November 2016
Volume 50 Issue 3
Mrs. Hujsa’s students join the journalism students to spend time with Frankie in the classroom. This marks another successful Frankie Friday.
Photo: Karla Erdman
Learning with Frankie
What are your favorite Thanksgiving Day foods?
“Potatoes because they taste good” Alfredo Suarez, fr eshman
“Turkey because it’s delicious and there’s a lot of it” Jakub Szemiako, sophomor e
“Gravy because without gravy everything is bland” Shannon Callaghan, junior
A dog that knows how to make you smile Juliana Maffea Web and Centerspread Editor
Some students need more help than others when it comes to feeling comfortable in class, and what better way to get comfortable by having a dog in class? Mrs. Karla Erdman, English and journalism teacher, brings her dog Frankie to school every other Friday. Frankie, a therapy dog, knows many tricks and works very hard to please his handler and students at Freedom High School. Frankie is good at warming the hearts of the students. In order for Frankie to be allowed at Freedom, he attends classes at Hope Lock Kennels. His training started in March 2015, and he is now in the advanced classes. In July 2016 he was certified as a therapy dog Mrs. Bridget Hujsa brings her students to Mrs. Erdman’s class during three blocks. “There was an issue in one of our classes, and last Friday, it was kind of at its head. When the students walked [into Mrs. Erdman’s class] you could almost feel them calm down,” said Mrs. Hujsa, special education teacher. Not all schools are able to have dogs in classrooms. In fact, this is the first for Freedom. In August, Mrs. Erdman and Mrs. Hujsa approached the administration
about Frankie attending on a regular basis for student support. Since this was a new concept, Mr. LaPorta and Ms. Leeson needed to establish some guidelines to allow Frankie in the classroom. The main concern was that some students could react differently to seeing the therapy dog, while others could be allergic to dogs. “It wasn’t a hard decision. It was more of us going over the ‘what ifs’,” said Ms. Leeson, assistant principal for curriculum. Thus, Frankie is only permitted in Mrs. Erdman’s classroom. He will not be seen wandering around the school because of the unknown factor of allergies and fear. In fact, Mrs. Erdman surveys her students and Mrs. Hujsa’s students prior to Frankie’s first day. This ensures that students in those classes are not allergic. Moreover, students are not forced to interact with Frankie; however, seeing Frankie smile can win over most people. When people think of therapy dogs in classes, they think of kids not paying attention to the teacher because they are too focused on the dog. They picture the students not getting good grades or participating in class. However, depending on the student, Frankie encourages the students to try harder and feel comfortable enough to speak out in class.
Photo: Karla Erdman
On “Frankie Fridays,” Mrs. Erdman’s sophomore honors English students usually take a test. Mrs. Erdman set that up, so that Frankie can wander the room in order to lessen students’ testing anxiety. Students can pet Frankie while they are testing, and sometimes Frankie finds a student to sit next to during the class. Frankie is not only there to help calm the students; he is also there to help them overcome their fears. Bethany Czuba, junior, was afraid of dogs and horses, but being around Frankie and watching him do his tricks has allowed her to defeat her fear of dogs. Now, she walks him outside with Mrs. Erdman, and she plays fetch with Frankie, all with a smile on her face. “I think dogs or pets in general help to reduce the level of anxiety,” said Mrs. Hujsa.
Student Council feud causing unrest
FHS Alum: Where are they now?
Fact-checking Thanksgiving norms
Freedom Football 2016 City Champs
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Freedom High School - 3149 Chester Avenue - Bethlehem, PA 18020 - www.FHSForum.com - @FHSForum
Celebrating 50 years of serving the Freedom community
2 News
The Forum
November 2016
Reliving America’s darkest times What are your favorite Thanksgiving Day foods?
“Lasagna because of the layers” Josh Garcia, senior
The JFK Assassination and Pearl Harbor Jalen Stewart Journalism Student
On the final days of November and early days of December two of the most tragic events in U.S history took place. The JFK assassination and Pearl Harbor devastated America, and to this day both are talked about in history books. This year will mark the 75th anniversary since the Pearl Harbor attacks. The attacks took place on Dec. 7,1941. At the time, this was the worst attack on U.S soil. It all started at 8:10 a.m., when an 1,800-pound Japanese torpedo slammed into the side of the USS Arizona, thus causing a huge explosion and later for the battleship to sink. This was the fate for most of the battleships at Pearl Harbor. Four battleships sank, but all were badly damaged. As a result of the horrific scene, on Dec. 8, 1941 the U.S declared war on
Japan. Three days later, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States. America had at last joined World War II. After Pearl Harbor, for the first time the country came together and fought the world war as one. The 35th president, John F. Kennedy was assassinated on Nov. 22, 1963. This was another tragic event for Americans. Kennedy was killed in Dallas, Texas by Lee Harvey Oswald. He was coming down the street in an open roof car when he was shot from a sixth-floor window. Immediately, he was rushed to the hospital and was later pronounced dead. This shocked America as the news started to spread. Later in the day, Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested for the murder of J.D Tippit and John F Kennedy. The next day while Oswald was transferring jails, he was murdered by an an-
President John F. Kennedy, moments before he was assassinated. Photo: Wikipedia
gered Jack Ruby, a Dallas nightclub owner. This left many to speculate if he really killed Kennedy. Two days later, on Nov. 25, John F Kennedy was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, in Washington D.C. Pearl Harbor and JFK’s assassination were two of the most devastating events in American history, but during the darkest times America came together and mourned as one and overcame as one.
Donald Trump takes the lead
Analysis of the election
Clinton grabbed the attention of millennials by sponsoring #I’mWithHer snapchat filters. Numerous students at It is most wonderful Freedom High School are voting for their first time "The stuffing inside the turkey because time of the (election) year. Social media is in this election. One student you only get it once a year” squalor; family memwho voiced his opinion Mr. Rob Petrosky, bers are arguing, and was Joe Young. Business teacher friends turn against “I think Hillary will win, friends. That is correct, mostly because she’s not a today is Election Day! racist. I’m really just Currently, it is noon. against Donald Trump,” PLEASE ACCEPT My job is to record my said Young, senior. THE FORUM’S APOLOGY expectations of the His thoughts exemplify Presidential Election. the ideals among millenniIn the October 2016 Edition, a name Photo: Rachel Black Furthermore, despite als. This election year, and a place were spelled incorrectly. my personal political young people are concerned FHS Student: views, my best inference is that Secre- about the treatment of people of color. Ashley Adames tary Clinton is going to win the votes The “Black Lives Matter” versus “All of the majority of the United States’ Lives Matter” protests foreshadowed The East Hills housing development registered voters. Since Clinton an- the lack of camaraderie between peowas accidentally changed to East Hills nounced she was running for office in ple of color and white conservatives. Middle School April 2015, she has appealed to the United States’ LGBT community. In Post-Election We apologize for the errors. addition, Clinton has appealed to LatiIn the race to the White House, If you notice errors in The Freedom no/Hispanic Americans by offering Clinton ended up with 228 electoral Forum, please email us at: campaign Tweets in both English and votes, but Donald Trump beat her to FHSForum@gmail.com. Spanish. To top things off, Senator the 270; he topped out at a whopping Rachel Black The Freedom Forum
279. The reactions of Americans have been exponentially varied, to say the least. “I’m incredibly disappointed in America,” shared sophomore Alexis Franz, “and I’m ashamed to be both an American and a Pennsylvanian.” Franz’s words are synonymous with the complaints of millions of disappointed citizens. On the other hand, Trump supporters are enthusiastic for what the next four years will hold. After the consecutive losses of John McCain and Mitt Romney, the Republican Party has been thirsty for a conservative president for eight years. Freedom senior Alexander Pantaleo shared his insight on his party’s triumph. “Donald Trump had the media, Hollywood, and the Clinton's money against him, and still managed to win, I am very proud to be an American!” Evidently, the 2016 presidential election has been one for the history books. Although Clinton classily persevered through the email server scandal, Trump nonetheless came out with a big win.
Separating Supermodels and “It” Girls What are the differences? Madison McTier The Freedom Forum
What is the difference between a supermodel and an it girl? A supermodel can be defined as a successful fashion model who has reached the status of a celebrity. An Instagram model or “it girl” is someone who has a high social media following because of their looks. So what is the difference? Recently people have been confusing the two and I think both myself and the rest of the modeling community would like to clear this up. An Instagram model is not a supermodel. This argument has caused quite a divide in the modeling community. Real legendary supermodels like Naomi Campbell or Kate Moss did not rely on social media to become fa-
mous, mostly because they could not. They could only rely on their hard work to get them where they are today… Two of the biggest models in the world. “I mean, good luck to them. I just feel my generation of women, like Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Claudia [Schiffer], we had to earn our stripes and take our stepping stones to get to where we have gotten, to accomplish what we have achieved to this date. I kind of feel like, 'My God, we've worked so hard and we are still working at it, then it just comes like that for them," said Campbell. Another famous model Rebecca Romijn, a former Victoria's Secret model turned actress, stated that it was quite frustrating to not only her but many other legitimate fashion icons. She believes that they are not true super-
models and has also said “easy come, easy go” when speaking about Instagram models or “it girls.” Vogue, one of the biggest and most influential fashion magazines has somewhat been falling to the wayside in people's eyes as Anna Wintour, editor and chief of Vogue, has begun to just hand out a Vogue cover to just about anyone. As Vogue was seen as setting the standard people are disappointed that fashion magazines are supporting this trend and letting social media stars set style standards. Models like Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss, Cara Delevingne, and Jourdan Dunn can be seen as Instagram models or “it girls” that have somehow squeezed their way front and center. Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner have received the most criticism. Kendall Jenner just landed her first
American cover of Vogue in September and people were not happy to say the least. People have stated that a reality star should not be on the cover of Vogue and I can't help but agree. The cover of Vogue is a milestone for any true model, but it's starting to become a handout. The tag #ripVogue was trending after the cover dropped and many canceled their subscription. People just agreed that success should come from your talent not your family and social status. In the end I think we can all agree that we should keep the it girl Instagram models and the supermodels separated. You don't associate NFL players with your dad’s football game buddies he plays to on the weekends. So let's leave the iconism where it belongs, with true supermodels. I think everyone in the fashion community would benefit.
November 2016
The Forum
3 Editorials
Student Council feud leaves students unhappy Is everyone being represented in the best way possible? Lauren Abel The Freedom Forum
Every week throughout the school year, Freedom High School (FHS) Student Council gathers in the morning before school to discuss past and upcoming events going on at Freedom. While it is known that any student, no matter what grade, can attend, some people still feel that their opinions are not heard. At each meeting an agenda is given out for everyone to look over. The agendas are also available in Mrs. Webb’s room, room 127. The agenda lists events and topics that the Student Council helped plan and or had a part in. Each class gets a chance to speak and everyone does contribute. Alex Pantaleo, the student body president, presents the topics and ideas to the group and then opens the floor to any questions or comments that they might have. All input is taken, even from people that do not attend these meetings. “There are some new students that show up occasionally, but it is usually
the same students that show up every week. There are definitely a lot of other types of students that do not show up to the meetings,” said Morgan Weaver, the student body vice president The main topic of debate is that not everyone is represented, however if there is no effort to attend these meetings then nothing will be changed. “We’re accepting to everyone,” said Morgana Staba, Student Council member, when asked about everyone being represented. The reason for people not attending Student Council meetings varies from the time being too early in the morning to the idea that not enough friend groups are showing up. Student Council is not a “hang out” time, but a time for bettering student involvement and planning out how the school can make events better for everyone. “I feel like more student involvement incentives would help to bring more people to the meetings,” said Jared Dowling, the freshman class president. While Student Council does do eve-
rything in their power to incorporate all people, it is in others’ opinions that they often fall short. Veray Darby, senior, feels as though Student Council does not represent all students because even though there are people who present ideas for everyone, they are not listened to. “I think they should Photo: FHS Student Council make more involve- FHS Student Council ments rather than just the group that attends, by having the first as not being heard,” Darby said. block teachers more involved by makIt is understood that there are some ing announcements,” Darby said things that can be changed with StuIt is hard to incorporate all students’ dent Council in order to involve more ideas, especially when they cannot of the school, but there does have to attend the meetings. There is a clear be effort from both sides. The argudivide between the students because ment about Student Council started of ideas not being heard. more of a problem than a solution. For “The meetings are inconvenient for more information, ask any Student people without transportation. A lot of Council member about meeting dates people are in one (friend) group and and times. cars are not accessible, leading to ide-
Cyber schooling: Is it worth the risks? A closer look at cyber vs. public school education Alexis Franz The Freedom Forum
As cyber schooling has become a more popular and widely available alternative to the classic brick and mortar school, such as Freedom, it is not uncommon to know someone who has cyber education experience. What have their experiences really been like? It seems many end up coming full circle and re-enrolling in Freedom but why is it that cyber school is not working out? When speaking to students such as Alexys Ortiz or Caitlin Kennedy there are many similarities in their stories. Things such as lack of motivation combined with the leniency in due
dates and the classes requiring a timeconsuming amount of work were all points that stood out. This shows how easy it is to simply not do the work needed. This attitude results in students not graduating, graduation dates being pushed back, or a lot of rushing and poor grades if the student is able to catch up in time. These things all cause cyber students a lot of stress, leading to a negative connection with schoolwork, thus even less motivation for school. Though what happens after they register for online education seems similar, students transfer to cyber for many different reasons. Some say it is simply because
they do not enjoy Freedom. Caitlin Kennedy, senior, said she felt she was “wasting her time.” Other students such as Emily Dziak, senior, decided cyber school would be a good option for them based on the amount of time they regularly miss from a school like Freedom, because of traveling for a sport. Dziak transferred to Bethlehem Area School District (BASD) cyber from Freedom at the beginning of the second semester of her sophomore year. She had her mind set on using cyber school as a way to advance her snowboarding career, hoping to have access to school work while traveling for competitions in places like Colorado, Canada, and Slovenia. While she was enrolled in the face-to
-face Freedom courses, Dziak would need weeks to make up the work she missed while traveling. However, the cyber courses allowed her to work ahead before she left or take the work with her if she so chose. Though she had her heart set on making cyber school her perfect option, even she struggled to stay on pace and earn her credits. Some reasoning from Mr. Christian Lynde, guidance counselor, would be to sit down with family and discuss real reasons for transferring prior to making the decision. He says many students complain of classes being too distracting, the work is too hard and the school schedule having too much structure. Lynde says these are all things that may be able to be talked through as opposed to leaving the school all together and guidance counselors are always there to help. Screenshot: Gabriela Greenhoward
Cleaning up Freedom High School Zooming in on the Environmental Awareness Team Analisa Jeffries Web and Centerspread Editor
Taking a walk through the halls of Freedom High School (FHS), a student may notice the blue recycling bins with a green sheet above. These bins, put in place by Freedom’s Environmental Awareness Team, or F.E.A.T., are just one of the programs that this club has initiated to clean up the high school. “F.E.A.T. is responsible for collecting all recyclables gathered in the bins distributed throughout the school [and] maintaining the upkeep of the courtyard,” said Shaelynn Curran,
senior. The 15 members currently involved in this club work hard during the school year to ensure that FHS is staying environmentally aware. The green sheets provide a list of items that are able and should be recycled. These signs are not only meant to help a student know what he or she should recycle at school, but also what they should recycle at home. F.E.A.T. goes beyond the classroom to ensure that FHS students are assisting in cleaning up the world. Furthermore, the environmental club also learns about different environ-
mental topics in preparation for the Environthon competition, according to Mr. Eric Baltz, science teacher. Every Tuesday and Thursday, FHS recycles all of the items put in the recycling bins said Mr. Baltz. As of now, the club is smaller than it has been in the past, according to Curran, but the club still does its best to keep FHS looking great. Students are encouraged to take part in helping keep the school clean, and also continue recycling. Not only does F.E.A.T. work towards a cleaner school, but so do all of the staff members. Those who monitor the cafeterias during lunches always encourage and
ensure that the students take responsibility and throw their trash away. Thus providing for a cleaner cafeteria and school. Thanks to the F.E.A.T. and the support of FHS staff and Photo: Analisa Jeffries students, the school can be a cleaner, thus happier and safer environment.
4 Editorials The Freedom Forum A publication of Freedom High School Bethlehem Area School District
The Forum
Challenging the gender norms this November No Shave November: Sexist or not? Bailey Navin Journalism Student
3149 Chester Avenue Bethlehem PA, 18020 (610) 867-5843 www.FHSForum.com
Editor-in-Chief Gabriella Greenhoward News Editor Maya White Editorial Editor Josh Christiansen Pates’ Post Editor Kerilyn Kipp Entertainment Editor Hayley Guzzo Center Spread Editor Juliana Maffea Analisa Jeffries Sports Editor T.J. Schaeffer Web Editor Juliana Maffea Analisa Jeffries Assistant Editors Bridalia Tatlow Bryce Kollar
Chuck Tichy Adviser Karla Erdman Principal Mr. Michael LaPorta Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy For our editorial statement and correction policy, please go to www.fhsforum.com/about.html Any photo that is not directly credited is from Microsoft Office. Follow us on Twitter, send us an email, and visit our website! @fhsforum, #fhsforum fhsforum@gmail.com www.fhsforum.com
L-R: Mr. William Cecchini, Mrs. Holly DeNofa, Mr. Michael LaPorta, Ms. Maureen Leeson, and Mr. Michael DiBilio
Photo: Christmas City Studios
November 2016
“No-Shave November,” also known as Movember, is a month for men to grow out their beards and mustaches for men’s prostate cancer. There have been many comments about NoShave November and if it is sexist or not. Many women believe it is sexist, No-Shave but some men November, No think otherwise. matter what your Throughout this gender is. month, women dePhoto: Makayla Kinsella, The Daily UW cide to stand up to the standards that they must live up to, rebelling against the regular issues they face in society. Breast cancer awareness is typically related to No-Shave November, yet breast cancer awareness does not tell men they cannot wear pink
while No-Shave November does not include women. Yes, women cannot get prostate cancer, and men do not typically get breast cancer, but that does not stop men from promoting breast cancer awareness. However, during November women get shamed for participating in this awareness. All that No-Shave November does is promote awareness for prostate cancer, yet men are making it seem sexist by saying that women should only stick to their role in society. There are many posts from both women and men sharing their thoughts about women participating in No-Shave November, and it was utterly disappointing. Some of the women agreed with the men that women should stick to their role and not differ from their standards, while other women were fighting against the norm and not shaving their legs for a month. Throughout the last couple years, the feminist movement has been blooming. For example, Lina Esco is an activist
for “Free The Nipple” campaign that she started in 2010, and Adwoa Aboah is the creator of “Gurls Talk.” These women have been working hard to change the rules of women and to get the younger generation doing something to change the image of a woman in society. From a standpoint of a girl who feels the pressures of society to look a certain way and do all these things to feel “loved,” it can be difficult to do so. No woman should feel that she must shave, change the way she looks, or even be treated with disrespect by men or other women. No Shave November is portrayed only for men because women are told they cannot rebel against the standards that they must follow in this world. Why is it that a man must tell a woman that she can not participate in an awareness activity for men’s health, just because it is for men’s health? This essentially relays the message that women cannot support the awareness of a male illness.
Black Friday 2016; total bust or total must Is Black Friday shopping this year worth it? Keri Kipp Pates Post Editor
It is that time again as the annual holiday shopping season has arrived. Shoppers all around the world will be in full swing. After finishing their Thanksgiving dinner, they will be out the door that night on the hunt for the best deals available. Black Friday begins on Nov. 25, 2016 and some stores are beginning their sales as early as 5 p.m. that night. The stores that are involved in this crazy “holiday” include Sam's Club, Walmart, Best Buy, Hallmark, Target, ToysRUs, and many more. Since the year of 2011, there has been a total of 7 deaths and over 100 reported injuries that are all in response to the craziness that comes from this event. Some of these incidents include a crash that killed a teenage girl who fell asleep at the wheel from being overly exhausted waiting for sales to be released that whole night. Along with an employee at
the same sales on a different day? “I hate having to leave my family on Black Friday, but I feel the need that I have to go. Otherwise, I will not be able to afford anything when Christmas comes to town,” said Aimee Teller, New Jersey citizen. Some popular brands have been starting up newer sales on the Saturday before Christmas, Walmart during Black Friday Photo: Keri Kipp rewarding this day as “Super Sale Saturday.” This day has dropped Target being knocked down at the doors the Black Friday sales tremendously as and being stampeded over killing him no one has to leave their families alone instantly. on Thanksgiving and they can still get It may be difficult to decide which is those top deals of the year. more important, staying with the family The holiday season is right around the on Thanksgiving day and enjoying the corner and it is all up to your personal time you have, or going out to purchase preference as to what day you would things for the family to give to them at like to get your deals for the records on. Christmas, which will make them smile. Just remember to stay safe and have a However, in recent years, Black Fri- great time. day has lost its craze. Why have to Happy shopping on your holiday venleave the family at a memorable mo- tures. ment when you can go shopping with
Letting the creative juices flow this month
National Novel Writing and Blog Posting Month Hayley Guzzo Entertainment Editor
Each month is known for its own holidays; Valentine’s Day in February, Christmas in December, and Thanksgiving in November. However, there is more to November than just the famous turkey day. For those who did not know, November is National Novel Writing and Blog Posting Month. This month is dedicated to the passionate and opinionated writers all over the country. National Novel Writing month is an internet-based creative writing project that takes place during the entire month of November. It challenges new and experienced writers to write 50,000 words, which is the minimum number for a novel, from Nov. 1 until the deadline 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 30.
The goal of all of this is to keep writers motivated and creative throughout the entire process. Many writers get experience from reading their favorite works. “My favorite novel is newly discovered. It is “Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kaur. I love the rawness of her poetry and the word choice. It reveals the realness of life,” said Ashley Rissmiller, senior. Writers can go onto nationalnovelwritingmo.org, and start writing. They can also get pep talks and meet with fellow writers online or in person. Just like team sports, writers can only get better with the help of others. Many upcoming writers prefer to start their own blog before they go right into writing a bestselling novel. Websites like Tumblr and Weebly allow bloggers
to upload their thoughts and opinions on just about anything. Time and time again, bloggers are becoming Photo: Ashley Rissmiller more well known from posting everyday. “When I was out for a year because of my car accident, I wrote a blog for a few months on WordPress,” said Mr. David Kleist, English teacher. Basically, the whole point of National Novel Writing and Blog Posting Month is just to keep writers and bloggers motivated to be as creative as they can possibly be. With the help of writers across the country, it proves anything is possible in the field of writing.
November 2016
The Forum
Pates’ Post 5
Dear Gabi: Is school even worth it?
Should I work hard in the 2nd marking period? Gabriella Greenhoward Editor-in-Chief
Dear Gabi, This has been a really rough month for me. I have been struggling through my math class and now the quarter is over. I failed by 2 percentage points. I can’t lie and say I gave it my everything but at the same time I did try and focus in class. My number one problem is missed homework assignments. I babysit my 6 year old brother after school until my parents get home from work, which is about 9 pm. It is so hard to focus when he is running around, watching tv, and asking me to play with him. On top of that, I have to make sure he is fed (even if it is just cereal or Kraft mac and cheese). I know that homework is a small percentage of our grade but if you don’t have that time to practice the skills taught in class the tests are impossible. What can I do differently this time around? Is it even worth it to work hard this marking period? What if I just fail again? If I give this class all that I have, and I still don’t pass I will be devastated. Is it worth it? Sincerely, Surviving Not Thriving
movie, this is where you guys can eat and relax. After sharing a nice meal, you can choose what you want to do from there. Do you have any chores, or household responsibilities to take care of? Do you give your brother a bath? Finish up all the things you have to or want to do, and before you know it, it will be 9 pm. This is an important time. Your parents come home and they take your brother off your hands. Although, I know you have to be tired after a long day at school and watching your brother this is your opportunity to go the extra mile. Head to your room. Close your door. Finish up any last homework, do extra practice, or study. I want to close this off by saying again, please, do not give up. I believe with some extra work, and dedication to your studies, you can do this. Now, all you have to do is believe in yourself.
Dear Surviving Not Thriving, I admire the fact that you are dedicating time to babysit your brother. I know you are helping out your parents a ton. However, there are plenty of ways you can balance both. I just want to start by saying do not give up. I know you failed the first marking period but now you have a fresh clean slate. This is a brand new opportunity for you to get your grade to where it needs to be. Additionally, if you not only work hard this marking period, but also prepare and study thoroughly for your final, you still have a very good chance to pass the class. I totally understand how difficult it can be to babysit and focus on your school work. I have a two year old sister and every now and then I babysit for my parents. I never really mind because I love playing with her and spending time together, however, it is super hard and sometimes impossible for me to get work done. Since you are working with your six year brother, I have a few suggestions you can use to keep him entertained and get some work done. First of all, does he have any homework? If so, you guys can try snack and homework time. You can
sit at the table together, eat some after school snacks and spend a few minutes knocking out the work you have. This would also be nice because your brother can ask any questions he has about his homework. I also noticed you said that your brother likes to run around and watch tv. You should take charge and organize what activities he does at what time. If he just spent 15 minutes knocking out some homework, give him 30 minutes to an hour to run around, and play with his toys. This is where you should take a break as well. It will give you some free time to enjoy and get your mind off work for a while. After this time is over, you should do some movie time. Sit your brother Love always, down, find a movie that he enjoys so he will sit quietly and be entertained for an hour and a half. This is your Gabi time, so take advantage of it. Go to an adjoining room where it is a little more quiet, and focus on your homework. Stay focused and get it done while you have this quiet. After the
FHS Alum: Where are they now? FHS graduate T.J. Giovarelli fights for freedom in Iraq Beth Anne Giovarelli Special to The Freedom Forum
The year was 2007. Freedom High School (FHS) graduated 438 seniors that year. T.J. Giovarelli was one of them. That seems like a lifetime ago because T.J. is now fighting for freedom in Iraq. While at Giovarelli’s senior FHS, T.J. photo played football under Coach
Jason Roeder. From there, T.J. went on to play football for Lebanon Valley College. While in college, he pursued his dream of joining the military and received an ROTC scholarship at Millersville University. By 2011, T.J. graduated with his bachelor's degree in sociology and was commissioned into the army as a 2nd lieutenant. He has traveled all over the U.S. army bases for extensive trainings. His goal was to be deployed; therefore, in 2013, he was asked by the U.S. Air Force to work in special forces along with the army. Again, T.J. worked hard and became a Joint Terminal Air Controller (JTAC), which is a qualified service member who directs action of combat.
T.J. also became a member of the T.J. is very dedicated to his job and Tactical Air Control Party or TACP takes it very seriously. As his mother, in 2014, which is a team of AF along I pray every day for him and hope for with the Army as a special ops unit to his safe return home in February 2017. provide terminal attack guidance. At that time, he was promoted to a captain in the air force. On Mother’s Day 2016, T.J.’s dream was realized; he was deployed to Iraq. Currently, he is in the city of Erbil working out of a Joint Operations Center (JOC). While he is in no immediate danger, T.J. has a very stressful job. Hundreds of troops were deployed overseas last month for aggressive attacks on ISIS to keep it out of the city of Mosul. T.J.’s job is to call in the coordinates Giovarelli during combat as to where and when to set off the air Photo submissions: Beth Anne Giovarelli strikes while simultaneously backing is his men on the ground.
Austin Schneck shares high school memories Reflecting upon four years at Freedom High School Lauren Abel The Freedom Forum
Austin Schneck’s favorite memory at Freedom was, “Getting cut from the basketball team junior year,” said Schneck sarcastically. Schneck is involved in Mini-THON, and baseball. When asked to give advice for underclassmen Austin said, “Don’t slack off on your school work because it is hard to get your grade up at the end of the semester.” Digging a hole too deep to come back from will only make your school year harder and less enjoyable. “Get more involved, it’ll be the best thing you can do for yourself. Study
high school changed him. “Mini-THON was definitely my famore and work hard for vorite school event your grades, they do because I love how matter,” said Schneck. people come together Looking back, seniors for a great cause to are reflecting on every make a huge differgood and bad thing ence in other peothey’ve done throughple’s lives,” said out their high school Schneck. Freedom career. has amazing events “High school changed even beyond Mini– me in the fact that I THON that are imdon’t need other people portant to be a part to help me be successof. Photo: Lauren Abel ful. The things that I do are for me When asked if high and my friends aren’t going to be the school prepared him for the future ones doing my homework in college,” Austin said, “Not really, I don’t know said Schneck, when asked about how how to pay a bill, balance a check-
book, or even pay mortgage. The one think that high school did help me with is figuring out what I want to do.” Taking classes that you are interested in is essential because if you are not interested in the class, you are not going to do the work. As the year is slowly winding down seniors are stressing about college applications and financial aid. Austin looks forward to going to college, hopefully Penn State. After college he hopes to have a good career and a family. The future is exciting. High school is a small part of our lives but making the best out of it will make everything it worth it in the long run.
During the 1960s, the United States federal government became more involved with education.
John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson created new programs to help aid education, but conservative politicians and community leaders believed education was more of a local issue.
Education policy was highly debated because it was around this time that the equal rights for African Americans was in its prime.
Another issue regarding education was the 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education of Kansas. Among the social movements, the government refused to fund private schools, thus creating an even bigger debate.
During this time, teachers began emphasizing diversity and the struggles of African Americans and the Native Americans. New courses were available to the students, such as foreign classes, sociology, and theater.
Many people thought that the schools were not allowing the students to express themselves, but that they were being made to enter the workforce. Many males who could not afford to go to college were drafted into the wars, and those who could afford college went straight after high school.
Today, schools around the nation are evolving to fit the needs of students and teachers.
In a present day classroom, most students are able to get their hands on computers, laptops, or iPads.
Some teachers have students complete assessments online rather than the old fashion written test.
As the world evolves, so does technology. Teachers and students are getting more familiar with new programs and apps because they use computers almost everyday in school.
With technology changing and becoming better, students in college are able to work with new equipment which prepares them for their jobs after they graduate. For example, while 3D printing has been out since 1986, people have recently been using it to print hearts, body parts, and just about anything for college students to use in the classroom.
Furthermore, education is focusing on individualized instruction. Children will be able to use new computers with new programs that are customized to teach them in ways they will understand. Photos by: Openclipart.org
During the 1970s, African difficult time in schools, and racism w ferent schools for the two different ra getting the proper education; thus, t school while others kept their childre can families brought their children u order to leave the Jim Crow era behin
Battling the school did not stay in hig universities and professional schools. fornia vs. Bakke challenged the natu white Americans saw the advanceme right to middle-class privileges.
Throughout this time, the courts side
In the 1990s, many parents and protection. Violent situations an and school shootings were an issue a and teachers, as their safety during th
Funding went into the schools to h learning improvement as a whole. Si mained on student achievement. Thu this decade.
At this time, it was also noted that sc funding for construction.
Another issue in the 1990s was the d ject about the topic, but also religiou evolution.
The 1970s impacted the 1980s greatly. When President Ronald Reagan was elected, his goal was to eliminate the Education Department and promote prayer in the schools. However, a Nation at Risk shook Americans out of their indifference toward the state of their schools.
The focus of educational policies moved from the federal government to the states. William J. Bennett was appointed the Secretary of Education by President Reagan, and Bennett was focusing on content, character, and choice in the school zones.
Reforming teacher education became an item on the agenda. The Holmes Group, a group of higher education institutions, called for a change in teacher education. Every subject in the curriculum was scrutinized and targeted for reform.
The National Geographic Society and the Bradley Commission on History in Schools made practical guidelines to change the teaching of history and geography, which was well received among schools.
“The Closing of the American Mind” by Allan Bloom and “Cultural Literacy” by E.D. Hirsch Jr. were two books that showed that there was significant public interest in the content of the curriculum.
Another significant change in the 1980s was the shift in testing. Eliminating multiplechoice questions was up for debate, and open-ended questions were chosen for the SAT.
worried about their child’s safety nd mishaps occurred in schools way too often, across the country. This horrified many students he school day was compromised.
In the beginning of the new decade and millennium, terrorism shocked the nation with the attacks on 9/11/01. This brought even stricter policies and security in schools. Buzzers, cameras, and metal detectors were installed into schools to help strengthen their security.
help strengthen school security, as well as into ince testing scores were very low, the focus reus, students were given more homework during
Technology exploded during this time: SMART Boards were coming about and were attracted by many. The interactive boards were wanted in many classrooms to help teach lessons.
The Harry Potter books were a hit with students in schools. They all wanted to read J.K. Rowling’s series in libraries and classrooms.
During this time, many school boards went against teachers assigning a lot of homework to students. They felt students were being given too much and were instructed to ease the amount of homework they were assigning This was stressed more towards elementary grades.
Additionally, Google came onto the a lot of information to students after
Americans were still having a was still prevalent. Some cities created two difaces. Many parents believed their kids were not hey protested. Some parents sent their kids to en home to prove a point. Many African Ameriup North, hoping for a better education and in nd.
gh schools and elementary schools, it moved to . In 1978, the Regents of the University of Caliure of preferential admission programs. Many ent of African Americans as taking away their
ed with private and federal efforts at correcting
chool buildings were very old, which factored in
debate about evolution. Not only did parents obus groups felt there were issues with theories on
Comic: Ashely Adames
scene
as it was easy to use and provided they typed in what
8 Pates’ Post
The Forum
November 2016
Looking back to Freedom at 50... Reflecting on the 50 year existence of FHS Robert Whirl Special to The Freedom Forum
November 1967. Two months into the school year, students and faculty had become accustom to the layout of FreePhoto: The Freedom dom, their “new Forum Photo File school”. Clubs, extracurricular activities, and athletic teams had been formed and were not surprisingly very similar to Liberty’s activities. Majorette and cheerleader styles were similar; pep girls were called hoop girls; the literary magazine was titled “The Young Writer”; clubs were mostly
career or service oriented. Other than the school buildings, Liberty and Freedom were, in reality, the same school. Fall sports were winding down. The football team with only nine seniors for leadership played an independent schedule (which did not include Liberty), faced six league champions within a 75-mile radius, and compiled a record of two wins and seven losses. The boys’ soccer team (there was no girls’ team) recorded Freedom’s first victory of any sport over Liberty–a 10 upset, as the local newspaper proclaimed to conclude a 10-game schedule in which they only allowed five goals. Other fall sports included those which exist today: field hockey, golf,
girls’ tennis, and girls’ volleyball–all with much shorter seasons than in 2016. A boys’ cross country team (again there was no girls’ team), formed two days before the season begun, had to cancel several early meets and compiled an 0-8 record. As the seasons changed and the holidays approached, music students– band members, still without uniforms, and choir members, who made their own outfits–were busy preparing for their first Christmas concert (a politically correct term in 1967). And as the weather turned cooler, students were eager to participate in winter sports: boys’ and girls’ basketball, wrestling, and boys’ swimming (no girl’s swimming team). But, unfortunately, the swimming pool at Freedom was not yet complete. There was no place for the swimmers to
practice, and the season would be delayed. Anticipation was high for successful teams. Several experienced boys from the previous year’s Liberty team were eager to lead the Patriots boys’ basketball team; over 80 girls tried out for the girls’ basketball team; and defending state wrestling champ, Randy Biggs, would lead the new wrestling team (even though the wrestling practice room was little more than a closet). School life was falling into a routine, but a definite Black and Gold identity was emerging. “We realized we were no longer at Liberty and wanted to form new traditions and create a name for Freedom,” said one Class of ‘68 alumnus.
Making freshman year truly count Meet Fallon Tatlow, student of the month Maya White News Editor
Fallon Tatlow, class secretary for the Class of 2020, is not your-run-of-themill freshman. She started school at a charter school, Lehigh Valley Academy (LVA), and transferred to Freedom for freshman year. “The [switch] from LVA to Freedom was definitely a huge transition. I went to LVA for 9 years before [coming] here to Freedom. If I had stayed at LVA, my graduating class would have been at most 150 students,” said Tatlow. Many charter schools are too small or underfunded to provide many extracurricular activities, so oftentimes students opt to transfer to public schools for high school in order to participate in activities. In the past, she competed as a gymnast for 10 years, even becoming the state beam and floor champion of her division in 2016.
tary this year. Tatlow has not shied away from get- “So far it has been going great. In a ting involved at Freedom. nutshell, the role of the secretary is to “Almost everyone take notes on in my family says if all of the stuI could go back to dent council freshman year I meetings. So would do somefar I have been thing differently. successful. They are all filled Most imwith regret that they portantly being will have to live secretary has with later,” said been tons of Tatlow. fun!” said TatSince coming to low. Freedom, Tatlow She has taken has taken advantage the position as of the many opporan opportunity tunities available at to meet new school like the band people and get for instance; she involved at The November student of the month plays the trumpet. school. She kicked off her “To me, high Photo submitted by: Fallon Tatlow freshman year at a school is mostly new school with confidence. Tatlow about finding yourself, and I feel like ran unopposed for the office of secre- it is really important to get involved at
school because when you get involved you find out what you like to do. It is important to get involved at Freedom High School to officially know what you want to do and where you want to go after you graduate,” said Tatlow. After she graduates, Tatlow hopes to attend nursing school. When asked what advice she would offer to fellow underclassmen, Tatlow specified how important it is to meet new people. “Be open to making new friends. If you already have [a] "tight" group of friends, it is always good to invite [them] to be in your group of friends as well. [But], if you are more of an introvert [then] be open to others, and speak up,” said Tatlow. “I hope that many of you do lots of things that you want to do freshman year so that you don't go into senior year filled with regrets,” said Tatlow.
Rader’s Rants: actions speak louder than words Examining issues with students getting involved Gabrielle Rader The Freedom Forum
Participating in school activities and clubs is super lame, am I right? Really, who would want to stay after school even longer or come earlier than we have to just so we can be a part of a club with people we do not even know in it? However, a lot of students do this. I know so many people who are not involved in school, yet they complain there are no clubs that are fun or that will not take up all of their time. I am a part of a few clubs and I am still able to participate in other activities. Some clubs and groups do not have many members and with such few members, only so much can get done. Although some of your peers are very
Senior’s “Toy Story” themed hallway Photo: Gabrielle Rader
vocal with their opinions, they are also the ones who do not engage in any activities. It is often an issue that the presidents and captains of clubs are the same students in charge each year, yet, no one seems to run against them for the positions. There is no way for them to
change their position if no one else mately one thousand nine hundred tries to run for it. students with opinions not just one. Instead of complaining in tweets or Therefore if people want to be heard in general, go to a student council and actually have an opinion in decimeeting and try to actually change sions they should speak up before it is things. All opinions matter and will be too late. Join a club or group like Stuheard. Some students did dent Council not like the FHS vs. LHS then you can t-shirts and felt the hallhelp make deciway decorating ideas sions for your were lame. If they had school. As Josh gone to a student council Christiansen meeting or told someone said, “doing their ideas before everythings in person thing was finalized their is more effective voice would have been than doing it The first place winning band heard. online.” Photo: Gabrielle Rader There were also some hallway Remember do problems with Spirit not take this all Week, people thought the ideas were to heart. These are not my feelings but pointless and not creative. Well, last time I checked there were approxi- just some of what I hear around Freedom High School.
November 2016
The Forum
9 Pates’ Post
Fact-checking Thanksgiving norms 5 perspective altering facts about this holiday Josh Christiansen Editorials Editor
When sitting around the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day, it might be important to know your facts. Remember the Pilgrims and Indians? They celebrated a feast, and not a “Thanksgiving,” as the Pilgrims held those days of thanks as too spiritual and holy for a dinner feast. This is just a beginning of many mind-blowing facts about this holiday. There are five necessary facts that everyone should have under their belt when the topic of discussion is Thanksgiving. According to an article on Calorie Control Council’s website, caloriecontrol.org, “The average holiday dinner alone can carry a load of 3,000 calories. And many nibble through another 1,500 calories, downing appetizers and drinks before and after the big meal.” Interestingly, this high amount of calories is the real reason why many individuals often feel tired after a “turkey dinner.” Folklore has it that a
“He argued that the turkey was “a much more respectable Bird,” “a true chemical and amino acid, found in original Native of America,” and turkey, Tryptophan, plays a large role “though a little vain and silly, a Bird in one’s sleepiness after of Courage,”” said a Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving feature However, turkey consection on Histotains no more of this ry.com, about Benjaamino acid than a variemin Franklin. ty of other foods conIn an article for CNN, sumed on this day, or it is emphasized that any other day to be fair. the invention of the This claim of turkey’s “TV Dinner,” could be sleepy results is a false accredited to the Swanstatement, as it is actuson food company. In ally the large influx of 1953, the people at calories in a small Swanson apparently amount of time which purchased too many accounts for the body’s A turkey, the symbol of the frozen turkeys ahead sleepiness, according to Thanksgiving Holiday of the Thanksgiving an article by celebration, so when Photo: Josh Christiansen WebMD.com. they were left with 26 While the topic is still extra tons of the bird, turkey, it would be critical to mention the company decided to slice it, packthat the turkey could have symbolized age it with some vegetables and sell something more than a beloved holi- it. Thus, the “TV dinner was introday feast; a nation. Founding Father, duced. Benjamin Franklin, proposed that the History oftentimes has altered the United States make the turkey the stories, one of the most common misnational symbol. takes is the generalization of what
foods were present at the first Thanksgiving feast, and how historically accurate the accounts actually were. The first Thanksgiving dinner was held in 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts, with the Pilgrims hosting the native Wampanoag tribe. They taught the Indians how to tend the land. The menu looks a lot different than what many see on today's Thanksgiving table. Historians think that first meal included lobster, rabbit, chicken, fish, squashes, beans, chestnuts, hickory nuts, onions, leeks, dried fruits, maple syrup and honey, radishes, cabbage, carrots, eggs, and goat cheese, said an article on History.com. Many people may or may not have known these simple five facts about the holiday, which could totally alter the average person’s feeling on the subject. If the reader finds himself sitting at his family’s Thanksgiving dinner table, they should definitely know these simple facts which can change any generalization about this feast of a holiday.
Reviewing film adaptation of “The Girl on the Train” Did the movie live up to the best-selling novel? Sydney Hoover The Freedom Forum
“The Girl on the Train” is a psychological thriller based on Paula Hawkins's best-selling novel. It tells the story of Rachel, a bitter ex-wife and blackout alcoholic who obsesses over a seemingly happy couple. She watches them daily from the train, until the woman goes missing, Rachel wakes up the morning of the woman's disappearance covered in blood unable to remember the night before. Unable to trust her own memory, Rachel begins her own investigation not
knowing the dangerous line she was crossing. Expect tense, violent confrontations, graphic fighting scenes, drinking, and sensitive nudity. “The movie was very intense, even too intense at times. The scenes of violence were kinda sickening. It seemed like every ten minutes there would be a different sexual scene, brief but still nudity is seen. I believe the books are always better than the movie and this proves that theory perfectly,” said Tessa Dell’apa, junior. The 2015 bestseller in general is a murder mystery, yet in many ways
that is the films most routine aspect. Tate Taylor, the director stages it as a series of three self indulged women, who all reside in the wealthy New York suburbs. The film exposes their forbidden yearnings and secret inner lives. “The actors and actresses played a strong performance especially the main character played by Emily Blunt. The casting of the characters was phenomenally done. Everyone who was picked to play the unique “The Girl on the Train” book cover roles was exactly what I imagined Photo: Sydney Hoover them looking like when reading the book. Although the script periodically which gives the movie a choppy jumps back and forth through time feel,” said Lori Kozlov, local.
Gobbling Thanksgiving turkeys this November How to make a unique Thanksgiving treat Madison Walther The Freedom Forum
down, into the cream filling of the Oreos. This will be the turkey's feathThanksgiving is a holiday known for ers. very delicious foods. For most, Step two: dip dessert is something to look the mini peanut forward too. Here are some butter cup into festive turkeys that are easy to the melted make. chocolate. AfFor this project you will need ter doing so, a few different ingredients. put the chocoFirst you should get 1 cup of late dipped side semisweet chocolate chips, and down onto the candy corn, but make sure to surface of the have a few extra to cut off the Oreo. white tips. Next you will want Step three: dip to get a pack of Oreos, and the A handful of semisweet the whopper mini peanut butter cups. Lastly, chocolate chips (like from into the melted you will need a box of malt the recipe) chocolate, and balls (Whoppers), and vanilla Photo: Gabriella Greenhoward placing it above icing with red food coloring. the mini peanut Step one: push five candy corn can- butter cup. This will show the head of dies into each turkey, tips facing the turkey.
Step four: cut off the white tips of the candy corn and dip the non point into the melted chocolate. After that is covered in chocolate, place the covered part onto the whopper. This will be the turkey's beak. Finally, step five: blend the vanilla icing and the red food coloring, and placing it into a pipping bag. Pipe a small piece of frosting under the whopper to make the turkey's beard. Now, some people are allergic to chocolate or to peanut The finished product of this yummy turkey butter. If this is you, I would that will be sure to drop some jaws at Photo: Madison Walther recommend using a vanilla Thanksgiving Oreo. For someone that is allergic to peanut butter cups, you can ished, and you can display it for all of always substitute it with a small your favorite Thanksgiving guests. marshmallow. Enjoy them. Your gobbling turkey is now fin-
10 Entertainment
The Forum
November 2016
FHS Theatre Company “rocks” the stage Going old school, with “Schoolhouse Rock” Bridalia Tatlow Assistant Pates Post Editor
Who knew it could be fun to learn about grammar, math, and history? The FHS Theatre Company reminded everyone of just that, with their production of “School House Rock.” The play follows a teacher (Mitchell Hendricks) who is about to start his first day of teaching, a class of eight year olds. He wakes up extra early out of gear that he will not be prepared to be a teacher. He mulls over his lesson plan a few times before stressing himself out. He decides to watch a little TV to calm his nerves and happens upon one of his childhood shows, “School House Rock.” He ends up creating characters in his head that sing some of the songs from the show and help him realize that learning is supposed to be fun! With this realization, Mitchell is no longer nervous but excited to teach. The program was fun, exciting, and kept every audience member smiling. Just like they made Mitchell a part of their songs, they involved the audience in the play, inviting them to sing the Preamble. A group called the Squad was often in the audience dancing and inviting the audience to get excited. This was cool at some points but it was also a little distracting. Every time the squad came out on the sides of the theatre,
the most, and I was not disappointed! the lights would come on and it some- The bill, aka, Michael Harding gave a times felt like too much was going on. seemingly flawless performance, even Other times it was really cool because ending the big number with perfect they would bring out extra props that “Oh Yeah” almost exactly as I rerelated to the song member and danced with hearing it them. as a child. The three scenes Seeing one that I enjoyed the of my famost were, vorite “Sufferin’ till Sufsongs frage,” “Just a brought to Bill,” and “Great life in such American Melting a creative Pot.” All the ladies and amazin the audience ing way, both young and old was truly a could not stop dream cheering during the come true. “Sufferin’ till SufLastly, frage” song, a song one of the about the journey most to women's right to (Left to Right) Olivia D’Aprile, Kelly Donah, American vote. The vocals, and Lucy Moeller songs of the Photo: Bridalia Tatlow mainly those of, play, “The Lucy Moeller, OlivGreat Ameriia D’Aprile, Christina Concilio, Alex- can Melting Pot.” This scene brings is Connolly, Brenden Maciel, and pride to every American, helping Phoebe Rusack were very powerful, them appreciate all of the people who which added to the message of the journeyed to America for a better life. song, the power of women and the Everyone has a family member that journey they have made since before came to America in search of a better the 19th Amendment. life. This song was very soft and remi“Just a Bill” has been one of my fa- niscent, which helped the audience vorite songs since the first time I saw pioneer and think about their ancesthe show on my television. It was one tors that made the journey to “The of the scenes that I looked forward to Great American Melting Pot.” The
vocals were led by Phoebe Rusack, Erin Cavanaugh, Kiara Boyce, and Shannon Callaghan, who did a phenomenal job sharing stories, through song, about immigrants and the journeys they faced. The audience seemed to really like the “Unpack your Adjectives” song. Kelly Donah, Jalon Mathis, and Christina Concilio are singing about a trip they went on. They begin describing a bear they saw when suddenly the bear pops out and the audience roared with laughter and applause. It was definitely a really high point in the production. The bear captured the audience with its excellent dance moves and the sassy attitude it gave the cast members. It really was a scary and hairy bear. One of the most amazing feats that I experienced was while watching the pit. There were three men and a woman that ran all the of the sound effects and music. It was, just wow, just wow. As a not so theatrical expert, I had an amazing time watching and being a part of the play. The vibe I remembered from my childhood was kept and even amplified, with new modern twists in the dance and the dialogue. These modernizations kept the audience in the loop and helped us relate more to the old style play. Overall I have one major complaint; I wish it was longer.
Stomping out animal cruelty through eating habits Indulging in veganism and vegetarianism Bryce Kollar Assistant Entertainment Editor
Veganism is a way of living in which a human does not eat, wear, or use animal products. Similarity, Vegetarianism is a way in which a human does not eat meat, fish, and poultry, but is not as strict with animal clothing or products used in day to day lifestyles. Vegans and vegetarians save water, clean the soil, reduce energy consumption, purify the air, and allow animals to have a designated life. There is an estimated 7.3 million people in the United States who are Vegetarian and; one million are estimated to be Vegan. Most reasons behind many people becoming Vegan or Vegetarians is to help protect animals rights and freedoms that are not being heard, almost like a silent strike. People consider
Veganism for the purpose behind animal testing and to save lives of millions of animals being mistreated every single day. Vegans and Vegetarians not only feel good about saving the earth’s creatures with misuse, but are known to have benefits that others who do eat these products will not be accustomed too. Increased energy, younger looking skin, and enteral youth are said to be some of the benefits that most plant eaters today feel they inherit from switching. With rising global problems, America does not see what is going on right in front of our eyes. In the process of going from farm to fork, it takes an excessive amount of deforestation, animal loss, and sometimes even extinction. For example, West African Black Rhinoceroses were considered on the edge of extinction in 2008, but after a birth of
two babies who were released into the wild in 2012, their population has risen to a staggering 702. In our livestock today, female cows are being slaughtered when their milk decreases or when the male cows have nothing left to offer for dairy farms. Farmers kill male chicks only days after birth, believing there is no substantial purpose for them if they already have enough. These are examples that people look at when deciding whether to go Veganism or Vegetarianism. “If I’m not a vegan or vegetarian does that make me a terrible person?” said Bailey Kollar. People who do eat meat or use products should not all feel bad; there are millions who do the same. Recycling, planting fruits and vegetables, turning off light switches, eating a healthy diet, and adopting pets are other ways to keep our environment healthy. Ve-
Healthy choices available in the local Shoprite Photo: Bryce Kollar
ganism and Vegetarianism is not for everyone and it does not have to be. Just know that by making small choices to save our plant, can help make the world a better place.
Placing Mr. Hatch under the faculty spotlight Meet science teacher Mr. Eric Hatch Lauren Abel The Freedom Forum
Meet Mr. Eric Hatch. He is a science teacher here at Freedom high school. Mr. Hatch has lived in the Lehigh Valley his whole
life, ranging from Northampton to Allentown. Mr. Hatch has a bachelor's degree in zoology and his teaching degree. He has been teaching in the Bethlehem Area School District for a total of 19 years. Hatch spent 12 years teaching at Broughal Middle School and has been teaching at Freedom for 7 years so far. He now teaches
biology, zoology, and anatomy. Outside of school, Mr. Hatch has three kids, ages 20, 18, and 17. He also coaches football for the freshman team at Whitehall. Previously, he had coached the football team for Broughal. His favorite things to do outside of school are coaching football, reading, hanging out with his friends, and spending time with his kids.
Photo: Gabrielle Rader
November 2016
The Forum
11 Sports
Kicking off 2016-2017 winter sports seasons A closer look at FHS swimming, wrestling and basketball Zak Boncher Journalism Student
‘Tis the season for cold weather and indoor sports, specifically basketball, swimming, and wrestling. Swimming Brian Seitz is a senior at Freedom High School, and he has been in club swimming for seven years and swimming at Freedom for four years. This season will be his second year as captain of the boys’ team, and he is looking toward improving the team’s 10-2 record from the year before. “I’m just excited for the season to start,” said Seitz, senior. Along with the boys’ swimming team, the girls’ swimming season is looking forward to getting started as well. Last year, the girls swimming team only went 5-7, but with a lot of new faces, they are sure to improve. “We will definitely improve from last season,” said Rileigh Ellis, senior. When speaking about Coach Larson, Ellis said, “He always tries to
Wrestling Finally, the Freedom wrestling season is upcoming as well. The 2016 -17 season looks to hold a lot of success, as they went 11-9 last year. With many up coming freshman and returning upperclassmen, this season has a lot of potential. Evan Callahan, a FHS wrestling captain, has been accepted into Harvard for this sport. He will try to have success in his final year here at Freedom.
Basketball Freedom boys’ basketball captain Nick King, and girls’ captain Jaiden Coyne, both seniors, are looking to continue their success here at FHS. Like their fellow athletes mentioned before, they both think their respective teams will improve. In King’s opinion, the boys’ basketball team has to play more consistently as they finished the season going 11-11 and lost the first round of districts. He really wants this team to prove people wrong. “I love how we are going into the season as underdogs. We are better than people think,” said King. Second, the girls’ basketball Meckenzie Herman Dec. 8, 2015 team last year went 8-14, while Photo: Bill Leicht missing districts. This year the team hopes that a strong team improve the team.” chemistry will result in success Ellis has been swimming since she on the court this year. was eight years old, and has been “I’m happy that the team is Evan Callahan Jan. 23, 2015 swimming at Freedom since she was a getting closer,” said Coyne. freshman.
Photo: Bill Leicht
Freedom ice hockey preparing for a successful season Everything you need to know for the season Chuck Tichy Assistant Sports Editor
The Freedom Club Ice Hockey team kicked their season off last month on Oct. 3 against Philipsburg. However, the season runs all the way until the middle of Feb. so if you’re thinking you will not be able to catch a game, there is still plenty of time. Last year the varsity team finished with a 2-10-4 record; however, this year’s team looks to turn last year’s shortcomings into success on the ice this year. Some players to watch this year are John Musella, Luke Day, Ethan Redden, and captain, Connor Evans. Ultimately, the Freedom Ice Hockey Club is an organization that invites all hockey players, regardless of experience to come out for a team. Since this organization is a club and not a varsity sport at Freedom High School, they welcome any elementary, middle, or high school students to play on
on the team’s website. one of their youth teams. Moreover, each year the Varsity Now, usually hockey equipment is team plays a couple games at the PPL very expensive and ice time is expen- Center where the American Hockey sive as well; however, the Freedom Hockey Club holds various fundraisers throughout the year like carwashes, hoagie sales, and lottery ticket sales in order to help lower the cost. Practice for both the varsity and junior varsity team happens once a week, usually on This is a picture of the Freedom ice hockey team Wed., at the MunicPhoto: Freedom ice hockey club website ipal Ice Rink. Consequently, games occur on either League(AHL) team, the Lehigh ValMonday or Friday at the Steel Ice ley Phantoms, plays. This provides Rink in Bethlehem or at Lehigh Val- players with an unique and amazing ley Ice Rink in Whitehall. Directions experience of playing in a professionand a specific schedule can be found al arena.
“It’s kind of like a small NHL experience. The ice is amazing and everyone plays just a little bit harder to come away with a win in that arena. It’s a lot of fun and we have the opportunity with a good team this year to take home a couple wins there.” said Connor Evans, senior Games occur against Easton, Liberty, Parkland, Emmaus, Phillipsburg, and Quakertown. The last game of the year is the annual winter classic against Liberty, where all proceeds are donated to the Lehigh Valley chapter of Dream Come True. This year’s game will be on Feb. 13, so mark your calendars because it should be an entertaining game! “If you haven’t been to one [Winter Classic] plan on coming because that game against Liberty is probably the best game you’ll watch.” said Connor Evans, senior.
November 2016
The Forum
12 Sports
Photos: Bill Leicht
Embracing the Freedom family motto
Upcoming Special Olympics T.J. Schaeffer Sports Editor
In our large world, everybody is born differently. Regardless of what mental limitations an individual has, everyone in the world should be able to at least have the opportunity to be active and enjoy themselves. However, not everyone gets the same opportunities or recognition. For those people, the Special Olympics is the answer. Special Olympics, which was founded back in 1968, is a non-profit sports organization with over 4.7 million athletes in over 169 countries. According to the website, Special Olympics in Northampton County, which includes Freedom and other schools in the Lehigh Valley, has been around since 1976. It is one of the 55 accredited programs in the Special Olympics PA organization, and with over 1,000 athletes, it is one of the
largest programs in the state. The main goal of the Special Olympics is to “highlight the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities.” For Freedom students that are going to be involved with Special Olympics, there are three events that they will be participating in. In the winter, there is a bowling event at Hampton Lanes on Dec. 1, and a basketball event at Freedom High School on Feb. 15. Then, in the spring, there is a track-and-field athletics event at Liberty High School on May 4. “It really gives the students an opportunity to compete in an athletic event,” said Mrs. Marnie Rodriguez, life skills teacher. Before the event even takes place, there is a ton of preparation for the athletes, the teachers and the organizers, according to Mrs. Rodriguez. For example, for the bowling event on Dec. 1, the Freedom athletes will have
two practices at Town and Country Lanes. Afterwards, the scores of these athletes must be sent to the people that organize and run the events by the teachers, and the athletes will then be placed into different heats based on skill level. Additionally, usually starting two weeks before the event, the Freedom athletes will start practicPhoto: Marnie Rodriguez ing with Mr. Kremus, a gym teacher at Freedom, and prepare for the Freedom students during the 2016 event main event. having the time of their lives,” said In addition to having the teachers Christina Lavin, senior. help out the athletes, Freedom High Overall, Special Olympics is a great School allows its own to students to way for the athletes to truly feel valhelp out and play along with the ath- ued and appreciated. Three Freedom letes. This allows for many bonds be- athletes, Anthony Tumminello, Tabitween the athletes and the students to tha Carrasco, and Nathan Lahr, agree be formed, and it really is a way the that the Special Olympics makes them school embraces the “Freedom Fami- feel happy and comfortable. Additionly” motto. ally, they really like how the Freedom “Special Olympics brings everyone students come and support them, maktogether to make sure these kids are ing them feel a part of the school.
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