them with. became an assistant superintendent in the stand this], they tend to underestimate their

Drop-off pleases admin, grinds students’ gears Justine Coleman Editor-in-chief

ated traffic delays,” Piperato said.

During the first week of school, North Street and Cedar Crest Boulevard traffic was delayed but had improved the second week, according to Piperato.

Piperato feels this year’s system has become an “overwhelming success.”

“Changing the bus drop-off procedure allowed us the space necessary to create the safe and efficient parent-drop-off zone,” Piperato said.

Assistant Principal Matthew Gale agrees but recognizes some disadvantages exist.

“I think that the overall feedback indicates that safety has been significantly increased, but we’ve sacrificed a little bit of traffic flow, and there’s a bit of delay,” Gale said.

Emmaus High School experienced “some minor inconveniences” at the start of the new school year while adjusting to changes in the student drop-off procedure, according to Principal David Piperato.

The parking lots’ lack of safety has been a concern for the administration and faculty for years. Therefore last spring, a team of administration and staff known as the Parking Lot Safety Committee developed a plan to regulate the morning drop-off procedure.

The changes include having the buses unload in the sports center circle and limiting student drop-offs to a single area in the J Lot near the auditorium, the original bus drop-off location.

While the alterations in the routine from last year have caused some students to complain, members of the community indicated they needed change in previous years.

“Historically the drop-off system has been disorganized Students exit the bus at the new drop-off area by the sports center. and dangerous for students and staff and crePhoto by Cathryn Seibert

Originally, the administration felt concerned that the buses would not fit “comfortably” and safely in the sports circle, according to Piperato.

“We are now confident that we can accomplish that goal,” Piperato said.

Sophomore Leah Gaydos feels that all the students from the buses should not be located in a single “cul de sac.”

“It’s just gotten more irritating,” Gaydos said.

Senior Shannon McGinnis drives to school and feels the changes have disrupted her morning routine.

“I’m not a really big fan of it because you are all funneling into one entrance [on] North Street,” McGinnis said. “It almost doubles my time to get to school.”

However, she acknowledges that the system works better for parents dropping off their children.

“It is, in a way, more organized,” McGinnis said.

A friend’s mom has dropped off freshman Kaleigh Beers before.

“She didn’t understand it at first,” Beers said.

Piperato confirmed that the faculty locked entrances to the school to discourage parent drop-offs in other areas.

Early in the school year, Spanish teacher Steve Kutz volunteered to direct parent drivers.

“They are doing the best thing with the way the building is set up,” Kutz said.

Gale says the administration will continue to oversee the process.

“The collaboration effort has allowed us to see potential issues and head them off before they became major concerns...”

Gale said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation in the meantime.”

EHS

Taking On The Wilderness

W

By: Christine Carlson, Features Editor

Every year, Emmaus High School science teacher Michael Mihalik invites several students to accompany him on a trip to Alaska.

From June 20 to July 1, 14 students accompanied Mihalik on a trip across the country. Mihalik hand-picked these students from his science and environment classes over the school year and gauged their interest in going.

Senior Faye Ebert seemed extremely thankful for the chance to travel to Alaska.

“I jumped on the opportunity as soon as I could because how many 16 year olds get to go to Alaska?” Ebert said. “Not a lot.”

Senior Taylor Schubert agreed with Ebert, knowing that this was an amazing chance to do new things.

Photo courtesy of Taylor Schubert

“As soon as Mr. Mihalik invited me, I knew I would never get another opportunity like this,” Schubert said.

The flight to Alaska lasted 10 hours, with a layover in Chicago. However, the flight from Philadelphia to Chicago ran late, so everyone had to run off the plane to catch the flight. Though the flight seemed very long and stressful, everyone agreed it was worth it when they arrived and saw Alaska for the first time.

Ebert felt amazed at the beauty of the mountains.

“The snowy mountain tops were something most people will never see,” Ebert said. “It was breathtaking.”

At the beginning of the trip and on the flight over, not everyone knew each other but by the end of the trip that seemed entirely different.

Senior Chad Cole was able to get to know the other students better throughout the trip.

“Over the course of 10 days the people on the trip be“The hike was literally in the middle of came some of my closest friends, and I may not have even nowhere,” Cole said. “It was just us and the gotten to know them if it wasn’t for this trip,” Cole said. mountains which made for an amazing expe“We were all placed in situations where rience.” we were forced to step outside of our Every comfort zone and that really helped hike that everyone bond on the trip.” the students Schubert agreed with Cole. went on, the “After just a few days, we considered views and ourselves a giant family,” Schubert said. mountains They were all able to get to know one surrounded them. another through the variety of activities Ebert feels that the they did while in Alaska. Over the trip, views during the hikes they went fishing, hiking, shopping, took made it easier to climb a flightseeing tour, to the mountains that went to Denali to seemed impossible to see sled dogs, saw conquer.

Mount McKinley, “The scenery when kayaked, went we were hiking was just white water raftbreathtaking. You would ing, and did lots of look up this huge mounshopping. They tain and just think to also took a wildlife yourPhoto courtesy of Taylor Schubert bus tour of Denali self, National Park where they saw a griz- ‘There’s no way I’m gonna make it to zly bear with her cubs, along with the top of this thing,’” Ebert said. “Evcaribou, moose, and sheep. While ery time you got higher up the mountain, Schubert will the scenery just never forget got more and skipping rocks more beautiful. at the bayside Then you would until 2 a.m. and make it all the Ebert loved way to the top watching the and just stare sled dog demonstration, Cole enjoyed the hike to the top out into this mountain range. It was so of a stony dome in Denali. quiet, so peaceful.”

Schubert agrees with Ebert.

“The scenery was like nothing I’ve ever seen,” Schubert said. “Every time I turned around there was another snow capped mountain towering beside me.”

Photo co Cole feels that the scenery he witnessed in Alaska seems indescribable.

“I could use as many big fancy adjectives as I want but nothing could possibly describe the magnitude and beauty of what we saw,” Cole said. “Pictures don’t even do a justice. It is really something you have to see for yourself.”

“Pictures don’t even do a justice,” Cole said. “It is really something you have to see for yourself.”

Photo courtesy of Taylor Schubert

Changing Lives In Haiti By: Tori Delhagen and Zoie Kassis, Section Features Editors People tend to complain because they ordered decaf coffee and received caffeinated, the traffic is outrageous, or because the hot water ran out. People take for granted what they have and don’t appreciate how fortunate they are.

On June 29, senior Jenna Reid and sophomore Serena Laubach visited Haiti for a Life Church mission trip to perform selfless deeds for the underprivileged.

On Jan. 12, 2010, a violent earthquake roared through Haiti taking more than 230,000 lives. The majority of Haiti’s population still lives in extreme poverty, with little education, food, and even hope.

Reid and Laubach traveled to Haiti through Life Church with fellow members. They played games with the children, visited different orphanages, and spent time with the children.

Photo courtesy of Serena Laubach Reid, a basketball player for the school, ran a basketball camp for the kids. While building playgrounds became the focus of last year’s mission, this year they wanted to build a basketball court.

Laubach enjoyed spending time with the children.

“I love seeing them. They get so happy by the littlest things, even Silly Bandz,” said Laubach.

“They were always smiling.”

The volunteers attended a miracle village, a place built for those who survived the earth-

quake or lost their homes. Reid says that the mission focused on showing the children that they are loved and people are there for them. Laubach helped teach English to various children, and some taught her their language. The trip humbled Laubach and helped her appreciate what she has.

“Being in Haiti made me sad but also grateful because the children don’t have anything, but they’re still always smiling,” said Laubach.

Seeing the harsh conditions the Haitians endured impacted Laubach greatly.

“Some of the kids had no clothes and you could see their ribs due to malnutrition. Others had diseases.”

Reid’s involvement in Haiti was a culture shock. Her time spent volunteering changed her Pho perspective and allowed her to value the important aspects of life.

During the trip, the Life Church members ran vacation Bible school and var studies with the youth. Although Life Church is a religious organization, Lauba rewarding experience for anyone willing to volunteer.

“I would definitely go, even if you aren’t religious,” said Laubach. “You gi get in return.”

students take on the

d l r o W

Raising $19,900 may seem like a daunting task to accomplish, but Girl Scout troop 635 accomplished it in two years to take a three city European tour this past June.

On this 10 day trip, seven high school and college girls along with their two leaders toured Paris, London, and Dublin, spending about three days in each city. The idea of traveling to Europe had come up before and most of the troop had never been there. Also, one of the four Girl Scout world centers is located in London, which everyone wanted to visit.

However, to make that journey to Europe, troop 635 fundraised for two years. They sold coupons for Bon-Ton and Boscov’s, wrapped Christmas gifts for donation and sold hot dogs at Boscov’s, did YoFresh fundraisers, and sold Christmas and Easter flowers at St. Ann’s church. They also hosted events for the younger Girl Scouts. Of course, the troop sold nuts and candies in the fall and cookies in the winter.

These fundraisers earned the troop $19,900.

Though the effort seemed overwhelming at times, all of the girls in the troop believed it was worth it. ourtesy of Maura Benner Occasionally, sophomore Emily Zimmerman didn’t feel like fundraising for the short trip, but is glad that the troop kept up with the task.

“It was very challenging,” Zimmerman said. “But let me tell you, Europe was one of the best experiences of my life, and I would do all that work three times over to go again.”

Senior Alexa Iannace agreed and seemed proud that her troop earned all the money themselves for the trip.

“All of that fundraising was exhausting and frustrating at times,” Iannace said. “But it was worth it to know that we earned every nickel of that trip. None of our parents made any donations to the troop to help us get there.”

First, the troop stopped in Paris. They saw the Arc de

Troop 635 Travels Europe By: Christine Carlson, Features Editor

Triomphe, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, went to mass at Notre Dame, and put a lock on the Pont de Arts (lock bridge).

When Zimmerman first entered Paris, it seemed nothing like she expected it to be.

“When I first saw Paris I was a little disappointed, because Paris really isn’t all that pretty until you get into the center of it. Once we stepped out of the train station near where we were staying I was in awe,” Zimmerman said. “It looked exactly how you think it would look: cobblestone streets and beautiful white buildings with all colors of flowers hanging out the windows.”

Iannace felt a little differently about Paris. To her, the city contained a terrible odor and the number of pickpockets in the city gave Paris an unsafe feeling.

“Paris is smelly. There’s no getting around that. The sights are breathtaking and the people are generally nice with the exception of the pickpockets,” Iannace said. “But if it was not the street that smelled, it was the people who were walking in front of us.”

Zimmerman felt that the amazing sights of Paris overshadowed the smelly streets and pickpockets.

“Paris is big and scary, but along with that Paris is beautiful, magical, and a place I have dreamed about going since the first time I saw a picture of the Eiffel Tower,” Zimmerman said. “Standing at the top of the Eiffel Tower as the sun set and watching Paris light up as the day became night, I really fell in love with that city.”

After that, the girls went to London where they spent a lot of time at the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts World Centre. There, they participated in a ceremony. The troop also went to Big Ben, Parliament, the Tower of London, and got a view of the city from the top of the London Eye. Junior Gabby Foley felt that London, despite its’ size, seemed safe and comfortable.

“London was another big city but had this cozy feel to it

“I had the experience of my life with some of my best friends,” Foley said.

“I never expected to fall so in love with another country.”

that made me feel right at home,” Foley said.

Iannace felt that the city was extremely clean compared to other cities. However, she believed that everything seemed more expensive there. London became her favorite city though, with amazing sights, beautiful weather, and the welcoming English people with accents that she adored.

For the last city on their European tour, the girls stopped in Dublin. There the girls took walking tours, visited Malahide Castle, and went to a dinner show featuring Irish tap dancing.

However, when Iannace entered Dublin, Photo courtesy of Maura Benner she expected something different.

“Dublin is a party city,” Iannace said. “People go into town to find a bar and get drunk.”

Zimmerman also seemed surprised about the Irish landscape.

“Honestly, Ireland doesn’t look that different than Pennsylvania... sad but true,” Zimmerman said. “I wasn’t really overwhelmed, but in Ireland it’s not about what it looks like; it’s about the culture and the experience.”

In each of the cities, Girl Scout Troop 635 gained a new cultural perspective. From the language barrier in France to coming across new customs and new food, troop 635 tried many new things on their European tour.

In each country, they indulged in some European staples like creme brulee and fish ‘n’ chips. Iannace thought the food in France tasted and looked amazing and both she and Foley believe Europeans put more thought and presentation in their food than American food.

“The food in each country was more artfully crafted than it is in America,” Foley said. “Each country had a different delicacy it specialized in.”

All of the girls agreed that if they could change one aspect about the trip, it would be that it could last much longer than 10 days in order to enjoy each country to the fullest.

Iannace thought that the places they went and the things they experienced were amazing.

“Pictures in textbooks can’t do justice to such beautiful sights as I saw,” Iannace said.

Foley agreed, saying the trip to Europe became more than she ever expected it to be.

“I had the experience of my life with some of my best friends,” Foley said. “I never expected to fall so in love with another country.”

Photo courtesy of Maura Benner

Reid enjoyed the kids’ attitude and gratefulness.

“It was rewarding seeing the pure joy on the kids faces, even by a stuffed animal,” said Reid. “They were so grateful and it’s inspiring.”

Reid’s parents encouraged the trip because it looks great on college applications, and it would give her a chance to make a difference. Reid also saw teenagers her age at the first meeting, and encouraged her to go to Haiti and meet new people.

Laubach recalls meeting a little boy whom she became close to. He always held her hand which is a very special memory to her.

“He gave me a bag he made for me to put my iPod in,” said Laubach. “The little boy gave me a gift even though he doesn’t have much.”

Reid cherishes many memories from her experience in Haiti but one in particular.

“On a step were four kids, and we took their pictures and oto courtesy of Jenna Reid showed them what they looked like on a camera,” said Reid. “The laugh they had was so innocent and pure even though they’d been through so much.” rious Bible Laubach and Reid spent a week of their summer performing selfless acts, making friends, ach feels it’s a and changing lives. Although they don’t see the Haitian children often, their memories from the impoverished country will always stay with them from this once in a lifetime trip. ive but you also

Map courtesy of: http://www.webresourcesdepot.com Compass courtesy of: http://ts1.mm.bing.net/

6

THE STINGER

OPINION YOUR THOUGHTS, OURS...

OPINION

September 2014

I N O N E B I T E - S I Z E PA C K A G E

EDITOR ANGIE STEIN A S S I S TA N T E D I T O R W I L L N E W B E G I N

The last free summer: is there such a thing?

Another school year, another summer.

You know how it goes. No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers’ dirty looks. Pile Angie Stein onto the buses Opinion Editor for the last time, at least for a couple months, and spend those months doing whatever you want. Yeah, it doesn’t differ much from year to year, but who’s complaining?

This past summer was as much of the same old story for me as it probably was for you. At the same time, it was as different as could be. The reason? Firstly, I suppose you could blame my mother.

As the 2013-2014 school year drew to a close, she took a habit of reminding me of one thing. “This is your last free summer, Angie.” What she meant was this summer would most likely be my last without a job, or some other responsibility. At least, that’s all I thought she meant. Now, with my “last free summer” spent and gone, I realize she might have meant a lot more.

And I’ve realized that she was wrong.

Everyone agreed with my mom, from my dad, to my friends, to my hairdresser, who always liked to tell about her first 10th grade jobs while she trimmed my bangs. I tried to just nod and laugh a little, but truthfully, I was starting to get worried. Despite the bugs, the scorching sun that clashed with my black wardrobe worse than a frilly pink dress would, and the extroverted spirit of the season (weddings, parties, barbecues? I’ll pass), sum-

The Last Laugh

Jacob Puleo Opinion Columnist

A Cage for the Ages The doorbell rings. Whoever dares to interrupt my precious Jerry Springer better be selling the most interesting knife set this side of the Mississippi. I open the door to reveal a child dressed in his Sunday best. His red bicycle sits in the driveway.

“Hello, young man,” he says. “Are your parents home?”

“Young man? I could be your father.

Why are you here?”

“I’m here to tell about our lord and savior Je-” “Hold on. I’ll stop you right there. I know of only one true lord and savior.”

“Oh… who?”

“Nicolas Cage.”

“Well, I don’t know who that is, but…”

“You don’t know who that is? In that case, maybe I should be the one riding door to door on my Cage-forsaken circus bike!”

I slam the door in his face. Uncultured cretin. That’s what’s wrong with America

mer had always been my favorite time of the year, purely because of the freedom.

I dreaded getting a job - having to live by rules and a schedule year-round? At the time, that didn’t even seem worth the paychecks.

I decided the best course of action for my last free summer was to spend it the right way: free. Maybe a little too free.

Instead of period one through nine, my schedule was as follows: wake up, immediately drift to the computer, then remain there feeling tired and gross until way too late. Note the lack of eating, showering, or leaving my room, ever. Anyone who questioned this lifestyle would get nothing out of it but a command to mind their own business. It was MY last free summer, and I’d spend it that way, doing whatever I wanted till August.

But honestly, how free is an existence like that? Was it any less repetitive, boring, and restrictive as I considered my school days? After one July day spent laying in the middle of my tornadoravaged room, one hand on my keyboard, the other on my stomach due to starvation cramps, it finally hit me. I was not free at all. My room had become a prison, my laptop shackles. And I didn’t have a single motivation to escape.

Though I tried to get better, I knew only something huge could completely pull me out of my stupor. That something arrived. On July 21, my mother and I flew to Utretcht, in the Netherlands, to visit my cousin. We stayed for two and a half weeks, plenty of time for me to get used to living by a bit of a schedule. Every day it was get up, eat quick, then head out. It was a lot of walking, a lot to take in, and a lot of time around other people, something I don’t particularly fancy, as a devout introvert. At times I felt over-

whelmed, exhausted, even annoyed - was this two and a half weeks of my free summer, lost? The answer, as it turns out, was no. It took me a while to realize, but beyond the achy-footed walks, the rush to go places, the time away from my computer, I felt… happier. I enjoyed strolling down the streets of Utrecht, looking at all the pretty buildings and bicycles lined up in rows. It was refreshing to go to Kinderdijk, home to the oldest windmills in

these days. No one teaches their children religion anymore.

Whenever I profess my undying love for Nicolas Cage, I receive mixed reactions, including “Nic Cage sucks,” “You suck,” and “Son, I think it’s time for a psych evaluation.” Few seem to understand my obsession. They want to know why. Why him? This can be difficult to explain, reminiscent of age-old questions such as “why do people grow neckbeards?” I couldn’t tell you if I tried.

Concrete answers are few and far between in the mystical realm of Cage, so let’s start with something basic: is he a good actor? The answer may surprise you.

No. The answer is no. Cage is such a horrendous actor that it should be a scientific fact. A rabid goose with the mind of Gary Busey would have more talent.

Said goose would also be named Gary Goosey, but that’s beside the point.

One might argue that Cage is simply handed poorly written scripts. After all, he’s paid to say things such as “I’m going to steal the Declaration of Independence.”

However, his lines aren’t what make him a terrible actor.

If you watch as many of his movies as I have, you’ll realize something rather unsettling. He plays the same role in every single film: himself. Whether he’s a police officer, weatherman, drug addict, vampire, terrorist, caveman, flying convict, or Ghost Rider, all have the same quirky traits, personality, and dry voice.

We seem to have reached an impasse.

If Cage is so unskilled, how could I possibly worship him the way I do? But the truth is, no other actor has provided me with as much entertainment. Whenever I grow weary of good-looking professionals, old Saint Nic is there to make me laugh. That’s all there is to it. He’s a mockery, the laughingstock of the movie industry. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

However, this begs another question: is professionalism overrated? Cage performs in a way some consider poor, yet rakes in the dough nonetheless. Critics (or blasphemers, as I prefer to call them) don’t appreciate this form of high-paid half-assery. But does it matter how well he performs?

Personally, I enjoy professionalism; however, I do believe it to be overrated.

While overrated, it’s also a necessity.

Think of it this way: if every single actor in Hollywood was a Nicolas Cage, planets would fall out of orbit, and humanity as we know it would cease to exist, which is why one Cage is nothing to complain about. Everything in moderation. He reminds me of people who chew with their mouth open. There’s always one. And there’s nothing you can do about it.

Nicolas Cage holds a special place in my heart, right next to bendy straws and clogged arteries. You may not wish he was your father (like I do), but I can only hope you walk away with a newfound respect for this genuine national treasure.

the Netherlands. Amsterdam and Berlin, two enormous cities we traveled to by train, were so different from the familiarity of my messy room. I thought it was better than anything. I no longer felt shut in, useless, and trapped. I felt experienced, worthwhile, and yes, free.

Though I was glad to be home on Aug. 5, my trip to Europe left an impression on me. I finally cleaned my room, went outside as much as I could, and for once, I took back-to-school seriously, all while practicing some serious self care. Yes, I often had to eschew precious alone time, but honestly? I barely missed it. I made the rest of my summer better than it ever could have been, had I not learned some very important lessons.

I thought back to the last day of freshman year, and all the times before, when

my mom told me that the 2014 summer would be my last free one. Maybe all she meant was that it would be my last summer without a job. But that phrase “last free summer” means so much more.

“Free,” the word itself, can simply mean no homework, being late to bed and late to rise, passing each day the same old way. But to me, it has come to mean more than that. Freedom is having experiences and making memories. Freedom is going new places, learning new things, getting out there and living your life.

Freedom is knowing you can do anything you want, things beyond what you usually do, and choosing what to do.

Altogether, I would say that my “last free summer” wasn’t very free, but that’s not 100 percent true. Yes, I spent most of it misguided and miserable, but I’ve also grown from it. So no, this past summer was not my last free summer at all. I still can’t wait for the last day of school, but this time, I have different reasons. I have goals, things I want to accomplish beyond seeing how long I can browse the Internet before I’m too tired to move. As the final bell rings, I’ll smile knowing I have a good couple months right at my fingertips to learn, grow, and be free as a bird.

The final aesop? There’s no such thing as a last free summer. Your summers and your life - are as free as you make it.

Also featuring...

Want to know what Assistant Editor Will Newbegin thinks about summer reading?

Check out the rest of his column at stingerEHS.com “Summer brings something different for every school-attending child. Some spend their days out and about, socializing and enjoying the sunny weather. Others find their solace in lying at home and burning through entire series of shows on Netflix in one go. Regardless of what one’s “ideal summer” is, there is one thing all us students have in common: summer reading.

Yes, the thought looms in every student’s mind when they exit the doors on the last day of school in a very subtle way. With the first day of school is seemingly so far off, it’s okay to not think of summer reading now, right?

“Wrong.”

Culture

THE STINGER | September 2014

CULTURE

C U LT U R E E D I T O R : O l i v i a R i c c i o A S S I S TA N T C U LT U R E E D I T O R : Kayla McGovern

Keeping Up With Kayla

Robin Williams: Death of a Legend

Photo by contactmusic.com

By Olivia Riccio

On Aug. 11, Hollywood lost one of its most beloved and talented actors, Robin Williams, who died at age 63, after a longterm battle with depression.

Williams, who won an Oscar award, took his own life. News sources say he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Shocked by his sudden death, people across the world created a buzz on social media sites. Many celebrities and fans reached out to remember the comedic man by leaving kind words on social media sites.

ArtsQuest, a non-profit organization that celebrates arts

One of Williams’ most popular roles was in the movie “Jumanji.”

In this movie he plays Alan Parrish, a man who was stuck in the mysterious board game, Jumanji, for 26 years. The movie follows the crazy adventure two kids have while discovering the board game that comes to life.

Based off of J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan,” Williams played Peter Banning, in the 1990s spin-off of the classic tale. The plot follows Banning’s journey to regain his memory of being Peter Pan and save his family from Captain Hook.

In “Good Morning Vietnam,” Williams plays eccentric disk-jockey Adrian Cronauer. Williams’ character takes on the job of being AFR’s Saigon radio broadcaster. He tells his listeners the truth about the war, considering he was part of it. Williams brings humor and heart to Cronauer’s character. He was nominated for an Oscar Best Actor in a Leading Role.

Miley Cyrus took eastern Pennsylvania by storm when she presented her Bangerz Tour in at Wells Fargo Center in Phila-

By Olivia Riccio and Kayla McGovern

“Dead Poet’s Society” is about the students at Welton Academy in 1959, who are introduced to poetry by Williams’ character, John Keating. Keating is a new teacher at the school, and teaches his students to live life freely and seize the day. Williams was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

“We are the Champions.”

Teti enjoyed the concert overall, because all of the bands had a lot of enthusiasm and seemed to love performing.

and was not disappointed.

“Do My Thang.”

Cyrus also performed many covers of songs, including “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” “Jolene,” and “The Scientist,” as an ode to other artists in the industry.

Cain was amazed by the production value of the concert and recalled how intricately each song was performed, which allowed the audience to get hyped up regardless of their spot in the arena.

“We were so excited to be there,” said Cain. “The whole atmosphere that she creates made the concert unforgettable.”

delphia on Aug. 2.

Senior Lauren Cain attended the show

Lorde performed at the Mann Center in Philadelphia on Sept. 5 kicking off the first show in the singer’s North American tour.

The concert started off with Majical Cloudz, the opening act. They sang a few of their songs including “Bugs Don’t Buzz” and “Savage”.

Alana Margolis, a senior, went to the concert and was impressed with Majical Cloudz and their performance.

“They are two guys, one plays the keyboard and the other sings. And they were so fantastic.”

Lorde then took the stage, opening with her song “Glory and Gore.” Margolis did not expect the singer to open with this song.

“I thought it was strange because most of her songs have a cool intro that seem more like an opener, such as “400 Lux” or “Team,” said Margolis.

Lorde offered some of her most famous songs from her album Pure Heroine, including “Royals,” “Team,” “White Teeth Teens,” “400 Lux,” “Still Sane,” and “A World Alone,” as well as a cover of Kanye West’s “Flashing Lights.”

Photo by Lauryn Teti

break dancing was pretty awesome.” Teti said.

Paramore kicked off the show with some of their hit songs like, “Misery Business,” “That’s What You Get,” “Ignorance,” “Only Exception,” “Still into You,” and “Ain’t it Fun.” Next, Fall Out Boy took the stage singing some of their most popular songs like “Thnks Fr Th Mmrs (Thanks For the Memories),” “Sugar, We’re Goin Down,” “Dance, Dance,” “I Don’t Care,” “Save Rock and Roll,” and a cover of Queen’s

The concert opened with Lily Allen, a British Indie-Pop artist, who was a part of the Bangerz Tour for seven shows.

Following Allen was Miley, herself.

Cyrus kicked off her set with Bangerz’ title track, SMS (Bangerz).

The 21 song set list included the singer’s most famous tracks, “Adore You,” “We Can’t Stop,” and “Wrecking Ball,” as well as some of her lesser known records, such as “Love Money Party,” “My Darlin,” and

Lorde

In “Good Will Hunting,” Williams plays Dr. Sean Maguire, a friend of the main character, Will Hunting, played by Matt Damon. Maguire helps challenge Hunting, who is a genius with eidetic memory. Williams won an Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

The singer also performed “Ribs,” and made a speech before it that stuck out Margolis.

“She made a little speech before the song Ribs which is all about not wanting to grow up,” said Margolis.

Photo by Alana Margolis

Monumentour took place at the Hershey Park Arena on July 14. The concert featured three bands: Fall Out Boy, Paramore, and the New Politics.

The New Politics were the opening act, and some of their tracks included the songs “Give Me Hope”, “Berlin”, “Just Like Me”, and “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah”.

Junior Lauryn Teti attended the concert and took an interest to David Boyd, the lead vocalist of the band, and his break dancing.

“The New Politics were good, and his

Photo by Lauren Cain

Photos by ArtsQuest.com

Summer Concerts

Monumentour

Bangerz Tour

and culture, recently featured a tribute series of movies dedicated to Williams showing six of his classic movies at the ArtsQuest Center at the Steelstacks in Bethlehem. Some of the proceeds benefitted the Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The movies shown were “Dead Poets Society,” “Good Will Hunting,” “Hook,” “Good Morning Vietnam,” “Jumanji” and “The Birdcage.”

Below are some descriptions of those movies you must see.

7

Alright, here’s the deal. I don’t like Jennifer Lawrence. No, I have never seen any of her movies. No, my dislike of the so-called “Queen of Tumblr” is not totally justified. Yes, I find her annoying. Moving on.

I’m really not a fan. I think her “quirky” persona is overdone and to recover some horribly underrated 90s language, lame. She really grinds my gears. That being said, her most recent involvement in the media strikes me differently.

In case you haven’t heard, risque photographs, selfies if you will, were leaked of “The Hunger Games” star earlier this month.

Pictures that were clearly meant for one other person, pictures that the entire Internet saw, tweeted, tore apart.

One of the few things that makes my blood boil more than that stupid gif of JLaw saying “mom?” on the red carpet is injustice. More specifically, victim blaming.

As I scrolled down my Twitter feed, I was horrified by the inconsiderate comments of viewers, ranging anywhere from 13-year-old boys to mothers. The backlash was intense.

Tweets branding the young actress a “slut,” parents accusing her of being a bad role model for their children.

Isn’t it more concerning to these people that someone purposely leaked multiple private photos of the poor girl to millions, if not billions of people? Not sure if you’re aware, but Jennifer Lawrence is a legal, consenting adult.

Frankly, she has the right to take whatever selfies she so chooses. What she didn’t consent to, however, was her pictures being shared with the whole world.

Consent is a funny thing, you know. It is absolutely required in any sex-related matter.

It’s not optional. You know what it means to act without consent?

You’ve committed a sex crime.

Have we not as a society moved past victim blaming and slut-shaming? It’s 2014 for Pete’s sake. Haven’t we learned anything from Law and Order: SVU? Did Olivia Benson teach you anything?

I wish this problem had a quick fix. I wish writing a column on an issue so prevalent in our world was the answer. I wish people could read this and understand but this is not the case.

There is a serious double standard in the way men and women are brought up and treated in society, a double standard that proves a breeding ground for eating disorders and major self esteem issues among girls and women alike. When nude photos of Dylan Sprouse leaked, he was commended for how “chill” he was in dealing with it and light-hearted jokes were cracked while girls oogled over their grown-up childhood crush.

Why is it that Sprouse received no backlash? He was a Disney star, a role model, yet mainstream media imploded when Miley Cyrus decided she was a 21-year-old. Oh, and let’s not forget the scandalous photo leak Vanessa Hudgens experienced in 2007.

Lena Horne put it best (or so the Internet is telling me did. Also who is Lena Horne?): “The female naked body is treated so weirdly in society. It’s like people are constantly begging to see it, but once they do, someone’s a hoe.”

After centuries of mixed signals, it’s no wonder the female form has become so taboo. Victoria’s Secret ads are frequently on television and in magazines, but once a grown woman recreates one it becomes a “Trending Topic.” People lust over the nudity displayed in adult magazines, but once a woman goes braless in public, forget it.

There are bigger problems in the world than a woman showing off her body. Don’t dislike Jennifer Lawrence for taking photos of herself.

Body positivity is a good thing. Dislike her for critiquing Anne Hathaway’s decision lose weight for her role in “Les Miserables, because Hathaway’s an adult who makes adult decisions.

8

Sports

Merger Madness: Super-conference arrives Emmaus joins 17 teams in newly formed EPC 18, a sports super-conference

By John Lang Sports Editor

This year Hornet athletes face the unprecedented challenge of a new superconference with six more teams and a lot more players, in what could be one of the toughest schedules area high schools have seen in years.

Last year, the Board of Principals and Athletic Directors announced the creation of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, known as the EPC. The board unanimously voted to dismantle the 12-team Lehigh Valley and 6-team Mountain Valley conferences and combine them to form a new 18-team EPC. With this super-conference, Emmaus fans will now travel to new away venues, including East Stroudsburg North, East Stroudsburg South, Pocono Mountain East, Pocono Mountain West, Stroudsburg, and Pleasant Valley.

But the concept for the EPC 18 didn’t just arise last year, according to Emmaus Athletic Director Dennis Ramella.

“The idea of a super-conference started about 15 years ago, but at that time schools just weren’t ready to take that step,” Ramella said in an interview.

“Last year seemed to be the right time,” he said, “and those schools that previously voted no seemed to have a different attitude.”

The decision, he admitted, was a difficult one.

“There are some issues,” he said. “Obviously, one of those issues is travel time.

With the Lehigh Valley Conference, we could get anywhere we wanted in a half hour. Now, the travel time could be anywhere up to an hour and a half. However, that was kind of offset by the fact that we played a lot of these schools anyway as independents.”

Senior football player Thomas Wagner said the changes are not overly major, but teams do have to adapt.

“The conference change definitely gave us a much harder schedule than we had in the past,” Wagner said. “Not a lot of the teams are different, but the order of the games messed up a little bit.”

The divisions have all been altered to fit into the new conference. For football, the league will have two nine-team divisions. Teams will play eight divisional games and two crossover games. For most other sports, three divisions will be used. Teams will play 16 conference games. They will play 10 division games and match up against six teams from the other divisions, three from each. The crossover games will rotate in a four-year cycle to assure everybody plays at least once in that span.

Teams have to adjust to these changes, as the new divisions and schedules re-

Football Coach Randy Cuthbert instructs Alex Minich (middle) and Andrew Davidson (right) during a divisional game against Freedom.

Photo Credit: Jared O’Neill

quire different preparation.

Senior Sydney Pickering, the libero for the Hornets girls volleyball team, acknowledges these changes.

“Our team is going to have to adjust to all the new players and all the new teams we are seeing and how they work,” Pickering said. “We have specific practices for each team we play, so we are going to have to adjust to what they’re doing and do our best based on that.”

“That’s going to be a big difference for us because we used to know all the teams,” she said, “and now it’s going to be all new people.”

Greg Lind, a senior on both the soccer and volleyball teams, recognizes the challenges as well.

“This year it’s definitely more challenging with the top teams in the division,” said Lind. “In soccer we play everyone in our division twice now, where we would only see teams like Parkland and Whitehall once in past years.”

Ramella embraces the challenges.

“I would say when you look at the whole setup, we didn’t catch any breaks as far as the divisions go,” Ramella said.

“We are in the toughest division in every sport, if the sport has divisions.

“But, we pride ourselves on having outstanding teams, so we have to meet the challenge. As they say, ‘To be the best, you have to play the best, and beat the best’.”

A change like this is not easy to execute, and Ramella knows that.

“It’s a process,” he said. “When we were a 12-school conference, it was difficult to manage. But when you added six different personalities with different ideas, it becomes even harder.”

Ramella said the change also affects co-curriculars, including Scholastic Scrimmage, Science Olympiad, Debate Team, Chess Team, and Model UN. “When you have a constitution that you have to design and develop, and divisions that you have to create, and schedules, and league bylaws, and co-curricular activities: there was so much to do in such little time that it was difficult,” Ramella said.

The Hornets huddle up before their face off against Northampton earlier this month.

Photo Credit: Rachel Reed

Finally, completely new schedules had to be made. The EPC hired the LVC’s former scheduler, Mike Schneider, to create a schedule for the 18 participating schools and their teams, with the athletic directors fine-tuning the details, according to Ramella.

Boys basketball coach Steve Yoder considers the super-conference a positive change.

“From a basketball standpoint, it made sense,” Yoder said. “Most of the teams in the Lehigh Valley played most of the teams in the Mountain Valley, so I think there’s a natural fit.”

Lind is definitely looking at the bright side of things.

“I like [the new conference]. I think it bring something new to the table, it brings more competition,” said Lind. “You get to see new faces every year, which is nice.

It makes us play the best teams in the conference. It helps us get a feel for them for playoffs, it helps [us] strategy wise. I think it makes the playoffs more interesting.”

“Also, especially for us being in the division that we are, it tests us in the regular season and pushes us. Whereas, some sports may have gotten off the hook because we were in a weaker division.”

Pickering agrees.

“I really like the opportunity of meeting new players and seeing new teams working together,” she said. “I’m excited to see new competition.”

A positive outcome of the new conference is the playoff structure. The conference playoff structure consists of the three division winners and five wild card teams.

Wagner sees this favorable factor.

“Overall, I think the changes will end up being positive,” Wagner said. “I think, obviously with any change, there’s going to be a rough transition period, but in the end it is a much better solution to the big problem. That problem is MVC teams getting playoffs spots that better teams in the LVC should have gotten. Now that we are all in one conference, that problem is eliminated.”

“We’ll be a lot happier when we are in districts and teams that don’t deserve

Photo Credit: Jared O’Neill

Emmaus takes on Freedom which is close to home, a small distance in comparison to some of the 75-minute drives they will make.

spots won’t get them,” Wagner said.

“Spots will be deserved rather than given.”

However, for some athletes, it’s sad to leave a conference that they have been part of for three years now.

Pickering remains emotional about the demise of the Lehigh Valley Conference.

“I am definitely sentimental about not having the LVC anymore because it was a big deal to be in the LVC and get to compete with these great teams,” Pickering said.

Wagner feels the same.

“A big part of me would have liked to finish out my senior year in the LVC and have Emmaus grab that coveted LVC title,” said Wagner. “It’s kind of sad to say goodbye to the good old LVC.” And while nostalgia may linger for some players and coaches, others such as Lind feel the change is good.

“I really just think it’s beneficial for everyone,” said Lind. “It will help us determine the top teams in the conference.”

Senior Captain Greg Lind contributes one goal to Emmaus’ victory over Northampton.

Photo Credit: Rachel Reed