September 2015 by Emmaus High School's The Stinger

The Stinger September 2015

Volume 41

Issue 1

stingerehs.com @stingerehs @stingerehs

Butz poses holding the plaque given to her by Ramella, which has the game balls from her 600th, 700th, and 800th wins, leaving a spot for her 840th. Photo by Nicholas Hofke.

FIELD HOCKEY:

Butz breaks history with 840 wins Katie Mest Sports Editor On Sept. 9 Emmaus field hockey coach Sue Butz-Stavin claimed the right to the title national winningest high School field hockey coach. The field hockey team shut out Dieruff 15-0 at Memorial Field to give their coach her 840th win. That’s one more win than the previous record holder Nancy Williams of West Long Branch Shore Regional High in New Jersey. Emmaus established full control of the ball early on in the game. They scored the first goal within the first two minutes, but they didn’t stop there. At six minutes into the game the Hornets led by 4-0, building momentum to outscore their opponents 12-0 by halftime. Junior Meredith Sholder contributed to the 15-0 win, scoring her 100th career goal, something only six Emmaus players have achieved. Sholder strives to go after the record of 158 goals, which Allison Evans set in 2012. “It was really special, and it was nice to share success with coach, because she got her 840th win then too,” said Sholder.

“I was celebrating coach more than me. It was more of a checkpoint for me.” When the clock hit zero, Butz-Stavin accomplished what no other American high school field hockey coach had done before her. She added this to a long list of past achievements, consisting of being inducted into the National Field Hockey Hall of Fame, being named 2001 National High School coach of the year, and being nominated by the U.S. Olympic Committee as the 2005 Developmental Coach of the Year.This also includes 10 state titles and 26 straight District 11 Championships. “It’s a great milestone,” said ButzStavin. “I guess records are in record books for people to chase and to re-establish,” she said. “That happens on many occasions, but it wasn’t something I looked to reach and do. It was a matter of preparing the team for every game.” Once the Dieruff game ended, ButzStavin walked over to the stands, where the fans greeted her with a roar of applause. Senior Carly Philbin, one of the team’s captains, said she appreciated the special moment that she was able to share with her coaches and teammates.

Meet the three new administrators

“It really showed off the amount of work that the Emmaus field hockey team has put in each season,” said Philbin. “It’s an honor, and it makes us work even harder to keep the tradition going.” Athletic Director Dennis Ramella bestowed Butz-Stavin with a special plaque after the game, displaying field hockey balls from past milestone games, including her 600th, 700th, and 800th wins. Ramella said the idea came to him a week before the big game. “I was walking through my office and I happen to look over at my bookcase and I saw these three field hockey balls. I did save them,” he said. “And I thought ‘No this would be great. We could just saw it in half and we’ll give her one and we’ll keep one for the trophy case. Let’s leave a spot for the 840th ball.’” When Ramella first came to the high school 17 years ago, he first sought out to make Butz-Stavin a friend because of her record as an outstanding coach.

Stinger’s High School Survival Guide

“I felt that her success is due to the amount of detail and effort that she puts into her sport,” said Ramella. “I really felt that this was a great opportunity for me to

Athletic Director Dennis Ramella become a better athletic director by understanding what she does and why she’s so successful.” The team thanked their coach for her dedication by working hard just like she taught them to do. “If you asked any one of them, they wouldn’t want any other coach besides Coach Sue Butz because she does so much for us,” said Sholder. “The least we could do is pay her back by helping her achieve that and getting her there.” Please continue to page 8

Summer News Report Card

The Stinger

Colleen’s Corner

Five things you should know

As I tried to think of a topic for my last first column, I wrestled with a few ideas, all involving that one big, scary f-word. Future. I could write about my senior year, what I hope to accomplish, how I hope to lead the Stinger staff, where I hope to get into college, etc. Recently I’ve spent so much time preoccupied with my future, as any high school senior should be, constantly worrying about where I’m going, what I need to do, if I’ll be good enough. But I didn’t want to write about that. The future is scary, but I think in order to prepare myself for where I’m going, I need to first step back and look at how far I’ve come. Over the past three years of high school, I’ve learned quite a bit about myself and others. An adult might read this and think a 17-year-old girl has only scratched the surface of life’s hardships (and believe me, I know I still have a lot to learn), but that’s no argument to discredit the fact that one really does experience some of life’s most important lessons in high school. So this a list of the five most important things that I learned over the past three years in the halls of Emmaus, which ironically, have mostly nothing to do with a classroom. One: grades aren’t everything. Sure, they’re incredibly important, and having great grades is something mostly every student would want, but one B is not going to end your life. If someone would’ve told freshman Colleen to stop stressing over a B, she would’ve looked at them like he or she had three eyes. Now, three years later, I understand that all of those tears I cried over 85 percents did nothing but smudge my mascara. I know I’m still a smart person, and can be successful, despite one (or a few) bad physics tests. Two: everyone’s fighting something. After attending a school with over 2,000 students, I’ve seen a lot of different people, and I’ve learned that everyone is struggling with something I may not know about. Judging something based off of superficial aspects is a practice most teenagers succumb to, and throughout my high school career I’ve learned that I’m wrong in my judgment, 10/10 times. Three: school events aren’t lame. Sure, cafe one smells a little funky during the homecoming dance and yes, football games give me a headache, but I know that’s something I’m going to miss one day. I won’t always be able to sit with my friends in the bleachers pretending to enjoy a game we know nothing about. Four: friends are so important. When you go into high school, everyone says “you won’t leave it with the same people you came in it with.” That’s the case for some people, which isn’t necessarily always a bad thing. People change, their lives go in different directions, and sometimes the “break-up” happens naturally, but I’m so fortunate to say that the friends I made on the first day of sixth grade at Eyer Middle School are the same friends I’ll be throwing my cap with on graduation day. Five: most of this won’t matter in five years. That girl who said your hair looked like noodles, that boy who made you made you cry in a bathroom stall during second period, that one party you weren’t invited to, none of it will matter in five months let alone five years. It only took me three years of high school to realize this. So, I’m sorry if this was corny and sentimental, and I promise I wasn’t trying to sound pretentious, but I hope if you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior, this meant something to you. Looking back on my high school career so far, there’s a lot that I would do differently, but I’ve also made memories that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I like the person that I became during high school, and I think that’s better preparation for college than all of the AP classes in the world.

Courtesy of Cathryn

Don’t Dare to Compare

Associate Editor Cathryn Seibert @ryncat98

Editor-in-chief Colleen Grablick @collllsss

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

Multimedia Editor Ellie Lewis @ellie_lewis14

Convergence Editor Darsh Patel

Photo Editor Lindsay Harner @lindsayharner

Head Copy Editor Oliva Riccio @Liv120497

Adviser Denise Reaman

Imagine: it’s dusk and you’re standing on the edge of a jagged cliff on the West Coast, donning your Patagonia hiking pack and $300 hiking boots. You gaze in awe of the sunset’s subtle kaleidoscope of colors as the cool breeze sweeps your hair to the side in the most picturesque way. The vast and breath-takingly turquoise ocean sprawls out in front of you, and you have reached the zenith of your existence. But this really isn’t you- it’s some chick in an Instagram photo. Right now, you’re probably sitting in school, bathed in the ever-present fluorescent light, wishing that were you. I know I find myself in that situation often, hoping to be anywhere but where I am, longing for some alternative life of adventure, spontaneity, and super high-quality photography. A lofty goal, I’m aware, but when I scroll through accounts like Socality and Folk Magazine, it seems so effortless to live an #authentic life, brimming with nothing but hikes and attractive, beanie-wearing friends who French press their own fair trade Colombian coffee. And of course, I know I’m only in high school, and I have my whole life ahead of me, but that doesn’t affect my desire for adventure at all. Why do I have to be stuck in school when all these people are out in the glorious wilderness actually enjoying life? It just doesn’t seem fair. Then again, it’s ridiculous for anyone to compare their life to the life of someone who is in a completely different situation than their own, and Instagram definitely doesn’t nurture that balanced perspective. Instagram makes it so easy for one to see everyone else’s realities and make those one’s ideals, a trap I find myself falling into every time I open the app. Instead of simply appreciating the beautiful images these people post, I allow myself to depreciate my own reality, just because it isn’t like theirs. And that definitely isn’t fair to myself. Even though I have to go to school, something I don’t look forward to, I can actually enjoy life. It’s easy to let circumstances determine perspective and it’s easy to think “because my life is *insert scenario here,* I can’t be happy.” And that’s not true at all. I can have a happy, fulfilling life, even if I don’t trek through the Rockies or wear hand-made crowns of wildflowers. I can create my own “adventures” by simply changing my perspective and appreciating the little things, instead of getting stuck in the mental rut of “I have to be *insert specific quality here* to be content.” And even if life right now isn’t all sunshine and smiles, my adventure will come one day, and it won’t have to be documented by a Nikon D3x DSLR for it to be amazing.

2015 Keystone Press Awards Second Place General News Second Place Public Service Package First Place Sports Story Fisrt, Second Place Column Honorable Mention Review Second Place Graphic Illustration Second Place Layout and Design 2014 NSPA Third Place News Story of the Year Superior Ratings in Newswriting Superior Ratings in Cartooning

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

A photo I took on my personal Instagram account. No, I did not take this while exploring Mount Rainier or strolling down a beautifully gray Pacific North West beach.

IN-DEPTH REPORTING ON TOPICS THAT MATTER TO YOU

So Many Numbers

ANDREA KLICK

Make It Klick

“What’s your class rank?!” “Wow, you’re in the 77th percentile. I’m in the 90th.” About 30 wide-eyed classmates scurried around the room, eagerly yelling statements like these on class selection day. This same scenario repeated like a horrid case of deja-vu in almost every class. When I attempted informing my curious classmates that I didn’t want to disclose this information, they implored me. Some said, “It can’t be that bad, Andrea,” while others promised they wouldn’t tell anyone or laugh. One impatient student even went as far as to grab the paper right off my desk when I looked away. I guess anyone could’ve expected this. Kids constantly compare test scores and GPAs, so why would class rank be any different? But why do we compare ourselves so much in the first place? Is our own intelligence or skill level only based off of how well our peers do? The way I see it, everyone is naturally gifted at something. Their talent could be painting, running or even yodeling, but they are genuinely great at something. Yet it seems no one truly believes they’re good at what they do unless they “beat” anyone they perceive as competition. Whether this “competition” is receiving the highest score on that strenuous math test or scoring the most goals in your soccer game, everyone constantly tries to be “the best.” Some folks even take advanced courses they hate or refrain from taking classes they’re passionate about, just to snag a superior GPA. In their opinion, this small number determines whether they’ll spend the rest of their life as a rich neurosurgeon or picking up garbage on Route 100. This number can’t truly define who you are, who I am or what we aspire to be. Maybe someone is an art aficionado outside of school, but his GPA is tanking because he can’t solve for x in a given equation. All someone’s GPA really proves is whether or not they can memorize definitions for that mammoth 100-point biology test. In the end, most people won’t remember how to find the direct object of a sentence or that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. Having the best or worst GPA only proves one’s ability to cram information into his or her brain and regurgitate it back onto a test. So, if you’re in the highest percentile, you aren’t necessarily a child genius, and if you get lower grades, you aren’t necessarily a failure. Believe it or not, receiving amazing grades all through high school and college doesn’t mean you’ll have a fabulous job and life. To truly achieve happiness, you must start by doing what you love. Sounds simple, right? Well, it should be, but unfortunately everyone is too preoccupied with having the highest score or rank to focus on their passions. As a society, we must redirect our attention and efforts to doing what we love, rather than what everyone expects us to do. We need to abolish predetermined standards that everyone needs to reach to be considered below average, average or advanced. If you love something, go for it. There’s no point in doing anything that makes you miserable just to make yourself look smarter on an application. It’s time we stop basing our interests off of what college admissions staff and our peers want us to do. Instead, let’s focus on putting our hearts and souls into doing what we adore. Just remember, my grade or class rank shouldn’t matter to you. Your intelligence and skill level have nothing to do with me. If someone else aces the test you bombed, you ARE NOT A FAILURE. In one way or another, you are special. Don’t let anyone’s scores and skills define your worth.

News

NEWS EDITOR LILY DAY ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR ANDREA KLICK

EHS welcomes new assistant principals

Lily Day and Andrea Klick with “moving the district forward with its Miller said. mission and goals and contribute to makOn Aug. 24, the school board anNew Editors ing it the great place that it is.” nounced the hiring of Tabitha Rodriguez. This school year, Emmaus High School The school board named Josh Miller She is scheduled to join the administrawelcomed three new assistant principals: to his astive team on Oct. 23 to oversee Lorie Gamble, Josh Miller and Tabitha signment the 10th grade class, but hopes to Rodriguez. as the 9th “My expectations are that we begin even sooner. The school board approved their hiring grade AP Rodriguez previously worked this summer to replace Matthew Gale, hired three outstanding in early candidates and that they’ll be as a Spanish teacher for 11 years who accepted a job as principal of Central July. Priat Morris Knolls High School in Bucks South High School, Sally Hanzlik, able to hit the ground or to his Rockaway, New Jersey. While who decided to return to teaching history hiring, there, she took on some extra rerunning...” at EHS, and Andrea Edmonds, who will Miller sponsibilities. be leaving EHS to pursue a job as direcserved “I also served as the interim tor of Student Services in the Northwestas a high assistant principal as well at my ern Lehigh School District. Principal David Piperato school current school, Morris Knolls As part of the rearrangement of assism a t h High School,” Rodriguez said. tant principals, Todd Breiner, who was teacher at Pennridge School District and “So my experiences: I’ve taught Spanish the AP for the current sophomore class, later Upper Perkiomen School District from Spanish 1 up to Spanish 3 Honors, will be moving into the position of the for a total of nine years of experience in worked with a lot of students; I also served Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs. the classroom. as the advisor of the National Honor SoThe East Penn School Board hired “I taught intermixed grades with my ciety, so I’ve worked with students both Lorie Gamble at their Aug. 10 meeting. courses, so I taught Algebra I, pre-Algein and outside of the classroom.” She is currently finishing out her position bra, pre-Calculus, geometry... and I did Rodriguez worked toward becoming as assistant principal in the Saucon Valone year in a 9th grade academy at Penan administrator throughout her teaching ley School District, and plans to come to nridge,” Miller said. career, and pictured herself eventually EHS in mid-October to han“They were all great being in an administrative role from the dle the junior class. experiences, I love start. She is currently in her third year of Prior to being an adminworking with kids.” working toward a doctoral degree at East istrator, she taught 9th grade While working as Stroudsburg University. Earth & Space Science at a teacher, administra“Going back to my first year of teaching Northwestern Lehigh High tors mentored Miller is when I started pursuing my career path School for 5 years. When and led him to a career towards becoming an administrator,” she she began her teaching caoutside of the classsaid. “The same way that I love to help reer, Gamble did not picture room. students in the classroom, I wanted to do herself in an administrative “When I first startthe same not just for students but also facrole. This began to change as ed teaching, I wasn’t ulty members and the community.” she took on more leadership really sure if I was goRodriguez said she looks forward to responsibilities at the school, ing to leave the classher time at Emmaus. piquing her interest in becomroom,” Miller said. “I hear that the East Penn School Dising a school administrator. “About five or six trict is one of the best school districts,” “As I grew more comfortyears into it, I got in Rodriguez said, “and just seeing all of able and more confident in my with some really great the different activities and community ability to lead a classroom, I Miller, new 9th Grade AP administrators and some involvement, really seeing how well the wanted to take that further and really good leaders of the school that kind staff works together, and also just getting begin my journey to lead a school.” Gamof pushed me [to become an administrathat sense of community...” contributes to ble said. “I have had phenomenal mentor], and I’m really glad they did. They her optimistic outlook toward joining the tors who helped me reach my goals. As are really great people, really great role East Penn School District. a result of such positive influences, I now models for me, really great educaRodriguez said love helping teachers and students reach tors themselves. They helped me that before maktheir greatest potential and achieve their move forward in my education.” ing major changes, goals.” Although this school year will her first actions as Gamble was drawn to EHS “because be Miller’s first experience in an assistant principal of its focus on academics and strong administrative role at EHS, he is will be “just getting sense of community.” not a stranger to the school. to know the staff, “The goals of the district match re“The funniest thing is that I’ve the students, really ally well with my own personal goals,” actually been an employee of East becoming a part of she said. “I look forward to inspiring and Penn for two years,” Miller said. the school culture empowering staff and students within the “I was actually a football coach and the climate, district to reach their maximum potential. the last two years; I had to resign and based on my As an administrator, it’s a dream to work when I got this position now to be observation of the in a district that has the reputation of East in the building full time, but I’ve administration and Penn/Emmaus.” been on staff with Coach [Randy] the staff, see how Gamble enjoys working with high Cuthbert for the past two years, I can best serve the school students and wants “students to and I got to know a lot of the kids district.” feel proud of their achievements and Rodriguez, new 10th Grade AP in the district ahead of time.” With three new proud to be a part of the school they atOn top of his coaching experi- Photo courtesy of Tabitha Rodriguez members on his adtend.” Although she has never worked at ence, Miller watched sports including ministrative team, Prina school as large as Emmaus, she is looklacrosse, basketball, swimming and field cipal David Piperato seemed optimistic ing forward to her transition to a high hockey at EHS, which he befor the changes this year. school with a biglieves are “just a great aspect of “My hopes are that we can continue ger population. the school as well as the musicals on as seamlessly as possible, and provide “EHS will I’ve heard of that are so great, I both the students and the teachers with the be the 3rd high hope to actually see [one] this services that they are used to from the adschool I have year as well.” ministration,” Piperato said. “My expecworked in and Furthermore, Miller is familiar tations are that we hired three outstanding definitely the with large school districts like candidates and that they’ll be able to hit largest,” Gamble East Penn. the ground running and that they will find said. “I am used “I went to a large district when Emmaus a wonderful place to work; that to working in a I was a student, and my first job they will love our students and that they building of no teaching at Pennridge was a large will have a lot of respect for our faculty.” more than 800 district, just like East Penn in a Piperato is confident that because of students. So far, lot of aspects,” he said. their student-centered attitudes, as well as the high schools Miller says that during his their great backgrounds and work experiI have worked in time as an assistant principal, he ences, the new Assistant Principals “will are academically hopes to see more technology fit in well at Emmaus High School” and successful, comGamble, new 11th Grade AP implemented in EHS, and overall “contribute in a great way.” munity-oriented Photo courtesy of Lorie Gamble he looks forward to working in an “We’re excited to have them come on and filled with administrative position. board and I know they’re excited to be dedicated students, staff and parents. I “I was really happy about the appointhere.” am more than confident Emmaus will be ment here, and I’m glad about coming to similar… just with a lot more people.” this district as an administrator, for sure,” Once at EHS, Gamble wants to help

F SPORTS O R O T I D E G N I G MANA Katie Mest

“Flashcards and Quizlet are your best friends. The more you go over things, the more likely you are to retain the information.” Must-Haves: chapstick and an extra folder

MANAGING EDITO R OF OPINION Sophia Wertz “Do not procrastinate, either for studying for tests, doing papers, or projects because it’s never as good as if you do it little by little.“

We asked some of our s their back to school mus

EDITOR I Colleen G

Must-Haves: water, highlighters, and index cards

MUSIC CRITC Elias Dreisbach “Show up on time so they don’t pester you about being late. They will do that, they are very annoying about it.“

“Make a stu so you can things up in and make con between to

Colleen’s A Must-H flashcard

SPORTS WRITER James Marler “Be yourself, do not let others push you into something you do not want to do.“

staff members to share st-haves, and some advice.

Remember Your: calculator!

MANAGING EDITO R OF CULTURE Will Newbegin

IN CHIEF Grablick

udy guide n break n chunks nnections opics.“

“Try your hardest not to stay up until two every night.“ Must-Haves: headphones

Absolute Have: holder

MANAGING EDITO R OF NEWS Lily Day “Get involved in something you are interested in, and ask upperclassmen what activities they do.“

SPORTS COLUMNI ST Kyle Carraher “Never do a long-term project on the last night. You will regret it.“ Must-Haves: pencils, papers, and deodorant Page design by Rania Draklellis. Reporting done by Izzy Wegner.

THE STINGER

OPINION YOUR THOUGHTS, OURS...

OPINION

September 2015

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

Summer News Report Card

Picture Day Problems By Sophia Wertz In the seventh grade, I forgot about picture day. Somewhere in the blur of Wednesday night’s cross country meet and graded math worksheets, I missed the memo to look presentable come Thursday morning. I walked into school with my secondday hair and my Aeropostale t-shirt. (Yes, it actually said “Aero” on the front. Yes, this brand was quite popular among the Eyer Middle School fashionistas.) But on Thursday, I was the only one sporting Aero even though I was wellaware that six other people owned the same shirt. Somehow, all the boys who would never think to wear button-downs were walking around in polos their moms bought and all the sporty girls traded in their Nike shorts for dresses. Suddenly, I realized the error of my sartorial ways. One frantic phone call to my mom confirmed the obvious. “MOM! I FORGOT ABOUT PICTURE DAY!” To add to my luck, my mother was unable to bring in an appropriate change of clothes, so I was forced to take my pictures in my lazy-day ensemble. I could see the photographer’s judgment and utter disgust as I approached the stool. The knot in my stomach had become an ulcer. I might as well have been a prisoner walking to the electric chair for my execution. She humbled herself enough to offer me a comb. “Here, you need it.” It was insulting, to say the least, but perhaps the least she could do. I shamefully took the come and ran it through my disheveled hair. I don’t remember the rest of the experience. I’m not sure I want to. I got the picture a few weeks later. It wasn’t pretty, but it wasn’t awful. Needless to say, the photo represented the lowest of my lows. (That is, until I went off to high school and tried to deny my Eyer past.) I never forgot picture day again, but I never had a great yearbook picture. I can either blame this on my facial structure or the inability of the photographers to pose me. I’m going to go with the latter over the former. Believe me, senior pictures are a much better experience than yearbook photos. Think of heaven, but in the Emmaus Triangle. Apparently, God now goes by the name of “Wesley Works.” For the first time in my academic career, the photographer actually let me see the picture of my face before it appeared for everyone else to judge. It was respectful enough to indicate, “I value your opinion because you’re a high school senior and therefore almost an adult,” but I could still understand that it really meant, “You’re paying me a lot of money to make you like the pictures, so I will show them to you because I have to.” In writing this column, I realize I will never again have another picture day. I can’t say I’ll miss it, but maybe I’ll think back on it in a few years when my high school years are merely memories. Either way, my seventh-grade picture day makes for a great story.

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

Your Opinions on the Summer’s Trendy Topics

A+

Apple’s release of new emojis

“They’re cool.” Matt Gudonis, grade 12

A+

Supreme Court approves gay

marriage

“It’s 2015.” Hope Rauscher, grade 9

A+

“Go Set a Watchman” released

“The country read “To Kill A Mockingbird,” and we wanted more from Harper Lee. Susan Carville, English teacher

U.S. Women win World Cup

“This year they played Japan and crushed them.” Phoebe Haberstumph, grade 9

“I Am Cait” premieres “It’s another take on the Kardashians.” Tara Wu, grade 11

China’s currency deflation

“It’s bad, but a lot of people overreacted to it.” Tom Warnke, Economics teacher

Math: Inequalities (of Life) By Ying Zheng, Guest Columnist Evaluate the following: 100 > 0, 92 > 100, 0 > 92 From a mathematical standpoint, the above inequalities make absolutely no sense. But they accurately portray the three-step mental struggle students (or at least me) experience before an extremely challenging test. 100 > 0 illustrates the ambitious “I’m-aiming-for-100” stage when the teacher first announces the test. Stage two typically hits the night before the test when the student starts studying. At that moment, the “I’m-justhoping-for-an-A” mindset settles in. Procrastinating until midnight and fighting to stay awake, the last stage befalls on the student who gives up and thinks that “0 > 92” if it means he can go to sleep. Small deviations happen in the last two stages for high-achievers (like me). The “I’m-just-hoping-for-an-A” stage occurs usually after studying sufficiently. The last stage never truly set in. At most, the “0 > 92” mindset serves as an excuse for people (like me) to stop studying (usually after 7+ hours). What can I say? Being at the top of the class (like me), is a lot more work and stress than what most students experience. Based on a similar train of thought, try to evaluate the following: 5 > 0, 2 > 5, 0 > 2 Do not immediately question the possibility of this problem. Unlike my explanation of the first problem, the answer to this problem is only three words long.

Summer Reading: It Gets Better (By an AP Student)

By Chloe Mathieu ,Guest Columnist Freshman year, we are told by upperclassman to brace ourselves for “Great Expectations,” Charles Dickens’ 500-page “literary masterpiece” with a reputation for being anything but great. I still remember struggling through that book, despairing as I realized that despite reading for hours I was only half-way through the novel. As a senior looking back on four years of high school summer reading assignments, I have great news for any underclassmen reading this right now; “Great Expectations” is the pinnacle of terrible summer reading books. Students typically find themselves enjoying summer reading books as years pass. For example, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is held in high esteem by almost every student Golding’s investigation into human nature in “Lord of the Flies,” Fitzgerald’s views of social class and love in “The Great Gatsby,” and Gaines’ powerful assessments of 1960s racism in “A Lesson Before Dying” all also cause those books to stand out as great summer reads. The students at Emmaus High School need not lose hope after freshman year. When your summer assignment seems too horrible to continue, remember that the next book you pick up for English class just might end up becoming one of your new favorites.

Culture

THE STINGER | September 2015

CULTURE Rachel-ly Diverse Lessons in Legally Blonde

By Rachel McQuiston For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved Legally Blonde. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched this 2001 Reese Witherspoon classic, even if I tried. Yet it wasn’t until recently that I realized how insightful the movie’s theme actually is, and how it can guide me through my junior year of high school. At first glance, Legally Blonde looks like chick-flick with a naive sorority girl as the main character. Given a closer look, many important life lessons and morals can be found through Elle Woods’ adventure through law school. I no longer see it as just a humorous comedy but instead as a film with an empowering message and a strong female lead. The movie starts off with Elle, a rich sorority girl, who plans to marry her boyfriend and love of her life, Warner. However, the plot takes a turn when Warner breaks up with Elle, instead of proposing to her, because she isn’t “smart” enough for him or his family name. Elle spends a good amount of the movie getting accepted into Harvard Law School, where Warner attends, and proving herself to him in order to win him back. By the end, Elle realizes that she can do anything she puts her mind to, despite her appearance as a stereotypical “dumb blonde.” The movie stresses the unfairness of stereotypes in modern society, especially young women. Most of the students at Harvard Law School, particularly Warner and his snobby girlfriend Vivian, see Elle as an unintelligent sorority chick who does not belong at law school. At the end of the movie, however, Elle wins the case for the law firm where she interns, proving her peers wrong. Despite the “dumb blonde” label, she pursues her dreams with intensity. Though hackneyed the message may be, Elle Woods’ story serves as one to learn from, which is what I plan on doing as I begin my junior year. Entering this school year, I hope to avoid the cycle of ignorant stereotypes. Legally Blonde teaches us a great deal about standards. Elle didn’t live up to Warner’s expectations, and so she did everything in her power to please him, instead of herself. Although she ended up really enjoying law school, her initial intentions were solely to impress her exboyfriend. From this, Legally Blonde demonstrates the importance of realizing that just because you don’t measure up to someone’s standards, that doesn’t mean that you aren’t good enough. The only opinion of yourself that truly matters is your own, and this lesson applies to many everyday situations in the atmosphere of high school. Hard work is a major component of the movie, as Elle consistently works to achieve her goal of getting into law school. Most didn’t peg Elle as an intelligent young lady, but all are proved wrong when she passes her LSATs. She knew that by studying hard, even if that meant missing her favorite frat parties, she could break out of her stereotype and leave behind conformity by attending Harvard. That is proof that working hard will always get you somewhere, no matter how many people have their doubts, which is something I aspire to achieve this year. By focusing and being diligent with my time, I assume junior year will become much less of a burden. Elle is a strong and independent heroine, and every time I decide to rewatch Legally Blonde, I aspire to be more and more like her. Now, I know that while cozying up to some Reese Witherspoon it is tempting to see her character as a fun and spunky sorority chick, however, in reality Elle is fierce girl who is unfazed by the stereotype that society puts upon her for her blonde hair and love for the color pink. Legally Blonde tells a story of self discovery and recognition of one’s inner abilities, and encourages everyone to explore their internal potential.

7 C U LT U R E E D I T O R W I L L I A M N E W B E G I N 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

Back-to-back: An ode to the meekest beef ever

William Newbegin Culture Editor Musical beefs are nothing new. Just take, for example, Neil Young vs. Lynyrd Skynyrd; Oasis vs. Blur; Tupac vs. Biggie; and even Tyler, The Creator vs. Australia-and yes, I mean the country. Their catalysts vary, with everything from egos to brief snarky comments serving as the spark to the fire. After all, musicians are quite passionate.Yet, as Nicki Minaj showed at the most recent VMAs ceremony, it seems as if nowadays, musical beefs are as commonplace as mediocre baroque pop. Thanks, Lana Del Rey. But all jokes and a potential Miley-Minaj feud aside, chances are they won’t overcome this year’s most prominent clashing of artists, featuring two household names in hip-hop. Both artists have made headlines for major releases so far this year, with one more on the way from one of them. Even the mildest of hip-hop fans know their names, and about their fight. Ladies and Gentleman, I present to you Aubrey Graham vs. Rahmeek Williams, or Drake vs. Meek Mill for short. Both garnered attention in 2015 by dropping their respective projects Dreams Worth More Than Money and If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, with both earning positive critical reception. As fate would have it, one of the most successful singles off of Dreams, “R.I.C.O,” featured Drake. The single, though relatively short, peaked at 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, and helped Dreams gain popularity. But speaking of short, there’s not a better way to describe the petty fighting that these two artists graced us with during the summer of ‘15. But why “petty?” Didn’t it produce one of this summer’s better rap tracks? Well, yeah. There’s that. But ignore that for now. “Petty” is appropriate because the whole onesided debacle all started with a tweet, or the lack thereof, depending on how you look at it. “Stop comparing Drake to me,” said Philly-based rapper Meek Mill on July 21st. “He don’t write his own raps. That’s why he ain’t tweet my album because we found out!” Uh-oh. Grab some popcorn and strap in everyone, this one’s gonna be a doozy. Throughout that night, Meek Mill continued with a string of tweets bashing the Toronto-based rapper, and the internet soon set on fire. Shaky accusations and defenses for and against Drake flooded Twitter with immense force. Even the most

minor hip-hop fans weighed in with their again including the infamous Norm Kelly. two cents -- Is writing your own raps all From an objective standpoint however, that important? How do we know Meek things looked bleak for the rapper from isn’t bluffing? Don’t I have anything bet- Toronto. His originality and creativity had ter to do than write rhetorical questions on been called into question, and his attempt at social media? a response had fallen flat on its face. What The reaction wasn’t just limited to the was he to do? It seemed only a comeback general Twitter-verse either though; rap- of monumental proportions could save pers Rick Ross, Roscoe Dash, and Lupe him at that point. But as fate would have Fiasco as well as producers Noah Shebib it, Drake did just that. on July 31, “Back and Boi-1da came to the defense of Drake to Back” was released, successfully set(though Ross later deleted his tweet). ting the music world ablaze. Through an “Ghostwriting, or borrowing lines, or ominous-sounding beat, intense delivery taking suggestions from the room has al- excellent lyricism, the perfect storm of a ways been in rap and [always will],” said diss track was concocted. Even the song’s Lupe Fiasco in an Instagram post soon af- name and single art played into the diss. ter Mill’s first tweet had been posted. It featured an image of Joe Carter, a thenEven Toronto’s outfielder for the Toronto own Norm Kelly, Blue Jays, hitting a walk a city councillor, off home run in Game found his own way Six of the 1993 World to break the interSeries to secure back-tonet. In defense of back championships for Drake, he tweeted the Jays. But what’s so “You’re no longer meaningful about that? welcome in ToronCarter’s home run came to, @MeekMill.” against none other than In short, the tweet the Philadelphia Phillies divided hip-hop -- the team from Meek fans of all kinds Mill’s hometown. on Twitter. Some From then on, the beef backed Meek, was ultimately one-sided. bashing Drake as Mill posted a responding a “fake” or “soft” Cover art of the digital downloadable “Back diss track entitled “Wanrapper without the to Back,” Image courtesy of Reddit.com na Know,” which failed edge that a rapper miserably in the eyes of “needs,” while others claimed that Meek many, while Drake went on to continue to Mill was jealous of Drake’s enormous suc- slam the Phillybased rapper both directly cess and popularity. and subliminally. His antics became comiYet the question lingering on everyone’s cal, including wearing a “Free Meek Mill” minds was the same: shirt at his performances, laughing at the How can Drizzy even respond to such rapper with famous friends, and performa claim? ing “Back-to-back” with edited images of Would it be with a tweet? A diss track? Mill as the backdrop. Nothing at all? The hiphop community Yet as is the case for all fights, there patiently waited for a signal from Drake’s has to be a winner and a loser, and on Aug. camp. 12, Meek Mill waved his white flag. Well, Then, on July 25, in the form of the diss kind of. Through a lengthy Instagram post, track “Charged Up,” the 6God answered Meek Mill stated his reasons for calling an the people’s prayers. Sort of. end to the fight, but then deleted the post The track came through with a few solid shortly after. Drake called out Mill for his lines, like “I did some charity today for apology, but after that, their beef tailored the kids / But I’m used to it cause all ya’ll off abruptly. But really, how fitting was it charity cases,” in reference to Drake’s fea- for the fight to end as quickly as it started? ture on R.I.C.O. Yet overall, the song was And as messily? rather disappointing. Meek Mill took the All in all, though the saga of the two rapopportunity to sling more mud over Twit- pers was short lived, it will surely stick in ter once again, calling the track “Baby lo- the minds of hip-hop heads for some time. tion soft.” “I can tell he wrote that 1 tho,” And as for everyone else, let’s hear three he added. Still, Drake’s devoted fan base cheers for all musical mayhem to come. actively supported him on Twitter, once

Scott makes the cut: Sex, Drugs, and Rodeo Michael Gallagher members of his record label, GOOD MuCulture Contributor sic. This included producing multiple beats Rodeo is the debut studio album from and a feature on the label’s debut compilaHouston rapper Jacques Webster, better tion album Cruel Summer in 2013. During known by his stage name Travis Scott (or this time, he released his debut mixtape, his alias, “La Flame”). The album was re- Owl Pharaoh, followed by a second projleased Sept. 4 by Grand Hustle Records ect in 2015 entitled Days Before Rodeo. and Epic Records. Through these works, Scott positioned Scott started his career producing beats himself as the vanguard of his own subdiand making music with various friends, vision of trap music, with a heavier emphareleasing his sis on lo-fi, reverb-heavy, dreamlike music indepeneffects. dently before As indicated by the title of the latesteemed rapter mixtape, Rodeo had been in plans per T.I. disfor a significant amount of time, with covered him, two singles dropped in anticipation of and eventually, an LP during the spring, “Antidote” Kanye West. As and “3500.” After multiple delays, a result, Scott fans were finally given closure during began to work midsummer, Scott announced the title heavily with of the project along with album art Anthony Kil- Rodeo Album Cover. Image Cour- and a tracklist, featuring notable acts hoffer, West’s such as The Weeknd, Young Thug, tesy of d Slumz-boxdem.com sound engineer. and Kanye West. This skyrocketed Kilhoffer opened the door for Scott to mul- the hype surrounding the album, and curitiple collaborations with West and other osity for the album’s sound enticed many a

hip-hop fan. On first listen, this album can seem very shallow. Many of the tracks seem to personify the cliches of modern rap music: money, drugs, and women. But after multiple listens, it becomes obvious that Scott was well aware of the subject matter that he handled. This is where the concept of the eponymous “rodeo” comes into play. This “rodeo” references symbolizes the tests Scott has and will have to go through to reach the top of his respective field and maintain his composure, being knocked around by sex and drugs like the bucking of a cowboy’s horse. This perspective is revealed throughout the album through occasional narratives from T.I., describing Scott’s rise to fame in an fictional manner. This resembles the narration on Kid Cudi’s album Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager, which comes as no surprise as Scott has named Cudi as one of his major influences. To read the rest of Mike’s review, go to www.stingerehs.com

Sports Beloved track coach resigns after 9 years

SPORTS EDITOR KATIE MEST ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR ABBY MOORE

Katie Mest Sports Editor

What started out as a normal cross country meet last week ended up turning into a last farewell for Emmaus High School runners and their coach. That’s because the cross country team got a surprise visit when track coach and English teacher Shannon Petrunak came to the Lehigh Parkway on Sept. 22 to cheer on her former runners. Senior Cassidy Leight, who has been a part of the track team for three years, said she appreciated the continued support of her coach. “I was so happy to see her,” said Leight. “And I was really surprised, too. I thought she had already left for Pittsburgh.” Petrunak recently resigned from her teaching position at Emmaus and was poised to take maternity leave in October; however, a premature arrival date of her newborn son forced her to take an early leave in the beginning of September. Petrunak and her husband are relocating to western Pennsylvania, where she will be teaching English at Forest Hills High School. Petrunak has taught at Emmaus for nine years, coaching the track team for seven of those years and assistant coaching for two. But in addition to her coaching and teaching, Petrunak became known in the community for her work to spearhead four Shave for the Brave fundraisers at the high school. She was featured on several news outlets as students, teachers, community members and others offered up their heads and wallets to raise awareness for childhood cancers -- and in the process Emmaus’ Shave for the Brave raised more than $175,000 for kids’ cancer research with Petrunak at the helm. During each of the events, men and women of all ages came together and shaved their heads in the EHS gymnasium filled with supporters. Througout the months leading up to the shave, the volunteer shavees raised money, and on the day of the event all of the funds were tallied. In March of 2015, the event raised over $50,000, exceeding the goal Petrunak set. She began the event when her mother was diagnosed with cancer. She wanted to find a way that she could shave her head along with her mother undergoing chemotherapy and help the cause. When she came across the St. Baldrick Foundation, she decided to make it a community event, inviting families in the area that have been affected by childhood cancer. As track coach, she encouraged her team to volunteer and even shave their own heads. She impacted her athletes in a way that stretched far beyond the track, and Petrunak says that is one of her

proudest moments. “My biggest accomplishment is related to relationships,” said Petrunak. “I’m most proud of the team I’ve helped transform into the ‘Track Fam’ so many kids feel a part of. “I cherish hearing that joining the track team was someone’s best decision, that I’ve inspired student athletes to push themselves both on and off the track, that everything about track makes kids happy, and that I lead by example, supporting kids win or lose.” Leight, who has known Petrunak since middle school cross country, witnessed firsthand the impression that Petrunak left on her athletes. “She’s caring, for sure,” said Leight. “She’s ambitious, because she always pushed both teams to perform to their highest ability. She’s also invested, because her team was basically her life for three months.” Five years ago Petrunak started a youth track camp during the summer to get kids of all ages engaged in the sport she loves. In 2014 she received the honor of Coach of the Year from The Morning Call. Junior Katrina Durrwachter recognized the amount of effort Petrunak has put into the team. Petrunak visits the cross country team at the Lehigh Parkway. (Top) “She always encouraged During 2013 Shave for the Brave Petrunak offered up her own hair. (Bottom) us to put in work,” said der bets at championships, thrilling 4x400m relay races, Durrwachter. “She was always super happy for you if you had a good day and and exciting trips to states at Shippensburg.” Petrunak and her husband are both originally from your hard work paid off.” “I have many great memories from the past seven the area to where she is relocating. years,” said Petrunak. “There have been countless inside jokes, bus sing-alongs after JV meets, chicken ten-

Butz sets national record as Sholder hits 100 goals Continued from page 1 Butz-Stavin began her field hockey career coaching the middle school back when she student-taught in 1974. She then took a teaching position in Australia and got the opportunity to coach field hockey and numerous other sports there. Once she came back to the States, Emmaus was looking for a field hockey coach. Since her mother was a field hockey official, the high school contacted her, asking if Butz-Stavin would be in-

terested in the position. After three or four phone calls, she reluctantly accepted. Eventually, she became tired of the teaching and decided to focus on the sport she loved. This year marks her 40th year as coach. She has seen many great athletes come through the program throughout the years, and a couple even came back to visit her on her big night. She looked out into the crowd and greeted her former players by name, noting the year that they graduated and picking out those who were a part of state championship

The field hockey team celebrates with Butz-Stavin after victory. Photo by Nicholas Hofke.

teams. “I love working with the girls,” said Butz-Stavin. “You get attached. Not only attached to when they graduate, but also when they come into the program. I like seeing their lives and seeing them now raising families.” As of Sept. 19 Butz-Stavin increased her number of wins to 844, with a 5-1 win over Parkland.