June 2015

The Stinger

Colleen’s Corner Going With the Flow

Periods. Let’s talk about them.

Every month, women with regulated menstrual cycles suffer through four to seven days (depending on the person) of pure torture: the constant fatigue, headaches, and a continual stabbing feeling in the lower abdomen. And not to mention the emotional toll that hormones take on the female body. Once when it was my time of the month, I cried because an ornament fell off of the mini Christmas tree in my room. It didn’t even break. All I had to do was pick it up and place it back on one of the plastic branches, but this apparently was just too much of a devastating feat for my menstruating body to overcome.

Thankfully, we live in the 20th century, and there are plenty of different pills to combat the effects of periods and a vast assortment of feminine hygiene products for women to chose from.

However, some radical feminists recently have chosen to boycott all products that work against disguising or eliminating the effects of periods. Embracing the beauty of nature and the female body, these people call themselves “free bleeders.” And yes, it means exactly what it sounds like. These women wear no sort of product to “take care” of “down there.” I heard about this movement online, but I assumed it was a hoax, like most Internet trends. When I took to tumblr, a site I don’t normally use, to learn more about the topic I realized it was in fact a legitimate movement. As I searched “free bleed,” various articles and hashtags popped up on the screen, as well as several photos. If you are squeamish about bodily fluids, or one of those boys who likes to pretend that periods just don’t happen and we all spontaneously generated on this earth, I suggest you don’t look up the movement on Google images. There’s various pictures of women in skirts, walking down the street, sitting at restaurants, etc. just letting themselves go. Letting the red flag fly.

I found a website, feministing.com, which included a very strongly opinionated article on this free bleed movement. The writer described the concept as “more of a mindset than it is an action, the idea is, as this blog title gives away, letting ourselves bleed. No judgement, no worries about messiness or cleanliness.” The article continued on to include an even more shocking statement. “Get comfortable, wear something you don’t mind bleeding in or lay on your bed naked with sheets you don’t mind bleeding on, and focus your thoughts on letting yourself bleed.” As much of a feminist as I am, and as well as I can normally handle yucky situations, this is just flat-out disgusting.

Yes, menstruation is a natural function of the female body, but so is urination, (and defecation for that matter) and we don’t see humans walking around letting all their bodily contents flow wherever they please.

The feministing.com article spoke much about the repression that comes along with products such as pads and tampons. Hardcore feminists believe that tampons, pads, and other forms of menstrual protection are just man-made forms of misogyny. Period-shaming, some may say.

I can understand their point, seeing as I have encountered many a teenage boy who automatically assumes that because a girl snaps at someone she’s on her period, or men who squirm at the mention of the word tampon. However, I have never felt shamed because of my menstruation, and nor can I understand how spilling my bodily fluids all over creation would make me feel any more empowered. Yes, I like a being a girl and yes, I support feminism, but I don’t see how a period, or disguising it for that matter, reflects my “womanhood.” I feel strong and confident when I accomplish something, not when I leave an unsightly stain on a chair.

So the moral of the story is: boys, stop gagging every time a girl says she’s on her period. And girls: don’t feel as though you have to hide the fact that you’re on your period, but please, for the sake of everyone’s chairs, carpets, and couches, do not free the bleed.

(Disclaimer: Sorry my first column as Editor in Chief was really gross. I’ll try to step it up next year.)

Associate Editor Cathryn Seibert @ryncat98

Editor-in-chief Colleen Grablick @collllsss

Multimedia Editor Ellie Lewis @ellie_lewis14

Convergence Editor Darsh Patel

News Editor Lily Day

Assistant News Editor Andrea Klick

Opinion Editor Sophia Wertz

Assistant Opinion Editor Angie Stein

Features Editor Rania Draklellis @ou_rania

Assistant Features Editor Izzy Wegner

Culture Editor Will Newbegin @free_willy98

Assistant Culture Editor Rachel McQuiston @rachelmcqq

Sports Editor Katie Mest @katiemest

Assistant Sports Editor Abby Moore

Photo Editor Lindsay Harner @lindsayharner

Adviser Denise Reaman

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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

Courtesy of Cathryn

For the Love of Books Books are an art form in themselves. Beauty can be found in a novel not only because of the words and thoughts it contains, but also in its physical form. I love to be drawn in by a new book, all dressed up in its oneof-a-kind cover. Then I’ll pick it up to feel its weight and papery texture in my hands, and when I finally open it, revealing the author’s insights, quips or unique story, I am mesmerized. Just to think that a bunch of black text on a page could transport you to another world, or make you think in a way you have never thought before. It’s simply magical.

And then there’s the bookstore, or the “adoption center” for all of these masterpieces. Bookstores are oftentimes synonymous with “cozy,” “comfortable,” and “home.” When I picture a bookstore, I imagine low-lit, tall shelves lined with all assorted spines of poetry, memoirs, novels and nonfiction. There’s probably some guy in a corner wearing a beanie and oversized glasses, holding his gently steaming fair-trade coffee as he flips through a book on art history. Smooth jazz plays softly in the background.

So there you have it: the magical, stereotypical book experience.

But that whole perception changes when you work at a bookstore. The coziness factor is definitely still there, but attaining that is one of the many things that bookstore owners and employees must work to achieve.

When I started working at Let’s Play Books, a bookshop in Emmaus, last fall, I had no idea that my appreciation for books in general would increase tenfold as my understanding of the so-called “book-world” grew.

To put a book in a customer’s hands is to perform a miracle.

That may be a slight exaggeration on my part, but it is essentially true.

To put a book in a customer’s hands is to have gone through actually finding the book and deciding if it is actually good, then diligently searching out the avenue through which the book can be purchased at the best discount. And that’s just the beginning of the whole process. Then, to summarize, there’s the creating of the purchase order, the actual ordering of the books, and the receiving, unpacking, and shelving of them. This can take hours, days, even weeks, depending on the size and quantity of the orders.

In short, books are a lot of work.

But the work is worth it because it stems from a passion. A passion for learning, sharing, discovering, and connecting.

All the hours of work are worth it when you get to share any book with a customer. It’s a privilege when you get to say “I think you might like this,” as you hand the novel over to them. The novel that has already gone through so much to get to the store. The novel that has been sitting on the shelves for the past who-knows-howmany months, just waiting for the right “someone.”

It’s basically like match-making, but with much less drama (although there is drama sometimes, but that belongs in a column all by itself). And you don’t have to make an eHarmony account or anything.

Apart from meeting customers and talking with them about books, it’s amazing to actually meet the authors who have created those books. Through working at LPB, I have met A.S. King (who is actually the coolest), Katherine Applegate, Paul Acampora, Mark Goldblatt, and Chuck Wendig, to name a few.

It’s so eye-opening to hear these great writers reveal their ideas and inspirations even more so than they do in their writing (not to mention, writers have the best personalities). Many of these authors have taken years to pore over their thoughts and transfer them from mind to page, and throughout that time, they often develop many more stories to tell.

Their passions fuel the passions of the people who work in the book world, and the passions of readers everywhere.

So when you think of that tiny bookshop on the corner, think of the cozy atmosphere and the piles of books everywhere, but realize that a bookstore is so much more than just a place, it’s a passion.

June 2015

Make It Klick

ANDREA KLICK

IN-DEPTH REPORTING ON TOPICS THAT MATTER TO YOU

An anxious bunch of freshmen poured into Emmaus High School way back in August anticipating an eventful school year.

They hoped to attend exciting parties and find themselves, but feared losing their way in the labyrinth-like hallways.

Although my classmates displayed these strong emotions of anticipation and horror, I constantly found myself feeling indifferent towards the idea of my upcoming high school career.

While I zoned in and out of listening to high school rules and “fun” activities, I noticed my peers’ enthusiasm. Their eyes lit up and smiles widened when the ambassadors explained that students could chew gum in class. Anything regarding high school excited my fellow students.

Perhaps seeing my brother grow from an immature freshman to an immature graduate during his four years caused my apathy. After all, I saw first hand that not everyone becomes a new person during their time at Emmaus, and that high school isn’t the party-packed, stress-coaster Hollywood makes it out to be.

Or maybe my uninterest stemmed from the fact that I’ve already changed a lot over the past few years. Unlike most high schoolers, I think I found myself back in 5th and 6th grade. That was when I went to a little place called Seven Generations Charter School.

For those of you who have never heard of Seven Gen, it’s an environmental charter school in Emmaus that opened in 2009.

At Seven Gen, I learned about the environment and other subjects from some of my favorite teachers while taking care of our own bees and going on hikes as much as possible. Every day I felt excited to come to school.

Yet during my two years at Seven Gen, I learned more from my fellow classmates than from the teachers. Before I came to Seven Gen, I was sad and quiet. I didn’t have many friends, and I wasn’t exactly happy in my own skin. Almost every weekend was spent in the back corner of my room reading and complaining about my boredom. At school, people made fun of my tomboy clothes and tangled hair, so I avoided talking to anyone.

When I strolled in from the busses for my first day, everything was different.

Since the environmental school was all about venturing outside and getting your hands dirty, no one seemed to care about what I looked like. People ran up and started conversations with me for the first time I could remember. Within a few weeks I actually made friends. For once I had a group to sit with and talk to during lunch and group projects.

My newfound friends also showed me that my life is relatively easy, and that there’s always a reason to be happy.

I whined almost incessantly in fifth grade about pointless things, like not getting a shirt I wanted, without realizing how bad other kids’ lives were. My friends at Seven Gen dealt with so many family and money issues that my life seemed like a cakewalk. It shocked me that some of these kids had such difficult lives because they walked into school each day with a smile.

However, I had everything I needed and still managed to scrunge up something to complain about.

I realized that, no matter what I was dealing with, there would always be something to smile about. So when I came to Eyer in 7th grade, and people laughed at my clothes, hair and eyebrows all over again, I always searched for that one thing.

Now it’s the end of the school year, and most of the once hopeful students simply want to leave. In reality, high school isn’t that bad. Yes there’s always the discouraging aspects (including but not limited to nasty teachers and drama), but I encourage you to find that one good thing to get you through the day.

After all, there’s always something to be happy about.

News

NEWS EDITOR LILY DAY ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR ANDREA KLICK

3

Admired math teacher Doyle to retire Justine Coleman Staff writer Math teacher and experienced computer programmer Joseph Doyle will retire this year after contributing to many students’ success at Emmaus High School for nine years.

Doyle has not had the average teaching career. Instead, he spent many years in the business world inventing computer software and learning computing applications.

Doyle started teaching in the Coatesville Area School District after graduating from West Chester State College in 1969. After teaching there for nine years, he was hired for a new job, creating computer software.

“The first time I taught, it gave me the opportunity to learn a new field of study because I taught some of the first computer classes in the United States at the high school level,” he said.

He credits his ability to teach as playing “a prominent role” in his success in business due to the fact that he needed to explain the softwares he created to the companies that were to use them.

After leaving the business world, Doyle

returned to teaching and found his way to that taught me to think in a way that made Emmaus High School nine years ago. me successful in computing,” he said.

Principal David Piperato believes his Piperato says he has “mixed emotions” real-world experience has about seeing Doyle leave. made him “passionate” “We’re sad to see a longabout spreading knowltime respected teacher leave, edge. but we’re happy for them as “He is an outstanding they start the next chapter of math teacher. So many their life,” Piperato said. students have benefited Adams feels that next from his expertise in the year will be different withclassroom,” Piperato said. out Doyle.

Department chair Kim “There’s going to be a Adams feels that Doyle piece missing from this dehas contributed to the partment. We just wish him math department with his well and hope he enjoys his “creative and original” retirement because he defiideas and “real-world ad- Doyle has enjoyed his time teach- nitely deserves it.” vice.”

Piperato agrees that the ing math at EHS for nine years.

“We’re gonna miss him school will lose a valued a lot but it’s time for him; he’s ready to teacher after Doyle retires. move on so we’re happy for him,” she “His department will miss his analytical said. viewpoint, the students will miss his outDoyle’s favorite subject to teach has standing instruction, and I will miss havbeen geometry because of its “practical ing a trusted member of the faculty and application”. someone I can count on,” he said.

“I always thought that was the subject

Oster designs new chapter in her life Maura Benner gie Elementary School. When the school Staff writer closed the next year, she worked part-time After working for the East Penn School for the next 10 years at Alburtis and WesDistrict for 27 years, art teacher Regina cosville schools. It wasn’t until 1997 that Oster will retire, and will Oster first taught in the “immensely” miss her career high school, teaching two at Emmaus High School. morning classes in the Oster graduated Virginia high school and then at Tech with a degree in textiles elementary schools later and related arts in 1977, and in the day. The next year originally wanted to design she became a full-time art interior and window displays teacher at Emmaus. in large stores.

Art teacher Tracy MalWhen her job as an asey, Oster’s colleague for sistant manager at the Chilnine years, says working dren’s Place didn’t meet her with Oster was an “exexpectations, she decided to treme pleasure.” switch paths. She wanted to Regina Oster is retiring after teaching “She is an excellent do “something more artistic art in East Penn for 27 years. mentor. I envy her ball related.” of energy, and her time and dedication she “I’ll be honest; originally...I didn’t re- puts into the art department,” Maley said. ally want to be a teacher,” Oster said. “But “She will be missed and [I] wish her good I just decided, well, I was good at art, and I luck.” probably could make a good teacher.”

Principal David Piperato describes OsOster earned her Art Education degree ter as a dedicated teacher who will be hard at Kutztown and completed her student to replace. teaching at Northwestern University.

“Mrs. Oster is an outstanding teacher After a few years of teaching else- who has always gone above and beyond where, Oster returned to the Valley. In her call of duty for students and the 1988, she landed her first job in EPSD as school,” Piperato said. “She will be dearly a part-time art teacher at the old Macun- missed and leaves behind huge shoes to

fill.”

While Oster believes that East Penn supports the arts, she faced challenges as an art teacher.

“I still feel as an art teacher you often have to justify your subject more than some other subjects do,” she said. “And I think it’s also challenging because sometimes people feel like art’s not as important as other subjects. Yet it is a basis for learning many things that you do because it always has problems that you have to solve, and planning that you have to do…

It’s not just that you’re making something; it teaches you along the way.”

Upon retiring, Oster will be leaving with 35 years of teaching experience under her belt, 27 of which have been spent in the district, and 17 of which was spent at Emmaus High School.

Oster will miss her students, colleagues and appreciates the accomplishments that she and the district’s other art teachers made in the past years.

“It’s been a great career, and... I’m going to miss it,” Oster said. “I just think that I was afforded a lot of good opportunities that maybe not all art teachers are afforded, but I certainly feel I have been very lucky.”

Emmaus to be in Zosky’s history John Lang Staff writer Social studies teacher and development class advisor Deborah Zosky is retiring after eight years at Emmaus.

Zosky graduated from William Allen High School and went on to earn her teaching degree at East Stroudsburg College. She stayed local and taught at Brandywine High School as a reading specialist for two years. She then went on to teach at Parkland High School for 20 years, but she eventually left to finish her teaching years at Emmaus.

“I came here because in 2007 Emmaus was utilizing ‘coaches in the classroom’ and that was the reason I left Parkland, for that position,” Zosky said. “I was able to work with students, teachers and offer professional development classes. It was an opportunity to do something different.”

Zosky is glad she came to EHS, and will miss her students when she leaves.

“Emmaus is a great place to teach,” she said. “These are great students, they are very honest and just fun to teach.”

Zosky teaches American Studies 2 and American Studies GP. She also taught lit-

eracy classes.

Zosky away from Parkland High School,” Tom Warnke, social studies department Piperato said. “She is an extremely caring chair, valued Zosky and her contributions. teacher who wants the best for her stu“In all of my years of teaching, I’ve dents and provides them with whatever seen very few teachers as dedicated as she support they need.” is,” Warnke said. “She’s terrific with kids Zosky learned many things over her and has been a real help years of teaching, but one with both students and thing that stands out is the teachers.” importance of attitude.

Zosky said she spends “Attitude determines the a lot of time in the classsuccess of a student,” she room rather than the facsaid. “Students who have ulty room. She focuses goals and know where they on her work and flies unare going or what they want der the radar. to do achieve more than However, according those who are unsure of to Warnke, that doesn’t their futures.” hinder her ability to Zosky will miss her time show her great personalteaching, but said that young ity. teachers have a lot to of“She’s very friendly,” fer and is confident that the he said. “She’s got a Deborah Zosky will retire after eight years students will be in good great sense of humor of teaching at Emmaus. hands. She is retiring for and an awesome attimore family time and to tude. She’s very positive and fun” “move on to new possibilities.”

Principal David Piperato is thankful for Warnke says she will be “real hard to all that Zosky did for her students. replace.”

“We were extremely lucky to lure Mrs.

4

THE STINGER

June 2015

NEWS

Fedorov to embark on a new career path Lily Day News Editor French teacher Michele Fedorov will soon turn her focus towards a family business after teaching at Emmaus High School for 8 years.

Fedorov chose to teach French after travelling to France in her junior year at the University of Rhode Island. After working at Dun & Bradstreet, she taught French at South Mountain Middle School and Harrison Morton Middle School in Allentown for two years before working at Emmaus.

While she enjoyed teaching French at Emmaus, she will soon devote all of her time to helping expand a property management company.

“My husband and I have a family business for real estate investments,” Fedorov said, “so I’m already doing that part time with him.”

She counts the French trips that she has been a part of at Emmaus among her favorite memories from her years of teaching.

“I was running the France trips every

two years for the kids, and that was great,” Fedorov said.

Junior Katie Xue had Fedorov as a teacher her freshman year, and she feels that Fedorov helped her to grow as a French student.

“Madame Fedorov was really funny all the time and everyone loved her, even the people who didn’t like French liked Fedorov,” Xue said. “I’m taking AP French now, and she inspired me to continue taking French.”

Freshman Cindy He also feels that Fedorov positively influenced her throughout her French 2 experience this year.

“I really enjoyed French with Madame Fedorov,” she said. “I think she makes it really interesting. I’m definitely taking French next year because I really like what she did and I want to continue.”

One of Fedorov’s favorite parts of teaching is seeing students like He and Xue continue on the path of learning a foreign language while at Emmaus High School.

“The kids are great, we get wonderful

kids that take French, so just seeing them tributions to the French Department and progress, that’s something I’ll definitely her professionalism as an Emmaus High miss,” Fedorov said. “Even if I don’t have School teacher are greatly appreciated.” them after World Language Department French 2, I Chair Deborah Kalb also notes Festill see them dorov’s positive impact on Emmaus. around or have “I have enjoyed working with Mathem on a trip, dame Fedorov over the last several so it’s really years,” Kalb said. “She has been an nice to see that asset to the department and to the progression.”

French program here at EHS, and she Principal has been a lot of fun as co-chaperone David Piperaon our trips to France and Quebec. to recognizes We all wish her the very best as she the positive begins the next chapter of her profesinfluence that sional career.”

Fedorov had Fedorov’s parting advice for her on students students is to “stick with [taking a during her world language], think long term, time at Em- Michele Federov will leave EHS to work and just focus on your grades right maus High at her family real estate business. now, that’s the most important thing.”

School.

“Mrs. Fedorov has been instrumental in moving our French program in a very positive direction,” Piperato said. “Her con-

Newsworthy Seniors Omar Ahmed Omar

Ahmed is an academically involved student at Emmaus High School, and is excited to pursue his interests in computer science and physics at Lehigh University. He hopes to become a neurologist. He had a positive EHS experience and hopes to be remembered as a kind and helpful classmate.

Stinger: What excites you about college?

Ahmed: Just being able to learn new stuff at the college level, where you can delve into something deeper and learn more about a topic than in high school where it is more general. At Lehigh I can do research with my professors as part of the program I’m in and and I’m excited to be able to research some more in-depth stuff.

Stinger: Clubs you were in at Emmaus?

Ahmed: I’ve been involved in Math League, Academic Team, Computer Sci-

James Yons

As a freshman, James Yons enrolled in Auto Mechanics at LCTI to pursue his love of cars, but he realized he had a knack for milling and machinery and began to take that class instead. Yons applies his real­world skills every day in the machine shop where he cur-

rently works.

He plans to make a career out of his passion by working full­time as soon as he leaves EHS. In 10 years he sees himself running his own machine shop, specializing in racing engines. He also hopes to someday buy a home and start a family, but most of all, he just wants to enjoy life.

Stinger: ​How do you feel you have impacted EHS? Yons: ​I didn’t screw up too bad. I didn’t get in trouble that much. I didn’t really do anything to help very much, but I didn’t ruin it.

ence, Debate Team and National Honor Society.

Dan Intriago

Dan Intriago is inStinger: What are some of your accomvolved plishments in school? in Break Ahmed: I did well with Academic Team, Dance we were able to do a lot of cool stuff. We Club, won an Eastern Pennsylvania ChampionMounship this year, so we’ve done really well. tains of But one of my greatest accomplishments Hope, is getting into computer science and doing Interact, a lot better than I thought I could. I’ve Future been able to compete and got to go to the Busicompetition for the American Computer ness Science League. I got perfect scores freshLeaders man and junior year at ACSL, so that was cool. Another accomplishment is just being of America, and is the president of Art Club at Emmaus High School. Intriago consistent with my grades.. will be attending University of Delaware to study chemical engineering, and he Stinger: How have you changed since hopes to become freshman year? a professor one day.

Ahmed: I think I’m more relaxed now.

As a freshman I was overly worried about Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 grades, but now I’ve become more lightyears? hearted and I can go with the flow.

Intriago: I hope that I’ll be travelling the Stinger: Would you change anything you world. have done in high school?

Ahmed: I don’t think I would change any- Stinger: Favorite class? thing, everything I’ve done led up to where Intriago: I like math and sciences, those classes are smaller and more personal.

I am now.

Lucy Lin

Lucy Lin Stinger: ​Who is your inspiration? will miss Yons: ​I would have to say my Pappy, bethe different cause he just always inspired me to do my orchestra best. He always wanted me to do the best groups she that I could and never do anything half­ has been a assed. Always try my hardest and stuff like part of at that. And when he passed away, it made me Emmaus but want to try even harder. is looking forward to Stinger: ​What won’t you miss about EHS? studying Yons: ​The classes, the homework, the engineering grades and stuff like that. School would next year. be fine if you didn’t have to get graded on She will also it and didn’t have to worry about failing miss being anything. able to see her friends all the time as they get ready to go their separate ways next Stinger: W ​ hat will you miss most about year. your time at EHS? Yons: ​All my friends. You know, they say Stinger: What are your plans after high when you graduate that you don’t see as school? many people as you used to. You have friends that you actually hang out with, then Lin: I’m going to attend Rensselaer you have school friends. I’ll probably miss Polytechnic Institute next year, and I think I’m going to major in something the school friends I see. with engineering, I don’t know exactly Stinger: ​What’s a song that describes your what yet. high school career?

Stinger: How have you changed since Yons: ​”Highway to Hell” or something. freshman year?

Lin: I think I’ve gotten more mature,

Contributing Writers: Lily Day, Tori Delhagen and Jacob Puleo

Stinger: Favorite place at EHS? Intriago: The band room, it has the only decent water fountain in the school.

Stinger: Advice for underclassmen?

Intriago: Just try your hardest in everything. Grades aren’t everything, success is how much you take out of school and have fun.

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

Intriago: Setting up for the afterball. It took several months but when finished it’s so satisfying.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered as?

Intriago: As that guy that makes everyone smile.

Stinger: Any last comments?

Intriago: I really enjoyed high school and I’m excited for the future. I hope I’m prepared.

made more friends, and become more outgoing.

Stinger: What clubs and activities have you been involved in at EHS? Lin: Right now I’m the treasurer for Habitat for Humanity, and I’m also in the school orchestra and the school’s Sinfonia and Chamber Orchestra. I was also on the Robotics Team this past year.

Stinger: What is your favorite class at EHS? Lin: Orchestra is probably my favorite class if you can call it that, Mrs. Arnold is great, and it’s really great to be able to play music with all my friends.

Stinger: What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Lin: This past year I got into district and regional orchestra, and that’s something that I’ve always wanted to do and I finally did it, so that was a lot of fun.

Stinger: Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

Lin: Don’t procrastinate. Just don’t. It’s not good.

OPINION 5

THE STINGER

YOUR THOUGHTS, OURS...

OPINION

June 2015

I N O N E B I T E - S I Z E PA C K A G E EDITOR SOPHIA WERTZ A S S I S TA N T E D I T O R A N G I E S T E I N

Change & Chopsticks John Dudley

by Sophia Wertz

Grilled cheese is undoubtedly the best comfort food because it pairs the crisp exterior of lightly toasted bread with the richness of melted cheddar, and you can make it in under five minutes. I eat grilled cheese when I’m home alone, when I’m stressed, or when I’m sad.

It’s my panacea. But I would never dine at a five-star restaurant and ask for a grilled cheese. (“Yes, I’m aware you trained at Le Cordon Bleu. Please stick some processed cheese in sandwich bread and toast it.”)

There is a time and a place for comfort food, but I don’t think it’s wise to sacrifice an opportunity to diverge from tradition to cling to routine. Don’t go to the sushi bar and forego sashimi for grilled cheese.

Routine is my grilled cheese. It’s easy to fall into the comfort of continuity. You go to school every day for 12 years. You go home, eat dinner, and go back to school the next day for 2,000 days between first grade and senior year.

2,000 days of continuity.

There’s a sense of comfort in those 2,000 days.

Nothing changes. You see your friends every day. Every autumn you go back to school on yellow buses or in friends’ cars. You go to football games and Halloween parties. Every winter you intently (or not-so-intently) complete midterm review packets and sleep in on snow days. Every spring you take more standardized tests than you thought possible. Every June school gives way to summer, only to return in September. The cycle continues and you grow to love the routine it promises.

No matter how bad your life gets, you can count on the consistency of your daily life to fix your problems.

Then graduation disrupts the routine. No more grilled cheese. Where is your comfort?

On a cognitive level, change is instrumental for creativity, innovation, and understanding. It builds resilience and increases flexibility.

Why, then, is it so hard to accept? Why does graduation seem like the end of an era, and why don’t high school friendships always last through college? High school graduation could very well be an atomic bomb.

Will you even recognize the remnants of your life when it’s over?

Maybe change is difficult because it demands that we take risks. Think about it. After the death of its fearless leader Steve Jobs, Apple’s stock fell twice. A change in management meant a period of uncertainty.

And for a billion-dollar company, uncertainty is dangerous.

Similarly, you might walk into your freshman dorm room in three months without knowing anyone on your floor. That’s also risky. And possibly dangerous.

If you’re anything like me, you avoid risks because you don’t want to accept the possible failures they bring. Risk is built on uncertainty, but I crave control.

I find comfort in routine because I know it won’t lead me to failure. It isn’t scary, and it won’t surprise me.

But you can’t know everything, control everything, understand everything. You don’t have to have your 10-year plan finished by the time you graduate. You don’t need a 10-year plan at all. The future is yours, but it isn’t predictable. It’s hazy.

I can’t tell you what your life will look like next year, next fall, or next weekend. But I can tell you that no one goes to a sushi bar to order grilled cheese. Graduation marks the beginning of a new era. You have a life to begin. Sure, it’s filled with risks. You’ll make a lot of mistakes. Some of them will be trivial. Others, not so much. You might change college majors or even colleges. You might quit your job to pursue an acting career. You might adopt shelter dogs and start a nonprofit. You might end up tremendously successful. You might end up tremendously broke. Either way, you’ll learn something. You can’t control the future, and you have to take what it gives you. Good or bad.

Your high school routine ends now. It was comforting while it lasted. But now, take a risk. Uncertainty is full of possibility. You won’t know you like sushi until you try it. Put down your sandwich and pick up your chopsticks.

by Will Newbegin

John Dudley has kept himself busy while at Emmaus. A member of the varsity debate team, FBLA, as well as an anchor on ETV, Dudley plans on studying finance at the Miami University of Ohio after he graduates.

Stinger: What was your favorite class at Emmaus?

Dudley: I’d say definitely American Studies I Honors. I had Mr. Luckenbill, and he’s just a terrific teacher. I loved that class because we’d mess around and get off topic a lot, but we learned a lot of stuff, too.

Lily Draklellis is the secretary for the Class of 2015, captain of Debate Team, and is heavily involved in Chorale, Acca Bella, and the musicals. She will attend Virginia Tech to major in environmental science,

Stinger: Plans after high school?

Dudley: I’m hoping to get into the financial sector, like as a financial services broker.

Stinger: Describe your high school experience in three words.

Dudley: Probably “one step closer,” because I feel like high school has helped me get one step closer to knowing who I am and what I want to do with my life.

Stinger: Favorite club/activity at Emmaus?

Dudley: I’d say varsity Debate

Lily Draklellis

plans to join the Peace Corps, and go to grad school. Her favorite high school memories include the Freddy Awards and making it to the semifinals for Debate Team.

Stinger: What will you think when you look back on Emmaus?

Draklellis: Emmaus was the starting ground for me. I’m graduating in a couple of days and everything I do is because of how I got involved.

Stinger: Favorite place at EHS? Draklellis: The first courtyard. In the spring the trees are beautiful. We go out there for French sometimes

Rodney Morales In his sophomore year, Rodney Morales transferred to Emmaus from Louis E. Dieruff High School.

Though it may not be where he started, EHS is where he made his mark.

Morales started Latino Leadership Club at Emmaus. Now a senior, he’s proud of the club’s impact on the school in bringing Hispanic students together. After high school, Morales hopes to go to DeSales University for a degree in chemistry.

Stinger: What was your favorite part of being in Latino Leadership Club?

Morales: I guess seeing how many Hispanics were in the school, but I

Gwyn Pacheco has been in the spotlight during her high school career, from being involved in ETV and the drama department. She has student directed two musicals at EHS and also played leading roles in productions. Pacheco has shown her academic abilities

Team. At first, it was tough, since I never got to start junior year, and I was very insecure about speaking in front of people. This year, I got four straight perfect scores, and that was a lot of fun to do.

by Angie Stein never really noticed them until a lot started coming to the club. That’s when I noticed that there were a lot of people around.

Stinger: What will you miss the most about Emmaus?

Morales: Just how close I am with other students. It’s not like only seniors, I’m actually close with juniors and all that. And Monte, also.

Stinger: What is your favorite high school memory?

Morales: I guess coming here sophomore year, when I first came

and it’s nice to enjoy outside even when in school.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Draklellis: Jill Zarnas. She got me involved in so many things like the four-way speech contest. She has written so many recommendations for me and encouraged me to try.

Stinger: Advice for underclassmen?

Draklellis: Try everything and then you’ll figure out what you like.

here… how open people were. And how friendly people were.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Morales: I guess for starting the club. That kinda united some people.

Stinger: Advice for underclassmen?

Morales: Don’t get senioritis.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Morales: Monte helped me with other classes.

Gwyn Pacheco

as a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.

Stinger: What are your plans for after high school?

Pacheco: I’m going to Fordham University and I’m on a pre-med track, with a minor in theater.

Stinger: What teacher impacted you the most?

Pacheco: Mrs. Kuebler. I’ve had her since freshman year so she has seen me mature and change throughout high school and she’s helped me become the person I am today.

by Tori Delhagen

by Olivia Riccio

Stinger: Why did you want to be on ETV? Pacheco: I really like making videos and the media has always interested me so it just seemed like something I would enjoy. Plus as a little freshman the people on ETV seemed so cool so I auditioned on a whim and am so glad I got in.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Pacheco: I guess being a good person.

6

THE STINGER

Griffin Weaver

Senior Griffin Weaver served as the lead sportscaster for ETV, and has also participated in track. He plans to continue down the path of sports TV, and will attend the University of South Carolina to pursue a major in Broadcast Journalism.

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved in ETV? Weaver: I did Buzz TV when I was in middle school and I really enjoyed that. So that’s why I [wanted

Ryan Bilger is the captain of the Academic Team and has made a big impact since he was added to the team during his sophomore year. He has a huge love for

by Cathryn Seibert to get involved in ETV].

Stinger: What won’t you miss about EHS? Weaver: What can I say without getting in trouble? Probably the walk from class to class. Dealing with all the people in the hallway.

Stinger: Describe your high school experience in three words.

Weaver: Track, ETV, and college.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Bilger: I feel wiser now for reasons both in and out of the classroom and I have learned a lot about people for better and for worse and institutions for better and for worse. I am more aware of things in general.

Devon

Mia Simms

by Abigail Hoffman

Senior Mia Simms has been involved in Model UN for all four years of high school. Every year she writes a resolution to help solve a world problem. Mia was drawn to join Model UN because of the public speaking. Simms will be attending University of Pittsburgh this coming fall as a biology major on the premed track. She wants to be a doctor after medical school, and hopes to do some research in the summers as an intern.

you the most?

Simms: Mr. Flynn is my favorite teacher here at Emmaus; he is always so passionate when he is teaching so it made me excited and interested in things.

Stinger: What teacher has impacted

Stinger: What is your favorite

Adam Pile, the Interact Club president for the last two years, enjoys volunteer work and helping people in the community. He was also the underclassmen

Stinger: What advice do you have to younger high schools?

Simms: To work really hard but to still have fun, and always be yourself.

president during the 2013-2014 school year. Pile plans on attending the University of Pittsburgh.

He hopes to go to law school after college and become a lawyer.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Pile: In 10 years I’d say being a lawyer somewhere. I don’t know what kind of law yet, but I want to be some type of lawyer.

Stinger: What was your favorite part of being the Class of 2015 President all four years?

Amankwatia: It really forced me

by Rania Draklellis to not go through school focusing on myself. It made me think of Emmaus as a whole kind of forced me to get introduced to different groups of people that I didn’t really think I’d ever be friends with. Everyone says teamwork’s a big deal, but it really is. It was really cool working with the four others and do pretty big things.

Stinger: Any final words you’d like to say to Emmaus?

by Abby Moore

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Bilger: I’m always really self motivated so it’s hard to think of a mentor. My parents of course because they are always there to push me even if I am self motivated.

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

Bilger: To tell you the truth, I don’t think I would change anything.

school lunch?

Simms: The sandwich line is my favorite thing to get, where I get a buffalo chicken wrap with the chipotle sauce.

Adam Pile

Dan Amankwatia Senior Class President Dan Amankwatia spent his four-year reign as a member of the debate team, FBLA, Chorale, and the track team.

Amankwatia will attend Lehigh University in the fall to continue his education in mechanical engineering.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Weaver: Probably just being active in the school.

Ryan Bilger

history and he will be continuing his studies in the future as he attends Gettysburg College.

OPINION

June 2015

by Kassidy Laczo

Stinger: Why did you get involved with Interact?

Pile: I had Mrs. Zarnas freshman year, and she tried to sell it to all her classes. Plus both my parents are social workers, so volunteer work runs in the family. It feels good to give back to the community.

Amankwatia: If you have a strong network of people, you can do anything.

Senior Year

by Katie Croy

Growing up deals a lot with letting go and moving on, and it’s something I struggle with. As silly as it sounds this is why garage sales have always been so difficult for me.

The point of a garage sale is to get rid of nonessential objects that you no longer have use for. My family has always gone full out for our garage sales and as our annual garage sale date approaches the boxes of unused objects are filling up around my house.

Most years we sell lots of movies, old furniture, or other random objects from around my house.

This year is different. Since I’m leaving for college in the fall, my parents told me it was time to get rid of all my old toys. I see all the boxes being filled with my old stuffed animals, dolls, books, and childhood souvenirs, and I immediately wanted to grab the boxes and take them up to my room to keep.

However, I realize that I no longer have use of these toys; they are all just symbols of my childhood.

While being younger, I always remember looking up to the older kids and wishing I was older and cooler, like them. I recall the first time my older brother went for a bike ride around my neighborhood by himself and how I couldn’t wait to be able to do that. I remember the feeling of being so ‘cool’ the first time my parents dropped me off at the movies alone to meet my friends. It’s funny looking back at how much I wanted to grow up so quickly, but now all I want is to be a little kid again.

Being a senior in high school reminds me a little bit of how a garage sale feels. I know this sounds weird, but follow me.

My senior year has definitely been a whirlwind of different emotions. It’s a very weird time to experience. I’m so ready to move on from Emmaus and experience new things, yet another part of me doesn’t want to leave.

There is not a day that goes by where I don’t think, “Hey, this is my last year at this school surrounded by friends I have known since kindergarten”. Every day I realize that I’m a senior and within a few months I will be living a completely different life in a different state at college.

As a freshman, I remember entering the school feeling so small, anxious, and eager for all that had yet to come. “Would a senior acknowledge me?

Would I fit in?”

I looked up to my older brother who was a senior, and I asked him so many questions the summer before freshman year. I remember hearing him and his friends say things about missing it all. And now, here I stand as a senior. It feels unreal. As much as I try to push off the thoughts of missing my life now, it’s nearly impossible to do.

It is not easy to stop feeling nostalgic when you notice all the little things, like those beautiful sunrises on the drive to school, the changing of seasons in Emmaus’ courtyards, or even the fact that you have a comfortable house with your dog waiting for you to greet you when you get home from school.

I’ve always been eager and excited to live in my own place, have a job, and earn a good amount of my own money. However, now I realize how much I will miss my parents and family, especially all the home cooked meals. I’ll never lose connection with them, but I know that after next summer I’ll start having internships. Things will be different. It makes me realize the importance of the time I have with my parents and family right now.

Lastly, all the people at Emmaus have changed me. From a freshman’s view, the school looked like such a huge and scary place, yet now it almost feels small. Thinking that by next August the school won’t be my home anymore and realizing that the people I see every day I will most likely never see again concerns me. I know my friends will all keep in touch, but all those strangers I have yet to know will never know me. I have such little time left here, and it feels weird and almost sad. I leave Emmaus full of experiences, stories, jokes, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Every day my future becomes more realistic and closer. The idea of college and after college is now becoming more of a reality, which leads me back to my idea about a garage sale. Although it’s hard to give up all my old toys, I realize that I will never use any of them again, although I will treasure the memories.

This is how I feel about leaving high school. I’ve outgrown the school, and my place will be refilled with a new freshman who is eager to experience all Emmaus has to offer. Much like giving off my old favorite doll, I’m ready to give up high school and move on. But I know that I’m ready.

F E AT U R E S

THE STINGER

J u n e 2 0 1 5

7

F E AT U R E E D I T O R R A N I A D R A K L E L L I S A S S I S TA N T F E AT U R E E D I T O R I Z Z Y W E G N E R

RANIA:

THE COLUMN

I. Writing is Hard

rania draklellis

NOW FEATURING This column was originally 11 pages long and 100 percent redundant. It still is pretty redundant, actually. But I’m not the one reading this.

I love writing. And, at the very same moment, I hate writing. It’s the kind of agony that intrudes on my Sims-playing and my iced tea-drinking. I have dabbled in a number of writing forms--acclaimed Tweets, Oscar-winning scripts, Post-it notes telling (threatening) people not to eat my leftover patty melts, but never a column…until now. It’s tough.

I find it very hard to write freely. Give me any story assignment, and I can turn it around by the end of the week (unless it’s John’s volleyball story), but tell me to write “whatever you feel like” and I will hold it off until I can no longer. For example, right now.

I do not I have a fear of writing. I have been writing stories and jokes for a long part of my short life. Naturally, most are trash. But, a small few are smooth and effortless, like an activity of some kind that is smooth and effortless. (I’m in production, give me a break. I cannot be bothered to write a metaphor for something smooth and effortless. I have better things to do, like create award-winning layouts. You’re welcome, Kevin White.

You’d be nowhere without me.)

People tell you that writing is this relaxing thing-- that the words flow out of them as if there were a pompous waterfall that spills cliches over its banks.

They paint a picture that writing is a romantic experience that involves hot tea, abstract art, and the sounds of wind chimes.

Here’s an example: I just WikiHow’d “how to write under stress” and one step was “consider using Feng shui.” Case and point. People pretend their stories were just waiting to be written. What a joke.

The truth is this: Writing is stressful and from time to time great but mostly not.

It’s hard when we become too attached to our writing. All anyone wants is for their work that they genuinely care about to be fluid and seamless. But, sometimes being raw is so much more fun. I forget who told me that, so I’m sure they were an unimportant cameo in the production that is my life. However, the message still stands. So thanks.

If you are a writer, you always write.

You do not wait until you find yourself alone in a mahogany study surrounded by leather-bound books and burning candles to create something substantial.

You write whenever you can, letting your Notes app slowly fill with tired ideas.

I write while waiting tables. I write while brushing my teeth. And I continue writing through my morning routine until I finish off my orange juice. The brushing teeth part is actually true, and it’s a terrible habit I must stop for I have gotten an obscene amount of toothpaste on my laptop.

Ice skating. That’s smooth and effortless. I knew I’d come up with it sooner or later.

Let me apologize for this. I am simply presenting you with reasons as to why you should lower your standards for my future columns, just so you can later be blown away by my astonishing insights.

I know what I am doing.

Well, then. Shall we?

Troy Brennan

Class of 2015 vice president Troy Brennan will attend The New Mexico Military Institute for a postgraduate year. The following year, Brennan will play lacrosse at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Brennan also hopes to become a pilot and join the Navy.

Stinger: What is your most embarrassing high school memory?

Brennan: The most embarrassing moment was when a kid from Liberty scored on me in lacrosse. The kid could barely catch or throw, I completely zoned out during the game. Next thing I knew he flew by me for a goal.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Brennan: The one thing I tell my brother and would like to tell every underclassman is to become involved. Staying busy keeps you focused on what you have to do.

It develops a hard-working and focused attitude, which will help you succeed in school. Throughout high school, the more I had on my plate, (lacrosse, Key Club, class officer) the better I did in school.

Stinger: Any regrets?

Brennan: I regret not caring my freshman year. I dug myself into a hole that I am still trying to get out of. My GPA from freshman year holds me down to this day.

Stinger: Describe your high school experience in three words.

Brennan: Fun, Crazy, Mess. High school flies by and if you join the chaos of it all you’ll have some great memories and learn some hard lessons. In the end you’ll look back on these four years with a big smile on your facing saying you wouldn’t of wanted it any other way.

Senior Barry Seng is an International Trustee for Key Club, as well as president of Emmaus High School’s Student Government Association (SGA). As an international Trustee of Key Club, Seng serves multiple districts throughout the United States. He joined SGA his freshmen year, and continued with it ever since. He has participated in running homecoming his junior year, Mrs. Emmaus, Final Fling and Final Rivals. He will attend The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory?

Seng: All of my work in Student Government. When I first came to Emmaus High

School, I was a little overwhelmed about everything that was going on...but I joined Student Government my freshmen year and it’s been a wonderful experience since then...I would say my favorite memory with Student Government and high school in general was running homecoming week...it was nice seeing everyone pumped up throughout the high school and being a part in that.

Stinger: What is the best part about being an International Trustee for Key Club?

Seng:Probably being able to travel and meet new people….it’s been pretty hectic at times but it’s nice to be able to escape... and go and do something different and

meet some new people.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshmen year?

Seng: I would say my leadership and my personal skills have definitely changed a lot. I am a whole lot more open to a lot of different things since freshmen year.

After a great year as captain of the rifle team, Seth Freeman plans to go on to the military after high school and protect our country.

Stinger: What are your plans after high school?

Freeman: This summer I’ll be at boot camp for reserves for the Marine Corps. Then in the fall after that I’ll do two years at a local Penn State campus and then two years at the main campus for mechanical engineering or physics.

Stinger: What made you decide to go into the military?

Freeman: I never wanted to do anything that was like a normal job or making a lot of money. I wanted to do something that mattered and made a difference.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Freeman: My parents are very supportive and the people that I’ve met but family is the biggest one. They always push me to do my best and have taught me how to do things right for school and a job.

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

Freeman: I probably would have taken harder classes. There is a lot of things in college that I have to take now. My grades

dropped sophomore year so I should have cared more and had more focus.

Stinger: What won’t you miss about EHS? Freeman: The obnoxious people and some of the school work that I’m not interested in.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Freeman: I’ll probably still be in the Marine Corps. After I graduate it’s a five year contract so I’ll see if I want to continue that. There will be a lot of engineering things going on and it would be cool to get involved in that. I kind of want to see things that the average person doesn’t get to normally see.

Barry Seng

Seth Freeman

Emily Thomas

Senior Emily Thomas is President of E m maus’ Kid to Kid club, and was involved in the drama department. Kid to Kid is an outreach program that intends to inform younger students about drug and alcohol use, and its effects. Thomas became the president of it her senior year, and is passionate about the cause. Thomas was the assistant director of the past four shows at Emmaus and participated in run crew her freshman and sophomore years.

Stinger: When did you join Kid to Kid? Thomas: I joined Kid to Kid my sophomore year. A lot of my friends were doing it because a lot of kids in the drama department are in it, so I joined because it looked like a fun thing.

Stinger: What is your favorite high school memory?

Thomas: Probably, definitely the shows…[they were] such an amazing experience. To see such a big show put on by all kids and it was just a really amazing experience to be part of.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshmen year?

Thomas: I’ve definitely matured a lot. I’ve gotten more understanding of other people, being exposed to a lot of different people in our school with different personalities, so I think I’ve grown in my ability to connect with and understand other people.

Stinger: What is your favorite part of Kid to Kid? Thomas: I really like the fact that it’s an outreach program, that we go to younger kids, because I really think that’s where the issue begins… so I think we do a really good job of stopping the problem before it happens.

Courtney Speakman

Courtney Speakman’s interest in planes -- coupled with her brother’s influence -convinced her to sign up for the Air Force, and she will leave in just a few weeks after she graduates.Speakman envisions herself moving to Florida, where she grew up, eventually after a career in the military.

Stinger: How do you feel you have impacted Emmaus?

Speakman: I will be able to tell people what I have accomplished and encourage young women to join the service.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Speakman: In freshman year, I was very quiet and now I am very outgoing and social.

Stinger: What are your plans after high school?

Speakman: After high school I am joining the Air Force, and my specialty will be in Airborne Operations.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Speakman: I will still hopefully be in the Air Force.

Stinger: W h o is your inspiration?

Speakm a n : M y brother is my inspiration. He is in the Air Force and is the reason why I want to join.

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

Speakman: I have been on the Fitness Team for the past two years.

Stinger: Any last comments?

Speakman: Not be closeminded about the military.

There are lots of career opportunities inside of the military.

Story contributions by Zoie Kassis, Izzy Wegner, Hailey Philhower, Bradley Benner

8

Max Krug

Krug joined The Stinger this year as a staff cartoonist. He plans to broaden his artistic talents at Messiah College where he will work for a bachelor’s of fine arts with a concentration in anime.

Stinger: How has the Art Department influenced your high school career?

Krug: Mrs. G and Mrs. Oster have been great. They’ve really helped me hone in on my skills.

Stinger: What artistic platform do you enjoy using the most?

Krug: I like more cartoony things than anything. I like stuff that I can make crazy faces with.

Stinger: What song describes your time in high school?

Krug: “Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats.

Stinger: Which teachers will you miss the most and why?

Krug: Probably Mr. Gavin and Mrs. Arnold. The way she handles things, she doesn’t take things seriously.

Stinger: Would you change anything about your time spent at EHS? Krug: No, I’m pretty satisfied. I got what I needed out of high school.

Stinger: Can you offer any advice to underclassmen?

Krug: Don’t let yourself get too stressed because things in high school aren’t nearly as important as they seem.

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

Krug: Graduating.

John Lang

By day: two-time Keystone Award winner John Lang. By night: Justin Timberlake understudy. Lang, who spent his senior year as managing editor of sports, finished his high school career as a member of the men’s volleyball team as well. He will attend West Chester Univeristy to study psychology in the fall.

Stinger: Would you change anything about your time here at Emmaus?

Lang: If I could go back and do everything over again, I wouldn’t worry so much about popularity. I’d just go through high school more relaxed and not stress out about what other people think, or what other people know, and just kind of be more within myself.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Lang: Well, I’m definitely more mature. I’m not saying I’m very mature, but I’m more mature than I was then. I think I interact with people better, like I was social then, but I came from Saint Ann’s, so I didn’t know people and I was still kind of awkward, but now I don’t hold back. I’m really open to meeting new people. I dress better now. Freshman year I had no style.

Stinger: Did you wear gym shorts every day?

Lang: Gym shorts and Abercrombie shirts every day.

Stinger: What has being on The Stinger taught you?

Lang: Being on The Stinger has taught me, first how to work under pressure and under a deadline, but it’s also taught me how to have fun and make friends while working at the same time, and I’m really happy I had the opportunity to be part of The Stinger.

Stinger: What are you most and least excited about for college?

Lang: I’m most excited to go through the process of growing up, and I’m least excited to go through the process of growing up because it’s fun to see myself go through it all and learn how to live on my own and prepare myself for the real world, but it’s also scary because it’s the real world and everything’s tough and there’s a lot of responsibilities.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Lang: Older, probably like three to five years older. I’m still going to be in school, because I’m going to get my doctorate. I don’t know if it will still be at West Chester or if it will be somewhere else.

Stinger: What are your feelings about the movie Robin Hood?

Lang: Robin Hood is easily the best Disney movie ever made.

The music is phenomenal, the storyline and plot are just perfectly thought out and keeps the audience captured and entertained throughout. It has good use of effects and comedy throughout and I think if anybody didn’t like that movie, they’re an idiot.

Stinger

Farew

“Queen Bee” Just

Editor-in-ch the nin staf “

ye Colem other peop might have a stron of what I’ve been through with jo Stinger: What is your most prom Coleman: Probably when John an movie. It doesn’t have good songs Stinger: If you could go back and Coleman: Stinger wise, I’d defin running a paper. For high school, be myself and be with my friends so much fun and you can’t stress t because you should just be you.

Stinger: What are you going to m Coleman: Definitely the Stinger be weird to be with a new journal guys for three or four years.

Christine Carlson

Christine Carlson joined The Stinger during her freshm first approached her about writing for publicatio viser knew something because Carlson even features editor and win several Keystone Pr And even though she loves writing, Ca and business is leading her on a path ot study hospitality and business at Lehig and plans to apply to the Disney colle ally, she wants to double-major in ho school and eventually open a bed an Stinger: How have you changed si Carlson: I think I’ve become more myself out there more.

Stinger: What do you think was you Carlson: I loved winning awards t FBLA and was lucky enough to go to state this past year.

Stinger: What won’t you miss about EH Carlson: I won’t miss the people in the ha lot who don’t know how to drive and are real Stinger: What advice do you have for underclas Carlson: My advice would be to get involved as earl consider to be my best friends, through The Stinger and FBLA. You form a bond th bond through the things you share in common.

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

Carlson: I wish I did FBLA the first two years of high school.

Stinger: What are three little-known facts about you?

Carlson: I love the Transformer movies, I like to bake and cook, and I’m obsess Optimus Prime.)

Stinger: What will you miss the most?

Carlson: I will miss seeing my friends every single day and just being involved w Stinger: In your entire educational school career, who was your favorite teacher?

Carlson: Mrs. Duffy because she taught the first business class that I took and that a great FBLA adviser.

Senior

wells

tine Coleman

hief Justine Coleman wanted nothing to do with this newspaper in nth grade. Matter of fact, she refused her advisor’s request to join ff.

“I’m too busy,” she told journalism teacher Denise Reaman.

Reaman, however, knew she was lying. Reaman pursued her, and with a little convincing from Christine Carlson, Coleman eventually gave in. Coleman reigned queen of the Stinger this year, leading the paper to eight Pennsylvania Keystone Press Awards. She stands as the top running high school columnist in the state. She will attend George Washington University in the fall to continue her education in the field of journalism.

How ironic.

Stinger: What was it like being Editor-in-Chief?

Coleman: It was such an honor to have the job throughout this year. Although it was hard work, it was obviously worth it in the end. I’m so proud of everything our paper has become in the past year and I’m glad I got to do it and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Stinger: What has journalism taught you within these past four ears? man: Journalism has definitely taught me to be more accepting of ple’s views. When I’m discussing news with other people, people ng opinion about a certain topic but I can see multiple sides because ournalism because I’ve learned to interview both sides of the story. minent memory from production? nd I got into a fight about Robin Hood and how it’s not a real Disney s. John’s got to get over it. d change one thing, what would it be? nitely organize more. Organization is just necessary when you’re back in freshman and sophomore year I wouldn’t be so nervous to s and just have fun in high school because it is a short time and it’s the whole time about what you’re gonna be and who you should be,

miss most about Emmaus? staff, because you guys are like my brothers and sisters. It’s gonna lism group. It’ll be much different since I’ve been with some of you

man year when the adviser on—and obviously the adntually went on to become ress Awards in the process. arlson’s passion for baking ther than journalism. She will gh Carbon Community College ege program next spring. Eventuospitality and business at a four-year nd breakfast. ince freshman year? confident in myself and more outgoing and willing to put

ur biggest accomplishment in school? through The Stinger, and I also loved being involved in the state competition two years in a row and get 7th in the

HS? allways who walk really slowly. And the kids in the senior lly annoying at 7 in the morning. ssmen? ly as you can, to join lots of clubs. That’s how I met who I hrough the things you have in common and you foster that

sed with the New York Yankees. (In fact, her car is named

with The Stinger and FBLA. ? t lead me into the direction that I’m going. She’s also been

9

Maura Benner After spending four years on Stinger staff, Maura Benner has plans to attend Ithaca College in the fall for Health Sciences. After that, she will continue on to med school. Benner is thankful for the home away from home that The Stinger has given her.

Stinger: What will you miss the most about EHS? Benner: I’m definitely going to miss seeing my friends every day. I’m going to miss being up in The Stinger room and having a home away from home, and I think I’m gonna miss the community that’s here at Emmaus and just the people and all the opportunities I’ve been given.

Stinger: How has being on The Stinger impacted your high school career?

Benner: High school would have been completely different for me if I wouldn’t have found my niche here. I have a little family here that I look forward to seeing every day. It makes the days go much quicker, and also it’s gotten me out of my comfort zone from freshman year they’ve had me interview all of these people, so I never had the opportunity to be scared to not want to do something. It’s really helped me open up as a person.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Benner: I was definitely-- I can’t say timid, but kind of that. You know, coming from Saint Ann’s, you’re taken from a small pond into a big lake.

Stinger: What are you most and least excited about for college?

Benner: I’m really excited to meet new people and find new things, find new niches for myself and figure out what else I’m capable of. I’m definitely gonna miss home and my family here. I’m not really excited to have to do my upkeep, like all the laundry and all the stuff like that. That’s not gonna be fun but it’s what you have to do.

Stinger: What is your favorite song to jam out to at production?

Benner: There’s so many. There’s all the Disney music we listen to, my God. My favorite part of production is John and I jamming out to Disney music.

Stinger: Who would win in a fight, you or Ellie?

Benner: Me. Obviously. Ellie would definitely be one of my top competitors, not going to lie, like she’d be my Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, that’d be me and Ellie. Ellie would definitely be my competition but I think I definitely have the seniority on her. I would crush her.

During her time at Emmaus, senior Kayla McGovern has not only helped start Buzz Magazine, a beauty and fashion magazine geared towards high-schoolers, but she has also served as the president of No Place For Hate, and as assistant culture editor of The Stinger. McGovern plans to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC to study advertising and marketing communications, and hopes to work as an editor of a fashion magazine in the future.

Stinger: How do you feel you have impacted Emmaus?

McGovern: I guess… beforehand there were no fashion-geared activities at school and I also hope that I’ve helped to make the school a kinder place.

Stinger: Favorite Stinger memory?

McGovern: My favorite Stinger memory was… Maybe just like laughing to the point of hysteria at times, and all the singalongs, and all the pizza.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

McGovern: I became a lot more sure of who I am and what I want out of life.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

McGovern: I will be 28, approaching 30… In 10 years I hope to be an editor at a fashion magazine, hopefully Harper’s Bazaar, living in NYC, working in fashion.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

McGovern: My inspiration is [Lady] Gaga. Gaga because she is very influential and she uses her influence in a positive way. She always sticks up for the underdog, which is something I try to do in my personal life. Also because she is one of the biggest fashion icons of all time.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?

McGovern: I would say starting a magazine with Nina Rowan. It was a lot of work starting a publication from the ground up. It prepared us for exactly what we want to do in the future, and it was a lot of fun.

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

McGovern: I think it would probably be getting serious about my career sooner because I was able to do so many things related to what I want to do in the future this year, and I just imagine how much farther I would be now if I had started everything sooner.

Stinger: What won’t you miss about EHS? McGovern: I want to try to not be rude... I won’t miss the sass or the dress code.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

McGovern: I hope to be remembered as someone who always says what she believes in and is never afraid to take risks. Also [for my] daily red lipstick.

Kayla McGovern Layout by Christine Carlson and Rania Draklellis Stories courtesy of Rania Draklellis, and Cathry Seibert Crown picture courtesy of http://gabriellemaston.blogspot.com Bee picture courtesy of http://www.clipartbest.com Background picture courtesy of http://www.allmacwallpaper.com

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THE STINGER l April 2015

THE STINGER | May 2015

Culture

CULTURE Rachel-ly Diverse

By Rachel McQuiston

A Change of Perspective

With summer right around the corner, excitement and frenzy are at an all-time high. If you’re anything like me, the pressure of having a summer jam-packed with latenight bonfires and numerous beach trips is an awfully daunting thought.

As the long, dull months of winter drag on, I find myself planning out all of the fun summer festivities that I’ll be crossing off my bucket list this year. As the list grows, so do my expectations, and I begin to doubt my ability to “live it up.” My past summers have been filled with the pressure of making each one better than the last. In previous years, I’ve hoped for spontaneous adventures and carefree latenights. However, nine out of ten days I ended up curled up with a blanket, binge watching Netflix.

This year, I’ve realized that having a summer that will go down in the books may not be as strenuous as one might think. With a concise plan and a serious determination, I know that I can make it the best one yet. Here are some of my summer necessities and tips so you can be sure to make your summer the best it can be.

Tasteful music plays a key role in a variety of activities, which is why it is an essential for a good summer break.

Summer is a time for long road trips and random beach trips, so upbeat and lively music is the way to go.

Another must-have for the summertime is good fashion.

Whether you’re taking a spur-of-the-moment beach trip or spending the day at the mall, make sure you look the part.

For the summer, bright colors and comfortable clothing are essential.

Now that the summer necessities are out of the way, it’s time to focus on the activities that anyone can enjoy during these hot, summer months. The possibilities are limitless, making it nearly impossible to have a boring summer, as long as effort is put in.

However, if the thought of countless summer activities stresses you out like they do for me, try making an organized list full of each summer festivity that you hope to complete this summer, otherwise known as a “bucket list.”

This type of bucket list isn’t all the things you would like to do in your lifetime, or before you “kick the bucket,” but instead is just for activities you would like to complete during/in summer. Keeping this list will serve as a reminder for everything you would like to accomplish during the long summer months.

First on my list is swimming, an obvious summer activity. Whether it’s lounging around a pool or catching some waves at the beach, you should definitely make swimming a substantial part of your summer.

Another common summer festivity would be none other than camping. Nothing quite compares to the simplicity of roasting marshmallows and telling not-so-scary ghost stories. I’ve planned on going camping numerous times, but I rarely ever go through with it due to a lack of motivation and time. This summer, on the other hand, I am determined to check it off my lengthy bucket-list, as should you.

Aside from some of the larger, time-consuming activities, there are numerous festivities that take little planning.

Messy Twister, water balloon fights, and movie nights are just a few of the things that I plan on enjoying this summer. These are activities that can be done at basically any time, and are a good way to spice-up your boring summer evening.

Now, I am aware that I am making my summer up to be filled with exciting days and never-ending nights, but even I know that every moment of summer won’t be perfect.

However, laying around your house watching your favorite television series start to finish isn’t a bad thing in moderation. Everyone needs some time to relax and kick back to some Gossip Girl, or any of your other favorite series. If you find yourself participating in this tempting activity everyday, expect to have nothing but regrets when you look back at your summer full of One Tree Hill and How I Met Your Mother.

After years of mediocre summers, I have come to the conclusion that creating an entertaining summer break for myself will not be difficult with a little determination and effort. No matter what activities I participate in, I am determined to complete my sole goal of having an enjoyable time. Overall, I believe that anyone can make their summer one that not only is enjoyed in the moment, but one that can be remembered for years to come.

11

EDITOR WILLIAM NEWBEGIN A S S I S TA N T E D I T O R R A C H E L M C Q U I S T O N

Culturally Conscious Seniors

MICAH GILLEY Micah Gilley has been involved in Emmaus’s theater programs throughout high school and is interested in continuing her career in the arts of music. Gilley, who starred this year in the leading role of the Disneyinspired production Mary Poppins, figured out she wanted to take part in singing later in her high school. Her inspiration came from her family because they are really musically involved.

She plans on going to study vocal performance as a music major at Oklahoma City University in Oklahoma.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Gilley: Well, I used to be very shy but now I really feel like I’m good with strangers now.

Stinger: What made you decide to be involved in choir?

Gilley: My parents were in District [Chorus] and I started taking voice lessons and I loved it.

By Amanda Jezick

Stinger: Favorite part about being involved in it?

Gilley: It would probably be the friends I made. Performing is such a joy.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory?

Gilley: Late night rehearsals, everyone starts to go crazy, and it’s fun.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Gilley: Hopefully in opera in New York City or Italy, or in a musical.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Gilley: I really loved being Mary Poppins and I ranked first in District Chorus.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Gilley: Be open-minded, don’t make dumb choices, stick to your morals, stay true to yourself, and above all stay respectful.

Stinger: Any regrets?

Gilley: Maybe not trying hard enough. I wouldn’t say I have many regrets.

Stinger: What won’t you miss about EHS? Gilley: I will not miss being crammed in a building with a bunch of teenagers.

TOBIAS HAUS

By Ava Johnson

Tobias Haus is a strong character in Chorale and in the general Music Department at Emmaus. In Chorale, he sings as a tenor and is an accompanist. He is going to college for music composition, and is considering working in the film industry or just being a freelance composer.

Stinger: How did you get involved in Chorale?

Haus: I came up from eighth grade as an accompanist and auditioned and later got dragged into singing. I really like it.

Stinger: How did you get involved with piano?

Haus: There was a wedding and there was this old player piano that somehow ended up in my possession. It had a terrible sound board, it was horrible, but I loved it. I beat it up a lot, so we had to get a new one.

Stinger: Do you have any hobbies?

Haus: I like hiking. I’m a very naturey person. Being in touch with nature clears my head. Also, the whole music thing. I used to do a lot of poetry. I love poetry because you can take a break and come back to it. It’s like yoga or junk food, you can always come back to it, it’s always there.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Haus: I cut my hair. I became more outgoing and a lot better at talking to people and to myself. I know myself and I understand what I’m thinking and that’s important to me.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory?

Haus: The coolest thing was when I first accompanied at a concert. I’ll remember that for a long time coming, it’s a good starting point.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Haus: I have no clue. I just wanna be content. I have all sorts of life plans, this or this, but all involve me being happy and that’s what’s most important.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Haus: Honestly, I think at age six, when the first Tobey

Maguire Spiderman movie came out, I loved, still love, that movie. Spiderman is my greatest inspiration.

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

Haus: There’s this opera called Einstein on the Beach, and there’s this song called “Knee Play Five.” Very important piece to me. More for me, it’s a piece of beginnings and endings.

Stinger: Are you happy with the way your high school years went? Would you change anything if you could?

Haus: I don’t think I would change anything. I’ve learned to work to be happy, find ways to deal. High school did a good job for me.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Haus: Breathe. It’s gonna be okay.

12

MATT JOHNSTON

THE STINGER May 2015

By Kayla McGovern

While Matt Johnston didn’t start his high school focusing on music, he leaves Emmaus having played a key role in Emmaus’s theater program.

Johnston plans on attending Penn State University Park after graduating, focusing on a career in financial services.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Johnston: Personality-wise, I’ve pretty much stayed the same. However I’ve kind of done a 180 in extracurriculars. I mean, I went from playing football and pretty much nothing else to doing theatre, singing, that kind of thing.

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved in the Drama Department?

Johnston: I enjoyed it a lot during middle school and after I finished football--I didn’t want to play anymore-- I was looking for something to do and that seemed like the logical thing because that was the other big thing I did in middle school. I had a couple friends who did it as well, so that drove me towards it.

Stinger: What was your favorite role and why?

Johnston: George Banks. I got to play the grumpy character that I enjoyed playing as well as doing a little bit of funny things at the same time. I also liked doing a little bit of comic relief, especially that dance I did at the end of the show.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory?

Johnston: The Italy Chorale trip. That was a really enjoyable experience. A lot of great memories came out of that. Singing, going to all of these beautiful places with my friends. That was my favorite high school memory.

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

Johnston: I probably would’ve started doing musicals earlier than senior year. I really enjoyed it. I also would’ve started doing chorus earlier. I didn’t do it freshman year because I thought, “I had not a lot of fun doing it in middle school,” and it was so much fun in high school-- I wish I started earlier.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Johnston: I would say my parents. They’re the perfect balance of fun-loving, great people but at the same time they push me to be better and give me a lot of drive to be great.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for?

Johnston: Probably a nice, easy-going guy, who did a little bit of everything. Hopefully I was a friend to everyone I met.

Stinger: Describe your high school experience in three words?

Johnston: Diverse, busy, and worthwhile. Even though it was a lot, it really payed off.

I really enjoyed all the things I did.

Stinger: Favorite teacher?

Johnston: My favorite teacher would be Ms. Cortez, my Chorale teacher.

Stinger:Advice for underclassmen?

Johnston: Don’t just go to classes and that be it. Do a lot of extra-curriculars, get involved, meet a lot of people. That’s where all the fun stuff comes from.

ANTHONY RONCOLATO

LAURA KUHNS

Stinger: How have you changed since freshmen year?

Roncolato: For one, I’ve become more responsible. Not that I think I was irresponsible when I was a freshmen, but I’ve certainly taken on more responsibilities. I’m far more involved in activities and I’ve continued to immerse myself further into music every day.

Stinger: What excites you most about high school?

Roncolato: The thing that I like most about Emmaus is the great opportunities that it has presented me. The teachers are wonderful across the board. I especially love the opportunities that arose during my time in the Music Department. I truly experienced some amazing things and met some amazing people.

Stinger: What instrument do you play and how long have you been playing it?

Roncolato: My favorite and best instrument is piano. I’ve been playing for 10 years. I also play organ, accordion, trombone, and I sing.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory?

Roncolato: The 2015 Chorale trip to Italy. It’s something I never dreamed of doing, and it was such an incredible experience.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school? Why? Roncolato: While my overall growth as a musician has been outstanding during high

Culture

By Lauren Newhard

Laura Kuhns has been involved in the marching band all four years of high school. When Kuhns first joined the band she played the flute in her freshman and sophomore year until she was picked to be the marching band’s junior drum major her junior year of high school. Kuhns later became senior drum major in her senior year and led the marching band on and off the field at every home football game. Kuhns will continue to be a leader in college and afterwards as she plans to become a teacher.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Kuhns: Since freshman year I’ve become a more confident and outgoing person. I have learned how to just be myself and have fun instead of always being focused on what others think.

Stinger: What are your plans after high school?

Kuhns: After high school I plan on going to Millersville University to study early childhood education with a dual major in special education.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Kuhns: My mentor in high school was and still is Mr. Shreck from Shoemaker Elementary School. I first met him through the band (he is an assistant director) and he has guided me through every good and bad thing I’ve been through over the last 4 years. Without him, I would truly not be the person I am today.

Stinger: What excites you most about college?

Kuhns: The thing that excites me most about college is getting to finally study the subject that I want to pursue. I have wanted to be a teacher my whole life and going away to college is a huge step towards my goal.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory? Why? Kuhns: My favorite high school memory is Friday night home games. One of my “happy places” is standing in front of the band conducting and watching how happy playing music makes everyone, not only in the band but the people in the stands too.

When “my children” in the band are happy, I’m happy.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Kuhns: My biggest accomplishment in high school is definitely the status of Senior Drum Major. I remember walking in my first day freshman year, seeing the drum major, and thinking wow I want to be her!

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

Kuhns: After high school I hope to accomplish a masters in education and once I become a teacher, my goal is to change at least one child’s life, or the way they think, for the better.

Stinger: Describe your high school experience in three words.

Kuhns: It gets better.

Stinger: What won’t you miss about EHS? Kuhns: the drama Stinger: Scale one to 10 how much senioritis have you been experiencing?

Kuhns: 11

In his high school musical career, Anthony Roncolato has played with the marching band in Disney, sung in the Vatican, and performed twice at Carnegie Hall. Roncolato, a member of marching band for three years, is also part of the National Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. He plans to attend Penn State University at University Park to major in primary Music Education and study piano.

By Brittney Moratori

school, my biggest tangible accomplishment has been my progression as a singer. I only started singing during my junior year, and I was truly terrible when I started. I failed even to make it into the audition room for District Chorus. However, because of hard work and the incredible skills of the choral director, Ms. Cortez, this year I ranked 4th in my voice part to make it into District Chorus and then 4th again to make it to Region Chorus. This accomplishment stands out to me because it makes it plain to see how far I’ve progressed in the past year.

Stinger: What clubs are you in for Emmaus?

Roncolato: I’ve been involved in the marching band for three years, jazz band for three, symphonic band for two, Chorale for two years, and the pit orchestra for the musical for three years. I joined the wind ensemble, Fermata Nowhere and the Select Choir this year.

Stinger: What will you miss most at you time in Emmaus?

Roncolato: I’m going to miss the relationships I formed with others. I made some very close friends who I’m sure I will keep in touch with for a very long time, but there are also friends who I’m going to have to say goodbye to and I’m going to miss them and my teachers.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Roncolato: Get involved in extracurricular activities. By getting involved you can make a lot of new friends and experience a lot of new things that you wouldn’t get otherwise.

Stinger: What was your favorite class at Emmaus?

Roncolato: Chorale.

Stinger: What teacher impacted you the most? Why? Roncolato:While Mr. Harrington has had a great positive influence on me, I’d say Ms. Cortez influenced me the most. Before I met her, I was not interested in singing or choral music at all. But by working with her, I learned not just how to sing, but also how to accompany and how to teach and work with others. She has a strongly influenced my decision to become a future educator.

Stinger: Describe your high school experience in three words Roncolato: Insightful, rewarding, challenging.

CULTURE

ALANA MARGOLIS Alana Margolis has devoted a lot of her time at EHS on music -- and it’s her passion for arts that she will continue to follow once she graduates. Margolis plans to study at LCCC in the fall and hopes to transfer University of Colorado at a later date.

Stinger: What will you miss most about your time at Emmaus? Why? Margolis: I honestly think I’ll miss seeing some of my favorite teachers every day.

I’ve made amazing relationships with a lot of people and I’m going to miss going to them for advice and to complain about silly things. Also, all of the underclassmen I’ve befriended. I became so close to so many people my senior year that were underclassmen and I just want to take them with me.

Stinger: What teacher impacted you the most and why?

Margolis: I honestly cannot pick one. Ms. Larkin is my homeroom teacher and the advisor for the club I’m in, No Place for Hate, and she is such an incredible big sister figure it’s crazy. I’ll miss our little rants early in homeroom. Ms. Reaman is also someone who opened my creative mind

CAROLINE SMITH Caroline Smith, the president of both orchestra and French Club, plans to study political science with a concentration in international relations, as well as Turkish and Arabic.

THE STINGER May 2015

in writing and I cannot thank her enough for it. I’m always staying after class just to talk to her and catch her up on my life and get her advice and to hear how she is.

She’s someone who will be impossible to forget and incredibly hard to say see you later to. Ms. Cortez has helped me grow as a singer and a person in more ways than one throughout these last 4 years. I’ve gone to Europe to sing on performance tours because of her, and I’ve also had the opportunity to sing in Carnegie Hall twice because of her. She’s helped me gain so much strength in my voice and sitting and talking with her is something I will cherish forever and miss greatly. I wouldn’t be who I am and the singer I am because of her, and words cannot describe how thankful I am.

Stinger: What won’t you miss about being at Emmaus?

Margolis: The people who do not know how to walk in the hallway. Also all the people who decide to form little cults in the morning outside of lockers to make it impossible to maneuver around.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered for and why?

Margolis: I know I’ll always be remem-

Stinger: What excites you most about college?

Smith: Learning something new and learning something that will help will help me achieve my dream of working in another country.

Stinger: Are you involved in any other clubs or activities?

Smith: I am a member of the International Justice Mission, Hornet Ambassadors, National Honor Society, Mock Trial, Chamber and Sinfonia, and Board of the 1803 House.

KATIE GIGLER

Stinger: How has Emmaus impacted you?

Margolis: I’ve gained a lot from Emmaus, knowledge-wise and friendship-wise. I’ve had incredible opportunities because of Emmaus and the people I’ve surrounded myself with and I couldn’t be more thankful. I’ve made friendships and lost them and it was a good time, but it’s time for the next chapter in my life.

Stinger: How have you changed since your freshman year?

Margolis: I’m still the dork I was freshman year but I’ve grown up so much and learned what good clothing is and I’m so thankful for that.

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

Margolis: Probably just work better at my

Stinger: Of all of your art works which one is your favorite?

Barron: My work “Female Study.” I usually try not to include the head, since there’s just so much emotion with the bodies. In this piece, in comparison to my work “Male Study,” the female’s figures show empowerment. The male is more vulnerable, the arc of the back is much more relaxed.

Stinger: How long have you been playing cello?

Smith: I’ve been playing since the fourth grade.

Stinger: What are you going to miss most after graduating?

Barron: I’m going to miss a lot of the of the teachers. Teachers are one of the biggest part of our school. If you think about it,

Gigler got involved in theatre towards the end of her middle school years and decided to pursue what she realized she loved doing. Gigler would like to be remembered for her individual strength and honesty. She will be attending Temple University to continue her interest in communications, film, and theatre, and is very excited for what lies ahead.

By Makenna Shafer

grades and not procrastinate so much. I had good grades throughout high school but I know I could’ve done so much better if I didn’t get distracted so easily and really pushed myself.

Stinger: What is your concentration this year in AP Art, and what inspired this?

Barron: I’m concentrating on the study of the human figure. I wanted to do something with a twist. Nowadays, we as people focus too much on the image. I wanted the background in the pictures to be more than just a basic background, I wanted to show where they came from.

Stinger: What are some responsibilities you have as president of orchestra?

Smith: I plan and execute Coffeehouse, which is our biggest fundraiser.

I am also in charge of mentor night for the seniors. I have to collect the money for the present for the conductor. I’ve conducted a couple of times.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Margolis: Well I’m majoring in music so I really hope to be performing on stage in front of a stadium full of people, that’s the goal.

I just want to perform and make a difference with music and connect to people.

And if I can sneak in being a performing Disney princess at Disney World my life would be whole.

Colt Barron never realized his talent in art until a health project in 6th grade forced him to draw his own pictures, as he did not own a printer. Ever since then, Barron has obsessed over his natural talent of drawing, and in this past year went through the rigorous AP Art Studio overseen by art teacher Tracy Maley.

Stinger: What is your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Smith: Taking upper level classes and succeeding in them.

13

bered as that girl who had a bright pink Disney princess backpack who takes too many selfies but I hope people think I’ve done some pretty cool things and realize that they can be whoever they want to be. Individuality is key.

COLT BARRON

By Katie Mest

Stinger: What is your favorite part about the music program at Emmaus?

Smith: I really liked the social aspect. I made new friends that I wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t been in orchestra.

Stinger: What is your most prominent memory of your high school career?

Smith: This year I won two awards at the tennis banquet and was named captain. It felt nice to be named Players’ Player.

By Holly Diehl

you’re with your teachers more in your waking hours than you are with your parents. And I will miss the school community.

Stinger: Where will you be attending college next year?

Barron: Kutztown for communication and design.

Stinger: How were you involved in the music department?

Barron: I do music, but it’s secondary only to art. I am a section leader. Mrs. Cortez is such an amazing mentor she cares about music, and also cares about you...However, I didn’t do the musical this year, (he played Lefou in Emmaus High School’s “Beauty and the Beast”) as I wanted to devote more time to my art.

By Briauna Furgiuele

Gigler: In a city, hopefully starting a family and having a job that isn’t a job because I love it so much.

Stinger: How do you feel you have impacted Emmaus?

Gigler: I guess by showing that it’s a good thing to follow your heart and be true to yourself.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Gigler: My parents because they’ve taught me that no matter what, your heart is always right.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory?

Gigler: Singing in Italy with the Emmaus High School Chorale. It was a really great opportunity that I wouldn’t have had if it weren’t for the choir direction that I’ve had at Emmaus High School.

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

Gigler: I’m going to miss the drama department and the T.V. studio.

Stinger: What was your favorite role and why?

Gigler: My favorite role was Mrs. Van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank. That show and that role taught me so much about life and it allowed me to see a perspective that was so individual and unique. It made me appreciate value of human life.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Gigler: To do what you love and not worry about what other people think and to remember that you come first.

Stinger: What was your favorite part of being in the Emmaus theatre programs?

Gigler: It’s a really good theatre program. I felt that I learned a lot about acting as well as myself. It gave me an opportunity to grow.

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

Gigler: Stars by Erick Esenvalds. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I’ve ever heard.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

14

Saving the Mest for Last

Track Fam

Family isn’t defined by blood.

Sure, you have your mother, your father, and your siblings, but what about your other family? The one on the court, the field, the rink, the course, and even in the classroom.

I’m talking about the family you make amongst your teammates and coaches.

Recently I attended the track and field banquet, marking the end of the 2015 season. When I walked in the room, I immediately began searching for a specific group of friends, the same ones that I run with at practice and sit with at pasta parties. As usual, we tried to fit 20 people at a table that held, at maximum, 18.

We’ve gotten to the point where a greeting is no longer necessary. We just pick up where we left off in the last group message. We tease each other and take pictures.

That’s family.

I could walk around to every single table that night and be able to have a conversation with someone.

In sports, there are no such things as cliques. For instance, with track and field, your friend group will consist of athletes from each event. At each meet, though, you can bet that every athlete will be cheered for, even by a team member they’ve never spoken to before.

That’s family.

A little later in the night, the coaches handed out awards to players who showed love and dedication for the sport.

When the head coach explained why a particular athlete received his award, her voice began to shake, and tears welled up in her eyes. We waited for a few minutes until she found her voice again.

She told us how it emotionally pained her that the senior was denied a trip to states despite his hard work. In the district meet, a competitor came out of nowhere in the last stretch of the 300 hurdles to beat him by a tenth of a second, pushing him out of the number three spot and out of his chance at states.

Her speech was followed by a sincere hug (and some tears) from the athlete.

That’s family.

The night concluded with a slideshow commemorating the many memories made that season.

Each athlete waited for the moment when his or her picture popped up in the screen, revealing their embarrassing running/concentrating face. The photo would be received with a roar of laughter and a playful shove from the athlete’s friends.

When a simple image can bring back a flood of memories, that’s family.

On our way out the door, my group of friends stopped to take a picture with our event coach. This is a woman who tells it as it is. If you had a bad race, you can bet that you won’t receive a sugar-coated “Oh, it wasn’t that bad!” She’ll tell you your time, tell you that it wasn’t your best, and encourage you to work hard for the next race.

Her tough love makes her one of my favorite people. She gives us advice for improvement not just as a team, but as individuals.

We had to get a picture with the “distance fam” and our coach, especially since it could possibly be the last chance for us to get a picture with the seniors.

That is as family as family gets.

Family is the coach that takes time after practice to talk to you about how you improve your skills.

Family are the friends that cheer you on through the good and the bad.

Family is when an entire team... an entire school... can get together to raise money to help conquer kids’ cancer.

The one thing every athlete will say about his or her team is how it’s like a family, and that is, perhaps, the greatest thing about high school sports.

SPORTS

Contributing Writers • Alex Kugler • Zoie Kassis • Colleen Grablick • Olivia Riccio • Ellie Lewis

Emily Pennell

After playing soccer for 15 years, Emily Pennell looks to continue her soccer career in college, though she will miss the friends she’s made at Emmaus.

Stinger: What is your favorite aspect of soccer?

Pennell: My favorite aspect of the sport is definitely spending time with my teammates. I share so many memories with the girls I’ve played with.

Stinger: What excites you most about college?

Pennell: It’s really exciting to play at the next level and what I’ve been dreaming about for a long time. Soccer has been a part of my life for as long as I remember and I am most excited to make a new soccer family in college.

Stinger: What have you learned throughout your high school career?

Pennell: Throughout high school I’ve learned to roll with the punches. Times won’t be easy sometimes, but it happens and you can’t do anything about it.

Blaire Schoenly

Blaire Schoenly joined the Emmaus Cheer Team freshman year and became a large supporter of the program since. Schoenly plans on attending Chestnut Hill College to major in accounting and continue cheerleading. Schoenly has been cheering since kindergarten and plans to pursue the sport for years to come.

Schoenly actively participated in both football and basketball seasons of cheering and the school’s competition team as well.

Stinger: What is your favorite part about being involved on the cheer team?

Schoenly: Definitely meeting new people of all grades and developing a familylike bond with them.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Schoenly: My inspiration is my mom.

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

Schoenly: I will miss all my teachers that made an impact on my life.

Stinger: Who was your high school mentor?

Schoenly: Kramer-Hinks.

John Woltornist

Senior John Woltornist, a dedicated swimmer, discovered a passion for environmental science in his senior year. As the president of the Envirothon club at Emmaus, he takes multiple AP classes, and attends swimming practice up to 9 times a week. Woltornist kept busy in his high school career and learned valuable time management skills.

Stinger: Favorite part about swimming?

Woltornist: It’s really just the team bonding, there’s a real sense of family on the team, and whenever you come back to the pool it feels like you’re at home.

Stinger: Where will you be attending college and what will you be studying?

Woltornist: Cornell University. I’m going to do some type of engineering but I don’t really know yet.

Stinger: What teacher has impacted you the most?

Woltornist: Ms. Susens. She’s the advisor for Envirothon, and I would like to do something like she did with her life. She inspired me.

victoria Bingham

After four years of swimming on the Emmaus Girl’s Swim Team, Tori Bingham plans to go on to swim at Shippensburg. Her major is undecided, but she has an interest in business or psychology.

Stinger: What teachers have impacted you the most and why?

Bingham: Mr. Gallagher, Mrs. Kramer-Hinks, and Mr. Carolla have helped me a lot.

Those are the teachers I’ve found to be helpful to me in the classroom. I’ve really enjoyed taking their classes.

Stinger: When did you start swimming?

Bingham: I’ve been swimming every summer since I was eight and then I started swimming year round when I was in middle school.

Stinger: Why did you choose to attend Shippensburg?

Bingham: I was looking at a few different schools and one day I got a message from the coach, and he sounded very excited to meet me and get me on the team. I went to visit and met some people on the team, and I knew that was a good place for me to start out.

mason trinkle

Mason Trinkle has done a lot for the Emmaus community, from being a supportive teammate on the cross country team to helping the school through several clubs. He will attend the University of Pittsburgh to study neurology and possibly minor in music.

Stinger: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment in cross country?

Trinkle: This year I had a really big focus on creating an atmosphere where the upperclassmen were helpful, approachable, and encouraging role models to the rest of the team.

Stinger: Were you involved in any clubs?

Trinkle: Darn right I was! I’ve been an Hornet Ambassador, in No Place for Hate, Kid to Kid, Hiking Club, Chorale, Fermata Nowhere, the drama department and all the various theatrical productions of the school.

Stinger: What will you miss most about Emmaus?

Trinkle: My vocal teacher and mentor Ms. Cortez. Since 9th grade, she’s taught me practically everything I know and she’s influenced my life more than anyone else has.

15

Contributing Writers • Colleen Grablick • Lauren Zerfass • Alana Margolis • Randy Weldon • Maggie Lavelle • Rachel McQuiston

Fall/Winter Sports

Thomas Wagner

Tri-athlete Thomas Wagner kept busy with three different sports his senior year: football, lacrosse, and track. However, Wagner does not only show talent on the field. He proves impressive in the classroom as well, taking Physics C, which is calculus based physics, the hardest physics class in the

school.

Stinger: When did you start playing?

Wagner: I started playing football freshman year. I just started growing, and I would always foul people in soccer, so I just decided to switch to football because it seemed more up my ally. I started playing lacrosse this year. I started track sophomore year. I picked it up and started throwing shot put. Junior and senior year I’ve gotten to districts.

Stinger: What do you plan to study at University of Delaware?

Wagner: Chemical Engineering.

Stinger:What is your favorite sport?

Wagner: I have to give my loyalty to football. It’s the one I’ve played the longest. There’s something really cool about being under the lights and friday night games.

Stinger: Who is your inspiration?

Wagner: Mr. Ohl is my favorite teacher.

He’s always been a really cool guy. He brought out my better student in his class.

erika wilson

For senior Erika Wilson, maturing, endeavoring her best, and playing field hockey in high school is quite the preparation for her future at Bloomsburg.

On the field and in the halls of Emmaus High School, Erika Wilson says she has matured a lot through-

out her high school years. Attending sporting events and playing on the team is what she appreciates most about high school. Wilson aims to study physical therapy in college. After tearing her ACL two summers ago on the field, she decided that physical therapy is what she wants to persue. In 10 years she intends on having a family and practicing physical therapy.

Stinger: ​What are your plans after high school?

Wilson: ​I am going to Bloomsburg to play field hockey Stinger: ​What made you decide to get involved in field hockey?

Wilson: ​My nana Betsy Wilson was and still is really involved in field hockey so she convinced me to play when I was in third grade and I have loved it ever since.

Sydney Pickering

Pickering began her volleyball career when she was 10 thanks to her father’s love for the sport.

Stinger: How have you changed since freshman year?

Pickering: I’ve definitely become more outgoing because of volleyball. I’ve gained confidence both on and off the court.

Stinger: What excites you most about college?

Pickering: I’m really excited to meet new people and be in a new place; I’m going to Virginia Tech next year so that’s a completely different atmosphere.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory? Why? Pickering: The volleyball senior night; the underclassmen put on a really cute skit that made me feel like I made an impact on them and was going to be missed.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Pickering: I’m going to study hospital research so hopefully I’ll be curing cancer.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Pickering: I’m an NHS officer, and I was also an officer in the minithon which was pretty cool because it was Emmaus’ first, and we were able to raise a bunch of money for a really good cause.

cole franklin

Senior and student athlete Cole Franklin plans to go to college to succeed in a career in criminal justice.

Franklin has been wrestling since he was four years old. He posted a 60-36 win to loss record in his four years at Emmaus High School and went 21-4 in his 2014/15 season.

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved in a sport here?

Franklin: My dad had an influence on me from when I was younger and helped me decide in wrestling for Emmaus and then the high school now that I am older.

Stinger: What is your favorite part about being involved in a sport?

Franklin: My favorite part about being in a sport in school is the teammates which I have gotten to play with and the relationship with the team. It has allowed me to make more friends and gain a trust with people, which allowed me to love the sport even more.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory?

Franklin: My favorite high school memory was when we won the team championship at the Chambersburg tournament for wrestling. It was a great win and a hard fought win which I will always remember.

tara tracchio

Tara Tracchio throughout her high school career dominated each field she played on, whether it be with her main sport field hockey or lacrosse.

Next year Tracchio will be attending the University of Delaware with an undeclared major but will be playing on their Division 1 field hockey team.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Tracchio: I would say Cassidy Green (a Lehigh freshman field hockey player) because she always looked out for me in field hockey and outside the sport and helped me with what I needed, and she still is, which is incredible and she’s really important to me.

Stinger: What was your favorite part of being on the field hockey team? lacrosse?

Tracchio: For field hockey we do a lot of things throughout the season, team bonding things like pasta parties

and team sleepovers. There’s also senior capture where they kidnap you from your house and bring you to breakfast. Just fun things like that to do to get closer as a team. As for lacrosse, probably just a whole different scene, it’s really easy going. It’s a whole different team of girls.

Laura Lievre

Laura Lievre, who played on the girls’ tennis team, served as the vice president of the tutor program and plans to study science and studio art at Lafayette College. Lievre views her activities at Emmaus as worthwhile and valuable not only to those it directly affected, but the school as a whole. She greatly enjoyed her time spent on the girl’s tennis team due to the unity and wholeness of the sports team.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high school?

Lievre: Mr. Baier, he retired a couple of years ago. He inspired me to pursue my scientific career.

Stinger: What was your favorite part about being involved in the tutor program?

Lievre: We were able to help students who didn’t have the access to tutors. It was very helpful for them to get one-

on-one.

Stinger: What was your most embarrassing high school memory?

Lievre: One time I was on the stairs, and it was just me and this really cute boy. I was walking behind him and tripped and fell forwards and he kind of caught me. It was just really awkward.

16

Spring Sports Anna cressman

Anna Cressman showed her dedication to track and field by being a part of the team for four years and even creating a Twitter page to connect the team on social media.

Stinger: Favorite part about playing/being involved in track and field?

Cressman: My favorite part is definitely meeting new people and the atmosphere of the track team is all positivity and the coaches are fantastic.

Stinger: Favorite memory of track and field?

Cressman: My favorite memory is go-

ing to the Viking Invitational at Perkiomen Valley High School this year. I ran the 4x1 for the first time competitively and threw my new personal record after a year of not improving it, and I medaled.

Stinger: What did you enjoy most about high school?

Cressman: I enjoyed getting to know new teachers each year and making new friends. Coming from Catholic school, I had a lot more opportunities.

Stinger: What are you going to miss most about high school?

Cressman: I’m definitely going to miss Mrs. Petrunak and Mr. Mihalik, two of the most importants coaches and teachers I’ve had, and of course my friends.

Stinger: What are you planning to do after you finish your high school career?

Cressman: After high school I am looking forward to concerts and the annual Alaska trip with a group from school. It will definitely be a great way to end my senior year at Emmaus High School. I’ll also be backpacking in Wyoming a week before I start college.

greg lind

Greg Lind, who started playing soccer when he was three, played as a midfielder on the Emmaus varsity soccer team.

Lind also plays men’s volleyball and will miss both sports greatly. Lind says that soccer and volleyball were his two sources of happiness throughout high school and

that it’s unfortunate to see his athletic career at Emmaus come to an end.

However, he has an extremely promising road ahead of him where he plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh and will major in economics and statistics.

Stinger: What was your biggest accomplishment in high school?

Lind: My biggest accomplishment would probably be winning the EPC championships my senior year. We had really low expectations going into the year and this season was a huge success.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Lind: I wouldn’t be surprised if I stayed in Pittsburgh, I love the city, probably working as a statistician or something along those lines.

Stinger: Do you have any regrets?

Lind: Other than deciding to do track over volleyball my freshman year, bonehead mistake, I don’t really have any regrets.

Samantha roth

Samantha Roth is one of those faces you see in the halls that is always smiling. She always has a positive attitude and a great deal of energy, which she burns by doing Fitness Team. Roth plans to attend Lehigh University after graduation to study statistics, and eventually become a statistician.

Stinger: Who was your mentor in high

school?

Roth: My mentor in high school wasn’t one of my teachers, but my Coach George Gibbs. He’s an adoptive grandfather to me.

Stinger: What made you decide to get involved in the Fitness Team?

Roth: I always liked working out and feeling healthy, so when Kristen Bray told me about the Fitness Team, I knew right away that I wanted to get involved.

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

Roth: Without a question the Fitness Team. I met so many amazing people and grew so much as a person because of it.

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

Roth: I’d like to become a Statistician, adopt some children or maybe become a foster parent, and use my spare time to travel and to help to make the world a little better however I can.

Contributing Writers • Alex Kugler • Deena Stoudt • Kaitlin Hur

• Katie Mest • Austin Hart • Ashley Rivera

Jaclyn reinbold

Reinbold, an XC/track athlete, AP Art student, and a music lover, will miss her friends and track mates most at Emmaus.

Reinbold longs to be remembered for her hard work as a student especially with her art, which is another area of her life about which she is passionate.

Stinger: Will you do XC/track in college?

Reinbold: Yeah, I’m going to Kutztown, and I’m planning to run track and XC, so we’ll see how that goes.

Stinger: What are you majoring in for college?

Reinbold: I’m going for communication design, so it’s like graphic design.

Stinger: What was your favorite high school memory? Why? Reinbold: Mainly anything to do with my team. We made it to districts this year for XC and for track, and that was a pretty amazing bonding experience.

When we were there our goal was to be able to qualify for states.

Stinger: What is your favorite part about being in track/XC? Reinbold: Well, you can see yourself improve a lot, and it’s just an amazing feeling to go from point A to point B.

Stinger: Any advice for underclassmen?

Reinbold: Definitely stay organized and manage your time because as soon as you start to get behind the work just keeps piling and piling up. Because I remember when track was still going on I would have to leave early for meets, and I would leave during German ninth period and I haven’t been there half of the last month, so it was difficult to make up everything all at once.

brandon acevedo

Brandon Acevedo made it to districts in track and field and obtained the same personal record as his coach made his senior year so much more memorable.

Acevedo plans to go to West Virginia to study engineering and join the Air Force ROTC. Stinger: What will you miss most about your time at Emmaus?

Acevedo: I will probably miss the track team and the teachers.

Stinger: Most embarrassing high school moment?

Acevedo: Freshman year, I was late from breakfast to homeroom. I had orange juice and chocolate milk in one hand and then I realized how late I was.

So once I got into the courtyard I was full on sprinting, I dropped my orange juice and ended up tumbling through out the court yard getting scratches all over, but I made it to homeroom on time, and that’s all that matters.

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

Acevedo: I will probably miss the track team and the teachers.

trey hinkle

Hinkle has been playing baseball for almost 12 years, four of them in high school. He plans on furthering his education at Centenary College, majoring in TV/radio communications and minoring in journalism.

Stinger: What teacher impacted you the most?

Hinkle: Mrs. Laubner. I had her for freshman year and junior year. She helped me with my studies and other problems.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hinkle: I plan to become a sports broadcaster either reporting or writing in the paper. I want to be a broadcaster and talking at games.

Stinger: What is your favorite memory from baseball?

Hinkle: Just being around friends.

We grew up playing baseball together, so they’re not just teammates and

friends but like brothers.

Stinger: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hinkle: I plan to become a sports broadcaster either reporting or writing in the paper. I want to be a broadcaster and talking at games.